Directed Writing Essay

Judging from the letter you sent me last week, you seemto be doing just fine. I would like to apologize for not writing sooner; the ton ofholiday homework I received from school made it virtually impossible for me topen a reply any sooner than today.My answer to your question would definitely be a yes. I think that youwould make an excellent Head Prefect. Your out-going and down-to-earthpersonality should be enough to convince you of your undoubted capability totake on this task. Your friendly  and helpful  nature would make it easy foryou to get along with the students and reprimand them in a tactful way. I am also sure that you would take your responsibilities seriously as you are one ofthe most responsible people with whom I have made my acquaintance.Furthermore, your academic performance outshines your peers makingit clear that you are an intelligent and hardworking student. This in itselfproves that you are capable of dealing with heavy workloads. Goodnessknows, with the subject combination that you are taking, your workload isanything but light. Plus, I know that you especially have a knack for solvingproblems. Though being a Head Prefect is without doubt a tiring job, theexperience you have gained from being actively involved in co-curricularactivities should help you to pull through. Being the Captain of the BlueHouse  should give you a vague idea of what it is like to lead the school, while as the secretary of the English Language Society  , you should be an expertat handling paperwork and organizing events. Besides  that, by virtue of youbeing a school debater  , your speeches would surely be outstanding.The strategic  location of your house  should also give an extra shovetowards running for the past. As it is within walking distance from theschool, you would be able to sacrifice time and effort in carrying out yourduties as Head Prefect. Your academic performance would also beunaffected as you are a consistent student with good study habits. Inaddition to that, you have a further advantage of being popular among thestudents as well as the teachers  .Having read of all your good qualities should make it an easy choice foryou now, don’t you think? I hope I have helped you to make up your mind, butremember that no matter what choice you make, I will be rooting for you. Letme know of your decision. Till next time, bye!Your friend,Hisha

Expository Essay †Breastfeeding Essay

As parents, our main goal is typically to raise happy, healthy children. Do you know the ultimate start to a child’s optimal health? The very first thing a mother can do for her child is something that will provide more health benefits than most parents know, all throughout their child’s life. This one decision that will give your child the best start in life is very simple; breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has numerous physical and psychological benefits that it provides an infant. These benefits are often greatly underestimated and under-emphasized. There are many details that go into enforcing the fact that breastfeeding has been proven to be the optimal nutrition for infants, and these details are crucial in encouraging mothers to do what is ultimately the best thing possible for their children. Because of the incredible physical and psychological benefits breastfeeding provides an infant, doctors and medical organizations around the world have declared breastfeeding as optimal nutrition for an infant. One important factor of breastfeeding is breast-milk is specifically formulated for each individual infant by each mother. The composition of breast-milk is constantly changing to meet the changing demands of an infant. Breast-milk contains the exact amount of nutrients and antibodies that each infant requires for good physical health. Moreover, breastfeeding has been proven to strengthen an infant’s immune system and prevent illnesses and infections, extending this protection throughout the child’s life. In addition, breastfeeding has also shown to provide many long-term psychological benefits to infants. Breastfeeding promotes a healthy bond between mother and child and helps to instill trust and security in the infant. Also, breastfeeding offers long lasting mental health benefits and has even been linked to some intellectual advantages. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusively breastfeeding (relying only on breast-milk for nutrition and not supplementing with formula or solids) for the first six months of life will provide an infant with all the proper nutrition they need, while also providing the infant with antibodies and immunities. Breast-milk contains the right amounts of nutrients that infants need to thrive. Human breast-milk is made up of two types of proteins, whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey and 40% is casein (â€Å"What’S In Breast Milk?†, 10/2011). The major concern with formula here is when it contains a higher amount of casein, causing it to be much more difficult to digest. Additionally, breast-milk contains fats that are important to an infant’s development, while also providing the right amount of carbohydrates, mainly, but not limited to, lactose. Lactose fights off unhealthy stomach bacteria while improving the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium (â€Å"What’S In Breast Milk?†, 10/2011). Breastfeeding provides an infant with all the nutrition the child will require the first six months of life. Breast-milk alone is enough for the infant to rely on in order to meet nutritional requirements. Equally important, a mother’s milk also contains the right amount of antibodies and immunities designed for the infant. Thanks to the proper nutrition provided combined with a healthy amount of antibodies and immunities, breastfeeding has been proven to prevent illnesses and fight off infections . A mother’s milk is specifically designed to meet all needs of the nursing infant. Breast-milk contains antibodies that are passed on to the infant that help to fight off infections and illnesses. Furthermore, a nursing infant also receives certain immunities from the breast-milk. These immunities are not only valuable in helping to fight off infections and prevent diseases, but also help the infant to better respond to immunizations the child will receive throughout the first few years of life. In conjunction, these antibodies and immunities are key to warding off infections as simple as ear infections to illnesses as severe as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and childhood cancers such as Leukemia. In the same way there are physical benefits from breastfeeding, there are also some psychological benefits as well. The bond and security between a mother and child is usually increased in a nursing infant than in a formula fed infant. The skin-to-skin contact offers infants a stronger emotional bond to their mothers and also enhances the bonding experience (â€Å"Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding†, 01/2012). This has shown to lead to better emotional and mental stability. Breastfeeding and this skin-to-skin contact has proven to release the hormones ser otonin and oxytocin in both mother and child, which only encourages a stronger sense of security and trust, an important part of the emotional bond between a mother and her child. Breastfed children are also more protected from mental health and addiction problems that may occur later in life. Breastfeeding has also displayed a higher IQ score later in life in babies who were breastfed than in babies who were formula fed, especially those of premature infants (â€Å"Breastfeeding and IQ†, n.d.). Additionally, breastfeeding has shown to be the smoothest transition for a child from inside the womb to the outside world. By breastfeeding, the mother is offering the infant very important skin contact, which offers nourishment passed from the mother’s body to the infants, and this nourishment presents a sense of continuity from pre- to post-birth life. Thus, the infant is better able to understand that he is protected and that the mother is there to provide for his needs to adjust to the new world in which he is entering. Due to the unique bond breastfeeding enhances, it has been known to lower rates of infant abandonment. Another important fact about breastfeeding is its economic status. Not only is breast-milk readily available whenever it is needed, but it is also completely free of charge, not only to parents but to government as well. Moreover, breastfeeding also offers parents and government decreased healthcare costs. Many infants are formula fed when they could easily be breastfed. Unfortunately, many of these infants are born to parents who receive some form of government assistance. Alongside the health benefits breastfeeding offers, there are many economic benefits it offers as well, especially in regard to federally-funded programs assisting parents and infants. PhDInParenting (2009) found that, â€Å"In 2001, the USDA concluded that if breastfeeding rates were increased to 75 percent at birth and 50 percent at six months, it would lead to a national government savings of a minimum of $3.6 billion (and this only considered a few of the health benefits of breastfeeding, not all of them)†. Additionally, according to WIC (Women, Infants, Children), financially supporting a breastfeeding woman costs about 45% less than supporting a mother whose child is formula fed. Five hundred seventy-eight million federally-funded dollars is spent annually to support formula fed infants who could be breastfed with no complications. Due to the increased health benefits breastfeeding provides, it has proven to offer parents and government both decreased healthcare costs. Because it offers decreased health issues, breastfeeding ultimately saves money. It not only aids in preventing childhood infections and illnesses, but it also helps the mother with aiding in the prevention of many reproductive cancers, breast cancer, postpartum depression, and type 2 diabetes. Consequently, whether the parents have private health insurance or receive state aid, breastfeeding still saves money. Since breastfeeding increases the overall healthiness of a nursing infant, there are decreased healthcare costs because usually the nursing infant will not require as many visits to medical facilities as the non-nursing infant. Breastfeeding is also economically stimulating because breastfeeding mothers typically do not miss as many work days due to health related issues, whether they are concerning the mother or the infant. With that being said, it is clear that breastfeeding truly is optimal nutrition for infants. The benefits of breastfeeding are important factors in a child’s life, even excluding all the benefits breastfeeding provides the mother as well. It has been said time and time again, â€Å"breast is best†, and there is scientific reasoning behind that statement. With all the benefits infants receive, both physical and psychological, it is fairly cut and dry: the breast truly is the best. While formula is made to best mimic the nutritional value of breast-milk, it is still lacking in many aspects. Even more important, breastfeeding provides infants with psychological benefits that most medical professionals will argue formula just cannot give an infant. With the right resources and support system, many mothers can successfully breastfeed their infants. Unfortunately, a very small percentage will follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations concerning breastf eeding, which is why proper education on the physical and psychological benefits of breastfeeding are crucial in encouraging mothers to make the decision to give their child the gift of optimal nutrition.

Role of Innovation in the McLaren Group Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Role of Innovation in the McLaren Group - Essay Example The paper tells that the Mercedes Benz Group has established itself over the past 125 years as a leader in promoting innovative trends in the automobile industry. Its strategic alliance with McLaren Group has added to the Mercedes Benz Group’s strengths as McLaren captures the market leadership position through its focus on innovation management. Rob Durrant, the Communications Executive at Mercedes Benz provides a deeper insight into the innovation policies of the company and the management practices that have helped in defining and supporting innovation goals and objectives. The global markets expose firms to wide complexities in terms of delivering unique products and services that help in distinguishing itself from similar goods available in the market. More and more firms today are developing their innovative capabilities to leverage their competitive advantage and expand their market shares. While these strategic capabilities have proved companies with extended capabilit ies to design and develop new products, there is limited understanding of what innovation is and how it can be managed effectively for desired results and outcomes. The McLaren Automotive Group represents one of the most innovative firms that have successfully launched premium cars in the luxury and sports segment. The Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren is the world’s highest volume high performing sports car. There are several milestones that this company has achieved over the years in terms of innovation in car design and launch of new models on the road. Technology plays an important role in defining the firm’s competitive advantage and its innovation strategy. Firms apply existing technology systems and tools to design new products, enhance product features and deliver creative solutions that cater to the rapidly evolving customer needs and expectations.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - Term Paper Example In 1984, the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) specification was approved and it was the main motivation behind DSL technology (Six, Online). ISDN was later reused as IDSL (ISDN Digital Subscriber Line). In 1988, ADSL was developed and its patent signed. ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) was of major significance as it allowed users to download data at speeds faster than their speed of upload.  In 1984, the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) specification was approved and it was the main motivation behind DSL technology (Six, Online). ISDN was later reused as IDSL (ISDN Digital Subscriber Line). In 1988, ADSL was developed and its patent signed. ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) was of major significance as it allowed users to download data at speeds faster than their speed of upload.   ADSL then began its transition from analog to digital when the demand for increased speeds increased. The technology has already debuted in the market in the form of ISDN. ISDN refers to digital phone co nnections that have been networked to facilitate the transfer of both voice and data. Through ISDN, more data can be transmitted around the world at much higher speeds. In the transition process, Discrete Multitone was developed by John Cioffi. A DMT ADSL signal is contained into 256 frequency channels. Cioffi’s version of DSL technology was proven to be better than all its competitors hence became an industry standard (Fierce Telecom, Online).   In the 1990s, High Bit-Rate DSL (HDSL) was developed and had the same bandwidth in upload and download. It was used more frequently for data transmission between consumers and phone companies.   Ã‚   As the DSL technology progressed over the years, it was expanded into a number of technologies (Bagad, 8).

Lab Discussion Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Discussion - Lab Report Example However, the box does not move due to friction. How do the magnitudes of the forces between you and the box compare to each other? The magnitude of the force holding the box onto the surface is higher as compared to that applied to move the box. This explains the reason why the box remains on the surface and does not move. The force of friction is dependent on the total force that is pressing the two surfaces together. b. You switch to a box that has a mass that is half of your mass and try to push it across the floor, but it also does not move. How do the magnitudes of the forces between you and the box compare to each other? The magnitude of the force holding the box onto the surface is lower as compared to that applied to move the box. This implies that the resisting force (friction) is lower than the force that is applied to start motion and this causes the box to remain onto the surface without any motion towards any of the directions. For motion to occur, the two forces must have equal magnitudes. c. You are able to place the box that has a mass half of your own onto a platform with wheels and you are able to push the box across the floor. How do the magnitudes of the forces between you and the box compare to each other? The magnitude of the force holding the box onto the surface is equal to the force of friction. The wheels reduce the resisting force (friction) between the floor and the box and hence the box is able to slide across the floor. Once the two forces have equal magnitudes, the box is able to slide across the floor. 3. You apply a 2 Newton force to a 0.5 kilogram cart on a track and measure the acceleration of the cart with a motion detector. The acceleration is measured to be equal to 3.5 meters/sec2. Calculate the frictional force. In which direction compared to the applied force is it directed? Newton’s third law states that for every force that is applied, there is a resultant reaction force that is

Lack of communication between students and academic advisors Essay

Lack of communication between students and academic advisors - Essay Example First, students are not assigned to ‘individual advisors’; in other words, they keep on changing advisors as the course of their study progresses; hence, the problem crops up as a result of inconsistent communication. For sure, there are differences in advising strategies from one advisor to another so once a student is not being assigned to his or her individual advisor throughout the entire duration of the study, it only blurs the approaches that students will have to implement in their studies. Second is record keeping: the downside of having to be assigned to various teachers is the lack of constant communication and the disarray of record-keeping. As aforementioned, each advisor has varying counseling and advising strategies; and this only cause nothing but potential confusion on the part of the student. Because they are not assigned to a single advisor, chances are they are not going to develop a singular approach towards their study or research. And that is aside from the fact that they do not get to meet their advisor on a permanent basis. Lastly, the issues on policies whether to employ individual advising or one on one advising or not only exacerbate the situation: academic institutions should be able to address this concern once and for all. Lack of communication between students and advisors is a result of inconsistency of meetings between students and advisors. If we can get the students assigned to a single advisor throughout the entire duration of their study, then there is a greater chance that they will be able to complete their degrees; but again, the decision entirely depends on the policies of the schools. The above argument proves that each student should be given a separate student and not a horde of people who just care to get done with their work without much caring about the probable outcomes of their research. Coming to our main issue, dealing with the biased attitude towards students that are not assigned to individual ad visors. Coming to other questions which state that since this is such a small proportion of people so why such big enforcements are needed? The answer is that they are citizens too and thence it is their right to have everything that is destined for them. Though, this is agreed that there are laws for the disabled but how many people respect them? And how many universities; both private and state universities, follow the instructions laid down by the ADA act? So the duty falls upon the fellow students to minimize their biases and help push the implementation of policies that encourage assignment to individual advisors. Contentions on Policy Changes One particular reason as to why assigning students to individual advisors cannot be carried out is that the student to teacher ratio suggests it cannot be done. Well, that is if the intention is to assign one student per advisor and that is it. However, assignment of students to individual advisors should not be defined by claiming the en tire exclusivity of the advisor for the students advising needs for the entire duration of the study. The point is that students needs to have â€Å"

Why is there oil in Angola What is the geology of the Area How and Essay

Why is there oil in Angola What is the geology of the Area How and when did the land form The common point with other african countries with oil - Essay Example In the coastal basin series that are found on Angola’s western margin, there lies cretaceous to Pleistocene marine sediments. Angola’s most mineral potential apart from the gas reserve, and its oil, has a relationship to the Precambrian shield, and these has been found to outcrop over a larger parts throughout the country. After oil and gas, Angola’s next most important resource is diamond (Arthur, et.al, 2003). The Precambrian basement also has a relationship by which the diamonds are distributed. The kimbelite pipes that are of crustaceous age have been instrumental in bringing the diamonds close to the surface. The kimberlite pipes are arranged along a structural trend of about 1200 km in length and in the north easterly direction, they have been witnessed to intersect the Precambrian shield. There have also been found to the existence of carbonates that have been instrumental in offering the exploration of minerals that are associated with carbonates such as the rare earths and the fluorites. Along certain parts of Angolan pre Cambrian shield, there has been found the occurrence of fold belts that are three in number. This fold belts have been found to be associated with ores such as polymetallic copper of the copper belt type (Fullagar, West & National Science Teachers Association 2011). Angola’s important gas and oil reserves are mainly hosted by the presence of marine coastal basins. These basins are mainly of lower Quaternary to Cretaceous age. In addition, these coastal basins are also associated with other mineral deposits such as copper, bitumen, and various chemical and industrial deposits such as potash, phosphate, sulphur, gypsum and limestone. In the south eastern parts of Angola the area is extensively covered by deposits of Kalahari sand. These deposits have been found to mainly contain lignite

Food production and urban living with key challenges Essay - 1

Food production and urban living with key challenges - Essay Example This essay discusses that If thoughtfully implemented, community-based sustainable initiatives can open new doors of opportunities for women (IAASTD, 2009, p2). Women’s involvement in agricultural production ranges from 20 to 70% globally; their participation is rising in many developing countries, especially because of the popularization of export-oriented farming. Although such developments have benefited women, the still larger proportion of rural women faces deteriorating health and work environment because of a number of factors like low education, etc. A policy that takes into account interest of women while formulating sustainable agriculture can be very effective.In Canada, agriculture is a $50-billion-a-year industry, employing directly and indirectly 14% of Canada’s workforce and contributing about one-third of the nation’s trade surplus. According to IAASTD, the commitment of the government in implementing any project is of vital significance. In North America in particular, implementation of sustainable development would require mobilizing citizens and states to empower all forms of community capital. If sustainable community- based initiatives are applied creatively with the active involvement of stakeholders, misuse of natural resource can be reversed, leading to the judicious use of water bodies, land, and ecosystem as a whole. Any long-term strategy for sustainable development would require linking the ‘three pillars’ of ‘sustainable development,’ namely ‘economic, environmental, and social.’

American Households in the 1700s and Today Essay

American Households in the 1700s and Today - Essay Example However, the concept of the living room and the way it looks has undergone a vast amount of change since the 18th century. Today, the way the living room looks in an average American household is very different from what it would look like back then in the 1700s. This essay analyses the way Americans used to live in the 18th century, with respect to their households and forms of dwelling. 300 years ago, life in the household for Americans was extremely different than what it is today; houses today are built in a different manner, keeping in mind the needs of the average American whereas in those days, houses were built separately for the middle classes and the upper classes. There are various differences that may be noticed in the style, spacing and furniture as well as how the space in the house has been used and for what purpose. In contrast to the current time, many aspects of the same have changed and evolved. Houses have become more spacious and consist of a lot more lighter fur niture as will be discussed within the purview of this paper. The paper shall talk about the current as well as the past trend with respect to the living rooms within the two eras. ... The house was made of bricks and in the third quarter of the eighteenth century people began to make use of logs to construct their homes. American living rooms back then consisted of either an extravagant amount of furniture decked with ornate walls otherwise were simple in nature and reeked of normalcy as compared to the other homes. In the 18th century, people were obsessed with inviting others to their homes for the purpose of getting together and spending evenings and most of this was done in order to show off their living rooms. The living room of a house is the part which is the most looked on by visitors and guests; whenever someone is invited to another’s home, he spends the most amount of time in the living room and thus Americans made it a point to make their living rooms look the most beautiful part of the house rather than anything else in order to impress their guests, primarily. Furthermore, there were many households where the living room was not given importan ce at all; these homes mainly belonged to the less rich people where they did not bother to deck them up for the purpose of showing them off. Beginning with the upper classes or strata of society, the living rooms were decked in a gorgeous manner; the usually consisted of a great amount of furniture which was made of either teak or oak. These consisted of pieces like the wooden table, chairs, clocks etc which formed a major part of the room. More emphasis was laid on how the room looked fuller; curtains and drapes in the living room were also made in a manner that they gave the room a heavy and thus bigger feel. Every woman belonging to the upper class took pride in decorating her living room up in the household because of the sole reason that it would be her that would be hosting evening

Security practices not meeting the challenges (info technology) Essay

Security practices not meeting the challenges (info technology) - Essay Example There is a long line of self-interested intruders ready and willing to capture this valuable data, and as our reliance on digital information has grown, so have the threats. Large concentrations of data, mobile devices, and the need to keep the data useful has all added to the vulnerability of our information technology. While our information system has worked to make our data more secure, the threats of attack and the divulging of information has become ever more prevalent. Information security is an ongoing process that can never quite meet the challenge of the security threats. Security threats originate from three sources. There are internal threats from corrupt employees, external threats that originate from external attacks on the system, and system failure. While direct attacks may compromise the data, system failure can cause a loss of information or system shutdown. While developing a system of access control minimizes attacks, system failures are dealt with through a system of redundancy and audit tracking. These systems are open to compromise by direct attack or well meaning employees that practice lax security measures. The security of a database or network often begins with access control. At the system level this may mean the use of passwords. Passwords are easily compromised and are often shared for the purposes of convenience. Levels of granting only necessary access to a system or a file have been more helpful as data is made available only on a need to know basis. However, in a fast paced team environment, this may require man-hours that far exceed the realistic value of the security. According to Hu, Ferrariolo, and Kuhn, "If a single permission is incorrectly configured, a user will either be ineffective in performing his/her duties or will be given access to unintended information and systems, which could result in undermining the security posture of the organization" (36).

Rich man Essay Example for Free

Rich man Essay Slavery is alive and well in the 21st Century. Ever wondered, as you slipped on your trainers or pulled on a pair of jogging bottoms what life would be like for the person who made them? Nike promotes sport and healthy living but the lives of workers who make Nike shoes and clothes in Asia are anything but healthy. Independent research indicates that they live in extreme poverty and suffer stress and exhaustion from over work. Around the world there are millions of people whose lives depend on global trade. Many are small children between an age of nine and seventeen, working in factories trying to earn just a little money for their families. But working in these factories isnt living. Its sweating. Its exhaustion. Its two meals of rice and vegetables a day. Its two twenty-four hour shifts a week. Its food or medicine, not both. Its a mat to sleep on in a nine by nine cell. In short ninety pence, the daily rate at Nike factories and the mandated Indonesian minimum is more a dying wage than a living wage. We are the reason that the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. Demand here effects lives there. Poor people are being kept poor, thanks to companies like Nike. People have to work overtime, and if they dont, they either get the sack or they get abused both physically and mentally. Workers are so poor that they cannot take the risk and say no, because they need the money so much. Even children have had to work in order to earn money because of their poverty. Child labour is one of the most serious human rights abuses in the work place. They are being denied something all children should have an entitlement to, a childhood. A right to play, a right to grow up without the worries and responsibilities of survival. A right to an education without which they can never aspire to a better quality of life. Should such huge responsibilities be placed on such little shoulders? In the U. S. A. and Europe a Nike shirt costs thirty pounds, yet the workers may only get about a quarter of that price per week in wages. The third world kids are victims of poverty. We the consumers are victims of high prices and ignorance. Every time we wear an item of clothing produced by named brand manufacturers we advertise their products. We have been given false hopes, the way that Nike gives false hopes to the workers in their factories. The clothes we buy from Nike are made in factories from China to El Salvador. These factories can only be called sweatshops. The conditions people are expected to work in are nothing short of appalling. Wages are abysmal; hours are long and welfare non-existent. Workers who remained anonymous for fear of loosing their jobs were interviewed by Sarah Strickland in Phonom Penh and are quoted as saying, Some only earn i 20 a month. They have to get their card stamped when they go to the toilet and sometimes they faint from exhaustion and the heat. One particular worker who said he had worked for two years without a holiday told her, When I asked for two days off, they cut my salary. The manufacturers were also approached for their comments on the state of the garment industry in Cambodia. Van Sou Ieng, chairman of the Garment Manufacturers Association told Ms Strickland Some of the workers have unrealistic demands, like asking for forty hour, five day weeks. I wonder how many hours per week he works and for how much pay? I would be very surprised if he wasnt entitled to holiday pay, sick pay and a substantial pension. I think the workers in these factories should be paid more because they are being kept poor and its unfair. The children working in these factories should not have been there, they should have been in school, playing and having fun not receiving pain in a factory. However this is a complex issue, consider this, if you buy Nike products, those factory workers will be kept poor. If you dont buy them they will still be poor, maybe more so. So what can we do about it? Well, we could try protesting to companies like Nike. A letter of disapproval might be a start, but will these multi-million pound companies listen to us? I think we should protest to the world trading organisations and persuade them to set standards for all companies around the world. Standards that are fair to everyone; the factory workers, the companies and you the consumer. A world trade mark could then be a sign of quality without cruelty, a guideline for the unsuspecting buyers around the world that the product didnt cost someone more than a fair days work for a fair days pay, and doesnt cost us our peace of mind. Rich man The executives of the large companies who make their money from us all   Poor man The consumer who is being conned by these companies and kept in the dark about the way in which their products are produced.   Beggar man The people in third world countries who have little or no rights in the workplace, slaves to their rich masters.   Thief The Multi-million pound companies, the fat cats of society, making their money from exploiting others.

Mcdonalds Risk And Risk Management

Mcdonalds Risk And Risk Management Introduction to risk management The only thing we know about future is that we do not know what is going to happen. This is related to definition of risk in general. Miles Wilson (1998) define risk as being an exposure or a probability of occurrence of a loss. Risk can also be viewed as having a positive effect. PMBOK (2004) defines risk as an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on business objectives. Risks have a huge influence on the success or failure of business. However, risks cannot be avoided, but they can be managed. They must be managed by applying effort to their reduction or elimination. Not all risks need to be eliminated. They are sometimes sufficient to reduce the projects exposure to a level that is acceptable to the project. Risk management costs time and effort, but the impacts can be significant. Without risk management, the chances of danger of failure will be high. Effective strategic risk management can minimise of weaknesses within organisations causing damage. However, effective strategic risk management tools became harder to implement as business operations grow, become more complex, and operate in multiple locations. Risk management is increasingly recognised as being concerned with both positive and negative aspects of risk. Potentially, there are the opportunities for benefit or threats to success as a result of risk. Risk in financial climate arises through countless transactions of an economic nature, including sales and purchases, investments and loans, and various other business activities. Therefore, risk management can provide a solution to making individual and company less in danger. Identifying strategy for risks as soon as possible is particularly important. There are common approaches to risk which take alternative action when risks exposure, removal as insure risk, measure opportunities to risk may occur and make plan to control and acceptation of risk. According to Mills (2001), the systematic approach makes the risks clear, formally describing them and making them easier to manage. In other words, systematic risk management is a management tool, which requires practical experience and training in the use of the techniques. Appropriate responses to risk must be prepared to all the risks that would significantly affect the strategy or returns of the company if they were to occur. Background of McDonald According to McDonald (2010), McDonald is the worlds largest chain of quick service restaurants organisation in the world, serving tens of millions of customers daily worldwide. There are more than 30,000 restaurants in 120 countries worldwide. According to McDonalds Corporation Annual Report (2009), revenue has reached a record more than US$20 billion and US$6.8 billion income and 390,000 employees. McDonalds operates according to four values which are quality, service, convenience and value. Part of organisational culture is the quality of the food and service wherever the branch is located. The good reputation of the company and the expectation of an excellent service no matter which branch people eat is a marketing strategy of McDonalds. McDonalds set a standard applicable to all branches worldwide. However the company also gives a way for innovation by allowing the branches to integrate culture into food and service increasing market share. McDonalds tries to operate on a cost leadership basis by offering low priced goods with higher profit margins. Most of the efficient strategies adopted by McDonalds associate with this strategy of low cost. Since McDonalds operates in 120 countries on 6 different continents, they offer different food selections because of different needs in each country, due to religion, diets, and resources of each individual country. This flexibility and knowledge allows McDonalds to achieve global targets and compete with the other competitors. It shows that the company predict customer needs and handled well to risk. The PESTLE analysis of the macro environment According to BADU (2002), many of organisations success or failure, profit or loss, growth or decline depends on how well they respond to macro political, economic, social, technological and regulatory changes which is the external macro environment. Johnson Scholes (2005) support that the external factors can be divided into six categories which political, environment, social, technology, environment and legal. These external factors usually are out of the organisations control and sometimes present themselves as threats. The macro environment analysis is usually the first step of a strategic analysis. It is sometimes referred to as an external analysis or a PESTLE analysis. In other words, it can be analysed with the many different factors in an organisations macro environment by using the PESTEL framework. The purpose of the macro environment analysis is to identify possible opportunities and threats in the industry as a whole that are outside the control of the industry. According to Kotler (1984), the macro environment consists of the larger societal forces that affect micro environment. The micro environment, on the other hand, consists of the forces close to the company that affect its ability to serve its stakeholders. Firstly, the macro economic environment analysis will identify trends such as changes in personal disposable income as rises in living standards or the general level of demand, rises or falls in interest rates, unemployment rates and inflation. According to Luffman Sanderson (1988), the economic environment consists of the current and future state of key economic variables used to describe wealth, purchasing power, savings and consumption, together with government economic policy deployed to affect those variables. For examples, Gross National Product (GNP) or disposable income are key determinants of demand. The distribution of income in society provides opportunities for organisations to separate product or service offerings in terms of levels of disposable income. The rate of inflation and government policy towards it can really affect consumers attitudes to consumption. As a result, company strategy in the economic environment can be not simply threat for organisation, but oppor tunities for improvement that company can do better. Moreover, Tchankova (2002) states that the economic environment usually is hardly influenced by the political environment in a single country, but the globalisation of the market creates a market that is greater than a single market and needs to be considered separately. Although a particular activity of the government can affect the international capital market, the control of the market is impossible for a single government. Examples of sources of risk generated from the economic environment in global are economic recession and depression and current exchange rate. McDonald could suffer in country where the economy of the respective states is hit by inflation and changes in the exchange rates. Secondly, the macro political and legal environment analysis will identify changes in government, or a change in government policy. As a result, legislation will be made such as minimum age discrimination and disability discrimination and minimum wages. Moreover, political decisions can impact on many essential areas for business such as the environmental regulations, the employment laws, trade restrictions and tariffs, political stability for internally and externally and decision making structures. Luffman Sanderson support that Government at both national and local levels can affect companies not only on a day-to-day basis through laws, policies and its authority, but also at a strategic level by creating opportunities and threats. Furthermore, Tchankova states that the political environment is a more complex and important source of risk in an international aspect. The difference in the ruling system raises different attitudes and policies toward business. For example, foreign investment might be confiscated, or taxation systems might change significantly, which will hurt the investors interests. The political environment can present opportunities as well. McDonald is the international operations which greatly influenced by the government policies such as regulations and new legislations for tax, trade, product safety, health care and labour. Thirdly, the macro technological environment analysis will identify changes in the application of technology. It is related with the application of new inventions and ideas such as the development of the internet or websites as McDonald company business marketing tools. Luffman Sanderson support that the technological environment is compounded of the impact of science and technology in product and process innovation. Technology can improve quality, reduce costs and lead to innovation. These developments can benefit consumers as well as the organisations providing the products and service. Fourthly, the macro social and cultural environment analysis will identify trends in religion, beliefs, behaviours, values and standard such as changes in lifestyles like more women going out to work, changes in tastes and buying patterns. Furthermore, the number of part time workers and attitudes and diverse working environment are also related with changes in society. The speed of change in the social environment may be slow, but its effects are unstoppable. Generally, the companys strategies need time to evaluate the corporate response to social changes. Besides, Tchankova states that the changes in human behaviour and state of social structures are cause of risk. The level of employee and loyalty to the organisation determine to a large extent the success of the organisation. At the same time the changes of culture create opportunities. Lastly, the macro environmental analysis will identify factors such as natural disaster or global warming. For example, volcanic eruption that occur few weeks ago impact on many industries including airline, farming and insurance because of volcanic ash. Also, McDonald recycle standard is result of environment analysis. Oxford University Press (2007) supports that with the weather and climate changes occurring due to global warming and with greater environmental awareness this external factor is becoming a significant issue for firms to consider. Micro environment analysis This environment influences the organisation directly. According to Beamish Ashford (2005), simple approach to this analysis will be to break it down into 5 elements which are business, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and competitors. These are internal factors close to the company that have a direct impact on the organisations and strategic planning. First of all, in terms of customers, organisations should focus on meeting what customer needs and wants and providing benefits for their customers. Success of business depends on how well organisation analysis of their customer. This analysis can be the basis of organisation provides the right product at right price and to the right place at the right time. Otherwise, business strategy will be failed as a result. Customers are a major environmental factor for McDonalds. Nearly 54 billion customers served by McDonald daily basis. McDonalds customers are mostly young generation. Thats way, company always conscious about their choice. For this reason, customers demand, their choice, what they like is impacting McDonalds. In terms of competitors, restaurant industry is extremely competitive. McDonald is one of them and very successful company. They are doing everything in their power to make sure that they attract to their customers. Therefore, competitor such as KFC and Burger King analysing and monitoring is critical if an organisation is to maintain its position within the market. As the competition increase, there are more advantages to the customers. As a result, McDonald is up to date with customer taste and preference. Also, employing the proper staff and keeping these staff motivated is a vital part of the strategic planning process of an organisation. Training and development are essential, particularly in service sector, in order to gain a competitive advantage. McDonald has maintained a huge commitment to their employees and their training, which includes making available to all entitled employees and a consistent management and training programme. In terms of supplier, Beamish Ashford states that supplier relationships are a further critical component to the success of any organisation. It is important to many organisations to ensure consistent supplies in order to meet consistent demand for their product ensuring competitive and quality products for an organisation. Therefore, supplier analysis is essential. As a result, organisation must review some factors such as costs, quality, warranty, financial stability and the relationship suppliers have with competitors. For example, increasing beef prices will have affect on the strategy of McDonald. Prices may be going up as a result. In terms of stakeholders, they are individual or group that can greatly influence the performance of the company. Stakeholders support makes company successful. They have in turn certain expectation from the company. Therefore, to analysed stakeholder expectation is fundamental. According to Beamish Ashford, the role of stakeholders in any organisation seems to have an increasing influence in which organisation can do business. Shareholders are one of typical stakeholders who require a certain level of return which means it is important for any organisations to focus on making decisions that satisfy and maximise this return. Satisfying shareholder needs may result in a change in strategy employed by an organisation. McDonalds stakeholders are individuals or groups that have an interest in the organisation and how it operates. McDonald take into account the needs and requirements of stakeholders. In addition, microenvironment also provides organisations possible threats in the market place that would reduce their profit or rate at which consumers purchasing their products. One of those threats is that consumers use as a substitute to their products. These threats usually come from competitor organisations. Global company and risk management Brindley (2004) suggest that global competition, technological change and the continuous search for competitive advantage are the primary motives behind organisations turning towards risk management approaches in the international chain industry. Furthermore, the increase in economic activity at the global level encourages business organisations to seek a competitive advantage by accessing new markets and expanding their operations. According to Porter (1990), the term competitive advantage refers to the strategies that allow successful companies to create profits in their sector of economic activity which is main objective and goal of most organisations. Dalgleish Cooper (2005) support that organisations manage their operations on a day-to-day basis and risk management does not naturally add value to this activity. Its application is, however, becoming more focussed with organisations identifying a sense of purpose and making proper use of the assessments. This has resulted in its adoption within the internal control systems of organisations in making informed decisions, improving communication with the board and improving their understanding of the risks and controls within the business. Therefore, risk identification is the first stage in any organisations risk management. It is a base for correct future work of the organisation with regards to developing and implementing new programmes for risk control. According to George (2009), risk management is the process of planning, organising, directing, and controlling resources to achieve given objectives. Brown (2000) recommends that boards or responsible directors should consider the key risks and assess how they have been identified, evaluated and managed, and assess the effectiveness of the system of internal control. As a result, directors should have responsibility for all aspects of control and a duty to establish a strong system of risk management, designed to identify and evaluate potential risks in every aspect of the business operation. Risk management is fundamental process in every organisation, which includes control systems to inform managers that organisation has being exposure to risks, and guarantee that strategic risk management is properly implementing. Financial risk According to Jorion GARP (2009), financial risk includes market risk, credit risk and operational risk. Market risk is the risk of losses due to movement in financial market prices or volatilities. This usually includes liquidity risk which is the risk of losses due to the need to liquidate positions to meet funding requirement. Liquidity risk is not amendable to formal quantification. Credit risk is the risk of losses due to the fact that counterparties may be unwilling or unable to fulfil their contractual obligations. Operational risk is the risk of less resulting from failed or inadequate internal processes, system and people or from external events. Financial risk is that a company will not have sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations. Wikipedia (2010) supports that financial risk is the additional risk a shareholder bears when a company uses debt in addition to equity financing. Companies that issue more debt instruments would have higher financial risk than companies financed mostly or entirely by equity. Therefore, the financial risk management process must not be involve avoidance of risks, but designed at identifying and managing these risks instead. For example, according to McDonald, McDonalds restaurants worldwide, contribute 7% of global profits, making the UK a very important financial market for McDonalds shareholders. Each individual McDonalds restaurant is structured as an independent business, with restaurant management responsible for its financial performance. McDonalds financial reporting and management accounting ensures the best financial position for the company now and for the future. Market risk According to Monetary Authority of Singapore (2006), market risk refers to the risk to an organisation resulting from movements in market prices, in particular, changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. The market risk strategy should first determine the level of market risk the organisation is prepared to assume. This level should be set with consideration given to, among other factors, the amount of market risk capital set aside by the organisation. The organisation should develop a strategy that balances its business goals with its market risk appetite. Accessing to all current operative cash flows and to all financial transactions is indispensable for complete risk management. In order to determine and control risks, the information from these two sources needs to be brought to together. Currency exchange rate risk for McDonald According to Mathur Loy (1984), in a world of increased uncertainty about the future value of exchange rates and increased visibility of foreign exchange gains and losses, it is not surprising that global companies have become more concerned about minimising foreign exchange risks. Exchange rate risk may strongly affect firms profitability and it can be hedged. Once a company becomes involved in international trade, it consequently becomes subject to foreign exchange risk exposure. In other words, because of the increased globalisation, exchange rate has become an important source of risk for an organisation operating in international environment. McDonald is international franchise fast food restaurant. Lashley Morrison (2000) support that franchising business format has become an established global enterprise trend within the service sector. They indicate further that franchising has become a mature industry in the USA and well established in the UK. According to Edwards (2006), the reasons why company is going for international are build more brand and shareholder value, add revenue sources and growth markets, reduce dependence on home market and leverage existing corporate technology, supply chains, know-how and intellectual property. However, certainly, some risks are exposure for those reasons. Exchange rate risk is one of them which unavoidable for global company. According to FinancialCAD Corporation (2009), in 1967, McDonalds opened its first foreign country franchise in Canada. Today, more than 65% of total revenue is derived internationally, as more and more restaurants are opened in countries outside the United States, with increasing McDonalds foreign exchange and interest rate risks. McDonald is challenged with managing these risks as hedging the interest rate and foreign exchange risks for operations based in foreign countries is complex. As a result, McDonalds warned their investors of the potential changes in currency exchange rates to impact company profits, but that the company has tried to reduce these risks. FinancialCAD Corporation continously states that the McDonald financial markets group is responsible for hedging the balance sheet and income statement against foreign exchange and interest rate risks, while funding the growth of global operations. They often fund assets locally, but in many markets this is challenging. The assets are funded by more than $8 billion in debt, with over 50% of the debt denominated in a foreign currency. According to Abor (2005), foreign exchange risk is the risk that an entity will be required to pay more or less than expected as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate between its currency and the foreign currency in which payment must be made. Foreign exchange risk is commonly defined as the additional variability experienced by a multinational corporation in its worldwide consolidated earnings that results from unexpected currency fluctuations. It is generally understood that this considerable earnings variability can be eliminated partially or fully at a cost, the cost of foreign exchange risk. Companies are exposed to foreign exchange risk if the results of their projects depend on future exchange rates and if exchange rate changes cannot be fully anticipated. According to Madura (2003), companies are generally exposed to three types of foreign exchange risk which are transaction (commitment) exposure, economic (operational, competitive or cash flow) exposure and translation (accounting) exposure. Transaction risk occurs where the value of existing obligations are worsened by movements in foreign exchange rates. Economic risk relates to adverse impact on equity or income for both domestic and foreign operations because of sharp, unexpected change in exchange rate. Translation risk is also related to assets or income derived from offshore enterprise. Foreign exchange risk can be managed in various ways. There are techniques used for hedging against risk. According to Prindl (1976), hedging can be defined as all actions taken to change the exposed positions of a company in one currency or in multiple currencies. Clark, Levasseur, Rousseau (1993) argue that hedging refers to the technique of making offsetting commitments in order to minimise the impact of unfavourable potential outcomes. The risk managers choice of the different types of hedging techniques may be influenced by costs, taxes, effects on accounting conventions and regulation. Foreign exchange risk is mainly managed by adjusting prices to reflect changes in import prices resulting from currency fluctuation and also by buying and saving foreign currency in advance. The main problems firms face are the frequent appreciation of foreign currencies against the local currency and the difficulty in retaining local customers because of the high prices of imported inputs which tend to affect the prices of final products sold locally. Investing in a foreign stock market is equivalent to investing in two assets: foreign stocks and foreign currency. Therefore, the return-risk outcome of a foreign investment can be separated into contributions from the local market factors and the currency factor. The currency impact on the return outcome can be positive or negative, and can be a substantial part of the total return. According to Fatemi (2000), the objectives of risk management include minimise foreign exchange losses, reduce the volatility of cash flows, protect earnings fluctuations, increase profitability and ensure survival of the firm. Conclusion and Recommendation Risk taking is essential for any organisation in the global environment. Therefore, organisations need to understand the nature of the risks they meet and prepare to manage them appropriately. Evaluating significance by estimating potential damage and possibility of events is often not an exact science, and sometimes based on best guesses. However, monitoring and managing significant exposures of risk is vital in globalisation of today business strategy as many factors in our environment are changing with extreme speed. McDonald is one of the biggest and most successful international franchise companies in the world. The research indicates that the way of how company manage risk is outstanding compared to other global companies. Burger King has just imitated what McDonald has done for risk management. Excellent risk management might be the best reason that McDonald has become successful business in the field. In other word, it is hard to find unmanaged area to be in risk in organisation. As a result, well prepared risk management of company and flexibility for changing environment are bringing to organisation benefits. However, there are some unanticipated other risks still may occur. For example, McDonalds size of business could be obstacle of effective hedging. International service organisation such as McDonald must consider the opportunity cost of international expansion. Being more flexible and international expansion might be a benefit to get wider market customers. On the other hand, this might cause of taking risks. It therefore certainly requires a thorough analysis of the factors such as the details on key current economic environment for the country, the main competitors, demand characteristics and trends, contribution of the project to shareholder value, the level of risk and potential difficulty for the organisation. Moreover, the company need to consider that competitors are not just other fast food chain restaurant. It means that company should put lots of effort for analysing other companies. For example, variety of more relevant menu can be developed. Furthermore, the research indicates that the company should be well aware of importance that steady rise of profitability and share price. Therefore, company manage for financial strength by reducing capital spending and using the money remaining after capital expenditures to pay debt and return cash to shareholders. The research also shows that changes in exchange rates generally impact the outcomes negatively. That is why it needs to be managed properly. Therefore, global organisation management must consider commitments for innovation and flexibility to enhance positive risk management effects.

A Critical Review of Hedonism

A Critical Review of Hedonism Abstract The term Hedonism refers theories that involve happiness and pleasure in the supreme end of life. Hedonism is the doctrine that pleasure is the sole good. (Banks) Within the criminal justice system there exist two forms of hedonism, psychological hedonism and ethical hedonism. Ethical hedonism refers to the view that not only do people seek pleasure, but they also ought to seek pleasure because pleasure alone is good. (Banks) Psychological hedonism refers to people pursuing pleasure and only pleasure in their lives, and that all their activities are directed toward achieving pleasure and avoiding pain. (Banks) Over the years philosophers have tried to distinguish between psychological hedonism and ethical hedonism. What exactly do we need psychological hedonism for? Criminal justice professionals when dealing with psychological hedonism are motivated to maximize him or her pleasure and pain. They are concerned with ethics in our daily lives. In order to understand people’s behavior hedonism comes into play. Banks stakes explanations that the only thing that is worth seeking just for its own sake is pleasure and that pleasure is good. All humans seek pleasure in different ways. History of Hedonism Ancient Epicureanism founded by Epicurus stated that pleasure is that pleasure is the greatest good. â€Å"He also appreciated that pursuit of pleasure might itself result in pain.† (Banks, pg. 253) Around the time of the middle ages Hedonism was denounced because Christian philosophers believed it was inconsistent with the Christian emphasis on avoiding sin and doing God’s will. Because of the 19th century ethical theory of utilitarianism philosophers such as Mill and Bentham developed and refined Hedonism. Bentham believed that the value of pleasure could be quantitatively understood, and Mill on the other hand preferred a qualitative approach dependent on the mix of higher quality pleasures and lower quality, simple pleasures. (Branch/ Doctrine) Hedonism Contribution to the Criminal Justice System What does hedonism contribute to the criminal justice system? Hedonism is used to understand criminal behavior. Behavior such as why they commit the crimes they do. There is psychological reasoning for everything that happens in our lives. A criminal has a pattern and with this pattern there comes habits. These habits can contribute to an investigation and crime scene. If behavioral patterns of criminals are studied then the rate of crime can decrease because of hedonism. According to the theory of hedonism, people are supposed to aim towards pleasure and seek pleasure. As I mentioned before psychological hedonism aim is to display pleasure. When applied to criminal justice psychological hedonism makes a proposal those criminals actions are based on motivation. On the other hand ethical hedonism states that pursuit for pleasure is normative. Looking from a classical perspective crime is seen as the result of a free will decision meaning it is guided by the plain pleasure principle. The plain pleasure principle refers to people acting in a way that maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain. People are hedonistic when they naturally seek pleasure as every opportunity to avoid pain. When dealing with Hedonism and crime you think of deterrence. The deterrence theory states that people don’t commit crimes because they are afraid of getting caught but because they are motivated by some deep moral sense. When pain is associated with any type of crime the punishment is greater than the pleasure derived from the crime. There is a general problem with the theory of crime. First, deterrence is not effective in criminal justice. I think this because apprehension is low. Secondly, hedonism towards short term gratification must come from somewhere. (Damer, Pg 33) If applying the theory of hedonism to why criminals commit crimes, it suggest that everyone acts in a different way, analyzing. If the criminal justice system can get to know the criminal then patterns and thoughts can be established. If hedonism is based on pleasure that is the highest good, can it be proven otherwise? I will mention some examples that would support the reasons that pleasure are not the highest good. For instance; let’s think about child molesters. These people get a high from raping children. It is ethically wrong in any nature. If you refer back to hedonism this act would be considered good because the rapist is receiving pleasure. A Hedonist may argue that this is not a good example and that is not the pleasure they speak of because it the long run it will have a bad impact regardless. Sooner or later the rapist/molester will be sentenced to a long life in prison and he will receive much more pain then pleasure. According to Hedonism how is one ought to live? The text gives the answer that â€Å"the good life consists of a life of pleasure and that a person ought to act in such a way as to acquire pleasure.† (Banks) When referring back to the beginning with Greek philosopher Epicurus, he attempted to find pleasures that did not produce painful consequences. Instead he did find that pleasure might be accompanied with pain. He uses the example that, friendship can be accompanied by depression and sadness at the death of a close friend. I’m pretty sure everyone has gone through some type of loss in their life. According to Epicurus he finds it difficult to see how ethical hedonism can function as a guide for behavior in the everyday lives of people. He states advising a person to seek pleasure is often also advice to seek pain. (Banks) Hedonism is an ethical theory that states pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life. It requires that everyone conducts themselves in ways that acquire reasonable pleasure. Criminal justice professionals can use this theory to find patterns of criminal activity and understand why those actions are used. When referring to ethics and what are morally right and wrong hedonism can play a small part. Distinguishing between pleasure and pain and how to use it depends on the person. For example, if I choose to commit a crime using my own free will that is based on my judgment and no one else I will still understand that whatever I do can give me pleasure or cause me pain in the long run. When committing a crime you do way the pros and cons and make a conscious decision. Some may probably say pleasure? Or pain? In conclusion there is much criminal justice theory that tries to pin point what people think before they put themselves in danger with criminal actions. References Banks, C. (2013). Criminal justice ethics: Theory and practice (3rd Ed.). United States of America: Sage Publications, Inc. Hedonistic utilitarianism. (1998). Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Rudebusch, G. (1999). Socrates, pleasure, and value. New York: Oxford University Press.

Gun Control is Racial Discrimination Essay -- Gun Control Essays

Gun violence is one of the most serious problems in the United States. Each year in the U.S., more than 35,000 people are killed by guns, a death rate much higher than that in any other industrial nations. In 1997, approximately 70 percent of the murders in the United States were committed with guns. However, ironically, the United States also is the country that has the most gun control laws. Gun control laws generally focus on passing legislation—by local state, or national government—to restrict legal ownership of certain firearms. Seemingly, gun control laws may decrease criminals’ access to guns, but in fact the same laws also have their negative effects. Thus, the controversy over gun control is always heated. But my paper is not about whether guns should be controlled or not. From another angle, looking closely at those gun control laws and their enforcement, we can not only see the criminal problem in America, but also another important social problem in America—racial discrimination. The racial problem of gun control has raised attention of some American scholars in the U.S. For example, a black man, General Lancy, who is the founder of a little organization known as the National Black Sportsman’s Association, often called â€Å"the black gun lobby† said when asked his opinion of gun control: â€Å"Gun control is really race control. People who embrace gun control are really racists in nature. All gun laws have been enacted to control certain classes of people, mainly black people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Some white men have said almost the same thing. Investigative reporter Robert Sherrill concluded in his book The Saturday Night Special that the object of the Gun Control Act of 1968 was black control rather than gun control. Congress passed the act... ...ontrol certain classes of people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  References: 1. Sam B. Girgus, 1981, The American Self. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. 2. Michael Golay and Carl Rollyson, 1996, Where American Stands. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 3. Seymour W. Itzkoff, 1994, The Decline of Intelligence in America. London: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. 4. Don B. Kates, Jr., 1988, Restricting Handguns. Durham, N.C.: Duck University Press. 5. Jonathan Rauch, 1994, Demosclerosis: The Silent Killer of American Government. New York: Time Books. 6. James D. Wright, Peter H. Rossi, and Kathleen Daly, 1988, Under the Gun: Weapons, Crime, and Violence in America. Colorado: Sage Books. 7. Zhu Yongtao, 1991, Essentials of British and American Cultures. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. 8. http://www.handguncontrolinc.org/history.htm

CJD Disease :: essays research papers

CJD Disease   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease is a rare brain disorder that is fatal. Reseachers find about one case of CJD disease per million each year.CJD can effect anyone, this disease effects both males and females of different ethnic groups usually between the ages of 50-75 .This disease causes progressive dementia and neuromuscular problems. Researchers still don’t know for sure what agent causes the Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease, it is a topic that has been debated about. It was first thought to be a virus but a virus contains nucleic acid and when researchers looked at the CJD agent, they found it contained no nucleic acid. Also the chemicals that are supposed to make most viruses inactive did nothing to decrease the inefficiency of the CJD disease. There is a new theory thought that seems to make more sense. The theory that the CJD disease is not a virus but an uncoventional agent made of protein. This pathogen called a â€Å"prion â€Å" are thought to transform other protein molecules into deadly ones by changing the shape of the healthy molecules to the dangerous conformation. Prions are what link CJD disease and BSE disease. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also know as â€Å"mad cow disease,† is believe to be caused by prions, which is believed to cause CJD disease in humans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Creutzfeldt-jakob disease can acquired in three ways. First, The disease can occur sporadically, this is when there is no evidence of the disease in the person’s family. Most CJD cases occur sporadically, so it’s hard to find the orgins. Second, the disease can be caused by inheritance. This is when someone shows a mutation in the gene coding for a prion protein that was passed to them by genetics. The third way of aquiring this disease is through infection. Researchers are not sure if this is a true way to get the disease but some doctors have gotten the disease after being expose to the infectious material inside someone who had the disease.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease as it goes on. The average time between symptoms and inevitable death is usually around one year. One symptom of the disease is a bad case of insomnia. Other symptoms include depression, confusion, personality and behavioral changes, strange physical sensations, and problems with memory, coordination and sight. As it goes on, the person develops dementia in most cases and develops irregular jerking movements.

Epic of Beowulf Essay - An Epic Poem -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

Beowulf:   An Epic Poem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To qualify as an epic poem, Beowulf reflects the values of the culture in which it was created. The Anglo-Saxon culture and the poem share many of the same values. They shared a heroic ideal that included loyalty, strength, courage, courtesy, and generosity. Like all epic poems Beowulf is a long narrative work that tells the adventures of a great hero and also reflects the values of the society in which it was written. Both Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxons believed in those qualities as an individual. The strongest ties of loyalty in their society were to kin and lord. A kingdom was only as strong as its war-leader king. In order to have loyal men, the King needed to repay them. In other words the men were paid for loyalty. They were sometimes given, land, gold, money, food, armor and other things for a reward after battle. Both the Anglo-Saxons and the characters in Beowulf are willing to risk their life at any moment-they are inattentive to danger. The Anglo-Saxons acquired riches by plundering treasures of their enemies. Every family formed a bond of loyalty and protection. A family was bound to avenge a father or brother’s death by feud with the tribe or clan which had killed him. This duty of blood revenge was the supreme religion of the Anglo-Saxons. The family passed down this hatred forever until avenged. Always staying loyal to family and the lord. (Allen, 12-14) "The Anglo Saxons appear as a race of fierce, cruel, and barbaric pagans, delighting in the seas, in slaughter, and in drink "(Allen, 17). The character of the ancient Saxons displayed the qualities of fearless, active, and successful. The Anglo-Saxons are mostly a barbaric race, not savage and rude but mostly military and... .... W. Beowulf: An Introduction. Cambridge: Univ. Press, 1967. Collins, John J. "Apocalyptic Literature," Harper's biblical Dictionary, ed. Paul J. Achtmeier. San Francisco: Harper, 1985. Emmerson, Richard K. and Bernard McGinn. The Apocalypse in the Middle Ages. Ithaca: Cornell, 1992. Garmonsway, et. al. Beowulf and Its Analogues. New York: Dutton, 1971. Gang, T. M. "Approaches to Beowulf." RES 3 (1952):.6-12. Gildas. De Excidio Britanniae in Wade-Evans, A. W. , trans. Nennius' History of Britons. London: Methuen, 1938. Goldsmith, Margaret. "The Christian Theme of Beowulf." Medium Aevum 29 (1960): 81-101. Green, Martin. "Man, Time, and Apocalypse in The Wanderer, The Seafarer, and Beowulf," JEGP 74 (1975): 502-518. Hieatt, Constance B. "Envelope Patterns and the Structure of Beowulf," English Studies in Canada 1 (1975): 249-265.

Feu You and Me

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThere are four (4) key success factors which are critical to the success of a regular law school industry. These are :1) Good reputation of the school;2) High quality of instruction;3) Consistently high passing percentage of graduates in the bar examinations;4) Consistency of graduates making it to the top 10 in the bar examinations.Currently, Far Eastern University Institute of Law (FEU-IL) has an average of 22. 4% passing percentage in the bar examinations in the last five years. Compared to leading law schools such as Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, University of the Philippines and San Beda College of Law (average passing percentage in the last five years is 89. 6%, 77. 37% and 84. 29% respectively), Far Eastern University definitely does not belong to one of the preferred law schools in the country. At present, FEU-IL has inadequate facilities and library collection. It does not join in Law Debating Competitions and does not even have an official FEU-IL Journal which other leading law schools would normally have. However, FEU-IL has a dynamic and proactive Dean who has strong linkages with Law schools in the Philippines. This distinct competitive advantage can be utilized in order to make the Marketing Plan an effective and successful one for purposes of 100% enforcement. Several marketing strategies were formulated for the FEU-IL. Some of these are as follows: ) Product Development Strategy = This includes enhancement of the Mission / Vision Statement of the FEU-IL, improvement of the facilities and library collection, enhancement of the IL curriculum which would eliminate the Socratic Method of teaching, involvement of faculty members in the syllabi construction and curriculum development for IL, creation of the FEU-IL journal, and conducting seminars for lawyers under the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Program (MCLE) 2) Product Positioni ng Strategy = This includes the formation of the FEU-IL Debating Council, and the formation of the FEU-IL Website. ) Predatory Marketing Promotion Strategy = This distinct strategy involves campus visits by the Dean of the Institute of Law in cooperation with the Admissions and Placement Office. 4) Other advertising and PR blitz – This includes print advertisements and write-up showcasing the top graduates of Far Eastern University, distribution of flyers, TV guestings and other press releases. The marketing expense rate for 2006 (1. 72%) is considered within acceptable range. As a result, marketing plan will post a phenomenal growth rate of 46. 0% by SY 2006-2007. With the execution of this marketing plan, FEU-IL will become the preferred law school in the Philippines as it achieves the following in the year 2007: 1. Increase market share by 5%. 2. Reinforce the brand to aspiring lawyers through niche marketing. 3. Increase visibility in all legal fora. 4. Attract better qua lity students in order to raise the bar passing percentage of the school. 5. Increase profit by 10%. CURRENT MARKETING SITUATION TYPE OF INDUSTRY:Regular Law School IndustrySIZE OF THE INDUSTRY:This marketing plan will focus only on the regular law school industry in the NCR Region (such as Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), University of the Philippines (UP), San Beda College (SBC), University of the East (UE), Lyceum University (Lyceum), Arellano University School of Law (AUSL), San Sebastian College (SSC), Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) and Far Eastern University (FEU). This excludes hybrid programs such as the JD-MBA program. Over the years, the number of law schools has steadily increased and recently, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported that there are 104 law schools operating in the country. The great majority of lawyers graduated from private law schools. Of the 59 law schools listed by the Supreme Court in 1999 in connection with the bar examinations for that year, only eight are state or public law schools. Of the eight state-supported schools, two are established by chartered cities, five are regional schools, and one national law school which is the UP College of Law. About 28 law schools are university-based. At least nine schools are run by Catholic religious orders. One law school forms part of a state university established for the Muslim community and maintains education in Islamic Law. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) supervises law schools in the country. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B. ) or Juris Doctor (J. D. ) degree. The potential market would comprise fresh graduates, holders of MBA and PhD Degrees, doctors, nurses, accountants, engineers, architects and government officers STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF THE INDUSTRY: Around 80% of the average law school population are working students who study at night being taught mostly by part time faculty, while the rest are enrolled in day or weekend classes. Most Philippine law schools subscribe to the American law school teaching model. Law teaching was done through lectures. English is the medium of instruction. Class attendance is compulsory. The â€Å"modified Socratic method† in which questions and answers were generally derived from assigned texts and the case study system are the most widely used. A strategic weakness of the legal education in the Philippines is the part time character of the faculty. Law schools draw lecturers from the courts and law firms. Pursuing their full time work in the Court of Appeals or Regional Trial Courts and in law offices, law teachers go to the law schools in the evening to lecture or hold classes, within the duration of their contracts. Moreover, hardly is there a full-time law dean. The only exception prevails in the U. P. College of Law which keeps a full-time dean and 20 full-time faculty members, in addition to 30 adjunct or non-regular professorial lecturers. The annual bar examinations is a rite of passage deemed locally to be the ultimate test of excellence for students and for law schools. Each year, on four Sundays in September, around 4,000 law graduates take the bar examination. About 20% pass each year, or about 800 new lawyers. Applying this gauge, a little over 15% of law schools are performing above par. The Supreme Court is constitutionally vested with the exclusive power over admission into the bar. It exercises this power through the bar examinations, administered by the Court itself. By way of example, the Court, by identifying the subjects and the coverage of each subject, effectively tells the law schools what courses to offer and what laws to teach. Tools that were utilized in order to assess the structure of the industry are: 1) Porter Framework – The ultimate function of this framework is to identify companies competing with each other and analyze the four factors affecting the competitive situation of the Regular Law School Industry (NCR) 2) Mckinsey Matrix – One of the tools used in order to analyze the competition. This matrix is composed of two parts such as the business position in the vertical analysis and market attractiveness in the horizontal axis. 3) Winner Analysis – It is used to analyze what makes a competitor a winner and a loser. The FEU-IL will be evaluated based on the industry’s assessment of winners and losers. 4) Competitor Fact Sheet (Figure 4. 1)– contains comprehensive facts about the competitors in the regular law school industry. Detailed facts are presented such as: how old is the law school, size of enrollment, number of topnotchers for the last five (5) years, Average passing percentage for the last five (5) years, tuition fees, best features, professor-student ratio, and areas for improvement. PORTER FRAMEWORK [pic] REGULAR LAW SCHOOL INDUSTRY This framework establishes the market segments which the FEU-IL can tap (i. . New graduates and Entrepreneurs). There is also a need to be competitive on facilities and library collections as this affect the regular law school industry where FEU-IL belongs MCKINSEY MATRIX (Figure 6. 1) The matrix utilized two (2) components that determined the over-all performance of the regular law school industry, namely: Business Position and Market Attrac tiveness. The business position is based on the following criteria: 1. Revenues 2. Enrollment 3. Stability 4. Growth On the other hand the market attractiveness is based on the following criteria: 1. Track Record 2. Reputation 3. Quality Instruction 4. Facilities 5. Reasonable tuition fees The matrix will indicate that UP, SBC and AdMU are leaders of the industry. However, UST and AUSL are beginning to make their marks in the industry. UST and AUSL have the potential of becoming the leaders in the industry. MLQU lags behind among the law schools mentioned. WINNER ANALYSIS (Figure 6. 3) In the Winner Analysis, you will see that FEU is considered a loser, having 3 out of 4 characteristics of a loser. THE STATE OF THE PHILIPPINE LEGAL EDUCATION In a recent study, it was observed that schools that do well in the bar examinations â€Å"remain to be producers of higher percentage of passing rates and they share similar policies such as the rigid/screening process, maintenance of high level of academic performance in their law subjects, adoption of the quotient point index (QPI) to remain in the law school, hiring of deans with pro-active hands-on management style, and infusion of financial resources to the law library to better equip the faculty and students with the mass of the legal knowledge, data and materials to enhance their skills and aptitude in the field of law. The study recommended that the law curriculum/program be improved and developed so as to produce competent world-class lawyers with proper sense of ethical values in exercising their profession. It is also stressed the need for new policy standards on the law program that will take into account several major developments in the field of law during the past decade and the trend towards globalization of the practice of the profession. THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY The Arellano University School of Law is the only law school in the Philippines with a comprehensive legal database and which is available for free on the internet. Lex Libris, which is on subscription basis, and which provides practically the same data, is another Philippine database. Many of the younger law faculty in Metro Manila use computers to illustrate material in class through powerpoint presentations. They are likewise already transmitting syllabi and course materials to students over the Internet. Electronic casebooks and textbooks are now being marketed locally although they are not very popular among law students. No law school in the Philippines, as of this writing, has required students to own or bring computers.KEY SUCCESS FACTORSConsidering the current external environment, the following constitutes the key success factors critical to the success of the industry: 1. Good reputation of the school 2. High quality of instruction 3. Consistently high passing percentage of graduates in the bar examinations. 4. Consistency of graduates making it to the top ten in the bar examinations.OPPORTUNITY AND ISSUE ANALYSIS BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMPANYThe FEU Institute of Law opened its doors in 1934, making it one of the older colleges of law in the country. It prides itself as a pedigreed law school from whose ranks two other law schools located in the university belt were formed. The Institute is proud of its alumni whose accomplishments have honored their alma mater and the legal profession. These include two justices of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of Justice, several Justices of the Court of Appeals and Sandiganbayan, regional and municipal trial court judges and government prosecutors. In addition, many of its graduates now occupy positions of leadership in the community and play vital roles in legal practice, business and government service. Also, the Institute has the unique distinction of having two Senate Presidents serve as Dean – Jovito Salonga from 1957-1961 and Neptali Gonzales from 1976-1986. In 2003, the Institute teamed-up with the De La Salle University Graduate School of Business to offer the JD-MBA program, the first graduate dual degree program in law and business administration. The dual degree program prepares students to approach problems from the perspectives of both a business executive and a lawyer. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in two interrelated disciplines and to understand the interrelationships between them. It has been the Institute’s consistent policy to provide quality legal education at an affordable cost. The Institute of Law endeavors to maintain its tradition of being a law school that remains a haven for the working but deserving class. VISION STATEMENT It has been the Institute’s consistent policy to provide quality legal education at an affordable cost. The Institute of Law endeavors to maintain its tradition of being a law school that remains a haven for the working but deserving class. MISSION STATEMENT To complement the objectives of the legal education enumerated in Republic Act 7662, the Institute of Law is committed to pursue the following: †¢ To impart to the law students a broad knowledge of law and its various fields, and of the role and functions of legal institutions; †¢ To develop their legal research skills and to analyze, articulate and apply the aw effectively, as well as to enable them to gain a total approach to legal problems and issues †¢ To prepare law students for advocacy, counseling and decision-making and imbue them with the ability to deal with legal problems; †¢ To inculcate in them the ethics and responsibilities of the legal profession; †¢ To train young men and women for the legal profession known for their technical competence, professional zeal and unblemished integrity. BUSINE SS SYSTEMS MODEL a) Admission of students b)Processing of students [pic] [pic] The FEU-IL Business System Model describes the processing of human resources, particularly lawyers. It has two components: 1) Admission of Students — Before a student is admitted in the FEU-IL program, he has to take an entrance examination. Once he passes the entrance examination, he becomes eligible to enroll in the FEU Institute of Law. 2) Processing of Students – Once a student becomes eligible to enroll at the FEU Institute of Law, he now enrolls the subjects which he is required to complete. All methods of instruction are done inside the classrooms with the Professors of Law supervising the students. Final grades will be given to the students through the professors of law at the end of every semester. Upon completion of all the academic requirements, he now becomes eligible to take the Bar Examination administered by the Supreme Court. The graduate reviews for six months and once he passes the bar examinations, he is now admitted to the bar. It is important to take note of the business system model because this will be the blue print for making the marketing plan for the FEU-Institute of Law SWOT ANALYSIS A SWOT analysis is a tool in determining the company’s strengths and weaknesses, exploiting the different opportunities which the company might face and thinking of ways in order to ward off the possible threats that it may face. It tends to present alternative courses of actions that will be the basis for the various marketing strategies that will be utilized for the marketing plan of FEU-IL. The strategies should address the following issues: †¢ How can the company overcome its weaknesses to ward off the threats it faces? (WT Strategies) †¢ How can the company utilize its strengths to ward off the threats it faces? (ST Strategies) †¢ How can the company utilize its strengths to exploit the opportunities it faces? (SO Strategies) †¢ How can the company overcome its weaknesses to exploit the opportunities it faces? (WO Strategies) |Opportunities (O) |Threats (T) | | |MRT |Bad pronouncements about lawyers | | |Good write-up about FEU |Many lawyers are dragged in scandals | | |TV guestings |High attrition rate in the bar examination | | | |High cost of living | |Strengths (S) |SO Strategies |ST Strategies | |Good location |Flyer Distribution at MRT (O1,S1, S3) |Print Ad showcasing top gradua tes of FEU-IL| |Reasonable fees |TV pluggings (O2, O3, S4) |(T1, T2, S3) |Good Instruction |Press releases of testimonials who |Intensive Review for the bar examinations | |Proactive dean |benefited from the reasonable tuition fees |(T3, S2, S3) | |Offers the MBA-JD Program in cooperation |(O2, O3, S2, S3) |Inviting bar lecturers and appointing them | |with the DLSU School of Graduate Studies |Conduct a Tamaraw Tour in chosen |as professorial chairs (S2, S3, T1, T2, T3)| | |universities and provide promotional CDs |Aggressive improvement of the physical | | |for give away (S4, O2, O3) |plant and library collection of the | | | |Institute (S4, T3) | | | | | |Weaknesses (W) |WO Strategies |WT Strategies | |Inadequate facilities |Full scholarship to honor graduates with |Creation of the FEU IL Journal containing | |Low passing percentage rate as compared to |stipend (W3, O2, O3) |the published works of the FEU-IL Faculty | |the leaders |Creation of the FEU Law Debating team to |with th e latest legal updates and Supreme | |No topnotchers for the last five (5) years |prepare FEU-IL students to win in |Court Resolutions (T1, W4,) | |Current image: not a preferred law school |competitions (W2, W3, W4, W5, S3) | | |Inability to attract quality students |Creation of the FEU-IL Website containing | | |Support Staff service |the IL Curriculum, syllabi and other | | |Lack of financial resources |activities that are pertaining to the | | |Faculty unrest |Institute of Law (i. e. bar exam operations,| | |No fulltime Associate Dean |articles published by FEU-IL faculty, etc. )| | |Inadequate library collection |(W4, W14, O2) | |Absence of professorial chairs | | | |Problem in salary structure of faculty | | | |members | | | |Weak U-belt Consortium Bar Review | | | |Lack of published research colloquia within| | | |the Institute | | | |Faction in the IL Alumni Foundation and IL | | | |Management | | | STRATEGIC ISSUES 1) How will the Far Eastern University Institute of Law inc rease its market share? 2) How will Far Eastern University Institute of Law become the preferred law school in the Philippines? DISTINCT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FEU-IL has a pro-active, young and charismatic Dean who is elected President of the Association of Law Schools in the Philippines for three consecutive terms and who finished his Master of Laws at Harvard University, U. S. A. SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE The FEU — Institute of Law has produced a total of 74 topnotchers for the last 71 years of forefront in the law school industry. One of them is Artemio Panganiban, now the Supreme Court Justice of the Philippines, and Jose N. Nolledo, an author of various books in Commercial Law and Remedial Law. MARKETING GOALS / OBJECTIVES 1. Within 2007, FEU Institute of Law will increase market share by 5%. 2. Reinforce the FEU Institute of Law brand to aspiring lawyers through niche marketing. 3. Within SY 2006-2007, the FEU Institute of Law will increase visibility in all legal fora. 4. Within 2007, FEU Institute of Law will be able to attract better quality students in order to raise the bar passing percentage of the school. 5. Within 2007, FEU Institute of Law will increase profit by 10%. MARKETING STRATEGIES I. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY a. Enhancement of the Mission and Vision Statement of the FEU-IL The Vision and Mission Statement of FEU-IL should be improved and enhanced in order to achieve the above marketing goals. The following is the suggested Mission/Vision for FEU-IL: We are committed to produce lawyers equipped with globally relevant, competitive and real world skills. Our graduates are trained to be service-oriented to their clients but at the same time mindful of their social responsibilities to the community and their ethical duties towards the administration of justic e. † â€Å"Through our core values of teamwork, responsibility and integrity, we shall passionately dedicate ourselves to the development of the mind and spirit of our students by adequately preparing them to become committed and responsible citizens responding to the changing needs of the global community and ready to provide the required specialized legal services. † b. Physical Plant: There is a need to be aggressive in purchasing law books that will be utilized by students for their studies. The FEU Law Library must be physically equipped and ready for the acquisition and storage of new books that will be used as a tool for effective instruction. There is also a need to improve the physical plant of the Institute. Most of the law schools in the University belt area are now having sound proof rooms and sturdy chairs with AVR facilities. Some law schools have their own exclusive law building to accommodate more enrollees with state-of-the-art facilities. Today, there is no escape for the need of becoming globally competitive in terms of facilities and instruction. It is also appropriate for the University to have an image of a technologically oriented institution with a view of providing quality but affordable legal education for the working class. c. Enhancement of the IL Curriculum: In a recent study of the Best Practices of Law Schools in the United States and United Kingdom, the following were noted: 1. A law school can best achieve excellence and have the most effective academic program when it possesses a clear mission, a plan to achieve that mission, and the capacity and willingness to measure its success or failure. Absent a defined mission and the identification of attendant student and institutional outcomes, a law school lacks focus and its curriculum becomes a collection of discrete activities without coherence. If a school does not assess its performance, it can easily be deluded about its success, the effectiveness of its pedagogical methods, the relevance of the curriculum, and the value of its services to its constituencies. A law school that fails to assess student performance or its performance as an institution, or that uses the wrong measures in doing so, has no real evidence that it is achieving any goals and objectives. A law school that lacks evidence of achievement invites demands for accountability (Gregory Munro, Outcomes Assessment For Law Schools 3-4, Institute for Law Teaching 2000) 2. It is especially important for law schools to clearly articulate specific outcomes for their programs of instruction. 3. Law schools should be encouraged to coordinate their programs of instruction and to integrate the teaching of theory, doctrine and practice. Legal educators should be discouraged in relying on the case method / Socratic dialog, to make problem-based learning the primary mode of instruction and to be more attentive to basic principles of effective education. 4. There is a need for law schools to employ teachers who are 100% committed to excellent teaching and to establish improved teacher development programs. 5. There must be a regular evaluation of the school’s program of instruction to determine whether its objectives are achieved effectively or efficiently. This can be done by soliciting and incorporating opinions from outside the academy, and gathering information from students about their needs and objectives. 6. Best practices for delivering instruction are: 1) Coordinate the Program of Instruction; 2) Integrate the teaching of theory, doctrine and practice; 3) Employ basic principles of effective educational programs; 4) Encourage active learning and give prompt feedback; 5) Effective Time Management; 6) Use of technology. In this regard, it is suggested that the Institute of Law enforce the following in the enhancement of its Faculty Instruction: 1. The problem method (as opposed to the Socratic Method) should be used to achieve clear, appropriate objectives. It requires students to analyze and answer legal problems in context. Extensive research of the students is required. If possible, cases and Supreme Court rulings should be assigned to facilitate legal problems in context. It is also advised that there must be integration of teaching theory, doctrine and practice. Exposure to real life situations (i. e. interviews or sponsored tours) should also be incorporated in each subject so that students will have to apply what they have learned in theory. 2. All subjects offered by the FEU-IL must have a syllabi in modular format, specifying the topics to be discussed with the objectives to be achieved every meeting. Activities every topic should be indicated to guide students on what is expected of them every meeting. 3. Recruitment of efficient and effective teachers who are 100% committed to teaching is imperative. That is why a regular evaluation of quality of instruction of teachers should be done on a regular basis (i. e. monthly) to determine if effectiveness of the instruction is being done consistently and regularly. Feedback from students regarding their suggestions and concerns should be addressed immediately, favorable or unfavorable. 4. It is imperative that faculty members take part in the program development of the Institute’s curriculum. Committees should be formed among the faculty members in the Institute of Law to make faculty members involved in IL’s growth and development. 5. In determining the placement of law graduates who newly passed the bar, continuous collection of data on educational outcomes will be used for the school to articulate how these educational outcome data is used to improve individual student and overall program performances. This can be done by soliciting and incorporating opinions from different employers outside the academy. 6. Strategic planning workshop is therefore imperative to achieve excellent quality of instruction. Participants will be the Dean of the Institute, the Associate Dean, chosen faculty of the Institute, the Supervisor and a Supreme Court Justice (if possible) to map out program of activities and wish list for the Institute of Law. d. FEU-IL Journal The formation of the FEU-IL Journal is an excellent tool for research and development and a good forum for IL faculty members to publish their works. It is suggested that FEU-IL coordinate closely with the Office of Research and Development of Far Eastern University for the mechanics. e. MCLE Provider For your information, the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) is a requirement for all lawyers to comply. In this regard, all members of the bar are required to attend the MCLE seminars to be abreast of the new laws and procedures in the legal profession. Currently, some agencies and universities (i. e. UP College of Law, Arellano Law School, Integrated Bar of the Philippines) are already MCLE providers, giving seminars for the lawyers. As of this date, no agency or law school in the University Belt Area has become an MCLE provider. It is suggested that the FEU Institute of Law would apply as an MCLE provider. To be an MCLE provider at an affordable fee will be a good promotion for the school, aside from the fact that it is a good source of funding for the FEU Institute of Law for the improvement of its facilities and physical plant. f. Administration of the FEU Institute of Law: A delineation of duties and responsibilities is now appropriate and forthcoming for the FEU Institute of Law with respect to its Dean and Associate Dean. The Associate Dean should now be directly in-charge in serving the needs of the students and faculty in the Institute of Law while the Dean is directly in-charge of networking and promoting FEU Institute of Law with other universities and colleges Managing the Curriculum, Instruction, faculty and students should be done by the Associate Dean. Staff members should also be pro-active in walking the extra mile in giving excellent service, not only to students, but also to visiting prospective students. There should be series of training for the staff members of FEU-IL to prepare them for the SY 2005-2006. II. PRODUCT POSITIONING STRATEGY a. Formation of the FEU-IL Debating Council There must be an active Law Debating Council to compete with the different law schools within the country. The formation of an active Law Debating Council will expose the students to various debating competitions. With the aim of becoming No. 1 in debating competitions, it will help boost the image of the FEU Institute of Law across all law schools in the country. The Oracle and Debating Council is the official debating council in Far Eastern University. It is suggested that the FEU Oracle and Debating Council should help in the formation of an active FEU Institute of Law Debating Council to help boost the FEU Institute of Law’s image in winning debate competitions. b. FEU-IL Website There must be a regular, effective and comprehensive FEU-IL Website that will show the Institute’s Vision, Curricula and syllabi of the different subjects. The Website is also a good tool for the Institute to make it as a forum for bar exam operations. III. PREDATORY MARKETING PROMOTION STRATEGY AGGRESSIVE ARTICULATION CAMPAIGN (TAMARAW CAMPUS TOUR) Leading law schools in the industry do not engage in an aggressive articulation campaign since they are confident that there will have enrollees, considering their reputable image in the industry. Therefore, a flank attack is necessary to attack the weakness of these leading law schools. It is suggested that the Dean of the Institute of Law, in coordination with the Admissions, Placement Office, establish a strategy on how to go to different colleges and universities in the Metro Manila Area, and possibly in the provincial areas, to articulate the FEU Institute of Law. No dean in Metro Manila has done any aggressive articulation campaign by going to different universities and colleges. It will be the first time in history that a dean will be doing school to school articulation on behalf of the FEU Institute of Law. In-campus entrance exams, in coordination with the Registrars of the universities involved, may also be conducted to further facilitate the admission of students who desire to take up Bachelor of Laws. That is why there is a need for a fulltime Associate Dean who should be the one in-charge of the management and administration of the FEU Institute of Law while the Dean is busy establishing network and doing articulation within the country. IV. ADVERTISING AND PR BLITZ The company will engage into the following advertising and promotion strategies: 1. Print ads or write-up showcasing the top graduates of Far Eastern University (i. e. Justice Artemio Panganiban) 2. Distribution of flyers near the MRT UBelt station regarding the FEU-IL 3. Engage in TV guestings to give FEU-IL the opportunity plug its IL program. 4. Press release of testimonials of several FEU-LAW Alumni. 5. Distribution of brochures and promotional CDs during the Tamaraw Campus Tour CURRENT MARKET SEGMENTATION STRATEGY OF FEU-IL [pic] Proposed Segmentation Strategy for FEU-IL: Within 2008, the market segmentation will be composed of 90% Fulltime students and 10% Working professionals as hereto indicated: ACTION PROGRAM FOR SY 2005-2006 Sales Plan June – August 2005 |Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |Printing of brochures |Associate Dean |June 1, 2005 |Printing |10,000 brochures printed | | | | |P4 x 10,000 = P40,000 | | |Training of Office Staff |Associate Dean |July 15, 2005 |Food |Trained office staff | | | | |P135 X 7 = P945. 0 | | |Printing of Flyers |Associate Dean |June 1, 2005 |P2 X 20,000 = P40,000 |20,000 flyers printed | |Promotional CDs |Associate Dean |August 1, 2005 |P25 X 200 = P5,000 |200 Promotional CDs for give| | | | | |away | |TAMARAW CAMPUS TOUR / |Dean / Admissions and |July 15, 2005-August|Transportation |Visited 45 schools | |Articulation , Metro |Placement Office |30, 2005 |P200 X 3 (schools)=P600 X 15 | | |Manila Area | | |days= P9,000. 00 | | |MCLE provider |Associate Dean |June 30, 2005 |Application fee =P2,000. 00 | | September – November |Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |Printing of the FEU IL |Dean / Associate Dean / |October 15 |P45,000. 0 |Printed Journal | |Journal |Director for Research and| | |containing published | | |Development | | |works of faculty | | | | | |members of the FEU-IL, | | | | | |with up to date laws | | | | | |and Supreme Court | | | | | |rulings | |School Tour / Articulation |Dean / Admissions and |September 15- November|Transportation |Visited 45 schools | |, Metro Manila Area |Placement Office |15 |P200 X 3 (schools)=P600 X 15 | | | | | |days= P9,000. 0 | | |Information Dissemination |Dean |November 30, 2005 |Flyers |Printed flyers and | |for the MCLE Seminars | | |P4 x10,000 = P40,000 |posters for the MCLE | | | | |Posters |Seminars | | | | |P25 X 200 = P5,000 | | December 2005-February 2006 |Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |School Tour / Dean / Admissions and |January 15-February |Transportation |Visited 15 schools | |Articulation, Provincial|Placement Office |28, 2006 |P400 X 3 (schools)=P1,200 X 5= | | |Area | | |P9,000. 00 | | |MCLE Semi nar |Dean / Associate Dean |January, 2006 |Food |An MCLE accredited | | | | |P60 x 75 = P4,500 |seminar for the lawyers | | | | |Production of handouts | | | | | |100 pages x P2 x 75=P15,000. 0 | | March 2006-May 2006 |Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |School Tour / |Dean / Admissions and |March 15, 2006-May |Transportation |Visited 15 schools | |Articulation, Provincial|Placement Office |15, 2006 |P400 X 3 (schools)=P1,200 X 5= | | |Area | | |P9,000. 00 | | |Printing of the FEU-IL |Associate Dean / Director |April 15, 2006 |P45,000. 0 |An informative journal | |Journal |for Research and | | |containing the latest | | |Development | | |laws, decisions of the | | | | | |Supreme Court and | | | | | |administrative bodies; and| | | | | |articles written by | | | | | |Faculty members of the | | | | | |FEU-IL | |Promotional CDs |Associate Dean |March 1, 2005 |P25 X 200 = P5,000 |200 Promotional CDs for | | | | | |give away | ADVERTISING PLAN June – Augus t 2005 Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |Production of posters |Associate Dean |August 15, 2005 |Printing |50 sets of printed posters | | | | |P20 x 50 = P1,000. 00 | | |Production of T-Shirts |Associate Dean |July 1, 2005 |Printing |50 shirts produced | | | | |P50 x 250 =P5,000. 00 | | March 2006-May 2006 Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |AD regarding the FEU-IL |Dean |March 15, 2006- |Billboard = P30,000. 00 |-Billboard advertising the | |and its successful | | |Newspaper Ad (for |FEU-IL | |graduates or topnotchers | | |PDI)=P50,000. 00 |-printed advertisement of | | | | | |the FEU-IL | PR PLAN June – August 2005 Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget |Expected Output | |TV Guesting |Dean |July 15, 2005 |Tranportation= P200 |Guested in a TV program to | | | | |Honorarium= P2,000 |give his legal opinion on an | | | | | |important issue; Plugged | | | | | |FEU-IL | September – November 2005 |Activity |In-Charge |T arget Date |Budget |Expected Output | |Write-up in a newspaper |Dean |October 15, 2005 |Honorarium for the writer |Published article | |regarding testimonial of | | |P5,000. 0 |regarding the testimonial | |an FEU-IL Alumnus (PDI) | | | |of one of the successful | | | | | |FEU-IL Alumnus | |Write-up in a magazine |Dean |November 15, 2005 |Honorarium for the writer |Published article | |regarding one of the top | | |P5,000. 00 |regarding one of the top | |graduates in the FEU-IL | | | |graduates in the FEU-IL | December 2005-February 2006 |Activity |In-Charge |Target Date |Budget Expected Output | |TV Guesting |Dean |July 15, 2005 |Tranportation=P200 |Guested in a TV program | | | | |Honorarium=P2,000 |to give his legal opinion| | | | | |on an important issue; | | | | | |Plugged FEU-IL | FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF LAW FINANCIAL PROJECTION OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR SY 2005-2006 a) Growth Rate | |Revenues |Increase (Decrease) |% | |SY2004-2005 |P14,063,233. 00 | | | |SY2005- 2006 |P14,488,740. 0 |P 425,517. 00 | 3. 02 | |SY2006-2007 |P21,285,000. 00 |P6,796,260. 00 | 46. 90 | b) Marketing Expense Rate | |Revenue |Attributed Marketing Expense |Marketing Expense Rate | |SY 2005-2006 |P14,488,740. 00 |P267,124. 00 |1. 84% | |SY 2006-2007 |P21,285,000. 00 |P365,885. 00 |1. 72% | ) Revenue-Marketing Expense Ratio NR – OR ————————= 21,285,000. 00 – 14,488,740. 00 =P6,796,260. 00 NME-OME ————————————– —————– 365,885 – 267,124. 00 P98,760. 00 P68. 82 ** For every P1 spent on marketing expense, FEU-IL generates P68. 82 return. Thus, the marketing plan is deemed cost effective. The additional P98,760. 00 marketing budget can yield an incremental tuition revenue of P6,796,260. 00 (Note: The impact of a marketing budget can only be reflected in the succeeding schoolyear) RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONTROLS Predicted Problems to be encountered |Suggested Control Measure | |Marketing Budget might not be approved by top management |Always provide a justification for the approval of the marketing | | |budget | |Press releases may not be cost-effective |PR Company must submit copy of press releases for documentation | | |purposes. Press releases should be filed properly with all the | | |expenses allotted to it. The papers should be placed under Public| | |Relations file with the indispensable back-up in case of | | |misplacement; | | |There must be proper recording and filing of all expenses | | |incurred. | |Students, Staff and Faculty members might not cooperate |Make the students, staff and faculty members appointed responsible| | |and accountable in certain tasks | |Desired outputs of the Marketing plan are not met. A regular post-evaluation per activity must be done to determine | | |the problems encountered and the solutions to be done in order to | | |arrest future problems; | |A scandal may erupt which could lead to tarnish the name of |The IL Dean, Associated Dean and Faculty should guide properly IL | |the FEU-IL |students and graduates | |Factionalism could affect marketing efforts |Infuse new blood. | A P P E N D I X ———————– Promotion of the school Substitutes Good income Entrepreneurship Managerial work Overseas work Stud ent enrolls ee To be an esteemed professional Pursue other high income professions such as medicine, architecture, accountancy, engineering Professional Growth in legal practice Diploma / Certificate of Participation in Seminars sponsored by the IBP The need to pass the bar exams Enroll in Hybrid programs (MBA-JD Program) To go to law schools outside NCR Customers: †¢ New graduates †¢ Professionals †¢ Entrepreneurs †¢ Government employees 3-time flunkers in the Bar †¢ exams †¢ Transferees COMPETITORS SBC (Leader) UP (Leader) AdMU (Leader) FEU (Laggard); UST (Laggard) Lyceum (Laggard) SSC (Laggard) AUSL (Laggard) Suppliers: * Publishing Companies * E-learning resources * Office Equipment Distributors * Office Supplies Distributors * Furniture Distributors * Staffing * Law Professors New Entrant None Graduate reviews for the bar exams Student attends class and professor teaches, mentors and counsels student If prospective student passes, he enrolls Prospe ctive student takes entrance exam Will student graduate? If no If yes Graduate fails bar exams Graduate is admitted to the bar. [pic]