Palagrism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Palagrism - Assignment Example Routmans assignment required her to watch a movie, and then provide an equivalent of the film to ship or port experiences. She did watch Europa Europa, and then referred to Wikipedia for proper historic wording. A day before the deadline of submitting the paper, the professor asked students who had plagiarised their work to give in. The Five of them who did were awarded zeros on their papers, but were not expelled (Laconte). Routman, however, never confessed her plagiarism since she thought she had done nothing wrong. The professor later on found out that she had borrowed several phrases Xerox to those on the online entry about the film. Routmans argument was that the words were historical features and not complete phrases as the professor claimed (Sampson). University officials disagreed with Routman, and so the case had to go through a panel. The panel found her guilty of plagiarism and expelled her from the school. She went ahead to file for an appeal, but even that, she was denied. Routman and a fellow student accused of the same were forced to disembark from the ship since they had been expelled from the university and so had no right to continue with the

Young Drinkers Essay Example for Free

Young Drinkers Essay A lot of kids started drinking around 16 years old. As the years go by, drinking reaches younger and younger people. Its unfortunate. The average age when youth first try alcohol is 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls. By age 14, 41 percent of children have had least one drink. The average age at which Americans begin drinking regularly is 15.9 years old.Teens who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21. An early age of drinking onset is also associated with alcohol-related violence not only among persons under age 21 but among adults as well. It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are out-and-out alcoholics. Several million more have a serious drinking problem that they cannot manage on their own. Annually, more than 5,000 deaths of people under age 21 are linked to underage drinking. The three leading causes of death for 15- to 24-year-olds are automobile crashes, homicides and suicides alcohol is a leading factor in all three. Drinking alcoholic beverages beyond ones capacity to the point of intoxication is a risky behaviour in which most young people get involved at some time. In a survey conducted by the University of the Philippines in 1994, 60 per cent or 5.3 million Filipino youths are said to be drinking alcoholic beverages. About 4.2 million of them are males and 1.1 million are females. The study stated that most of the Filipino teenagers have tried cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. In fact, there are more alcoholic drinkers than smokers. On the average, Filipino youths start drinking alcohol at the age of 16 or 17. However, there are also many cases when children as young as 12 years old are already drinking alcoholic beverages. About 37 per cent of the respondents in the survey have continued the habit of drinking alcohol while 33 per cent said they only drink alcoholic beverages on special occasions. Some 17 per cent said they have already decided to stop the vice of drinking. The Philippines, drinking is more acceptable among girls than smoking. Nevertheless, it is still the case that it is considered more appropriate for men than for women to drink. Parents are more lax with boys, giving them more freedom to drink alcohol than their sisters. The teenagers said their family, friends, and the mass media have influenced them to experiment with drinking alcohol. Underscoring the critical role that the family plays in youth behaviours, young people seem to take their cue from their own parents attitudes and behaviour. Thus, a boy who grows up with an alcoholic father is more likely to become one himself. The study indicated that those who are more likely to drink are those: * who are not living with parents (for example, college students living in dormitories) * whose parents approve of drinking * who frequently attending social gatherings * who enjoy going out to parties, bars and discos * who do not take part in sports activities WHY DO SOME ADOLESCENTS DRINK? Young people try alcohol for many reasons. * They might be curious, or want to be one of the group. * Some young people drink because it makes them feel older, or because it gives them a certain image among friends. * Some people drink when they go to parties and nightclubs to enjoy themselves more. The alcohol might make them feel more relaxed. * Some people use alcohol to help them sleep or to forget things. * Some people need to drink every day just to get through the day because they are dependent on alcohol. As children move from adolescence to young adulthood, they encounter dramatic physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. Developmental transitions, such as puberty and increasing independence, have been associated with alcohol use. So in a sense, just being an adolescent may be a key risk factor not only for starting to drink but also for drinking dangerously. Risk-Taking—Research shows the brain keeps developing well into the twenties, during which time it continues to establish important communication connections and further refines its function. Scientists believe that this lengthy developmental period may help explain some of the behavior which is characteristic of adolescence—such as their propensity to seek out new and potentially dangerous situations. For some teens, thrill-seeking might include experimenting with alcohol. Developmental changes also offer a possible physiological explanation for why teens act so impulsively, often not recognizing that their actions—such as drinking—have consequences. Expectancies—How people view alcohol and its effects also influences their drinking behavior, including whether they begin to drink and how much. An adolescent who expects drinking to be a pleasurable experience is more likely to drink than one who does not. An important area of alcohol research is focusing on how expectancy influences drinking patterns from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood (11–14). Beliefs about alcohol are established very early in life, even before the child begins elementary school (15). Before age 9, children generally view alcohol negatively and see drinking as bad, with adverse effects. By about age 13, however, their expectancies shift, becoming more positive (11,16). As would be expected, adolescents who drink the most also place the greatest emphasis on the positive and arousing effects of alcohol. Sensitivity and Tolerance to Alcohol—Differences between the adult brain and the brain of the maturing adolescent also may help to explain why many young drinkers are able to consume much larger amounts of alcohol than adults (17) before experiencing the negative consequences of drinking, such as drowsiness, lack of coordination, and withdrawal/hangover effects (18,19). This unusual tolerance may help to explain the high rates of binge drinking among young adults. At the same time, adolescents appear to be particularly sensitive to the positive effects of drinking, such as feeling more at ease in social situations, and young people may drink more than adults because of these positive social experiences (18,19). Personality Characteristics and Psychiatric Comorbidity—Children who begin to drink at a very early age (before age 12) often share similar personality characteristics that may make them more likely to start drinking. Young people who are disruptive, hyperactive, and aggressive—often referred to as having conduct problems or being antisocial—as well as those who are depressed, withdrawn, or anxious, may be at greatest risk for alcohol problems (20). Other behavior problems associated with alcohol use include rebelliousness (21), difficulty avoiding harm or harmful situations (22), and a host of other traits seen in young people who act out without regard for rules or the feelings of others (i.e., disinhibition) (23–25). Hereditary Factors—Some of the behavioral and physiological factors that converge to increase or decrease a person’s risk for alcohol problems, including tolerance to alcohol’s effects, may be directly linked to genetics. For example, being a child of an alcoholic or having several alcoholic family members places a person at greater risk for alcohol problems. Children of alcoholics (COAs) are between 4 and 10 times more likely to become alcoholics themselves than are children who have no close relatives with alcoholism. COAs also are more likely to begin drinking at a young age and to progress to drinking problems more quickly. Research shows that COAs may have subtle brain differences which could be markers for developing later alcohol problems. For example, using high-tech brain-imaging techniques, scientists have found that COAs have a distinctive feature in one brainwave pattern (called a P300 response) that could be a marker for later alcoholism risk. Researchers also are investigating other brainwave differences in COAs that may be present long before they begin to drink, including brainwave activity recorded during sleep as well as changes in brain structure and function. Some studies suggest that these brain differences may be particularly evident in people who also have certain behavioral traits, such as signs of conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, sensation-seeking or poor impulse control. Studying how the brain’s structure and function translates to behavior will help researchers to better understand how predrinking risk factors shape later alcohol use. For example, does a person who is depressed drink to alleviate his or her depression, or does drinking lead to changes in his brain that result in feelings of depression? Other hereditary factors likely will become evident as scientists work to identify the actual genes involved in addiction. By analyzing the genetic makeup of people and families with alcohol dependence, researchers have found specific regions on chromosomes that correlate with a risk for alcoholism. Candidate genes for alcoholism risk also have been associated with those regions. The goal now is to further refine regions for which a specific gene has not yet been identified and then determine how those genes interact with other genes and gene products as well as with the environment to result in alcohol dependence. Further research also should shed light on the extent to which the same or different genes contribute to alcohol problems, both in adults and in adolescents. Environmental Aspects—Pinpointing a genetic contribution will not tell the whole story, however, as drinking behavior reflects a complex interplay between inherited and environmental factors, the implications of which are only beginning to be explored in adolescents. And what influences drinking at one age may not have the same impact at another. As Rose and colleagues show, genetic factors appear to have more influence on adolescent drinking behavior in late adolescence than in mid-adolescence. Environmental factors, such as the influence of parents and peers, also play a role in alcohol use. For example, parents who drink more and who view drinking favorably may have children who drink more, and an adolescent girl with an older or adult boyfriend is more likely to use alcohol and other drugs and to engage in delinquent behaviors. Researchers are examining other environmental influences as well, such as the impact of the media. Today alcohol is widely available and aggressively promoted through television, radio, billboards, and the Internet. Researchers are studying how young people react to these advertisements. In a study of 3rd, 6th, and 9th graders, those who found alcohol ads desirable were more likely to view drinking positively and to want to purchase products with alcohol logos (46). Research is mixed, however, on whether these positive views of alcohol actually lead to underage drinking. Complex behaviors, such as the decision to begin drinking or to continue using alcohol, are the result of a dynamic interplay between genes and environment. For example, biological and physiological changes that occur during adolescence may promote risk-taking behavior, leading to early experimentation with alcohol. This behavior then shapes the child’s environment, as he or she chooses friends and situations that support further drinking. Continued drinking may lead to physiological reactions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, triggering even greater alcohol use or dependence. In this way, youthful patterns of alcohol use can mark the start of a developmental pathway that may lead to abuse and dependence. Then again, not all young people who travel this pathway experience the same outcomes. Perhaps the best way to understand and prevent underage alcohol use is to view drinking as it relates to development. This â€Å"whole system† approach to underage drinking takes into account a particular adolescent’s unique risk and protective factors—from genetics and personality characteristics to social and environmental factors. Viewed in this way, development includes not only the adolescent’s inherent risk and resilience but also the current conditions that help to shape his or her behavior Children mature at different rates. Developmental research takes this into account, recognizing that during adolescence there are periods of rapid growth and reorganization, alternating with periods of slower growth and integration of body systems. Periods of rapid transitions, when social or cultural factors most strongly influence the biology and behavior of the adolescent may be the best time to target delivery of interventions. Interventions that focus on these critical development periods could alter the life course of the child, perhaps placing him or her on a path to avoid problems with alcohol. To date, researchers have been unable to identify a single track that predicts the course of alcohol use for all or even most young people. Instead, findings provide strong evidence for wide developmental variation in drinking patterns within this special population. Withdrawal Someone who is physically dependent on alcohol will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking or substantially reduce their intake. Symptoms usually commence 6-24 hours after the last drink, last for about five days and include: * tremor * nausea/vomiting * anxiety/agitation * depression * sweating * headache * difficulty sleeping (may last several weeks). Alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous. People drinking more than eight standard drinks a day are advised to discuss a decision to stop drinking with a doctor as medical treatment may be required to prevent complications. - Binge drinking Binge drinking or heavy episodic drinking is the modern epithet for drinking alcoholicbeverages with the primary intention of becoming intoxicated by heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time.] It is a kind of purposeful drinking style that is popular in several countries worldwide, and overlaps somewhat with social drinking since it is often done in groups. The degree of intoxication, however, varies between and within various cultures that engage in this practice. A binge on alcohol can occur over hours or last up to several days. Due to the long-term effects of alcohol misuse, binge drinking is considered to be a major public health issue. Binge drinking is associated with a profound social harm, economic costs as well as increased disease burden. Binge drinking is more common in males, during adolescence and young adulthood. Most binge drinkers are not familiar with the risks associated with binge drinking. Heavy regular binge drinking is associated with adverse effects onneurologic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, hematologic, immune, musculoskeletal organ systems as well as increasing the risk of alcohol induced psychiatric disorders. A US-based review of the literature found that up to one third of adolescents binge drink, with six percent reaching the threshold of having an alcohol-related substance use disorder. Approximately one in twenty five women binge drink during pregnancy, which can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Binge drinking during adolescence is associated with traffic accidents and other types of accidents, violent behavior as well as suicide. The more often a child or adolescent binge drinks and the younger they are the more likely that they will develop an alcohol use disorder including alcoholism. A large number of adolescents who binge drink also consume other psychotropic substances. Binge drinking has the propensity to result in brain damage faster as well as more severely than chronic non stop drinking (alcoholism), due to the neurotoxic effects of the repeated rebound withdrawal effects. The tolerance that occurs during chronic (non-stop) drinking delays alcohol-related brain damage compared to binge drinking which induces immediate and repeated insults to the brain. The neurotoxic insults to the brain are due to very large amounts of glutamate being released on a repeated basis which over-stimulates the brain after each binge finishes, resulting in excitotoxicity. The developing adolescent brain is thought to be particularly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of binge drinking, with some evidence of brain damage occurring from drinking more than 4 or 5 drinks once or twice per month.

The One Child Policy and Gender Inequality Essay -- chinese culture,e

Given the high sex ratio in recent China population report, the abnormally excessive male birth exemplifies the persistence of son preference on women’s fertility behavior. Son preference rooted in Chinese agriculture-based economy and historical feudalism, in consistence with the reliance on laborers and continuing the family line. Older people prefer to depend on their sons to get financial and physical support, while daughters are regarded as property of their husband’s family since the day of marriage. However, the wish of having multiple children, especially boys, was challenged by the strict One Child policy in 1979. The One Child policy, also known as Family Planning policy, was implemented across the country as one of fundamental national policies under the administration of Population and Family Planning Commission. Based on the purpose of lowering fertility rates to ease social pressure and improve living standard, a married couple is only allowed to have one child with some exceptions made for some ethnic minorities and rural families. The majority of citizens are classified by ethnics and occupations to fit the specific regulations of compensations and punishments to prevent them from having a second child (Li, J., & Cooney, R, S. 1993). This proposal eventually triggered a profound introspection which chronically melted patriarchal cultures. The broad topic of how government’s decisions altered social norms is discussed within five sociological studies in my essay in allusion to the impacts of One Child policy on gender inequality. Key questions Gender inequality involves ideological preference and physical loss of equal opportunities to gain. The five articles examined the indirect effort of One Child policy on... ...onal Journal of Educational Development, 5, 474-486. Li, J., & Cooney, R, S. (1993). Son preference and one child policy in china: 1979-1988. Population Research and Policy Review, 12(3), 277-296. Liu, F. (2006) Boys as only-children and girls as only-children—parental gendered expectations of the only-child in the nuclear Chinese family in present-day China, Gender and Education, 18(5), 491-505 Merli, M. G., & Smith, H. L. (2002). Has the Chinese Family Planning Policy been successful in changing fertility preferences?. Demography, 39(3), 557-572. Ming,T., & Lynne,R. (2002). The only child and educational opportunity for girls in urban China. Gender & Society, 16(1), 74-92. Zhai, F.,&Gao, Q. (2010). Center-based care in the context of one child policy in China: Do child gender and siblings matter?.Population Research and Policy Review, 29(5), 745-774.

Multi Criteria Analysis of the Local Environmental Impacts of a Factory

The chief constructs of this survey are environmental impact appraisal, environmental impact analysis, impact designation and significance finding. Environmental impact analysis is one of the phases of environmental impact appraisal ( EIA ) to inform determination shapers about the likely effects of their actions ( Sadler and McCabe, 2002 ; Wathern, 2013 ) . It includes impact designation and impact significance finding. Impact designation is the procedure of exemplifying cause and consequence relationship of a undertaking activities and their cardinal environmental facets, and needs a systematic expert cognition and judgement to qualify them ( Sadler and McCabe, 2002 ) . The cardinal environmental facets of this survey are activities that interacting straight with the environing environment and imposed environmental impacts in the two suppression and Pyro treating units of MCF. Significance is the strength of impacts that includes about the impacts’ beneficial or determiner, reversible or irreversible, repairable or irreparable, short-run or long-run, impermanent or uninterrupted, local, regional or planetary, inadvertent or planned, direct or indirect and cumulative or individual ( Canter & A ; Canty, 1993 ) . Significance finding is a procedure of building judgements which is of import, desirable or acceptable of impacts ( Lawrence, 2007a & A ; b ; Sippe, 1999 ) . It is besides a anticipation of impact magnitude ( Thompson, 1990 ) . In add-on, impact significance finding considered impact features such as magnitude, continuance, frequence, spacial distribution, reversibility, likeliness, nature and timing ( Beanlands & A ; Duinker, 1983 ; McCabe, 2002 ) . In another instance, Canter & A ; Canty ( 1993 ) related the impact significance finding with showing and scoping. The showing and scoping are performed before a undertaking execution to look into whether an environmental impact survey is needed or non. However, this survey chiefly focused on bing mill to make up one's mind its farther monitoring and commanding way on the bing important impacts. Therefore, impact significance finding of this survey is the procedure of doing judgement about of import or desirableness of the impacts of the bing production procedure of the mill. It is the procedure of placing the local impacts of the two treating units ( Fig 1.1 ) by associating the causes and effects, and analysing it for farther attending and commanding mechanisms. By and large, environmental impact analysis of this survey is referred to the procedure of placing and analysing the defined impacts and provided indicants for the decisive organic structure to the effects of the existed pr oduction activities of the mill.Model of the surveyThis survey framed on the integrating of Multi Criteria Analysis ( MCA ) and perceptual experience study analysis to roll up and analyse informations about local environmental impacts of the mill ( Figure 2.1 ) . This model comprises the stairss of the multi-criteria analysis of the survey and how this integrates with perceptual experience study analysis.1.1.1.Impact designationThe first measure of the MCA for this survey was local impact designation that comprises designation of activities and environmental facets led to local environmental impacts. To place the local environmental impacts sing the overall cement production procedures of the mill are needed. It helps to find the chief activities performed to bring forth cement and their environmental facets. Face to confront interviews with the higher forces of the mill and literature were the beginning of informations for local impact designation. The higher forces included two pr ocedure directors from crush and raw factory ( CRM ) and coal and kiln ( COK ) treating units and a deputy general director of the mill and they selected purposively. The interviewees had 10 to 16 old ages of work experience in the mill. The survey collected informations utilizing cardinal informant interview ( Annex 10 questionnaire II ) , site visit, structured questionnaire ( Annex 10 questionnaire I ) and literature reappraisal as informations aggregation instruments. The cardinal informant interview was integrated with site visits to understand the cardinal activity of each processing unit and their environmental facets and possible impacts. In add-on, it was supported by structured questionnaire about overall images of the mill. The collected informations about the impact designation was compiled utilizing the checklist. The checklist used to sum up the identified activities, environmental facets and possible impacts. This was taken topographic point by incorporating of the relationship of flow of procedure of activities and environment facets that resulted in impacts.1.1.2.Criteria designationStandards are necessary to find the significance of impacts.Generally, standards features includemagnitude of the impact, continuance, frequence, spacial distribution, reversibility, likeliness, nature and timing ( Beanlands & A ; Duinker, 1983 ; McCabe, 2002 ) . Hence, these features are wide and are used foranytype of impact, to be more specific on local environmental impacts this survey adopted six standards byKumar & amp ; Armani ( 2012 ) listed inTable 2.1.These adopted standards are easy apprehensible by local stakeholders and all fulfills the standard demands listed by Dodgso, et Al. ( 2009 ) . These demands are completeness, avoids similarity and redundancy, selects of import to judge option /impacts in this study/ , gives precedence for impact comparing and rating, options are independent, avoids dual numeration, manageable standards size. The standards had a value ranged from one ( lower limit ) to ten ( Maximum ) on the Likert graduated table that made easier the respondents to set their judgements about the local impacts numerically. Table 2.1: Detail description of the adopted standards and scope of their value.MagnitudeHappeningImpactDetectionControlsLegislation adoptedThe size or the extent of the impactFrequency of the impactThe grade of consequence of the impactFeeling clip of the impacts or the consequenceControling steps to the beginning of the consequence taking in the millThe position of following with the states criterions5 – severe6-continuous6– fatal to life5-more than 24 hours5– absence or no effectual control10– no meeting statute law or control bound3- centrist5-several times a twenty-four hours5-health effects4– within 24 hours4– mechanism but non dependable1– in conformity1- low4– one time a twenty-four hours4– affects vegetations and zoologies3– within 8 hours3-control needs human intercession3– one time a hebdomad3– resource ingestion2– within 1 hours2-has built-in secondary control2-once a month2– uncomfortableness1– instantly1– available and effectual at beginning1-very rare1– negligible ocular impact1.1.3.Burdening standardsFollowing to following the standard was burdening of these standards which is specifying the comparative importance of the standards to judge the local impacts. In this survey weighting was determined through ranking of the standards by experts found in different sectors of the regional province, such as Tigray Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use Agency ( TEPLAUA ) , Bureau of Labor and Social Affairs ( BoLSA ) , Bureau of Urban Development, Trade and Industry ( BoUDTI ) and Bureau of Health ( BoH ) . Data was collected in a structured questionnaire ( Annex 11 questionnaire II ) . The experts were selected purposively from the sectors. These sectors are selected, because they have responsible experts to measure and command the mills in the Tigray regional province. Based on the features of the experts, 80 % of the experts were master degree holders in different field specialisation. The experts’ work experience was 60 % 1-5 old ages, 40 % above 5 old ages. The 90 % of the experts were responsible to measure and command mill, in relation to environmental issues. The ranks were converted to burden utilizing the expression specified in equation 1. It was analyzed utilizing Rank Order Centroid ( ROC ) method ( Barron & A ; Barrett, 1996 ; Edwards & A ; Barron, 1994 ) . This is a procedure of change overing the ranks given by the experts into weights [ 1 ] of each single rank for each standard, and so calculated the mean weight ( WI) for each standard among each other. i= 1, 2†¦ , 6.( Equation1) Where WIis the weight for each IThursdaystandards, N is the figure of standards and K is a rank given by experts.1.1.4.Scoring environmental facetsAfter burdening, the following measure was hiting to the identified environmental facets. The beginning of informations for this measure was employees in the mill, and the information was collected in a structured questionnaire ( Annex 11 questionnaire IV and V ) . The employees selected utilizing a bunch sample method by constellating them in three working displacements. Then, ten employees were selected utilizing a simple random method from each displacement which is a sum of 60 employees ( 30 from CRM and 30 from COK ) from the mill. Respondents are characterized: in CRM, 40 % sheepskin and 60 % grade holders, and their working experiences are the 30 % 1-5 old ages, 33 % 6-10years and 37 % above 10 old ages. In COK: 57 % sheepskin and 43 % degree holders. Wholly participants were 48 % sheepskin and 52 degree holder employees participate in hiting. Their on the job experience was 30 % employees had 1-5 old ages, 38 % employees 6-10 old ages and 32 % employees had above 10 old ages. The mark given for each impacts by each employee is calculated its norm by ratio method ( RM ) . The RM was calculated the mean mark utilizing the amount of entire respondents replied to each mark multiplied by the value given in the Likert graduated table and divided by the entire figure of respondents participated in hiting ( equation 2 ) . ( Equation2) Where OmegaIis mean mark of IThursdayidentified impacts, RNis the figure of respondents replied to the mark of IThursdayimpact and VIis the given value in the Likert graduated table of the IThursdaystandard ( Table2.1 ) . RoentgenThymineentire figure of respondents participated in marking.1.1.5.Accumulating end productsThe cumulative grade of impact of each activity calculated from the end products of ROC and RM. They combined utilizing comparative significance ( equation 3 ) ( Deng et al, 2011: Noah & A ; Lee, 2003 ) . ( Equation3) Whereis a comparative significance of impactsis the weight for IThursdaystandards andis the deliberate mean mark of IThursdayidentified impact on the Kithstandards. Note that the scope of standards ‘legislation adoption’ was modified to ‘1’ for the mean mark 1-2, ‘2’ for 3-4, ‘3’ for 5-6, ‘4’ for 7-8 and ‘5’ for 9-10. It keeps the comparison of the standards during taking the combined consequence of the merchandise summing up of the tonss and weights. For impact significance finding, benchmark scene is necessary to place the ‘significant’ and ‘insignificant’ impacts by comparing cumulative consequences of impact significance finding against the stated benchmark ( Table 2.2 ) . This helps to find what and where betterments are needed. Table 2.2: The manner of puting benchmarks of the survey.StandardsTot Respondent50 % MarkStandards WeightCombination 50 % mark & A ; The weight of standardsMagnitude302.50.1760.4Happening3.00.2040.6Impact3.00.3261.0Detection2.50.1270.3Controls2.50.1110.3Legislation adopted3.00.1030.3Decisive value2.9Table 2.2 shows the procedure of benchmarking to find the significance of the impacts. Benchmark decided by presuming the 50 % scope value of the standards in the Likert graduated table given as a mark. Consequently, the survey sets 2.9 as benchmark to make up one's mind the significance of possible impacts. The deliberate weight utilizing ROC is straight used for the benchmarking. When the combined consequence of the impacts equal or less than 2.9 it is undistinguished and if the consequence is greater than 2.9 it is important and needs farther controlling and monitoring steps.1.1.6.Perception study analysisThis survey did perceptual experience study analysis to compare the community perceptual experience on the impacts with the consequences of the employees about the significance of the local environmental impacts of the mill. The survey used local community ‘s families as a beginning of informations to the study analysis. In the study a sum of 120 local communities’ from entire population of 1122 families were participated and selected indiscriminately. These families were 68.3 % male households’ caputs and the remainder were female households’ caputs. Their age was 75 % in the age scope of 31-50 old ages, 17.5 % in more than 51 old ages and 7.5 % in the age of 18-30 old ages. The 65.0 % of the families can read and compose and the staying completed primary and high school instruction. The 99.2 % of the participant family has lived in the topographic point since their birth. The distance of the respondent’s place from the mill, 52.5 % of the respondents are populating at a distance of above 200 metres radius the remainder 33.3 % and 14.2 % respondents are populating within 101-200m and 100 m radius ( Annex 10 Table 9.1 ) . The Data was collected from the families utilizing structured interview ( Annex11 questionnaire VI ) . Descriptive statistic ( means, frequence, per centum and count ) was used to analyse the collected information from the local community in the SPSS statistical bundle. Note that the community perceptual experience on environmental impacts assessed their understanding utilizing ‘disagree’ , ‘not much’ and ‘agree’ . However, the ‘not much’ count is included to ‘disagree’ count on the presented informations, because it was perceived that similar account between ‘not much’ and ‘disagree’ during informations aggregation ( Annex 10 Table 9.3 ) .1.1.7.Examine consequencesThis is the procedure of impact significance finding from the overall gathered and processed informations. It is a measure that determined the cardinal environmental facets and their effect, and is identified the beginnings from bing activities’ of the treating units. In add-on, it is correlated to the consequences of other bookmans and within the consequences of this survey. In add-on, it is the procedure of set uping the decision of this survey.

B2B and B2C

In these harsh economic period, dealing with the ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns associated with B2B and B2C websites and the free flow of information is a main issue for both kinds of e-businesses. For both of these websites, there are security issues, site policies, applicable law, disclaimers of warranties and limitations, and conditions of use.In any type of business, whether it is traditional or e-business, ethics creates specific judgments regarding what is right or wrong, meaning, it makes assertions concerning what ought to be made or what ought not to be made. As all of us know, ethics is universal and is applied to anything that has relationships and interactions with individuals. Ethics is needed to steer business from harming and damaging the general public.   Moreover, ethics is likewise tied with legalities to help protect and secure its codes and principles. Consequently, ethics and legality works together to produce a peaceful environment in doing and transa cting businessAs compared with B2C’s websites, the audience and clients of B2B’s websites are not individual people since these individuals are members of a company. When conducting business you need to be aware who has authority, for example, for signing an NDA or placing an order on behalf of a company. Because the relationship is more extensive, every time you exchange information.Lately, concerns such as identity theft are rising for the reason that websites are not secured enough. Information and data has to be cautiously tracked and identified as confidential or general business or confidential when needed. Regarding ethics, the correct behavior of participants are characteristically described in regulatory codes formulated and implemented by commercial standard groups, trade associations, and the professions.Legal and ethical issues in B2b and B2c websites are very much alike, even though victims in B2B have more advantage when settling legal concerns given that procedures are extremely black and white. It is a fact that ethics is founded on universal values that do not alter if you are transacting business with an individual or with a company. The lone difference is that a B2B website has special rules and regulations if it concerns kids younger than 13 years of age. Moreover, due to the fact that B2B depends on the sharing of mutual information, ethics is very important. Not like consumers keeping business in B2C, in B2B, a victim does not have a great deal to do, just to ask for a third party’s assistance to solve their problems with B2c websites. Moreover, in B2B, it is easy to identify what took place and who is responsible and accountable for what happened in a B2B website.It is exceedingly significant from a legal B2B and B2C perspective to ensure that the written words and what is depicted regarding a company are factual.   Another important legal issue concerns intellectual property rights. Since concerns come up regardin g marketing ethics and the significance of understanding a business for Internet, there are probable areas and opportunities for disclosing trade secrets or intellectual property if appropriate B2B and B2C ethical behavior is not complied with.Meanwhile, in terms of legal and regulatory issues, B2B and B2C websites should see to it that they do not violate and commit copyright infringement, identity theft, identity fraud, and they do not patronize and tolerate consumer survey scams and hoaxes and advertising and keyword scams.Lastly, with the prevalence of PDA communication devices and new wireless web mail from cell phones, the Internet will be definitely touching and affecting more lives than ever before. Hence, privacy and security issues together with e-business ethical, legal and regulatory issues will become more widespread since it will become increasingly difficult to fathom who you can trust online; with all the illegal and unethical online e-business email scams, and Inter net marketing advertising frauds. #ReferencesFerrell, O.   â€Å"Introduction to Business Ethics Issues.†Ã‚   E-Ethics Center, Colorado State University, College of Business.Harris, L. and L. Spence.   â€Å"The Ethics of eBanking.†Ã‚   Journal of Electronic Commerce Research Vol. 3 #2, 2002.Warholic, J.   â€Å"Importance of Ethics on the Internet.†Ã‚   Professional web Services, Inc.

The 25+ BEST Writing Tools in 2019

The 25+ BEST Writing Tools in 2019 The 25+ Best Writing Tools in 2019 Before the computer there was the typewriter, and before the typewriter there was pen and paper, and before pen and paper there were plenty of other lost tools of writing - like clay, papyrus, wood, slate, parchment, and, of course, pens made out of reeds. (Fun fact: the name â€Å"Reedsy† is inspired by the â€Å"reed pen,† which was used as early as 800 B.C. for documentation).As you can tell by now, the act of writing has been a part of human culture from the days of chiseling stories onto the walls of caves - and as we have evolved, so have our writing tools. In fact, today’s writers and storytellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which tools to use.The following list details our favorite writing tools and resources for taking any idea through to its written conclusion.Writing toolsWe all know Google Docs and Microsoft Word, so we’re not going to waste your time giving those two a run-down in our list. Below are four other word proc essors you might not know about, and that are worth checking out.Reedsy Book Editor - freeDoes â€Å"fake it ‘til you make it† ring true to you? Well, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, online word processor that formats your book as you write. See your drafts automatically turn into a professional-looking manuscript - and allow this glimpse of your work as the final product spur your motivation to write. One of the Reedsy Book Editor’s best functions is that it lets you instantly typeset your manuscript to EPUB and print-ready PDF files.Check it out if: if you want a writing tool that takes care of formatting and conversion for you.Draft - freeDo you like a helpful tap on the shoulder, reminding you about something you need to do? Well, you’ll likely enjoy Draft then, because the online word processor not only keeps track of how many words you write per day, it can also email you daily reminders about your daily word count goals. (Of course, if this sounds a little too â€Å"hands-on† for you, you can always turn the reminder function off).Other than that, Draft functions a lot like Google Docs: allowing you to track changes, collaborate via suggested edits, and make comments on the doc.Check it out if: you like Google Docs, but want an even simpler interface.LibreOffice - freeYes, we did say that we wouldn’t mention Microsoft Word, because by now everyo ne knows that it’s a useful writing tool. But we didn’t say we wouldn’t mention it’s free counterpart: LibreOffice.LibreOffice is the open source answer for people who want to try Microsoft without paying the price tag. (Open source means that the software is built on code that anyone can inspect and enhance). Plus it’s compatible with all of the regular file types people are used to, such as   .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx files.Check it out if: you like a classic word processor - and moreover, a free one.Mellel - $50 (or try a 30-day free trial)The people behind Mellel don’t just know word processing - they also know catchy, memorable marketing. Their description of why writers should choose Mellel starts like this: â€Å"Mellel is a writer's dream come true. To start, it is exceedingly boring: it just works, day in and day out, reliably. An enormous number of people used Mellel to write and they all report that their jou rney with Mellel was boring and uneventful. As well it should. In other words, it does all the mundane bits, and leaves the creative stuff to you.†Mellel is not free (and note that it’s only for Mac). In return for the price tag, you’ll get more book-specific tools than other, perhaps more traditional word processors - such as outlining and bibliography-making functions. And, judging by the witty, funny copy on Mellel’s website, Mellel makes the process of writing much more fun than they let on.Check it out if: you’re a Mac user who wants more than the Pages app offers.Organization tools Check it out if: you’ve ever felt envy at Rita Skeeter’s Quick-Quotes Quill in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.Ergonomic desk setups - variesAs more and more of the workforce moves to sedentary jobs where the majority of 9am to 5pm is spent sitting - usually hunching - at a computer, a growing number of sitting-related health injuries have been occurring. That’s why looking into more ergonomically friendly desk setups is a good idea for writers who spend long hours at the computer - or even writing in a notebook. This could be a standing desk, or even just a number of textbooks piled under your desktop so that your screen is eye level, resulting in less stress on your shoulders.Check it out if: you don’t want writing gains to come at the cost of growing back pains.Computer Glasses - variesWriters are all familiar with computer-caused eyestrains. Because you blink far less when looking at a screen than you do otherwise, computer vision syndrome (CV S) is a condition people have been developing due to long stretches of staring at a computer.One way to help alleviate this - other than just making sure to take time looking away from your computer - is to invest in some computer glasses. They typically come in blue or amber shades, and are coated with a protective coating.There are a number of brands you can check out, such as Pixel Eyewear or Felix Gray.Check it out if: you notice itchy or tired eyes after long writing sessions.FREE writing coursesMaybe you’ve got all you need to actually get the writing done, but you could use a leg up when it comes to craft. These free, ten-day courses are intended to help you do the best writing you can!On writingNovel Writing 101 - Over the course of ten lessons, you will learn how to plan an amazing novel, create compelling characters, and build a writing routine to make sure you get from 'page one' to the final chapter of your magnum opus.Writing Non-Fiction - In this 10 day cour se, publishing coach Azul Terronez goes through which common writing mistakes to avoid, which questions to ask yourself before you get started, and finally, how to stay motivated throughout the writing process.Writing YA Novels - Over ten lessons, you will discover the most common pitfalls of first-time YA authors, and learn how to hone your craft towards writing for a teen audience.How to Write a Business Book -   In this course, Alison Jones, a publishing partner for businesses and organizations, will teach you how to approach the writing of your first book, from the idea itself down to the day-to-day writing routine you should adopt.On productivityBuild a Solid Writing Routine - Over ten email lessons, we’ll give you a bunch of practical, actionable tips to help you understand and face down your procrastination gremlins to find a writing habit that works for you.How to Stop Talking About Writing a Book and Actually Start Doing It - In this short course, book coach Jen nie Nash shares the secrets for how to start strong so you can move forward with confidence. It’s a powerful way to stop talking about someday writing a book, and to actually start doing it, by getting the idea out of your head and onto the page.On editingHow to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro - Lisa Lepki of ProWritingAid is here to help you spot (and fix) the ten most common writing mistakes. These mistakes won't just make you seem like an amateur - they will also hinder your chances of landing an agent or securing a publisher.Story Editing for Authors - In this email course, author and Fictionary CEO Kristina Stanley shares her method for ensuring that your story is well-told, well-paced and highly effective. Over ten lessons, you will be guided through the process of reviewing your story, scene-by-scene, with the help of a downloadable resource that you will receive in lesson one.Novel Revision: Practical Tips for Rewrites - The editors behind #RevPit will show y ou how to dive into the revision process and methodically prepare your book for publication. The best writing tools of 2019 that every writer should consider adding to their arsenal  Ã¢Å" Ã¯ ¸  At this point, your arsenal is fully stocked: you’ve got a place to do the writing, tools to help you concentrate and edit, a workspace that makes long hours at your desk a little more fun, and advice from professionals on perfecting your craft. At the end of the day, putting these writing tools to good use is down to you - so show us what you’ve got!Have you tried any of the above writing tools - and if so, which were your favorites? Or maybe you feel there are some great resources missing from this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Nokia Pricing Strategy

Nokia Pricing Strategy Background of the company Nokia is an electronics company, founded in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam; the company started as a paper manufacturing company but in the 1970s, it changed its line of business to electronics (Nokia Official website ,2010). It has a strong brand; some of its products include phones and laptops.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nokia Pricing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2009, it was the second largest company in electronics industry from Apple Inc; the company’s positioning statement is technology connecting people. To remain competitive, the company uses an integrated pricing strategy. This paper discusses how the company determines prices of its products. Product attributes Nokia phones are in different shapes, technology level and have different features; each category of phone has the target market it aims. The following are the common products attributes of Nokia Phones: They have a target market; the section of the market is in need of phones Has high value products that can be up of phones for this class is Nokia 1200 and Nokia 1210.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Middle class They are people who need a higher tech phone than the lower earning class; to target the population, the company has develops phones with more features, for example it may include internet services to the gargets of cheap technologies like GPRS. Well-to-do Well-to-do people need a number of applications in their phones, when the company is developing products for this target market; it uses high technology and includes a number of features and technologies for example they use Edge technology for internet. To sell in this market, the company uses price-skimming strategy Niche markets The company’s research and development department has the role o f recognizing a need that current phones in the markets are not meeting, then develop product that meet the market. Some of the phones in the market include touch screens ( Kotabe and Helsen, 2004). Distribution Depending with the target market, the products are distributed differently; the company has established Nokia collection centers in different countries where traders can get the product for distribution; alternatively, if a trade is willing to buy in bulk, the company offers the option; it has both online and desk selling. Who carries the products? In different countries, the company has established collection centers called authorized dealers who are given the responsibility of distributing the products in their countries. When the dealers have received the products, they are supposed to ensure they get to the target market in the best form. The approach to selling increases the cost of the product to the final consumer since all people in the chain will have to benefit fro m the transaction. Where can it be found? Nokia phones can be found in the following places:Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nokia Pricing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Authorized dealers and sub-dealers premises Shopping malls Supermarkets Stalls Electronic shops among other electronic garget selling points (Nokia Official website ,2010). What type of promotions does this company use and how does that influence price? The company uses â€Å"pull† promotion strategy, under this approach, massive advertisements and persuasion mechanisms are adopted to ensure that an organization’s products knowledge of existence has been created. The end user and the promoters are at close links and interact in the course of advertising. The cost incurred is passed to the final consumer increasing the price of the phones. What are some suggestions on how this product or service could be improved and how mi ght that influence pricing? Nokia management team should think of improving operating technology adopted in phones, so as it can accommodate modern applications. Currently, the highest technology used for internet applications is EDGE technology; however, some of its competitors like Apple Inc have switched to 2G and 3G technology. When the technology adopted has been improved, then, the company is likely to enjoy a higher share of the market. The second improvement that the company should make is to incorporate low earning and middle class market segments in its twin-Sims products; the approach is likely to increase the company’s sales. References Hooley, G. and Saunders, J.(1993). Competitive Strategy: The Key to Marketing Strategy. New York: Prentice Hall. Kotabe, M. and Helsen, K. (2004). Global Marketing Management.New York: John Wiley Sons. Nokia Official website.(2010). Nokia.

Executive Privilege Based on Separation of Powers

Executive Privilege Based on Separation of Powers Executive privilege is an implied power claimed by Presidents of the United States and other officials of the executive branch of government to withhold from Congress, the courts or individuals, information that has been requested or subpoenaed. Executive privilege is also invoked to prevent executive branch employees or officials from testifying in Congressional hearings. Executive Privilege Executive privilege refers to certain implied powers of the Presidents of the United States and other executive branch officials of the United States government.By claiming executive privilege, executive branch officials may withhold subpoenaed information from the Congress and refuse to testify in Congressional hearings.While the U.S. Constitution does not mention the power of executive privilege, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that it may be a constitutional exercise of the powers of the executive branch under the separation of powers doctrine.Presidents have usually claimed the power of executive privilege in cases involving national security and communications within the executive branch. The U.S. Constitution makes no mention of either the power of Congress or the federal courts to request information or the concept of an executive privilege to refuse such requests. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that executive privilege may be a legitimate aspect of the separation of powers doctrine, based on the constitutional powers of the executive branch to manage its own activities. In the case of United States​ v. Nixon, the Supreme Court upheld the doctrine of executive privilege in the case of subpoenas for information issued by the judicial branch, instead of by Congress. In the court’s majority opinion, Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote that the president holds a qualified privilege to require that the party seeking certain documents must make a â€Å"sufficient showing† that the â€Å"Presidential material† is â€Å"essential to the justice of the case.† Justice Berger also stated that the president’s executive privilege would more likely to be valid when applied to cases when the oversight of the executive would impair that the executive branch’s ability to address concerns of national security. Reasons for Claiming Executive Privilege Historically, presidents have exercised executive privilege in two types of cases: those that involve national security and those that involve executive branch communications. The courts have ruled that presidents can also exercise executive privilege in cases involving ongoing investigations by law enforcement or during deliberations involving disclosure or discovery in civil litigation  involving the federal government. Just as Congress must prove it has the right to investigate, the executive branch must prove it has a valid reason to withhold information. While there have been efforts in Congress to pass laws  clearly defining executive privilege and setting guidelines for its use, no such legislation has ever passed and none is likely to do so in the future. Reasons of National Security Presidents most often claim executive privilege to protect sensitive military or diplomatic information, which if disclosed, could place the security of the United States at risk. Given the president’s constitutional power as commander and chief of the U.S. Military, this â€Å"state secrets† claim of executive privilege is rarely challenged. Reasons of Executive Branch Communications Most conversations between presidents and their top aides and advisers are transcribed or electronically recorded. Presidents have contended that executive privilege secrecy should be extended to the records of some of those conversations. The presidents argue that in order for their advisers to be open and candid in giving advice, and to present all possible ideas, they must feel safe that the discussions will remain confidential. This application of executive privilege, while rare, is always controversial and often challenged. In the 1974 Supreme Court case of United States v. Nixon, the Court acknowledged the valid need for protection of communications between high Government officials and those who advise and assist them in the performance of their manifold duties. The Court went on to state that [h]uman experience teaches that those who expect public dissemination of their remarks may well temper candor with a concern for appearances and for their own interests to the detriment of the decision-making process. While the Court thus conceded the need for confidentiality in discussions between presidents and their advisers, it ruled that the right of presidents to keep those discussions secret under a claim of executive privilege was not absolute, and could be overturned by a judge. In the Court’s majority opinion, Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote, [n]either the doctrine of separation of powers, nor the need for confidentiality of high-level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances. The ruling reaffirmed decisions from earlier Supreme Court cases, including Marbury v. Madison, establishing that the U.S. court system is the final decider of constitutional questions  and that no person, not even the president of the United States, is above the law. Brief History of Executive Privilege While Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to actually use the phrase â€Å"executive privilege,† every president since George Washington has exercised some form of the power. In 1792, Congress demanded information from President Washington regarding a failed U.S. military expedition. Along with records about the operation, Congress called members of the White House staff to appear and deliver sworn testimony. With the advice and consent of his Cabinet, Washington decided that, as the chief executive, he had the authority to withhold information from Congress. Although he eventually decided to cooperate with Congress, Washington built the foundation for future use of executive privilege. Indeed, George Washington set the proper and now recognized standard for using executive privilege: Presidential secrecy must be exercised only when it serves the public interest.

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - Essay Example the accumulation and evaluation of evidence regarding information to help determine and report on the degree of correspondence between information and established criteria (p. 4). Auditing requires that there must be verifiable information and certain standards by which the auditor can evaluate the information. The standards can vary depending on the nature of information. For instance, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principle) is considered to be the criteria for auditing historical financial statements. Auditing requires evidence like written communication and oral testimony and auditors need to obtain sufficient quality of evidences. The final step in auditing is preparing the audit report (Arens, Elder and Beasley, 2006, p. 4). GAAS are auditing standards that suggest necessary qualifications and characteristics of auditors. The guidelines are 10 GAAP standards that have experienced minimal changes since these were first developed in 1947 (Arens, Elder and Beasley, 2006, p. 4). These GAAS standards remain the same through time and for all audits, even though auditing procedures may vary depending on the complexity of accounting systems. The 10 GAAS standards relate to the competence of auditor, his independence in both financial and managerial relations and the attitudes about professionalism (Louwers, Ramsay and Sinason, 2008. p. 39- 42). The GAAS elements also affect the standards at field that include detailed planning of the audit, risk assessment through internal control and collecting audit evidences. One of the major concerns of GAAS is regarding the standards in financial reporting and its contents. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed by George W Bush on July 2002, was intended to establish investor confidence by improving the quality of financial disclosures and audit reporting, to strengthen the independence of accounting firms and to increase the responsibilities of corporate officers (Hayes, Dassen and Schilder, 2005, p. 49). The

Assessment of Nursing Care Using Simulation Essay

Assessment of Nursing Care Using Simulation - Essay Example Below is a detailed explanation the students’ competencies that simulations can evaluate and how the evaluation and assessment would be carried out. The first competence that simulations in nursing can assess is the communication skills of the nursing students. Good communication skills are a vital quality that should be possessed by every nurse who claims to be professional. Simulation can be used to track the improvements made by nurses with regard to communication skills because according to Gaba (2004), simulation is also a tool that improves the students' communication skills. Gaba’s sentiments were seconded by some recent researches done by Kameg et al. (2010). If simulations can be used to improve the communication skills of the student nurses, then they sure can be structured to also assess every individual nurses’ communication skills and any improvement they might portray over their learning period. The simulation used in this manner can be an important tool for nurses’ assessment. It is important to note that assessment can also be made by the students who may want to evaluate their communication skills and their progress over time by tracking their performance in various simulated tests. Simulation can also be used to assess the nursing skills of a nursing student. Simulation in the nursing field started with an objective of instilling psychomotor techniques into aspiring nurses but later broadened its boundaries to incorporate the use of skills in certain nursing related areas.

AFGHANISTAN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

AFGHANISTAN - Essay Example The male members of Afghanistan’s population keep weapons with them as a sign of their personal honor. This paper contains a description of people and culture of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is an Islamic state and is landlocked which means that it has no sea routes. It can be considered as present in the center of Asia. The citizens of Afghanistan are called Afghans or Afghanis (Dupree 1977). The name of the state Afghanistan is given to it because it is the land of Afghans as they are the nationals of the country. The people of Afghanistan speak Pushto and Persian along with many local dialects. Afghanistan is a rich state in terms of culture and traditions (Jawad 1992). The people of Afghanistan consider themselves strongly associated to their culture, religion, identity and freedom (Toynbee 1961). Afghans live in form of Clans and are deeply rooted in the clan system. They felt themselves associated to other clan members and are always ready to secure their clan members from any attack or inconvenience from any side (Jawad 1992). The country has gone through many hard conditions of warfare and foreign invasion due to which, the country along with its people and culture has suffered immensely (Rall 2002). The country is mostly mountainous with green valleys in between. There are also plains and deserts in Afghanistan. Due to warfare in Afghanistan, many Afghans moved away from Afghanistan to the neighboring states such as Pakistan and Iran (Rall 2002). The people of Afghanistan are divided into many ethnicities or it can be said that Afghanistan is a country of people with mixed ethnicities (Toynbee 1961). It has a multiethnic culture but as far as religion is concerned, the dominant religion is Islam. The ethnic groups in Afghanistan are Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Baluch, Nuristani, Pashai, Aimak and Arabs (Dupree 1977). The Afghani people are identified according to their ethnicity by means of their being resided at different

Innovation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Innovation Management - Essay Example In the current business environment, technological innovation is the key driver of achieving competitive advantage among the companies. Firms rely on the recently developed products as the major sources of revenue and increase in the profit margin. Thus, innovation is becoming a metric measure of the current performance level of firms in different sectors. Globalization has taken, and is taking place in the business world (Aalbers et al., 2014). As such, it has contributed towards the development of innovative strategies among the firms. Such emerges from the foreign pressure that local firms receive in terms of the quality of their products and services. Therefore, companies are engaging in the production of differentiated products and services so that they can survival foreign competition. The introduction of the new products ensures that firms have the potential of protecting their margins and lowering their production costs. Such includes improving on abilities of the firms in th e competitive market. Technological advancements have also triggered firms to focus on innovation. These advancements include computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design, which help in the short-run production, as well as the attainment of economies of scale within the production chain. The aim is to ensure that the products and services meet the customer needs. Such is essential because different customers express unique needs in terms of the quality of the quality of services and products that they receive from the market.

Movie report - Malcolm X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie report - Malcolm X - Essay Example It seems that the relationship between Islamic religion and America is caught up with violence, and in fact as the camera cuts back and forth between the flag, the Islamic preacher, and the video of the attack, flames start to consume the edges of the flag until finally all that remains is a burning â€Å"X† with the last traces of stars and stripes. The abiding memory of this film will be the clash between Islamic black people and the dominant white American values which do not give a fair and proper place to African American citizens The characters in the film are introduced in a segregated way, just as the society of the time was strictly divided into black and white domains. The African Americans are shown enjoying life in the streets and in the barber shop, where men try to straighten their hair to appear more like white men. Their scenes are set to lively jazz music, and the colors used in the black family scenes in the film are rich browns and creams. In contrast, the f irst sight of white Americans is a group of Ku Klux Klan members arriving on horseback in the dark of night, clad in their white robes, to terrify the mother of the unborn Malcolm X. The narrative voice explains the complex hatred of white people that he has grown up with, due to the experiences of his parents, both of whom had suffered violence at the hands of white people. The main character, Malcolm Little, starts out as a slightly ridiculous person, dressing up in fancy suits, experimenting with drugs, and trying to make money through robbing people. He becomes much more serious, however, when he is caught by the police and sent to prison. He was already well informed about religion and politics due to his father’s profession as a pastor, although he clearly does not agree with his father’s view that black people should leave America and go back to Africa where they originally came from, and start up a new nation there, without all the prejudice and oppression that is found in America. It seems that the time that Malcolm spent in prison was the beginning of his re-education into the real history of black oppression in America. He learns to interpret everything around him differently, and follows the teachings brought to him by prisoner Baines, and other famous Muslim leaders, learning in the end to bend his knee to Allah, even though this was very hard for him. The film shows through the life of Malcolm X, that radical Islam can be a way to fight back against the four hundred years of oppression. He has a vision in his prison cell that changes him for ever. He makes a comparison with the experience of Paul on the road to Damascus. His old friend Shorty, who was imprisoned with him, thinks he has gone mad, and the way that Malcolm has chosen is shown to be a difficult one, that means he has to give up so many aspects of his previous life. The film shows how Malcolm evolves from a criminal to a moral human being, and when he starts to wear his heavy glasses, he appears also to be like an intellectual. His marriage is shown as something genuine and positive, but his relationship with the brothers in the â€Å"Nation of Islam† becomes difficult because he has higher moral standards than even the man in his vision, Elijah Mohamed. This is an interesting dimension of the film, because it shows

Pagiarism and Paraphrasing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pagiarism and Paraphrasing - Essay Example Additionally, the student starts the sentence as the original sentence without the use of alternative words and relevant connecting words to make the idea original. In their submission, the student could have paraphrased the sentence as follows: given the fact that studies in the biomedical field demand strict obedience to the rules and regulations and the fact that several peers review studies under the field, it is still not enough to give full credit to a scholarly work without due diligence (Crossen, 1994). This sentence is original and much better and thus meets the acceptable standards of plagiarism because although it expresses the same ideas, it uses completely different wording. A second sentence in the passage that has some element of plagiarism in it is the last phrase that goes, ‘and â€Å"buffing† the results by showing them in the best light’. Evidently, the student has again lifted the whole phrase from the original text but has only adjusted the wo rding at a minimal level that still constitutes plagiarism. In a correctly paraphrased text, the student could have stated that ‘the biomedical scholars ought to present their results as they are and not alter them to suit the acceptable scenarios.O’Conner (2003) argued that the art of extensive writing and reading ought to be the hobby of any writer who wishes to excel in the field. Indeed, most writers tend to put information across some of which may not be palatable to some users due to their complexity or the unacceptability of the information relayed.... o the rules and regulations, and the fact that several peers review studies under the field, it is still not enough to give full credit to a scholarly work without due diligence (Crossen, 1994). This sentence is original and much better and thus meets the acceptable standards of plagiarism because although it expresses the same ideas, it uses completely different wording. A second sentence in the passage that has some element of plagiarism in it is the last phrase that goes, ‘and â€Å"buffing† the results by showing them in the best light’. Evidently, the student has again lifted the whole phrase from the original text but has only adjusted the wording at a minimal level that still constitutes plagiarism. In a correctly paraphrased text, the student could have stated that ‘the biomedical scholars ought to present their results as they are and not alter them to suit the acceptable scenarios (Crossen, 1994). Again, this is now more appropriate and can qualify as an acceptable paraphrase. References Top of Form Bottom of Form Crossen, C. (1994). Tainted: The manipulation of fact in America. New York: Touchstone, pp. 166-167. Assignment 2: Paraphrasing O’Conner (2003) argued that the art of extensive writing and reading ought to be the hobby of any writer who wishes to excel in the field. Indeed, most writers tend to put information across some of which may not be palatable to some users due to their complexity or the unacceptability of the information relayed. This notwithstanding, the writer should always ensure that their pieces of work are simple but precise as to convey their ideas in not only accurate manner but also appealing manner especially to their preferred readers. References O’Conner, P. (2003). Woe is I: The grammarphobe’s guide to better English

Movie report - Malcolm X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie report - Malcolm X - Essay Example It seems that the relationship between Islamic religion and America is caught up with violence, and in fact as the camera cuts back and forth between the flag, the Islamic preacher, and the video of the attack, flames start to consume the edges of the flag until finally all that remains is a burning â€Å"X† with the last traces of stars and stripes. The abiding memory of this film will be the clash between Islamic black people and the dominant white American values which do not give a fair and proper place to African American citizens The characters in the film are introduced in a segregated way, just as the society of the time was strictly divided into black and white domains. The African Americans are shown enjoying life in the streets and in the barber shop, where men try to straighten their hair to appear more like white men. Their scenes are set to lively jazz music, and the colors used in the black family scenes in the film are rich browns and creams. In contrast, the f irst sight of white Americans is a group of Ku Klux Klan members arriving on horseback in the dark of night, clad in their white robes, to terrify the mother of the unborn Malcolm X. The narrative voice explains the complex hatred of white people that he has grown up with, due to the experiences of his parents, both of whom had suffered violence at the hands of white people. The main character, Malcolm Little, starts out as a slightly ridiculous person, dressing up in fancy suits, experimenting with drugs, and trying to make money through robbing people. He becomes much more serious, however, when he is caught by the police and sent to prison. He was already well informed about religion and politics due to his father’s profession as a pastor, although he clearly does not agree with his father’s view that black people should leave America and go back to Africa where they originally came from, and start up a new nation there, without all the prejudice and oppression that is found in America. It seems that the time that Malcolm spent in prison was the beginning of his re-education into the real history of black oppression in America. He learns to interpret everything around him differently, and follows the teachings brought to him by prisoner Baines, and other famous Muslim leaders, learning in the end to bend his knee to Allah, even though this was very hard for him. The film shows through the life of Malcolm X, that radical Islam can be a way to fight back against the four hundred years of oppression. He has a vision in his prison cell that changes him for ever. He makes a comparison with the experience of Paul on the road to Damascus. His old friend Shorty, who was imprisoned with him, thinks he has gone mad, and the way that Malcolm has chosen is shown to be a difficult one, that means he has to give up so many aspects of his previous life. The film shows how Malcolm evolves from a criminal to a moral human being, and when he starts to wear his heavy glasses, he appears also to be like an intellectual. His marriage is shown as something genuine and positive, but his relationship with the brothers in the â€Å"Nation of Islam† becomes difficult because he has higher moral standards than even the man in his vision, Elijah Mohamed. This is an interesting dimension of the film, because it shows

Teresa of Avila Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Teresa of Avila - Essay Example Religious and political turbulence was everywhere; Europe was a dangerous place. That one single woman who could easily been accuses of witchcraft but for being under the protection of the Church could have made so many changes in the Carmelite Order which would have far-reaching effects even into the 21st Century is nearly a miracle in itself. What makes Teresa's life even more fascinating is the fine mind she harbored, honed and disciplined with extraordinary introspection. From her autobiography, it is clear that Teresa was rather bull-headed even at a young age. She was creative, intelligent and active; many of the ingredients for engagement of troublemaking, in which she indulged for a while, much to her later dismay. She loved books, especially those based upon saints and martyrs, which were plentiful in her house, being regularly read by her father. She developed such a passion for these stories that once, around age six or seven, she and her brother Roderigo plotted to run away to be beheaded by the Moorish people so that they could be martyred. This plan was interrupted when a family member intercepted them and brought them home. Going the other imaginative route, Teresa and her playmates engaged in building little nunneries in the garden and Teresa dreamed of being in charge of one. She later admits, though, that to actually be a nun wasn't the main goal. The death of her mother dealt a blow to a 14 year old Teresa; when she was able to comprehend the loss of her mother and what it meant, she took herself to a statue of the Holy Mother and uttered a tearful, heartfelt prayer asking the Virgin to be her mother. It would appear that these are the beginnings of an extraordinary life for a girl born in the 16th Century of Spain, where two options for women existed: arranged marriage or the convent. Early on, Teresa was well aware of her impending future and didn't care for either choice, but after a period of time engaging in typical teenage less than desirable behaviour, she was sent to an Augustinian convent school by her father, where she could mend her ways and get educated. While she immensely enjoyed the company of the good nuns, Teresa still didn't want to become one. She did, however, learn how to engage in meaningful prayer and focus on goodness and devotion to God. She was decidedly happier in the convent than in her father's house, but inwardly she still didn't love God as much as she loved her father. It appears that Teresa did not easily change her loyalties under peer pressure even then. The iron will was beginning to take form; maturity would have to catch up with it. After a year and a half in the convent, Teresa fell ill, and was taken to her sister's house in Catellanos to recover. This was a pivotal time for her, as she was forced into rest and prayer, developing the traits that would serve her so well in future tribulations. It was during this period of recovery that Teresa began reading the letters of St. Jerome (b. approx 335, died 420). Before we

Developing a Web Site Privacy Policy Essay Example for Free

Developing a Web Site Privacy Policy Essay Software requirements: Web browser software. Word processing software, Electronic presentation software (optional) Dirt Bikes’ management wants to make sure it has policies and procedures in place to protect the privacy of visitors to its Web site. You have been asked to develop Dirt Bikes’ Web site privacy policy. The TRUSTe Web site (www.truste.org) has Model Privacy Policy Disclosures in its Resources for businesses that you can download and review to help you draft Dirt Bikes’ privacy policy. You can also examine specific companies’ privacy policies by searching for Web site privacy policy on Google. ca or using another search engine. Prepare a report for management that addresses the following issues: 1. How much data should Dirt Bikes collect on visitors to its Web site? What information could it discover by tracking visitors’ activities at its Web site? What value would this information provide the company? What are the privacy problems raised by collecting such data? 2. Should Dirt Bikes use cookies? What are the advantages of using cookies for both Dirt Bikes and its Web site visitors? What privacy issues do cookies create for Dirt Bikes? 3. Should Dirt Bikes join an organization such as TRUSTe to certify it has adopted approved privacy practices? Why or why not? 4. Should Dirt Bikes design its site so that it conforms to P3P standards? Why or why not? 5. Should Dirt Bikes adopt an opt-in or opt-out model of informed consent? 6. Include in your report a short (two to three pages) privacy statement for the Dirt Bikes ebsite. You can use the eight categories of the TRUSTe Model Privacy Statement as a guideline if you wish. 7. (Optional) Use electronic presentation software to summarize your recommendations for management.

Health Care Reform in the United States Essay example -- President Oba

Health Care Reform in the United States In the United States, more than forty million people are without health insurance. Of these people, many are employed by firms that do not offer coverage and many others fall just below the poverty line. Many are poor but still do not qualify for Medicaid. At least twelve million of those without health insurance are children. Reliable sources indicate that the number of uninsured people could rise as high as sixty million by the year 2010. There is also a dilemma that the insured United States citizens face, that their healthcare system is sick, and everyone is aware of its illness: profit. In 2008, Malike Hassan's, an HMO stockholdings CEO, salary was 166.4 million dollars. Most experts agree that the lack of plan participants' personal involvement in the healthcare system is largely responsible for inflation within the plans. However, as the debate rages on about how to best resolve the issues, it is certain that, as individuals become more involved in the healthcare process, they become an integral part of the solution. If people wish to change the system, they must change their role in healthcare reform from passive to active. In order to bring unification and unconstrained functionality to the U.S. healthcare system, people must first educate themselves on how their healthcare works, voice their opinions, and finally join together to bring reform. The first action people must take to insure their own well being and safety is to stay thoroughly informed on how their HMO plans run. Managed care is often criticized for encouraging the withholding of beneficial care from patients. People need to be aware that many HMOs contain Gag Rules. These rules, in contracts ... ...normous medical bills. Then there are citizens who are caught in the surreal world of Workers Comp, where money, if it ever shows up, is often too late. Healthcare is the one asset that affects every United States citizen. US citizens need to realize that the demand for healthcare services starts and ends with individuals. As personal involvement and education increase, people become empowered to make informed healthcare decisions, and that is good medicine for America as a whole. Bibliography: 1. Orient Jane M M.D. Your Doctor Is Not In Healthy Skepticism About National Healthcare Crown Publishing, Inc., Macon, GA, 2007. 2. National Organization of Physicians Who Care http://www.pwc.org/ 3. Daniels Norman. Benchmarks of Fairness for Health Care Reform Oxford Univ Press, London, UK, 2006. 4. Labor Party Online http:www.ipc.apc.org

The West in Film Essay -- Movies Native Americans Papers

The depiction of minorities, specifically women and Native Americans, in Western film has changed drastically from the early 1930's to the late 1980's. These changes represent the changing views of American society in general throughout the 20th century. In the early part of the century, women and Native Americans were depicted as a burden. Women were viewed as a form of property, helpless and needing support. These minorities were obstacles in the quest for manifest destiny by the United States. Western films during the early 20th century represent the ignorance of American culture towards minorities. As time progressed, society began to develop compassion for Native Americans and men began to see women as equals. The movie industry perpetuated the views of society throughout the last century. When Native Americans were seen as an "obstacle" in westward expansion, film directors supported these views on screen. As society began to question the treatment of Native Americans and women, the film scripts responded to these changes. By looking at western films over the last 60 years, the correlation between societal attitudes and film plots has changed the views of Native Americans and women. The two have worked together to bring the portrayal of Native Americans from savage beasts to victims, and women from property to equals. In the 1930's Native Americans and women were viewed as inferior races. The films produced during the early part of the 20th century, particularly those starring John Wayne reflected these societal attitudes. The portrayal of minorities in Stagecoach and Fort Apache clearly reflect the views of society at that time. The depiction of the West is similar to that which is found in old history textbooks, em... ...th the first westward expansion and the oppression of women lasted until the 1950's. However, it took American film produces until the 1990's to create roles for these minorities that were equal to those of white males. The depiction of minorities in western films, particularly women and Native Americans, has made significant progress from the 1930's and this progress has trickled into the teaching of history, particularly western expansion. Textbooks that used to emphasis the triumph and dominance of the United States over Native Americans, are now explaining expansion with less pride and more guilt. Women who played significant roles in society used to be ignored by history books, and are now included in almost every chapter. The progressive movements made by the film industry and society are allowing for Americans to look at the west in a new, enlightened manner.

Extracurricular Activities

Contents 1. Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 2. Literature Review†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 3. Survey Findings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 10 4. Analysis of Data†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦15 5. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 17 6. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 18 Effect of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Performance at NSU Introduction Music, volunteer work, community service, sports, debating, etc—all of these have an influence on how university students perform academically.The way students choose to spend their free time can affect their academic performance; it is not simply traditional in-class instruction that impacts academic achievement. â€Å"A study by the U. S. Department of Education revealed that students who participate in co-curricular activities are three times more likely to have a grade point average of 3. 0 or better† than students who do not participate in co-curricular activities (Stephens & Schaben, 2002, para. ). In addition to co-curricular or extracurricular activities, â€Å"analyses revealed that regardless of students’ background and prior achievement, various parenting, volunteering, and home learning activities positively influenced student grades† (Simon, 2001, para. 1). Numerous studies have examined the factors influencing students’ academic achievement, and many activities were found to have a significant influence.According to BUGS (Bringing Up Girls in Science), a program for young girls and their parents at the University of North Texas, â€Å"the home environment is among the most important influences on academic performance† (Bringing Up Girls in Science, 2003, para. 2). A correlation appears to exist between the activities that students choose outside of the classroom and their academic performance. One of the main controversies is the effect that television viewing of students has on their academic achievement. â€Å"The relationship between cognitive development and television viewing has been the one most widely studied.Investigators disagree about the effects of this relationship† (Shin, 2004, para. 2). The amount and quality of television viewing and family involvement are not the only influences of academic performance. The effects of music and sports are also controversial in their relation to academic performance. University Deans are interested in the relationship between academic achievement and participation in interscholastic sports at university level these days implying that sports do have some sort of influence on how students perform academically.All of these activities appear to have some sort of effect on students’ academic performance; however, the issue of whether they benefit or hinder is unknown. The research would be described as a descriptive study because it observes behaviors â€Å"as they occur naturally, describes behav ior, explores a phenomenon, and tests hypotheses about behavior† (Brown, Cozby, Kee, & Worden, 1999, p. 75). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the club activities that students of North South University (where I study currently) take part in have an effect on their academic performance.I believe that extracurricular activities (club activities) have a positive effect on a student’s academic performance at NSU. | | | | Literature Review The History of Extracurricular Activities The development of extracurricular activities was slow in the beginning, with many seeing it simply as a fad that would pass and quickly fade out of style (Millard, 1930, p. 11). One of the early philosophies behind extracurricular activities was that they should, wherever at all possible, â€Å"grow out of curricular activities and return to curricular activities to enrich them† (Millard, 1930, p. 2). Eventually people, including educators, began to see th e benefits of extracurricular activities, but it took a while to inure themselves to them. In fact, before 1900, educators were skeptical of participation in extracurricular activities, believing that â€Å"school should focus solely on narrowly defined academic outcomes. Non-academic activities were viewed as being primarily recreational and therefore were detrimental to academic achievement, and consequently were discouraged† (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 5).Deam and Bear, early experts on extracurricular activities, said, â€Å"Extracurricular activities supplement and extend those contacts and experiences found in the more formal part of the program of the school day† (Millard, 1930, p. 16). It was not until recently that â€Å"educational practitioners and researchers have taken a more positive perspective, arguing that extracurricular activities may have positive effects on life skills and may also benefit academic accomplishments† (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002 , para. 5). It is obvious that extracurricular activities have an impact on academic performance and education ever since their inception.The question is, how are extracurricular activities affecting academic performance today? Extracurricular Activities and Academic Performance Numerous studies have been conducted concerning the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. Total extracurricular activity participation (TEAP), or participation in extracurricular activities in general, is associated with an improved grade point average, higher educational aspirations, increased college attendance, and reduced absenteeism† (Broh, 2002, para. 8).Guest and Schneider (2003), in looking at the previous research on this subject said, â€Å"Researchers have found positive associations between extracurricular participation and academic achievement† (para. 2). Although researchers agree that extracurricular activities do, in fact, influence academic pe rformance, the specific effect that various activities produce is debated. One study, conducted by the National Educational Longitudinal Study, found that â€Å"participation in some activities improves achievement, while participation in others diminishes achievement† (Broh, 2002, para. ). Many extracurricular activities have proven to be beneficial in building and strengthening academic achievement, even if the activities are not obviously related to academic subjects (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 9). â€Å"A number of studies revealed that students participating in extracurricular activities did better academically than students who did not participate† (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 7). Researchers have particularly studied the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance in adolescents.One study found that â€Å"adolescents who participated in extracurricular activities reported higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school, an d higher academic aspirations† (Darling, Caldwell, & Smith, 2005, para. 1). Darling, Caldwell, and Smith (2005) conducted a longitudinal study concerning extracurricular activities and their effect on various aspects of development, including academic performance. A survey containing a list of twenty different extracurricular activities was distributed to students; they were asked to check which extracurricular activities they participated in that year.Demographic questions, such as their favorite activity, gender, and ethnicity were asked in order to take the social factors and influences into account when calculating the results. The students were also asked what their academic goals were and their grade point average. The results showed that the students who participated in school-based extracurricular activities had higher grades, higher academic aspirations, and better academic attitudes than those who were not involved in extracurricular activities at all (Para. 3-35). S ocial Influences of Extracurricular Activities and Academic Performance Numerous studies indicate that extracurricular activities do, in fact, promote academic performance in students. However, are the extracurricular activities themselves, regardless of outside or social influences, responsible for this impact on academic performance? Guest and Schneider (2003) conducted research on what influence various social factors had on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance.They found that most of the studies previously conducted on the relationship between these two factors had not taken into account the meaning that participation in extracurricular activities â€Å"[held] for individual participants within distinct social contexts† (Para. 3). They believed that every school and community assigned certain values to the various activities, putting more importance on some over others. The value that is placed on each activity affects the relations hip between that specific activity and academic performance (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. ). Guest and Schneider (2003) concluded that there are three factors which influence this relationship. These factors are the â€Å"what,† the â€Å"where,† and the â€Å"when† (Para. 7). The â€Å"what† suggests that â€Å"the type of participation or activity undertaken influences developmental outcomes† (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 8). The â€Å"where† suggests â€Å"that the school and community context in which extracurricular activity takes place matters† (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 9).Finally, the â€Å"when† suggests â€Å"that the developmental and historical context in which extracurricular participation takes place influences both how it is valued and its effects on subsequent development† (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 10). All three of these factors work together to influence the relationship between participa tion in extracurricular activities and academic performance, because each one places a different value both on activities and academics. Formal Versus Informal Extracurricular Activities Some researchers have divided extracurricular activities into informal and formal activities.The formal activities include activities which are relatively structured, such as participating in athletics or learning to play a musical instrument. Informal activities, on the other hand, also known as leisure activities, include less structured activities, such as watching television. Some literature on leisure studies has â€Å"suggested that formal and informal activity settings have different influences on motivation and feelings of competence,† two factors which influence academic performance (Guest & Schneider, 2003, para. 8).One study found â€Å"that more time in leisure activities was related to poorer academic grades, poorer work habits, and poorer emotional adjustments,† while mor e time in â€Å"structured groups and less time watching TV were associated with higher test scores and school grades† (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 15). Guest and Schneider (2003), in their study, found that â€Å"the type of participation or activity undertaken influences developmental outcomes (Para. 8). This involves the â€Å"what† factor and is the concern of this research project.There have been many studies conducted on the influence that extracurricular activities have on academic performance. Their effects have â€Å"differed substantially for different activities. There were a total of seventy-six statistically significant effects, fifty-eight positive and eighteen negative† (Marsh & Kleitman, 2002, para. 11). The Relationship Between Volunteer Work and Academic Performance A dearth of literature on the relationship between volunteering and academic achievement exists; nevertheless, it is becoming more popular in academic settings as a way of improv ing academics, as well as society.Many schools now require their students to complete a mandatory number of hours of volunteer work per year or semester. Schools have implemented â€Å"service learning,† which incorporates community service and volunteer work into the curriculum, because it has been proven to have a positive effect on academic performance (Hinck & Brandell, 1999). Service learning â€Å"can and does have a positive impact on the psychological, social, and intellectual development of adolescents who participate† (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 11).Usually the services performed are related, in some way, to some academic subject, but most forms of volunteer work and community service can be tied to academics in one way or another. As a result, â€Å"more and more studies are finding that increased academic growth is the result when service is combined with intellectual content† (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 17). One study, conducted on over 2,000 students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, found that student performance improved as a result of service learning (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 17).The Texas Council of Chief State School Officers reported that â€Å"involvement in service learning affects students’ higher level thinking skills, motivation to learn, application of learning, insight, and basic academic skills† (Hinck & Brandell, 1999, para. 18). One study performed to determine the relationship between academic performance and community partnerships found that â€Å"regardless of students’ background and prior achievement, volunteering activities positively influenced student grades, course credits completed, attendance, behavior, and school preparedness† (Simon, 2001, para. 1).All of the literature concerning the relationship between academic performance and volunteering presented a positive relationship. (Citied in Fujita, 2005) Survey Findings Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Analysis of Data When asked whether their CGPA improves when they are actively involved with club activities and events, eighty percent members of North South University Social Services Club, sixty percent members of North South University Sports Club and eighty percent members of North South University Shangskritik Shanghatan responded with ‘no’.They also answered ‘negative’ when asked what kind of effect their chosen extracurricular activity has on their academic performance in the same percentages. This clearly shows that the majority of the members of these three clubs feel that they perform poor in their academics when they are involved with club works. The activities of the club, although it may provide satisfaction to the active members, it does not help them with their studies. The courses they take at NSU have no relation with the activities of the club.Therefore, they get ex hausted after doing the activities of the club and do not get time to concentrate on their studies. And also, since the activities of these three clubs have no relation with the courses offered at NSU, it does not help them with their academics in any way. However, a totally different picture can be seen when the responses of the active members of Young Economists’ Forum (YEF) and North South University English Club are analyzed. Here, it should be mentioned that all the members who filled up the questionnaires from these two clubs were from the Economics and English departments respectively.Although it is not mandatory for the members of YEF to be from the economics department and for the members of English club to be from the English department, my sample included all YEF members from the Economics department and all English Club members from the English department. So, this is one of the major reasons for eighty percent of YEF members and sixty percent of English Club memb ers to respond with ‘yes’ when asked whether their CGPA improves when they are actively involved with club activities.Respectively, they also answered ‘positive’ with the same percentage when asked what kind of influence their chosen ECA has on their academic performance. This shows that since the extracurricular activities chosen by the members of YEF and English Club from the selected sample are related to their field of study at NSU, they feel their CGPA improves and that the activities have a positive effect on their academic performance. Finally, when the CGPA of the total sample is analyzed, it can be seen that sixty percent of the total sample have a bad CGPA between 1. 05 and 3. 00.The rest forty percent have a very good CGPA between 3. 01 and 3. 97. The students with good CGPA belong to clubs which organize activities related to the student’s academics. This further strengthens the argument that students who are involved in club activities w hich complements their studies perform well in their studies than those students whose club activities are unrelated to their academics. Conclusion From the conducted survey, it can be concluded that my hypothesis is partially proved correct. Extracurricular activities in the form of club activities do have a positive effect on a student’s academic performance at NSU.However, the club activity must be related to the courses taken by the students or their field of study. It helps the students perform better in their academics and score better grades if the club activities they are involved in helps broaden the students’ knowledge about his chosen field of study at NSU. If students’ choose to become a member of a club whose activities have no relation with their academics, although they may become very skilled at those activities but this will hamper their study, and their academic performance will go down in the form of a low CGPA.All being said and done, student s should not base their decision of getting involved in club activities or participating in any other extracurricular activity from the findings of this study. This research is only a small attempt to find out the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance at NSU. Students should set their priorities themselves and choose their extracurricular activity accordingly or choose them according to their interests. They have the liberty to do so as they are mature adults.However, it would be wise if students chose their extracurricular activities carefully. At the end of the day, academic performance matters the most. NSU’s reputation depends on the quality of the students who study here. If NSU is filled with active ‘clubbers’ who are very good at their club activities but poor in studies then NSU’s reputation will go down in the eyes of all who see NSU as a place of quality higher education. References Bringing Up Girls in Science. (2003). Bugs—parents (University of North Texas). Retrieved February 26, 2005, from http://www. oe. unt. edu/bugs/parents. index. html Broh, B. A. (2002, January). Linking extracurricular programming to academic achievement: Who benefits and why? [Electronic version]. Sociology of Education, 75, 69-96. Brown, K. W. , Cozby, P. C. , Kee, D. W. , & Worden, P. E. (1999). Research methods in human development. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publications. Darling, N. , Caldwell, L. L. , & Smith, R. (2005). Participation in school-based extracurricular activities and adolescent adjustment [Electronic version].Journal of Leisure Research, 37, 51-77. Fujita, K. (2005). 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