Nature Of Employment Relationship In A Large Food Manufacturing Essay

Nature Of Employment Relationship In A Large Food Manufacturing Organization - Essay Example It is the key point of reference for determining the nature and extent of employers' rights and obligations towards their workers. Prospective employees in Food Manufacturing business, whether recently graduated university candidates, transferees from other corporations, or internal candidates, are looking for dissimilar things from their work life than they were a decade before. Today's employees look for balance. Sixty-hour work weeks, comprehensive journey timetables, breakfast meetings, dinner meetings, weekend training and work schedules must be put into standpoint in relation to family life, group of people commitment and pastime. To text this, the four dimensions of the employment relationship were distorted into a solitary Employment Relationships Prcis Scale, using multivariate study to review the sovereign result of this scale on a variety of results (taking into account socio-demographic, labor market and work circumstances factors). Work Satisfaction: Powerful employment relationships are the key determinant of job satisfaction between salaried employees and self-employed persons in Food Manufacturing business. ... Not only does job satisfaction replicate a person's in general excellence of operational existence, it also has been connected to a variety of results significant for employers - counting productivity as well. Skill development and use: Strong employment relationships are linked with the more effectual utilization of human resources. Employees who have powerful employment relationships (contrasting to workers in feeble relationships) have more chances in their job to grow and use their capabilities and talent in Food Manufacturing business. This supports the formation of human capital, which is necessary for both person well-being and a strong economy in such fast growing business. Turnover: Fragile employment relationships in Food Manufacturing business add to turnover, evaluating from which employees looked for a job with an additional employer in the precedent year. Therefore employers encountering staffing and retention challenge contending for aptitude in a tense labor market require paying cautious concentration to employment relationships. Workplace confidence: Workers who have strong employment relationships individually account high-quality morale inside their place of work. Morale is a vital element in humanizing a strong and creative work surroundings in Food Manufacturing business. Absenteeism: Employees in feeble employment relationships account for more absenteeism due to personal sickness or damage than do employees in strong relationships. Absenteeism is expensive to employers, detracts from an individual's worth of life, and decreases national output. Readiness to join a union: Employees in fragile employment relationships are more than twice as probable to want to connect a union as those in strong relationships in Food

Li Ning Company Limited Organizational Background and Audit Assignment

Li Ning Company Limited Organizational Background and Audit - Assignment Example Li Ning has its headquarters in Beijing, the Chinese capital. According to its website, Li Ning has extensive presence in the entire country. It has reportedly a reliable network of retailers and manufacturers for its supply chain, and a host of franchise owners distributing the products. Li Ning, therefore, is well-entrenched throughout the country, and has probably perfected the art of marketing and selling which have made the company successful in all its current businesses. The company started operations in 1989, the same year LI-NING was registered as a trademark. Since then, it has sponsored numerous sports delegations of China to various national and international events, where the sponsored teams brandished their Li Ning sportswear. In 1993, the company started franchising its business operations, a strategic move that helped it reach its target market in distant areas and remote provinces, thereby helping the company established its foothold in the country’s huge market for footwear and sports-related products. Li Ning is a multi-faceted business operation that is pro-active and a leader in the industry. It has its own research and development center, and a design center established in 1998. It is a proud company to claim that it is the first sports business in China to have implemented an Enterprise Resource Program (ERP) system, a system which uses internet technology that integrates its supply chain with its internal operations.

Importance Of Stakeholders In An Event Launch Tourism Essay

Importance Of Stakeholders In An Event Launch Tourism Essay This report discusses launching of a new tablet launched by apple. This is a brand new model of a tablet that can be used by anybody and it is also suitable and adopted for every user including children with leaning disabilities due to its customizable features. As a consultant working with the companys event planning team for this product launch, this report will be focusing on the process of planning this event. The process of how to get the potential customers and key stakeholders persons informed and invited to the event. And most important is for the planning process to lead to achieving the companys goals of higher sales targets and to promote the new product to the customers. To meet this, the event needs to be planned in such away that the invited guests and all potential customers gets a positive experience that promotes the image of the company and the brand being marketed. INTRODUCTION Event planning is the procedure of handling a project of this kind through arranging such as a conference, a convention, a trade fair, a team building activity, a hospitality gathering or an exhibition. The planning process includes drawing a realistic budget, drawing a timetable of every activity, choosing and reserving the event venues, obtaining permits where necessary and needed. Planning and making arrangements for food and drinks, harmonising transportation of people and items, designing a suitable theme planning for every activity. There is also need to chose and invite keynote speakers and promoters in good time and ensuring that the venue is well facilitated and equipped with a good public address system if planning for big audiences. Risk management needs to be accounted for while having some contingency plans in cases of eventualities. Event Planning consists of coordinating every little detail of planning from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed mat erials and advertising the event itself through chosen media. Event planning begins with determining the objective that the sponsoring organization wants to achieve. Planners strategically choose speakers, entertainment teams and activities, content, and arrange the program to present the organizations information in the most effective way. Meeting planners are responsible for selecting meeting venues, likely guests and how to get them to the meeting. (Institute of Event management, 2012) According to Fill(2005), Marketing communications is a management process through which an organisation endeavours to share its product information with its various audiences. Through understanding the audiences communications setting, organisations seek to cultivate and present messages suitable for their identified stakeholders and interest groups before evaluating and acting upon any responses. By conveying messages that are of significant value, audiences are encouraged to offer attitudinal and behavioural positive response. This Tablet being an electronic item has a potential for a very wide market. It is likely to attract attention from various individuals and groups of people who may include students, teachers, parents of children with learning disabilities, educational institutions and just the general public. OBJECTIVES OF AN EVENT PLANNING Every event planning or product launch should have its goals and objectives to form the vision because without them, your event will not have any defined vision. However, an event can have one or many goals and multiple objectives supporting the goals which are necessary to the success of the event. There should be more than one purpose for an event planning, for example this event is about launching a new product by raising sales target and also promoting the brand. The main purpose of this product launch is to put across our communication strategies either by using the push or pull strategy. The main focus strategy which will be more vital with this product is the pull strategy, by focusing more on the direct consumers than business to business consumers which is also referred to as the push strategy. PROCESS OF PLANNING AN EVENT One very essential stage in an event planning is to have a budget to guide your expenditure and it is also your responsibility as the event organiser to stay within the limits of your budget. Similarly, your also need to develop a marketing strategy which includes advertisements either through the media, internet or digital media for example, social networks and focus groups. And to coordinate the communications and promotional activities for your event as the success of your event will ultimately depend on your ability to sell the event to those attending it. (Carter L., 2007) In order to create an event to fulfil your customers objectives and be everything that they hope it will be, it is important to begin with their event vision. This is where you will be able to determine what is most important to them. Event visualization is after event objectives have been set out, should be your first starting point for planning the event. For this product, apple needs to focus on the PULL strategy as this product is most likely to directly to individual consumers. So a good part of the advertising budget for this event should be committed to digital marketing such as internet marketing, use of social websites like face book, tweeter and the like. Internet advertising through search engine optimisations, email marketing using their existing customers database, contacts and referrals would also be suitable strategies for this product. Use of mobile marketing strategies such as text messaging, ringtones, games demonstrating the product and its new and unique features would prove a success for this kind of item. The beauty of these media is that they would even lead word of mouth since the messages are targeted at the consumers directly. Another good strategy would be to target influential stakeholders and customers invitation to a well planned corporate launch event. In order to host an event that will fulfil your companys objectives and yet have appositive impact to the guests, the planners need to have a clear vision. This is where you will be able to determine what is most important and prioritise the process. Choosing a location is also a very important stage in an event planning, and it needs to be booked at a very early stage to avoid any delays or last minute disappointments. The location needs to be convenience for the visitors and there should be enough room for product display and also for visitors to have space to work around the products and demonstrate them as well. Parking should not be a problem as most of the guest will be driving to the event. Team building is very important in an event planning process; you need good staffing and a security plan. Such a plan is the glue that holds the event together. Coordinate the efforts of your staff (paid and volunteer) and vendors with the venue contact person. Include details such as when vendors arrive, where and how they unload their equipment, where they set up, and how they manage all aspects of the event. You should also address how and when they will tear down and load up to avoid costly surprises. Effective communication on-site is critical. All staff should be fluent in how to operate your communications system (such as walkie-talkies and headsets) and how to contact those responsible for emergency support. Every event needs to address security, even if it just includes hiring an off-duty police officer, working with the hotels security team, it will be worth it. Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy is also helpful. (Jodi W., 2010) Also, another essential part of such an event is to provide the guests with food and refreshments. If possible, hire a DJ to provide the visitors with music to make the environment lively and lift the spirits of the visitors. Engage your customers with conversations by contacting them face to face specially the key visitors and stakeholders. If possible equip your team members with good knowledge of the product to engage with the customers and get them to try the Tablets for themselves and not just be told about them. You could go a further step by setting up an offer price for a promotional sale of the tablet just for this launch day. This will encourage customers and stakeholders to attend, have personal experience with the product and afterwards spread word about it. It might also get many people excited to take advantage of the promotional price and boost the sales. Such an approach is deemed likely to produce positive results. According to Duncan and Moriarty (1997), there are some communications that arise from unplanned or unintended experiences and also there are planned marketing communications. IMPORTANCE OF STAKEHOLDERS IN AN EVENT LAUNCH Stakeholders include, suppliers, customers, investors and the media, they are very important in an event planning because they can be affected by the event and the event also can be affected by the type of evaluation received by the stakeholders. In order to realise the success of an event, it is important to have open communication channels among all stake holders. Since events have broader impacts on a wider public, such open communications will bring more feedback to the company. It is also important to remember that stakeholders are people with vested interests in the company and its products. They are therefore potential attendees. Stake holders add value and reputation to the success of the whole event. Moreover getting the right stakeholders to your event can create the prospect of a great evaluation for the future event planning as well. You can find out what the views and thoughts of key people and important stakeholders by engaging in face to face charts with them throughou t the event.(Robinson P. et al 2010). EVENT EVALUATION PROCESS Finally, as soon as the event is over and the guests have all gone home, while you may be eager to put your planning documents and files away and move one, right after the event is the right time to evaluate the success of your event and discuss opportunities for a better improvement in a future event planning. However, a thorough post-event evaluation ensures you will capture the important details your companys needs to improve its fundraising. A successful evaluation is also a good start for the preparations of your next event. You can get feedbacks from your guest in different ways, either by asking them about their view about the whole event or by giving them questionnaires to fill in and hand it back before living. These feedbacks from your visitors can help you evaluate the success factor of the event. Also it is very important to meet with the event committee and all your team members who were involved in the event process. Arrange a meeting with them and make sure you give them enough time for discussion getting their view and gather all vital information from them for an evaluation for a future event plan. Make sure you cover every important aspect of the event, being careful to note which topics hit nerves in a positive or negative way so you can keep the meeting upbeat. (greater giving, 2012) Conclusions In order to attract the attention of all your potential customers, planners needs to implement the best marketing strategies at their disposal and start good planning ahead of the event for success. Whether the company will choose to use the services of a marketing consultant or manage these issues on their own, its up to them provided the aims and objectives are kept in focus. All important aspects of the planning process need to be taken care of. These should include all the fine details of the whole process such as budgeting actions and steps to be implemented by particular individuals on the planning team. Once all these are done with success, it shouldnt be a big problem for the company to succeed by getting the tartgetde ausdeince to its event nadn thefeor achieves their aims and objectives of the marketing process.

Belonging :: Ukraine Traditions Culture Society Essays

Belonging The ideals embodied in the word "community" deal with the scientific description of specific human cultures. While traveling throughout the city of Warren, Michigan, you are bound to notice one of the many signs stating the following; "Welcome to Warren, the third largest city in Michigan." In the midst of this large city dwell approximately seventeen thousand humans of Ukrainian descent. With this many people you would need Cobo Hall to throw a get-together; however, we all seem to congregate happily at the Ukrainian Cultural Center. Throughout the Ukrainian Cultural Center’s twenty years of existence, the Center has faithfully serviced its patrons with libraries of knowledge, a museum, great food, and a social place to gather, the Odessa Lounge. The Ukrainian Cultural Center serves as the hub of most activities for Ukrainians in the metro Detroit area. You might say that I grew up in the place, nurtured by the members of Ukrainian decent who have served me like surrogate parents. It’s a large community, but I’ve grown to personally know most of the members and their families. The Center, as it is called, is not just a place to learn about me heritage, attend lectures, concerts, weddings, social and cultural activities. For me the Center is a place of belonging where "everyone knows my name," just as the words to the song in the TV sitcom "Cheers". The Ukrainian Cultural Center is situated south of Interstate 696 on the west- side of Ryan Road. This brown brick building does not look extremely elaborate or fancy, but rather, has the appearance of a large house. The building faà §ade is complimented with almond colored trim and brown shingles, the kind found on many homes in this residential area. The building’s pitched roof further adds the look and feel of a large family home. The elaborate landscaping intensifies the large house effect as well as hiding the road that runs across the front leading to the massive four hundred ninety-space parking lot in the rear. Masking the road with stones, shrubs, and several pine, maple and crab apple trees makes it look attractive and inviting from the front. Upon entering the building, you automatically know it is not a typical banquet hall. It has the look and feel of another country. The display at the entrance is filled with Ukrainian artifacts, like embroidered pillows, decorated pysanky, wedding wreaths, and other objects reflecting Ukrainian ethnicity.

During the Internship at Consulate General Essay

The opportunity to go as an intern at Consulate General is an unforgettable experience. Knowing several tasks and been able to serve the country is a valuable thing. Protecting the interest of the country and the citizens is a forever priority. As an intern at Consulate General, the providing of assistance and guidance with regards to problems with passports or birth report of a citizen abroad had helped my skills to communicate well. I engaged to several tasks like issuing passports, visas and consular certificates as well as providing notary deeds and even helping citizens who were in detention or incarcerated or as they are waiting for their custody trials and facilitate their communications with their families. The ability to get in contact with the local authorities and protection attorneys is a big privilege to have. In addition, the duties of an intern is a serious task that’s why they only accept those students who are qualified to the position and has the ability to keep the job done right. Securing of the resident information is an important task too as it is valuable to facilitate communication and assistance in case of an emergency. The scope of duties also touches the organizing and coordination of official visits for international relations and business delegations of varieties of ministries, report preparations and correspondence. All duties performed tested my willingness to learn and the devotion and loyalty to show the country and people by serving them and providing good quality service in all aspect of communication, organization and privacy.

Paramedic Essay

â€Å"People don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care.† –John C. Maxwell I am attending Fortis College to become a paramedic. I want to become a paramedic not only to make a difference, but to help others in their time of need. I think of this degree as a passion not just a career. As a paramedic there is always room for continuing your education. You learn from your co-workers and the runs you go on. As early as 1500 B.C. there has been some kind of EMS. In those days it was a Good Samaritan act and completely voluntary. Moving up the time line in 1767, the Greeks and Romans took soldiers off of the battlefield by chariots. In the same time period a chief physician in the Napoleon’s army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, started the first pre-hospital system used to triage and transport injured soldiers from the battlefield to aid station. In 1865-1869 the first ambulance service was started in the United States. Interns of the hospital used horse drawn carriages made specifically in taking the sick and injured to the hospital. And modern day today, there are many ambulance companies including fire houses and private ambulances. As knowledge of science and the anatomy of humans grows the knowledge of what paramedics can do grows. I have experience in the fire and EMS world. I was an explorer at the Fairfield Township Fire Department in Fairfield Township, Ohio. I was an explorer for four years. In that four years I did ride-a-longs, scenarios, and class room training. We also did competitions with other departments. In my last year at the department I interviewed and obtained the position of captain of the explorer program. The first year that my explorer post did competitions that I was attending, we placed 2nd overall and placed in 3 competitions; of those 3 I was involved in 2. This was a very exciting time of my life. I also attended the week long Fire/EMS academy at Hocking College as an explorer. I learned a lot from both programs. In conclusion, I can’t wait to start my career at Fortis College. I am excited to further my knowledge in the EMS field. Upon graduation at Fortis College, I plan to work as a paramedic at a private ambulance company and in the ER of a hospital, to only further on as a care flight medic in Columbus.

The European Unification essays

The European Unification essays 500 years ago, the European age began. Portuguese seafarers swept Europe out of the medieval age, and boldly helped Europe to grow. During the European age, constant wars were fought among the many nations that made up Europe. By 1945, Europe had all but destroyed itself. With the end of the 20th century, Europe has been given a historic opportunity, a united Europe, it is a chance at new life, a miracle as some consider it. On January 1, 1999, champagne corks popped, fireworks lit up the skies, and the peoples in Europe were happy. What is important about this date? January 1, 1999 marked the launching of the new single currency for the European Union, the euro. Many see this as a giant step towards Europes long quest for unity. The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf hailed the launch of the euro as the crown upon European unification. After many decades of dreams, diplomacy, and delays, European unity seemed closer than ever. However as you shall see, the European Union will not benefit Europe, rather it will serve as a detriment. In order to decide whether the EU will serve to benefit Europe, or hurt it, we need to consider the history behind Europe. In 1993, the European Union was started. Across all of Europe it was hailed as a new opportunity for peace, something that could not be rejected. The EU began with five countries, who signed a pact to unite and grow stronger. Now, in the year 2000, the European Union has grown to some 15 member countries, joined together for a common cause: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These countries have at great expense, decided to make the change from individual countries, to a united group of people. The rules and requirements are strict, or else many more countries would have already joined. As it is, there are many countries waiting in the wings, waiting t...

Business in Ghana

Business in Ghana Introduction In justification of the case for Global Ventures PLC business idea on production and processing of Cocoa, the company has focused on Ghana as the country of choice for the business idea.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Business in Ghana specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Currently, Ghana is the second leading African country in the world cocoa production after Ivory Coast with an 11% market share in cocoa production (2011 Investment Climate Statement). Many large companies, which produce cocoa such as Nestle and Cadbury, focus on Ghana as the country of choice. Though traditionally the country was involved in farming cocoa and then exporting it as beans. In the recent past, it has strived for increasing its earnings from the export by setting up facilities for processing the cocoa beans. While Ivory Coast is the leading world producer of cocoa, the preference for Ghana over Ivory Coast was due to the constant political instability associated with Ivory Coast. Justification As stated in part 2, lack of corruption was key to choosing the country of choice for setting up the new business. While no case can be made for an African cocoa producing country that is free of corruption, there is clearly a case to make on the level of corruption in Ghana being minimal as compared to other African countries involved in cocoa production and manufacture such as Ivory Coast or Nigeria. Therefore, it is important to investigate the situation on the ground while establishing the base for conducting such a business. One significant milestone occurred when Ghana achieved success in fighting corruption, which resulted in the establishment of the Serious Crime Office in 1999; thereafter, it has been involved in investigating corruption. In addition, though the country has not signed a treaty for its commitment with OECD Countries for fighting bribery, the law on procurement laws of 2004 helped in co nformance with the World Trade Organization principles.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Professional marketers; Marketing was clearly a key ingredient of success of any company In Ghana, The Cocoa Marketing Company is owned by the Government and responsible for marketing and selling a significant portion of cocoa in Ghana. This was a justification for the establishment of the company in Ghana due to the availability of professional marketers. As such, this ensured marketing for the company not only at the national boundaries, but also at a global level. In addition, the company was impressed by the efforts by the chartered institute of marketing, Ghana (CIMG) (2011 Investment Climate Statement). Having a strong base in the country since 1991, and having been certified by Board on National accrediting, the company has help in nurturing strong base in Ghana. Gen uine Reforms The ability to uphold genuine reforms is one of the most outstanding characteristics of Ghana as a country, such as strong leadership, local ownership and political will within the country. Ghana upholds democracy more than any other African country, and is considered to be mother to key leaders within the African continent. For instance, key Ghanaian personalities, such as the retired President Kuffuor and retired UN Secretary General Koffi Annan, gained credits for restoring peace in Kenya after the 2007 post election violence. Moreover, the country has been the leading one in initiating education and health reforms while, at the same time, using soccer to promote peace. Observance of labor laws Labor laws have been highly violated in some cocoa producing countries; in fact, many countries violate children rights by employing children in cocoa farms, as well as processing industries. In addition, many of the cocoa producing countries have highly violated human rights through noncompliance to labor laws such as minimal wages (2011 Investment Climate Statement). In Ghana, there is moderate observance of labor laws with few cases of children labor being reported and being compared to Ivory Coast whose poverty level is much higher hence motivating the violation of labor laws. Many organizations and trade unions in the country are responsible for ensuring that labor laws are observed.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Business in Ghana specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fighting child labor in Ghana, organization such as ILO/IPEC, the government, the media, international organizations have helped in achieving the proposal of 2001-2002 â€Å"National Plan of Action for the elimination of Child labor in Ghana† through campaigns education programs and involvement of inspectors and the police. Organization in Sacco Schemes Ghanaian farmers are not left behind when it comes to forming groups that enhance their collective decision to being heard and implemented. In the pilot study to justify the establishment of the company in Ghana, the company was impressed by the presence of the international NGO Technoserve that has played a remarkable role in helping cocoa farmers obtain greater results from their crops. Instead of selling cocoa immediately after it is harvested, the organization helps farmers to store it in a warehouses managed by the cooperation. In exchange, the farmers are able to obtain loan depending on the amount of cocoa that they have stored. Sacco’s such as Kuapa Kokoo Limited and Farmer Organization Network have been particularly prominent in some areas of Ghana. These are prominent in mobilizing farmers and in fighting child labor among cocoa farming and production industry. Infrastructure/Logistics In justifying the case for the establishment of the company in Ghana, a strong analysis of the transport sector was necessary. As state d in part two, this would ensure efficiency and presence of movement and infrastructure facilities to transport beans from producers to the processing factory and from the finished goods to global consumers. Many African countries are lagging behind in terms of the transport sector, and Ghana has never been an exception. In an effort to improve the sector, the Ministry of Transport in the country has been on the forefront in implementing projects to enhance the transport sector of the country. In 2009, there was established a project that has been active in enhancing mobility of goods and services and in reducing the cost of production. The first role of the 2009 project was directed at the road sector and engaged in vigorous feasibility studies coming up with a geographical system.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Open market system In the modern society, many nations that have achieved a mileage in their economic systems have embraced the private sector and have strived to eliminate government system in the financial control system. In the recent past, Ghana has drastically grown in terms of the freedom of its economic system especially in terms of labor freedom and money freedom. This year the country has climbed to number 9 of the 46 Sub-Saharan African countries with a 60.7% score in economic freedom. With a 6% annual growing economy, the country is number 84 in the world in terms of a free market (â€Å"Global Research Report†). Cocoa supply in Ghana As it has been stated earlier, Ghana is the second supplier of cocoa in the world. With over 90 years in cocoa production, the supply of cocoa by the six areas of Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern, Volta, Central and western region the supply of cocoa are highly guaranteed. Though many of the farmers of cocoa are small holders with 4-5 ac res, there is a guarantee of production of cocoa since it is a main source of livelihood in the country. Regulatory framework The regulatory framework in Ghana is effective in promoting new investment and competitiveness of a new company. The Global forum on transparency and exchange of information is the guiding tool for Ghana’s legal framework, it has been effective in promoting new investment companies. Industry policy Industry policies include the principles, policies, rules, regulations and procedures that regulate industrial enterprises within the nation; hence, determine the direction of key development. In June 2011, Ghana trade and industry Minister, Ms Hanna Tetteh launched the industrial policy for the country to be implemented within the period of the subsequent five years. Key issued the policy that justified the establishment of Global Ventures PLC in Ghana included the increase of industrious employment in the production sector and marketing of Agriculture base d industries (â€Å"Ghana launches Industrial Policy† 3). Export policy According to the ministry of Trade and Industry which is in charge of all the export policies in Ghana, the sector is geared to ensure the implementation of a self-fulfilling export sector. The country is improving its international presence so as to improve the export value of its goods, which are mainly the Agriculture processed or partially processed export goods. The country is likely to gain stable and fair prices for its exports by increasing its multilateral presence with other countries. In addition, Ghana has a positive image when it comes to the quality of its cocoa. Since 1947, Ghana has been the sole nation with the government established institution (Ghana Cocoa Board) among all cocoa producing countries in West Africa (â€Å"Ghana launches Industrial Policy† 2). Alliance, trade, navigation, and taxation agreements are mainly concerned with offering security for trading rights, as well as eliminate situations of double taxation. In Ghana, there is a fair business environment where all competing companies are treated equally without discrimination in the enforcement of laws and regulations. This was a key justification for the establishment of the country in Ghana as it was not exposed to unnecessary discrimination because it was a foreign company (â€Å"Global Research Report† 7). We identified the country because the pricing of cocoa beans was left to the market determinants of supply and demand, but not controlled by the government. Though several economies are not isolated from the world market fluctuations, in economically powerful countries such as the US as well, the floating exchange system in Ghana was a justification for the establishment of the company in Ghana. Monetary Policy This refers to all those activities and interventions that aim at establishing an even supply of credit for business and advancement of trade, as well as industry. The eff ectiveness of a monetary system is based on a thorough investigation on how the policy will affect and diffuse into other factors of the economy of the country (â€Å"Heritage Research Institute: Global Research Report† 5). In Ghana, the monetary system has been remarkably effective with the Bank of Ghana keeping a thorough check to ensure intervention in the monetary system is on time. Social or cultural factors Culture is a combination of the tangible and intangible factors which influence how a certain group makes its decision (2011 Investment Climate Statement). In justification of the company establishment within the country, it was adequately necessary to investigate the social norms that influenced consumer behavior. Since Ghana is an African country, the consumer behavior was highly influenced by what family and friends thought about the product; hence, it was necessary to use this as a key strategy for marketing the company. Individual purchasing decision was influen ced by what their friends and relatives thought about the product. An Integrated supply chain was necessary so that the product could be produced and sold to the relevant markets; in choosing Ghana, the presence of ports, malls and mass retail outlets were a key justification in the choice for the establishment of the company. Unlike a country which is landlocked, the presence of ports exporting the goods to the outside and enabled a fast reach of the global market (â€Å"Heritage Research Institute: Global Research Report† 7). The mass retail outlets established over the years were also a key justification for the choice. Government contracts and large corporate orders Since 1947, the government of Ghana has been in the forefront in promoting cocoa farming in the country. The country has a Board dealing with cocoa that is responsible for making purchases and then selling it internationally. With the government involvement in Ghana, the company will be assured of the governme nt assistance in the sale of its products. Niche market This refers to a selected group or class that the company wants to concentrate on selling its products. Cocoa farming and production will not be something new in Ghana and subset group will be easy to form. Forming a niche market will be remarkably easy since the company is dealing with a product that the local people already know (â€Å"Heritage Research Institute: Global Research Report† 7). At a global level, forming a niche market will be quite easy since Ghana cocoa products are distinct, as well as famous for their outstanding quality. Potential global market size It is no doubt that Ghana is well known all around the world for cocoa production. Establishing a global market will become easy. While the quantifiable characteristics such as the population size and GDP per head might have been hard to estimate, other characteristics such as, cheap labor and semi-skilled labor for farming and skilled labor for processin g justify the case for Ghana as the country of choice. In conclusion, when it comes to the country of choice in Cocoa farming, Ghana outdoes all other countries. The respect for democracy, peace and its record in stability, favorable legal framework, as well as outstanding economic growth and production of cocoa makes it the best country for making key investments. 2011 Investment Climate Statement South Africa. Bureau of economics energy and business affairs. March, 2011, Web. https://www.state.gov/. Ghana launches Industrial Policy, 2011. Government of Ghana, Web. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/. Global Research Report 2012. Heritage Research Institute. Web. https://www.heritage.org/index/country/ghana.

A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone Shame BEA was an Innocent boy who enjoyed playing football, swimming in the streams, and even started a rap and dance group with his friends and older brother. The group discovered their love for rap music from old cassette tapes of O. P. P, Run D. M. C, and the Sugarbird Gang. Shame and Junior, along with their other friends cherished these few hip hop and rap cassette tapes. Shame constantly carried these couple tapes on him at all times. They choreographed dance routines and memorized all of the lyrics. The boys also entered a talent show In a close town.Shame, Junior, Tallow, and Mohamed have been singing and dancing to rap music since they first formed the group when Shame was only eight years old. They learned of rap during a visit to Mobile, where their fathers worked for an American company. They were transfixed by the music and returned to Mobile as often as they could to watch rap on their big television. Shame was shocked mostly because the black men could speak English so well and so quickly to the beat (Lisa). Shame and his group were inspired by the rap music. Music represented Seamless transformation Into the modern world.The entire group Is mesmeric by rap musicians. Music became a way to escape reality of the war, express themselves by writing lyrics, and it eventually saves their lives. Shame and the boys all worked together as a group to create music. They also started changing the way they would dress, act, and speak to be like these musicians. Shame and his friends were Just like any ordinary innocent group of young boys wanting to be like famous musicians. This Is why many readers of the book are attracted to Seamless character, because he is very relatable. Shame, Junior.Tallow, and Mohamed remind me of myself when I was their age (Essen). I would gather my neighborhood friends and pretend we were each a different member of Destinys Child. Just like Seamless group of friends, we would play dress up to look like them, attempt to memorize their dances, and mimic exactly how Destiny Child would act. My friends and I even had battles against my older brother and his group of friends who literally thought they were the real members of the boy band, NCSC. This goes to show exactly how young and innocent Shame and his friends really were. Throughout the book, A Long wayGone, rap music plays an extremely important role in saving Seamless life. While the boys are traveling one day, a group of large, muscular men Jump out from the bushes, holding up their machetes and hunting rifles. These men are the voluntary guards of the village and were ordered by their chief to bring Shame and his friends back to the village. They are Immediately tied up In the village and questioned. Even though the boys continue to Insist they are not rebel soldiers, the chief does not believe them. The chief would not believe the boys until they discovered a rap cassette tape in Seamless pocket.The chief forces Shame to explain the rap music. Shame was instructed to sing and dance to O. P. P by Naughty by Nature and l Need Love by AL Cool J. The chief is still cautious of the boys until a young boy from the village admits to knowing Shame and his friends. The boys are untied and the village surprisingly feeds them and even offers them a place to stay. Knowing that Shame should have been happy that the boy saved his life, but he could not be happy because he believed that happiness was fragile. The other boys tried to cheerShame up by playing Bob Marbles Three Little Birds and singing him the lyrics dont worry about a thing, cause every little thing is goanna be all right (Lisa). Seamless first breakthrough in rehabilitation at the Benign House was when his nurse, Esther, buys him rap cassette tapes and a cassette player. He was upset about it at first, but once the music hit his ears, Shame started opening up talking about his past for the first time to Esther. He talked about when he was shot in the foot during battle and needed the bullets surgically removed without anesthesia.He explains how he was given cocaine after fainting from the pain and how he also had to kill the men who shot him. Esther was crying sympathetically and comforts him (Nassau). Every time that Esther uses music in Seamless therapy, he is able to talk about his memories. Eventually, he starts looking forwarded to his therapy sessions with Esther. She encourages him to start writing music again and gives him a notepad. Shame does not trust anyone, because he is used to relying on himself to survive. This lack of trust in anyone is due to Shame being betrayed by the only arson that he did trust, the lieutenant.When Esther tries to gain a friendship with Shame, he avoided it at first. Every time he thinks about memories of his childhood, he gets a headache from the war flashbacks. The only thing that seemed to help him gain a peaceful mind was the music. When Shame loses himself in the beat off song, he is avoiding thinking about the painful memories of war. It was the music that helped him heal and to open up about his past. Shame has another breakthrough when he actually trusts Esther for the first time.

Questions on Human Rights Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Questions on Human Rights - Article Example For example, there are people with Down syndrome and still are able to perform everything logically. The same is the case of some people with mild forms of Autism. It is worth remembering that famous Winston Churchill who played an unforgettable role in the World War II and as a historian was dyslexic. In addition, Isaac Newton probably had Asperger’s syndrome. However, one cannot deny the fact that most mentally retarded ones are just like children, and hence are unable to make rational decisions. So, one can argue that as far as children are not allowed to vote, the same principle can be used in the case of mentally retarded people too. Thus, in total, one is forced to reach the conclusion that a lot more specifications are required to gauge the degree of retardation in individuals so that an accurate answer can be reached based on the kind and degree of retardation. Otherwise, the ones who are evidently retarded need not be allowed to vote. II There is still intense debate on the issue whether women should be allowed to serve in combat. In fact, women are gradually getting more and more roles in the military avoiding the combat frontline. However, in the case of women infantry, task crew, and combat pilot, there still remains a taboo. Those who are in favor of women’s role in active combat frontline argue that if women show enough physical capability and mental alertness to serve in the combat frontline, denying them a chance amounts to rank hypocrisy. Another point favoring women is that in the modern battlefield, technical expertise and decision making are more important than raw physical strength. The third point is that being forced to play secondary roles is a fact that keeps many patriotic females from joining military. So, by allowing them to have equal opportunities, their presence in the military can be ensured. This is all the more important considering the fact that the presence of women is inevitable for certain tasks like medical a ssistance, policing, intelligence gathering, and mediation. However, there are allegations and claims from the other side too. The first is that though a minority of females manages to show enough physical capacity to join combat, the vast majority ‘miserably fails’ (Willens and Smith). So, the claim that females should be allowed to serve in combat is on shaky grounds. Secondly, the so called courageous females allege sexual harassment in the hands of masculine military subculture. So, the argument is that incorporating females into the force can only lead to more problems and tension in the force, leading to a decline in morality of the men. This will seriously affect the quality of the force in group activities. In total, it becomes evident that there is no base for the argument that females should not be allowed to serve in combat. So, a reasonable conclusion is that the few females who show enough physical capabilities, courage and desire to serve in combat should be allowed to do so. III One can undoubtedly say that the perfect form of freedom allow people to do whatever they like if that only affects their own lives. If this is the case, not allowing people to sell their own organs is a denial of this basic right, according to many. This is so because ones organs are ones own property that one has the right to do anything with. Yet another point is

Political Corruption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Political Corruption - Essay Example But it is more often assumed than tested and proven. And on the politics political scandal is a black spot which restrain the flow of development and create a haphazard situation on the society breaking the peace and harmony. Corruption is a disease, a cancer that eats into the cultural, political and economic fabric of society, and destroys the functioning of vital organs. In the words of Transparency International, "Corruption is one of the greatest challenges of the contemporary world. It undermines good government, fundamentally distorts policy, leads to the misallocation of resources, harms the private sector and private sector development and particularly hurts the poor" (TI,1998). Corruption is found almost everywhere, but it is stubbornly entrenched in the poor countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, it is widespread in Latin America, it is deep-rooted many of the newly industrialized countries, and it is reaching alarming proportions in several of the post-communist countries. The issue of corruption has to some extent entered the political and economic sciences from the new interest in the role of the state in the developing world, and in particular from the idea that the state is an indispensable instrument for economic development. The 1997 World Development Report stated that An effective state is vital for the provision of... An effective state is vital for the provision of the goods and services - and the rules and institutions - that allow markets to flourish and people to lead healthier, happier lives. Without it, sustainable development, both economic and social is impossible (The World Bank 1997). Political corruption not only leads to the misallocation of resources, but it also affects the manner in which decisions are made. As political corruption is the operation of illegal procedure of the various offices, it affects the institutions of the government as well as the political system and political ideology. Political corruption is more than a divergence from formal legal form of justice. It occurs when misdeeds and wrong doings take place in the proceedings and the ideology of the politics of a country. Some definitions of corruption also emphasize the point that the rulers as a group or class, or as an institution or organization, make unjustified use of their influence to extract resources for the benefit of the group as such. Many well-known and well documented cases of grand corruption have involved political parties (ruling parties in particular, but also prospective ruling parties), entire administrative bureaus, and national governments. 3. Scandal Etymologically Scandal means a behavior or an event that people think it morally or legally wrong and causes public feelings of shock or anger. It may be an action, work or event of a particular person and that work is regarded in the society as a wrong doing or it is seen from a negative angle. There is divergence of scandals and different philosophies exist regarding this matter. A scandal is a widely publicized occurrence involving allegations of bad behavior, dishonor, or moral infuriate. A scandal may be based on

Analysis essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Analysis - Essay Example From â€Å"as I perchance hereafter shall think meet/ to put a disposition on† (Act 1 Scene 5, Act 2 Scene 1). When Ophelia tells his father Polonius that there are some strange characteristics seen in Hamlet, we can see that Hamlet is not willing to let people know what is actually going on. In addition, when there is a group of people coming to perform in the palace, Hamlet comes up with a bright idea on how best to illustrate and expose his father’s murder and the responsible party. He directs a play that shows how the king died to see the king’s brother rise to kingship. This play is able to perfectly prove that Claudius is indeed the King’s murderer. â€Å"There is a play tonight before the king: which I told thee of my father’s death† (Act 3 Scene 2). From that, we can see that Hamlet really wants to know who the murderer of his father really is. Thirdly, when Polonius is talking to Hamlet, and use word to baffle frustrate. â€Å"My lo rd, the queen would speak with you, and presently/ do you see yonder clouds that’s almost in shape of a camel† (Act 3 Scene 3). However,  even though he tries to approach the issue with utmost moderation, "Hamlet" somehow fails and shows rash and impulsive behavior instead. It is amazing agility but little or no premeditation when he stabs Polonius through the curtain, he does not even take time to check to see who really is behind the curtain. He seems to step easily into the role of a madman, which is not his normal behavior, to disturb other characters with his wild speech and pointed innuendo.   After reading the whole play, it is Hamlet who one sympathizes with. Even though he is smart, he is controlled by fate to do some things that he does not intend to do, and a sense of powerlessness to resist his actions. In the play, Hamlet always reflects the spirit of such a tragedy. â€Å"To be, or not to be: this is the question: Whether it is nobler in the mind of suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

USB device encryption. Types of USB flash drives Essay

USB device encryption. Types of USB flash drives - Essay Example Corsair flash padlock Kingston data Traveler secure Ironkey secure Flash drive Lexar jumpdrive secure II Looks like pull-off cap with Numeric pad down the front Uses 256-bit AES hardware based encryption Uses AES,CBC-mode, 128-bit encryption Uses 256-bit AES encryption Has speed of 15.9MB/sec Speed of 20.2MB/sec Speed of 18MB/sec (4GB) 15.5MB/sec Has average read rate of 15.4MB/sec Read rate of 24MB/sec Read rate 25MB/sec 15.9MB/sec Price range between $27-$39 for 1GB Price from $60 for 512MB Price $149 for 4GB and $71.50 for 1GB Price ranges $15.48 for 1GB has five numbered buttons as entry to security No minimum characters required. Generate password to about 99 characters. 32 characters for name and password I would recommend Kingston data traveler secure flash drive. This is because it is small in size thus portable. Too its password protection and its data encryption are compatible with several operating systems such as windows 2000, windows XP and Win98SE. The flash device has high speed both read and write. It durability cannot be doubted. That is why there is a five year warranty on a device bought. Data protection is the base line of this device. It has a higher security levels. Its high memory also acts as advantage to this device as privacy edition can hold up to 8GB. Computer foot print Creating a new foot print Downey and Stein have outlined how to create a new foot print. In the library manager screen first choose create new footprint. Name the footprint appropriately using an appropriate name such as ‘mybank†. Make a drawing of the outline in the zoomed window. Select save as and thereafter choose on create new library button. Create a new directory with the details about the bank accounts. Name the directory such as â€Å"library†. This has to be separate from where the layout and capture files were initially stored. Give a name to the new library file such as â€Å"homefile†. Save it in â€Å"mybank†. At last th ere are two files â€Å"homefile† that contain the foot print â€Å"mybank† Using ones EID credentials, log into foot prints of your bank. Click on the new request button that appears at the top-left corner. The incident information has then to be filled. The notes should be through so as to supply ITS with enough information for quick identification and to easily resolve the issue. The contact information is updated in the contact information. The information can be modified as it may be appropriate so as to enable contact with the ITS. The data is then saved. The updates are received through the email or by logging into the footprint system. Data on the details will be displayed in a â€Å"hours per day† and â€Å"days per month†. Time/days location ISP provider processor RAM Computer IP 10-11.00 11-12.00 12-1300 The characteristics that will help identify the computer in use will include computer’s IP address, mother board details and also the n ame accorded to it operating system. If access into footprint data is attempted either from a different computer or different way from the characteristics given, access first of all will be denied. The second option will be where one will be asked for a password before accessing the information. The last one will be where an individual must register as members to gain access. HTTPS This is a combination of hyper text transfer

Government's role in protecting the environment Essay

Government's role in protecting the environment - Essay Example Aviation gasoline (avgas), which is used to power aircraft have a high content of lead. This prompted the agency in 2008 to change concentration of lead emitted in the airports from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter to 0.15 microgram per cubic meter. This is a regulation that EPA has been monitoring to make sure that airports are complying through FAA. FAA has also designed another program known as Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE) that is supposed to make sure that all sources of airport ground emissions are reduced. The quality of the air is enhanced by this program as well as complying with Clean Air Act. VALE advocates for airport sponsors to use funds from Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which can be used to finance electrifications of gate, purchasing vehicles with low emission and recharging and refueling stations. These are some of the relentless efforts that the government through agencies such as EPA and FAA use to make sure that the environment is

Analysis essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Analysis - Essay Example From â€Å"as I perchance hereafter shall think meet/ to put a disposition on† (Act 1 Scene 5, Act 2 Scene 1). When Ophelia tells his father Polonius that there are some strange characteristics seen in Hamlet, we can see that Hamlet is not willing to let people know what is actually going on. In addition, when there is a group of people coming to perform in the palace, Hamlet comes up with a bright idea on how best to illustrate and expose his father’s murder and the responsible party. He directs a play that shows how the king died to see the king’s brother rise to kingship. This play is able to perfectly prove that Claudius is indeed the King’s murderer. â€Å"There is a play tonight before the king: which I told thee of my father’s death† (Act 3 Scene 2). From that, we can see that Hamlet really wants to know who the murderer of his father really is. Thirdly, when Polonius is talking to Hamlet, and use word to baffle frustrate. â€Å"My lo rd, the queen would speak with you, and presently/ do you see yonder clouds that’s almost in shape of a camel† (Act 3 Scene 3). However,  even though he tries to approach the issue with utmost moderation, "Hamlet" somehow fails and shows rash and impulsive behavior instead. It is amazing agility but little or no premeditation when he stabs Polonius through the curtain, he does not even take time to check to see who really is behind the curtain. He seems to step easily into the role of a madman, which is not his normal behavior, to disturb other characters with his wild speech and pointed innuendo.   After reading the whole play, it is Hamlet who one sympathizes with. Even though he is smart, he is controlled by fate to do some things that he does not intend to do, and a sense of powerlessness to resist his actions. In the play, Hamlet always reflects the spirit of such a tragedy. â€Å"To be, or not to be: this is the question: Whether it is nobler in the mind of suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Government's role in protecting the environment Essay

Government's role in protecting the environment - Essay Example Aviation gasoline (avgas), which is used to power aircraft have a high content of lead. This prompted the agency in 2008 to change concentration of lead emitted in the airports from 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter to 0.15 microgram per cubic meter. This is a regulation that EPA has been monitoring to make sure that airports are complying through FAA. FAA has also designed another program known as Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE) that is supposed to make sure that all sources of airport ground emissions are reduced. The quality of the air is enhanced by this program as well as complying with Clean Air Act. VALE advocates for airport sponsors to use funds from Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which can be used to finance electrifications of gate, purchasing vehicles with low emission and recharging and refueling stations. These are some of the relentless efforts that the government through agencies such as EPA and FAA use to make sure that the environment is

Plato’s The Republic Essay Example for Free

Plato’s The Republic Essay All philosophers write about something to address a particular issue which they feel need to be addressed.   The same is true in Plato’s The Republic.   Considering the political and social situation during 360 B.C.E, Plato was concerned about the deteriorating condition of Greece.   To be more particular, he was extremely concerned about the fate of his teacher, Socrates. Socrates was tried, and subsequently sentenced to death, for a crime that he did not commit.   Plato was also apprehensive about the individualist philosophy advocated by a famous group of philosophers called Sophists.    For the Sophists, the standard of what is good or evil depended on man alone without regard for the universal concepts of morality and justice. The individualist philosophy of the Sophists has affected the morals of the Greeks, to wit: â€Å"Sophistic teaching of the ethics of self-satisfaction resulted in the excessive individualism also induced the citizens to capture the office of the State for their own selfish purpose and eventually divided Athens in to two hostile camps of rich and poor, oppressor and oppressed. Evidently, these two factors amateur needlesomeness and excessive individualism became main targets of Platos attack.†   (Bhandari 2) Plato found a solution to free the society from the individualist philosophy of the Sophists.   This can be found in his book The Republic where Plato, speaking through his teacher Socrates, discussed the concepts of a just state and a just individual. According to Plato, Justice is â€Å"the minding of one’s own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns† (Book 4, The Republic).   He also said that Justice is Harmony.   (Book 4, The Republic)   In the same manner, there is injustice when a person does not mind his own business or minds other person’s business.   There is also injustice when there is discord and disharmony. In explaining the concept of Justice, Plato made two (2) analogies: his analogy on the parts of the state and the structure of the soul.   He argued that justice may exist not just in the state but also in the individual and that there is a relationship between a just state and a just individual. Plato argues that the state is formed because no individual is self sufficient.   He needs the help of other members of the society to perform some function of which he has no knowledge or expertise.   The continued existence of the society is dependent upon the individuals who specialize in the performance of certain affairs of the state.   Plato thus divided the state into three types of people: the workers, soldiers and the rulers each of which performs a particular function for the good of the whole society.   According to Kemerling, the orderly functioning of the state will depend on the separation of functions and the specialization of their individual tasks.   (Kemerling, p. 1). For example, the workers are those best suited to perform a particular labor for example the farmers, builders, weavers and laborers.   The soldiers are those people who are best suited to fight and defend the state against its aggressors.   The rulers on the other hand are those who possess wisdom and have the capacity to rule.   Plato considered that in an Ideal State each of these three kinds of people limit themselves to the performance of their functions.   A person who has the skill of a farmer should not be allowed to lead the state otherwise anarchy will result within the state.   An intellectual who is born to lead does not have the skill to build houses for the state. A person who has the skill in combat cannot be allowed to make laws for the state.   In addition, a just state is when each of the class possesses certain virtue: the working class possesses the virtue of temperance, the soldiers possess courage and the rulers possess wisdom.   Thus, according to Plato, â€Å"And a State was thought by us to be just when the three classes in the State severally did their own business; and also thought to be temperate and valiant and wise by reason of certain other affections and qualities of these same classes?† One may ask, who is a just man for Plato?   Plato’s concept of a just man is similar to his concept of a just state because essentially the same three divisions which exist in the state also exist in the individual.   If the society is divided into three (3) classes of persons, a person’s soul is likewise divided into three categories.   Plato made this analogy because he also believed that that the three parts of the human soul corresponds to the three classes of persons in the state. If it is better for a state that those who possess skill in manual labor to work and for those who possess skill in fighting to defend the state and for the intellectuals to lead the state, it is also better for the individual to control the desires of the other parts of the soul. If the society is divided into three groups of people, the soul is likewise divided into three parts, the appetitive, the spirited and the rational.   The appetitive is the part that hungers for worldly pleasures and wants and feels many things.   It is the part of the soul that yearns for wealth, power and material pleasures. Thus, the craving to eat burgers despite its hazards to health is a sign that a person gives in to the desires of the appetitive soul.   A person who decides to cut class to watch a movie or to play games also gives in to the appetitive soul.  Ã‚   For Plato, the goal of an individual is to develop the virtue of temperance and self-control. The spirited soul is the part of the soul that aims to carry out the dictates of reason.   It is the execution of whatever the intellect has determined to be the best for the person.   When a manager despite knowing that an employee is causing problems to the company because of his lack of professionalism fails to make the decision of terminating him, his spirited soul is considered weak.   For Plato, it is important for an individual to develop courage so that this part of the soul is controlled. The rational part is the thinking part which has the capacity to determine what is real and what are illusions or what is true and what is false or what should be done and what should not be done.   The rational part is also the part of the soul which makes the balanced decisions the purpose of which is the protection of its own interest and welfare.   When a person until now could not decide whom to vote for president of the United States, he is deemed to lack the rational soul.   When a person until could not decide whether to continue going to college, then his rational soul is weak. If justice in the state is to be attained by the three classes of individuals each performing their own function, justice in the individual person is to be attained by having temperance, courage, and wisdom. (Jostein Gaarder, Sophie’s World, p.72)   A person must have temperance and he is expected to be able to control his desire for worldly pleasures.   A person must also be able to distinguish between pleasures of the flesh and pleasures of the spirit.   The former is short-lived while the latter is eternal.   A person is also expected to have courage.   He must be able to take action and stand by his actions no matter how difficult it may be.   He must be able to take the risk.   A person must also develop wisdom so that he may know what is best for himself. According to Plato, justice can only be attained if every part of the soul is working in harmony with each other.   A person’s desire for wealth should not cloud his judgment.   A manager’s friendly relationship with a colleague should not hinder him from making the right decision.  Ã‚  Ã‚   A just man is therefore someone who can control the worldly pleasures and is able to discipline himself such that he does not submit himself to the wishes of his appetitive soul. Plato thus advocated self-mastery and discipline.   Ã‚  In controlling the appetitive soul, the rational soul is expected to ally with the spirited soul.  Ã‚   A person is also expected to be able to execute his decision.   He may have all the knowledge and wisdom in the world but if he cannot apply his knowledge to the practical world, then the person is also committing an injustice. In the end, the â€Å"justness† or the â€Å"injustness† of an individual will be determined based on how each of the different parts of the soul is able to relate with each other.   Thus Plato states that: â€Å"It will be the business of reason to rule with wisdom and forethought on behalf of the entire soul; while the spirited element ought to act as its subordinate ally.   The two will be brought into accord, as we said earlier, by that combination of mental and bodily training which will tune up one string of the instrument and relax the other, nourishing the reasoning part on the study of noble literature and allaying the other’s wildness by harmony and rhythm.† (Book 4, The Republic)

Ryanair Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

Ryanair Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses Michael Porter defines Strategy as a combination of the goals for which the firm is striving and the means and policies by which it is seeking to get there. According to him the Strategy is about competitive position, about differentiating yourself from the point of view of the customer, about adding value through a mix of activities different from those used by competitors. Kenneth Andrews defines Corporate strategy as the pattern of decisions in a company that determines and reveals its objectives, purposes, or goals, produces the principal policies and plans for achieving those goals, and defines the range of business the company is to pursue, the kind of economic and human organization it is or intends to be, and the nature of the economic and non-economic contribution it intends to make to its shareholders, employees, customers, and communities.. Background Currently, the commercial world and its borders are changing more rapidly with regard of terms of size and speed. Travelling all around the world is no longer a luxury but a requirement for many of the population. In the past only rich people could afford to travel, in nowadays with the increasing movement of the technology, students as well as people with average profits can benefit. Due to this fact, in the past decades the number of airlines worldwide has been increasing significantly and respectively in early70s a new type emerged for the first time in the U.S.: the low cost airlines. The first low cost airline was Southwest Airlines which began operations in 1971 and was profitable only in 1973 (Oliveira and Huse, 2008). After twenty years after the Americans (Beigbeder, 2007) due to the fact of the deregulation of European skies in early 1990s, the phenomenon appeared in Europe. One of the first low-cost airlines which emerged was Ryanair (Ireland) and Easy Jet (UK) and they keep being still among the most active on the market. Companys history, development, and growth Ryanair is one of the Worlds favorite airlines and operates more than 1,400 flights per day from 44 bases and 1100+ low fare routes across 27 countries, connecting 160 destinations. Ryanair operates a fleet of 250 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with firm orders for a further 64 new aircraft which will be delivered over the next 2 years (www.ryanair.com). Ryanair is a innovator among LCA (Low Cost Airline) companies in Europe. They were among the first and they are still today the most active LCA on the continent. This business is increasing fast and from the beginning has passed through very significant phases. Ryanair was founded in 1985 by the Ryan family in Ireland. In 1988 and during only one year due to financial losses, the company launches a business class service and a frequent flyer club for customers, neither of which prove particularly successful. This change has meant that Ryanair has changed its generic strategy. Indeed, the company since the early 90s pursuing a cost strategy. Ryanair now offers the lowest fares in every market, high frequency flights, moving to a single aircraft fleet type, scrapping free drinks and expensive meals on board. These decisions have significantly reduced ticket prices for customers. In order to reduce again costs, Ryanair decided also to narrow down traveling lines from 19 to 6 routes between 1990 and 1992. With this new policy the Irish firm carry over 1 million passengers in one year for the first time in 1993. On 29th May 1997 Ryanair becomes a public company for the first time with a successful flotation on the Dublin and NASDAQ (New York) St ock Exchanges. In March 1999, Ryanair accepts the delivery of five new Boeing 737-800 series aircraft. Those new aircrafts began operations from the main base at London Stansted, and their impact allowed Ryanair to operate with significantly lower seat costs and to offer much lower airfares, but with better reliability and a fantastic new customer product (www.ryanair.com). Communication between customers and the company is always a priority. In 2000, Ryanairs website (www.ryanair.com) became the largest booking website in Europe with more than 50.000 bookings each week. This source of information allows also customers to avail of the lowest car hire, hotel accommodation, travel insurance and rail services. At that time, Ryanair was the only LCA which developed interactive useful internet services for customers. Ryanair was in 2003 in the category most popular brand the fifth most searched website in the world (http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/zeitgeist2003.html). The Irish airline became also the first LCA to sponsor a program on television in order to gained more customers. The company decided to sponsor Skynews Weather reports. Following this effort in communication, 1 million people traveled for the first time in during a month with Ryanair in august 2001. According to R. OBrian (mail communication, 15 April 2009) in order to be closer to custome rs, they build also the first continental base at Brussels Charleroi Airport in Belgium between 2001 and the end of 2002. In 2002, the company selected Frankfurt Hahn as the second Continental European base and launched in April with 10 routes. German customers flock in their millions to avail of the lowest air fares to and from Frankfurt according to J. Meier (personal communication, 15 April 2009). To accommodate this growth, Ryanair announced the largest ever aircraft order by an Irish airline by increasing their aircraft order with Boeing from 45 to 125 firm aircraft, with a further 125 options. The value of this order exceeds à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 6 billion and signals Ryanairs ambition to continue to be the largest LCA in Europe. Ryanair became also the number one in Europe of customer services beating all other European airlines for punctuality, fewer cancellations and least lost bags (www.ryanair.com). Meanwhile according to the company respondent communications to customers have not stopped. In 2004, Ryanair is named the most popular airline on the web by Google, as the website continues to be the most searched travel one in Europe. These performances continued and now more than 98% of all Ryanair bookings are made through the website and Internet customer services. During 2005 and 2006, Ryanair used communication tools in order to try to be different from other airlines for customers. First, they made a big communication called no fuel surcharge guarantee. Following the statements by the respondents , this was a new communication for customers because many full service airlines such as British airways, Air France or Lufthansa continue even today to supplement already high fares fuel with surcharges in case of extra costs. Second, Ryanair became The Worlds Favorite Airline because they carried more customers than British Airways and all other airline and LCA firms. Third, Ryanair was and is still the most punctual company in Europe with more than 90% of flights who arrived on time and respect schedules. Many radio advertising were made with this information. Finally, in order to attract new customers, they offered 100.000 seats for 1à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ for the 20th birthday of the Irish brand. From 2006 until now, a new customer service was launched . According to the respondent This is a web check-in service giving passengers the opportunity to check-in online across Ryanairs entire route network. The company is also the first airline worldwide to carried more than 5 million travelers in a month and created plan for a new customer service: onboard mobile. For the moment, Ryanair has 830 low fare routes all around Europe and across 26 different European countries. They produced customer services from their 31 European bases. Ryanair currently has a team of more than 8,000 people and expects to carry approximately 73.5 million passengers in the current fiscal year (www.ryanair.com). Strategy Ryanair strategy remains the same from the beginning of the 90s and since then it continues to act as the European LCA leader and continues the expansion in order to attract more customers. Ryanair aims to offer low fares that generates increased passengers traffic while maintaining a continuous focus on cost-containment and operating efficiencies (Ryanairs annual report from 2008). Business Model Full Service : Low Cost: Using HubSpoke network, Congestion during peak hours Delay of only a few inbound flights Will spill over across large portions of the network Low average daily utilization of aircraft, higher costs per seat mile Enormous transaction costs Complex fare structure Non-stop point-to-point services High seating density and load factors, Uniform aircraft types (usually the 737-300) Direct booking (internet/call centre no sales commissions) No frills such as free food/drinks, lounges or air miles Simple systems of yield management (pricing) Use of secondary airports to cut charges and turnaround times The main components of their strategy are low fares, customer services, frequent point-to-point flights on short-haul routes, low operating costs, high maintaining productivity, high personnel productivity, low customers costs, airport access fees, taking again a better advantage of Internet in order to serve the customer, commitment to safety and quality maintenance, enhancement of operating results and ancillary services and focused criteria or objectives for growth (Ryanairs annual report from 2008). Passengers may trade-off price savings against service reductions but anyway Ryanairs market success shows that the product/price trade-off is broadly in line with customers requirements so far. One of the key to the success of Ryanair was that they adopted the decision to build a powerful brand and as an example in 2003 the company was declared the fifth most searched website in the world. This confirms Gilbert ´s (1996) assumptions that branding is becoming increasingly important when it comes to product differentiation. In the case of LCA`s building brand recognition can be seen as another effective tool to be prepared for the competitive environment. These assumptions will be tightened through the argumentation by O ´Connelly and Williams (2005) that for LCA ´s who are offering a strong alternative to full service airlines it is from special relevance to build a strong brand around the company, but with the addition of customer loyalty and satisfaction. During the years the airline has stated clearly the product and stayed rigidly to that model with over 180 routes and 17 bases. In order to maintain the low fares the company has decided to eliminate the amount of travel agents and marketing costs and to sell tickets per internet. This strategic decision had a positive impact and as a result the number of the customers has increased because the clients prefer to avoid the agency and to check, compare and buy the tickets themselves. Since the implementation of internet booking in 2000, passenger numbers has grown rapidly. The growth rate increased from 15,7% (in 1999) to 30,7% (in 2000) and to over 40 % in the following years. Ryanair stimulated the passenger growing by focusing on price and not on service. Thinking on long terms this can arouse problems when another new airline enters the market and this may adversely affect Ryanair`s market share and profitability. This assumption is mainly based on statement by Lawton (1999) where it is said that just having the focus on one strategy, for instance price leadership, will be unsustainable in the future. Mainly driven by the Ryanair will to expand it is certain to sustain its competitive advantage by setting the focus secondary. While the rate of price reduction in air fares charged by low cost airlines is likely to moderate the passenger demand for the Ryanair product is likely to remain high. Ryanair clearly satisfies the markets demand which indicates that the strong price reducing strategy attracts a high number of customers. We can suppose that this fact will remain the same as far as the clients dont change their preferences and their necessities, as long as they want just to move from one point to another and nothing more. The clients tend to keep and select the low cost airline especially for the low cost services provided by them. However the Ryanair is not really focused in the relations with the customers and are counting every penny in order to maintain them on the market. To give you anecdotal case experience I had with Ryanair: one of my Ryanair flight was cancelled so I ended with no communications at all, no change of the ticket, no accommodation provided. Writing numerous letters to Ryanair didnt get me not even a reply and only after writing to the European Commissions for Air Passengers Rights after 3 years Ive got my money back. The conclusion is that what is really important for the company is to keep the low cost as low as possible, no matter what is takes. Otherwise Ryanair could even however face the problem of cost cutting itself out of the market. What counts to the customers is to obtain fair services in direct rapport with the fair prices. The focus that Ryanair need to be focus is the importance of relationship building with its customers, otherwise it may risk losing its position. In case that the airline is capable to unite the low price with a special network of customer fidelity, only then the competitive advantage can be obtained. Strategies could be influenced directly by the numbers of travellers. According to the history of the Ryanair, in its initial stages the company wasnt very effective and after introducing the hard discount pricing strategy the firm became really successful and attractive for the clients. Companys internal strengths and weaknesses SWOT Analysis Strengths Low Cost Pioneer First in cost reductions 1stmover advantage Strong Brand Established market share Variety of supplementary services Weaknesses Week relations with customers Unpredictable customer relations Poor relations between employees Refused to recognize unions Reliance on Michael OLeary Unfriendly connection with competitors Opportunities Continuing development Advanced fee decreasing EU growth Traveller Destinations Rapidly developing competition New low cost entrants Alliance/Mergers between rivals Threats Industry criticism Alternative transportation(cars, trains) External environnement Analyzing the external environment we can define 4 categories of external factors that influence the strategy of Ryanair. Political and legal: Have an increased Trade-Union pressure, EU abolishment of Duty-free Sales, EU expansion Advertising and Marketing Campaigns Economic: Continuously price growth of fuel Depreciation of US dollars EU Commissions Decisions regarding: communication with passengers, cancelled passenger compensation, overbooking, getting illegal subsidies from airports. Sociocultural: The developing of new style of living by travelling, increasing demand of business with require travelling Increasing of new high-speed trains, better cars and other ways of travelling Technological: With Internet, and all the IT technology, everything is much simple you can book, cancel, buy easily a ticket wherever you like Competitors Ryanair now has a number of low-cost competitors. In 2004, approximately 60 new low-cost airlines were formed. Although traditionally a full-service airline, Aer Lingus moved to a low-fares strategy from 2002, leading to a much more intense competition with Ryanair on Irish routes. AirBerlin wich uses a Business model -instead of point to point connections, it offered guaranteed connections via its hubs, low fare alliances. Another new competitor is BNIBaby a subsidiary of BMI British Midband and leading low cost carriers in the Midlands and Nothern England. Alos is FlyBE which has an incorporated aspect of budget airline model. Airlines which attempt to compete directly with Ryanair are treated competitively, with Ryanair being accused by some of reducing fares to significantly undercut their competitors. In response to MyTravelLite, who started to compete with Ryanair on the Birmingham to Dublin route in 2003, Ryanair set up competing flights on some of MyTravelLites routes until they pulled out. Go was another airline which attempted to offer services from Ryanairs base at Dublin to Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. A fierce battle ensued, which ended with Go withdrawing its service from Dublin. [Quinn, Eamonn. No competitors for Ryanair in Dublin, says Cassani, 30 November 2003, at Tcm.ie. Retrieved 18 December 2006.] Ryanairs biggest competitor is EasyJet, announced routes to the Republic of Ireland for the first time, beginning with the Cork to London Gatwick route. Until then, EasyJet had never competed directly with Ryanair on its home ground. [Mulligan, John. Ryanair wins judicial review of decision over Knock route, 10 September 2008 at Independent.ie] External Analysis Porters Five Forces Threat of new Entrants Medium Is somehow affected by new comers in the market Suppliers Bargaining Power Low Industry Competitors Competition Among existing Firms High There are several strong competitors fighting for the same clients. Buyers Bargaining Power Low Threat Of Substitute Products Medium There is a living style that makes EU people to travel during the weekend with, buses, cars, caravans, trails Ryanair Competitive Advantage In nowadays the company tries to position itself by providing a strong brand on the market and obtaining a good reputation. Driven by this, company has to adapt each time to the condition of the market following strategies that can improve their competitiveness. These include cost leadership, differentiation, focused cost leadership and integrated cost leadership/differentiation. Ryanair restructured the model and they moved from conventional airline to the first European low fare. At the beginning it provided services only between Ireland and the UK. At the end of 1990 in spite of the increasing in clients, Ryanair faced losses of 20 mln IR pounds. At this period of time and directed by Michael OLeary the company decides to adopt the model of successful American Southwest Airlines. The problems encountered at this stage were that, Ryanair tried to concentrate and on costs and also on focus. At this stage, the competitors can invade the market, and without a proper strategy the compa ny cannot position themselves on a segment and survive. So they choose to go for Cost Leadership which proved to be a right choice. So how they do that: Fleet Standardization The company uses the most sold and used planes from the world Boeing 737. Maintenance costs are low, spares parts are chip and because of this, the Ryanair is capable to keep the low prices, New Aircrafts, Owns Own Fleet, Operations Denominated in Euro, Hedge Fuel Risk Airport Charges The company chose to avoid main airports and to use secondary or regional airport but closed to big cities, and respectively these airport charge lower taxes Limited Airport Transportation Employees and Productivity The company provides lower employment costs, but the staff can earn more money based on their performance Model Online Bookings, One Class Travel, Ticketless Boarding, Unallocated Seats, Point-to-Point Flying, No Frills, Reduced Turnaround Times, No Refund Policy Outsourcing of Services The company uses the third part services such as aircraft handling, ticketing. Highly Successful Ancillary Service Offering, Outsourcing of Services at International Airports, Marketing and Advertising The companys promoting is basically in newspaper, radio, television and their web site Advertising on Airplanes, In-house Marketing Basic Service on board Offers minimum standards of service and very low prices for point-to point short have flights, no extra such as in flight meals, advance seat assignment, free drinks and other services. Eliminating seatback pockets, No blankets or pillows, Airsickness bags distributed on request, Charges larger penalties for overweight luggage This strategy was a success and by 1997, Ryanair was floated on the Dublin Stock Exchange and on NASDAQ. Expansion strategy is another factor that enables Ryanair to position itself in the marketplace. The company has been known to be an airline which launches new routes since its operation begins. In addition, under the expansion strategy, company acquires Buzz in February 26, 2003. Such acquisition enables Ryanair to gain immediate access to11 new French regional airports and makes the company the largest airline operating at London Stansted Airport. In addition, the company continues to expand by opening two new Continental European bases with low-fare flights from Milan Bergamo and Stockholm. In the year, 2003, the company has been able to launch 73 new routes and carry over 2 million passengers in one month (July). In addition, the company website has been able to make the company position itself in the global market. Corporate Strategy High Global Strategy Transnational Strategy Low International Strategy Multidomestic strategy Low High Future of Ryainair Cutting costs: Race to bottom Ryanair, the Worlds favorite airline, today (9th  July) launched an online poll to ask if   passengers would stand on short flights if it meant they could travel for FREE, or pay 50% less than seated passengers.  Ryanair is gauging passenger demand for its vertical seating which will allow passengers to travel for free in a secure upright position on short flights of approximately one hour. Source:http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news.php?yr=09month=julstory=gen-en-090709 Ryanairs Future Plans, Cutting the costs, No Window Blinds , No Reclining Seats, Leather Seats , Velcro Headrests , Carry-on Luggage Profit enhancement Satellite Television , Internet On-board , Rented In-flight entertainment Future plans Free tickets. In a decade or so, airlines will pay travellers to distribute people around Europe. The airline industry is Tesco, is Ikea, is network TV in the way viewers watch for free and advertisers Pay for access to them, is the internet in the same way that websites earn money for delivering click-through traffic or other sites. Michael OLeary ,Chief Executive Officer of the Irish airline Ryanair Issues at Ryanair Risks and Challenges Extra capacity building would create certaintly about the success of new routes and locations Fuel Prices Vulnerable to rising fuel prices Represents 35 % of the operating costs Compensation to passengers Regulation by the European Union Terrorism and security Added risks and Costs to the industry Expand into Central and Eastern Europe Continue aggressive acquisition Overhaul the customer service Internet ticketing Develop the smaller operating base Increase the ancillary revenues-focus on after sales Future Conclusion Despite the fact that Ryanair is tied to low cost policy and doesnt care about the loyalty of the clients, the relations with the Clients, the service and with bad experience with them, the customers and myself will keep to buy their services, yes we will get the basic service but is cheap, is easy and after the exams I will fly with them in Portugalia. Ryanair rapid growth is due to: Low cost Airline Business Model that restructured European Aviation Industry Pioneer innovative cost reduction methods Creative alternative revenue generation free flights goal in next phase evolution Value segments consist of travellers interested to optimize comfort, time and price. This would mean a requirement for city-centric airports, and comfortable departure times. Competitors are catering to value market segment and have established slots at some primary airports, furthermore provide cost effective basic services. Acquisition of a similar airline would enhance expansion into value-orientated market segments without comprising its top position in the low-price segment. The key challenge for Ryanair in the next few years therefore is developing a successful strategy for not only winning the war in Low Price segment but acquiring solid position in the Value Segment and in new non-European markets. 5. ReferencesBelfast Telegraph. Finance crisis good for

Jerry Sandusky: Child Molester or Not? Essays -- Child Molestation

To most children, everything in the world is good, righteous, and completely innocent. Getting their apple juice stolen by his or her brother is the worst thing that could possibly ever happen to them. Being safe, secure, and worry free is the reality for most children, as it should be. For 10 individuals that have made their childhood incidents open to the public, a very evil and twisted man stole the innocence that they once knew. This man is Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky was known to most as a normal man who coached football at Pennsylvania State University, also known as â€Å"Penn State† (Bronstein). In the 23 years that Sandusky coached, he primarily served as defensive coordinator (Scott). In 1999, after his 23rd season, head coach Joe Paterno informed Sandusky that he would not become the next head coach of the Penn State football team (Scott). That single conversation led Sandusky to his retirement that same year (Grand Jury Report 16). Victim 4 later testified that this s ituation upset Sandusky greatly (Grand Jury Report 16). Jerry Sandusky first met his victims through The Second Mile, a charity for at-risk children (Johnson). This charity was started as a group home in 1977 by Sandusky himself, but turned into an organization that stretched across all of central Pennsylvania (Grand Jury Report 1). While the Second Mile program served over 100,000 children, it’s net worth exploded to over $9 million (Roebuck). This program gave Sandusky easy access to small boys and plenty of them through summer camps, picnics, and chances for the boys to attend football games with him (Johnson). Sandusky would first start casual conversation with the boys before inviting them to Penn State football games or other miscellaneous outings (Johnson... ... Transcript. Leshan, Bruce. "Sandusky "Victim #1" Ready To Testify | Wusa9.com." Wusa9.com. 12 Dec. 2011. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. Monk, John. "In Sandusky Case, Columbia Lawyer Stands with Victim No. 6 - Local / Metro - TheState.com." TheState.com. 13 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Roebuck, Jeremy. "Penn State Scandal Directs New Scrutiny to University's Relationship with Second Mile Charity." Philadelphia Inquirer 26 Nov. 2011. Print. Roebuck, Jeremy. "Sandusky Lawyer Decries Media's Chilling Effect on His Witnesses." Philadelphia Inquirer 27 Nov. 2011. EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. "Sandusky Case Now Heads to Trial." EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. USA Today, 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. Scott, David C. "Jerry Sandusky: What Did Penn State's Joe Paterno Know about Him?" Christian Science Monitor. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.

Animal Cruelty and Youth Violence Essay -- Animals Kids Pet Pets Child

There are over seventy million cats and fifty-five million dogs in the United States, yet the number of reported cases of neglect, or abuse is severely lacking (Davidson 1). Animal abuse is an ongoing dilemma in this country; recent studies have indicated child animal cruelty offenders often go on to pursue disturbing acts of criminal behavior. This nation simply does not have standardized legislation across the nation as a preventative method of dealing with this predicament. Many states treat animal abuse too leniently, and this is bad because youthful offenders often times will go on to perform criminal acts later in life, therefore anti-youth violence organizations and animal abuse prevention organizations need to join forces in order to enhance existing laws and to better educate America’s youth. It was not until recently people were first beginning to discover that animals do indeed have rights. Brief History: It was not until 1966 that the nation finally realized these kind creatures could in fact feel pain and neglect, when the Animal Welfare Act was finally passed. According to Congress’s Public Law 89-544 Act of August 24, 1966, the use of animals in lab tests, the transportation, sale, and handling of dogs, cats and certain other animals is now regulated by the Secretary of Agriculture (1). Sample State Animal Cruelty Laws: Nevada: Recently it has become mandatory for Nevada juvenile court systems to obtain some form of psychological treatment for animal cruelty offenders (â€Å"States Look at Stricter Laws† 1). This is great news for the state of Nevada; unfortunately this mandatory regulation does not exist in all states. Idaho and Illinois: According to Howard Davidson, director of the ABA center ... ...t Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws." State Legislatures 27.4 (2001): 8pp. 1 Mar. 2006 . "Pawprint Navigation Bar Image." Retrieved from Google.com on April 1, 2006. . "State Animal Anti-Cruelty Law Provisions." The Humane Society of the United States. 2005. 28 Feb. 2006. . "The Link between Animal Cruelty and Child Maltreatment." APA Center on Children and the Law (June 1998). 25 Feb. 2006 . United States Congress. 89th Congress, H.R. 13881 An Act. Public Law 89-544 11 of August 24, 1996. June 1998. 20 Feb. 2006 . "University at Albany Image." Retrieved from Google.com on April 25, 2006. .