OZONE LAYER DEPLETION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION - Essay Example The layer absorbs the hazardous Ultra Violet radiations emitted by the sun which would, otherwise, destroy the life of both animals and plants. The others include mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere as shown in the diagram below. Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally and which concentrates into a layer in the stratosphere to form the protective stratospheric ozone layer. Siva and Reddy (2011) describe the ozone layer as the sunscreen of the earth. The layer is made up of ozone, which has molecules with three oxygen atoms (O3). The layer is located between 19km -50 km above the surface of the earth, and absorbs almost 99% of the high frequency rays of the sun. The ozone layer’s thickness varies with geographical locations and seasons. Of notable concern is the fact that there have been signs of depletion of this sensitive protective shield called the ozone layer particularly the hole discovered in Antartic Peninsula towards the end of the 19th century. The depletion of the ozone layer causes problems wheredirect UV rays from the sun poses a health risk to human beings. Over the years, this has been an issue of serious concern among different nations. As such, various measures have been proposed that are meant to address the problem. This includes legislation being passed by different countries in order to help control the situation. This paper specifically looks at how the Montreal Protocol has been designed to address the problem. The paper will also discuss various measures that have also been taken by other countries to deal with the same problem. The paper starts by explaining the problems caused by ozone layer depletion and goes on to explain in detail the extent to which this problem can be solved. The problem of ozone layer depletion was first noticed around 1978 and it has been significantly gaining attention by different countries. For instance, the ozone hole that became noticeable towards the end of the 19th century denotes a region in

Explore an object Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Explore an object - Essay Example The knob has a handle on both sides of the door thereby enabling the door’s functionality. Both the door and the frame are of the same blue color, one that contrasts perfectly with the cream color of the room. The unique coloring of the door makes it conspicuous besides creating the notion of the space it creates on the wall. The color breaks the monotony of the wall thus enhancing the doors functionality. Additionally, the frame fixes it to the wall. As stated earlier, the door is of a light blue color. The color creates an ambiance of calmness besides breaking the monotony created by the cream walls. The color reflects light especially at night thus enhancing the brightness of the room. Additionally, the silver knob breaks the azure of both the door and the frame. The door is perfect rectangle with longer lengths and shorter width. It fits on the frame which thus the wall. The painting has a unique pattern of uniformity of both depth and intensity. This creates a fine texture characterized with smoothness to every direction. The painting has no definite pattern of brush movements a feature that creates a sense of uniformity in the texture of both sides of the door. The knob at the center of the door is silver in color a feature breaks the monotony of the azure of the rest of the door. This eliminates the sense of repetition in the texture of the door besides making the knob conspicuous. The blue surround the knob perfectly leaving the protruding silver color appearing as an island in an ocean of deep blue waters. The door falls in the crafts category of visual arts. The door is an artistic composition made of wood, nails and hinges among other features. Door making is a unique craft that requires precision in measuring the pieces of the door in order for the door to fit the frame. Additionally, the paint requires an artistic skill in order to enhance the functionality and appeal of the door. The door appears simple and is indeed simple to those who do

Social Policy On Homelessness Housing First

Social Policy On Homelessness Housing First Introduction The purpose of this paper is to discuss the social policy on homelessness Housing First. In this paper I will include the history of this policy, how it was created, when and the basic elements of this social policy. To every issue there are opposing views and I will present those views along with the policy. No social policy is perfect and along with the strengths I will also expose weaknesses, the points will be explained throughout this paper. First I will discuss what homelessness is and then what are the factors that lead a family, child, vet or anyone for that matter into the category of homelessness. Homelessness What does being homeless mean? It means not having shelter, a place to sleep, eat and be protected against natures elements. This issue is a concern to social service providers, government officials and policy professionals. Homelessness has been a major social issue In America but it is during financial crisis that this problem raises. The word itself Homelessness has a bad connotation, when the word homeless is uttered the immediate thought is that of a substance abuser, vagrant or a person with a mental illness. Although these are contributing factors they are not the sole reasons why a person ends up homeless. There are also other contributing factors such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion (such as sexual orientation), natural disasters, foreclosures, war or disability. Now in 2012 and as of recent years we have seen the U.S economy decline economically a result from the housing bubble burst, bank crisis and wars. These events have skyrocketed chronic homelessness, it is of no surprise that the precursors to the U.S recession are a major contributor (Szep, 2008). Beyond Shelter In order to understand the social policy called Housing First we must first discuss the history behind it. Housing First was introduced by a nonprofit organization called Beyond Shelter, this organization is based in Los Angeles. The non-profit organization Beyond Shelter was founded in 1988 in Los Angeles to fight poverty and homelessness within families with children (retrieved from http://www.beyondshelter.org/aaa_about_us/aaa_about_us.shtml). This organization introduced a model system called Housing First aka rapid rehousing. In 1996 the United Nations selected this model as 25 U.S best practices. Housing First Housing First is a public policy it is an alternative to a system of emergency shelter/transitional housing progressions(http://www.beyondshelter.org/aaa about us/aaa about us.shtml).It focuses homeless families to be able to move back into permanent housing. This is done first acquiring housing as soon as possible then providing counseling. It also focuses on intervention providing social services after the housing has been acquired rather than providing temporary shelter or transitional housing first (http://www.beyondshelter.org/aaa about us/aaa about us.shtml). In contrast to other programs where the issues that lead the person to homelessness are addressed first before helping the person acquire housing hence the name given to this public policy Housing First. For example many social or public policies function first by getting the homeless person from the street to public shelter, from public shelter to transitional housing program and from there to their own apartment. In the housing first or rapid housing the homeless person is first placed in an apartment or house then pin pointing the issues that lead to become homeless. The federal government uses this to guide federal policies in attacking the problem of homelessness by rent assistance, housing stabilization. In 2009 The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) provides homelessness prevention assistance to households that would otherwise become homeless, and provides rapid re-housing assistance to persons who are homeless as defined by section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).In 2008 Congress appropriated $25 million in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for 2008 to demonstrate the effectiveness of rapid re-housing programs to reduce family homelessness( retrieved from http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/housing_first ). Strengths The strengths of this policy is that homeless people get a housing as soon as possible without conditions. Thereby, afterwards getting the necessary help to assist them in maintaining a permanent residence. The common practice of assistance to family homelessness is some kind of temporary housing. The problem is, when that runs out, people are still homeless. ; This approach is simply to get homeless people off the street and into a stable, more permanent environment (http://www.beyondshelter.org/aaa about us/aaa about us.shtml). The idea is that a person can do better once placed in a permanent housing. Then receiving the services they need to maintain that permanent housing. This policy also helps to foster self-reliance instead of dependence (http://www.beyondshelter.org/aaa about us/aaa about us.shtml).Also, Intervention services, housing options, and transitional support for the foster care system are strategies to end youth homelessness. Weaknesses The federal policy formed on the model of housing first is a good idea but economically how long can the federal government sustain this program. The burden falls on state and local funding to non-profit organizations to support these services. Now with the current state of economy can this realistically continue to financially support this policy? There is a need for all types of housing for all kinds of homeless people, families with children, elderly and individuals with disabilities or addiction. When you champion one methods then what about the other programs that have transitional housing or shelters you create a competition for funds. The roots of the problems must be attacked first not the other way around and opposite of the Housing Readiness philosophy, which believes that people need to address issues that may have led to their own homelessness before they enter permanent housing. If anything in social work it is known and practical t used different methodologies .Housing first seems to ride on the idea that it is better to do the opposite. I dont know about this because I think I would rather attack the problem that has caused homelessness for example if the reason for being homeless is finding a job to sustain oneself, finding services to a mental issues or substance abuse then that is more viable than getting a house first . How can one maintain the cost of paying even if it subsidized by the government without being able to keep a job because of substance abuse lack of employment or perhaps a mental disease. I understand that the model of Housing First also assist with these social services after they have a permanent home but again the root of the problem should be taken care of first. I believe that one must learn to become long term self-sufficient before being placed in the responsibility of permanent housing. Also what about immigrants? How would an immigrant homeless person be able to even participate in such a program? They would be inelig ible to participate in such program without being a citizen or permanent resident. According to Paul Boden executive director of Western Regional Advocacy Project, he quotes How can they cut Section 8 but believe in Housing First as a concept? Theyre cutting housing but doing Housing First. Its not just ironic; its hypocritical (Law, 2007, NHI). My Interview Now as far as the person I interviewed as part of my homeless policy project I would not see how this policy would apply to him. My interviewee would not be able to participate in this program for the simple fact that he is an illegal immigrant. If are undocumented, you are not be eligible for federal programs. Perhaps he would be in a separate category because of immigration status. I think in his case immigration policy would have to change in his case before the homeless policy does. Conclusion This policy is a very good policy in my eyes but there are shortfalls regardless of these shortfalls it does not fall short form being innovative. When attacking social problems there are variables and different perspectives. Scenarios are case by case and a one size shoe fits all is not realistic nor is it practical. What works for one population may not necessarily work for the other. Now our public, social and federal policy on homelessness is well intended it is not perfect. Affordable housing is a must and in order for that to occur our economy must be stabilized. It is like a domino affect the fall of one chip knocks the rest down and to get these chips back up it must be done one at a time. It is a long ardous time consuming process that must be done carefully and patiently. Every policy that we instill must be carefully reviewed evaluated and make sure that it applies to everyone and not just a certain population.

The Importance of Communication and Teamwork Among the Flight and Cabin

The Importance of Communication and Teamwork Among the Flight and Cabin Crew TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT 4 INTRODUCTION 5 Background 5 Purpose/Audience 5 Sources 5 Limitaions 5 Scope 5 COLLECTED DATA 5 Importance of Communication Among the Crew 5 Main Cause of Aircraft Accidents 6 Duties of the Crew Members 7 Expectations of the Crew 7 The Crew is a Team 8 Intimidatin in the Cockpit 8 Cabin Crew is a part of the Team 9 Trusting the Crew's Judgment 9 Crew Resource Management (CRM) 9 Outline of CRM Training 10 LOFT Training 10 Organizing Resources and Priorities 11 CONCLUSION 11 Summary of Findings 11 Interpretation of Findings 11 REFERENCES 13 ABSTRACT The majority of aircraft accidents are caused by human error, and an accident or incident is linked together by a chain of errors. Most of these accidents could have been avoided by the crew if they would have been communicating to each other better. Some common errors that occur among the crew are poor task delegation, assertiveness, and distractions. Crew training in communication and teamwork will increase the crews' performance level. Programs like Crew Resource Management (CRM) have been developed to try to help the crews work together and reduce the human factor in accidents. CRM includes training in leadership/followership, assertiveness, management, communication, teamwork, decision making, and task delegation. Through programs like CRM crews learn to work together as a team, and when they are working together it is less likely there'll be an accident. INTORDUCTION Background The cause for most aircraft accidents (65%) are by crew error (FAA News, 1996). When the Crews performance level is low due to poor teamwork and communication this is when accidents happen. How can crew error be reduced? Even though human error can't be reduced completely through constant training and effort by the crew performance will increase and accidents will be reduced. Purpose/Audience This report is intended for a general audience and will show how important it is for the flight and cabin crew to work together and communicate as a team. This report will also examine the CRM program. Sources Sources have been obtained for this report from the Internet and from the Waldo Library, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich... ...grams like CRM are very helpful in instilling these principles and breaking the bad habits. Poor attitiudes and habits can't be changed overnight. That's why there is a need for recurrent CRM training. Communicaiton and teamwork is the key to safe and effective operations. There's no "I" in CREW but there is "WE". REFERENCES Chute, R. D. & Wiener, E. L. "Cockpit/cabin communication: I. A tale of two cultures." [http://olias.arc.nasa.gov/personnel/people/RebeccaChute/JA1.htm.]. Oct 1996. Federal Aviation Administration. (1995) Crew resource management training (AFS- 210, AC no. 120-51B). Washington, D. C. Nader, R. & Smith, W. J. (1994). Collision course: The truth about airline safety. PA: TAB Books. FAA News. "Atlantic coast airlines first to use FAA crew performance program." [http://www.dot.gov/affairs/apa15596.htm]. Sept 1996. Helmreich, R. L. "The evolution of crew resource management." [http://www.psy.utexas.edu/psy/helmreich/iata96/htm]. Oct 1996. Chute, R. D. & Wiener, E. L. (1996). Cockpit-cabin communicaiton: II. shall we tell the pilot? The International Journal of Aviaiton Phychology, 6 (3), 211- -229

Ancient Egypt’s Afrocentricity Essay

Thesis: Due to geographic, cultural, and historic evidence, Egypt is an Afrocentric so studying it should be considered Afrocentric. However, due to social constructs and the colonization of Africa, many wrongly do not consider studying Egypt as Afrocentric. Abstract: Egypt, like all other African countries has an extensive history rich with a unique culture and belief system. Unfortunately, Ancient Egyptian culture and history is buried under a synthesized backdrop for what is European history. Though the nation was influence by many cultures over the years, Egypt must still hold onto its true origins by rediscovering and challenging it’s own history in order to reinvent it as an Afrocentric nation that founded a unique Afrocentric cultural ideology that deals with the self determination of the Pan-African ideology in culture, philosophy, and history. Critical Review of Scholarship: In an article by Shahira Amin, an Egyptian journalist, that discussed how modern day Egyptians perceive themselves, their history, and their culture. Surprisingly, rather than consider their culture and selves as African, Egyptians consider themselves as â€Å"Arab Muslims.† Identity of self encompasses many factors, including religion, however, it is because the culture was buried under a backdrop for what is European history, and modern day Egyptians don’t view themselves as Africans. Amin’s article also emphasized Egyptians revisiting their true African roots. In Egypt, Africa and the Ancient World by Joseph Cervello Autuori and Is Studying Egypt in Its African Context ‘Afrocentric? by S.O.Y. Keita discusses the history of Egypt before and after the colonization era. Similar to all African countries that were colonized by Europeans, Egypt was influenced by the cultures of the people who occupied it, however, initially, Egypt has an Afrocentric culture like the one that of it’s African counterparts. In addition, online articles, Egypt’s Place in Modern Africa by Saidis Aswan Egy and Afrocenity by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante helped to ground the ideas of Afrocentism into modern Egypt and how they should  draw power from their ancient roots and strengthen their identity. Discussion: A person’s identity can be based on many factors such as race, culture, and class. A group of persons make up a community and groups of communities make a nation. Egypt is a country in Africa; however most people forget their true roots, or choose to let geography and European history define it. Based on geography specifically, Egypt is in Africa so studying it should be considered Afrocentric. However, due to social constructs and the colonization of Africa, many wrongly do not consider studying Egypt as an Afrocentric nation. Africa is a continent composed of many diverse and powerful countries. Afrocentric means to study something in its African context and origin. Its purpose is to shift peoples’ thinking from what they have been taught previously that was based on a Eurocentric point of view. â€Å"Afrocentricity becomes a revolutionary idea because it studies ideas, concepts, events, personalities, and political and economic processes from a standpoint of black people as subjects and not as objects, basing all knowledge on the authentic interrogation of location.† When Africa was torn apart during the Berlin Conference, Egypt was valued for its technology and architecture. Later when this same architecture was being studied and was trying to be reproduced, it was found to be very complex and made of intricate patterns the Europeans had not even thought of. However, they could not believe anyone that was not a European could be smart. So instead of the European being inferior to an Africa n, people were led to believe that Egyptians were not Africans. The problem of Egyptians not being recognized as Africans also arose when the Arabs colonized Africa whilst spreading Islam. Many nations tried to control Egypt and shape it in a way that made them feel better about themselves. This, unfortunately left – and still leaves Egypt – the people of Egypt to shun their African ethnicity instead of being relating to it. Despite Egyptians being brainwashed into believing they are not a part of Africa, it can be seen that they are as integrated as the other 53 countries that share its continent. This can be seen through Egypt’s language and  archeology. Language is important because, though it is diverse throughout the world, if its origins can be traced, it can determine how a nation began. In the case of Egypt, â€Å"Egyptian is a member of the Afro-Asiatic family which originated in Africa and was not imported from Asia or Europe†. When the complete history of Egypt is looked at, it can be seen that it is, in fact Afro-centric despite the influences from other countries. In relation to archaeology, it suggests that early Egyptian culture rose directly through indigenous Africans. Archaeologists have also found that crops from the other side of the Nile River were integrated into the lifestyle of early Egyptians. In short, despite how much Egyptians refuse to accept Afrocentism as de scribing them; there are clear details that can prove Egypt’s core is African, not European or Mediterranean influence. Geography and race also play a big part in Egypt recognizing itself as African. In contrast to â€Å"traditional contextualization of Egypt in the ‘Mediterranean’ or ‘Near Eastern’† geographically, Egypt is in Africa. So naturally, the people in the nation share physical characteristics with those around them, as well with Africans as a whole (though they might be minute). Ancient Egypt emerged on the banks of the Nile River, which flows from the core of Africa. Three African countries on its east, south, and west border Egypt while it is separated from Asia by the Mediterranean Sea. It is simply ignorant to disregard the physical barriers that separate Egypt from Asia and Europe, and to disregard the borders that keep it within Africa. When studying Egypt people should not forget to include Africa and how Egypt being in Africa has also influenced and advanced the nation to what it is today, therefore, studying Egypt’s history should be considered Afrocentric. Work Cited SparkNotes Editors. â€Å"SparkNote on Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.† SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. Talmadge Anderson, James Stewart, Introduction to African American Studies: Transdisciplinary Approaches and Implications. (Black Classic Press, 2007), 29. Frederick Douglass, Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave: Written by Himself. (Boston: The Anti-Slavery Office, 1845), 37. â€Å"Dr. Nathan Hare,† Black Think Tank, last modified Feb 5, 2014. Asante, Molefi K. â€Å"Afrocentricity.† Latest Books. Afrocentricity, 13 Apr. 2009. Web. 02 Oct. 2014.

Defining Marketing Essay

Marketing is often misunderstood. Ask the average person how they would define marketing and a majority would reply with something along the lines of commercials, ads, brochures, and other items used to market a business. Marketing is complex. It is a process, a practice, and a philosophy. As a process, it moves goods and services from an idea all the way through to the customer. As a practice, it embodies the elements of product, price, place, and promotion. As a philosophy, it is the basis of how customers’ needs and satisfaction are met by the business’ product or service. According to Perreault, Cannon, and McCarthy (2011), â€Å"marketing is the performance of activities that seek to accomplish an organization’s objectives by anticipating customer or client needs and directing a flow of need satisfying goods and services from producer to customer or client†. In 2007 the American Marketing Association (AMA) completed its periodic review of the definition of marketing. The new definition reflects marketing’s broader role in society as more of an activity, as opposed to a function, with a presence throughout the organization, not just a department. The â€Å"American Marketing Association Marketingpower† (2007) definition reads â€Å"marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large† (New Definition of Marketing). Importance of Marketing in Organizational Success Firms face many challenges and such challenges can affect the life span of the organization. Some of the most recognized and profitable businesses struggle to maintain their market share. Marketing is an essential component to ensure prosperity in an organization. Marketing strategies exist to encourage sales to obtain new and maintain current customers. Targeting specific populations is typical in marketing and the targeting  depends on the type of merchandise or service. For example, Coca-Cola soda beverage company is based in the United States and the global society is its target market. That market encompasses everyone. Alternately, Huggies diapers are specifically targeted for new parents and caregivers. Whether the marketing focus is on large or small groups, it is important to understand who the buyers are to create a successful marketing plan. If marketing focuses on customer needs and specific audiences, the product will sell itself. Another reason marketing is important for organizational success, is that marketing is a broad topic. It covers a wide variety of aspects from advertising, promotions, and sales to public relations. Marketing must not be confused with sales as is frequently done. Marketing involves putting products into their market, promoting the product, encouraging sales, and influencing consumer behaviors. Sales are actually the transaction that takes place when the purchase is made by the customer. Strategies in marketing have changed and are constantly changing. Because so many messages are in the face of consumers today it is increasingly difficult to get products and services noticed. That requires marketing professionals to be more creative. A marketing mindset will give companies the competitive edge required to succeed in their industry. Product-focused organizations are destined to fail. Customer-focused marketing plans are the best way to focus financial resources in a firm. Knowing and exceeding customer expectations will build the reputation that will lead repeat customers and greater success. Well-run marketing campaigns will lead to good profits and sustainability. Successes in Marketing Nike is a large, profitable company that has a reputation of success with marketing. Actually, Nike has sometimes been referred to as the â€Å"Goddess of Marketing† for its growth from humble beginnings to one of the most successful marketing stories in the world of business. Nike uses successful and famous sports figures to endorse their products. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for items that they view to be superior in quality,  reliability, and style. Brand management is one of Nike’s greatest strengths. For example, basketball-great Michael Jordan’s success on the basketball court led to hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of sales of Nike’s Air Jordan line of products. Tennis, golf, and soccer are other sports where the Nike brand has made a large impact on fashion, style, and sports equipment. McDonald’s is another company whose marketing success has made it the world’s largest food service retailer. It serves millions of customers around the world and has franchises in more than 100 countries. McDonald’s reaction to consumer trends and expectations is what has risen this empire to the top. The consistency of the restaurant’s product maintains its customer base and meeting social consumer needs by sharing nutritional information and providing healthy menu options continues to grow its customer base as well. Last but certainly not least, Apple is quite possibly the world’s best marketing company. Steve Chazin, former Apple marketing executive and consumer marketing expert currently maintains a blog and has published and eBook highlighting Apple’s five secrets of marketing to become the world’s most valuable company. He condensed the secrets from what he learned throughout his 10 years of employment with Apple. Chazin has discovered ways that a company can use consumers’ desire to share their passion for products and essentially sell the products for the organization. To highlight the five secrets from Marketing Apple: 5 Secrets of the World’s Best Marketing Machine (2007): â€Å"1. Don’t sell products. People buy what other people have. 2. Never be first to market. Make something good greater. 3. Empower early adopters. Help your customers help you. 4. Make your message memorable. 5. Go one step further. Surprise and delight your customers.† Apple’s company-wide understanding and adoption of its marketing strategy has allowed it to grow into the empire it is today. References American Marketing Association marketingpower. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.marketingpower.com/Community/ARC/Pages/Additional/Definition/default.aspx Chazin, S.M. (2007), Marketing Apple: 5 secrets of the world’s best marketing machine, Retreived from http://www.marketingapple.com/Marketing_Apple_eBook.pdf Perreault, W. D. Jr., Cannon, J. P., & McCarthy, E. J. (2011).Basic marketing: A marketing strategy planning approach (18th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Spanish Astronomy Vocabulary Words

Spanish Astronomy Vocabulary Words Because much of ancient Western knowledge about the heavens comes to us from or through people who spoke Greek or Latin. Because of this many of the Spanish words related to planets, stars and other aspects of astronomy will seem familiar as they are borrowing from Latin and Greek as well. Here are some of the most important Spanish astronomical words: Astronomical Bodies - Los cuerpos celestes Alpha Centauri - Alfa Centauriasteroid - el asteroideBig Dipper - la Osa Mayor (The Spanish name means the great female bear.)binary star - la estrella binariablack hole - el agujero negro, el hoyo negrocomet - el cometa (Note that la cometa refers to a kite.)constellation - la constelacià ³ncosmic rays - los rayos cà ³smicosdwarf planet - el planeta enano (Enano here functions as an invariable adjective.)galaxy - la galaxiagamma radiation, gamma rays - la radiacià ³n gamma, los rayos gammameteor - el  meteoro, el bà ³lidoMilky Way -   la Và ­a Lcteamoon -   la luna  (capitalized  la Luna  when referring to Earths moon)nebula -   la nebulosaneutron star - la estrella de neutronesNorth Star - la estrella Polarnova - la novaplanet -   el planetaquasar -   qusar, quasar, cusar, cuasarred dwarf -   la enana rojared giant -   la gigante rojasatellite - el satà ©litesolar system - el sistema solarstar - la estrellasun - el sol (el Sol when ref erring to Earths sun)sunspot - la mancha solar (a mancha is a stain)supernova - la supernovauniverse - el universowhite dwarf - la enana blanca Our Solar System - Nuestro sistema solar asteroid belt - el cinturà ³n de asteroidesasteroids - los asteroidesCeres - CeresEarth -   la TierraEris - ErisJupiter - el Jà ºpiterMars - el MarteMercury - el Mercuriomoon - la LunaNeptune - el NeptunoPluto - el Plutà ³nrings of Saturn - los anillos de SaturnoSaturn - el Saturnosun - el SolUranus - el UranoVenus - el Venus Other Terms - Otros tà ©rminos albedo - el albedoastronaut - el/la astronautaastronomy -   la astronomà ­aBig Bang - el Big Bang, la gran explosià ³ncrater - el crterdark matter - la materia oscuraeclipse - el eclipsefull moon - el plenilunio, la luna llenagravitational field -   el campo gravitatoriogravity - la gravedadlight year- al aà ±o luz  (los aà ±os luz in plural)magnetic field - el campo magnà ©ticonew moon - la luna nuevanuclear fusion - la fusià ³n nuclearorbit - la à ³rbitared shift - el corrimiento al rojo, el desplazamiento hacia el rojorevolution - la revolucià ³nsolar flare - la erupcià ³n solarspacecraft - la nave espacialspace probe - la sonda espacialspace shuttle - el transbordador espacial, la lanzadera espacialspace station - la estacià ³n espacialtelescope - el telescopiotheory of relativity - la teorà ­a de la relatividadtwinkling (of stars) - el centellearvacuum of space - el vacà ­o del espaciowormhole - el agujero de gusano (This is an example of a calque.)zodiac - el zodiaco, el zodà ­aco

Japan the second largest market economy in the World Essays

Japan the second largest market economy in the World Essays Japan the second largest market economy in the World Essay Japan the second largest market economy in the World Essay Essay Topic: The Birth Mark Now the Japanese economy is the second large market economy in the world, Japan accounts for approximately two-thirds of the total GDP of Asia and therefore has played a major role in Asia economy. Japan is the biggest investor in Asia countries and a crucial financier of world financial markets. Its economic health is important to the overall global economy, especial in Asia Pacific Business Region. Since Japanese bubble economy collapsed in 1991s, Japan has grown poor economic performance for several years (1). Moreover Asian financial crisis in 1997 has affected Japanese economy recovery, but Japan still holds the key to successful economic recovery of the APBR. Multiple Explanation of Japans Economic Success Postwar Japans extraordinary economic achievements during the post-world war II period inspired awe throughout the world. In the course of three decades, Japan transformed itself from a war-devastated country, whose industrial recovery centered on the production of cheap gadget and light consumer goods, into an affluent and technologically sophisticated global industrial leader (refer to Appendix 1). In trade, Japanese export successes have contributed to expanding surpluses in the countrys international accounts since the 1970s. These huge surpluses have been invested abroad, creating a huge stock of foreign assets for Japan. By the mid-1980s, Japan had risen to prominence as the worlds largest net creditor nation. Japanese economic growth following the American occupation wars remarkable for its magnitude, speed and downright relentlessness. Between 1957 and 1984, Japans gross national product increased from $3.08 billion to $1.261 billion, a 42-fold jump. Moreover Japans economy grew at an annual rate of 9 percent per year during the high-growth years of the 1960s (2) (refer to Appendix 2). How was this economic miracle achieved? I can discuss these from following reasons. 2Government intervention in the economy and strong government-business relationships Japan has employed a version of developmental capitalism that allows for a much greater government role in promoting Japans international competitiveness than is typical in Anglo-American liberal capitalism (3). Japanese business and government leaders started to develop and implement policies aimed at promoting national economic growth following the end of the U.S occupation of Japan in 1952. The government has positively influenced economic growth through wise macroeconomic policies. Business in Japan has maintained very close relations with the bureaucracy and politician. Three sacred treasures of semi-life employment, seniority wage scales, and company union These contributed to employee loyalty and to a high degree of harmony between workers and management. Encouragement to private saving and investment Japans gross national savings at its zenith reached nearly 40 percent in the postwar period. Between 1960 and 1980, the Japanese saved around 20 percent of their disposable personal income (4). The high level of savings of households provided banks and other financial institution with ample funds for heavy investment in the private sector. To Make much of human resources and create an environment where human resources can display their capabilities Japan has invested heavily in developing an effective education and training system. Companies are responsible for providing technical training to the persons they hire. To absorb foreign culture and technology in a flexible manner and improve them to suit the Japanese condition Development of export markets through specialization The importance of the international context Japans economic success can be explained by largely the Cold War and the relationship between the United States and Japan that it produced. The cold war rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union led the United States to shelter Japan from the vagaries of international politics, permitting the Japanese to focus their attention and resource on achieving economic growth. Advocates of free rider in which the U.S-Japan relationship has supported Japanese economic growth. The United States provided cheap technology transfer to Japan following World War II and promoted the Japanese economic buildup through its international trade policy (5). Part III What Causes the Japanese Economic Recession in the 1990s and Measures for Economic Rebirth From an economic standpoint, the contrast between the 1990s and the cold war years can be seen by looking at Japans real economic growth rate (refer to Appendix 3). In 1992, Japans economy entered a period of stagnation with economic growth rates much below the previous average. In retrospect it is clear that the Japanese economy became dominated by a financial bubble in the 1980s and early 1990s. In May 1989, the government tightened its monetary policies to suppress the rise in value of assets such as land. By the end of 1990, the Tokyo stock market had fallen 38%, wiping out 300 trillion yen (US $ 2.07 trillion) in value, and land prices dropped steeply from their speculative peak. This plunge into recession is known as the bubble economy (6). The post-bubble recession continued through the second half of the 1990s. What causes the economic recession? And how to recovery them? We can discuss in more detail. What causes economic recession? Mismanagement of economic policy In spite of the clear tendency that the bubble ceased in 1991, the government hesitated to change the policy stance toward the financial and fiscal relaxation and consequently economy went down to early zero grow. Delay of economic reform In 1980s, US and European countries promoted vigorously the deregulation policy to stimulate competition and challenge for new frontiers. However, in Japan, industries enjoyed the asset inflation and neglected to tackle for competitive capabilities. The market with remaining regulation seemed to be less attractive for international business. Weak entrepreneurial spirit Japanese business leaders tend to have the sense of yokonarabi (herd instinct) and relatively lack the self-responsibility and self-support (7). When there had problem, business leaders have strongly asked for the governmental stimulus measures without taking any drastic measure for slimming down and challenging new frontier. The Japanese business leaders are less enthusiastic in applying information system in the 1990s. Financial instability The instability of finance system has accompanied the credit crunch. Japans bubble economy resulted from the delayed change of economic policy toward tight financial policy. Soon after the authorities took the tight money policy, unfortunately taken very lately, the prices of the land and stock prices dropped dramatically (8). The Asia-pacific region, the center of world growth, is experiencing dynamic economic development against a background of political stability as the level of interdependence in the region deepens. The region was being integrated through Japanese efforts in trade, aid, FDI, technology transfer, and as a model of economic development. Many Asian countries were trying to follow in Japans developmental footstep parts of what they view as the Japanese model. The rapid growth in Asian economies since the eighties has integrated the Japanese economy deeply into the region, as can been seen from the oversea activities of Japanese companies, the divisions of labor within the Asian region, and the strengthening of relationships in the financial area. Exports have for a long time been major contributors to growth in the region. Japan remains by far the largest export from the region, though its share in total Asian exports is flopping (refer to Appendix 4). Japan is an important market for the rest of East Asias exports as well -from a high of 27 percent from Indonesia to a low of 5 percent from Hong Kong. Totally, Japan absorbs a 15-10 percent share of the export from other East Asia country (10). Japan has contributed to Asia industrial growth by supplying not only capital, but also critically needed production and process technology. The Japanese economy influences trade volumes and prices in selected commodities in APBR. For example, Japanese rice purchase affect Indonesia and Thailand, and Japanese rubber demand affects Malaysia and Thailand. Japanese performance also influences financial market in APBR, even in world. Japans foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to the region was about US$11 billion in FY 1996, mainly to China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia (11). Japans multinationals, originally led by the general trading houses, are the largest foreign investors in Asia Pacific, supplying most manufactured imports and buying large quantities of good from the region. Japan and other Asian countries economic relation Since the mid-1980s, East Asia has been viewed at the growth center for the world economy. Japan has played an important role in Asia economy development. Since the appreciation of the Yen in the middle 1980s following the Plaza Agreement of 1985, Japanese enterprises have been very active in expanding trade and investment in Asian region. For example, the share of export to East Asia out of Japans total export increased from 23% in 1985 to 43% in 1996. Similarly, the import share from East Asia also increased from 25% in 1986 to 35% in 1996. Foreign direct investment by Japan in Asia increased two-fold between 1992 and 1997 to $12.26 billion. Japans government-business alliance is pursuing an Asia-wide version of developmentalism. That is, it is exporting to the region a set of pro-growth government policies and cooperative industry practices designed to help heading manufacturing firms achieve efficiencies and market power by adopting successively more advanced technology (12). Since the mid-1980s, Japanese multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been building vertically integrated production network that they dominate in and across Asian economies. Manufactures of such electrical products as TVs, VCRs, and refrigerators opened assembly plants in China, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries in Asia where work quality are high and labor inexpensive. On the supply side, Japanese capital continues to follow into Asia in impressive amounts ($7.76 billion in manufacturing investment in 1995, a 57 percent increased over the volume in 1994). More and more Japanese manufactures are moving into the region. On the demand side, Asian countries continue to rely heavily on Japanese technology to fuel their increasingly export-oriented economies. In 1994, 52.3 percent of Malaysias technology was imported from Japan, compared with 22.7 percent from the United States (13). In 1995, when Japan undertook FDI, 24 percent of the Japanese affiliates in the Asian newly industrialized economies (NIEs), 33 percent of those in the ASEAN -4 (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines) and 21 percent of these in China. I can mainly talk about the relation about Japan and China, Japan and ASEAN nations. Japan Chinese economic relation Total trade between Japan and China amounted to around US$64 billion (1997), China is Japans second largest trading partner, which Japan is Chinas largest trading partner, and interdependence is deepening. Cumulative Japanese FDI in China, which had been only $3.5 billion in 1992, jumped to $8.7 billion in 1994 and then to $13.26 billion in 1995 (14). In addition, more and more Japanese manufacturers are beginning to produce not just for re-export, but for the rapidly growing China market. Japan-ASEAN economic relations In recent years, ASEAN nations have been moving toward export-oriented economic growth. Due to shortage of intermediate and capital goods necessary for product manufacturing, these nations are importing such goods from Japan for manufacturing and export. Japans trade with ASEAN region in 1997 and in 1995 shows that within than span of time exports grew approximately fivefold and imports increased by roughly 2.5 time. ASEAN accounted for 16.1% of Japans trade for 1995 (17.5% of its exports and 14.3% of imports) (refer to Appendix 5). Japans share in trade for the entire ASEAN region reached 18.6% (15.2% of exports and 21.4% of imports) (15). Japan is the top trading partner for ASEAN nations. Japans direct investments in ASEAN nations totaled US$5.13 billion in 1994. This is equivalent to 12.5% of Japans total business overseas investments and 54% of its direct investments in all of Asia (refer to Appendix 6). Headed by Indonesia that ranks at the top as destination for Japanese investment, ASEAN nations rank in the top echelon.

A Study Of The Political Culture In Japan Since Time Immemorial

A Study Of The Political Culture In Japan Since Time Immemorial Throughout most of history, Japanese political culture has centralized around the concept of imperialism. Only during the time period of 1192-1867 did the central imperialist government loose control. This was brought upon by the civil wars and the anarchy that Japan faced prior to 1192. These events set the stage for a new ruling system called Seii-Taishogun 1. Due to this type of military dictatorship the shogun ruled all of Japan. From the new administrative capital, Edo (present day Tokyo) the shogun era controlled by the Tokugawa family brought long lasting peace to Japan, increased wealth and influence of the warrior class, a distinct social status classification system, decreased power of the emperor, and created an isolationism policy for Japan. Oda Nobunga (1534-1582) and Toyomoto Hideyoshi (1537- 1598) brought their opponents to knees. The process reached its climax in 1590, when Hideyoshi carried his banners into eastern Japan. Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) rose to power in this vortex of civil war, and succeed Hideyoshi as leader of the country s military estate. With Ieyasu in control of the country he wanted to establish a controlling government body that would keep his family in power for many centuries to come. With the implementation of Tokugawa political rule, this sleepy, historic area was destined to become the capital of all of Japan. By the start of the century, roughly one century after the establishment of Tokugawa bakufu, the city of Edo already boasted a population of around one million in habitants. With the government in the hands of Ieyasu it was clear that he wanted to create a new system of government that would separate the imperial nobles from the military nobles. decreed in Article 7 of the Rules for the Palace and Court that court ranks and offices of members o0f the military are to be treated separately from those held by court nobility. The imperial court that Ieyasu created which featured the emperor had no real power over the country while the members of the military court, led by Ieyasu controlled the country. The two main members of the military court were made up of the shogun, and the daimyo. The shoguns basic responsibilities to the military court was to supervise the court, while daimyo discussed issues, ensure domestic peace among the clans, and protect Japan from hostile outside threats. The daimyo were nobles/lords that that represented various clans and controlled parts of Japan through their regiment of samurai. Each daimyo could control there own section as they saw fit as long as it was is accordance to the regulations handed down by the shogun. As a way to ensure peace, and a willingness of the daimyo to co-operate with the rulings of the court the daimyo had to put up retainers. Bannermen and household retainers were actually put to work as guards in charge of fortifying the surroundings of the castle; daimyo wives and children were required to in live in the capital; daimyo themselves were given no choice but to accept the system of alternate attendance. Also Ieyasu ensured that his family would be guaranteed the leadership of the country, and assurance that no one daimyo clan could over power the government. Imposing taxes and repercussions that would be to great of a risk to rebel against the shogun government. Ieyasu imposed strict controls on the daimyo families, in particular those which had opposed his own bid for power. They were forced to spend a large part of the revenue from their fiefs on road-building and other improvements, and also to maintain residences in Edo, the shoguns seat of government, as well as in their fiefs. This kept them too poor to mount any effective opposition to the shogunate, even if they had been willing to sacrifice their families. 5 By means of these different types of influence that the shogun had over various government councils, this left the shogun with no serious challenges towards his authority. By the final decades of the seventeenth century, when the process of state building had run its course in France and Japan, the shogun and king embraced in principle and often exercised in practice and unprecedented degree of power. Each hegemon asserted the supreme right to proclaim laws, levy taxes, and adjudicate disputes. Each ruler presided over a bureaucracy that carried out the details of governance, and each state enjoyed monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force, the better to impose its will. 6 Which is why the emperor, and the imperial court had no real power over the country and that the shogun reigned supreme it its military dictatorship. Due to this new era of constant peace in Japan the demand for warriors, such as samurai greatly decreased during the shogun era. This left many people out of jobs and mostly samurai had to find a line of work in something else. But, in Edo the shogun was the only entity that kept a massive army for protection, and a massive migration of soldiers descended upon the city. For this reason many jobs became available for merchants, and artisans that were needed to help and supply the enormous amount of supplies that were being utilized in the great building (forts/castles) expansion that was occurring in Edo. Commoners began to stream into the city during the 1590 s, as Ieyasu promised his patronage to those who would help him construct his military headquarters and provision his warriors: armorers and smiths, lumber dealers and carpenters. 7 With all of these jobs that had been created by this migration the Japanese culture began seeing the emergence of a middle-class economic system tha t was mainly made up of these commoners that had gone to work in Edo. Even though this was a major break through in terms of equality among people the same customs and community hierarchy as in the imperial era stayed mostly the same. Each rank of the feudal hierarchy was allotted clearly defined limits above or below which it was impermissible to pass. The principle of knowing one s place was of paramount importance: it was the iron law of feudal ethics. Today, knowing one s place generally implies not rising above what is deemed appropriate. But during the Edo period, falling below one s station was also prohibited. This ethic and the social order that supported it were firmly established during the century that followed the founding of Edo. 8 The definite social structure of the Edo period was similar to what was found in the imperial periods. The whole concept of knowing one s place in society was followed closely and strictly by the governing bodies. A perfect example of is the instance of the ranking of the daimyo. Principles of warrior rule gove rned the rank or status of individuals and families in the feudal hierarchy. Rules were drawn up stipulating the forms a daimyo was required to follow. Social rank determined the shape and size of the daimyo s Edo residence, the scale of his processions, and the kind of vehicles, furnishings, and clothing he was allowed to use. Distinctions of feudal rank were displayed to be immediately visible. These included the colours and designs of clothing, styles of architecture and materials used in buildings and gardens, and the methods and ingredients employed in manufacturing various goods consumed by the warrior. 9 These social classifications were closely watched and to disgrace the social conduct presented by these rules would result in a demotion of the daimyo s status in the society. This held true even in the instance of the society status of the emperor compared to shogun. During the shogun era the power of the emperor was nothing. He was more seen as a symbol of Japanese culture and religion than an authoritative figure during this era. the powers the emperor delegated to the shogun were public, meaning that authority was to be exercised not in the private interest of the shogun and warrior estate but rather in a manner that contributed to the well-being of all of the people of the realm. 10 The whole meaning of it was to look out for the people of Japan rather than just the minority that ran it. This was clearly true as the shogun era progressed the emperor s duties were relegated to just ceremonies, and the separation of the Buddhist church influence in the politics of the country became a law. Toward the sovereign emperor and the aristocracy n Kyoto, for instance Ieyasu and his successors acted with appropriate deference, granting them sustenance lands and rebuilding long neglected palaces. But the shoguns also stationed a military governor in the ancient imperial capital.. Regulations concerning the Emperor and Court, which confined the emperor and nobility to a life of ceremonial and artistic pursuits. The same blend of coercion and patronage characterized the shogun s relationship with the Buddhist religious establishment. The policy of the Tokugawa shoguns was to keep the church fiscally dependent upon government and isolated from secular affairs. Thus the shogun s officials endowed important shrines and temples with landholdings sufficient to sustain them as religious centers, but in 1615 the government also announced a code that restricted priests to purely religious and ritual activities, and twenty years later it placed religious institutions under the careful purview of the commissioners of shrines and temples. 11 The shoguns policy towards the church and the imperial court was that they had no power over any policies and decisions made by the shogun government. There only reason was to be there as cultural symbols t o the people of Japan. Also, the reason that the shogun government worked was due to its foreign policies, towards the isolationism of Japan from the rest of the world. Through all of the social reform that the shogun era established probably the greatest achievement by this government was its isolationism from the outside world. During the opening decades of the seventeenth century, the Tokugawa shoguns prohibited Christianity and restricted foreign commerce to Chinese and Dutch traders at Nagasaki, thus ushering in the Pax Tokugawa two centuries of peace under a warrior government. 12 This stance on foreign relations was a great boost to the Japanese way of life. It made the country as a whole concentrate on what was going on inside the country rather than what was going on outside of Japan during the exploration and colonization period that occurred in most of the other continents. The fact that Japan as a country was cut off from the rest of the world allowed them to keep their culture strong. The conclusion of warfare and the beginning of the great Pax Tokugawa provided the shogun (and the regional daimyo as well) with an opportunity to convert their warrior corps into civilian administrators. 13 The time of peace allowed more people in the country to serve the government in other ways such as; farming, politics, blacksmith, etc. The military government provided by the shogun era brought about many changes to imperial Japan. It established a secure government that kept the culture and unity of the country as a whole, very strong. This was because of the great achievements that were made by this type of government, such as; long lasting peace to Japan, the great city of Edo (present day Tokyo), increased wealth and influence of the warrior social class, creation of a distinct social pattern, decreased power of the emperor/religion in the policies made by the government, and the isolationism of Japan which saved its culture from outside influence.

Modern Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Modern Workplace - Essay Example (Take from presentation and paper work on work stress and health. Scheduled in 2003 in Toronto) We have now more racially diverse work force, older and has larger number of women. More over the workforce is being reshaped by new ways of dependent work , contract labor, and employment practices. But we haven't understood yet that what will be the effect of this on the worker health and safety in today's changing workplace. Another major problem is sexual harassment. The women's lobby in Europe states that around 40 to 50% of the women have experienced some form of sexual harassment or unwanted sexual behavior in the workplace.( Taken from Dziech et al 1990, Boland 2002). In United States Of America around 15000 cases of sexual harrasment have been brought to U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commision (EEOC) each year. Where as a study from Hong Kong states that one third of sexual harassment victims are males who are being targeted by female supervisors at the work place. The chair person of Equal Opportunity Commission, Jenny Watson, says that: ' it affects both women and men, causing stress, health problems and financial penalties when they leave their jobs to avoid it'. (Dziech, 1990) and (Dziech et al 1990, Boland 2002) Technology is the commanding force in todays work place , technologically literate people uses tools, materials, systems,

Benefits Of Efective Leadership in 21st Century Organisation Dissertation

Benefits Of Efective Leadership in 21st Century Organisation - Dissertation Example Directive behavior focuses on such tasks as monitoring, instructing, goal-setting and scheduling, while supportive behavior revolves around activities along the lines of encouraging employees and hearing them out on their concerns (Wart 2007). 46 Leadership The dictionary meaning of leadership is â€Å"the ability to lead† (Rost, 1993, p.41). â€Å"Everyone talks about it; few understand it. Most people want it; few achieve it† (Maxwell, 2005, p.1). This phrase may be true for some who have the desire to be a leader and thus when one tries to define this concept; he/she gets emotional and develops a definition that is more specific to his/her own though process. As a result, there are several definitions for leadership that reflect different views of the researchers. In this respect, James C. Georges from ParTraining Corporation has said, â€Å"What is leadership? Remove for a moment the moral issues behind it, and there is only one definition: Leadership is the abilit y to obtain followers† (Maxwell, 2005, p.1). However, this definition was opposed by others as they do not consider leadership mere the ability to get followers; for them it is the ability to achieve position. Such thinks correlate leadership with rank, position and title. According to them a person who has achieved a status in the organisation/society is a leader. In the real world such definition suffers with two major problems: a person who considers him/herself as a leader because of the status, he/she has to face frustration of some of the followers. Again, there may be people who do not enjoy high status and thus they don’t even try to develop leadership qualities in them. Edwin H. Friedman explained that â€Å"leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future† (Robinson & Rose, 2004, p.2). As per this definition, leadership is not a position; rather it is a role to be played by the leader. It should be regardless of one’s education, experience and position within the organisation. A leader should act like a facilitator and assist the followers to achieve the common goal. Different types of leadership There are several leaders who possess contradictory characteristic and leadership style. One such example can be Adolf Hitler and Mahatma Gandhi. Both of them had a very different leadership style but no doubt they both were successful leaders. Therefore, leadership can be of different type. On time to time, researchers proposed several theories and explained different types of leadership as per these theories. Before explaining different type of leadership style, it is essential to discuss theories of leadership. Some of the vital theories related to leadership have been discussed below. History of Leadership The history of leadership is years old; from early days human were interested to identify the factors that results in a famous and successful le ader. Out of this curiosity people conducted different research and identified some factors that can be easily noticeable

Revenue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Revenue - Essay Example Income encompasses both revenue and gains.† (ec.europa.eu, p. 2) Revenue: â€Å"IAS 18 defines revenue as ‘the gross inflow of economic benefits during the period arising in the course of the ordinary activities of an entity when those inflows result in increases in equity, other than increases relating to contributions from equity participants† (ACCA, 2013.) Gain: â€Å"An increase in the value of an asset or property. A gain arises if the selling or disposition price of the asset is higher than the original purchase or acquisition price† (Investopedia, n.d.) Normally the word ‘profit’ is used in business context in the place of gain. It is also very important that that revenue and the related expenses should be matched with the accounting period, and this is called matching principle. â€Å"When the selling price of a product includes an identifiable amount for subsequent servicing that amount is deferred and recognised as revenue over the pe riod during which the service is performed. The amount deferred is that which will cover the expected costs of the services, together with a reasonable profit on those services† (ACCA 2013). ... sale and repurchase should be dealt with together. Section 14 of IAS 18 stipulates the conditions for revenue recognition in respect of sale of goods. These following two conditions are relevant for discussion in respect of accounting of transaction related to Witney. (a) the entity has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods; (b) the entity retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; Section 20 states â€Å"When the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, revenue associated with the transaction shall be recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the transaction at the end of the reporting period.† This principle is relevant for discussion in respect of support services to PC4U. Case Study Sale of electrical goods When sale has been accounted properly, the goods covered should no t be treated as stock; and the sale is not treated as stock by the company. Snowfall and delay in delivery cannot alter the position. Once the goods are despatched to the buyer, the seller has no control over the same. The following conditions u/s 18 are important in this respect (a) the entity has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods and (b) the entity retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold. Therefore, no adjustment is required on account of this transaction. Contract with Witney The total amount owing to Ibi Ryan from Witney is ?600,000 at 31st March. It is assumed that includes the sum

My Leadership Development Plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

My Leadership Development Plan - Term Paper Example Professionally, I own a private trucking company with a staff of four drivers. Because I aspire to be better in my leadership roles, I am currently pursuing my MBA program at the North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. This will be my key in achieving my goal to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) someday. In ten years, I see myself running my own Accountancy firm. Right now, my most prominent leadership role is in my trucking company. Having four trucks, my workers and I search for clients in need of hauling their loads to various places. This entails much responsibility both to my clients and to my workers. I need to ensure that my drivers are efficient and honest in doing their jobs. That means they are physically, mentally and emotionally fit to work especially if they drive the trucks for long hauls. They should also be trustworthy because the clients entrust to our business their precious belongings. My role as a leader is to motivate my workers to deliver high quality p erformance in their work and to ensure customer satisfaction with our services. I would like to believe that I adhere to the Transformational leadership style. Bass (1990)1 explains that transformational leadership style is based on building engagement and participation, leading the team to perform at a better standard than before. In addition, the leader inspires a heightening of awareness about issues of consequence. This awareness keeps the team vigilant to do everything right in order to achieve positive consequences instead of negative ones. Bass (1985) describes the transformational leader as having a vision for the team, self-confidence as well as inner strength to fight for what is â€Å"right or good, not for what is popular or is acceptable according to the established wisdom of time†2. I strive to conform to the four dimensions of transformational leadership that Den Hartog et al. (1997) comprises3. Charisma is the first one, with the leader providing vision and mi ssion while instilling pride in his followers thereby gaining respect and trust for himself. He has the ability to increase their optimism. Second come inspiration, which defines if the leader acts as a model, communicates a vision, sets high standards and uses symbols to focus efforts. Next is individual attention to each member. The leader coaches, mentors and provides feedback to each of his followers making sure they are led to the right path. Lastly, dimension of intellectual challenge gives a leader’s followers a flow of challenging new ideas aimed at rethinking old ways of doing things, challenge flawed systems and promotion of careful problem-solving behaviors. Regarding to the ethical types that influence my ethical decision-making, I learned that primarily, it is deontology and secondarily, it is conformism. This means that my tendency when making ethical decisions is to follow prescribed duties that have been imposed by virtue on a person.4 These are duties to fide lity, or keeping promises made; duties of reparation or compensating for wrong actions done to others; duties of gratitude or repaying others for past favors done; duties of justice or the distribution of goods according to one’s merits; duties of beneficence or improving the conditions of others; duties of self-improvement or making oneself better; and duties of nonmaleficence or the avoidance and prevention of injury to others. My conformism ethical type refers to my consultation with my family, friends and colleagues before I make an ethical decision. I find their opinions valuable. Considering my strengths and weaknesses is one thing I keep reflecting on in my journey as a leader. As I move forward, I am confident that I am in control of my family and am doing a

General Electric Medical Systems, 2002 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Electric Medical Systems, 2002 - Essay Example In 2002 when Joe Hogan took up the reins he faced a difficult situation of having to decide whether GEMS should continue its policy of being a Global Products Company (GPC) or modify the concept to ‘In China for China’. GPC required that the manufacturing activity of the entire range of products be concentrated in places, including China, where this could be done at the lowest cost while maintaining standards and supplies made to the entire global market. The alternative would mean that the production in China would be meant exclusively for the Chinese markets. GEMS also had to decide whether it would continue concentration on excellence in engineering or move to new areas of genomics and healthcare information which would bring it into competition with smaller software companies but has to be done if GEMS has to be part of the emerging technologies that might, one day, make its existing lines of business obsolete and redundant. Analysis of the market situation revealed that the population of advanced countries was increasingly becoming older needing higher spending on healthcare making double digit growth in healthcare related industry possible. However the low per capita spend on medicine and diagnostics in emerging economies like China and India opened doors for a huge opportunity for GEMS both for new equipment as well as for reconditioned equipment marketed under its Gold Seal program. Other countries in Eastern Europe and Latin America were also emerging as large markets with opening up of their economies and development of their soft infrastructure. China was predominantly a low-end equipment market and had allowed the use of used equipment also. The market segmentation was high-end products, sold mainly in the US, Japan and other developed countries contributing 45%, mid-tier products 35% and the low-end making up the balance 20%. However it was the cheaper products that had the maximum potential for growth due to

Analysis of Whole Foods Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Analysis of Whole Foods Inc - Essay Example Analyses used in this study are Five Forces, Life Cycle Assessment, Value Chain Analysis, SWOT, PEST, and 7S. Buyer power- Whole Foods faces a weak buyer power because buyers are fragmented and do not have the particular influence on product or price. Organic food is sold in different 14,500 supermarkets in the States, so buyers do not have a single power to be able to dictate their price on the retailers. But if we consider Whole Foods to be the buyer, then we can consider this company to have a very strong buyer power because it can purchase and command a price from direct suppliers, and can buy out the competition.   A threat of new entrants. The threat of new entrants to the industry is low because of the big amount of investment needed to compete in the industry. The average capital cost of opening a food market site amounted to $15.1 million in 2007, plus the inventory cost of $ 850,000. Whole Foods Market pre-opening expenses averaged $2.6 million for the 21 stores they have opened. It is doubtful whether the products of the small manufacturers can reach the same shelves as with Whole Foods.   A threat of substitutes. There is a low threat of substitute because of the growing concern of people on wellness products. Whole Foods succeeded in building a competitive advantage. Their prices are comparatively higher than conventional foods, but they have established a niche in the industry because of the perceived needs of costumers.   A threat of rivalry - There is a high degree of rivalry in the industry because of the emergence of competitors in the industry. The rivalry is intense because competitors like Fresh & Easy Neighborhood, Sunflower Farmers Market. Traders Joe and Fresh Market offered several competitive moves. Competitors applied innovations, features, and lower pricing, For instance, Fresh Market developed small markets with the feel and atmosphere of an open European style market.  

General Electric Medical Systems, 2002 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Electric Medical Systems, 2002 - Essay Example In 2002 when Joe Hogan took up the reins he faced a difficult situation of having to decide whether GEMS should continue its policy of being a Global Products Company (GPC) or modify the concept to ‘In China for China’. GPC required that the manufacturing activity of the entire range of products be concentrated in places, including China, where this could be done at the lowest cost while maintaining standards and supplies made to the entire global market. The alternative would mean that the production in China would be meant exclusively for the Chinese markets. GEMS also had to decide whether it would continue concentration on excellence in engineering or move to new areas of genomics and healthcare information which would bring it into competition with smaller software companies but has to be done if GEMS has to be part of the emerging technologies that might, one day, make its existing lines of business obsolete and redundant. Analysis of the market situation revealed that the population of advanced countries was increasingly becoming older needing higher spending on healthcare making double digit growth in healthcare related industry possible. However the low per capita spend on medicine and diagnostics in emerging economies like China and India opened doors for a huge opportunity for GEMS both for new equipment as well as for reconditioned equipment marketed under its Gold Seal program. Other countries in Eastern Europe and Latin America were also emerging as large markets with opening up of their economies and development of their soft infrastructure. China was predominantly a low-end equipment market and had allowed the use of used equipment also. The market segmentation was high-end products, sold mainly in the US, Japan and other developed countries contributing 45%, mid-tier products 35% and the low-end making up the balance 20%. However it was the cheaper products that had the maximum potential for growth due to

A&P by John Updike Essay Example for Free

AP by John Updike Essay The short story entitled â€Å"AP† by John Updike was published in 1961 and confirmed the author’s reputation as a master of detail. In reality, the author merely expressed the spirit of the 1960s, which includes decadence, transformations of polity and society, which ascended certain people, but spiritually impoverished others, as well uncertainty in the next day. The short story thus reveals multiple contexts, all of which can be tied to its title. The present paper is intended to discuss the narrative in relation to its short and simple title.   The plot of the short story takes place in a provincial grocery store â€Å"AP† and is narrated by the protagonist, 19-year-old Sammy, who works there as a checker. â€Å"One Thursday afternoons the store is empty for the most part. The only people that inter the store are old woman and woman with six children whom he refers both to as sheep, when three girls walk in dressed with nothing more that bathing suits. This catches his eye and he watches them closely and studies each one of them with great detail† (Luscher, 1993, p. 168). Furthermore, the youth distinguishes the leader of the group and refers to her as Queenie, as she seems to behave with great self-confidence and social competence, and the two other girls simply follow her. . Sammy is aware of the fact that the girls violate the rules of this store concerning outfit, but doesn’t begin confrontation until his manager Lengel, who informs the girls abut the internal rules of â€Å"AP†. Queenie states that they are not doing shopping, as they seek to purchase only one product, but Lengel still continues blaming the girls for the abuse of the regulatory policy. Queenie responds that they are decent and do not intend to abuse the other customers’ convictions concerning morality. Sammy finally allows them to make a purchase, but observing the manager’s behavior, he concludes that he is not going to work for this shop any longer and announces that he   is quitting. Thus, the idea of the short story circles around the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the growth of the ability to make one’s own moral judgments, which can be free and independent from any redundant formalities (Luscher, 1993). The period of adolescence is usually associated with the formation of role models, which might dictate behavioral patterns to follow (Luscher, 1993). In this sense, both his professional identity as an employee of the AP and his self-awareness have been nurtured under the influence of two adults: Stokesie, a major breadwinner in his family, and Lengel, the store manager, whose career began in this place. Sammy, in this sense, seeks to imitate the relaxed behavior, demonstrated by Stokesie, who exclaims â€Å"Oh Daddy, I feel so faint!† (Updike, 2007, at http://www.tiger-town.com/whatnot/updike/). Similarly, â€Å"Sammy whittles away his days looking at pretty girls and thinking about the ways of people. He hardly realizes that this is how he will spend his entire existence if he doesn’t soon get out of this job. During this day that will prove to change his life, he makes the step towards his realization† (McFarland, 1983, p. 95). In fact, he originates from a working-class family, as his parents served at cocktail parties, and at first he decided to make a career, connected with the service sphere, but on the day of argument with the three girls,   the youth begins to build his own superstructure over the foundation of convictions, imposed by parental desire to penetrate into middle class and by the corresponding values, which view job as the sense of existence, regardless of the agent’s attitude towards this employment (McFarland, 1983; Luscher, 1993). Thus, his competition for store manager’s position finally appears to him pointless, similarly to the movements of the â€Å"sheep†, who make purposeful actions (do shopping) in order to satisfy their basic and not always conscious needs. Sammy, on the contrary, begins hard cognitive work on his own goals and makes his first conscious decision to leave the job. Furthermore, the young man seems to realize the responsibility he should take for his actions. In fact, his second role model, Langel, influences this decision in the most notable way (McFarland, 1983; Porter, 1972). After Langel’s appearance at the scene, Sammy concludes that he doesn’t wish to grow into such snobbish and arrogant manager, who regards himself as the last resort in all moral dilemmas and successfully combines preacher’s duties with his professional responsibilities.   Langel highlights one phrase in his admonition: â€Å"This isn’t the beach† (Updike, 2007). Sammy believes the way the executive firmly repeats this phrase look â€Å"as if it had occurred to him, and he had been thinking all these years the AP was a big sand and he was the head lifeguard† (Updike, 2007). As Porter notes, â€Å"his â€Å"sand dune† is the world of work, whereas the girls’ is the world of play† (Porter, 1972, p.1156). As one can understand, the first approach to the interpretation of the title derives from the central idea of the short story. In this sense, the AP appears a place, where the protagonist’s psychological maturation takes place, so   the emphasis upon the name of the shop can be alleged as the author’s natural desire to prioritize the settings, including the social context (the desirable shift from one social class to another), which puts the main character on his path to the insight. Another approach to the title is aesthetic or spatial. The author might have sought to prioritize the place itself rather than the most important idea, primarily – in order to provide the reader with sample environment, in which contemporary teenagers perform their working duties. This means, the concept of the AP as shop, which stores not merely goods, but also human fates and aspirations, is also valuable and deserves a more detailed examination. Due to the fact that this approach requires focusing upon senses and perception, it is important to include the atmosphere, depicted by the author. As McFarland notes, â€Å"to a large extent, the aesthetic pleasure in â€Å"AP† depends upon the reader’s sensing this dramatic irony. Sammy’s words resonate and gain meaning through a larger artistic context out of which he comes (Updike’s knowledge and imagination) but of which he, the fictive character, is unaware† (McFarland, 1983, p. 96). Importantly, two scholars, McFarland (1983) and Shaw (1986) compare the method of building the relationship between the imagery and the protagonist’s inner world to the allusion, depicted in â€Å"The Birth of Venus† by   Sanrdo Botticelli. Similarly to all Renaissance paintings, it depicts a nude woman, who comes from sea spirit. The protagonist also focuses on the appearances of three females, who have merely bikinis on and therefore to great extent resemble to Renaissance patterns of depicting female body. Furthermore, Sammy concentrates his attention on the leader of the group, who appears a queen in his eyes, because of her unique step, movements and gestures. The protagonist thoroughly fixes all these details about the girl and she seems a source of aesthetic pleasure for the protagonist, rather than merely a person, who belongs to the opposite gender (Shaw, 1986) Sammy soon begins to describe the nature of femininity and indicates that girls’ inner life is always a puzzle for him. He upgrades his perception of the girl, as the essential aspect of their appearance is the alteration of the atmosphere and the emergence of the spirit of freedom in the air, rather than merely the girls’ clothing and the way they communicate with one another. In Sammy’s opinion, Queenie fills the store with her aura, comprised by charm, self-determination and ingenuousness. In order to improve the reader’s understanding of all these emanations, which saturated the accommodation, Sammy poetically describes the young girl: â€Å"If it hadn’t been there you wouldn’t have known there could have been anything whiter than those shoulders† (Updike, 2007). The protagonist’s description of Queenie to certain degree reminds Venus by Botticelli: white body, high shoulders, bare feet and pride in the eyes.   When the girl brings her purchase to the cashier, Sammy feels as if he has just been chosen by Fortune (Shaw, 1986): â€Å"Queenie puts down the jar and I take it into my fingers icy cold: Kingfish Fancy herring Snacks in Pure Sour Cream: 49. Now her hands are empty, not a ring or a bracelet, bare as God made them, and I wonder where the money is coming from† (Updike, 2007). The thorough depiction of all details, associated with the girls’ visit to the shop implies that the event was so meaningful to the protagonist that he memorized it completely, primarily, because of the surrealistic alteration of the place into the scene or arena of theatrical performance. After Langel confronts the girl, the sense of theatricality reinforces, as the manager explicitly plays hi professional role, whereas the girl behaves naturally and appears a â€Å"positive character† of the play. The girl, similarly to the Greek goddess in the ancient literature, inspires the protagonist and brings him into a different dimension of cognition, primarily through   participating in the affected episode, initiated by the executive, which in fact occurs at the workplaces like the AP. Sammy thus understands that the service area turns employees into dull puppets, which perform uncreative job and inhibit inspiration, embodied by Queenie (Shaw, 1986). After the girl leaves, Sammy begins to feel the pressure of his workplace and finally decides to quit the job. The final interpretation of the title derives from the protagonist himself, especially when taking into consideration the fact that he is a teenager, who uses to simplify his life and at first doesn’t disclose any deep reflection. In this context â€Å"AP† points to the teenage perception of the event, i.e. if a 19-year-old man like Sammy wrote this story he would probably given it this title. The reminder about the protagonist’s teen age can be found in the vocabulary he uses. As Grainer suggests, the narrator is defined primarily by his â€Å"tones and vocabularies† (Grainer, 2007, at http://www.enotes.com/and-pa/11435). Furthermore, â€Å"No one else supplies background information or details to round out character [†¦] when he [Sammy] describes the girls, we wonder if his lyrical flights of language expose the inadequacy of his slang as he stretches to show why these teen-agers deserve his sacrifice† (Grainer, 2007).   Furthermore, beyond the typical colloquial language, the protagonist behaves as impulsively as teenagers often do when they suddenly discover something fundamental and make corresponding decisions. Thus, the title perfectly fits the protagonist’s personality and the psychological features of his age. To sum up, the essay has outlined three major perspectives, from which the title can be interpreted. Firstly, the viewing the title through the prism of the central idea, the AP appears a place, where the protagonist’s philosophy of life evolves. Secondly, approaching to the title in terms of the atmosphere in the store, one can conclude that the author also attempts to describe an ordinary shop, as a place which determines human fates. Finally, the short title matches the teenage psychology and the author’s simple and understandable reasoning. Works cited Greiner, J. â€Å"Sammy’s Colloquial Voice in â€Å"AP†Ã¢â‚¬ . Retrieved   April 17, 2007, from: http://www.enotes.com/and-pa/11435 Luscher, R. John Updike: A Study of the Short Fiction. New York: Twayne, 1993. McFarland, R. â€Å"Updike and the Critics: Reflections on ‘AP’.† Studies in Short Fiction, 20 (1983): 94-100. Porter, M. â€Å"John Updike’s ‘AP’: The Establishment and an Emersonian Cashier†. English Journal, 61 (1972): 1155-58. Shaw, P. â€Å"Checking Out Faith and Lust: Hawthorne’s ‘Young Goodman Brown’; and Updike’s ‘AP’†. Studies in Short Fiction, 23 (1986): 321-23. Updike, J. AP. Retrieved April 17, 2007, from: http://www.tiger-town.com/whatnot/updike/

Sexual orientation prejudice and homophobic bullying

Sexual orientation prejudice and homophobic bullying In todays society, many homosexual individuals are dealing with harassment, threats, and violence on a daily basis. Homosexuals are far more likely to be victims of a violent hate crime than any other minority group in the United States, according to a new analysis of federal hate crime statistics (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2010). Research shows that almost two thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual teens experience homophobic bullying in British schools (Equality and Human rights commission, 2007). Similarly, many homosexual teens in U.S. schools are often subjected to such intense bullying that they are unable to receive a satisfactory level of education (Chase, 2001), with 28% of gay students dropping out altogether (Bart, 1998). Homophobic bullying is currently an issue of epidemic proportions in society today, so much so that both the British Prime Minister David Cameron, the U.S. President Barack Obama, and many more politicians, activists and celebrities have recorded personal messages for the It gets better campaign, a project set up in September 2010 to inspire hope for gay youth facing harassment. This campaign came about as a response to the recent string of suicides among young homosexuals in the U.S. I feel that the design of an intervention to tackle the problem of sexual orientation prejudice and homophobic bullying is of the upmost importance to society, as the benefits to society from reducing homophobic bullying would far outweigh the costs of funding this intervention in schools. The harm from bullying and the toll it takes not only on young homosexual teens but also to society at large is far greater than people realize. I feel it is less likely that a youngster will succeed in life and have the ability to fully contribute to society without an adequate level of education. Statistics show that anti-gay bullying truncates a childs academic ability to excel for example, 7 out of 10 pupils who experience homophobic bullying state this has an impact on their school work and also their attendance (Stonewall, 2007). And the cost, while initially about the child, is a greater cost to us as a society in the long run. However, perhaps the most significant cause of concern to society is the grave issue of suicides committed by gay teens. In September 2010 alone, 5 young people, victims of homophobic bullying, committed suicide. One of these victims, 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, jumped off the George Washington Bridge in New York City after discovering classmates has posted videos of his sexual encounters on the internet. Another, thirteen-year-old Asher Brown, shot himself after severe harassment by fellow classmates. I feel that this snowball effect of teen suicides in the U.S. highlights the damaging effect of homophobic bullying to society, and I am proposing an intervention to prevent such occurrences from escalating. Aims The aim of this intervention is to reduce the incidences of homophobic bullying behaviour in the mainstream school setting by changing attitudes towards homophobic bullying. In order to do this I would suggest educating pupils on issues around sexual orientation and also on the severe negative consequences of bullying. I would introduce weekly classes in the curriculum designed to focus on these particular issues for example, it could be taught in pastoral care classes, not only with the aim of educating the children and reducing the bullying, but also empowering pupils to report bullying. One recent study which has had major success with the introduction of a gay awareness class was Stoke Newington School in London. In one lesson, pupils were taught about significant gay historical figures who positively contributed to society, such as authors and playwrights James Baldwin and Oscar Wilde, artist Andy Warhol, and mathematician, computer science pioneer and war time code breaker Ala n Turing. Elly Barnes, the teacher who runs the class in Stoke Newington School, stated that, four years on from when she initiated the scheme, homophobic bullying has been more or less eradicated in the school (Learner, 2010). I feel that this case is a positive and pioneering exemplar from which many schools could learn. Design As I feel a one-time lecture on homophobic bullying would have little impact on levels of bullying in the long-term, I am proposing a weekly class to be run in schools with the agenda of educating pupils on issues around sexual orientation and also on the severe negative consequences of bullying. I would introduce weekly classes in the curriculum designed to focus on these particular issues for example, it could be taught in pastoral care classes, not only with the aim of educating the children and reducing the bullying, but also empowering pupils to report bullying. I am proposing that the intervention take place at the school setting, as bullying so often stems from within the school environment, and the aim is to eradicate this at the grass roots. Methods Before starting the intervention I would measure the pupils attitudes towards homosexuality using an affective questionnaire and a cognitive questionnaire the Index of Homophobia (Hudson and Ricketts, 1980) and the Modified attitudes towards sexuality scale (Price, 1982), respectively. I would then ask students to fill out these questionnaires again at the end of the school year so as to measure whether attitudes have been improved following the intervention. I would use a direct approach to reduce the sexual orientation prejudice by including a weekly pastoral care class into the schools curriculum in which educators would promote diversity in multicultural societies, group equality, and teach pupils about the history of the Gay Rights Movement. I would also aim to get the pupils involved by having group discussions and role-plays to increase empathy for outgroups, and by bringing in gay guest speakers in order to improve understanding and attitudes, and to correct some misguided stereotypes and faulty generalisations that heterosexual pupils may hold against their homosexual classmates. I would also hope that having the chance to meet a positive role model from the gay community who does not conform to the negative stereotypes would create dissonance-induced attitude change. I would attempt to change the social norms of the school environment, by introducing a zero tolerance policy in the school, which states that no-one shall be discri minated against for their religion, race, disability, or sexual orientation, and educate the teachers so that they also must follow this policy. Also, I would set aside a class to talk about the issue of derogatory phrases and how they could make gay students feel, as a recent study showed that 97% of gay pupils hear offensive phrases such as dyke, bender or poof used in school and 98% of gay pupils hear the phrases thats so gay when people are referring to something they feel is rubbish or stupid (Stonewall, 2007). The intention would be to create perspective-taking (i.e. How would you feel if you were gay and heard those derogatory phrases?) and instil empathy for the outgroup. One theoretical framework which supports this is the Intergroup Contact Theory (Allport, 1954). Allport proposed that intergroup contact between two groups should reduce prejudice as long as the following were present: common group goals, equal status, intergroup co-operation and support of authorities. Therefore in the intervention, I would set tasks which both groups would have to work on to achieve a superordinate goal, I would structure the task so as the groups must rely upon each other in order to achieve this superordinate goal, and I would make sure that equality of all sexual orientations is promoted. The school itself and its educators would constitute as the authority which supports both groups. I feel that this would work in either a real situation (whereby gay individuals have disclosed their sexuality to their classmates and feel confident to be categorized as homosexual) or in an imagined situation (for example, a role-play, as many pupils who are gay may not wish to d isclose this information, nor would we force them to do so). I believe that the latter may well occur as in order to avoid social stigma many gay young people hide their sexuality. Therefore, in this instance I would use the theoretical framework of Imagined Intergroup Contact (Crisp Turner, 2009). This theory suggests that simply getting participants to conjure up a mental simulation of a positive intergroup encounter leads to improved attitudes towards the outgroup. I would also use indirect approaches to reduce prejudice by educating pupils on moral reasoning, promote egalitarianism within the school setting, and promote respect, understanding and tolerance of others no matter what their background is. I would also incorporate modern media into the school environment, such as using examples from music, film and TV programs to teach pupils about other cultures and groups. This is supported by the Parasocial contact hypothesis theory (Schiappa, Gregg and Hewes, 2005), which states that the illusion of face-to-face contact with interaction can change prejudices, as people process mass media relationships in the same way as they process real-life interpersonal interactions. Schiappa, Gregg and Hewes (2005) found that parasocial contact reduced prejudice toward the outgroup. Although the intergroup contact theory can be used for many groups such as opposing ethnic minority groups, opposing religious groups, opposing sports teams and so on, research has shown that the theory has been particularly successful in reducing prejudice toward homosexuals. Applying the intergroup contact theory to sexual orientation groups, Herek (1987) found that heterosexuals who had experience of pleasant interactions with a homosexual tend to accept the homosexual community in general. It was also shown that increased contact with a homosexual was a better predictor of changed attitudes than any other factor, including gender, race, socioeconomic background and so on (Herek and Glunt, 1993). I would also create a classroom discussion about why certain individuals may feel threatened by homosexuals, and address the issues as to why this symbolic threat may come about, such as perceiving that your ingroups moral values and religious beliefs are different from the outgroups. I would increase perceptions of similarity between hetersexuals and homosexuals by highlighting examples of gay individuals who are good role models, religious, and so on, to show that they are not so different from straight people. One issue we must think about when introducing such curriculum into the school setting is whether parents will approve. I would propose sending letters home to parents detailing the intentions behind the sexual orientation awareness class and highlighting the need to reduce bullying within the school. However, I would ensure that children could withdraw from the class if they strongly wish to do so; as some of the pupils families or religious/cultural communities may be homophobic and may disapprove of their participation, and we would not want the pupils to suffer negatively from attending this class, for example, to become ostracised from their community. Therefore we would strongly encourage students to take part, but would not force it upon them. However, the teacher who pioneered the gay awareness class in the Stoke Newington School in London, Elly Barnes, stated that she has only ever received a few complaints A parent complained after her son told her he had seen a film at th e school that showed two men kissing. I told her we are an inclusive school and it is part of the curriculum(Learner, 2010). In conclusion, I propose that a school-based intervention is essential to reduce sexual orientation prejudice and homophobic bullying amongst teens in schools. I would hope that a curriculum which promotes diversity, understanding, acceptance and equality will go a long way in reducing homophobic bullying and equally, I am optimistic that the introduction of an anti-discrimination policy which all students and teachers must follow will help protect the students. Resources Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books Bart, M. (1998). Creating a safer school for gay students. Counseling Today. Chase, A. (2001). Violent Reaction; What do Teen Killers have in Common? In these Times. Crisp Turner (2009). Can Imagined Interactions Produce Positive Perceptions? Reducing Prejudice Through Simulated Social Contact. American Psychologist, Vol 64, Issue 4, pg.231-240. Herek, G. M. (1987) The instrumentality of attitudes: Toward a neofunctional theory. Journal of Social Issues, 42, 99-114. Herek, G. M., Glunt, E. K. (1993). Interpersonal contact and heterosexuals attitudes toward gay men: Results from a national survey. Journal of Sex Research, 30, 239-244. Hudson, W.W. Ricketts, W.A. (1980). A strategy for the measurement of homophobia. Journal of homosexuality, 5, 357-372. Learner, S. Making homophobia history. In The Guardian, p5 of the EducationGuardian section, October 26th 2010 issue. Price, J. H. (1982). High school students attitudes toward homosexuality. Journal of School Health 52: 469-474. Schiappa, E., Gregg, P., Hewes, D. (2005) The Parasocial Contact Hypothesis. Communication Monographs, 72, 92-115 The School Report The experiences of young gay people in Britains schools. (2007) Stonewall. Under attack (2010) The Intelligence Report, Southern Poverty Law centre, Issue 40. Valentine, G. Wood, N. (2010) The experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and students in higher education. Equality and Human rights commission, research summary 39.