African American History. Heritage Essay

Heritage makes up a large portion of our History. Combine that heritage with race and you have a foundation for establishing different beginnings of races that can trace their early origins back to the beginning of the United States. A giant melting pot as it has been described due to all of the immigration that occurred in the early nineteenth century. African Americans have established an enormous role in the beginnings and the history of the America. Their continuous fight for equality and rights as American people have spanned many years. The actions against African Americans immediately following the conclusion of the civil war were not fair. This initial unfair treatment sparked numerous debates that all can be followed back to their initial start of fair treatment after many years of mistreatment. The Black Codes were established to restrict and control the lives of ex-slaves. (Bowles 2011) That is not a way to be granted freedom if your life is still controlled. Freedom isn’t freedom if you are still treated unfairly amongst other races. The thirteenth amendment established to abolish slavery in the United States. This was a major step to equality among African Americans. The industrial boom in the north sparked the interest of many looking for work. The promise of a job and being able to provide for your family drew the attention of millions of African Americans. These jobs caused a mass movement of African Americans from the south to the north. This move was the Great Migration. The entry into World War Two brought some unique opportunities for African Americans. Key components to the war were the Tuskegee Airmen. Moving on in their fight for equal rights and treatments, Rosa Parks made a stand and refused to give up her seat on a bus. Seeing the need for more action by the government, Martin Luther king assembled a massive million man march into the Nation’s capital. The struggle for African Americans has been a long and at times dangerous struggle. Former slave owners and many others in the south did not wish to abandon their way of life and what they saw as fair and equal treatment for African Americans. With the determination, the will to make a difference, and legislative actions. African Americans have changed the laws and made remarkable steps towards the fair and equal treatment they were always entitled to as any American should be. Their nonstop pursuit of change has had an everlasting effect on history. The hopes and dreams of freedom for African Americans were destroyed immediately following the end of the civil war, because of black codes and the intimidation with terror and violence from veteran confederates that formed the terrorist group called the Ku Klux Klan. As newly freed slaves, blacks found out very soon that freedom was not how they dreamed. â€Å"In 1865, southerners created black code that controlled all aspects of black’s lives and stopped new found African Americans from the freedom that they had won from the civil war. † (The Black Codes of the South 1966) Almost every part of free slaves life was regulated by black codes even the freedom to migrate. Blacks could not enter certain towns without permission so hopes of finding family that were sold during slavery proved to be a challenge. There was also vagrancy laws that stated all freedman were vagrant if they did not have a job or they were homeless. Black codes made segregation in public facilities, carrying any kind of weapons, and to testify in court against white men illegal. If a black person disobeyed these codes and imprisonment would occur most of the time. This was a backwards step towards equality and freedom. Black codes did offer a few certain rights to blacks. They were given the right to marry, and the right to own some land. Although being a free black slave during this time period was a monumental step towards a unified country, blacks would face bigger challenges throughout the next century. The Thirteenth Amendment was one of the most influential amendments to have ever been passed in our country. The Thirteenth Amendment states, â€Å"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction† (US Constitution, Amendment 13, Section 1) The intent of the Thirteenth amendment was to abolish slavery and begin the long process of just and equal rights for all American citizens. The passing of this amendment put an end to slavery and caused disruption to the former slave owners in the South. The Southern States that seceded from the union were forced to free their slaves and pass the amendment to be allowed back into the union. The south was then forced to find a new means of supporting themselves and working their cash crops. With this amendment passed, the African Americans were finally free and the vast majority of slaves the worked on plantations were gone because they were free. Although racism and segregation still played a major role in their lives, they were no longer forced to work as slaves. Slavery was not only a form of forced labor. Many slaves also faced humiliation, punishment, and harsh lives. They were some slaves that were treated as they were lower than they animals they were forced to care for. The origins of slavery and the continuation of slaves well into after the civil war were tarnish on America. The thirteen amendment abolished slavery, it did not offer much regulation onto gender equality. This was certainly true for former black female slaves. They were not afforded the same equal rights and opportunities as free former black male slaves. â€Å"Female slaves suffered unique hardships, being exploited for both labor and reproduction. † (Tsesis, A.2012). With the initial passing of the thirteenth amendment, the future road was being paved for equality amongst black both male and female. This amendment would go on to be ratified until eventually equality was achieved for both genders. The great migration covers the movement of millions of African Americans from the south to the north due to industrial expansion. Though this is not the first great migration, being there was a large migration of African Americans shortly after the civil war, this migration had a much larger effect. Populations of African Americans drastically changed because of it. Population diversity was established. During the 20th century, African- Americans participated in one of the most significant demographic events in U. S. history, â€Å"The Great Migration. † The Great Migration was a massive movement of African Americans from the South to the North spanning from 1863 to 1960. The largest movement in the migration occurred from 1910 to 1920. (Bowles 2011) The Great Migration was caused by different reasons that pushed African Americans out of the South, and other chances of opportunity were pulling them to the North. The spring on 1916, Six million African-Americans moved to the North and the West part of the United States of America. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, less than 8 percent of the African- Americans population lived in the Northeastern or Midwestern part of the United States. The U. S. Senate had ordered an investigation into it. In 1900, about 90 percent of blacks still lived in Southern states. They also moved to Canada in order to maintain safe haven from anti-abolitionists. When it was time for the blacks to move the only transportation for them were trains, boats, buses, but sometimes cars were used for their transportation. The promise of good employment, food, money, and a place to take care of your family drew the attention of many African Americans. The Great Migration created the first large urban black communities in the North. Along with massive amounts of blacks relocating to these cities also come problems. Many blacks were crammed into housing. At times, the occupancy of the housing that they lived in exceeded the limits they were designed for. Imagine an apartment that can accommodate five people comfortably being push over the limits by having twelve people reside in it instead. These were perfect conditions for disease, unsanitary conditions, and in some extreme cases, death. These dwellings became to be known as ghettos. All good things must come to an end and many blacks realized that due to the mass amount of laborers that migrated to the North, many of the jobs were taken. The south offered the work of the past, but this time they would be paid for it and not forced to do the work. â€Å"After the Great Migration, blacks continued to move in search of opportunity as some returned to the South, while others moved to suburbs or better neighborhoods within the North. †(Stewart E. Tolnay 2003) An important military milestone is African American history were the Tuskegee Airmen. These brave airmen were the first step towards race equality within the aviation sector of the military. Although African Americans had regularly fought in wars, they were not allowed to participate in actual aerial combat. The airmen were an import key in closing the race inequalities within the military. The Tuskegee airmen have become to be known as the most influential air squadron during world war two. Racism was still a major ongoing issue well into world war two. Many whites did not like the idea of African Americans being allowed to fly airplanes and fight in aerial combat. The Tuskegee Airmen did more than just that. They became the first black Army Air Corps pilots. Their beginnings started when President Roosevelt had arranged a meeting with three African American leaders of the Army and Navy. They argued that equality needed to be stable throughout the military, administration needed to be fair in regards to the ongoing draft, and African Americans should be allowed to fly. (Percy 2003) Shortly after the meeting had concluded, the War Department issued a policy directive stating that black men would be admitted into the military in numbers equal to civilian black population. In December of 1940, the Army Air Corps had submitted a plan that would establish experiments with a fighter squadron that consisted of all black pilots. Initially, thirteen black men were selected as pilot trainees for the program. The training occurred at Tuskegee Alabama, hence the name given, The Tuskegee Airmen. Majority of the instructors assigned to train the men were white. There were high hopes the failure would occur and this would prove to the War Department that African Americans were not suitable for flying. â€Å"The man probably most responsible for the success of the Tuskegee Airmen, the man whom the cadets looked to most often, was Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (Percy 2003) Captain Davis helped keep the fight alive in all of the cadets which allowed them to ignore the Jim Crow laws that were still in place and they were able to focus their attention on becoming pilots. After the success of the Tuskegee Airmen, they became a vital part of the war effort. The Tuskegee Airmen were assigned combat missions, participating in aerial combat, and helping to win the war. The Tuskegee Airmen program was a giant step towards equality within the military and an important historical milestone in our history. A famous name associated with the Civil Rights movements is Rosa Parks. She was the average everyday woman. She rode the bus to and from work every day like any other ordinary person. She had acquired a job as a seamstress at a local department store in Montgomery Alabama. On the night of December 1, 1955, Rosa took the bus home as normal. The public bus was split into two different sections. There was a white section and a black section. If the white section filled up, people in the black section were required to give up their seat for the whites and they would have to stand. This was an unjust law in Montgomery that many blacks disagreed with. This did not seem like the equality that they deserved. Couple this law with all of the segregated services in Alabama; one would think that the hatred for free African Americans ran high. â€Å"Rosa refused to give up her seat despite the threats given to her by the bus driver. † (Wiltenburg, M 2001) She was arrested and forced to pay a fine of $14, which she never did end up paying. Word of her arrest spread fast and immediately following the next day, flyers emerged all around Alabama black schools and businesses pleading that those who rode the bus should seek alternate means of travel. The bus company was owned by whites even though majority of the passengers were black. The actions were to show that the law was not fair to blacks and hopefully the bus company would see this through their loss of profit due to their unfair rule. The boycott lasted well over a year. Finally the United States Supreme Court ruled that it was unlawful and illegal to treat people differently on the bus because of their skin color. (Wiltenburg, M 2001) The actions taken by Rosa Parks to generate a Civil Rights Movement were brave for her to conduct during the racist times of Montgomery. Her actions set off the initial movement that would pave the way for many more to come and challenge the racist laws that restricted the lives of black people. The Million Man March was another major event of the Civil Rights Movement. What better way to peacefully protest the unfair treatment of African Americans than to assemble in the Nation’s Capital and fight for equality among all races. Some Civil Rights Leaders were opposed to the march. Mary Frances Berry, Chair of the U. S. Civil Rights Commission, thought the actions of the march were â€Å"bad due to the black community being in deep trouble already. † (Winter, 1995-1996) Despite her disapproval, the march went on. While the actual number of participants can’t be pin pointed to an exact number, it is estimated that it was between 1. 5 and 2 million participants. This large showing of force allowed for peaceful protest and representation for the black community. They sought to gain the attention of the Federal Government so they could overcome the harsh reality that racism was still an ongoing issue and blacks were still being treated unequally by whites. Majority of the attendees were black males. The march was also attended by origins of race that were not primarily black. They saw an opportunity to take part in the possible change of equality and rights as well. Many famous black speakers were in attendance at the march, from Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and many black religious leaders. Although the peaceful protest eventually ended, it still remains one of the most talked about and biggest contributions to the Civil Rights Movements. History has shown that African Americans have faced a lot of challenges. Through unfair treatment in the early beginnings of America, African Americans were used as slaves and the country saw this as a normal and legal way of life. The actions taken by President Lincoln helped shed light on the tarnished actions of the American people and he is credited with having helped free the slaves. The black codes were a way that hateful southerners could still control the lives of black people. The southerners were upset because their way of life and what they saw as normal was being changed. The passing of the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. This was a step in the right direction and it sparked the creation of many amendments to follow in suite. The great migration offered new hopes and promises of work in the North. Millions of African Americans began showing up in cities eager to get a piece of the American workforce. They were met with many housing, health, and physical challenges. Some blacks realized that the work in the North was not for them and they returned to the South to continue farming of their own free will and not under the control of slavery. World War Two brought light to African Americans with the chance of becoming pilots. The Tuskegee Airmen showed courage in the face of racism and overcame the discriminations brought onto them through the military. They became a vital part of the war effort and actively participated in aerial combat and bombing raids. Rosa Parks set the stepping stones for the Civil Rights movement. Her actions that night on the bus spread quickly and blacks refused to ride the buses in Montgomery Alabama. The efforts lasted well over a year and Congress finally determined that the law was unlawful. The million man march is one of the biggest actions in the Civil Rights movement. Blacks showed in large numbers to promote equality and diminish racism on the federal level. Many key speakers participated in this march, even though leaders of the Civil Rights Committee did not agree with the march. These actions taken by African Americans represent a small portion of the triumphs that they have overcome since slavery ended. There are many events and sacrifices that have been made by African Americans through the years. Their nonstop pursuit to end racism, have equality, and bring change to America will have an everlasting change on history. References Bowles, M. (2011). A history of the United States since 1865. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Jim Crow and Uncle Sam: The Tuskegee Flying Units and the U. S. Army Air Forces in Europe during World War II William Alexander Percy The Journal of Military History , Vol. 67, No. 3 (Jul. , 2003), pp. 773-810 Published by: Society for Military History Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/3397326 Tuskegee: A Retrospect and Prospect Booker T. Washington The North American Review , Vol. 182, No. 593 (Apr. , 1906), pp. 513-523 Published by: University of Northern Iowa Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor. org/stable/25105549 Wiltenburg, M. (2001, Feb 20). The story behind the rosa parks story. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/405670133? accountid=32521 The Black Codes of the South by Theodore B. Wilson Review by: Irwin Unger The Florida Historical Quarterly , Vol. 45, No. 2 (Oct. , 1966), pp. 183-185 Published by: Florida Historical Society Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/30147751 Tsesis, A. (2012). GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT. Columbia Law Review, 112(7), 1641-1695. Maloney, T. N. (2002). African American Migration to the North: New Evidence for the 1910s. Economic Inquiry, 40(1), 1-11. Annual Review of Sociology , Vol. 29, (2003), pp. 209-232 Published by: Annual Reviews Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/30036966 Marable, M. (1995). After the march. New Statesman & Society, 8(376), 14. How Black Academics Viewed the Million Man March The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education , No. 10 (Winter, 1995-1996), pp. 59-63 Published by: The JBHE Foundation, Inc Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/2962767.

Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive Statistics Question 1: The Dow Jones Travel Index reported what business travelers pay for hotel rooms per night in major U. S. cities (The Wall Street Journal, January 16,2004). The average hotel room rates for 20 cities are as follows Atlanta | $163| Minneapolis| $125| Boston | 177| New Orleans| 169| Chicago| 166| New York| 245| Cleveland| 126| Orlando| 146| Dallas| 123| Phoenix| 139| Denver| 120| Pittsburgh| 134| Detroit| 144| San Francisco| 167| Houston| 173| Seattle| 162| Los Angeles| 160| St. Louis| 145| Miami| 192| Washington D. C. | 207| a.What is the mean hotel room rate? b. What is the median hotel room rate? c. What is the mode? d. What is the first quartile? e. What is the third quartile? Question 2: The National Association of Collage and Employers compiled information about annual starting salaries for college graduates by major. The mean starting salary for business administration graduates was $39,850 (CNNM Money. com, February 15, 2006). Samples with annu al starting data for marketing majors and accounting majors follow (data are in thousands): Marketing Majors| 34. 2| 45| 39. 5| 28. | 37. 7| 35. 8| 30. 6| 35. 2| 34. 2| 42. 4| Accounting Majors| 33. 5| 57. 1| 49. 7| 40. 2| 44. 2| 45. 2| 47. 8| 38| 53. 9| 41. 1| 41. 7| 40. 8| 55. 5| 43. 5| 49. 1| 49. 9| a. Compute the mean, median, and mode of the annual starting salary for both majors. b. Compute the first and third quartiles for both majors. c. Business administration students with accounting majors generally obtain the highest annual salary after graduation. What do the sample data indicate about the difference between the annual starting salaries for marketing and accounting majors?Question 3: The American Association of Individual Investors conducted an annual survey of discount brokers (AAII Journal, January 2003). The commissions charged by 24 discount brokers for two types of trades, a broker-assisted trade of 100 shares at $50 per share and an online trade of 500 shares at $ 50 per share. a. Compute the mean, median, and mode for the commission charged on a broker-assisted trade of 100 shares at $50 per share. b. Compute the mean, media, and mode for the commission charged on an online trade of 500 shares at $50 per share. c.Which costs more, a broker-assisted trade of 100 shares at $50 per share or an online trade of 500 shares at $50 per share? d. Is the cost of a transaction related to the amount of the transaction? TABLE: COMMISSIONS CHARGED BY DISCOUNT BROKERS Question 4: A sample of 10 NCAA college basketball game scores provided the following data (USA Today, January 26, 2004) Winning Team| Points| Losing Team | Points | Winning Margin| Arizona | 90| Oregon | 66| 24| Duke| 85| Georgetown| 66| 19| Florida State| 75| Wake Forest| 70| 5| Kansas| 78| Colorado| 57| 21|Kentucky| 71| Notre Dame| 63| 8| Louisville| 65| Tennessee| 62| 3| Oklahoma State| 72| Texas| 66| 6| Purdue| 76| Michigan State| 70| 6| Stanford | 77| Southern Cal| 67| 10| Wisconsin | 7 6| Illinois | 56| 20| a. Compute the mean and standard deviation for the points scored by the winning team. b. Assume that the points by the winning teams for all NCAA games follow a bell-shaped distribution. Using the mean and standard deviation found in part (a), estimate the percentage of all NCAA games in which the winning team scores 84 or more points. Estimate the percentage ofNCAA games in which the winning team scores more than 90 points. c. Compute the mean and standard deviation for the winning margin. Question 5: Consumer Review posts reviews and rating of a variety of products on the Internet. The following is a sample of 20 speaker systems and their ratings (www. audioreview. com). The ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being best. Speaker| Rating| Speaker| Rating | Infinity Kappa | 4. 00| ACI Sapphire III| 4. 67| Allison One| 4. 12| Bose 501 Series | 2. 14| Cambridge Ensemble II| 3. 82| DCM KX-212| 4. 09|Dynaudio Contour 1. 3| 4. 00| Eosone RSR1000| 4. 17| Hsu Rs ch. HRSW12V| 4. 56| Joseph Audio RM7si| 4. 88| Legacy Audio Focus| 4. 32| Martin Logan Aerius| 4. 26| Mission 73li| 4. 33| Omni Audio SA 12. 3| 2. 32| PSB 400i| 4. 50| Polk Audio RT12| 4. 50| Snell Acoustics DIV| 4. 64| Sunfire True Subwoofer| 4. 17| Thiel CS 1. 5| 4. 20| Yamaha NS-A636| 2. 17| a. Compute the mean and the median. b. Compute the first and third quartiles. c. Compute the standard deviation. d. The skewness of this data is – 1. 67. Comment on the shape of the distribution. Question 6:According to the 2003 Annual Consumer Spending Survey, the average monthly Bank of America Visa credit card charge was $1838 (U. S. Airways Attache Magazine, December 2003). A sample of monthly credit card charges provides the following data. 236| 1710| 1351| 825| 7450| 316| 4135| 1333| 1584| 387| 991| 3396| 170| 1428| 1688| a. Compute the mean and median. b. Compute the first and third quartiles. c. Compute the range and interquartile range. d. Compute the variance and standard dev iation. Question 7: Small business owners often look to payroll service companies to handle their employee payroll.Reasons are that small business owners face complicated tax regulations and penalties for employment tax errors are costly. According to the Internal Revenue Service, 26% of all small business employment tax returns contained errors that resulted in tax penalty to the owner (The Wall Street Journal, January 30, 2006). The tax penalty for a sample of 20 small business owners follows: 820| 270| 450| 1010| 890| 700| 1350| 350| 300| 1200| 390| 730| 2040| 230| 640| 350| 420| 270| 370| 620| a. What is the mean tax penalty for improperly filed employment tax returns? b.What is the standard deviation? c. Is the highest penalty, $2040, an outlier? d. What are some of the advantages of a small business owner hiring a payroll service company to handle employee payroll services, including the employment tax returns? Question 8: The National Association of Realtors reported the medi an home price in the United States and the increase in median home price over a five-year period (The Wall Street, Journal, January 16, 2006). Use the sample home prices shown here to answer the following questions. 995. 9| 48. 8| 175. 0| 263. 50| 298. 0| 218. 9| 209. | 628. 3| 111. 0| 212. 9| 92. 6| 2325. 0| 958. 0| 212. 5| a. What is the sample median home price? b. In January 2001, the National Association of Realtors reported a median home price of $139,300 in the United States. What was the percentage increase in the median home price over the five-year period? c. What are the first quartile and the third quartile for the sample data? d. Provide a five-number summary for the home prices. e. What is the mean home price for the sample? Why does the National Association of Realtors prefer to use the median home price in its reports?

Public Health Essay

Edwin Chadwick was a very effective campaigner on many different health issues; a few of these things were; working conditions, poor sanitation and poor housing. Chadwick was also known as one of the founder fathers of public health also as the sanitary movement. His report was associated with the environmental factors of poverty and ill health. He then engaged in the help of civil and medical engineering professionals to carry out his idea, this idea were to improve the general health of the population and the general public. Chadwick made recommendations to set up a local authority to deal with the sanitary issues that were in public health. Six years later after Chadwick’s guidance to the National Public Health Act (1894) was passed on board of health establishments. The public health authority will be very important because the promoting education and practice is seen as a key European regional priority and achieving improvements in health. The work of John Snow (1854) John Snow was also seen as another Father of Epidemiology. Epidemiology means the study of diseases in the human population. Snow was also intrigued about drinking water in the spread of Cholera disease and had come up with the theory that the people who had been drinking the water were the ones that had contracted the disease and were more likely to get the disease to those who had not drunk the water. He then plotted the cases of Cholera on a map and discovered that the people that were ill were all getting their water from the same water pump, located near the river Thames, which was contaminating the drinking water with sewerage. The connection between contaminated water and Cholera disease was then established before bacteriology was able to recognise the causative organism. John Simon and the 1866 Sanitary John Simon was seen as the third founding father of public health. Simon succeeded Chadwick in his role in public health administration, as he worked thoroughly with the engineers and he also assisted in the installation of the sewage system in the 1850’s and 1860’s. Simon also had a profession of a physician and then followed on to become a medical officer to the board of health in 1855. The chief engineer of the sewage system was Joseph Bazalgette. In 1866 the sanitary act placed a duty of inspection on local authorities and then decided to extend their range of sanitary powers. 2. The significant Public Health Advances in the 20th Century The Beveridge Report (1942) The Beveridge report was issued by an economist and social reformer, which was combined with the development of the welfare state, he was named William Beveridge. After the second world war the government promised reforms that would create a more equal society and then ask Beveridge to write a report on how to support people on low incomes (A report on the ways that Britain could fix itself). The new MP Clement Attlee published the introduction of the welfare state plan in the 1942 Beveridge report. In 1942 he then recommended the government to figure out the ways to figure out the 5 giant evils, these were, ‘want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness’. Beveridge did many reports oh which included; all working people to pay weekly contribution from their wages (TAX), also In return, benefits would be available to, the sick, the unemployed, the retired and the widowed. Founding of the National Health Service (1948) In 1948 the minister for health was Aneurin Bevan. He was the person who made (NHS) known. The National health service was made in 1948, which it’s main priority was to provide free health care/treatment for all. A national system of benefits was broadcasted to provide social security so the members of the population would be protected ‘from cradle to grave’. The NHS gather up to 10% from central taxes, this makes it fair for the rich to pay a bit more than the poor, Bevan saw this as a crucial part of the scheme. The care is free when needed but later chargers for additional needs were then added on if prescriptions and dentistry treatments were needed. Everybody in Britain is entitled to free care, even people who come visiting the country. The Acheson report into inequalities in Health (1998) The Acheson report highlights the reality of differences in health and their connections to different social classes. This shows overall downward flow mortality from 1970 – 1990. Donald Acheson made a list of 39 recommendations for addressing the problems following the inequalities of health. These included a number of things such as; improving the standards of education, making restrictions to smoking in public places and tackling alcohol misuse and also increasing benefits for certain groups of people. The 3 areas that are most crucial are; all policies likely to have an impact on health should be assessed in terms of their impact on health inequality, a high priority should be given to the health of families with children and further steps should be taken to reduce income inequalities and improve the living standards of poor households. Saving lives: Our healthier nation (1999) The labour government created this strategy to tackle poor health after it came into power in 1977. This has links to the Acheson report, as they were also trying to find out the main causes of the ill health. These included unemployment, pollution, low wages, crime and disorder and poor housing. They had main targets which were to reduce the death rates from various killers these were; cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke, accidents and mental illness. To achieve these they decided to put in in more money which was  £21 billion to secure a healthier population, tackle smoking as it was classed as the single biggest preventable cause of poor health, intergrating government and local government work to improve health, stressing health improvement as a key role for the NHS and pressing for high health standards for all, not just the privileged few. 3. The significant Public Health advances in the 21st century Choosing health: Making healthy choices easier (2004) The white paper of 2004 recommended a new approach to public health. This reflected a rapidly changing to society, this included the use of IT to make them think about how they might be able to improve there health. There has been acknowledgement of the governments role in promotion of social justice and they have made an effort to tackle wider causes of ill health and equality. The white paper outlined some important ways to help people make informed choices about their health, they were based on members of the publics views and what would work best for them, these were: Informed choice (people want to make their own decisions about choices that affect their health and to have credible and trustworthy information to help them do so), 2, Personalisation of services and third is social cohesion ( the public are clear that government and individuals alone cannot make progress on healthier choices. Real progress depends on effective partnerships across communities, including local government, the NHS, business, advertisers, retailers, the voluntary sector, communities, the media, faith organisations and many others). There are 6 main problems that need dealing with, there are; Obesity (improving diets), Alcohol related diseases (reduce the consumption), Smoking related problems (reduce it), Sexual health and Increase in exercise and improve mental health. Health Protection Agency (HPA) (2003) The HPA is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. Which also includes education and training. It does this by providing advice and information to the general public, to health professionals such as doctors and nurses and to national and local government. The agency identifies and responds to health hazards and emergencies caused by infectious disease, hazardous chemicals, poisons or radiation. It gives advice to the public on how to stay healthy and avoid health hazards, provides data and information to the government to help inform its decision making and advises people working in healthcare. From 2013 the HPA will become part of Public health England. The agency combines public health and scientific knowledge, research and emergency planning within one organisation and also works at international, national, re gional and local levels. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (NICE) is in charge for giving national guidance on the promotion of good health, this involves; independent, authoritative and evidence-based guidance on the most effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health. Guidance is for the NHS, local authorities, charities and anyone with a responsibility for commissioning or providing healthcare, public health or social care services. There are 3 main areas of conduct to inform practice. Firstly, the clinical practice is to treat people with scientific diseases and conditions within the NHS. Secondly, public health is for promoting good heath and preventing ill health and thirdly developing technology with new and existing medications and treatments within the NHS.

Coring preparation, preservation, and handling Research Paper

Coring preparation, preservation, and handling - Research Paper Example When seeking to form a description of a core, it is essential that one place the lay out of the core on a table. This will be essential in checking the amount of the core and compare it to the coring report so as to ensure no core material was lost during the transportation process (Fjar, Holt, Raaen, Risnes, and Horsrud 125). In case of any alterations or damage, it is important to note such details. The numbering placed on the containers should be noted against the cumulative depth reported. This then creates a better understanding of the core, and offers a chance to check on the orientation and continuity with respect to the top of the core. If the records show the downhole gamma-ray logs, then it would be advisable to verify the same by comparing the to the core gamma-ray logs. This verifies the consistency of the cored interval depths with the log depths. The core features such as composition, texture, color, and porosity types should also be noted. After getting this information, the cutting of stabilized or unstabilized cores will depend on the plug sample methods or the plunge cut technique. This will prepare it for preservation (Fjar, Holt, Raaen, Risnes, and Horsrud 127). The purpose of preservation is to maintain the chemical and physical properties inherent in the cores as close as possible to the reservoir data. The impact noted should be in relation to the intended utility of the core afterwards. The failure to create an impermeable barrier around the sample could lead to wettability alterations, loss of interstitial water, precipitation of the salts, and damage to the mineral fabric (Morton-Thompson and Woods 105). The methods of preservation differ depending on the intended achievements. Six methods have been developed which include sealing the core in airtight metal-cans, dry ice freezing, plastic bag seals, using plastic, steel, or aluminum tubes to seal, wrapping in plastic tape or metal foil, as well as using plastic coatings. Notably,

United States Court of Appeals Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

United States Court of Appeals - Research Paper Example Plaintiff - Appellee supported its charge against Defendant Picker on the fact that while Defendant was metal hunting on some private property adjoining the Park while he visited Gettysburg National Military Park. Defendant then found a rare bowie knife worth about $2000.00, on the said private property. The Park Ranger, Hancock who was made a witness for the Government, claimed that he warned Defendant that metal hunting on national park land was forbidden and a criminal act, and should not trespass on the property. The Park Ranger also maintained that he showed the boundary line to the Defendant. The Park Ranger also asserted that he kept a close watch on Picket by being 50 yards behind him, and found Defendant to have inadvertently crossed the property line into the park. The Park Ranger then arrested Defendant on the basis of his claim that he crossed the boundary that was marked, despite the fact that the signs were not readily visible as the signs were only 8 inches by 12 inche s and placed every 150 yards apart, and markings placed under heavily wooded a heavily wooded area that affected the mark’s visibility.

Corporate Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Corporate Strategy - Essay Example (Andrews, 1997). To properly formulate its corporate strategy, an organisation must assess its organisational strengths and weaknesses, as well as its environmental threats and opportunities, which will enable it choose among alternative courses of action. (Hofer and Schendel, 1984) cited in Schneider, (1998). This indicates that an organisation must perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis prior to formulating corporate strategy. A number of factors have been identified as having an effect on corporate strategy formulation: for example, Kets de Vries and Miller (1984) suggest that managerial personality and experience is an important determinant of the strategy formulation process; Janis (1972) considers group dynamics as an important factor affecting the formulation of corporate strategy while Frederickson (1984); Lyles and Mitroff (1985) suggest that organisational structure plays an important role in strategy formulation. Within the context of today’s global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses including the retail clothing chain stores. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien:1). The next section provides a brief history of Sony Ericsson and its activities. According to the company annual review report, Sony-Ericsson emerge from the merger of two entity, in October 2001, Sony Corporation and the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson to make mobile phones. This was due to expected

Hells Angels and Their Connection to Organized Crime Term Paper

Hells Angels and Their Connection to Organized Crime - Term Paper Example According to the term paper "Hell Angels and their connection to Organized Crime" findings the longtime organization, Hells Angels have contributed to legendary stories that spread about their power and popularity. Because of these stories and the publicity smacks, many people started wondering if they were mere coincidences. Hells Angels have still continued to persuade the public that they are not anything more than a dedicated group who has the deep love for motorcycles and long road trips. But it seems like the international law enforcement thinks otherwise and this is why there have been immense crime reports about the Hells Angels and their members. These reports have increased ever since 1969 and increasingly they are seen on media due to the attempt they made to assassin Mick Jagger after he pointed the finger at them at the bust of stabbing death of a member of the audience at a Rolling Stones concert, yet, all this happens after the 60th anniversary of the Hells Angels. Alt hough most of the historians are confident about the fact that the organization started in March 1948 in California, there are still some groups of the organization where members still debate about when and who started Hells Angels. It was started in California as motorcycles and racing cars were popular in those areas. The name came from the Flying Tigers in WWII and was subtitled to be â€Å"Hell’s Angels† on votes by the 303rd Bombardment Group. Arvid Olsen had officially given the name Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.... Because of these stories and the publicity smacks, many people started wondering if they were merely coincidences. Hells Angels have still continued to persuade the public that they are not anything more than a dedicated group who has deep love for motorcycles and long road trips. But it seems like the international law enforcement thinks otherwise and this is why there have been immense crime reports about the Hells Angels and their members. These reports have increased ever since 1969 and increasingly they are seen on media due to the attempt they made to assassin Mick Jagger after he pointed the finger at them at the bust of stabbing death of a member of the audience at a Rolling Stones concert, yet, all this happens after the 60th anniversary of the Hells Angels. Although, most of the historians are confident about the fact that the organization started in March, 1948 in California, there are still some groups of the organization where members still debate about when and who star ted Hells Angels. It was started in California as motorcycles and racing cars were popular in those areas. The name came from the Flying Tigers in WWII and was subtitled to be â€Å"Hell’s Angels† on votes by the 303rd Bombardment Group. Arvid Olsen had officially given the name Hells Angels Motorcycle Club when they started operating in motorcycles as it was becoming the most popular pastime in America and elsewhere. When the organization had become a common name taken in the media for many of the reports that were made about them, one of the news also held that some of the trouble pilots in the WWII had contributed in starting and Hells Angels and joined it. Hells Angels disregarded this notion and pointed out that other than

What does Doris Lessing mean by the title of her chapter, Group Minds Essay

What does Doris Lessing mean by the title of her chapter, Group Minds Explain in your own words in a paragraph first; then reference the article. Select a film - Essay Example The subjectivity thus becomes an internalized version of something that dictates our being, be it through commercialization of gender biases or fixating stereotypes and archetypal ideas (blonde-haired women are dumb, fashionable gay man, notions of beauty, etc.). Hence, she highlights that â€Å"what is dangerous is not the belonging to a group or groups but not understanding the social laws that govern groups and govern us† (pp 50). Thus, ignorance makes us more gullible and more malleable and makes us helpless against all such invisible forces. The film, ‘Good Will Hunting’ as a realistic specimen of a young man’s struggle with a cornucopia of â€Å"expectations† that immediately tries to suck him into a world of performance and group joining politics. This not only threatens his apparent invisibility, and comfort beyond the social gaze, but also makes him realize the utter uselessness of conforming to social orders and institutional snobbery. Howe ver, Will escapes all such predicament. Manipulation, spontaneous obedience, group mentality and responding to social circumstances, as if they were psychological realities or unconsciously imbibing them to limit our intellectual and cognitive ability is what concerns Doris Lessing in â€Å"Group Minds†. Parallely, if we consider Foucaults argument in â€Å"Discipline and Punish†1 where he argues that discipline creates "docile bodies", ideal for making human beings respond fittingly to the scenario be it new economics, politics and warfare or the modern industrial age, is similar to what Lessing says in her essay. These bodies must be trained to function well in factories, ordered military regiments, and school classrooms. This theory is comparable to Lessing’s idea too, since Foucault seem to bring out the concept of an invisible force that gazes without been gazed at and

Global Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global Business - Essay Example The company has chosen this market as its first international pilot project because it was geographically and culturally/psychologically close market (Ying Fan, 2009). However, the company realised that it was necessary â€Å"to adjust its business model to suit the new markets† (Ying Fan, 2009:285). Thus, the company has learned the Iron Rule of international business, whereas â€Å"in international business, the seller adapts to the buyer† (Gesteland, 2005: 17). The company continued its business expansion across France, Northern Europe, Mexico, and Greece. Thus, Zara has utilised the benefits of cultural convergence – â€Å"the growing similarity between national cultures, including the beliefs, values, aspirations, and the preferences of consumers, partly driven by global brands, media, and common global icons† (Rugman and Collinson, 2011: 137). Also, Zara has opened a store in New York. Even though it was neither geographically nor culturally close market, it was strategic decision enabling the company to build brand awareness and get close to international fashion brands (Ying Fan, 2009: 286). Thus, Zara has gained knowledge, experience and expertise necessary for successful business development in more distant markets. During the period from 1997 to 2005 Zara has adopted aggressive business expansion and entered other markets despite the fact of geographical or cultural proximity (Ying Fan, 2009). As of January 2006, the company was present in 59 countries across Europe, America, Middle East, Asia and Africa. In order to meet the needs of the consumers from different countries, the company has adopted localization strategy (Rugman and Collinson, 2011). It has adopted its products by modifying cloth size, style, and other elements to local tastes and cultures. In order to enter foreign markets, Zara has adopted three entry modes: own subsidiaries, joint ventures, and franchising. Zara entered most European and South American

Optical Distortion, Inc Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Optical Distortion, Inc - Case Study Example The aim was to increase the egg production and meat for its customers. The firm, serving in most regions in the United States, has increased its revenue and is making substantial margins from the sale of eggs The population of birds continues to grow not only in the US but it is rapidly spreading to other parts such as Europe, South America and Latin America. It has increased the efficiency of poultry production by reducing the psychological stress and trauma caused by debeaking and cannibalism.. However, the main challenge has been price fixing as farmers would not want to be exploited or exorbitantly charged. The ODI continues to penetrate new and unexploited markets through timely strategies set by its executives. It has gained reputation in the last 50 years due to excellent customer excellence, cost leadership and continued research and development in the industry. Through timely panning, execution and evaluation of its marketing and other programs, it has gained and continues t o gain a larger market share in the industry. ANALYSIS Consumer Orientation A critical analysis of the firm reveals a set of problems that faces the firm. First, it how to hedge the ever increasing costs when farmers respond negatively to any increase in price. As the pointed out in the article, farmers would wish prices to remain low and affordable. This is regardless of many benefits a farmer derives from the services offered by the technical specialists from the firm such as reduced cannibalism, less trauma and greater feeding efficiency. It is pointed that advertising and promotional costs can only be offset if prices go beyond $0.08 per pair. Consumers learn about products from the advertising campaigns enacted and executed by the firm through promotional tools like trade shows, exhibition and newspapers in both local and national papers. Brand Awareness Consumers are well informed about the optical lenses manufactured by the firm as shown by the increasing population of birds in the all regions surveyed. A thorough examination of the chicken census reveals an upwards trend and has an incremental percentage of 6. %.It can deductively be revealed that more and more consumers both individual and organizational have favorable and regular purchasing patterns. Furthermore, through the services of breed and other extension service officers, consumers are motivated to purchase from the firm stocks. Company Capacity Optical Distortion Inc is worried about the costs that may soar higher with an increase in services without rising of prices. As evidenced from the financial statements, is an upcoming firm in the industry with a leaner budget and high production costs than the already established companies. Due to its limited resources and stiff competition from the mature firms, one of the executives is really worried about costs. The executive is indifference as whether to increase the advertising and promotional costs without increasing the price, as it will impac t negatively on its financial performance. Its capacity is further tainted by the firm’s dedication by the management as none of them, if fully devoted to the affairs of the company. As pointed out p6, their financial and managerial is limited as evidenced on the company’s balance sheet. However, the company has adopted offensive strategies of diversification, innovation and product development to suit a variety of needs of customers. Collaboration

Studying Abroad in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Studying Abroad in China - Essay Example It is believed this environment will provide a rich and diverse perspective applicable to a variety of circumstances, and has the added advantage of attracting other top students with which to interact and who have similar interest in experiencing the dynamic culture and creative atmosphere (Carnoy & Rhoten 2002). China is known today for its strong support of educational values based largely on its desire to become a respected political and economic world leader. The country and its leaders understand the critical importance of education's role in that achievement, and support that endeavor both financially and politically. China has many respected universities in all avenues of learning including fields of study in such disciplines as business management, technology, science, medicine, law, economics, literature, and political science. It's clear that education has played a major role in the recent economic development of China (Guo & Cummings 2005). In terms of cultural history, during the days of the Cultural Revolution, that initiative seemed to sidetrack educational initiatives.

Significant accomplishment Essay Example for Free

Significant accomplishment Essay The initiative in creating change has always been an integral aspect of man. Equipped with their relative skills and competencies, they engage in various efforts to create opportunities that will improve their capabilities and cater to the service of individuals. Amidst the trials and difficulties in the process, hard work and determination remains to be a vital factor in attaining their desired objectives and purpose in life. At the heart of this is the innovation that drives the creativity which I feel is crucial to the success or attainment of every accomplishment. It is this mindset which has allowed me to achieve my most significant accomplishment to date which is my success in the fashion design industry. While it was always a dream of mine to make it big in the fashion industry, I never imagined that my success would occur in this manner. I started out designing for a company that had Wal-Mart as a client. Seeing the trends in the industry, I compiled my research and submitted my designs to my supervisor. It was very gratifying to find out that the designs I made were accepted by Wal-Mart and were soon on their shelves in the market. I felt that this was a major accomplishment in my life. Another accomplishment that I would like to mention which is similar to this experience is the success I experienced designing for a Fashion Runway Company in the West Coast. I designed two shirts and sketched in four hours for the owner of the company. This was another step forward in my career because it validated my talents and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in life.

Right to Die Legislation Cases

Right to Die Legislation Cases Fermin Flores The Declaration of Independence gave us the freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now there are some times when these freedoms are placed into the hands of another for example a judge. A policy that brought the attention of Americans in the late 1900’s. Various court cases have been brought about to the public of several people who were in critical conditions and may not make it or could not recover, one of which where a man with locked-in syndrome, which paralyzed one’s muscles and brainstem, wanted to end his life. The right to die is a case where one chooses to die whether they were told that they had a certain amount of time left to live. Also, if they are in critical danger and someone chooses that choice for that person who can’t do it themselves. Choosing when one must die or live goes against the 14th amendment which gave every American the full and equal benefits of the laws. Having the choice of choosing whether someone lives or not ties in with abortion. One mother choosing over if a baby should live or not. The right to die is an issue which some still discuss today through if one has a choice or not. Society today has been leaning more towards helping those who are severely ill and cannot recover to give them the choice of ending it. Back then this was different, Americans and government did not acknowledge the right to die choice. The Supreme Court declared that the constitution did not mentioned â€Å"suicide† and plenty of Americans were uncomfortable. (http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2014/10/right-die). At least 20% of Americans who attend church believe that one must not suffer from a serious condition with irreversible effects. The reason why we think this way is because some may have experienced this first hand or have thought of the feeling of being in critical condition not being able to do almost anything without the help of a machine or someone else. Oregon voters passed a law in 1994 and went into effect into 1997 that gave anyone the option to end their life through medication. This was called the Death-With-Dignity law which allowed mentally competent, terminally ill adults to hasten their end which later Washington and Vermont adopted. (http://www.deathwithdignity.org/access-acts) In 1983, a woman by the name of Nancy Beth Cruzan was gravely injured from an automobile accident (http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1989/1989_88_1503). She was taken to the hospital where she had to be sustained by artificial feedings. Her parents, whom saw no other possible way of recovery for their daughter, wanted to terminate her life-support system. The hospital declined their attempt without the approval of a judge. The Missouri Supreme Court declared that there had to be â€Å"clear and convincing† evidence to which the patient wanted a decision like this to be made. Nancy’s co-workers were brought together by her parents and they all announced that she would not want to be sustained in a disabled condition. The Supreme Court took this as evidence and let Nancy go. Back in 1975, 21 year old Karen Ann Quinlan collapsed and fell into a coma (http://www.ncll.org/liberty-centers/center-for-life-defense/cld-articles/57-how-the-right-to-die-came-to-america) and was placed into the hospital with a ventilator. She was unable to eat nor breathe on her own to the point where her parents wanted to remove her from the artificial life support. As a hospital’s policy, they denied their request and later was taken into court which they ruled in favor of Ann’s parents. Karen was removed from her ventilator in 1976 but miraculously started breathing on her own again. Choosing the right to die for someone else who is in critical condition will be difficult for the hospital and the family. In order for one to make a life or death choice for someone in critical condition, some requirements must be met: The patient must no longer be competent to make the choice themselves, meaning they have no knowledge of what’s happening. Also, the patientâ⠂¬â„¢s conditions must be that he or she cannot recover. Another case of the right to die, 57 year old Paul Lamb was caught in a car accident 23 years ago which paralyzed him from his neck down. With the help of his daughter and the wife of a previous paralyzed man named Tony (who fought to end his life but the court didn’t allow him) Paul, followed Tony’s legacy, and took his battle to the court just to end up losing on July 30th, 2013. The court did allow, however, for a third man to appeal for the right to die, but the law did not make it clear whether the doctor or nurse will be prosecuted by the government if they helped in the procedure. In one of the most recent news, a woman by the name of Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with brain cancer which gave her only six months to live. She thought of ways to give herself and her family the least amount of pain possible. After researching, she found Death-with-Dignity and moved to Oregon, one of five states that allow Death-With-Dignity. (http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/07/opinion/maynard-assisted-suicide-cancer-dignity/) Within the news, she mentioned â€Å"I do not want to die. But I am dying. And I want to die on my own terms,† she wanted the choice to die in peace and surrounded by her loved ones than to die in pain, alone in a hospital. One must consider how painful it would be to stay in the bed for the rest of their life due to a serious accident. Letting the people you love the most go with the consent of the judge is one of the most heartbreaking event a relative can experience. In the year 1947, only 37% of the citizens felt that doctors should be legally permitted to end a patient’s life if there was no way for them to get cured. Fast forwarding 55 years later, the government placed the same poll again hoping for different results. (http://www.gallup.com/poll/6265/right-die-dead-rights.aspx) That year, in 2002, 72% of Americans now felt that doctors should help end a patient’s life. Without a doubt, one should cherish every single moment they spend with a certain person like as if it’s the last time you may see them. Whether you think nothing will happen wrong or that they are safe from any harm, live your life out. You don’t know if one may get diagnosed with a serious life-threate ning or get attacked until it happens. With all said, if all of the states decide to adopt the Death with Dignity law, new opportunity will be open to those who are severely ill. This can have two results, one of which will result in new arguments. It will open the gate for those with suicidal thoughts and may think they have a chance to get a law passed to allow those who feel â€Å"alone† to end their life. On the other hand, it gives those with severe issues to have their easy, unpainful way out.

Brief Description Of The Economy Of Finland Economics Essay

Brief Description Of The Economy Of Finland Economics Essay Finland is highly developed industrialized country with a mixed economy with per capita of 50000$ which is nearly the same as Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Finland was not one of the developed countries until 1990s as they have lack of resources. They had Central Planned Economy as the other socialist countries. In 1950s half of the population had been working for the primary productions and Finland was relatively poor country compared to their neighbors, but in the 1970s, there was an industrial boom led by government in Finland and strengthened its competitiveness. In 1980s, Finnish government deregulated financial market and opened it to the foreign capital; therefore lots of foreign capital flowed to the firms and households. As a result, investment and consumption increased rapidly and the prices of assets got expensive. At the beginning of 1990s, Finland had suffered a serious economic risk as the collapse of Soviet Union and the economic recession in Western E urope and America. Finnish financial authorities tried to fix the exchange rate and therefore the exports decreased dramatically. Finland faced financial crisis caused by debts, and reduction of exports until 1993 and started to recover in 1994. In the course of recession, the government has proceeded restructuring its economic system. The Finnish government focused on export promotion in ICT industries by investing more in Research Development and education. Finland made dramatic changes in social and economical sectors and became one of the most competitive developed countries in the world. In the short period of time Finland has been transformed to the knowledge based economy with very high performance in the high-tech industries. Finland is a country of forest and lake. 86% of the countrys area is covered with forest and so in the past the forestry played a major role in the Finnish economy. Because of climate, the agricultural development is limited and it takes only 1/12 of the GDP. Now Finland has developed a modern, competitive economy. Export has a big impact on Finnish economy. Main exports are timber, pulp, glass ware, ceramics, stainless steel, engineering products and telecom equipments. Finland has a strong competitiveness in manufacturing the wood, metal, engineering, telecommunication, and electronics. Finland is famous for its high-tech exports such as mobile phones. The Finnish company Nokia which has 40% of market shares of mobile phone is well known all over the world. As Finland has lack of natural resources the biggest sector of the economy is services at 66%, followed by manufacturing and refining at 31%. With respect to foreign trade, the key sector is manufacturing. Industries like electronics (22%), machinery, vehicles and other engineered metal products (21.1%), forestry (13%) and chemicals (11%) takes the major parts in the economy. Finland has wood and several mineral and freshwater resources. Forestry, paper factories, and agricultural sectors are very important for rural population because they provide most of the jobs for rural residents. The Finnish government is paying attentions on these sectors because they are very important for controlling unemployment rates. Finland is highly integrated in the global economy, and international trade takes a third of countrys GDP. The European Union makes 60% of the total trade. The major flows of trade are with Germany, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands and China. As Finland has been among the free trade supporters, The European Union manages the trade policy. Finland has joined European Union in 1995 and in 2002 it became the only Nordic country to adopt Euro as its national currency instead of Finnish Mark. Employment rate in Finland was 68% and unemployment rate was 6.8% in early 2008. 18% of residents are outside job market at the age of 50 and less a third working at the age of 61. Impact of Fiscal policy and Monetary Policy on the economy There are some underlying economic factors that affect the major market trend. Factors like GDP growth rates, tax, interest rate, unemployment or threat of inflation, economic trends are the major determinants of what happens to the companies and their stock prices. Fiscal policy and monetary policy have widespread effects on the decisions and behavior of businesses and individual. Fiscal policy How the government gets the revenue, how to spend for the expenditure, how to deal with the national or public debt and how to budget are determined by the fiscal policy of the government. Fiscal policy consists of taxation, fees and fines, borrowings, government expenses on the expenditure and budgeting which affects directly to the national economy. Taxation plays major role in fiscal policy because most of the governments in the world get their revenue from taxes. Tax is a sum of money that individuals and organizations have to pay to the government at a specified rate which is imposed by government. There are two types of taxes which are direct tax and indirect tax. A direct tax is a tax that are imposed and collected on a specific group of people or organizations. For example, income tax would be a direct tax which is collected from the people who actually earn their income. On the other hand, indirect taxes are collected by intermediaries such as retailers from the consumers who actually take the economic burden. Sales tax is an indirect tax and merchants collect it from the customers and merchants actually dont take any burden. The rising in direct tax reduces the post-tax income of general public. This could motivate individuals to work more hours to maintain their target income that can lead more productivity. But on the other hand, individuals could be de-motivated since their income has reduced. The government has to introduce a low level of direct taxes like income taxes for lower income earners in order to motivate people to work extra hours and keep more what theyve earned. Changes to tax system can reduce the risk of unemployment and therefore increase the total GDP growth rate. For example, when the income tax is high, the households with low income are not trying to work extra hours as their net income is very low after the tax. If the income tax rate got lower, they can be motivated to work which increase the labor supply. The changes to indirect taxes have a strong impact on the demand of general public for goods and services. Rising tariffs on foreign cars can reduce the demand for foreign cars and helps to protect and develop the national car manufacturing industry. In Finland theyve imposed relatively high tariffs on some foods from abroad, in order to maintain stability of their agriculture. In contrast, government financial assistance (subsidy) has impact on reducing their costs of production, lowering the market price and helping to increase the demands. Tax changes can have a role on motivation of work forces and their overall efficiency and productivity. Reducing the rates of cooperation taxes and other business taxes can encourage the capital investments in the businesses. If the investment increases, the national capital stock can rise and the capital stock for the individuals can also rise. The government can also use some tax allowances to encourage more start-up businesses and increase and developments in RD. With the low rate of cooperation taxes and other business taxes can lead more inflows of foreign investment which might benefit both public demand and supply. Fiscal policy has been used as a tool of demand management for a long time by many governments in the world. The decisions of changing the fiscal policy must be made deliberately as it has a great impact on the general economy. The fiscal stance is a term that is used to describe whether fiscal policy is being used to actively expand demand and output in the economy or otherwise to take demand out of the circular flow. A  neutral fiscal stance  might be shown if the government runs with a balanced budget where government spending is equal to tax revenues. Adjusting for where the economy is in the economic cycle, a neutral fiscal stance means that policy has no impact on the level of economic activity. A  reflationary fiscal stance  happens when the government is running a large deficit budget. Loosening the fiscal stance means the government borrows money to inject funds into the economy so as to increase the level of aggregate demand and economic activity. A  deflationary fiscal stance  happens when the government runs a budget surplus. The government is injecting fewer funds into the economy than it is withdrawing through taxes. The level of aggregate demand and economic activity falls. The level of government borrowing is an important part of  fiscal policy  and management of aggregate demand in any economy.  When the government is running a  budget deficit, it means that in a given year, total government expenditure exceeds total tax revenue. As a result, the government has to borrow through the issue of debt such as Treasury Bills and long-term government Bonds.  The issue of debt is done by the central bank and involves selling debt to the bond and bill markets. Continuous running of large budget deficit can be a problem for government and the economy. The budget deficit can be financed by issuing of new government debt to investors from home and abroad. But if the budget deficit rises to a high level, the government might have to offer higher interest rates to attract buyers of the debt which will affect the general economy negatively. In the long term, government borrowings become a heavy burden as the government has to spend more each year in interest payment for the debts to the holders of government bonds and other securities. Therefore the government has to introduce a high rate of taxes which can hinder or decrease the growth rate of GDP, consumption and investment spending. This has happened in Finland in the 1990s which was the financial crisis caused by massive national debt. Fiscal policy should not be isolated from monetary policy. Monetary policy is made and developed by central bank of the nation to control supply of money within the economy. Monetary policy affects all the sectors of the economy but in different ways and with a variable impact on it. Monetary policy plays a very important role in controlling inflation, interest rate, exchange rate and money supply which has great impact on overall economy. Lower interest rates will lead to an increase in both consumer and business capital spending which increases equilibrium national income and also the growth rate of GDP. In the contrast, high interest rates will decrease the capital spending of both consumer and business which will definitely reduce the productivity and buying power. But raising interest rate can be used effectively used to control the inflation when it is caused by the bank credit. When the economy is in a recession, fiscal policy may be more effective in increasing spending and income by stimulating demands. But when there is inflation problem, it can be easier to control it by introducing monetary policies such as controlling interest rate, cash reserve ratio and open market operations. http://www.jftc.go.jp/eacpf/04/singapore_p.pdf http://www.odi.org.uk/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/6056.pdf http://www.cuts-international.org/pdf/CCIER-2-2008.pdf http://www.isnie.org/ISNIE06/Papers06/09.3/voigt.pdf q1 http://economydetail.blogspot.com/2010/01/allocation-of-resources-in-economics.html     http://www2.gsu.edu/~ecomaa/Lecture2.pdf http://economicsworlds.blogspot.com/2010/02/resources-allocation.htm

Personal Success Essay -- American Dream Essays Papers

Success   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everyone’s vision of success differs. Wealth, happiness, and fame are all the stereotypical aspirations of the common person’s so-called â€Å"American Dream.† My American dream encompasses more of the first two aspects than anything else. Happiness is the most important; without happiness, wealth and fame are useless. Without happiness, success cannot exist; it is your own personal gauge of accomplishment. If you cannot look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate your own life a success, then why should anyone else consider you successful? Wealth can attribute to happiness. No matter what anyone says, having more material goods makes your standard of living better, which normally is a direct correlate of happiness. It helps you experience the luxurious joys in life that, otherwise, you couldn’t carry out. Fame, to me, isn’t needed but rather acquired through the life of the successful person. A legacy is more honorable than a na tional fame, because after death fame is a more humble characteristic. Changing others lives, after they examined your life in retrospect, makes fame an irreplaceable cog in the machine of success.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Admiration and aspirations of a person can help determine how successful they will be. Role models help blaze a path of success in the minds of their protà ©gà ©. If someone looks up to a person who themselves are successful, they have better odds of being successful themselves. On the other hand, looking up to a failure of a human being, t...

Computer Security in an Information Age :: essays research papers fc

Computer Security in the Information Age Computers; they are a part of or in millions of homes; they are an intricate part of just about every if not all successful businesses, the government, and the military. Computers have become common place in today’s society and the lives of the people who live in it. They have crossed every national, racial, cultural, educational, and financial barrier, which consequently ushered in the information age. A computer is a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data, and they come in all shapes, and sizes. They can be used for and in just about anything. As stated before, they are used in just about every aspect of modern society. They are so fundamental to modern society that it would be disastrous to society without them. As stated before, there are many areas in modern society that are run by computers. They play an intricate part of millions of homes in the world. Office workers in business, government and the military may use them to write letters , keep rosters, create budgets, find information, manage projects, communicate with workers, and so on. They are used in education, medicine, music, law enforcement, and unfortunately crime. Because computers have become such a part of the world and how it operates, there is a tremendous responsibility for those who are in control of these computers and the vital information that they carry, to manage and protect them properly. This is management and protection is vital because any loss or damage could be disastrous for the affected entity. For example, a mistake or intentional alteration of a personal credit file could affect ones ability to buy a car or home, or can lead to legal actions against the affected person until the mistake or intentional alteration has been corrected. Therefore, with the advent of computers in the information age, and all of the intentional and unintentional violations against them, comes the need to safeguard them and the information they carry with str ong systems and policies of computer security. Computer security is the process of preventing and detecting unauthorized use of your computer. Prevention measures help to stop unauthorized users or intruders from accessing any part of a computer system. Detection helps one to determine whether or not someone attempted to break into a computer system, if they were successful, and what they may have done.

Financial Analysis of Microsoft Corp. Essay

This report is issued in order to inform the public about Microsoft Corporation. We analyzed the profitability and liquidity of this company. In addition, we were able to provide recommendations for investments or credits in Microsoft for the best interest of the public. Profitability ratios refer to the relative measure to what an actual created profit. Through these ratios the company is allowed to see how profitable the company. In addition it can serve as an examination of the overall performance of the company’s operations and how do these compare to past performances or other companies. The ratios in which accounting measures the profitability of a company are Profit Margin, Price over Earnings, Return on Equity and Return on Assets. In terms of Profit Margin it has a high ratio, which means that our company is turning 76.3% more of each dollar that we sell. The results of this could be the increase in the quantity sold, increase in the price, and decrease in costs. Compared to Apple, whose profit margin ratio is 46.2%, Microsoft is able to be more profitable in terms of profit margin. The Price over Earnings ratio helps to determine how much does a share cost is compare to how much the company is earning and it is interpreted as how long it will take you to earn back what you invested in a company. In this case for someone who invests in Microsoft it will take them approximately 15.3 years, compare to Apple’s 13.5 years, to earn back the amount that they will invest. The Return on Equity ratio helps to measure the profitability of a company for the investor and how it manages its equity. In this case, Microsoft experiences a 10.3% of Return on Equity. Ideally, a company would like to have a higher Price over Earnings ratio; compared to Apple’s 51.5% Return o n Equity, Microsoft stands at a lower percentage which might not attract others to invest in the company. Return on Assets ratio evaluates how a company is able to produce a profit before being on debt; it reflects on the efficiency of the management. In this case Microsoft’s 5.9% was again below Apple’s 33.4% in its ratio. Cash Flows are the inflows and outflows of cash in a company, which are directly related to the revenues and expenses in Microsoft’s income statement. The Net Income that Microsoft recorded for 2012 was $16,978.00 and its Cash Flows from Operating Activities equaled to 31,626.00. In this case the company recorded higher cash flows from operating activities compared to its net income. This was a result of the company’s management on its current liabilities and its current assets. Also, the addition in depreciation and amortization, goodwill, and stock-based compensation; these accounts are not part of the cash flows yet they still make an impact on the income of the company. Liquidity being, that which represents how fast the company is able to convert its assets into cash, is denoted with various ratios. The current ratio (D) takes the current assets of a firm and divides them by the firm’s current liabilities. Currently Microsoft’s current ratio is 2.9, showing that its current assets exceeds its current liabilities. Apple Inc., which is Microsoft’s contender, has 1.6 for its current ratio indicating that it’s not as quick in converting its assets into cash. Another liquidity ratio is the quick ratio (E); this ratio is calculated by subtracting inventory from current assets and dividing that difference by the firm’s current liabilities. Microsoft’s quick ratio is 2.6, showing that the company is still doing well in converting its assets into cash even after removing its most liquid asset –inventory. Apple’s quick ratio is 1.1, which shows how much inventory constructs the company’s current assets. Microsoft has been doing very well within its liquidity measures and meets its obligations as they become due. When discussing solvency, we analyze ratios that measure the long-term liability of a business to pay off its debts. The times interest earned ratio (H) is a solvency ratio; taking earnings before interest and tax, and dividing that total by the interest expense. Microsoft’s times interest earned ratio is 87.7, showing that this firm is very successful especially before any interest or tax is deducted from its overall earnings. Apple’s times interest earned ratio could not be calculated due to the fact that their data didn’t indicate a specific interest expense to complete the equation. Another solvency ratio is the debt to equity ratio (I); taking the firms total liabilities and dividing that total by owners’ equity. Currently Microsoft’s debt to equity ratio is 0.8, showing that there is less risk among the firm’s financials. This also means that the company doesn’t rely too much on external lenders. Apple’s debt to equity ratio seems to also be within good standing because it is .5, so it doesn’t rely too much on external lenders either. Overall, both liquidity and solvency ratios represent how financially stable this company is within converting its current debt into cash as well as its long-term debt. In most cases Apple Inc. falls behind Microsoft Corp. within its short and long term debt solvency. When analyzing Microsoft’s capital structure the percentage of liabilities that construct the firm’s total assets is 42.87%. Showing that less than half of the firm’s total assets are represented by liabilities. Now the percentage of the total assets that are represented by stockholders’ equity is 57.12%. Showing that stockholder’s equity represents slightly more than half of Microsoft’s total assets. When analyzing the capital structure of Microsoft’s competitor Apple, there are distinct differences. The percentage of liabilities that construct the firm’s total assets is 36.06%. Showing that unlike Microsoft’s percentage of liabilities to assets, there are a lot fewer liabilities representing the total assets of the firm. Now the percentage of stockholders’ equity that constructs the total assets of the firm is 64.93%. Showing that more than half of the firm’s total assets are constructed out of its stockholders’ equity. Apple seems to have fewer liabilities supporting its total assets and a higher percentage of stockholders’ equity. Overall, it seems that Microsoft Corp. has a significantly different capital structure than that of its competitor Apple Inc.. IFRS refers to the International Financial Reporting Standards; it is a set of accounting standards constructed by an independent, not-for-profit organization called the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS provides regulation for the company to prepare its financial statements off of, rather than setting rules for industry-specific reporting. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is an independent, private-sector body based in London that currently develops and approves International Financial Reporting Standards. The IASB is thoroughly responsible for all technical matters of the IFRS Foundation including, the full discretion in developing and pursuing its agenda, subject to certain consultation requirements with the Trustees and the public, and exposure drafts, following the approval and issuing of Interpretations developed by the IFRS Interpretations Committee. Some of the differences between IFRS and GAAP is that IFRS is considered to be more of a principles based accounting standard whereas in contrast the U.S. GAAP is considered more of a rule based accounting standard. Under IFRS, the LIFO method for accounting for inventory costs is not allowed. Under U.S. GAAP, either LIFO or FIFO inventory can be used. The move to a single method of inventory costing could potentially enhanced similarities between countries, and removes the need for analysts to adjust LIFO inventories in their comparison analysis. The reporting for each would differ. For instance the treatment of intangible under U.S. GAAP is recognized at fair value, while under IFRS, it is only recognized if the asset will have a future economic benefit and has measured reliability. Under IFRS, if inventory is written down, the write down can be reversed in future periods if specific criteria are met. Under U.S. GAAP, once inventory has been written down, any reversal is prohibited. The potential adoption of IFRS is likely to impact not only reporting structures but also how individual transactions are captured and processed. In many cases, operating leases under GAAP could become finance leases under IFRS. Impacts could be mostly identified on taxes and balance sheet ratios. IFRS may generate running obligations sooner than under GAAP due to the â€Å"more likely than not† principle. Contracts would need to be evaluated carefully under GAAP. Based on the previous analyses of the company’s data I can say I would definitely loan money to Microsoft Corp. short-term and long-term. The liquidity of the company calculated using current ratio and quick ratio represents how fast the company is able to convert its assets into cash. Seeing that the firm showed signs of quick asset to cash turnover within both current and quick ratio, shows that they are able to pay off any loans they might incur. In contrast to Apple its contender, which had low ratios depicting negative signs of asset to cash turnover. When looking at the solvency measures, we can see the long-term viability of a business to pay off its debts. We used the times interest earned ratio and the debt to equity ratio to depict what trend this firm had with balancing debt. Microsoft seemed to show very high earnings before interest and taxes, which resulted in a high times interest earned ratio overall. This high ratio means that this firm has great ability in paying off its interest and debt; this serves to be another viable reason for Microsoft to be approved for a loan. Another solvency measure that was taken was through the debt to equity ratio, which represents the degree to which the assets of the business are financed by the debts and the shareholders’ equity of a business. This ratio showed that Microsoft’s overall business doesn’t rely too much on the external lenders of the company. It shows it can attain profit through its own activities, and therefore has overall less risk. Overall, due to the fact that Microsoft has quick asset to cash turnover, increasingly high earnings before interest and tax, and a low debt to equity ratio; Microsoft would be an ideal candidate for short and long term loans. When discussing whether an individual should buy, sell, or hold on the stock of this company, I would recommend the hold on stocks. Based on the profitability ratios, which help us calculate how a firm is performing, Microsoft, compared to its competition Apple, is behind in terms of profitability. Microsoft has a higher profit margin then Apple does; however, its price over earnings, returns on equity and returns on assets fall below its competition. This can be a discouragement for anyone who is interested in the company. Yet, even though Microsoft’s overall profitability is not as good as Apple’s profitability, there could be still a chance in which the company can provide investors with more profitable income since the company is not at risk. Thus, this could take longer then expected, that is why it is better to hold on the stocks of this company. So, I recommend this individual hold on their stocks and see how the turnout ends for the most recent advancements Microsoft has made as a company, and from those figures on either decide to sell or buy more stocks.

Hitting the Wall: Nike and International Labor Practices

It is ironic to see how an organization like Nike would response to its negative labor practices in quite an immature way, especially when it carries a big brand image in the industry and has a lot on stake to lose; with respect to its loyal clientele and future growth opportunities. In my opinion, Nike’s approach was almost prohibitive, specifically for the initial few years. I agree, later on in May, 1998 Knight announced a series of sweeping reforms however; what is shocking to me, it took Nike roughly 18 years to realize that some serious steps are needed to address the allegations and their future steps must go beyond and over than what they had committed themselves to. Nike was pressed by the circumstances to think this way as their bottom line had truly started to suffer. Evidently, since 1980’s the corporation had been plagued by a series of labor incidents and public relations nightmares but what has astounded me is â€Å"despite the criticism; they insisted that labor conditions in its contractors’ factories were not — could not — be Nike’s concern or its responsibility†. Initially, Nike was moving quite fast from one country to another just to accomplish their low cost manufacturing agendas. It is quite relevant, applicable and fair for any organization to outsource where they can save cost but it should not be on someone else expense where the organization is violating human rights and/or the labor is not even making enough to meet their bare minimum necessities. All these bad business practices of Nike got them in mainstream where they were not able to come up with innovative ideas to be in command of this bad publicity. As the matter was heating up Nike did try to address many issues which are surely commendable but the major issue of workers minimum wage was never resolved up until 1998. This is exactly where Nike was getting benefited from (low-wages). In response to the entire kiosk, Nike did draft a series of regulations for its contractors; they also tried to be cooperative with government made organizations, hired an outside firm Ernst and Young in 1996 to audit its suppliers manufacturing facilities, created another labor practices department to keep checks and balances, hired a civil rights leader to do an independent evaluation of their code of conduct and so on so forth. Doing this gave birth to another problem: All these were on Nikes pay roll which dilutes the purpose in itself. In the end Nike’s initiatives were becoming self contradicting. Where Nike has done an awesome job is, when Knight almost surrender Nike and accepted indirectly that their company has been a part of slave wages, forced overtime and arbitrary abuse and also showed his true commitment to abolish all these from Nike’s business. It was not just words at this point but some fundamental changes have been made in their existing policies and also many further effective steps were taken which were relatively appreciable. Nike’s becoming a part of FLA (Fair Labor Association) was the right step in right direction but of course at very later stages. No doubts, Nike could have done many things differently. First, they should not have made a rough statement at early stages that Nike has nothing to do with what goes in their vendor’s facilities. Second, they could have hired a complete NGO to check and evaluate their labor practices overseas. Third, they should have taken the full responsibility right from the beginning for their wrong doing acts instead of defending their image and keep executing their same old policies. Basically, what Nike has done in the end by almost confessing its all wrong doings, is what it must have done way earlier in the game. Doing this should have given a positive spin to the entire situation and must have helped Nike to save its image while making its remarkable name in the industry for using good business practices.

Dessler Chapter Essay

1) Which Amendment to the U. S. Constitution states that â€Å"no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law†? A) First Amendment B) Fifth Amendment C) Tenth Amendment D) Thirteenth Amendment E) Fourteenth Amendment Answer: B Explanation: The Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution (ratified in 1791) states that â€Å"no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law. † The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) outlawed slavery, and courts have held that it bars racial discrimination. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 2) The ________ Amendment to the U. S. Constitution outlawed slavery, and courts have held that it bars racial discrimination. A) First B) Fifth C) Tenth D) Thirteenth E) Fourteenth Answer: D Explanation: The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) outlawed slavery, and courts have held that it bars racial discrimination. The Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution (ratified in 1791) states that â€Å"no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law. † Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 3) The 13th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution addresses the subject of ________. A) due process B) slavery C) private property D) trial by jury E) women’s rights Answer: B Explanation: The 13th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution abolished slavery and courts have held that it bars racial discrimination. The 5th Amendment addresses due process, and the 6th Amendment requires a trial by jury. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 4) The ________ gives all persons the same right to make and enforce contracts and to benefit from the laws of the land. A) Fifth Amendment B) Civil Rights Act of 1866 C) Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act D) Civil Rights Act of 1991 E) Thirteenth Amendment Answer: B Explanation: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 gives all persons the same right to make and enforce contracts and to benefit from U. S. laws. The Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution (ratified in 1791) states that â€Å"no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law. † The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) outlawed slavery, and courts have held that it bars racial discrimination. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act states that employers cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 5) Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act explicitly prohibits employers from discrimination based on all of the following characteristics EXCEPT ________. A) race B) religion C) color D) sexual orientation E) national origin Answer: D Explanation: Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act states that an employer cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII bars discrimination on the part of most employers both public and private with 15 or more employees. Sexual orientation is not directly addressed under the law. Diff: 1Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 6) According to Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which of the following employers would be legally allowed to refuse employment to an individual based on race, religion, or sex? A) a state agency with 65 employees B) a medical office with 25 employees C) a local restaurant with 10 employees D) a department store with 100 employees E) a public school with 30 employees Answer: C Explanation: Title VII bars discrimination on the part of most employers, including all public or private employers of 15 or more persons. It also covers all private and public educational institutions, the federal government, and state and local governments. A business with fewer than 15 employees would legally be allowed to refuse employment based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Application 7) Which legislation was responsible for the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? A) 13th Amendment B) Equal Pay Act of 1963 C) Civil Rights Act of 1866 D) Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 E) Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act Answer: E Explanation: Title VII established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to administer and enforce the Civil Rights law at work. The commission itself consists of five members appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate. Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 established the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 8) The EEOC was initially established to investigate complaints about ________. A) job discrimination B) unfair business practices C) sexual harassment in schools D) structural accommodations for disabled people E) overtime payments for labor union members Answer: A Explanation: Title VII established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to administer and enforce the Civil Rights law at work. The EEOC receives and investigates job discrimination complaints from aggrieved individuals. Diff: 2Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 9) How many members serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? A) 3 B) 5 C) 9 D) 10 E) 12 Answer: B Explanation: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) consists of five members appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member serves a 5-year term. Diff: 1Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 1 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 10) Which of the following appoints the members of the EEOC? A) U. S. Congress B) U. S. Supreme Court C) President of the United States D) Department of Justice E) American voters Answer: C Explanation: The EEOC consists of five members appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member serves a 5-year term. Diff: 1Page Ref: 32 Chapter: 1 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 11) Which of the following requires equal pay for equal work regardless of sex? A) Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act B) Equal Pay Act of 1963 C) Executive Order 11246 D) Pay Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 E) Civil Rights Act of 1991 Answer: B Explanation: Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (amended in 1972), it is unlawful to discriminate in pay on the basis of sex when jobs involve equal work; require equivalent skills, effort, and responsibility; and are performed under similar working conditions. Diff: 1Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 12) When companies utilize ________, they take steps to eliminate the present effects of past discrimination. A) affirmative action B) executive orders C) rehabilitation action D) civil rights guidelines E) equal pay rules Answer: A Explanation: Affirmative action refers to steps that are taken for the purpose of eliminating the present effects of past discrimination. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires employers to pay equal pay for equal work, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires employers with federal contracts of more than $2,500 to take affirmative action in employing disabled persons. Diff: 1Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 1 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 13) Which of the following is responsible for implementing Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 that were issued by the Johnson administration? A) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission B) Pension Benefits Guarantee Corporation C) Occupational Safety and Health Administration D) National Labor Relations Board E) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Answer: E Explanation: The Johnson administration (1963–1969) issued Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 which didn’t just ban discrimination but also required that government contractors with contracts of over $50,000 and 50 or more employees take affirmative action to ensure employment opportunity for those who may have suffered past discrimination. These orders also established the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to implement the orders and ensure compliance. Diff: 1Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 14) Which of the following factors is NOT an acceptable basis for different pay for equal work under the Equal Pay Act of 1963? A) merit B) seniority C) gender D) production quality E) production quantity Answer: C Explanation: Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (amended in 1972), it is unlawful to discriminate in pay on the basis of sex when jobs involve equal work; require equivalent skills, effort, and responsibility; and are performed under similar working conditions. Pay differences derived from seniority systems, merit systems, and systems that measure earnings by production quantity or quality or from any factor other than sex do not violate the act. Diff: 2Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 15) Paul is a 49-year-old American of Anglo-Saxon descent. What legislation is most likely intended to protect Paul from discrimination? A) Executive Order 11375 B) Equal Pay Act of 1963 C) Executive Order 11246 D) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 E) Thirteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution Answer: D Explanation: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) made it unlawful to discriminate against employees or applicants who are between 40 and 65 years of age. Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 require government contractors to take affirmative action, the 13th Amendment barred slavery, and the Equal Pay Act made it unlawful to discriminate in pay based on the employee’s gender. Diff: 2Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Application 16) According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, it is unlawful to ________. A) sue an employer for age-based pay B) fire older employees for insubordination C) require employees to retire at age 65 D) allow juries to determine age discrimination E) institute a minimum age for employees Answer: C Explanation: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) made it unlawful to discriminate against employees or applicants who are between 40 and 65 years of age. Subsequent amendments eliminated the age cap, effectively ending most mandatory retirement at age 65. The ADEA allows jury trials. Diff: 2Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 17) The ________ requires certain federal contractors to take affirmative action for disabled persons. A) Equal Pay Act B) Vocational Rehabilitation Act C) Age Discrimination in Employment Act D) Americans with Disabilities Act E) Civil Rights Act Answer: B Explanation: The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires employers with federal contracts of more than $2,500 to take affirmative action in employing disabled persons. It does not require hiring unqualified people. It does require an employer to take steps to accommodate a disabled worker unless doing so imposes an undue hardship on the employer, which is addressed by the ADA. Diff: 1Page Ref: 33 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 18) Which of the following refers to highly recommended procedures issued by federal agencies regarding employee selection, record keeping, and preemployment inquiries? A) job specifications B) employment metrics C) process charts D) uniform guidelines E) applicant tracking systems Answer: D Explanation: Uniform guidelines are issued by federal agencies charged with ensuring compliance with equal employment federal legislation explaining recommended employer procedures in detail. They set forth â€Å"highly recommended† procedures regarding things like employee selection, record keeping, and preemployment inquiries. Diff: 1Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 19) Which of the following does NOT participate in the issuance of uniform guidelines? A) EEOC B) Department of Labor C) Better Business Bureau D) Department of Justice E) Civil Service Commission Answer: C Explanation: The EEOC, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor, and Department of Justice together issued uniform guidelines. These set forth â€Å"highly recommended† procedures regarding things like employee selection, record keeping, and preemployment inquiries. The Better Business Bureau is not involved in issuing uniform guidelines. Diff: 1Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 20) Uniform guidelines from the EEOC are recommended for employers to use in matters regarding all of the following EXCEPT ________. A) employee selection B) record keeping C) preemployment inquiries D) sexual harassment E) psychological testing Answer: E Explanation: The EEOC, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor, and Department of Justice together issue uniform guidelines. These set forth â€Å"highly recommended† procedures regarding things like employee selection, record keeping, sexual harassment, and preemployment inquiries. The American Psychological Association has its own non-legally binding Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Diff: 2Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 21) Which Supreme Court case was used to define unfair discrimination in conjunction with EEO laws? A) Buckley v. Valeo B) Brown v. Board of Education C) Griggs v. Duke Power Company D) West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish E) Abington School District v. Schempp Answer: C Explanation: Griggs v. Duke Power Company was a landmark Supreme Court case used to define unfair discrimination as put forth in EEO laws such as Title VII. The Court ruled that employment practices must be job related and that discrimination does not have to be overt to be illegal. Brown v. Board of Education held that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Choices A, D, and E were not cases related to EEO laws. Diff: 2Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 22) In Griggs v. Duke Power Company, Griggs sued the power company because it required coal handlers to be high school graduates. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Griggs because ________. A) high school diplomas were not related to success as a coal handler B) Duke Power Company intentionally discriminated based on race C) no business necessity existed for Duke Power Company D) Title VII forbids job testing E) Griggs held a GED Answer: A Explanation: The Court ruled in favor of Griggs because having a high school diploma was not relevant to the job of coal handler. The Court held that an employment practice must be job related if it has an unequal impact on members of a protected class. Diff: 2Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 23) If a person is in a protected class, he or she is protected by which of the following? A) Department of Labor guidelines B) Sarbanes-Oxley Act C) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act D) Consumer Protection Act E) National Labor Relations Board Answer: C Explanation: The term protected class refers to persons such as minorities and women who are protected by equal opportunity laws, including Title VII. Choices A, B, D, and E are not equal opportunity laws. Diff: 1Page Ref: 34 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 24) All of the following are principles established by Griggs v. Duke Power Company EXCEPT ________. A) burden of proof is on the employer B) performance standards should be unambiguous C) business necessity is a defense for an existing program D) employment selection practices must be job related E) discrimination does not have to be overt to be illegal Answer: B Explanation: The Court ruled in Griggs v. Duke Power Company that the burden of proof is on the employer to show that a hiring practice such as testing is job related. The Court also ruled that business necessity is the defense for any existing program that has adverse impact and that discrimination does not have to be overt to be illegal. The case did not address performance standards. Diff: 3Page Ref: 34-35 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 25) Under the principles established by Griggs v. Duke Power Company, ________ can be used as a defense for any existing program that has adverse impact. A) occupational qualification B) business necessity C) affirmative action D) burden of proof E) fair in form Answer: B Explanation: Business necessity is the defense for any existing program that has adverse impact according to Griggs. The court did not define business necessity. Diff: 2Page Ref: 35 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 26) Which court case provided details regarding how employers could validate the relationship between screening tools and job performance? A) West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish B) Albemarle Paper Company v. Moody C) Griggs v. Duke Power Company D) Burlington Industries v. Ellerth E) Ward Cove v. Atonio Answer: B Explanation: In the Albemarle case, the Court provided more details on how employers could prove that tests or other screening tools relate to job performance. For example, the Court said that if an employer wants to test candidates for a job, then the employer should first clearly document and understand the job’s duties and responsibilities. Diff: 2Page Ref: 35 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 27) Under the Civil Rights Act of 1991, once a plaintiff shows disparate impact, who has the burden of proving that the challenged practice is job related? A) plaintiff B) employee C) employer D) judge E) EEOC Answer: C Explanation: According to the Civil Rights Act of 1991, once an aggrieved applicant or employee demonstrates that an employment practice (such as â€Å"must lift 100 pounds†) has a disparate (or â€Å"adverse†) impact on a particular group, then the burden of proof shifts to the employer, who must show that the challenged practice is job related. Diff: 1Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 28) According to the Civil Rights Act of 1991, an employee who claims intentional discrimination can sue for all of the following EXCEPT ________. A) back pay B) job reinstatement C) punitive damages D) compensatory damages E) substantive consolidation Answer: E Explanation: According to the Civil Rights Act of 1991, an employee who claims intentional discrimination can sue for back pay, attorneys’ fees, court costs, job reinstatement, punitive damages, and compensatory damages. Substantive consolidation is a legal term referring to debt consolidation. Diff: 2Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 29) Race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is a motivating factor in a termination, but the employee would have been terminated for failure to perform anyway. Which of the following most likely exists in this situation? A) mixed motive B) business necessity C) disparate impact D) liability defense E) burden of proof Answer: A Explanation: An unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that race, color, religion, sex, or national origin was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated the practice. Some employers in so-called â€Å"mixed motive† cases had taken the position that even though their actions were discriminatory, other factors like the employee’s dubious behavior made the job action acceptable. Under CRA 1991, an employer cannot avoid liability by proving it would have taken the same action—such as terminating someone—even without the discriminatory motive. Diff: 3Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Application 30) Which of the following requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees? A) Civil Rights Act of 1991 B) Equal Pay Act of 1963 C) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 D) Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 E) Disability Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 Answer: C Explanation: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits employment discrimination against qualified disabled individuals. It also says employers must make â€Å"reasonable accommodations† for physical or mental limitations unless doing so imposes an â€Å"undue hardship† on the business. Diff: 1Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 31) According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which of the following would be considered a disability? A) homosexuality B) voyeurism C) pyromania D) compulsive gambling E) AIDS Answer: E Explanation: The ADA specifies conditions that it does not regard as disabilities, including homosexuality, bisexuality, voyeurism, compulsive gambling, pyromania, and certain disorders resulting from the current illegal use of drugs. The EEOC’s position is that the ADA prohibits discriminating against people with HIV/AIDS. Diff: 1Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 1 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 32) Which type of disability accounts for the greatest number of ADA claims? A) drug-related B) cosmetic C) mental D) vision E) hearing Answer: C Explanation: Mental disabilities account for the greatest number of ADA claims. Under EEOC ADA guidelines, â€Å"mental impairment† includes â€Å"any mental or psychological disorder, such as . . . emotional or mental illness. † Drug-related conditions are generally not regarded as disabilities. Diff: 1Page Ref: 36 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 33) Under ADA, those who can carry out the essential functions of the job are known as which of the following? A) protected class B) line managers C) career anchors D) staff authorities E) qualified individuals Answer: E Explanation: The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals—those who, with (or without) a reasonable accommodation, can carry out the essential functions of the job. The individual must have the requisite skills, educational background, and experience to do the job. Diff: 1Page Ref: 37 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 34) Which of the following best explains why employers win the majority of ADA cases? A) Employers make the necessary reasonable accommodations for employees. B) Employers prove that age negatively impacts an employee’s job performance. C) Employees fail to prove that they are disabled yet qualified to perform a job. D) Conservative judges are sympathetic towards small-business owners. E) Employee attorneys fail to draw connections between Title VII and ADA. Answer: C Explanation: Employers traditionally prevailed in almost all—96%—federal circuit court ADA decisions. A main reason is that employees were failing to show that they were disabled and qualified to do the job. Unlike with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the employee must establish that he or she has a disability that fits under the ADA. Diff: 3Page Ref: 38 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 35) Which of the following will be the most likely result of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008? A) Employees will find it easier to prove that their disabilities are limiting. B) The number of major life activities considered disabilities will be narrowed. C) Employers will be required to make fewer accommodations for workers with disabilities. D) Employers will be required to hire a specific percentage of disabled workers to be in compliance. E) Employees will apply for more jobs knowing that the legislation guarantees their employment. Answer: A Explanation: The new ADAA’s basic effect will be to make it much easier for employees to show that their disabilities are limiting. For example, the new act makes it easier for an employee to show that his or her disability is influencing one of the employee’s â€Å"major life activities. † It does this by adding examples like reading, concentrating, thinking, sleeping, and communicating to the list of ADA major life activities. Diff: 3Page Ref: 38 Chapter: 2 Objective: 1 Skill: Concept 36) In which of the following situations does sexual harassment NOT violate Title VII? A) if the conduct substantially interferes with a person’s work performance B) if the conduct creates an intimidating work environment C) if the conduct creates a hostile work environment D) if the conduct is motivated by both age and gender E) if the conduct creates an offensive work environment Answer: D Explanation: Under Title VII, sexual harassment generally refers to harassment on the basis of sex when such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a person’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment violates Title VII. The motivation behind the conduct is not relevant to Title VII violations. Diff: 3Page Ref: 39 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Concept 37) The ________ provides that a person who commits a crime of violence motivated by gender shall be liable to the party injured. A) Civil Rights Act of 1991 B) Federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 C) Pregnancy Discrimination Act D) Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 E) Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Answer: B Explanation: The Federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 provides that a person who commits a crime of violence motivated by gender shall be liable to the party injured. The law offers an additional path women can use to seek relief for violent sexual harassment. Diff: 1Page Ref: 40 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Concept 38) Which of the following is NOT a form of sexual harassment according to EEOC guidelines? A) unwelcome sexual advances that create an intimidating work environment B) requests for sexual favors made implicitly as a condition of employment C) verbal conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with work performance D) physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an offensive work environment E) mutually consensual physical conduct of a sexual nature between co-workers Answer: E Explanation: EEOC guidelines define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment or interfere with work performance. Requests for sexual favors that are used as the basis for employment decisions are also considered sexual harassment. Consensual sex between co-workers is not considered sexual harassment. Diff: 3Page Ref: 41 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Concept 39) All of the following are ways for an employee to prove sexual harassment EXCEPT by proving that ________. A) the verbal remarks of a co-worker were sexually flirtatious B) the rejection of a supervisor’s sexual advances led to a demotion C) a hostile work environment was created by a co-worker’s sexual conversation D) a hostile work environment was created by a nonemployee’s sexual advances E) a hostile work environment was created by a supervisor’s sexually abusive conduct Answer: A Explanation: The U. S. Supreme Court held that sexual harassment law doesn’t cover ordinary â€Å"intersexual flirtation. † Someone can prove sexual harassment if rejecting a supervisor’s sexual advances led to a demotion, firing, or altered work assignment. Sexual harassment can also be proven if a hostile work environment is created by the sexual conduct of supervisors, co-workers, or nonemployees. Diff: 3Page Ref: 41 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Application 40) Judy was up for a promotion at Simpson Consulting when her supervisor, Will, encouraged her to develop a sexual relationship with him. He suggested that her promotion would be a sure thing if they were involved. When Judy declined his advances, Will fired her. Which of the following would Judy most likely be able to prove in court if she decided to sue Simpson Consulting? A) hostile environment created by nonemployees B) hostile environment created by supervisors C) hostile environment created by co-workers D) disparate treatment E) quid pro quo Answer: E Explanation: Quid pro quo (something for something) is the most direct way to prove that rejecting a supervisor’s advances adversely affected what the EEOC calls a â€Å"tangible employment action† such as hiring, firing, promotion, demotion, and/or work assignment. Quid pro quo would be the best option for Judy if she sues the firm for Will’s actions. Diff: 3Page Ref: 41 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Application 41) Gus is always making sexual jokes at work. Many employees find the jokes funny, but Shelley, Gus’s executive assistant, is uncomfortable with the jokes. Eventually, she decides to quit her job rather than endure the jokes any longer. What form of sexual harassment has Shelley experienced? A) quid pro quo B) hostile environment created by supervisors C) hostile environment created by co-workers D) hostile environment created by nonemployees E) none of the above; Shelley is not a victim of sexual harassment Answer: B Explanation: As Shelley’s supervisor, Gus created a hostile environment according to the EEOC. A claimant does not need to show that the harassment had tangible consequences such as demotion. It is sufficient in many cases to prove that a supervisor’s sexual harassment substantially affected an employee’s emotional and psychological abilities. Diff: 3Page Ref: 41 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Application 42) All of the following are ways that an employer can minimize liability in sexual harassment claims EXCEPT ________. A) maintaining thorough records of all sexual harassment complaints B) informing all employees about sexual harassment investigations C) instituting a sexual harassment reporting process D) training employees in sexual harassment policies E) investigating sexual harassment charges promptly Answer: B Explanation: Maintaining records of complaints, instituting a reporting policy, providing sexual harassment training, and investigating charges quickly are ways that employers can show that they took reasonable care to prevent and correct sexual harassment, which will minimize the employer’s liability. Sexual harassment investigations should be conducted privately, and the information should not be made available to all employees. Diff: 3Page Ref: 42 Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Concept 43) Sanders Sporting Goods, an international sporting goods chain, is being sued for sexual harassment by a former Sanders employee. The plaintiff asserts that she was the victim of numerous unwanted sexual advances from a male co-worker. The woman claims that Sanders’ management condoned a hostile work environment and that the company is liable for the actions of the male employee. Which of the following, if true, would best support the plaintiff’s argument that Sanders is liable for sexual harassment? A) Sanders re-published its sexual harassment policy twice within the last year. B) The HR department at Sanders has records of the plaintiff’s initial complaints. C) Exit interviews of outgoing Sanders employees include questions about sexual harassment. D) Sanders lacks a management response system for handling sexual harassment complaints. E) Sanders recently lost a court case filed by former employees who claimed disparate treatment. Answer: D Explanation: Employers can minimize their liability in sexual harassment claims by showing that they have a response system set up for handling sexual harassment complaints, so Sanders may be liable if it lacks a system. Firms that re-publish their sexual harassment policies frequently, keep thorough records of complaints, and address sexual harassment issues during exit interviews are able to show that they took reasonable care to prevent sexual harassment. Disparate treatment refers to discrimination claims rather than sexual harassment claims. Diff: 3Page Ref: 42 AACSB: Reflective Thinking Chapter: 2 Objective: 2 Skill: Critical Thinking 44) Sanders Sporting Goods, an international sporting goods chain, is being sued for sexual harassment by a former Sanders employee. The plaintiff asserts that she was the victim of numerous unwanted sexual advances from a male co-worker. The woman claims that Sanders’ management condoned a hostile work environment and that the company is liable for the actions of the male employee. Which of the following, if true, would most likely undermine the plaintiff’s claim that Sanders is liable for the male employee’s conduct? A) The male employee physically threatened the plaintiff on three occasions. B) The male employee made sexual advances towards the plaintiff on a daily basis. C) The male employee was required by HR to participate in a sexual harassment awareness course. D) The male employee’s conduct significantly interfered with the plaintiff’s ability to perform her job. E) The plaintiff discussed her concerns about the male employee’s conduct with female co-workers. Answer: C Explanation: If the male employee was required to take a sexual harassment course, then that action shows Sanders was making a reasonable attempt to stop the behavior. Choices A, B, and D support the plaintiff’s claim that ther