Common Reading Reaction Paper

It’s common knowledge that there will be many people to be encountered in life that you can relate to in one way or another. I find myself relating to Mishna Wolff from â€Å"I’m Down† in many ways. From sharing very similar experiences to having almost identical personality traits, I can without a doubt identify with Mishna. It's inevitable while you're growing up and learning new things in school, you attach yourself to other individuals with similar interests or just share some sort of chemistry. In other words, your â€Å"best friend† or â€Å"BFF† as others would like to call them.I've always had a best friend, even from an early age (3 years-old to be exact). It just so happens that my first best friend was African-American. I never saw myself different from her, where being white or black had no importance in my mind. There were many times where I'd spend the night at her house, and her family would be over. I'd never felt more out of place. The loud and rowdy conversations, the slang I'd never heard, and just the atmosphere was totally different. This is where I feel I can relate to Mishna, when she began â€Å"capping† with the neighborhood kids to fit in.I had always felt the need to change how I spoke and behaved around her family. I had never felt more out of place. In addition to fitting in, Mishna had also joined many different sports to please her father and win back (or an equal amount) of favoritism. I can also identify with this experience as well. All throughout my childhood I had hopped from one sport to another, from taking agonizing ballet classes, swimming, soccer, and finally cheer-leading. At first I started involved myself in them because I wanted to try something new; but it ended up being because I was competing for attention from my younger brother.My brother had been playing baseball since he was six years old. My mother and father, and even some of my extended family would never fail to wa tch every single one of his games. My father would emerge himself in my brother's baseball practice, spending hours after-school coaching him and some of his teammates. With all this attention spent on my brother and his baseball, I had always felt left out. My parents would drop me off at my own practice and neither one of them involved themselves in any sport I was in. Mishna is pictured in the book to be, for the most part, fairly easy-going and doesn't let too many things bother her.When her father says something outrageous or just plain unfair, she resorts to keeping everything to herself. I can also relate to her in this way. There are many times when someone says something I disagree with and I'm able to just shrug it off and not let it affect me. However, there are many things Mishna did that I don't see eye-to-eye with. When Mishna's father told a group of people right in front of her that Anora was â€Å"his girl† and just let it slide like that, see, I wouldn't let that go as easily. To me, that's something extremely disturbing to hear, seeing as your father is supposed to love you unconditionally.Had it been my next to the stairs eavesdropping on that conversation, I wouldn't have thought it over twice to call my mother and go live with her. Moreover, if I was Mishna, I wouldn't have let Anora get away with everything. The unfairness is just incomprehensible and I would never allow it to go as far as it did. If my younger sibling did things that were inappropriate or was doing something wrong and one of my parents just shrugged it off like Mishna's father did, I would have said something or acted in the same manner as Anora until everything was justified.Had Mishna done something about it, I don't think things wouldn't have gotten as bad as they did regarding her sister. Ultimately, Mishna and I are very alike in the things we think and do. I have been able to relate to almost every experience she shared with us in â€Å"I'm Down†, fr om the problems of fitting in to the problems with her father. I feel that all these things make us the person we are today, and for that, we shouldn't be ashamed of any of it. Mishna writing this book just shouts to be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Yuyuyuy

Ben Symonds Clarke gets hit by a car High school student Clarke Greenbank, who was previously struck by a car, has overcome the humiliation and abuse and is now back on top of the social scene. On September 11th 2008, Clarke Greenbank was biking from his house to Harry Miller Middle School, located in Rothesay New Brunswick. He was almost there, he rode up to the cross walk and made sure the cars stopped for him to cross, they did, and unfortunately one of the drivers did not notice Clarke.Clarke was hit by an oncoming car; he was tossed off his bike and landed on his back on the hood of the car, he then rolled off the car into the middle off the street. Fortunately Clarke was not injured severely, Clarke says â€Å"My back was a bit sore for a few weeks and I wasn’t able to play sports or anything†. Clarke’s humiliation started once the news of his accident spread through the school, fellow classmate Colin Rachford says that the reactions of Clarkes peers were a long the lines of â€Å"hahahahahaha†, â€Å"Oh my god† and â€Å"Of course it was Clarke†.It was the school joke, people would often bring it up to Clarke, and he would get stared and giggled at while walking the lonely halls of Harry Miller Middle School. The teasing went on for a long while; Clarke says â€Å"I was literally known as the guy who got hit by a car for all of grade 8†. At first Clarke would become annoyed or angry when people would bring it up, by either ignoring them or tell them to â€Å"shut up†. These teasing’s continued to happen and Clarke was becoming tired of getting mad over it so he decided to make jokes about the incident. He was amused with the attention he was getting.Classmate Bailey Collins says â€Å" One day in class we had a supply teacher who made us tell our name and 1 piece of information about ourselves, once it got to Clarkes turn he said: My name is Clarke Greenbank and I got hit by a car†. Cla rke thought it would be pointless to let it get to him forever, from there on out Clarke was neither ashamed nor embarrassed about his incident but accepted as a good story to tell when he is older and has kids of his own and he says â€Å"Hopefully when I tell my kids the story of me getting hit by a car they will be more careful when crossing streets.Now instead of being known as the guy who got hit by a car, Clarke is known for his exceptional speed skating skills, great sense of humour, ok taste in music and his winning smile. From getting hit by a car Clarke has learned to expect the unexpected in life and to look both ways before crossing the street. Clarke is grateful that he was not seriously injured and from the man himself â€Å"if it was brewed there, it’s from there’.

Chinese landscape painting between pre-20th century and modern time Essay

Chinese landscape painting between pre-20th century and modern time - Essay Example The essay "Chinese landscape painting between pre-20th century and modern time" analyzes Chinese landscape painting. However, similarity exists in the painting displayed in the 20th century and the 21st century. The similarity in the Chinese painting is based on the focus of the artists which largely was on the landscape and the nature environment. The focus of the Chinese artist or painters was not only to capture the issues displayed by the landscape, but to also capture the essence of the energy. Chinese art was based in the teaching of the Ying-Yeng which is viewed as the source of energy. Even in the landscape paintings the focus was on the essence of energy. The successful western artistic movements cannot be replicated in the Chinese art because the Chinese art and painting were not based on movement or similarity but based on the view of the individual artists. Therefore, when focusing on the Chinese landscape painting, it is vital to understand the similarities and differenc es of the modern and the 20th century landscape paintings in terms of material and the focus of the painting. In Maoism china, the focus was on oil based painting which is different from the traditional ink based painting. Oil based painting was a feature associated with the western world especially the Europe countries with the focus being on the view of the artist. The Chinese art did not follow the feminism approach are era experienced in the western art but focused on the conservatism presented by the Chinese culture.

Substance Abuse, Homelessness, Hunger and How They Relate Research Paper

Substance Abuse, Homelessness, Hunger and How They Relate - Research Paper Example Homelessness is the aspect of an individual lacking housing facilities as a basic need and they end up living in the streets. These people lack a fixed or even regular place they can stay at night and end up living in tents or structures made up of unsustainable materials to shelter themselves at night which is only temporary (Shumsky 12). Hunger can be defined as staying for long periods of time usually a minimum of 24 hours without eating any food for the lack of it. Hunger causes health problems as a result of lack of energy to enable them function to full physical and even mental capacity. According to statistics, homelessness in the United States is attributed to the following main causes: poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing and the greatest of them all is substance abuse (Didenko & Pankratz 9). Substance abuse incapacitates an individual to the extent that they are unable to function to their full physical and mental capacity. They lose their jobs and cannot sustain their families. With the lack of income and money to pay rent or even purchase food, they end up homeless and hungry and have to reside on the streets or even emergency shelters and temporarily made up tents. The deplorable conditions under which the homeless people live in provides a reason for them turning into substance abuse as a way to drown and forget their current poor state of affairs or the hunger they are constantly facing. A food pantry is a food bank or a large storage of food products mostly the canned food that cannot easily expire and it is mostly for emergency purposes only or when a given part of the community requires the food. Since the homeless are incapacitated to provide decent food for themselves and most of the time they go hungry, there is a need for the community to have a food bank to be supplying food to these homeless people occasionally (Gitterman 25). Taking care of the homeless people as a community through feeding them is one huge step in changing their lives.

Chrsit the Redeemer Statue Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chrsit the Redeemer Statue - Research Paper Example The statute’s geographical location is the Brazilian region of â€Å"Rio de Janeiro† (Darpan, p. 379). The artwork is heavily built with a height of almost 40 meters and a weight of about 700 tons. Such features are exemplified by the location of the statute that rests on a mountaintop. It is built at one of mount Corcovado’s picks and lies at an altitude of about 700 meters above the sea level. The statute also directly faces Janeiro city, on its outskirts (Darpan, p. 379). Even though the history of the statute’s development went for more than a century, its actual construction works took about ten years. Communal participation through contributions led to the development that is majorly concrete but has soapstone finishing on the surface. A lot of renovation work has also been done on the statute whose value is estimated to have reached about 250000 dollars (Jetsetlife, p. 1). â€Å"Carlos Oswald† designed the art that was then sculptured by â₠¬Å"Paul Landowski† (Copa, p. 1). Development of the artwork and its history is majorly religious. This is deducible from the sculpture’s image and the history of events that led to its development. Its representation of the image of Jesus Christ, the pillar of Christian faith, indicates a religious theme of the art and the fact that it was built to communicate reverence to Jesus Christ, in the region. Having been built from people’s collective work also means that the locals are Christian faithful. The history of the statute however dates back to the sixteenth century with the arrival of the Portuguese in the region and a subsequent renaming of the mountain to a biblical perspective. The mountain was however later renamed before a Vatican representative’s proposal for a religious monument in the year 1859. It is this historic idea of a religious art that was developed in the year 1921 to the sculpture of Jesus Christ whose construction was supervised by Costa from 1921 (Copa, p. 1). Apart from the religious

The entry strategy mode for NEXT to Expand into China Essay

The entry strategy mode for NEXT to Expand into China - Essay Example Their sufficient answers equipped me with in-depth knowledge and better understanding of NEXT Plc, the fashion industry, and the Chinese clothing market. Their shared knowledge enabled me to critically analyse the issue in consideration. NEXT Plc is the UK third-largest clothing retailer operating through 400 retail stores across the UK and Ireland, more than 50 stores in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_plc). It is a prominent retailer, whose strategy is aimed at capturing new markets through global expansion. This research project investigates the current literature on the internationalisation process and reviews alternative modes of market entry strategy. Various primary and secondary sources provide the necessary data to sufficiently asses the internal health and the external market of NEXT PLC. These data are then carefully analysed in order to gauge the company's capability to expand internationally. Alternative expansion options are evaluated and recommended for the company's successful expansion into the Chinese market. The research concludes that the Chinese market is a fertile ground for the expansion of a foreign apparel retailer. However, the existence of various environmental, industry specific-forces, and the current resources limitations of the Inditex group, requires the establishment and employment of an optimal expansion strategy. It should be noted that due to certain limitations imposed by environmental and internal factors, the findings of this research cannot be utilized in terms of all market expansions, although they can be amply used as an example for further theory building in the area related to the Chinese market entry and expansion strategies. Table of Contents 1.1 Background to Study The rapid growth of the textile industry in China which is facilitated by the continuous economic reforms, improving living standards, and increasing demand conditions has been widely recognized (USINFO, 2004). Furthermore, the emergence of the Chinese middle class gives way to the development of a very attractive and large market (Wang et al., 2004). However, the earlier attempts to enter the Chinese market reveal that various multinational corporations (MNCs) have not fully gained adequate knowledge of the population. Their generalisations have underestimated Chinese consumers by treating them as a homogeneous group (Jagersma & Van Gorp, 2003). In reality, China's unique political andsocial environment creates a very fragmented market with the existence of various segments (Wang et al., 2004). 1.2 Research Aim and Objectives Based on the findings of the study, the researcher will attempt to draw recommendations for NEXT PLC on its entry and expansion to the Chinese market. Several objectives are set to support the research process: Define and investigate present and future key environmental factors present in the Chinese market which are likely to affect the performance and success of NEXT Plc should it decide to operate in the geographic region; Assess the financial and strategic capability of NEXT Plc to expand in the new market; Evaluate alternatives for the successful market expansion and identify main issues involved; and Recommend the best option

Perceived vs. Real Traits.What Would You Do Essay

Perceived vs. Real Traits.What Would You Do - Essay Example As a part of the project, a lot of drawings and diagrams were to be made. We had a team leader who was supposed to assign each member with a particular task of the project. In fact, I am a good painter and I am good in drawing too. However, the job of drawing was given to another student who was well below mediocrity in drawing as the leader could not recognize the skills in me. In addition, the task given to me was to develop a slogan related to the theme of the project; mere literature work I was very poor at. From my appearance, what he could perceive was that I was a good writer, thus I was forced to perform a task that in fact does not suit me. To prevent the issue of perceived traits, it is highly necessary to promote communication, understanding and most importantly, a friendly atmosphere. It is highly necessary to improve the team’s understanding and acceptance of diversity for harmonious functioning of the organization. Heermann (1997) suggests a method named Personal Mandala to let the team members know each other.

Reflective Personal Leadership Development Plan Assignment

Reflective Personal Leadership Development Plan - Assignment Example From the report it is clear that transformational leaders are exceptional in the fact that they possess a positive and optimistic general outlook and still understand about others’ needs. Such leaders have open communication that lays a platform for his followers to be aware of situations as well as understand the company happenings. More so, transformational leaders are capable of managing conflict and promoting team cohesion, which in turn improve team performance through teamwork. As the study declares the qualities the author posses as a leader are not enough to bring the needed impact and the author needs to capitalize my strength in order to fit the top range. In order to achieve this, the author will need to add up more in social sensitivity and charisma because the author believes that these two missing aspects are magical and the driving force behiand effective leadership. Social sensitivity encompasses vision, and when the author combines vision with charisma; the author will be in a position to transform the organization. More so, charisma will help me manage my high temper because in the first place, it will grant me a great emotional appeal and I will be in a position to connect with the feelings and the values of my followers. More so charisma will offer me a chance to understand the social environment hence cultivating for my vision. The gap between what the author is and what he would like to be is nothing but improvement on my weakest points. ... Prior to being angry, I am an exceptional kind of person because I possess numerous leadership strengths that include patience, understanding, and competence and above all, I am visionary and focused (Gallos, 2008). What I will do to capitalize on your strengths and modify your weaknesses In growing modern organizations, the qualities I posses as a leader are not enough to bring the needed impact and I need to capitalize my strength in order to fit the top range. In order to achieve this, I will need to add up more in social sensitivity and charisma because I believe that these two missing aspects are magical and the driving force behind effective leadership. Social sensitivity encompasses vision, and when I combine vision with charisma; I will be in a position to transform the organization. More so, charisma will help me manage my high temper because in the first place, it will grant me a great emotional appeal and I will be in a position to connect with the feelings and the values of my followers (Avolio & Yammarino, 2002). More so charisma will offer me a chance to understand the social environment hence cultivating for my vision. Gaps between the leader I am now and the leader I would like to become The gap between what I am and what I would like to be is nothing but improvement on my weakest points. Currently, I have succeeded in inspiring my followers and motivating them into being a better work force. I have also laid out plans to empower them more despite that the plans have not yet undergone implementation. Though I have interacted well with my followers, and laid plans to motivate them better, the relationship between us is a weak one (Avolio & Yammarino, 2002). My followers are unable

New and Improved Rewards at Work Research Paper - 2

New and Improved Rewards at Work - Research Paper Example The most important goal for an employment compensation strategy is to offer better rewards for right employee actions for success of the company. In order to make competitive compensation packages for employees, companies need to consider what their rivals are offering so that they do not end up running into losses by offering more than the equilibrium package in the industry or offering less than the minimum, because this will make it impossible for them to recruit and retain staff. Best packages are sometimes those that are preferred by employees while at the same time appear to be competitive in the particular industry. One advantage with compensation schemes is that they are able to underpin organizational culture, something that is highly desired by companies. The government governs every aspect of employee compensation within the public sector. In many instances, this leaves no room for innovative ideas towards formulation of important compensations schemes. Companies that are highly innovative in engaging their employees record high returns that are sometimes double those of rival companies which do not engage their employees adequately (Pollitt, 2081) The first way to creatively engage your skilful employees is by putting them in a position where they can have direct contact with consumers of their products. In many industries, employees design products and dispatch them for sale, yet they have no idea about the impact of the products on the lives of their end users (Grant, 2007; Grant, 2008). A good example is the automotive industry where automotive engineers design cars of all kinds worldwide but they never gets the chance to have direct feedback from drivers of the cars, authors as well compose many pieces of literature to millions of faceless readers but never meets them for feedback. Meeting end users as a product developer has been known to enhance prosocial motivation as well

Us Beer Industry Overview Essay Example for Free

Us Beer Industry Overview Essay The beer industry is widely known for been an oligopoly. However, in our approach, we will explore the possibility of analyzing microbreweries in particular from a monopolistic competition market structure perspective. The beer market oligopoly is composed by three big players: Anheuser-Busch which holds 48 % of the market share, Miller Brewing Co. , with 18% and Coors Brewing Co. with 11%. Please refer to the below graph and table for information regarding the market share held by the remaining companies. (Market shares are shown based on shipments of 205. 6 million cases in 2005 and 210 in 2006). Based on the above market shares, we calculated the concentration ratio of the three big players and the Herfindahl Hirshman Index for the industry. Both measures confirm that the Beer Industry is indeed a highly concentrated one as the concentration of the big three players is almost 80% and the HHI is well above the 1,800 threshold. Market Analysis The demand in the beer market is characterized by flat consumption trends although we can currently identity two growing markets: First, a domestic niche market for microbreweries, and second, the international market that is currently been targeted by our big national brands. Another very strong market trend is the consolidation of many national brewers. This consolidation has been driven by the increased regulatory burdens and taxation in the industry as well as by changes in demographics: greater alcohol awareness, slow population growth, aging population, etc. Through consolidation, brewers can accomplish economies of scale and other supply chain synergies. Parallel to this trend, there has also been an expansion of specialty brewers (microbreweries) that target more sophisticated and knowledgeable beer drinkers. The players in this market focus on differentiation and therefore can afford to charge premium prices for their products. This is actually the niche market on which we will focus our analysis on in the later part of this paper. Barriers to Entry Standard and poor label the barriers to entry in the beer industry as relatively minimal; however, once firms enter the market, it is really difficult for them to remain competitive. The high barriers to entry are partially due to the fact that the beer industry is a relatively mature industry and that the market is dominated by very well established leaders. Other factors constituting barriers to entry are: an increased tendency for vertical integration (i. e the three largest brewers each own subsidiaries to perform non-brewing functions like grain elevators, milling, can manufacture, labels, etc), advantages of economies of scale and a very intense price competition. As a result, the new entrants are mainly microbrewers which are focusing on a new type of demand. Production Inputs Big or small, companies in the beer market are competing for the same resources and are affected by the prices’ fluctuations of their inputs. In the beer market, some of the key inputs to consider in any economic analysis are grains, hops and yeast. Strategy to succeed: ? Market Leadership ? Expanded market share (internationally) ? Price Increase ? Production efficiencies ? Recent differentiation – Premium Price i. e. Anheuser-Busch – Michelob Ultra for â€Å"Atkins† taste Industry niche markets Smaller micro brews ? Highly fragmented but growing ? Only growing market segment in the domestic beer industry ? Target small consumer market segments with high price inelasticity ? Rely on regional brewers for production to avoid high entry costs ? Market Trends: Consolidation of National Brewers: Flat Consumption trends Regulatory Burdens High Taxation Greater alcohol awareness Slow population growth Aging population Expansion of Specialty Brewers: Uniqueness and high price points High demand in category Constant high prices to attract sophisticated drinker [pic]. ? Although the barriers to entry are classified by SP as relatively minimal, it is still extremely difficult for firms to remain profitable once they enter. Barriers may include: The market is a relatively mature Industry The market is dominated by well established leaders Increasing vertical integration Economies of scale advantages (i. e. the three largest brewers each own subsidiaries to perform non-brewing functions like grain elevators, milling, can manufacture, labels, etc) High price competition New entrants are niche markets – microbreweries ? Grains (i. e. barley, wheat, rice, malt, sugar, etc. ) ? Hops (cascade) ? Water (H2O) ? Yeast FORECAST o Reduced market shares for national brands o Weak domestic consumption trends = Price increases to improve margins for sustained profitability However, o Signs of competitive pricing o Potential decreases in industry-wide pricing levels / decreased operating margins. C3 (2006): 77. 70 % HHI (2006): 2,831. 79.

The Effects Of Homophobic Bullying Social Work Essay

The Effects Of Homophobic Bullying Social Work Essay The stigma and prejudice attached to homosexuality encourages the perpetuation of homophobic bullying against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans gender (LGBT) youth by their peers. Bullying can take the form of homophobic epithets, sexual harassment and even violence. The class room has been described by social psychologists as the most homophobic of all institutions. This paper examines the effects of homophobic bullying on the physical and mental health of the LGBT youth which is characterized by depression, suicide ideation and engaging in risky behaviors (alcohol and substance abuse). The paper also analyses the buffering effects provided by positive school climate, parental and peer support as well as personal resilience. Keywords: LGBT youth, homophobic bullying, depression, hostile school climate, suicide ideation The Effects of Homophobic Bullying on the Mental and Physical Health of LGBT Youth: The Buffering Effects of Positive School Climate and Parental Support A Review of the Literature In todays permissive society an increasing number of adolescents who are in their early and middle teens (Middle and High school students) have begun to come out of the proverbial closet. However, even in this day and age our society is largely intolerant of deviation from gender norms prescribed by the culture. This makes it especially challenging for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth who are struggling and trying to come to terms with their sexual identity and orientation. The stigma attached to homosexuality encourages the perpetuation of homophobic bullying against the LGBT youth by their peers. It is a matter of immense concern to the doctors, psychologists and the entire community that there is a high incidence of suicide within this sexual minority group as compared to the heterosexual youth. This literature review focuses on homophobic bullying and its effects on the LGBT youth who are at a challenging stage in life and are struggling with their feelings abo ut sexual orientation and sexual gender. The effects of homophobic bullying on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth encompass challenges to their psychosocial development, emotional distress an increase in risky behavior (substance abuse), depression and suicide ideation. However, the literature review also highlights the buffering effects of a positive school environment and positive parental relations against negative effects of homophobic bullying. Homophobic Teasing and General Peer Victimization Homophobic teasing, peer victimization and gender non-conformity attitudes are some important mental health issues faced by the LGBT youth as result of their sexual orientation. Homophobic teasing is often long-term, systematic, and perpetrated by groups of students; it places the targets at risk for greater suicide ideation, depression and isolation. Homophobic teasing includes negative beliefs, attitudes, stereotypes and behaviors towards gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender youth, and can take the form of verbal and/or physical abuse, and in todays advanced technological age cyber abuse. Peer victimization can take the form of verbal insults, threats of violence, physical assault, and sexual assault (Espelage, Aragon, Birkett Koenig, 2008). A 2009 survey of more than 7,000 LGBT middle and high school students aged 13-21 years found that in the past year, because of their sexual orientation: Eight of ten students had been verbally harassed at school; four of ten had been phys ically harassed at school; six of ten felt unsafe at school; and one of five had been the victim of a physical assault at school (cdc.gov). Challenges to Psycho Social Development According to Erik Eriksons theory of psychosocial development all individuals must master particular developmental tasks during the adolescent years in order to lead productive and healthy lives. These tasks include adjusting to the physical and emotional changes of puberty, forming practical social and functioning relationships with peers, accomplishing independence from primary care takers, preparing for a career, and formation of a unique identity and a set of moral values (McDermott, Roen Scourfield 2008). However, for the LGBT adolescents achieving these developmental goals is challenged by the stress of being part of a stigmatized group. These youth also have to contend with a lack or absence of a support system such as family rejection, social isolation and harassment by peers and feelings of alienation with the school as a result of consistent homophobic bullying. Emotional Distress The social climate of our nation promotes heterosexist attitudes and these views are up held by our social institutions such as families, schools, the church, and government institutions. These prejudiced attitudes result in gay related stress for the LGBT youth who experience a unique set of stressors related directly to being sexual minorities within a heterosexually oriented society. These stressors may be both external (homophobic bullying, family rejection), and internal (internalized homophobia) in nature From the time they are children the youth have been barraged by negative attitudes towards homosexuality and this can lead to the internalization of homophobic sentiments. Internalized homophobia often results in feelings of shame and disgust towards ones sexual orientation which has been reinforced by family and society and can create conflict and dissonance and lead to emotional distress (Rosario Schrimshaw 2002). School Alienation and Lack of Social Support The constant flow of negative information regarding gender non -conformity and homosexuality from figures of authority such as parents, teachers, the clergy, and government officials encourages discriminatory and prejudicial behavior towards the sexual minority group by fellow students. Their heterosexist tendencies are manifested through homophobic bullying, social isolation and violence towards the vulnerable LGBT adolescents. Peer victimization can result in creating a hostile school environment and promotes feelings of alienation from school. An on-line research conducted on 3,450 public and private students (ages13-18) in the U.S found that 88% of the students reported that homophobic remarks were used in the teachers presence and that teachers and staff failed to intervene during these incidents (Espelage 2008). These findings clearly indicate that teachers and staffs failure to intervene encourages and promotes peer victimization and homophobic teasing and creates and sustains a hostile environment for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender youth. Having a strong social support system (family, peers, and teachers) is vital to maintaining mental and emotional health. It works as a buffer against stress; elevates a persons self-confidence and self-esteem; reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation to name a few. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gender youth have lack or absence of a social support system by virtue of their sexual orientation that is negatively sanctioned by the heterosexual society. They face family rejection after coming out, social isolation by their peers, and many adults fear discrimination, job loss, and abuse if they openly support LGBT youth. Thus there is a lack of positive role models and support system which makes it more challenging to cope with the stress produced by stigmatization (Padilla, Crisp Rew 2011). Depression, Substance Abuse, and Suicide Ideation Suicidal ideation is defined as thoughts of engaging in suicide-related behavior. It can range from passive ideation- having the thought but not the intent to active ideation which includes intent as well as a plan to harm oneself. Suicidality has a number of risk factors as well as a number of protective factors. Among LGB individuals there is a higher incidence of risk factors and there are less protective factors in place. There is, for example, a higher incidence of important suicide risk factors such as depression and substance abuse in LGB youth compared to their heterosexual peers. These associations between mood disorders are borne out by research studies (Malley, Posner, Potter, 2008). Also, LGB individuals often experience a lack of support at home and are deprived of positive environments in their schools due to avoidance or bullying. Within the LGB cohort certain factors can affect the risk of suicidality as well-for example the younger the age at which the individual di scloses sexuality the higher the risk of suicide. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2007), It has been widely reported that gay and lesbian youth are two to three times more likely to commit suicide than other youth and that thirty percent of all attempted or completed youth suicides are related to issues of sexual identity. The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre (2008) in the United States noted a 1.5 to 7 fold (depending on the study) increased risk of attempted suicide in LGB youth as compared to their heterosexual peers. A landmark study commissioned by the US Secretary of Health found that one third of all sexual minority youth suicides occur before the age of seventeen (Malley, Posner, Potter, 2008). Padilla, Crisp, and Rew (2010) found that in the adolescent population sexual minorities have a much higher rate of drug use with contributing factors including a greater number of psychological stressors and poor social networks. They also noted that when parents accepted the adolescents sexual orientation the impact of life stressors was decreased significantly. Buffering Effects Provided by Parental Support and Positive School Climate and Resilience As mentioned previously there is a greater prevalence of psychological problems and high risk behaviors in LGBT youth then in their heterosexual peers. These include mood disorders, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. Espelage, Aragon, Birkett and Koenig (2008) and Poteat, Mereish, Di Giovanni Koenig(2011) highlighted the crucial role a support system plays in preventing psychiatric and other behavioral problems in LGBT youth. Two important and beneficial support networks identified were the first of which were communicative and empathic parents and the second affirming and healthy school environments. The presence of both these networks corresponded with a markedly reduced incidence of psychological problems, suicide and substance use compared to individual where there was a lack of these support systems. Parental support and acceptance also seems to foster resilience and improve coping skills. It appears from the review of relevant literature that contrary to popular perception and despite the efforts of most sections of the media as well as many social organizations, general and unconditional acceptance of LGBT individual remains the exception and not the norm. The alienation and stigmatization is achieved through both passive (social ostracization, not standing up for LGBT rights) and aggressive (violence and emotional homophobic bullying) means and is aggravated by the absence of a buffer against these assaults in the form of parental acceptance and positive school environments. These findings do not differ much from those of earlier studies or from studies of other minorities that face prejudices. We know that the problem exists and we have identified the enabling, aggravating and protective factors. What remains to be seen is whether society will show the will to follow words with actions. What may also be beneficial is to conduct larger studies with more statistical power so that the facts can be ascertained with a greater degree of confidence. Annotated Bibliography Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011, May 19). Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm This website provides statistics on the prevalence of homophobic bullying in the schools. Since community psychology focuses on social issues and social institutions it is of particular interest to community psychologists that our sexual minority youth are facing harassment and violence at the hands of these social institutions such as schools, church and governmental organizations. Espelage, D.M. (2008). Addressing research gaps in the intersection between homophobia and bullying. School Psychology Review, 37 (2), 155-58. Homophobic bullying is a pressing and immediate problem facing our community since it affects adolescents who are members of a sexual minority group. One of the fundamental principles of Community psychology is a respect for diversity which includes race ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and social class. Espelage, D. L., Aragon, S. R., Birkett, M., Koenig, B. W. (2008). Homophobic teasing, psychological outcomes, and sexual orientation among high school students: What influence does parents and schools have? School Psychology Review, 37(2), 202-216. Another fundamental principle of Community Psychology is ecological perspective and multiple levels of intervention. LGBT youth face an increased risk of mental and emotional problems as a result of stigmatization of their sexual orientation. It is of interest to the community psychologist that the youths positive parental (microsystem) and school (microsystem) involvement help as a buffer to negate the effects of stigmatization. McDermott, E., Roen, K., Scourfield, J. (2008). Avoiding shame: young LGBT people, homophobia and self-destructive behaviors. Culture, Health Sexuality, 10(8), 815-829. doi:10.1080/13691050802380974 Since community psychology focuses on social issues and social institutions it is of particular interest to community psychologists that our sexual minority youth are facing harassment and violence at the hands of these social institutions such as schools, church and governmental organizations. Padilla, Y. C., Crisp, C., Rew, D. (2010). Parental acceptance and illegal drug use among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: Results from a national survey. Social Work, 55(3), 265-275. Community psychologists are interested in the effects of social support on our youth. Since social support has been shown to promote and maintain physical and mental wellbeing and also helps in the development of resiliency in youth who are at risk such as the sexual minority youth. Poteat, V., Mereish, E. H., DiGiovanni, C. D., Koenig, B. W. (2011). The effects of general and homophobic victimization on adolescents psychosocial and educational concerns: The importance of intersecting identities and parent support. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(4), 597-609. doi:10.1037/a0025095 Another fundamental principle of Community Psychology is ecological perspective and multiple levels of intervention. LGBT youth face an increased risk of mental and emotional problems as a result of stigmatization of their sexual orientation. It is of interest to the community psychologist that the youths positive parental (microsystem) and school (microsystem) involvement help as a buffer to negate the effects of stigmatization. Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., Hunter, J., Gwadz, M. (2002). Gay-related stress and emotional distress among gay, lesbian and bisexual youths: A longitudinal examination. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(4), 967-975. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.70.4.967 Since community psychology focuses on social issues and social institutions it is of particular interest to community psychologists that our sexual minority youth are facing harassment and violence at the hands of these social institutions such as schools, church and governmental organizations. Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2008). Suicide risk and prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Newton, MA: Education Development Center, Inc. Community psychology advocates the importance of context and environment because our behaviors are governed by the expectations and demands of given situations. It is vital to study the social environment of the LGBT youth to figure out what interventions can be made in order to prevent suicide within this population.

Changing Cultures in the book North and South :: essays research papers

The way of life in England was quite different depending weather a person was in the north or the south. From the types of houses to living standards, working conditions to types of jobs, who you talked too to they way you buried the dead, the north and south had completely different ideas about how a person should live. The book North and South depicts the changing cultures of the north and south of England through the industrial revolution in the mid eighteen hundreds. In the town of Milton, which is in the northern part of England Strikes have aroused throughout the factories. The strikes were the immediate cause of the social unrest. The people in Milton are dissatisfied with the working conditions of the factories. They work long hours in bad breathing conditions, children and women work, and they are paid extremely poorly. These factors created a causal chain which led to the strikes. The class distinctions are the remote effect of the North and south. In the South the predominant class is the middle to upper class. It is the people who can afford to have servants. The minority in the south is the servants. In the North the predominant class is the factory workers. They are the lower class. They have a hard time making enough money to buy enough food to put on their families tables, even Edwards 2 though normally in a family the father, mother and most children work. Class distinctions are more then just working conditions they are also how the people conduct themselves. For example in the higher class when someone dies, the women do not generally attend the funeral because they are stereotyped as being too emotional to attend. Also in the higher class they do not observe the body after it has died. In the lower class everyone attends a person’s funeral. It is almost rude not too attend a person’s funeral, they celebrating the person who has just died not morn over them. The lower class also has a viewing of the body for friends and family. The Industrial Revolution played a major role in the creation of the North and of the South. Until factories started being built everything was rural. Once factory town started being built ways of life changed and class standards changed.

Late Adulthood Essay -- essays research papers

Late Adulthood (age 60 – 80)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to â€Å"move away† from previous more desirable periods often known as â€Å"usefulness†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Age sixty is usually considered the dividing line between middle and old age. It is the time where you are considered an â€Å"elderly†- meaning somewhat old or advanced beyond middle age. Period of decline – comes partly from physical and partly psychological factors. The physical cause of decline is a change in the body cells due to the effects of the aging process. The psychological cause of decline has something to do with unfavorable attitudes towards oneself, other people, work and life in general. Senility – (â€Å"senile†) a more or less complete physical breakdown takes place and when there is mental disorganization. The individual becomes eccentric, careless, absentminded, socially withdrawn, and poorly adjusted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social Attitudes toward the Old Age – due to the unfavorable social attitudes toward the elderly, treatment towards them in America, unlike other cultures, result in making them feel no longer useful, unwanted and more of a nuisance than an asset. People who come from countries where respect for the elderly is customary usually treat elder people with more consideration and respect. Old People as â€Å"second class citizens† – a status that excludes them to some extent from interaction with other groups in the population and which gives them little to no power in society. (Again a result from unfavorable social attitudes). Changes in Roles – from an active life having purpose and roles, even sometimes multiple roles, it is expected that old people will play a decreasingly less active role in social and community affairs as well as in the business and professional worlds. Because of the reduction in the number of roles the elderly person is able to play, the person will develop feelings of inferiority and resentment. Physical changes – the most obvious sings of aging are centered in the face although sometimes medical advancements have come up with ways to cover signs of aging, the hands are another part which give away the person’s age. Head region –   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mouth changes shape   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n... ...in the speed with which the individual reaches a conclusion in both inductive and deductive reasoning. Retirement – during the adults earlier years, retirement looks better to them because of the increased leisure time and reduced stress. Although, when one actually comes to that point in their lives, retirement seems less desirable. At this age, people holding jobs suddenly feel they have lost all their power and prestige. They tend to again, feel useless without purpose. Women, adjust better to retirement than men. For women, the role change is not as radical because women still have the responsibility of playing the domestic role like taking care of the house. Happiness – there is a saying that during one’s late adulthood years, there are 3 factors that determine one’s happiness – Acceptance, Affection and Achievement. Without any one of these 3 things it is difficult if not impossible for the elderly to be happy. For example, when they feel they are being neglected by their children or other family members, when they feel that their past achievements have fallen short or when they have developed the â€Å"nobody loves me† complex it is inevitable that they be unhappy.

Goffman Essay -- Book Review, Social Exchange

Goffman â€Å"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Student of sociology, believe Erving Goffman could easily claimed to have made that statement just as Shakespeare is given due. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life details dramaturgy or as Goffman himself relates, â€Å"The Perspective employed in this report is that of the theatrical performance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Preface, p. xi). Using theater metaphors Goffman wanted to analyze frame by frame the organization of the social experience. He created a framework, a common sociological language, to conceptualize social interactions and thus authored influential work producing deeper intellectual inquiry, academic discussion, and social science development. Through critical review, Goffman’s book reveal its core concept plus consider how his influential paradigm, the dramaturgical perspective maybe placed i n the terms of sociological discussions within the discipline. The book surveys a host of social exchanges whereby the author demonstrates that we in our everyday lives participate in performances of ourselves in ways similar to actors depicting characters. Essentially to Dr. Goffman, it is acting -the presentation of oneself - whether recognized as such by individuals involved or not He begins quoting George Santayana in an exploration of mask. In chapter one, entitled â€Å"Performances,† the theatrical lens starts the analysis. He relays sociologist, Robert Ezra Park’s concept, â€Å"We come into the world as individuals, achieve character, and become persons† (p.20). These examples and all other pertinent information supporting his thesis are registered through theater. Previewing t... ...sic way has been the way of the intellectual craftsman.† This describes Goffman as a serious sociologist. He uses the dimensions of stagecraft to develop intellectual craftsmanship that his academic colleague calls upon. The dramaturgical perspective of Erving Goffman, Ph.D., has been examined in this report through a survey of his book’s assertions. The lineage of sociology prior to his publishing his social science conceptual study was detailed and connected to his stated views of micro-sociology. The sociological discussion within the discipline based upon his book concluded this critical review. This entire survey has caused me to appreciate Goffman’s work as a student of sociology because he has shown me intellectual tools to make abstractions concrete so that I may operate with on a cognitive level to comprehend group dynamics in a scientific way.

Commerce Study Notes Year 9

Commerce Law and Society Laws: * A rule that governs the way you live, with minimal standards. * Protects people and keeps peace. * Have freedoms, resolve disputes, protection. Anarchy: Without order. Mediation: a third person that ultimately decides, outside of court * * Registered person. * Two parties and mediator. * A compromise is made. * Mediations cheaper and voluntary. Matrimonial: property of marriage, everything is shared * * Matrimonial assets. * Court considers contributions of parties. * Child is child of marriage Government in Australia Governments make laws to control us. They set up systems to enforce laws. * Governments set up courts to decide upon breaches of laws. Jury decides whether the person is guilty or not, the judge decides the punishment Democracy: Demo=People, Cracy=State * People elected by the people under a free voting system. All have equal rights. * Provides laws and order, controls economic problems, and protects people / environment. Types of Govern ments * Communism: No private ownership. Government owns everything and provides the needs/ wants of the people. E. G. China, North Korea. Monarchy: The Monarch (king, queen, emperor, empress, sultan) E. G. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. * Constitutional Monarchy: Powers of the monarch reduced by laws. Governor General represents the Monarch. E. G. Australia operates as a democracy. * Anarchy: Government has broken down. No laws or authority. * Socialism: Ownership of all production (farms and factories) controlled by the people. Government puts responsibility on people. E. G. Sweden * Federation: Involves Federal, State and local governments. Federal Government Issues * Customs * Currency * Defence Immigration/ emigration. * Aboriginal affairs. * Foreign affairs * Social security (makes people feel more secure) * Marriage/ divorce. The Australian Federal government is based on a bicameral system. * * Upper house – Senate76 people * Lower house – house of Reps 150 people State Government * * Each state divided into electorates * 93 electorates in NSW for lower house (legislative assembly- green room). * 43 electorates for upper house. * Voters elect a representative. * Each electorate contains 40,000 to 50,000 people.Jurisdiction * Each state in USA and Aus have legal jurisdiction. (authority in law) * Unity and centrality- POWER * Freedom of speech, same rights (equality), justice. 3 Areas of Power Legislation – parliamentary law – voting politician Executive – carries out law – police Judiciary – courts and judges – statue and case law Judiciary 1st level: Local Court (judge and magistrate) minor matters e. g. shop lifting 2nd District Court (judge)fairly serious matters e. g. armed robbery 3rd level: Supreme Court (Judge/ justices) serious criminal matters e. g. ife in-jailment 4th High Court (Judge) looks at paperwork, no evidence Federal Courts – deal with federal law * Federal magistrates court of Aus tralia * Federal court of Australia e. g. Family Courts Facts * Australian constitution sets out Federal powers. * Federal law prevails over state law. * Trade practices act: Federal * Bankruptcy Hierarchy of Courts in Australia – state courts * High court of Australia (up to 7 judges) * Federal court * Supreme court of appeal * Supreme court * District court * Local court Court Administration 1. Registry: Handles the paperwork of the court.Charges fees. 2. Registrar: Boss of the registry. What impact do fees have on justice? Fees restrict people’s access to the courts causing injustice and can be seen as discrimination. It also reduces the demand on the court system. It also deters frivolous or silly cases. Contracts * A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between parties, outlining the obligations. * Oral/ verbal contract: mouth (spoken). * Signed contract: written (signed by parties). * Most contracts are oral but are signed when involving large sums of mone y. Elements of a contract . Offer: A proposal where the person making an offer must clearly communicate. 2. Acceptance: Occurs when the person making an offer agrees to the proposal. 3. Consideration: Required to form a valid contract. Requires each party to give up something of value. * Implied term: nothing in writing but a code of conduct is established. Cases * PS of Great Britain v BBC Ltd (1953): Customers offer can be refused. (the check out accepts offers) * C v CSB Co. (1893): Misleading advertising can be a contract. (offer at large) * Chappel & Co. V Nestle Co.Ltd (1960): Even with no value something can be passed from one party to another forming a contract. (caveat emptor – buyer beware) The difference between Private law and Public law Private law (civil): laws that regulate people’s behaviour with other individuals. (non-criminal matters e. g. suing for civil wrongs) Public law (criminal): People’s behaviour within society. (criminal law, protects people from other people – e. g. robbery, homicide , drug offences) Courts * Juries are normally involved in serious matters. * For minor matters you only have a local court magistrate.The adversail system: two sides go against each other in an argument or a fight to argue their case. List the main courtroom officials * The judge (your worship) * The judge assistant * The lawyers * The transcript reporter * The jury (6-12 in criminal case) * The barrister * The magistrate (your honour) Robbery: taking property that belongs to someone else using threats/ violence. Civil law Civil law deals with no criminal matters. It allows an individual to sue other people Negligence Trespassing Defamation Nuisance Where a civil law is successfully proven in court, the wronged party will seek damages.The award of legal costs normally goes to the successful party that is either the plaintiff or defendant (but can be refused as these costs are discretionary – up to judge) Civil Law Tes t To prove their test they must win â€Å"the balance of probability† more likely/ no certainty of truth. Criminal Law Test â€Å"Beyond a reasonable doubt† approx. Equal to certainty (protects people from others who do the wrong thing). â€Å"Ignorance of the law is no excuse†. In criminal law you have a Prosecutor: In local courts usually police whereas in the higher courts prosecute is known as the Crown prosecutor. the Crown (R= Regina which means loyalty) v.Defendant In criminal matters the injured party is the State or the Crown. The offence is not against the person that has suffered at the hands of the alleged perpetrator but rather against the State (Crown). In criminal matters the victim cannot decide to punish the offender. This is for the Crown to make. Courtroom acts and definitions Indictable offences: Serious crimes that are determined or tried by a judge or jury. Summary offences: Less serious crimes which are relatively quickly dealt with by a m agistrate in a local court. Manresa: To have a guilty mind. If you are insane you cannot have mensrea.Quasi: Semi criminal. In between civil and criminal. Injunction: Order of the court to stop doing something. E. g. Stop playing loud music. Contempt of Court: Disregarding or breathing an injunction or court order. Statute Law: Law made by parliament. Restitution: paying for damage caused by contempt of court Case/ common law: Law made by judges. How laws are made Statute Law: made by parliament through the passing of a bill or a referendum. Common/ case law: Law is made by the courts of previous cases. 2 houses of parliament (legislative) 1st Lower house (house of reps) 2nd Upper house (senate)If a bill is continuously rejected than a double dissolution can be called meaning the public go to the polls to re-elect senators and representatives in the lower house. A courts primary role is to interpret and apply the laws of the parliament. Common law: A judge can alter common law as it has arisen through the judges in England and then Australia. Alters law when necessary to allow justice. What binds the Common Law Precedent in law means those principles that have been decided in the past that a court can rely on today. Higher courts make a precedent. How a bill becomes law The cabinet draft bills with senior ministers. cabinet is the prime minister) Bill is given to each member of parliament, then it gets read out loud for debate and voted in House of Reps. If majority in favour bill is passed to senate. If passed in senate it goes to executive (governor general) for Royal assent (Is now an ACT of Parliament). If senate rejects bill they send it back as is or with amendments. If rejected for a second time a double dissolution can be called. Common law Develops over time case by case. Each case represents a precedent. Precedent A strong example, defies what has happened before through principles of law. Judges RoleInterpret statute, common law, delegated legislati on (ministerial law), and to enforce laws. Equality: Enforcement of the law should be fair and should result in equal punishments or penalties. A judge cannot lean on the scale (meant to be impartial). Our system is adversarial system (each party represented by a lawyer). Justice: All people are equal before the law. Symbols of justice The blindfold: Justice is impartial (not influenced by wealth, race, sex, ect†¦ ). The scales: Represent the legal system (weighing up both sides of argument). The sword: The punishment to be imposed on any guilty party.

Wal-Mart Financial Statement Analysis

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine| Financial Statement Analysis & Reporting: Earnings Quality and Asset Analysis | Company – WALMART| Kian BolooriHee Jun ChungDaejune Min| 1. Qualitative Analysis for the environment and the company (1) INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Walmart is in the discount retailer industry. This industry started in the 1950s, grew in the 1960s, and matured in the 1970s. With exception to a moderate growth period in the 1990s, the industry had remained stagnant since the 1970s. Today, three major players in the industry are Walmart, Target and Costco. The state of the discount retail industry is best understood through the Porter’s Five Forces analysis. * Competition: HIGH Competition among discount retailers resembles that of an oligopoly in that Costco, Target and Walmart hold a vast majority of the market share. In past decades, competition among the firms was minimized because they each targeted a different market segment. For example, Target focused on higher end neighborhoods while Walmart focused on rural locations. However, as the firms began to grow, they had to expand beyond their original targeted segments. As such, the firms started competing in the same locations, which intensified competition. This condition remains a dominant issue in the discount retail industry. * Barrier to New Entrants: MEDIUM-HIGH Unlike other industries, the discount retailer industry does not require a particular set of technical knowledge for new entrants. However, the major players in the market have established strong procurement and distribution networks that prevent new entrants from easily establishing their own. As such, new entrants would find it difficult to establish procurement and istribution networks while keeping costs competitive with those of Walmart, Costco and Target. * Bargaining Power of Buyers: LOW–MEDIUM Buyers have different levels of power depending on their location. In rural areas, buyers have less power. There is usually one discount retailer for each rural region. As such, that retailer has a virtual monopoly in that region, which allow it to increase prices, and thus increa se margins. On the other hand, buyers in suburban and urban markets can easily switch between discount retail competitors; as a result, each discount retailer must keep its prices competitive in those markets. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: LOW Suppliers to discount retailers hold little to no power. When the major discount retailers initiate relationships with new suppliers, they typically request contracts for the new suppliers’ whole inventory. As a result, the suppliers become entirely reliant on the discount retailer for their business. The discount retailer then leverages this reliance by demanding lower prices on the inventory. As a result, suppliers typically have to sell their inventory at low prices that result in small profit margins for them and lower inventory costs for discount retailers. Threat of Substitutes: LOW Current existing substitutes to discount retailers include supermarkets, traditional retailers, and boutique shops. However discount retailers are ab le to leverage their strong distribution networks to offer lower prices than many of the substitutes. As a result, discount retailers are able retain business despite the existence of substitutes. (2) ECONOMIC CONDITIONS The fact that there are fewer opportunities to expand in the United States has made it difficult for discount retailers to continue growing profits. In fact, discount retailers’ attempts to enter new markets have resulted in community resistance. In Watts, CA, community members successfully lobbied to prevent Walmart from opening a new store in the neighborhood. Despite these challenges, discount retailers have found new opportunities to increase profits. For one, discount retailers have started converting their stores into â€Å"supercenters. † These supercenters feature traditional discount retail products and grocery store products in one location. Also, discount retailers have begun expanding their international operations. For example, Walmart has partnered with companies in South Africa, China, and Brazil in order to expand into those markets. These opportunities have already proven profitable and continue to be a focus for the major discount retail firms. (3) WALMART STRATEGY Walmart’s business strategy is to keep costs low and pass the savings down to the customers. Walmart accomplishes this strategy through several means. First, Walmart cuts costs in its procurement channels. Walmart cuts out the manufacturers’ representatives and works with suppliers directly. In doing so, Walmart saves 3-4% on costs. Also, Walmart is able to use its IT networks to make sure the company orders the right about of inventory from suppliers so that the Walmart stores experience neither overstock nor stock-out. Second, Walmart keeps its labor costs low. Walmart maintains a frugal culture for all employees. For example, executives at the company are prohibited from accepting meals and gifts from third parties. Additionally, Walmart provides store workers with wages and benefits that are below those given by competitors. Third, Walmart invests in ways to cut distribution costs. For example, Walmart mastered the large-scale â€Å"cross-docking† to transfer merchandise directly from inbound trucks to store-bound trucks without storing the good in its distribution centers. Through these innovations, Walmart has been able to save 3-4% on its distribution costs. Through these means, Walmart has significantly lower its costs when compared to competitors. This point of difference helped Walmart grow to become the leading discount retailer in the world. . Quantitative Analysis for the company and the peers (1) CASHFLOW ANALYSIS From fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2010, Walmart recorded solid growth in both sales and net income; however, net increase in cash and cash equivalents does not have the same growth pattern. Net cash flow is the aggregate of cash flow from operations (â€Å"CFO†), cash flow from investing activities (â€Å"CFI†), and cash flow from financing activities (â€Å"C FF†). As is expected, CFO does trend positive in correlation with the increases to sales and income. On the other hand, CFI and CFF experienced sharp decreases. According to the common-size statement of cash flow, net CFI portion out of net CFO shows a generally decreasing trend during the period (-71%, -76%, -46%, -44%, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), on the other hand, the portion of net CFI increased constantly (-25%, -36%, -43%, -54%, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), which implies that War-Mart has become paying equal attention to investment for the future growth and shareholder value recently. Having solid CFO, Walmart had cash for investing and financing without borrowing a short-term debt As a result, while Walmart experienced 9% growth in sales and 13% increase in net income in 2008 compared to the previous year, net cash decreased almost 400%. Target shows a similar cash flow pattern to that of Walmart. Target has been reducing investment level and focusing more on shareholder return and the debt repayment. On the other hand, Costco has been managing the cash flexibly over the past four years in order to meet the firm’s needs for investment. Costco still concentrates on investing activities, which can be evidenced by the portion of net CFI (-72% of net CFO in 2010). According to 10-K of the year 2010, Costco opened 13 new warehouses in 2010, which was directly related to the huge negative CFI. For Walmart, the accounting adjustment accruals, which is measured as the gap between net income and CFO, is at 40%. The accounting adjustment accruals are one of indicators for earnings quality. While 40% is significant, it is smaller than that of Walmart’s competitors. Changes to current assets and current liabilities have a large impact on the accounting adjustment accruals. For instance, Walmart had accounts receivable increased by $297 mil in 2010, which negatively impacts on cash flow, but its inventory decreased by $2,213 mil in the same fiscal year, which had a positive influence on cash flow from operations. Despite these changes, CFO has still maintained a growth trend. Consequently, Walmart shows a steady upward trend of free cash flow, which is the difference between CFO and capital expenditures, during the past four years ($4. 6 bil, $5. 7 bil, $11. 6 bil, $14. 1 bil, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). The cash spent on CFI went to purchase of PPE in order to expand current operations. The firm used to invest approximately 80% of CFO in PP&E in 2007 and 2008, however decreased the investment to 45% level recently. A significant level of CFF went to shareholder return, including dividends and share buybacks (e. g. $11. 4mil or 77% of net income in 2010). As such, Walmart appears to provide value to its shareholders. Similarly, Target and Costco also invested highly in PP&E and return more than 70% of net profit to investors. To sum up, we can see a certain pattern in cash flows of the three firms as follows, which shows that Walmart, Costco and Target are matured and generating healthy cash flow. Walmart| Target| Costco| Accrual (NI/CFO)| 58% (Gap: 42%)| 54% (gap: 46%)| 53% (gap: 47%)| CFO| Positive,Constantly Growing| Positive,Growing Trend| Positive,Growing Trend| CFI| Negative (for PP&E)| Negative (for PP&E)| Negative (for PP&E and short-term investments)| CFF| Negative   (for shareholder returns)| Negativeexcept in 2007 ($7. 6mil long-term debt in 2007)| Negat ive (for shareholder returns)| One cause of concern from Walmart’s cash flow is a contradiction between Walmart’s growth strategy and CFF. The high levels of dividends that Walmart gives its shareholders may limit the amount of cash the company has for expansion. CFO has remained high enough to cover CFI, but this might not always be the case. As a result, Walmart may have to cut the amount of dividends it pays if it wants to continue growth during a period when CFO is decreasing. (2) EARNING QUALITY ANALYSIS Walmart’s earnings have been positive and growing each fiscal year from 2008-2010. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the fact that revenue had also increased in that timeframe. There has been a 7. 5% increase in revenue from 2008 to 2009 and a 0. 95% increase in revenue from 2009 to 2010. A large majority of Walmart’s revenues come from its core operations—the net sales of products that Walmart had procured from suppliers and sold at its retail locations. The Net Sales figure is computed as the sales less sales tax and estimated sales returns. Less than 1% of total revenue is based o n membership revenue. Membership revenue is from customers who purchase yearly Sam’s Club memberships. There are several important features regarding the relationship between Net Income and CFO. First, the Net Income and CFO both trend positive, growing at a comparable rate. Second, CFO is larger than Net Income each year. This is primarily due to the adjustment to depreciation and amortization. Third, the adjustment due to an increase in accounts receivable is fairly constant, and is not a significant portion of the total CFO. These features suggest that the Net Income is a good indicator of cash inflow from operations, which would be expected from a company that collects cash at point of sale. Walmart recognizes revenue at point of sale when customers purchase products at the retail locations. Walmart recognizes revenue from gift cards only when the gift card is redeemed. Walmart recognizes revenue from services when the company performs the service; however, revenue from services is a small portion of total net sales. For membership, Walmart recognizes the revenue over the period of the membership. For example, if a membership cost $120 upfront, then $10 revenue would be recognized each month of the 12-month membership. Until it’s recognized, the cash collected is accounts as a liability (Deferred Membership Revenue). Expenses are divided into various categories. Cost of sales is all costs related to the attainment and transport of inventory. Any money received from suppliers, such as reimbursements for markdowns, is reduced from the cost of sales figure. Furthermore, Walmart does not include its costs of distribution facilities in its cost of sales, which can make its gross profit seem disproportionally stronger than its competitors. However, these costs can be found within SGA. SGA, Advertising and Pre-Opening costs are all recognized the same period that they are spent. Walmart does not seem to participate in any earnings management. The small account receivable account suggests that sales can be seem in cash inflow, meaning there is little chance that Walmart fabricated sales figures. Furthermore, Walmart did not make any significant changes to its depreciation cycles and PPE purchase patterns, which suggests that Walmart did not try to inflate its earnings to disguise unfavorable operating performance. (3) RATIO ANALYSIS Financial ratios are a measurement of the company’s overall health. In general, the financial ratios of a company are compared with those of its major competitors (cross-sectional and trend analysis) and to the company’s prior periods (trend analysis). Profitability Ratio The ability to generate profit on capital invested is a key determinant of a company’s overall value. Profitability is the net results of a number of policies and decisions. Here, the key ratios, ROCE and ROA, were calculated to judge the profitability in general. Return-on-assets (ROA) has been increased to 9. 6% in 2010 from 8. 4% in 2007 (See exhibit 10-2). This high ratio indicates that Walmart generated high income with given level of its assets. Return-on-capital employed (ROCE) has also increased to 21. 3% in 2010, from 19. 1% in 2007 (See exhibit 10-1). Compared to the competitors, Walmart has the highest ROA and ROCE, which illustrates that Walmart is the most profitable company in its industry. * Activity Ratio Activity ratio measures how efficiently a company utilizes its assets. These ratios are analyzed as indicators of ongoing operational performances; on other words, how effectively a company uses its assets. Walmart’s inventory turnover in days was 40 days in 2010, which is a modest improvement from 45 days in 2007 (See exhibit 11-1). The lower holding days of the inventory indicates that Walmart has made progress over the period in terms of inventory management. Considering the Sales growth, which increased over the periods, Walmart has effectively managed its inventory, avoiding any shortage or inadequate inventory levels. Walmart continued to set their goods in fairly low price in order to have its inventory move faster. Even though inventory turnover ratio of Walmart is less than that of Costco, Walmart’s improvement in its inventory turnover is better than that of Costco or Target. Additionally, account payable turnover gradually increased from 9. 9 days to 10. 22 days (See exhibit 11-1). The longer period of holding the Account payable indicated it has made good use of available credit facilities. * Liquidity Ratio (Short-Term) A liquid asset is one that trades in an active market and can be quickly converted to cash. A firm's liquidity position determines whether a firm has enough resources to meet its current obligations. Walmart’s current ratio deteriorated from 0. 9 in 2007 to 0. 87 2010 but then is improving from 2010 to 2011 exceeding 0. 88 in 2009 level. Also quick ratio and cash ratio improved from 2009 to 2010 (see exhibit 12-1). Nevertheless, it can be a negative sign for the company to have a current ratio less than 2. 0 and a quick ratio less than 1. 0. In fact, Walmart’s current ratio and quick ratio are lower than that of Costco and Target. A lower ratio indicates less liquidity, implying a greater reliance on operating cash flow and outside financing to meet short-term obligation. However, a reason for the troubling liquidity ratios is that Walmart has been using its cash for fixed assets as part of its effort to expand. As such, Walmart can generate cash by slowing growth if it has an urgent need to pay off current obligations. Additionally, Walmart’s cash conversion cycle was greatly decreased to 4. 8 in 2010 from 8. 5 in 2007 (See exhibit 11-1). It is the shortest operating cycle of its industry. A shorter cash conversion cycle indicates greater liquidity. The short cash conversion cycle implies that Walmart only needs to finance its inventory and accounts receivable for a short period of time. Its cash cycle is optimized, meaning it is able to sell inventory quickly also have less time capital tied up in the business process thus better for the company’s bottom line. * Solvency Ratio (Long-Term) Solvency refers to a company’s ability to fulfill its long-term debt obligations. Solvency ratios provide information about the relative amount of debt in the capital structure and the adequacy of earnings and cash flow to cover interest expenses and other fixed charges as they come due. This is important for assessing the risk and return characteristics such as its financial leverage. Walmart’s total liabilities-to-assets ratio was 0. 57 in 2010, slightly decreasing from 0. 58 in 2009 and 2008. This means 57% of total asset are financed with debt . Long-term debt-to-equity ratio was 0. 0 in 2010, again slightly decreased from 0. 52 in 2009 (See exhibit 12-1). This means 50% is the Walmart’s capital represented by debt. Although the size of asset and debt far exceeds the size of its competitors, but the ratios did not show significant proportional difference between Walmart and its competitors. Interest coverage ratios, calculated by using EBIT divided by total i nterest expense, can be viewed as good if the number exceeds 2. 0. For Walmart, the interest coverage ratio was 11. 8 in 2010 that was improved from 10. 5 in 2007 (See exhibit 12-1). This increase indicates that Walmart has become stronger in solvency, offering greater assurance that Walmart can service its debt from operating earnings. As for evidence, Walmart’s CFO-to-total liability was calculated to be 54. 5% in 2010, increasing from 48. 4% in 2007 (See exhibit 12-1). This is relatively high compared to its peers such as Costco and Target. 3. Conclusion Based on the aforementioned analysis, including qualitative and quantitative, we would like to conclude that Walmart is a company that can be highly recommended for investors to buy. First, the industry is still attractive when it comes to high barrier to entry, low power of buyers and suppliers, and low threat of substitution. Also for the company level, Walmart has differentiated itself successfully by focusing on the lowest price. Second, Walmart’s cash flows show a typical pattern for a healthy and matured firm; that is, Walmart has a constantly growing positive CFO, a negative CFI for the investment in PPE, and a negative CFF for shareholder returns such as dividend and share repurchase. Also, the strong CFO generates a increasing trend of FCF (Free Cash Flow), which indicates that the company has a potential for flexible cash management whether for the growth investment or shareholder returns. Third, Walmart appears to have quality earning. Further, there are close ties between net income and CFO; in other words, both net income and CFO show positive trend and increase at a comparable rate. Also Walmart is engaged in neither manipulating earnings nor making substantial changes in accounting methods. Fourth, Walmart’s ratios look good. ROA and ROCE are strong when compared to those of Costco and Target. The liquidity ratios are relatively low, but can be addressed if Walmart chooses to retain cash instead of using it on growth. Finally, Walmart’s P/E ratio on May 19, 2011 is 11. 5, which is relatively low when compared to that of Walmart’s competitors (Target: 11. 9, Costco: 26. 3). As such, Walmart appears to be undervalued. Ultimately, the analysis on Walmart’s financial statements indicates that investors would be well advised to buy Walmart’s stocks.

Teaching and Coaching

The teaching-coaching function of the domains of nursing practice is a very important aspect that nurses must practice to be effective. We learn many things from textbooks, clinical environments and job placements; but I think some of the most valuable lessons and skills that I have learned were from my fellow nurses and other healthcare providers while on the job. I work with adolescents on a daily basis that are cognitively impaired that need to be taught many life skills.The competencies that I want to emphasize in my post are the first that is listed which is; â€Å"Timing: Capturing a Patient’s Readiness to Learn†. This one particular patient that was on my unit was a 14 year old male that was being resistant to the teaching of proper use of his metered dose inhaler. The patient did not want to accept the fact that he had asthma. He stated that the only reason that he has shortness of breath was, â€Å"because I smoke too many cigarettes†. I recognized that the patient just simply wasn’t ready to learn at this time. Assessing where a patient is, how open he is to information, deciding when to go ahead even when the patient does not appear ready, are key aspects of effective patient teaching† (Benner, 2001). So I waited a few hours later and gathered some information about asthma and the benefits of using the inhaler. After hours upon hours of speaking with the patient, he was finally able to realize that the inhaler would give him a better quality of life when used correctly. This was about a month ago, and the patient is now using the inhaler as needed, the correct way.This may seem like a small achievement to some, but I felt very complete when I went home that night after speaking with this patient. Thank you for reading my post, I look forward to reading your feedback. James 5:15 – And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Reference Benner, P. (2001). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

Food and Street Foods Essay

Bulacan was officially called â€Å"Bulacan Province†, is a first class province of the Republic of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon Region (Region 3) in the island of Luzon, North of Manila (the nation’s capital), and part of the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region. Bulacan pries itself for its rich historical heritage. Bulacan has fast become an ideal tourist destination, owing to its vital role in Philippine history, and its rich heritage in culture and the arts. The province is popularly known for its historical sites; nostalgic old houses and churches; idyllic ecological attractions; religious attractions; colorful and enchanting festivals; swimming and various themed attractions; and a wide selection of elegant native crafts and sumptuous delicacies. It is also home to numerous resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other recreational facilities. (Wikipedia) The briskness of Street foods in Bulacan can be measured by the long queue of consumers’ everyday in the food outlets in strategic places where street foods like: â€Å"lugaw† or Rice Porridge, goto, mami, fish balls, barbecued banana, salted peanuts and chicken pops. (Toledo, 1988) Street Foods is a â€Å"Survival Meals†, maybe because it satisfies the gustatory sense for a temporary period of time. (Soledad Leynes, 1986) In such case, eating away from home due to the changes in occupation and activities created a demand for cooked meals and snacks at a cheaper and affordable price that are served quickly. Dual career, parents and small families who really have no time to prepare their meals at home resort to street foods for convenience. These people seem not to care for the food source whether it comes from the legitimate food merchants or from the informal sector, otherwise called black market. (Soledad Leynes, 1986) Street foods, whether snacks or meals are affordable and always available, which are very popular among the low income households to a large extent and increasingly a daily fare among the middle income groups. Households with working mothers are afforded ready to eat meals without the burden of cooking at home. Street food caters to the needs of the urban poor population by making food readily available and at low cost. Thus, street food vending is a traditional activity which can be considered a coping mechanism of the urban poor. Street foods are ready-to-eat foods and beverages prepared and/or sold by vendors or hawkers especially in the streets and other similar places. They represent a significant part of urban food consumption for millions of low-and-middle-income consumers, in urban areas on a daily basis. Street foods may be the least expensive and most accessible means of obtaining a nutritionally balanced meal outside the home for many low income people, provided that the consumer is informed and able to choose the proper combination of foods. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

History of canadian labour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History of canadian labour - Essay Example The first article, â€Å"The honest Workingman and Worker’s Control: The Experience of Toronto Skilled Workers’, 1860-1892†, by Gregory S. Kealey, is an attempt to identify the trends of trade unions during the nineteenth century. The author discusses â€Å"Coopers International Union, Ontario No. 3, which played an important role in the Nine Hour Movement and the establishment of the Toronto Trades Assembly; the extensively studied International Typographical Union No. 91; and the Iron Mot-ders International Union No. 28, employed in Torontos heavily capitalized stove, machinery, and agricultural implements industry† (Kealey). What the author tries to suggest is that the working class was an organized association of trade unions, which had a disciplined way of working, and earnings were fairly decided. The second article, â€Å"Joe Beef of Montreal: Working-Class culture and the Tavern, 1869-1889†, by Peter DeLottinville, is a different account of working class in Montreal. The author chooses to represent the working class through a dominant tavern owned by Charles McKiernan, popularly known as ‘Joe Beef’. The book presents a rather different account of the hardships of working class, which were not mentioned in the previous article. Since the article mentions a period that is almost the same as the earlier article, no mention of trade unions is a surprise. Rather the working class is a beer-drinking, rowdy class that finds the middle class suspicious and though there is mention of organized strikes, but the centre of the subject is Joe Beef’s Canteen, which provided the sole entertainment enjoyed by the working class. The author has more to say about Joe Beef than the working class. However, at the same time he has introduced the conditions of working c lass through a tavern and a man, who the working class people hailed him as their â€Å"champion† (DeLottinville). The third article,

How surroundings effect people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How surroundings effect people - Essay Example The setting of the story is along an Ecuadorian river where Dillard is staying alongside some Americans and guides from Ecuador. In the second book; â€Å"Our Animal rights by † Anna Quindlen, the writer is writing to express dissatisfaction about people having entered the animal habit and displacing them, just to find settlement and a place to live. The issue here is does it mean that people should always displace animals from their original habitat whenever they increase in number? According to the two pieces of art, I think that people should always learn to adapt to the surrounding that prevail in their environment. There should be peaceful co-existence between animals and people. Both parties can be of mutual help if the relationship between them is well understood and taken good care of. Dillard tries to persuade people to believe that the jungle can offer best opportunities for exploration. The jungle has a lot of adventures that people can enjoy as they take adventure, he points that every year, there are many toddlers that are eaten by the mighty and powerful anacondas but that alone doesn’t make the jungle a place not good for human survival. When people live in the environment, they are able to devise ways of peacefully co-existing with animals. The main point of attention is the attractiveness within the forest. We have a 430 pound fish trapped from the river water. This is just an example of how adventures and economical living in the jungle can be. The reader employs a rather emotional appeal just to let the readers understand that living in the jungle if not life threatening. With reference to the Napo River, she says it is a â€Å"â€Å"bowl of sweet air, a basin of greenness, and of grace, and, it would seem, of peace† (Braw 3) this kind of description is meant to show the reader that the river is kind of a something huge, wide and enormous lined with beautiful green trees. This is actually a description that would

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 10

International Relations - Essay Example Section 3(a) of the IMF fund‘s agreement requires â€Å"the funding to adopt policies towards using resources (Goldstein et al. 480) as well as the special policies for special balance of payments problems. These policies will assist members to solve their balance of payments problems in a manner consistent with the provisions of this agreement ad that will establish adequate safeguards for the temporary use of the general resources of the fund† (IMF 2002). Additionally, the initiative will stipulate the IMF and encourage the borrowing countries to affect their policy changes in a way that may help the country to repay its debt without having to affect negatively the IMF. The countries must therefore make a legal agreement that binds them to compliance with the Fund â€Å"conditionalities†. However, the least developed countries have been given improved conditions in that the IMF has undertaken a review of its conditionality to poor countries in order to streamlin e them to Poverty Reduction Growth facility (PRGF). As a result, public sector, employment, trade policy, public enterprise reforms, privatization, social security, pricing and systematic reforms have been included in the agreement. As a result, least developed countries have been given more â€Å"conditionalities† as compared to the developed countries. As a third world leader, accepting most of the conditionality given to the third world countries is an â€Å"economic Suicide†. They may subject the economy to a series of problems encompassed with huge debts and inability to owner the fund’s agreement. Section 3(a) for instance is an infringement of the economy of a country. It translates to a form of neo-colonialism in which the recipient country has to reform and implement its national economic policies in accordance to what an external body demands. It inhibits the sovereignty of a state to act within its limits

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Starbucks and Foreign Exchange Rate Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Starbucks and Foreign Exchange Rate Risk - Essay Example During its first years in the Philippines, one dollar is equivalent to fifty pesos. Thus, a cup of coffee has priced at around Php150. This pricing has barely changed through the years. Starbucks have continuously opened stores in the country especially when the business processing industry boomed making specialty coffee shops really popular. Though the Philippine operation is just small in comparison to the whole system of Starbucks in the world, it does contribute to the company's sales and profits. Since prices are denominated in Philippine pesos, the end of year revenues is converted into US dollar at the prevailing exchange rate which has important implications for the company. During 2005, the Philippine peso has steadily depreciated reaching Php55/US$1 (BSP 2008). So, for instance, if Starbucks revenue is Ps5.5 million, it can be converted into $100,000 during the period. However, recently the currency has been strengthened through the continuous inflow of remittances from Filipinos working abroad who are supporting their families in the Philippines. Thus, the exchange rate appreciated to Php45/US$1 (BSP 2008). In this situation, the Php5.5 million income can now be converted into US$122,222 higher than when the peso is weaker. This illustration just summarizes the exchange rate risks faced by a multinational business organization in operating in other countr

Wireless Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Wireless Security - Research Paper Example This method is convenient because one can work from anywhere in the house or in his business using his or her laptop. It also makes it possible to connect various computers to the internet, which does not require the use of many disorganized wires or cables as can be in wired networks (Onguardonline.gov, 2012). Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have become explosively popular, which have dramatically altered the way in which people access data, surf the internet and read their e-mails. WLANs are now everywhere in libraries, coffee shops, hotels, airports, college campuses, and many other public places. WLANs initially became accessible in 2000 and since then, they have deeply penetrated into people’s everyday lives, becoming widely used amongst individuals and businesses. However, despite its popularity, there are many security threats that are associated with the wireless technology, thereby preventing them from being widely spread. WLANs have been the key targets for atta ckers because of the mode of wireless transmission and the vulnerabilities exposed to the traditional standards of wireless networks. Owing to the fact that indicators are not restricted to a wire or a cable in a wall, invaders can capture an unencrypted wireless message and read or even alter the private contents of the message. Because the earlier mechanisms used in wireless security did not adequately provide defense against such attacks, WLANs provided an avenue for attackers to access an organization’s network and take away important information (Us-cert.gov, 2008). The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is the most influential and widely known organization for wireless communications and computer networking. The IEEE dates back to 1884 and it began its work on developing architecture standards in computer networks in the early 1980s. This work was known as Project 802, which quickly expanded into various types of network technology. The IEEE 802.3 w as one of the most famous standards developed, which set stipulations for Ethernet local area network technology. In 1990, a committee was formed to come up with a standard for WLANs that would operate at a speed of one and 2Mbps. A number of different proposals were recommended before a draft that went through seven different revisions was developed. In 1997, the IEEE approved and adopted the IEEE 802.11 standard. This was the first WLAN standard which defines the physical (PHY) and the media access control (MAC) layers for a LAN that is wireless connected. It deals with local area networking where the associated devices communicate via air to other devices that are close to each other (Intelligraphics.com, 1995). Although a speed of 2 million bits per second was preferable in 1990 for wireless networks, it was no longer satisfactory for use in modern wireless networks. The IEEE body reviewed the 802.11 standard to determine the possible changes that could be executed to increase t he speed. A new IEEE 802.11b amendment was formed in 1999. The amendment included two higher speeds – 5.5 Mbps and 11Mbps to the original speeds of 1Mbps and 2Mbps in 802.11. The new standard (IEEE 802.11b) could support devices that of up to 375 feet(115 meters) away from each other using 2.4GHz radio frequency spectrum. During the same period, the IEEE as well provided another standard with higher speeds. The standard developed was IEEE 802.11a, which indicates a maximum speed of 54Mpbs using the 5GHz radio frequency spectrum. The remarkable achievement of the IEEE 802.11b impelled the IEEE to revisit the 802.11b and 802.11a standards to find out whether they could develop a third intermediary standard (Ciampa, 2009). Ciampa (2009) further explains