Life Is Changing Essays - Climate Change, Global Warming

Life is Changing Global warming is the most urgent environmental problem the world is facing. Few, if any, trends are more important to our future than climate change caused by human activities. This change is not beneficial. This warming trend occurring because of the buildup of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide- which is a direct result of humans and the Industrial Revolution (EPA, 2000). These gasses are emitted profusely into the atmosphere by factories, cars, and many other devices. As the suns rays hit the Earths surface and bounce off, the gasses trap the heat. This creates the rise in temperature. These warming temperatures have many negative effects on Earth, which also affect us. I believe there are three main categories in which these raising temperatures have an effect: glacial melting and water levels, plant life, and human and animal health. As the temperatures are rising, glaciers are melting. One of its main consequences is the rise in sea level. As the sea level rises, a few things are happening and in the next twenty-five to fifty years, the sea level is expected to rise a full foot. For starters, the coastlines of countries all over the world are slowly being covered and eroded away (Newmann, 2000). Coastal cities are being flooded and people are being forced to move inland. When flooding occurs, there is the chance of fresh water contamination. Changes in the sea level also cause changes in the precipitation patterns. All of these changes have effects on many things humans need and use. Drinking water, navigation, and hydroelectric power are just a few (EPA, 2000). While is seems that flooding might be the only problem, these changes are also responsible for droughts. The explanation for these two tribulations is simple. Increased temperature means increased evaporation. Heavy evaporation takes the moisture out of the soil creating a drought. However, when the clouds cant hold anymore moisture and it finally all gets rained out, there is a strong chance of flooding. Changes in the water in our environment can also severely damage critical habitats. Wetlands could be flooded into lakes or completely dried up (Newmann, 2000). Our precious habitats could be destroyed. Obviously, this also is effecting the plant life in these areas. Plant life is also suffering from the increase in temperature. During drought periods, the plants arent getting enough water. During floods, they can be washed away. With the new and varying temperatures, some plant species will not survive. Forests, if they survive, are drastically changing. The warmer, drier climates can turn the forests into pastures and grasslands. If the weather becomes wetter, the types of trees and plants that currently grow in our forests will change. Some plant species will die out or move and some will flourish. Since the temperature changes alter the types of weather in different places, there is obviously a shift in the areas in which certain plants grow. Agriculturally, this is a problem as well. The production patterns are shifting northward. As the soil is drying up, more irrigation is needed to keep produce growing (Adams, 1999). Increasing irrigation leads to decreased water supply. This is a big problem even in Ohio. Agriculture is a 4.4 billion-dol lar industry and the temperature rise plus the decrease in water supply could decrease the crop yields by thirty-five percent (EPA, 2000). With plant species dying off, shifting environments, and changing, animals eating habits are broken. Their habitats are different. If they can even survive all of the changes, they are going to have to completely readjust to their new environments. Between dynamic water and plant cycles, animals and humans are also going to have troubles. Human health is also destined for trouble. Just from a mere three to four degree temperature rise during the already hot summer months, the summer death toll will nearly triple. The added heat is detrimental to people with heart problems as well as increasing the likeliness of heat exhaustion and respiratory problems (EPA, 2000). Also, the increase in humidity will be bothersome to people with respiratory allergies. People with asthma and other lung diseases will be affected because higher temperatures increase the amount of ozone at ground level. Another

Free Essays on Franz Kafka

In 1913 one of the most famous novelists and short story writers had his first official novel published. This may seem like a long time ago for many, but if you were to take a look at the history of literature you could come to the conclusion that this is very recent. This man based most all of his writings on personal experiences with a little bit of fantasy intervened with them. This man was Franz Kafka. Kafka was born on July 3, 1883, in Prague, Bohemia. His parents were Herman, who he worshipped, and Julie Kafka. Herman was a merchant and manufacturer and Julie was into education, she was very intelligent. Kafka was born into a rich Jewish-Czech family. Franz had two older brothers who both died in their child hood. He also had 3 younger sisters, being the oldest he was left with very much. His put a French girl in charge of raising and tutoring Franz. After finishing the Volksschule he went on to law school, even though he had already made his main focus on literature. While in law school Kafka entered a story into a contest. This was the start of his career. In 1906 Kafka took a side job for an Italian insurance company. After hours he study Czech language and attended Czech discussions. He began suffering from migraines and frayed nerves so he became a vegetarian. This led him to the Cabbala, also. He became very influenced by it and felt as if he had a mission in life. He became friends with many people and so forth. It wasn’t until 1912 that he came a full-time writer. His friend, Brod, convinced him to put a book together called Observations. Then came his book Metamorphosis. For five more years his writing was inspired by his love affair, Fraulein F. B. until she married someone else and had two children. After this Kafka became very sick. During the winter of 1916-17 he began working very heavily on his novel The Trial, inspired by his latest break up, and his health steadily decreased along the way. While moving back ... Free Essays on Franz Kafka Free Essays on Franz Kafka In 1913 one of the most famous novelists and short story writers had his first official novel published. This may seem like a long time ago for many, but if you were to take a look at the history of literature you could come to the conclusion that this is very recent. This man based most all of his writings on personal experiences with a little bit of fantasy intervened with them. This man was Franz Kafka. Kafka was born on July 3, 1883, in Prague, Bohemia. His parents were Herman, who he worshipped, and Julie Kafka. Herman was a merchant and manufacturer and Julie was into education, she was very intelligent. Kafka was born into a rich Jewish-Czech family. Franz had two older brothers who both died in their child hood. He also had 3 younger sisters, being the oldest he was left with very much. His put a French girl in charge of raising and tutoring Franz. After finishing the Volksschule he went on to law school, even though he had already made his main focus on literature. While in law school Kafka entered a story into a contest. This was the start of his career. In 1906 Kafka took a side job for an Italian insurance company. After hours he study Czech language and attended Czech discussions. He began suffering from migraines and frayed nerves so he became a vegetarian. This led him to the Cabbala, also. He became very influenced by it and felt as if he had a mission in life. He became friends with many people and so forth. It wasn’t until 1912 that he came a full-time writer. His friend, Brod, convinced him to put a book together called Observations. Then came his book Metamorphosis. For five more years his writing was inspired by his love affair, Fraulein F. B. until she married someone else and had two children. After this Kafka became very sick. During the winter of 1916-17 he began working very heavily on his novel The Trial, inspired by his latest break up, and his health steadily decreased along the way. While moving back ...

Islamophobia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Islamophobia - Essay Example This has made people be afraid and resent Islam even more. In the past one week, news has been abuzz with the killing of two Islamic gunmen. The two were shot on Sunday 3rd May 7, 2015 at a contest dubbed â€Å"Draw Muhammad†, which was taking place at Garland in Texas. The art exhibit and cartoon contest was being hosted by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, led by Pamela Geller, who is the founder of the group. Their main objective was to sensitize the public about Islam. People were asked to draw â€Å"Muhammad†, a common Muslim name, to depict a Muslim person in their lives. The incident led to the injury of a security guard manning the place. According to International Business Times, 2015, American Muslim activists have strongly come out saying that they are even more resolute on taking on anti-Islam prejudice after the incident. This is because, according to them, such incidences of violence only show how much there is a need for sensitization and creativity on ways to stop the growing Islamophobia in America. The y argue that the condemnation by the leaders in the community is not enough, and more is needed in order to stop the violence and killings of innocent people. The Texas cartoon contest was attended by at least two hundred people when men armed with guns started shooting. The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. Reports indicate that it is still unclear how the gunmen are linked to the Islamic state. Activists insist that hate will not help stop hate and violence. They say that with the creation of more peaceful ways of countering the bigotry against Muslims, which have been increasing in the recent years, more will be achieved. It is now a reality that the Islamic state (ISIS) is everywhere, even in the United States. The thought that many citizens are aware of the past violent deeds and the terror attacks experienced all over the world by the infamous group has crippled many

Strategic Management of HMV Group Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Strategic Management of HMV Group - Assignment Example (Refer to appendix 1) Competitive advantage is the response of afirm to the pressing need to organize and perform discrete activities. While these needs may not be perpetually spelt out, it is the responsibility of the planners and executers of policies to foresee such situations when catering for growth and development of the firm n various levels. So this implies that the HMV Company needs to employ an individual perspective with an affiliation towards the basic industry type. There are various activities to take into consideration in the case of the HMV Company. The activities performed when competing in a particular industry can be grouped into categories, as these activities can be divided broadly into primary activities and support activities. It has been noted that primary activities are those involved in the ongoing production, marketing, delivery, and servicing of the product. Whereas support activities are those that provide purchased inputs, technology, human resources or the overall infrastructure functions supporting the other activities. Every activity employs purchased inputs, human resources, some combination of technologies, and draws on firm infrastructure such as general management and finance. Activities vary in their importance in regard of competitive advantages from industry to industry. ... While this is a good theory to reckon with, cynics are of the opinion that in today's world there are 'n' number of influences on a firm's activities and not just a set number of the same. In this regard, the HMV Company may make use of clusters which are groups of firms and other broad industries linked to each other on the basis of various skill and their subsets. These function in the sphere of providing the necessary technical and research based support for various customer services, by making use of various institutions and universities apart from interns and other individuals. In the context of the HMV Company, does Porter's theory ask the relevant questions What must the company do to ensure that the industry evolves in a way that is maximally advantageous for the organization in particular What skills and capabilities must the company begin building now if it is to occupy the industry high ground in the future How should the company organize for opportunities that may not fit neatly within the boundaries of current business units and divisions The answers are to be found in not in this theory but in the theories propounded by Gary Hamel, C.K. Prahalad titled Competing for the Future. The authors are of the firm belief that when armed with the information in their findings and subsequent theories, a company can create a pro-active agenda for organizational transformation and can control its own destiny by controlling the destiny of its own industry. Few companies that began the 1980s as industry leaders ended the decade with their leadership in tact and undiminished. Many household name companies saw their success eroded or destroyed by tides of technological, demographic and regulatory change and order-of-magnitude productivity gains made by nontraditional

The Advantages of Steel in Building Construction Assignment

The Advantages of Steel in Building Construction - Assignment Example Another aspect that can no longer be neglected is the environment, both inside as well as outside the building is to be considered and given the high level of consideration in design and construction of the building. Latest advances in technology and high appraisal in energy has influenced the mindset of the client to select and use energy efficient products and design, even if they cost a bit more in the start but they eventually pay back their expenses. It is no longer a choice but a compulsion for designers and constructors to save energy as well as environment and at the same time it’s the client’s and his real estates adviser’s social responsibility to dictate these terms in the facility’s construction and have knowledge as well as encourage these technologies as much as possible. There are mainly two types of spaces that are to be constructed as the part of the establishment. The first part is the 12 storey Headquarter block whose height would be around 40m, this would be just a typical office building and the spaces would be designed in a similar manner. The second requirement of the client in the facility is of a showroom/ retail facility which is going to be constructed just in front of the main office block, this separate facility would be used for the display of different products and so the space requirement of this would be entirely different from that of the office block. The basic requirements of this space are that it should be a single storey and 35 m wide span, these attributes make this part of establishment unique and this structure has to be designed accordingly. The third and the most governing requirement of the client in the construction is that the time for construction should be as short as possible and the facility should be brought into service in minimum time period and the last requirement which would dictate the construction and its techniques as a whole is that the facility should eco friendly at all its levels both during the construction phase and during the service life as well.  

Why Star Topology is Best

Why Star Topology is Best 1.0 SYNOPSIS This study focused on a star network topology. A star network is a local area network in which all devices are directly linked to a central point called a hub. Star topology looks like a star but not exactly a star. The findings from the study revealed that in star topology every computer is connected to a central node called a hub or a switch. A hub is a device where the entire linking standards come together. The data that is transmitted between the network nodes passes across the central hub. The project further goes on to explain the advantages, disadvantages and usage of star network topology. The centralized nature of a star network provides ease while also achieving isolation of each device in the network. However, the disadvantage of a star topology is that the network transmission is largely reliant on the central hub. If the central hub falls short then the whole network is out of action. Star networks are one of the most common computer network topologies that are used in homes and offices. In a Star Network Topology it is possible to have all the important data backups on the hub in a private folder and this way if the computer fails you can still use your data using the next computer in the network and accessing the backup files on the hub. It has come to realization that this type of network offers more privacy than any other network. 2.0 INTRODUCTION The main objective of this project is to discuss the advantages, disadvantages and usage of star network topology. A topology is a physical structure of a network. Star topology is a network structure comprising a central node to which all other devices attached directly and through which all other devices intercommunicate (http://www.yourdictionary.com/telecom/star-topology). The hub, leaf nodes and the transmission lines between them form a graph with the topology of a star. Star is one of the most and oldest common topology in the local area network. The design of star topology comes from telecommunication system. In telephone system all telephone calls are managed by the central switching station. Just like in star topology each workstation of the network is connected to a central node, which is known as a hub. Hub is a device where the whole linking mediums come together. It is responsible of running all activities of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. Generally when build a network using two or more computers, you need a hub. It is possible to connect two computers to each other directly without the need of a hub but when adding a third computer in the network, we need a hub to allow a proper data communication within the network. In a Star Network the whole network is reliant on the hub. (http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-6-2005-65413.asp) Devices such as file server, workstation and peripheral are all linked to a hub. All the data passes through the hub. When a packet comes to the hub it moves that packet to all the nodes linked through the hub but only one node at a time successfully transmits it. Data on a star network exceeds through the hub before continuing to its target. Different types of cables are used to link computers such as twisted pair, coaxial cable and fiber optics. The most common cable media in use for star topologies is unshielded or shielded twisted pair copper cabling. One end of the cable is plugged in local area network card while the other side is connected with the hub. Due to the centralization in star topology it is easy to monitor and handle the network making it more advantageous. Since the whole network is reliant on the hub, if the whole network is not working then there could be a problem with the hub. The hub makes it easy to troubleshoot by offering a single point for error connection at the same time the reliance is also very high on that single point. The central function is cost effective and easier to maintain. Star topology also has some draw backs. If the hub encounters a problem then the whole network falls short. In a Star Network Topology it is possible to have all the important data backups on the hub in a private folder and this way if the computer fails you can still use your data using the next computer in the network and accessing the backup files on the hub. 3.0 BACKGROUND STUDY In this section the researcher has clarified and explained in details some of the advantages, disadvantages and usage of star topology. These three concepts are the main core of this project. 3.1 ADVANTAGES OF STAR NETWORK 3.1.1 Isolation of devices: each device is isolated by the link that connects it to the hub. By so doing it makes the isolation of the individual devices simple. This isolation nature also prevents any non centralized failure from affecting the network. In a star network, a cable failure will isolate the workstation that it links to the central computer, but only that workstation will be isolated. All the other workstations will continue to function normally, except that they will not be able to communicate with the isolated workstation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_network) 3.1.2 Simplicity: The topology is easy to understand, establish, and navigate. The simple topology obviates the need for complex routing or message passing protocols. As noted earlier, the isolation and centralization simplifies fault detection, as each link or device can be probed individually .Due to its centralized nature, the topology offers simplicity of operation. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_network) 3.1.3 If any cable is not working then the whole network will not be affected: in a star topology, each network device has a home run of cabling back to a network hub, giving each device a separate connection to the network. If there is a problem with a cable, it will generally not affect the rest of the network. The most common cable media in use for star topologies is unshielded twisted pair copper cabling. If small numbers of devices are utilized in this topology the data rate will be high. It is best for short distance ( http://fallsconnect.com/topology.htm#a) 3.1.4 You can easily add new computers or devices to the network without interrupting other nodes: The star network topology works well when computers are at scattered points. It is easy to add or remove computers. New devices or nodes can easily be added to the Star Network by just extending a cable from the hub. If the hub adds a device for example a printer or a fax machine, all the other computers on the network can access the new device by simply accessing the hub. The device need not be installed on all the computers in the network. The central function is cost effective and easier to maintain. If the computers are reasonably close to the vertices of a convex polygon and the system requirements are modest. And also when one computer falls short then it wont affect the whole communication. (http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/dictionary/definition/what-is-star-network.html#) 3.1.5 Centralization: the star topologies ease the chance of a network failure by linking all of the computers to a central node. All computers may therefore communicate with all others by transmitting to and receiving from the central node only. Benefits from centralization: As the central hub is the bottleneck, increasing capacity of the central hub or adding additional devices to the star, can help scale the network very easily. The central nature also allows the check up of traffic through the network. This helps evaluate all the traffic in the network and establish apprehensive behavior (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-different-network-topologies.html). 3.1.6 Easy to troubleshoot: in a star network the whole network is reliant on the hub so if the entire network is not working then there could be a problem with the hub. This feature makes it easy to troubleshoot by offering a single point for error connection ad at the same time the dependency is also very high on that single point 3.1.7 Better performance: star network prevents unnecessary passing of the data packet through nodes. At most 3 devices and 2 links are involved in any communication between any two devices which are part of this topology. This topology encourage a huge overhead on the central hub, however if the central hub has plenty of capacity, then very high network used by one device in the network does not affect the other devices in the network. Data Packets are sent quickly as they do not have to travel through any unnecessary. The big advantage of the star network is that it is fast. This is because each computer terminal is attached directly to the central computer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_network). 3.1.8 EASY INSTALLATION: Installation is simple, inexpensive, and fast because of the flexible cable and the modular connector. 3.2 DISADVANTAGES OF STAR NETWORK 3.2.1 If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled: The primary disadvantage of a star topology is the high dependence of the system on the functioning of the central hub. While the failure of an individual link only results in the isolation of a single node, the failure of the central hub renders the network inoperable, immediately isolating all nodes. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-different-network-topologies.html ) 3.2.2 The performance and scalability of the network also depend on the capabilities of the hub. Network size is limited by the number of connections that can be made to the hub, and performance for the whole network is limited by its throughput. While in theory traffic between the hub and a node is isolated from other nodes on the network, other nodes may see a performance drop if traffic to another node occupies a significant portion of the central nodes processing capability or throughput (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_network). Furthermore, wiring up of the system can be very complex. 3.2.3 The primary disadvantage of the star topology is the hub is a single point of failure: If the hub were to fall short the whole network would fail as a result of the hub being connected to every computer on the network. There will be communication break down between the computers when the hub fails. 3.2.4 Star topology requires more cable length: When the network is being extended then there will be the need of more cables and this result in intricate installation. 3.2.5 More Expensive than other topologies: it is expensive due to cost of the hub. Star topology uses a lot of cables thus making it the most costly network to set up as you also have to trunk to keep the cables out of harm way. Every computer requires a separate cable to form the network. . A common cable that is used in Star Network is the UTP or the unshielded twisted pair cable. Another common cable that is used in star networks is the RJ45 or the Ethernet cables 3.3 USAGES OF STAR NETWORK Star topology is a networking setup used with 10BASE-T cabling (also called UTP or twisted-pair) and a hub. Each item on the network is connected to the hub like points of a star. The protocols used with star configurations are usually Ethernet or local-talk. Token Ring uses a similar topology, called the star-wired ring (http://fallsconnect.com/topology.htm#a). Star Topology is the most common type of network topology that is used in homes and offices. In the Star Topology there is a central connection point called the hub which is a computer hub or sometimes just a switch. In a Star Network the best advantage is when there is a failure in cable then only one computer might get affected and not the entire network. Star topology is used to ease the probabilities of network failure by connecting all of the systems to a central node. This central hub rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node to all peripheral nodes on the network, sometimes including the originating node. All peripheral nodes may thus communicate with all others by transmitting to, and receiving from, the central node only (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Star network is used to transmit data across the central hub between the network nodes. When a packet comes to the hub it transfers that packet to all nodes connected through a hub but only one node at a time successfully transmits it. In local area networks where the star topology is used, each machine is connected to a central hub. In contrast to the bus topology, the star topology allows each machine on the network to have a point to point connection to the central hub and there is no single point of failure. All of the traffic which transverses the network passes through the central hub. The hub acts as a signal booster or repeater which in turn allows the signal to travel greater distances. When it is important that your network have increased stability and speed, the star topology should be considered. When you use a hub, you get centralized administration and security control, low configuration costs and easy troubleshooting. When one node or workstation goes down, the rest of your network will still be functional. 4.0 APPENDIX As the name suggests, this layout is similar to a star. The illustration shows a star network with five workstations or six, if the central computer acts as a workstation. Each workstation is shown as a sphere, the central computer is shown as a larger sphere and it is a hub, and connections are shown as a thin flexible cable. The connections can be wired or wireless links. The hub is a central to a star topology and the network cannot function without it. It connects to each separate node directly through a thin flexible cable (10BASE-T cable). One end of the cable is plugged into the connector on the network adapter card (either internal or external to the computer) and the other end connects directly to the hub. The number of nodes you can connect to a hub is determined by the hub. 5.0 CONCLUSION A star network is a local area network in which all computers are directly connected to a common central computer. Every workstation is indirectly connected to every other through the central computer. In some star networks, the central computer can also operate as a workstation A Star Network Topology is best suited for smaller networks and works efficiently when there is limited number of nodes. One has to ensure that the hub or the central node is always working and extra security features should be added to the hub because it s the heart of the network. To expand a star topology network, youll need to add another hub and go to a star of stars topology. In a Star Network Topology it is possible to have all the important data backups on the hub in a private folder and this way if the computer fails you can still use your data using the next computer in the network and accessing the backup files on the hub. 6.0 REFERENCES Available on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_network Available on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_small_aperture_terminal Available on http://fallsconnect.com/topology.htm#a Available on http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/dictionary/definition/what-is-star-network.html#(above) Available on http://www.answers.com/topic/star_network Available on http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-different-network-topologies.html Available on http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-6-2005-65413.asp Available on http://www.blurtit.com/q826101.html

Descartes’ Cogito Essay -- Philosophy small universal elements

Descartes’ Cogito It is the purpose of this essay to examine both Descartes’ Cogito argument and his skepticism towards small and universal elements, as well as the implications these arguments have on each other. First, I will summarize and explain the skepticism Descartes’ brings to bear on small and universal elements in his first meditation. Second, I will summarize and explain the Cogito argument, Descartes’ famous â€Å"I think, therefore I am† (it should be noted that this famous implication is not actually something ever said or written by Descartes, but instead, an implication taken from his argument for his own existence). Third, I will critique the line of reasoning underlying these arguments. Descartes attacks small and universal elements with the problem posed by the possibility of God being an omnipotent deceiver, but he seems to think his Cogito argument is immune from this type of criticism. Fourth, I will show how the Cogito is actually har der to establish than the existence of small and universal elements. And, fifth, I will establish small and universal elements as an Archimedean point (i.e. – a foundational claim). In Descartes’ first meditation, paragraphs 9-12, he arrives at the final and most devastating stage of questioning his beliefs. In his first two stages, he questions both small and distant objects and medium sized objects, and concludes that neither can be held as true with any certainty. He throws out the first because of the possibility that the small and distant object is a mirage, and throws out the second because of the possibility that we are actually dreaming while perceiving medium sized objects. In his third and final stage of doubt, Descartes’ examines sma... ...things. The lack of an omnipotent deceiver and the reality of the existence of small and universal elements lead to an even broader foundational claim; there is a world where the small and universal elements exist. Either it is the world around us at his very moment, or, if this is a dream, it is the world of the dreamer whose small and universal elements make up this dream world. In concluding, a few things must be noted. One, Descartes’ omnipotent deceiver does not and cannot exist in the manner Descartes relates. Two, even if the deceiver did exist, the Cogito would not be immune from the pall of doubt the deceiver’s existence would cause to fall on reality. Three, even without the deceiver, the Cogito is falsifiable because of the â€Å"Someone Else’s Dream† argument. Four, there is a world where small and universal elements we know of exist.

An Explanation of the Causes and Effects of the Enron Accounting Scandals

From the 1980s until now, there have been a lot of accounting scandals which were widely announced on by media. The result of this situation is many companies were bankruptcy protection requests, and closing. One of the most widely reported emulation of accounting scandals is Enron Company. Enron Corporation is one of the largest energy companies in the world. Enron was founded in Houston, Texas, America in July 1985 by the consolidation between Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth of Omaha, Nebraska (â€Å"Enron and Enderson: The story†, n. d. ). According to Sridhanran, Dickes & Caines (2002, p. ), Enron’s rank number is the seventh in the United States by Fortune magazine in April 2002.Their businesses were sale of nature gas, electricity sector, water, metal, broadband and newsprint. Enron has been altered from the old economy company to the new economy company and focus on HFV (Hypothetical Future value). The profits were grown by buying electric at stable prices fro m the suppliers and sale the different prices for customers. When the falsehood of their profits was opened, the investors withdraw the capital. Enron start collapse (â€Å"Case study: The collapse†, n. . , pp. 1-2). Definitions Accounting scandals are political and business scandals using illegal accounting systems and fraud in the financial statements. According to Hanson (2002, p. 1), Enron accounting scandal is the most important common failure in the banks during the 1980s in the United States. This leads to changing in business and the law. When Enron was bankrupt, the economy of America was dropped, and many employees were lost their jobs. Outline and Limitations The assignment will explain two main reasons and two effects of Enron accounting scandal.The assignment will conclude with review the Enron accounting scandal and giving the lessons for another company. The Causes of Enron Accounting Scandal Business Fraud A business fraud is one of the most important reasons which made bankruptcy of Enron. Firstly, limited partnership companies were opened by CFO Andy Fastow. He used many partnership companies such as J. P. Mogan Chase and Merill Lynch to hide their enormous debts and losses from investors. They borrowed the great amounts of money from financial institutions to buy many assets; this led to wrong view about Enron condition.It helped the stock price increase (â€Å"Enron accounting scandal†, 2009). In addition, the financial strategy, the business consultants and the accounting techniques are wrong choice of Enron. They used established investment money to build securitization abilities. According to Buondonno, David, Pufky and Rollings (n. d. , pp. 11-12), Enron has distorted the financial statements using the complex methods. They used fake companies (SPEs) to move money between different banks and created false financial statements. This led to misunderstanding of shareholders about the real financial statements.Moreover, Enron predicted the future market of energy price. As a result, the sale prices of Enron known as mark-to-market, which control the energy trading business and the reports which they want to show. Furthermore, Enron used wrong accounting system. They used mark-to-marked trading which is greatly hard to change to another system. The reports were shown losses or gains on the stock and security price at the end of the year. Enron was able to use SPE (special purpose entities) to trade in legal time or illegal time so that income could change to correct with investor expectances.Lastly, Enron had a huge negative dollar cash flow from bank loans. They needed to pay around two million dollars per day by cash. A Corruption and a Lack of Accounting Techniques According to Buondonno, David, Pufky and Rollings (n. d. , pp. 18-20), Management level and accounting level were forgotten in Enron situation. Endrew Fastow, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Enron used his power to corrupt by using his knowledge into the agreements and making the bonuses from the agreements. Endrew and his wife got benefits from Enron to buy Chewco where his wife is owner.He controlled subsidiary companies to buy stock and hid debt for Enron. Enron did not follow the accounting rules. Every mistake in accounting needs to note and describes for shareholders know, and writes on the financial statements. In 2001, Accountants cannot combine Chewco into the Enron’s financial statement. This lead to misunderstanding report which show the financial statement of Enron such as a decrease Enron income and an increase Enron’s reported debt. In addition, Enron tried to make maximize profits by break the law.Therefore, dishonesty in the financial statement, corruption and a lack of knowledge and skills of accountants are the causes of the Enron’s bankruptcy. The Effects of Enron Accounting Scandal on Employees and shareholders When Enron was bankrupt, the most affected people are Enronâ₠¬â„¢s workers and shareholders. Many people lost their jobs, their whole pension and all of the shareholders lost their money (Dunder,n. d. ). According to Raver (2006, p4-5), Enron stocks prices were increased nearly double in one year by many ways such as legal and illegal way.The stock price was increasing so fast, many Enron employees bought Enron stock as saving money, and also their pension are in Enron’s stock too. When Enron was failing, Enron’s stock price was decreasing until no longer value, many Enron workers lost all their money, their jobs and also their pension lost too. For this reason, they almost have nothing; they only have social security funds. The suddenly decrease of the value in Enron stocks influenced the retreat savings of thousands Americans who are not Enron employees. Many Americans saved their money in the index funds.Enron’s stock was formed by the different sources of investment, such as the state pension plans, university and oth er non-profit foundations (Sridharan, Dickes & Caines, 2002, p. 4). Therefore, when Enron scandal was happened, this entailed many effects on workers, shareholders and Americans who are not Enron employees. They lost their money, their jobs and their future. The United States and the Stock Market Enron accounting scandal helped American improve their knowledge of business and accounting. This leads to changing in the U. S. aw to protect people from the business fraud (Raver, n. d. , p. 4). They fortified retirement security of American, and limited on selling stocks for employees (Sridharan, Dickes & Caines, 2002, p. 8). Moreover, the stock market was affects by the Enron accounting scandal, Enron’s stock was $80 per share. When the Enron accounting scandal was discovered, the price of Enron’s stock fell down less than $1 (â€Å"Enron stock prices†, n. d. ). Conclusion The Enron accounting scandal is one of the biggest problems of cheating in accounting in Ameri ca.It changed the most American life, and people behold themselves to know the answers of cupidity and break the law in business. The Enron accounting scandal has many reasons such as business cheating, the corrupt of the power person and inexperience of accountants. For this reasons, Enron bankruptcy had many effects on Americans social such as workers, shareholders, the American economy and the law. The lesson from Enron accounting scandal were found by many ways such as the conflict of interest between two roles played, employees’ protection, changing in business managements, and ethics in business, cautious investment.

How School Leaders Can Improve Teacher Quality

How School Leaders Can Improve Teacher Quality School leaders want all of their teachers to be great teachers. Great teachers make a school leader’s job easier. Realistically, not every teacher is a great teacher. Greatness takes time to develop. A major component of a school leader’s job is to improve teacher quality. An effective school leader  has the ability to help any teacher take it to the next level. A good school leader will help a bad teacher become effective, an effective teacher become good, and a good teacher become great. They understand that this is a process that takes time, patience, and a lot of work. By improving teacher quality, they will naturally improve student learning outcomes. Improved input equals improved output. This is an essential component of school success. Continuous growth and improvement are necessary. There are many ways that a school leader can improve teacher quality within their building. Here, we examine seven ways that a school leader can help individual teachers grow and improve. Conduct Meaningful Evaluations It takes a lot of time to conduct a thorough teacher evaluation. School leaders are oftentimes overwhelmed with all their duties and evaluations are commonly placed on the backburner. However, evaluations are the single most crucial aspect when improving teacher quality. A school leader should routinely observe and evaluate a teacher’s classroom to identify areas of need and weakness and to create an individual plan for that teacher to improve in those areas. An evaluation should be thorough, especially for those teachers who have been identified as needing significant improvement. They should be created after a substantial number of observations that allow a school leader to see the entire picture of what a teacher is doing in their classroom. These evaluations should drive a school leader’s plan of the resources, suggestions, and professional development that is required to improve individual teacher quality. Offer Constructive Feedback/Suggestions A school leader must offer a list that includes any weaknesses which they find during the evaluation. A school leader should also give detailed suggestions to guide teacher improvement. If the list is exceedingly comprehensive, then pick a few of the things that you believe is the most important. Once those have improved to an area deemed effective, then you can move on to something else. This can be done both formally and informally and is not limited to what is in the evaluation. A school leader may see something that could improve the teacher on a quick visit to the classroom. The school leader may offer constructive feedback intended to address this smaller issue. Provide Meaningful Professional Development Engaging in professional development can improve teacher quality. It is necessary to note that there are a lot of terrible professional development opportunities. A school leader needs to look thoroughly at the professional development they are scheduling and determine if it will produce the intended results. Engaging professional development can foster dynamic changes for a teacher. It can motivate, provide innovative ideas and gives a fresh perspective from an outside source. There are professional development opportunities that cover just about any weakness a teacher has. Continuous growth and improvement is essential for all teachers and even more valuable for those who have gaps that need to be closed. Provide Adequate Resources All teachers need the appropriate tools to do their job effectively. School leaders must be able to give their teachers the resources they need. This can be challenging as we currently live in an era where educational funding is a significant issue. However, in the age of the Internet, there are more tools available to teachers than ever before. Teachers must be taught to use the Internet and other technologies as an educational resource in their classroom. Great teachers will find a way to cope without having all the resources they would like to have. However, school leaders should do everything they can to provide their teachers with the best resources or provide professional development to use the resources they do have effectively. Provide a Mentor Great veteran teachers can provide tremendous insight and encouragement to an inexperienced or struggling teacher. A school leader must develop veteran teachers who want to share best practices with other teachers. They must also build a trusting, encouraging atmosphere in which their entire faculty communicates, collaborates, and shares with each other. School leaders must make mentor connections in which both sides have similar personalities, or the connection may be counterproductive. A solid mentor connection can be a positive, learning venture for both the mentor and the mentee. These interactions are most effective when they are daily and ongoing. Establish Ongoing, Open Communication All school leaders should have an open door policy. They should encourage their teachers to discuss concerns or to seek advice at any time. They should engage their teachers in ongoing, dynamic dialogue. This dialogue should be continuous especially for those teachers who need improvement. School leaders should want to build engaging, trusting relationships with their teachers. This is essential for improving teacher quality. School leaders who do not have this sort of relationship with their teachers will not see improvement and growth. School leaders must be active listeners who offer encouragement, constructive criticism, and suggestions when appropriate. Encourage Journaling and Reflecting School leaders should encourage inexperienced or struggling teachers to journal. Journaling can be a powerful tool. It can help a teacher grow and improve through reflection. It can help them better recognize their individual strengths and weaknesses. It is also valuable as a reminder of things that worked and things that did not work so well in their classroom. Journaling can spark insight and understanding. It can be a dynamic game-changer for teachers who genuinely want to improve.

Recommendations to CEO

Recommendations to CEO Decision making is an important element in running organizations. Everything that takes place in organizations is influenced by decision making processes which are conducted by the top employees such as chief executive officers, directors, managers and head of departments. Some decisions are easier to make than others due to their uniqueness. For example, some are made by single individuals while others involve more than one individual (Koller, 2005).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Recommendations to CEO specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Those which involve several individuals are characterized by consultations which must take place in order for the parties to reach agreements. This usually happens in order to ensure that the operations of organizations are not affected by the processes. Major decisions in organizations require the parties involved in the processes to conduct prior research to identify which are affe cted because decisions have both merits and demerits (Chapman, 2010). In order to handle difficult decision making processes that touch on employee relations in organizations, certain criteria are followed. By doing this, all potential problems associated with the decisions made are analyzed. In the case being analyzed in this paper, a CEO for a shipping company is preparing to get into a new contract with a labor union. However, he/she has to make a difficult decision regarding some of the employees in one of the departments who use drugs. There use of drugs is associated with accidents in plants which cost the company huge sums of money in compensation. Although he/she feels that all new and existing employees should undergo drug testing, the union is opposed to the move. As a result, certain recommendations are important in order for him to make the right decision. The first recommendation that needs to be adopted is that all employees are supposed to undergo the drug testing. Th is is because there is no precedent in the company that influences the process. In its history, the company has never registered cases of drug abuse thus no employee has been exposed to such a process before. The process is fair because it includes all of them without any discrimination. As a result, they are all entitled to the same treatment during the process. The situation would have been different if the company had experienced issues of drug abuse among employees earlier. In such a situation, it would have been compelled to take caution not to set a different precedent from the existing one. This strategy is based on the first recommendation that it is important for the company to consider any existing precedents. The second recommendation that is important in dealing with the case is that the company needs to consider making a new policy that requires all employees to be tested for drug use. This is because it is important to find a lasting solution for the problem in order t o avoid a repeat of the accidents associated with use of drugs among employees.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is based on the recommendation that it is important to establish whether the issue being dealt with is a one-time issue or a new policy being introduced. In this case, establishing this as a new policy is appropriate for the company. The third recommendation that the company needs to consider is the identification of the legal issues that might be involved in the process. Drug abuse is of concern to the government in its bid to control the problem hence certain legal issues must be observed. For example, the treatment sessions that the company wishes to offer employees who turn positive are supposed to be conducted under certain legal guidelines issued by the bodies concerned with drug abuse (Gordon Cumberlege, 2007). This ensures that the CEO does not make any decision that has legal implications for the company. During the process, it is important to seek advice from drug and law experts in order to make the right decisions. This is based on the recommendation that legal issues that might determine the decision-making process are supposed to be considered. The fourth recommendation that is important in dealing with the case is that certain benefits are supposed to be included for employees who willingly denounce use of drugs and assist those still in the habit to stop. By doing this, the company is able to counter the losses incurred as a result of drug use among employees. When employees who use drugs abandon the habit openly, this motivates their colleagues in similar situations to do the same. The idea is supposed to be sustained through rewards to such employees. This strategy is based on the recommendation that the decision process should be dominated by mechanisms that bring long-term benefits to the company. When empl oyees participate in elimination of drug abuse, the company benefits in the long-run. The last recommendation that is important for the company is that there is need to initiate a campaign within and outside the company to educate people on the impacts of drug abuse. During such campaigns the health and financial implications of drug use are supposed to be analyzed.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Recommendations to CEO specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This strategy helps to counter the negative perceptions that the outside community may have after the idea of testing employees for drugs is adopted. The strategy is based on the recommendation that the impacts of the decision on outside community should be analyzed. References Chapman, A. (2010). problem-solving and decision-making. Retrieved from https://www.businessballs.com/problem-solving-and-decision-making/decision-making-and-problem-solving/ Gordon, L., Cumbe rlege, P. (2007). Introduction to Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs. Cape Town: Juta and Company Ltd. Koller, G. (2005). Risk Assessment And Decision Making In Business And Industry: A Practical Guide. New York: Chapman Hall/CRC.

Rigoberta Menchs Book Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Rigoberta Menchs Book - Scholarship Essay Example I am 23 years old. I would like to give this testimony live that I have not learned from a book and neither have I learned alone yet that all this have I learned from my village. It cost me much to remember all the life that I have lived, so many times there are times very black and there are times that, yes, are enjoyable also but the most important is, I believe, that I want to emphasize that I am not the only one, so have lived many people and it is the life of all. The life of all the poor Guatemalans and I will try to give a bit of history. My personal situation includes all the reality of a village. In the first place, it still costs me much to speak Spanish since I didn't have university, I didn't have schooling. It has been three years since I learned Spanish and to speak it; it is difficult when it is learned only from memory and not learning in a book. In Guatemala there exist twenty-two indigenous ethnic groups. I belong to one of the ethnic groups that is the Quich ethnicity, I have my customs, indigenous Quich customs, but however I have lived very close to almost the major part of the other ethnicities during my organizing work with my village. I am from San Miguel/Uspantn, Quich Department. The Quich live in the northwest of the country. Precisely, my land is almost a paradise of all the beauty that is the nature in those places since there are not roads, there are not vehicles. Only people enter. VOCABULARY FOR COMPREHENSION Read the sentences and circle the synonym for the underlined word from the choices given. 1. The testimony given in court was very convincing. a. evidence b. report c. oral testification 2. No one knew that the village had been burned to the ground. a. city b. small town c. court 3. It was a black day when we had to have our dog euthanized. a. somber b. happy c. color 4. It was important that the judge know the girl's name. a. significant b. different c. okay 5. I can't emphasize enough the significance of those numbers. a. say b. underscore c. differentiate 6. The history of the world is captured in these two books. a. chatter b. background c. litany 7. The ethics of the situation call for drastic measures. a. moment b. times c. case 8. Her memory is excellent when it comes to facts. a. time b. recall c. note 9. These people exist on a diet that is barely 1,000 calories per day. a. subsist b. eat c. fluctuate 10. There are twenty-two indigenous ethnic groups in Guatemala. a. barbaric b. native c. vegetarian 11. Each ethnic group has unique characteristics which make it special. a. cultural b. people c. land 12. Examples of ethnicity include Lithuanian, Japanese, and Irish. a. pop stars b. a traditional cultural group c. variety 13. The customs of Guatemala are varied. a. traditions b. ways of doing things c. cans of soda pop 14. Rigoberta does organizing within

Tierney, S. Deaton, C. and Whitehead, J. (2008) Essay

Tierney, S. Deaton, C. and Whitehead, J. (2008) - Essay Example The content about the studies is arranged in such a manner that it becomes easy to explore throughout the research and to be practical about it. As provided in the result of the research, â€Å"interviewees were unclear about what should be considered ‘disordered’ eating among individuals with T1DM†, so it makes us question about the interviewees and the research that whether all the studies and research were carried out in the proper manner. And if the manner and style of collecting the data was correct, then how come the questions can be raised against the report. One more thing, the interviewees only interviewed the professionals from the hospitals and other health centers, but they did not consider any opinion of the patients. Being a bit personal, a patient can be more practical on this kind of situation than the professional. Hence one could observe some gaps and logical and technical irregularities in the way the data has been collected.