Does CSR Help or Hinder a Company’s Performance?

Task 4: (582 words) Write a literature review for â€Å"Does CSR (corporate social responsibility) help or hinder a company’s performance? † This literature review explores the state of the art in corporate social innovation research. It briefly outlines the main themes in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) debate organizational legitimacy, moral choices, stakeholder interaction, sustainable development radical and user driven innovation. The paper then reviews the major objects of corporate social innovation singling out and eco innovations as key themes.It closes by analyzing how social innovation is enacted at each of the four levels discussed in the first part. The debate about CSR has been said to have begun in the early 20th century, amid growing concerns about large corporations and their power. The ideas of charity and stewardship helped to shape the early thinking about CSR in the US (Saurabh Gaur, 2011) . Our work would like to verify, after a review of literature, by using panel data, if some performance indicators can be affected by the firms’ social responsible behavior and their certifications.The novelty of our analysis comes from its dynamic aspect and from the buildin g of a CSR index that intersects two of the three main international indices (Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, FTSE4Good Index,2011), in order to be objective and to have a representative sample. The main results seem to support the idea that the CSR firms are the more virtuous, having better performances in the long run. in reporting is clearly crucial whereby being transparent does not necessarily mean revealing everything as this can be counterproductive to the communication of the key message (Bebbington et al. 1999). Consequently, companies must decide how much information to disclose. Based on different stakeholders to needs whereby it is sometimes necessary to disclose information that puts the company in a bad light. The ample room for mano euvre in identifying significant impacts and prioritising them has been partly blamed for the little significance behind achieving formal public endorsement for CSR disclosure (Boiral, 20 09).This is where the concept of Corporate So cial Responsibility, (CSR) has developed and is beginning to enter into common lexical knowledge and is increasingly being used by academics and economists for the sustainability of economic development. As often happens when new terms are coined, they tend to lose their conceptual precision, leaving their evocative value which is however watered down by the multitude of different meanings and contexts in which it is used .However, if we are to say that CSR is necessary for corporate strategy, given the recent ness of the phenomena and absence of a well-defined and universally accepted certification method, at present CSR has certain major limitations which we would like to rectify, that is an objective benchmark rather than a mere marketing tool for th e public, the principal motivation and elements that push firms into ethical behavior and suitable certification.It is actually this second point that has given rise to a proliferation of articles concerning social certification (Ullman, 1985) that have still not shed light on the mot ivation that entices firms to bear the cost of certification or looked at the experimental performance of CSR firms. As a result, various performance measures have been adopted both on the market and in accountability that all give rather discordant result s. Corporate social responsibility is the commitment of businesses to contribute to sustainable economic development by working with employees, their families, the local community and society at large to improve their lives in ways that are good for business and for development† (Cavett-Goodwin, 2007). Therefore, our paper tries to give an answer to the questions explained above. References: — Global reporting initiative, Sustainability Reporting Initiatives [online] Available from :< http://www. globalreporting. org/ReportingFramework/G3Guidelines> [Accessed 15 July, 2010]. Tsoutsoura M. , 2004, â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility and financial Perfor mance†, Center for Responsible Business, Working Paper Series, N. 7, University of Califor nia, Berkeley. – Academy of Management Review, Institute of Social and Ethical Accountability [online] Available from :< http://www. accountability. org/about-us/news/accountability-1/pharma-s-3imandate. html> [Accessed 11 may, 2010]. – Roberts C. , 1992, â€Å"Determinants of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: An Application of Stakeholder Theory†, Accounting, Organizations and Society, 17, 6, 595 – 612. World Business Council for Sustainable Development [online] Available from : [Accessed 15 October,2012]. – Donaldson T. , (1989), The Ethics of International Business, The Ruffin Ser ies in Business Ethics, Oxford University Press. – Sustainable investment , Ethical Investment Research and Information Service [online] Available from < http://www. eiris. org/managers/sustainable_investment. html> [Accessed 24 Jun, 2007]. – Cooperative Bank, Ethical Purchasing Index [online] Available from :[ Accessed 23 april,2005] TASK 6: (1073 words)The synthesized essay on: â€Å"Does CSR (corporate social responsibility) help or hinder a company’s performance? † Abstract The corporate social responsibility (CSR) is getting an increasingly important issue for economic agents all over the world. The development sustainable businesses need to implement their social responsibility. Though there is no detailed measurement available on the impact of these practices on business performance, CSR is believed to have a positive relationship with a company’s goodwill and also be a mean to a more profitable operation.The view that SCG should further integrate CSR programs into its business str ategies, broaden its CSR network to its various stakeholders, put more emphasis on environmental issues, and employ an efficient measurement mechanism for evaluating the impacts and benefits of its CSR programs . Introduction Reality shows that firms have recently been able to adapt to a changing world not only by developing economically but also socially and ethically. A firm’s aim remains based on a development strategy that not only favors’ its hareholders but also responds to all stakeholders involved either directly or indirectly in the production process. The social impact of big and small corporations is becoming a very important issue in business administration. A bad social impact, in fact, could increase the firm’s risk, could lead to wrong relationships with many stakeholders and could affect corporate reputation. This article presents some empirical evidence that aims to answer the following question: does CSR practice influence a company’s im age and reputation? Main body:Total Review of Related, Performance Measures and Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility is getting an increasingly important issue for economic agents due to a new attention to all the aspects of firms activit ies and their relationship with stakeholders. In fact, firms with the attitude toward disclosure related to social responsibility activities appear to be able to develop and maintain better relationship with s takeholders in general Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept wit h a growing currency around the globe.It frequently overlaps with similar approaches such as cor porate sustainability, corporate sustainable development and corporate responsibility. Moreover, CSR has a wide range of potential meaning: it can be considered as the private sector’s way of integrating the economic, social, and environmental imperatives of its activities. We focus on two main characteristics of CSR: social welfare orientatio n and stakeholders’ relationship orientation.AS businesses have increased their adoption of corporate social responsibility practices, managers face growing pressure to justify the allocation of scarce firms resources and accurate measures of corporate social responsibility results are required. Because the corporate image and reputation have been considered as intangible assets and valuable resources a firm can use in order to differentiate itself from its competitors. The reputation is built over time as the result of complex interrelationships and exchanges between a company and its stakeholders.This complexity of interrelationships makes imitation difficult for competitors in the short term. The grand aggregation approach to corporate reputation loses substantial informational content unless multiple lists of stakeholders can be surveyed; this research will be conducted taking into account the perspectives of only two stakeholders. The rule contact by companies integrates social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.When you review each of these, they broadly agree that the definition now focuses on the impact of how you manage your core business. The increasing attention to CSR is firstly based on its capability to influence firm’s performance. The researches in this field examine how CSR can provide firms with an incremental gain. For example, researchers have considered purchase intentions, increased sales, enhanced image, and improved employees morale as benefits of CSR.In particular, regarding to this aspect, the literature consists of three principal strands: the existence of a positive correlation between CSR and financial results, the lack of correlation between CSR and Many studies about the relationship between CSR and performance have focused their attention over a variety of other important characteristics that can be possible causes of firmsâ €™ performance. Some researchers have studied the effect of firm’s dimension, industrial sector, age, leverage level and intangible expenditures. t is possible to assume that the biggest firms are able to have a behavior more responsible than the smallest ones. The biggest ones probably pay more attent ion to the relationship with external stakeholders. Moreover, the firm’s dimension affects the link between certification and performance: at the beginning firm’s strategies are focused on the basic survival and just when firm is increasing its dimension because it has crossed the trigger point of survival, it can begin to take care of ethical and philanthropic responsibilities.In the meantime firm’s dimension can be linked with financial performance through economies of scale . The financial result and the existence of a negative correlation between CSR and financial results. The commitment by business to behave ethically and to contribute to economic development while improving the qualit y of the life of the workforce and the families as well as the local community and society at large The CSR is a commitment to improving the well-being of a community through discretionary business practice and contribution of corporate resources. Ethical CSR is morally mandatory and goes beyond ulfilling a firm’s economic and legal obligations, to its ethical responsibilities to avoid harm or social injuries, even if the business might not appear to benefit from this. It may be to SCG advantage to let its CSR stakeholders take a greater role in developing and implementing its strategic CSR programs SCG may further benefit from establishing broader CSR networks with its employees, customers, business partners and with non-profit organizations. Conclusion The above results give first empirical evidence that in Italy firms stock prices are not affected by CSR reports even if firms show a greater attention to these issues.The possible expla nations of these results could be the following: CSR is a relatively new issue in Italy, and most investors have a low degree of perception of the matter; The quality of disclosure for CSR is not easily measurable; there is a lack of general accepted principles and most firms use CSR disclosure as an additional instrument of advertising, avoiding to give relevant information . Most investors are short-term oriented while CSR’s impact is mostly in the medium-long term. At the moment, the small number of firms in the sample is due to few CSR reports available.But, thanks to a greater attention to CSR issues, the sample could be enlarged soon. These aspects could be the main direction of further implementations of our work. References – KAPLAN, R and NORTON, Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System [online] Available from: < http://www. balancedscorecard. org> [Accessed 12 July, 2011). – Carroll A. B. , 1991, â€Å"Corporate Social Performance Measurement: A Commentary on Methods for Evaluating an Elusive Construct†, p. 385-401 in J. E. Post (ed. ), Research in Corporate Social Performance and Policy, vol. 12, Greenwich, CT: JAI. – Donaldson T. (1989), the Ethics of International Business, the Ruffin Ser ies in Business Ethics, Oxford University Press. – Cooperative Bank, Ethical Purchasing Index [online] Available from :[ Accessed 23 april,2005]. – Donaldson T. , (1989), the Ethics of International Business, The Ruffin Series in Business Ethics, Oxford University Press. – Global reporting initiative, Sustainability Reporting Initiatives [online] Available from :< http://www. globalreporting. org/ReportingFramework/G3Guidelines> [Accessed 15 July, 2010] TASK 7 ( 845 words) Compare and contrast how these 2 articles discuss the financial crisis:Abstract This subject is written to the accounting on changing the wrong direction when the debate about modern auditing practices. In the context of the current financial crisis shows that, there are certain similarities between the accounting scandals and the global crisis is expected. All this directly and indirectly affect society. Beside of that, the article also pointed out in different directions to struggle to overcome. Introductions The business landscape is changing all around the world. Advances in finance and technological improvements have accelerated the rate of changes dramatically.That due to the negative impact of different accounting should push certain risks, against the backdrop of increasing economic turbulence; this paper seeks to stimulate debates a bout the quality of auditing by examining the audit reports. Different parties such as; governments, firms, especially small investors are struggling to keep up with these changes. During of that The financial crisis and shows that a large nu mber of enterprises have collapsed within a short period after receiving unqualified audit reports, so the law makers and standard setting bodie s hysterically searched the possible solutions.Some of the accounting principles are changed to having good news or optimistic idea the y are considered as revolutionary. Body paragraphs Regulators and investors have traditionally relied upon corporate financial statements to make sense of bank liabilities, risks and economic exposure, but this has been highly problematic. An early estimate suggested that despite a raft of Attention has fo cused on auditors because of the belief that a green light from an auditor means that a company’s accounting practices have passed muster.Adverse â€Å"key financial ratios† are considered to be an indicator of going concern problems. The environment in which it operates also shows that auditors received considerable income from their audit clients, which may be very significant for regional offices managing the audit. The fee dependency and related advancement o f career can create conflict of interests. A uditors may argue that the financial crisis unfolded suddenly and they were thus ill-prepared to make judgments about the likely financial distress. The issuing of audit reports is subject to organizational and regulatory politics.Auditors may be reluctant to qualify bank accounts for fear of creating panic or jeopardizing their liability position. We have reached the limits of conventional auditing technologies and ought to be considering alternative forms of accounting, disclosures and accountabilities. They are just publishing the financial analyses. This might mean; they are hiding the inputs and want the public to see only the result. the authorities do not give assurances regularly when the things go well but if there is a problem they usually ma kes public speeches to convince them.The social cost of the unfolding crisis is difficult to estimate, but vast amounts of public money are being used to prop-up distressed financial enterprises. For example, in addition to providing huge sums to stimulate banking liquidity. The UK auditing standards, closely aligned with international auditing standards, state that the â€Å"auditor’s procedures necessarily involve a consideration of the entity’s ability to continue in operational existence for the foreseeabl e future. Especially small investors are giving great importance to the financial media’s comments.Accounting is the methodology which provides measurements, statements or provisions of assurance about financial status concerning firm’s financial situations. Accounting can be described as â€Å"language of business â€Å"because accounting information provides signals to end users, especially to investors. Usually their premiums are much higher than their salaries which are generally associated with the growth of the firm. This payment system encourages or even forces them to growth. Brokers are the mediators between the buyers and the sellers.In every transaction they earn c ertain amount of commission. Even though they have certain amount of fixed income their main source of income comes from the transactions. There is an inherent conflict of interest bet ween auditor and client relations. Auditors prepare auditing reports for external users: investors, government etc. , but audit fee is paid by the client: audited company. This price would be correct and even overvalued; t here could be even further decline in the price. This station is called value trap. If the investor buys the stock, he is caught by the trap.Finally models explaining valuation of currencies such as purchasing power parity, fisher effect and international fisher effect could not be put into practice accurately because of statistical deficiencies. Conclusion The deep of financial crisis raises questions about the role and value of the independent audit. Besides that, the Markets do not seem to have been assured by unqualified audit opinions and many financial institutions either coll apsed, that had to be bailed out within a short period of receiving unqualified audit opinions.Thought out that on any independent inquiry into the role of auditing, especially at financial institutions, would help to highlight the shortcomings of the current practices. However, there are remedies for audit industry has mediated previous crises by revising auditing standards and codes of ethics and the early signs are that the same strategies will be deployed again. So on the restrictions and the consequences will be improved over time through economic struggles.

Barriers To Parental Involvement

Significance of Parental Involvement to Student Achievement Education is one of the basic rights of a person and improving the state of education has become the priority for almost all nations. Innovations in teaching lessons such as the use of computers and multimedia became an established way in achieving quality education. However, improving the state of education does not solely rely on new technologies and better books or other utilities.Research done by the United States Department of Education in 1994 showed that parental involvement in a child’s learning can have greatly decrease drop-out rates in schools and have positive effects on a child’s achievement (Educational Resources Information Center, 1998, p. 1). Involvement of parents can be defined as the inclusion of dyadic relationships between the child, parent, teacher or the child’s legal guardian (Edgrowth, http://www. edgrowth. com/p2. html).Parental involvement that can enforce positive effects on a student’s performance can also be classified into different types. The three broad types that are often used to categorize parental involvement are â€Å"at home† or â€Å"at school†. At home parental involvement means that the activities the parent’s take part in are limited to school works that are brought home such as home works or school projects. The second type of parental involvement is at school which basically means that the parents are involved in school activities (Patrikaku, 2005, 8).Another type of parental involvement is through advocacy activities such as being a member of PTA/PTO organizations and other organizations which greatly boost the representation of parents and students in the school and community (Chavkin, 1993, p. 191). Since the early 1980s, the United States has stressed the importance of parental involvement in children’s development. In order to stress out the importance of this involvement, many states in America e nacted legislations that will increase the involvement of parents in school programs.Some of these legislations are in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio and South Carolina. These states require the student’s parent or guardian to be actively involved in school activities. They also require the parents or guardians to record and report the activities they do with their child (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2006, p. 152). The greatest gains that can be made when parents are involved in their children’s learning can be achieved when the parent’s are not only mere supporters but also if they are greatly involved in the activities.Deep involvement means that the parent’s not only supervise the children but also act as tutors when the children are at home. (Hornby, 2000, p. 3). Therefore the establishment of extensive parental involvement is a very important element in maintaining and securing the effectiveness of quality education. Numerous b enefits of involving parents in a student’s learning justify why this kind of involvement is important. Research done in the United States show that when parents play a role in their child’s education, the students do not only benefit academically but also socially.The research also showed that family income and social status are not accurate indicators of whether a student will succeed. (Franklin, et. al. , 2006, p. 630). The environment that a family creates when they are involved in a student’s learning makes a student want to achieve more. Also, when they support and express high expectations from their children’s education, the children tend to achieve more. Additionally, children learn the value of their achievements no matter how big or small it is therefore encouraging them to be proud of who they are.Other researchers were able to deduce that parental involvement is directly related to student achievement. The students who had their parents invol ved in their education were observed to have better performance in school. The students had better attendance and decreased drop-out rates. The attitudes and behaviors of the students were also improved. School bullying was not observed from the students who are effectively guided by their parents (Hawes, et. al. , 2001, p. 742). When a parent guides their child in school through positive involvement, the child also learns how to be responsible and have good leadership skills.Studies show that the ability to make wise decisions start from decisions that are made within the family. Therefore if a child is taught wisely, the child will be able to make sound decisions when he is at school and especially when he grows up (Michigan Department of Education, 2010l). From the very early stages of studying, parental participation deeply enhances the academic achievement as well as a child’s adjustment in school. It also allows students to have better opportunities to cultivate scholas tic and social skills.These skills if developed well will be helpful in later school success and long-term cognitive benefits (Wong, K. , et. al. , 2002, p. 184). Importance of parental involvement is also highlighted because students whose parents are involved in school have good discipline at school and have better communications with their teachers. Unlike other students who disobey their teachers and do not behave well in class, these students do not get detentions often. They also respect their teachers like how they respect their parents (Va Educational Research Service (Arlington), 1997, p. 7).School administrators also refrain from unsatisfactory work when it comes to monitoring children. Indeed parental involvement is very significant in a student’s development and their achievement. Its importance is proven by numerous studies done not only in the United States but also in other countries. Its significance encourages more schools to pursue their students’ par ents to become more actively involved in school activities. It also makes communication between school and the parents better. Children are undoubtedly stimulated to achieve more and do well in school. Socio-Economic BarriersMaking majority of parents involved in the children’s education is not an easy task for educators. There are many impediments in parental involvement that school administrators face. Though there are legislations made for this, barriers such as socio-economic factors are not easily eradicated. Socio-economic status or SES can be defined as an individual or family’s social and economic position that is basically based on the family income and occupation, parental education level, and social status in the community (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, http://www.ncrel. org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea7lk5. htm). Students who belong in lower socio-economic class or the working class have lesser parental involvement than those who belong in the upper socio-economic class. This is partly because the parents of the latter spend more time with their children than those from the lower social class. Parents who are not very affluent spend majority of their time at work therefore reducing the time that is supposed to be spent guiding their children (King. W. , 1999, p. 64).Working class parents also refrain from developing communication relationships with their child’s teachers thus resulting in lack of information when it comes to school activities and happenings inside the classroom (Galen, J. , et. al. , 2007, p. 169). Another barrier in parental involvement that is related to the socio-economic status of a parent is when school administrators favor students whose parents are more supportive of school policies. These parents give more to school projects in terms of monetary donations therefore making them more actively participate in school.Also, there are cases where in students from disadvantaged famili es experience double jeopardy in school. The â€Å"double jeopardy† happens when students who have low socio-economic status live in disadvantaged communities and are also doubly inclined to attend disadvantaged schools. Though they can choose to attend better schools, they are sometimes segregated by these advantaged schools therefore discouraging them from doing better in class. Segregation happens when the said schools choose the most able youth in school activities thus neglecting other students (Richardson, S. , et. al. , 2005, p.213). Another study showed that parents who live in communities with poor socio-economic status are not very easy to reach in terms of communication (Van Wyk, et. al. , 2008, p. 17). They either settle in different places in a short-span of time partly because they do not have sufficient financial resources. Some are difficult to reach because they deem parental involvement in school as a waste of time and that they should be earning money for t heir family than attending school functions. Lack of access to financial resources is seen to be a growing problem in schools today (Thomas, L. , et. al., 2007, p. 68). Cost of education is slowly increasing and some parents choose to have their children out of school in order to meet the demands of their basic needs. When this happens, the number of out-of-school children increases. Thus, the needed opinion from parents to make the quality of education better is not given. When a certain family belongs in a community from a low socio-economic status, they tend to feel isolated because of poverty and unemployment. This social isolation will have a negative impact on the parents’ and children’s socialization skills especially to the school (Lyman, R., et. al. , 1989, p. 211). Some parents express fear about communicating with teachers because they are afraid that they will be treated fairly by teachers. Discrimination or unfair treatment due to their class is also feare d by parents from low socio-economic background. Additionally, depending on the socio-economic background of the parent, they may adapt well to the advocacies done by the school and the activities performed by schools (Porter, L. , 2008, p. 35). They can either choose to easily accept these school policies or not and this will greatly affect the success of parental involvement.Language Barriers The use of languages sets humans apart from other living organisms. It is a vital tool that is utilized to communicate with others and understand each other. However, because of the many different spoken languages, people from different nationalities find it difficult to reach each other. In case of parental involvement, language is also another barrier in achieving the benefits of parental involvement. School activities such as Parent-Teacher Association meetings are deemed important in involving parents in the child’s school.It is one way to let the parents know of the problems of th e school and the students and how they can help the school solve these issues (Struck, D. , 1995, p. 17). However, when meetings are held in a school that caters to widely diverse nationalities, language is a problem. Not everybody speaks and comprehends one language, therefore making understanding difficult. Parents who belong to the minority or other nationality for example Asians feel that it may be disrespectful if they will talk to teachers and not be able to fully understand what the teacher is saying (Diane Publishing, 1998, p. 21).Minority parents also feel awkward when approaching teachers and other staff from their children’s school because they feel that they will not be able to understand each other. There are also instances where in because of the language barrier, parents from the minority are no longer invited to attend school activities because instead of making understandings, more arguments are made (Rockwell, R. , et. al. , 2009, p. 95). Though there are tr anslations services offered by some schools that advocate parental involvement school, difference in language is not that easily overcome by some school administrators (Funkhouser, J., 1997, p. xlv). This is because translators are unable to translate all languages that may be used by parents. Additionally, not all parents, especially from the minority are not that welcome to the idea that someone is translating for them. School Receptivity The school’s receptivity also plays as a factor in the success of parental involvement. If the school welcomes the parents well and if they are open to the opinions of the parents, hindrances to parental involvement will be avoided. School receptivity is, based on researches found to be a great predictor of how willing school’s are (Robinson, E., 2007, p. 11). However, not all schools are very receptive to parents at school. Research showed that there were teachers who did not communicate well with parents thus resulting to too many miscommunications (Nelson, G. , 2005, p. 253). Projects that were started both by the school and the parents in order to guide students failed. Because of this, some schools refrain from involving parents too much in school activities and other advocacies. Family members and school personnel are the people responsible for a child’s education.Aside from this, these people also contribute to the betterment of the educational process (Hiatt-Michael, D. , 2010, p. 4). Their receptivity towards each other is fundamental to the construction of a child’s knowledge. The greater the receptivity, the better the relationship between the parents and the school is and better decisions will be made for the benefit of the students. As mentioned before, there are parents who are afraid of talking with teachers because of socio economic and language barriers. The same goes with school administrators and other school personnel.Some of them do not accept much of the parent’s invo lvement in teaching students for this may cause confusion in the part of the students. Indeed, school receptivity is a major factor in the implementation of parental involvement in a child’s study. Even if there are numerous laws or regulations that encourage parents to be involved in schools, if the school itself is not receptive to these policies, the parents’ effort to support their children’s education will all prove to be futile. Parent Aspirations As parents, it is only natural for them to aspire for something good for the future of their children.In order to prepare them for it, they send them to the best schools, give them the best resources that they can afford and guide them very well on what decisions should be made. Their involvement in the children’s school is also another method of preparing their children that better future. Through proper academic encouragement, parents can greatly help their children achieve in school (Valencia, R. R. , 2 002, p. 125). However in cases of disadvantaged families, their aspirations for their children might lack and result to the student’s poor performance in school.Because of their status they tend to be more negative that parents who are affluent or parents who are not that disadvantaged. Parents from disadvantaged families are by research more pessimistic than those who are not disadvantaged (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2010, p. 179). Parents who are from poor families also have the tendency to settle for less than ambition for something great. When they let their children attend school, they do not pursue a college degree because they think that graduating from secondary school is enough to get a decent job (Combat Poverty Agency, 1999, p.10). When these parents do not have high aspirations for themselves or their children, they also refrain from being involved in school activities. They think that it is just a waste of time and that it will not be necessary in finding decent jobs in the future. They also do not want to be involved in their children’s school because they might have experienced something negative which led to their low aspirations in life. On the other hand, if the parents, even if they belong in a disadvantaged family, have high aspirations for their children, then their involvement in the school will be high.This will lead to their children’s high achievements and to do well in school. Additional Barriers Aside from the barriers to parental involvement mentioned above, there are still more problems that serves as hindrances to parental involvement for disadvantaged families. These barriers are the reasons why parental involvement is not that effective in some schools. If not dealt with properly, both y the school and the parents, the construction of education of the student will be gravely affected. The structure of the family can be considered as another barrier in parental involvement especial ly for disadvantaged families.For an instance, if the family belongs to the single-parent structure, then it will be difficult for the parent to be involved in school activities. It will also be hard for her to teach the children after school because the said parent will be performing the roles of two parents at a single time (Callison, W. , 2004, p. 2). The working schedule of the parent is also another barrier in parental involvement. If the parent is working full time, then it will be difficult for them to be involved in school activities which aim to give their children better education.Meetings such as PTA meetings will clash with their work scheduled and they will have to sacrifice one or the other based on their time schedule. If they belong to a lower socio-economic class or from a disadvantaged family then they will surely choose their work because making money for their family will be their utmost priority. Other children in the family can also be another barrier in parent al involvement. There are cases where in the disadvantaged family has too many children. Because of this, they cannot focus on the welfare of one child alone.They sometimes neglect or sacrifice the education of their other children to give way to their younger children. They cannot support the school’s advocacies because they have other things to do for their other children (Openshaw, L. , 2007, p. 60). For disadvantaged families who came from other countries or are immigrants, cultural differences may be a barrier for them. What they are used to do in their home country may vary on the place they currently reside in. Miscommunications will be the result of cultural differences between the parent and the teachers.What the teacher will say might mean entirely different to the parent based on the culture he grew up in. Elderly parents or guardians can be another barrier in parental involvement especially for disadvantaged families. Elderly people are sometimes too conservatives when it comes to changes in policies or how things are ruled. When the school wants a new regulation that will be for the welfare of the students, there is a chance that they might resist this change. Instead of helping the school to provide better services, their being conservative will only hinder the positive changes enforced.Transportation can also be considered as another barrier in parental involvement. For disadvantaged families especially, spending money on transportation to go to their child’s school can be called luxury. They might be unable to afford transportation so they will just skip the meetings or other advocacies implemented by the school. Negative or other traumatic experiences that a parent had when they were at school can be another barrier for parental involvement. Due to the negative experiences they had when they were students, they might shun connection with schools when they grow up.More often than not, parents send their children to schools they we nt to when they were younger. Though the staff that administers the school may be different during their children’s time, the trauma brought about by their negative experiences may result in their refusal to be involved in the school again. Indeed there are more barriers to parental involvement especially for disadvantaged families that are being discovered by studies done by experts. Unless they are dealt with properly, implementation of parental involvement in schools will not be successful. References Callison, W. (2004). Raising test scores using parent involvement.New York: Rowman & Littlefield. Chavkin, N. (1993). Families and schools in a pluralistic society. New York: SUNY Press. Combat Poverty Agency. (1999). Poverty Today. New York: Combat Poverty Agency. Diane Publishing. (1998). What's Noteworthy on Learners, Learning & Schooling. Kansas: DIANE Publishing. Edgrowth. Effects of Parental Involvement and Divorce on Student Achievement. Retrieved August 22, 2010, from http://www. edgrowth. com/p2. html. Educational Resources Information Center (1998). Parent involvement in children's education: efforts by public elementary schools. New Jersey: DIANE Publishing.Franklin, C. , Harris, M. , et. al. (2006). The school services sourcebook: a guide for school- based professionals. New York: Oxford University Press. Funkhouser, J. (1997). Family Involvement in Children’s Education. Washington D. C: DIANE Publishing. Galen, J. , et. al. (2007). Late to class: social class and schooling in the new economy. New York: SUNY Press. Hawes, J. , Shores, E. (2001). The family in America: an encyclopedia, Volume 1. California: ABC-CLIO. Hiatt-Michael, D. (2010). Promising Practices to Support Family Involvement in Schools (PB). New York: Information Age Publishing. Hornby, G. (2000).Improving Parental Involvement. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group. King, W. (1999). Looking into the lives of children: a worldwide view. Australia: James Nic holas Publishers. Lyman, R. D. , (1989). Residential and inpatient treatment of children and adolescents. New York: Springer. Michigan Department of Education. Parent Involvement = Student Achievement. Retrieved August 22, 2010, from http://www. michigan. gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5233-23090–,00. html Nelson, G. (2005). Partnerships for prevention: the story of the Highfield Community Enrichment Project. Canada: University of Toronto Press.

Anticipated Challenges and Planned Responses

ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES AND PLANNED RESPONSES As our business enters the world of food industry, INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL 1. Sanitation Problem Every food would not be one if it is not clean. It takes several stages to ensure that our products are not only edible or delicious, but most importantly safe for every consumer. This is also a serious matter of all food industries because its good name is at stake. Orion Foods Inc. being a competitive newcomer, will go through big paces to earn the market’s trust, which is too costly. We have to respond to regulatory authorities which provide the compulsory national framework for food or meat hygiene programmes through laws and regulations. Response Hygienic measures are to be taken during the various processing steps in the manufacture of meat products – the Meat Processing Hygiene.This is part of a firm’s Quality Management (QM) based on the following three principles crucial for meat processing operations: * Prevent m icrobial contamination of raw materials, intermediate (semi-manufactured)goods and final products during meat product manufacture through absolute cleanliness of tools, working tables, machines as well as hands and outfits of personnel. * Minimize microbial growth in raw materials, semi-manufactured goods and final products by storing them at a low temperature. Reduce or eliminate microbial contamination by applying heat treatment at the final processing stage for extension of shelf life of products Fig. *** Microbiological contamination in the meat processing chain Figure *** shows the extent of contamination among meat processing operations, and the possible remedies, if any. If these processes were relinquished, it would highly contaminate meat which is unsuitable for further processing. Final products could be unattractive, tasteless or shorter in shelf life. In light of this issue, Quality Management schemes are needed.Such schemes have technical and hygienic components. The fo rmer encompasses product composition, processing technologies, packaging, storage and distribution. The hygienic aspect, related to meat processes, focuses not only for the final product, but also for the raw materials in various processes. It has two useful schemes: * Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) It follows general hygienic rules and applies recognized hygienic principles as well as laws and regulations issued by the competent authorities, referring to meat and meat products, equipment, Premises and personnel.GHP schemes are not factory specific, they apply to all types of meat plants. They are intended to establish and maintain acceptable hygienic standards in relevant meat operations. * Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) HACCP are factory and product specific strictly sanitary control schemes that shall prevent, detect, control and/or reduce to save levels accidentally occurring hazards to consumers’ health. Despite GHP in place, accidental hazards cannot be ruled out and may occur at any processing step of the individual meat product.Specifically for meat processing plants, such hazards may be provoked by failures such as: * batches of incoming raw meat materials with abnormal tissues or * heavy contamination, * breakdowns in refrigeration, * failure in cooking/sterilization operations, * abnormal pH or a * in raw or finished products, * errors in levels of application of * curing salts and other additives, * technical problems in sealing of * vacuum packages or cans with * the risk of recontamination.

Emergency Disaster Plan xyz Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Emergency Disaster Plan xyz Corporation - Essay Example If such a plan is not presented and activated in time, it becomes highly risky in the course of time when such an eventuality occurs. The cost of the loss sustained is far higher and in many cases, there is no compensation possible for such losses. Whether this is a flood or a fire or a terrorist strike the company should be ready to take care of the eventuality. A high level technical support should be planned and there should be a clear commitment from across the company and its management. Management should be aware of the liability and accountability to the company and the public in general. The process would involve a steering committee being set up for this purpose which would enable the members to know the different classes of security and protection in addition to disaster management for different types of companies. It is also essential that an appropriate budget is drawn for this purpose. Budget can be effectively planned only if there is a clear allocation of teams for specific jobs and execution plan for every one of the jobs in the disaster management. 1. Property damages could occur due to water seepage in the company as well as due to wind. In an insurance company, the threat perception is noticed only for the information contained in the computers and the loss that could occur to this data will be the one that would cause loss to the business. 2. Water is capable of damaging the entire computer network in the office which could result in loss of data in the computer as well as loss due to stoppage of work. 3. Loss due to wind could take the form of disrupted wiring and networks resulting in communication issues that could stop smooth flow business. Loss of business activity would mean that clients are not served and orders are not booked. Either of them would result in a loss to the company in terms of finance or in terms of service creating wrong impressions with the clients. 4. Apart from this the company is also vulnerable to external man made attacks in terms of virus or such other external ingression of unwanted elements on to the computer network. 5. The possibility of a fire to the building also exists. 6. The possibility of an earthquake in that area is also possible. Out of these possible vulnerabilities, the area is prone to flooding and winds of hurricane grade. Therefore, the company should ideally plan for defending itself against such vulnerabilities. In order to safeguard itself against flooding and hurricanes, the company should look for the following measures: 1. To counter flooding, physical security is primary. All back up data taken every day should be kept inside safe packs of water proof and fire proof quality. Fire can also be caused by hurricanes. 2. The structure of the building may be so planned that the building is appropriately raised and built so that the chances of flooding the building goes down to zero if possible. 3. Company should ensure that the data is safely backed up every day and moved to a different location so that even in the case of a large flood stopping the work and spoiling the data in the company main data center, the data in the other location can be called on

Personal journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal journal - Essay Example At least I’ll have my own four wheels and freedom to get places I need to be. It’s funny because I know I’ll mostly be using it to get to school and work on time. Oh well, it’s still liberating to know you have your own car; a vehicle you can use anytime you want to. Sometimes I notice people and the types of cars they drive. It almost defines them and their personality. I saw an elderly lady driving the other day, hands firmly on the wheel, back slightly hunched, eyes focused, and forehead wrinkled in concentration. She was driving a neat little, Ford, a family car suitable for basic day to day needs and errands. Something safe, reliable, and comforting, just like her. I wonder if people will look and analyze me when I’m sitting in my car driving down the street. First, I need to pick one out though. God, I hope I don’t get something too shabby. Maybe I’ll get it painted a bright blue or even silver to make it cooler. I’ll be o ne of the first ones among my friends to have one. We would all be able to hang out more often once school is over; cruising down in my car I don’t have yet. I still have to get a summer job though. I’ll start looking at the wanted ads tomorrow. I’ll talk to my dad again tonight and see for sure how much he can pitch in. I’ll be able to help around more with outside chores and tasks. Yeah that’ll be a good starting point to reel in my dad.

Brain Imaging Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Brain Imaging Technologies - Essay Example The variety of energies and specialties like radiology, medical physics, nuclear pharmacy, etc has led to hospitals and university research centers being called diagnostic imaging or radiology or the science of radiology. No name yet worked out is wholly satisfactory in the countenance of the vivid changes which have occurred, mainly in the last three or four decades. (Kuhn, 2004) The power of contemporary computers to allow the speedy display of sectional images of the body by means of technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan, single-photon emission topography, positron emission topography or magnetic resonance imaging has been cardinal to the upbringing of the latest technologies. Nevertheless, an equally great change has been that encompassing the move of medical imaging from the laboratory to the living room. Many Decades ago what was then radiological science poked a restricted series of diagnostic information to a referring medical doctor apprehensive to resolve diagnostic ambiguity between the diseases potentially able to report for a patient's indicators. In the beginning of the this century, imaging technology is used not only to spot the abrasion, and to do so more effectively, but to direct the needle used in its biopsy; not only to recognize a blocked vessel but to guide its dilatation as well. FMRI AND PET Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging is based on the boost in blood flow to the local vasculature that comes along neural activity in the brain. This result in a consequent local drop in deoxyhemoglobin because the augmentation in blood flow occurs without an amplification of similar magnitude in oxygen extraction. Thus, deoxyhemoglobin is every now and then is known as a contrast enhancing agent, and serves as the source of the signal for fMRI. Functional activity of the brain obtained from the magnetic resonance pointer has verified known anatomically dissimilar processing regions in the visual cortex, the motor cortex, and Broca's area of speech and language-related activities. Further, speedily rising bodies of research document communicate to findings between fMRI and usual electro-physiological methods to localize explicit functions of the human brain (Romanelli, 2004). Consequently, the number of medical and research centers with fMRI capabilities and investigational programs continues to shoot up. The major returns to fMRI as a technique to image brain activity related to a particular objective or sensory process says the the signal does not need doses of radioactive isotopes, the total scan time needed can be very less, i.e., on the order of 1.5 to 2.0 minutes per run (depending on the paradigm), and the in-plane resolution of the functional image is generally about 1.5 x 1.5 mm although resolutions less than 1 mm are likely. To put these pros in standpoint, functional images obtained by the earlier method of positron emission tomography, require doses of radioactive isotopes, multiple acquisitions, and therefore, longer imaging times. Additionally, the anticipated resolution of positron emission tomography images is much larger than the common functional magnetic resonance imaging pixel size. In addition, positron emission tomography usually requires that numerous individual brain images are joined in order to obtain a dependable

Outlook report for Marks & Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Outlook report for Marks & Spencer - Essay Example On the other hand, the market share of Marks & Spenser in Food is 3.9 percent.1 Marks & Spenser Food retailer is considered as one of the UK’s leading high-quality food provider. The company is offering fresh produce, groceries, ready and partly prepared food. Today the company has total 668 stores throughout UK, out of which 156 are simply food wholly owned outlets and 182 are simple food franchises. In order to evaluate the factors based on which Marks & Spenser Food Retailer has been able to sustain its brand name as a value-creating brand, an outlook of Marks & Spenser has been presented here. This outlook will evaluate the various challenges and prospects for the company during the last few years. In spite of the cultural differences, Marks & Spenser Food has been able to operate very efficiently in terms of macroeconomic policies. The company has been able to expand by building strong relationships with other countries. However, during the last few years, because of the worsening macroeconomic conditions, the governments of various states have been introducing different policies, which have affected the operations of Marks & Spenser and other food retailers. The economic conditions and the recession have negatively affected the operations and balance sheet strength of Marks & Spenser. According to the annual reports of Marks & Spenser, in the year 2009, the company has to reduce its dividends by 20.9 percent. The Chairman Sir Stuart has also reported in the annual report that the decision of cutting dividends have been taken because of two reasons; first, economic conditions of the company and second, the need of the company to retain financial strength and flexibility. Moreover, the profits of the company have declined by 40.0 percent because of the conditions on High Street and the important decision of the company to improve quality and value. The social needs of the

The Social Impact of the Industrial Revolution Research Paper

The Social Impact of the Industrial Revolution - Research Paper Example Advancements and reforms were also evident, the society being encouraged to adhere to the law. This made it possible for people to trade without fearing fraud or breaches of business agreements. Capitalism was also encouraged, and this led to the growth of the economy and industries – to the revolution in the economy. The 18th century transition from the economies based on manual labor and draft animals to a more machine manufacturing system changed the speed and quality of goods produced3. Textile was a crucial commodity during this period, and mechanization of the textile industry and steel manufacturing and the increasing use of refined coal bolstered productivity of the existent industries. With the production of more goods at a faster and more efficient rate, there was a need for the creation of a transportation system to complement these developments. Transport networks, including the railway, canals and roads, were enhanced. This facilitated for the movement of goods fr om the industries to markets, expanding the economy. With the expansion of industries, the economy shifted from agriculture and became more inclined towards industries. This led to the resettlement of individuals to the industrial centers and, consequently, the creation of urban settlements4. The use of machinery during production enabled manufacturers to produce identical goods, which were precisely made and were cheaper. For instance, gun parts were previously uniquely made to fit one gun, so they could not be reused on another. The use of machinery enabled manufacturers to duplicate the parts, making them fit in any gun of its type and making... This report approves that housing was a social problem during the industrial revolution. The living conditions in the era were significantly contrasting between the classes. The factory owners and wealthy industrialists lived in regal quarters with luxurious accommodation. This, however, was not the situation for the poor workers who lived in pathetic conditions of squalor . The influx of workers put a strain in the available amenities, leading to the formation of slums in the industrial regions . This was characterized by poorly constructed houses to accommodate the workers in the new industrial centers. The people lived in cramped regions in housing units that were inhumanely small. They were also required to share toilet facilities. The workers lived in dirty environments, and the hygienic conditions were unimaginable poor. This paper makes a conclusion that the industrial revolution was a significant occurrence in the history of humankind. This is because the event changed the social, economic and political situation globally and its impact is evident in the contemporary world. The advent of industrialization led to the migration of people to the industrial centers and, consequently, to the creation of cities. The changes, however, led to social challenges, which included housing for the workers, child labor and other social problems. These social changes have played a significant role in shaping the social situation of the modern world.

Cross-Cultural Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Cross-Cultural Management - Essay Example However, it has also brought in certain major challenges for these organisations to succeed in the global arena. There are various determinants for international business that restrict the organisational capabilities to avail opportunities internationally. One of the major determinants that many experts have considered is the cross-cultural aspects of the international business. Cultural differences are often very difficult to observe and measure while failure to understand the culture may have intensified effects on the business organisation that can reduce the business performance (Ghemawat & Reiche, 2011). The poor understanding of cross culture has a radical influence on the business process as well as on the management as it may increase the propensity towards committing business blunders. Notably, the success or the failure of business greatly relies on the performance of human resources within organisations. Consequently, the limitation of certain understandings such language, business etiquette, norms and values by the human resources in an organisation at international level has often collapsed many business organisations (The Culturosity Group, LLC, 2004) Overview of the Airbus Consortium Airbus is a subsidiary company of Netherlands based European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) with its headquarter located in Toulouse, France and the ingenuity of major European countries including France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom is combined to create a giant company to compete with other major companies such as Boeing of the United States. The consortium is a key manufacturer of military airlifters as well as commercial jetliners, continuously involved since previous 40 years (Airbus S.A.S., 2012). Airbus operates globally and creates value for its widespread customers and shareholders. The company employs more than 55,000 personnel from in excess of 100 nationalities around the world. The company’s operations greatly rely on industr ial cooperation as well as on partnership with world’s a few of the major companies. The company has more than 1500 suppliers spread over 30 countries. Its success is attributed to a mix of ideas, vision and knowledge such as a combination of diverse cultures in its work process. The company with its global presence and expanding business operations has now become an international family (Airbus S. A. S., 2012). Source: (Observatory of Sustainability in Aviation, 2012) Cross-Cultural Issues Faced By the Airbus Consortium Airbus consortium is a multi-national company which has workforce from all around the world. However, the company has always been cautious and has respected diversity and business ethics within the organisation. The company continuously strives to seek opportunities in order to reap the benefits provided by culturally diverse workforce committed towards accomplishing the organisational goals. The company with its multi-culture team ensures that it is efficien t to understand the various needs of its diverse customers, stakeholders and

Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 18

Paper - Essay Example The methods proposed in this research apply a somewhat unique group of security technology primitives, involving system management primitives, monitoring, access control, authentication, data-aging protection, integrity checking, and encryption. These algorithms will be employed to develop the cyber security walls between cyber sites at critical infrastructures. This research concludes that the evidence-based model adequately sheds light on the ambiguity or insecurity in the user feedback to the CPS evaluation, and thus in the provisional risk assessments for the whole physical and cyber protection scheme. The actions required to improve the effectiveness and security of critical infrastructures are primarily in the model of defense against malevolent attacks. Critical infrastructure protection requires foreseeing measures that go above simple material protection of infrastructures or resources against attacks. Involving all concerned actors for the tasks of planning, regulating, and operating various infrastructures that provide essential services to different communities are an indispensable

Teachers Day Essay Example for Free

Teachers Day Essay Ratna: A timeless Indian edict goes â€Å"Mata Pita Guru Deva† which translated stands for â€Å"Mother Father Teacher God† – a sacred list of the most revered relationships in a strict order. The meaning of this adage is the greatest truth, and is the order in which one should offer reverence. The phrase is a basic tenet in existence from the time of the Vedas and beyond. Snehal: First comes the mother (Mata) who gives birth to the child, thereby bringing us as a child into this world. Next comes the father (Pita), because it is the mother who knows the truth about the father and she points us to the father. The mother and father then take us to the teacher (Guru), and it is the guru, through his or her teachings, points us to God (Devam). Here God represents the consciousness or self-awareness or our real self. A Teacher thus stands at a higher pedestal than the almighty omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient and omnifarious. Ratna: Most of our earliest memories of school days will definitely feature an ever-smiling, ever-helpful teacher who assumed the role of a parent at school. While in many relations, we tend to pay back, with gratitude, the service or help rendered to us, a Teacher-Student relationship mostly ends up as a one-way lane where the teacher is always the giver and seldom the receiver. Snehal: So, here we r today to celebrate the magic, the â€Å"teacher† by expressing r deepest sense of gratitude and respect In our little way to wish to thank u all and salute ur immeasurable efforts and hard work†¦ I, Snehal and my friend Ratna, on the behalf of r entire class and r seniors welcome u all here†¦ Ur presence and valueable time really means a lot to us†¦ Welcome and hope u have a memorable Teachers Day†¦ 1) Ratna: (Ankit and Shankaran) In the words of William Butler Yeats, Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire. Without any further delay, taking blessings from the almighty and r teachers here, I will like to welcome Shankaran and Ankit to begin with the program and fill d air with music and melodies†¦ 2) Snehal (Vikram speech) Thank u Ankit and Shankaran for a great start†¦ Before we move any further, I would like to invite the President of the Management Association and r dear senior- Vikram Sir to come up and lead the way forward by saying a few words†¦ 3) Ratna (Ppt) Nikos Kazantzakis has rightly said- â€Å"Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own†. N its owing to those great teachers u n I stand here today†¦ Here we present a small presentation as a token of r appreciation towards u all teachers†¦ 4) Ratna (Harshit) Someone once said, â€Å"Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives. † It is so very true†¦ I now invite Harshit to come forward and convey all r special feelings to r dear teachers†¦ 5) Snehal (Video) Rightly said Harshit.. This reminds me of a little story I read back at school†¦ What Do Teachers Make? The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, Whats a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher? He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers Those who can, do. Those who cant, teach. To stress his point he said to another guest; Youre a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make? Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence. You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them question I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write and read I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, must pay no attention because they just didnt learn. Susan paused and then continued. You want to know what I make? I MAKE U I MAKE A DIFFERENCE Here we now present a small video to reach out r hearts to one n all†¦ 6) Ratna: (Leela Rani Mam speech) I often wonder about teachers who educated famous people such as Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, and the like. Were these teachers specially qualified to inspire their students to achieve fame and success? Or were these teachers just plain lucky to have exceptionally talented students? Do some teachers have the rare quality of turning dust into gold? The answer may not be easy to find†¦ I would now request r respected Leela Rani Mam to please come forward and share few words of advice with us 7) Snehal (Shruti) As we move towards the end of today’s function, and before we proceed to d cake-cutting and snacks session, I would request Shruti to come forward are convey d vote of thanks on behalf of the MBA batch of 2012-14. 8) cake-cutting Snehal: I would take the pleasure of inviting all the faculty members to come forward for the cake cutting†¦ 9) Snacks (Ratna). Someone once said, Teachers dont impact for a year, but for a lifetime. A teacher can make a lasting impression on your mind. This influence persists beyond school, college and university, and becomes the beacon of light, guiding us through the journey of life. Good teachers play the role of a parent, providing encouragement, inspiration, and invaluable guidance†¦. We now bid a good-bye to this memorable evening and hope to create many such during r stay at BITS. We once again thank you all for being a part of this event and thereby appreciating r efforts†¦ Thank You†¦

Assessment and Students Essay Example for Free

Assessment and Students Essay The aim of this assignment is to demonstrate assessment as a factor that affects learning in placement areas. I am a qualified midwife who works for an NHS Trust but find it hard to deal with struggling students, through assessment. According to NMC (2006) the term mentor is used to denote the role of a Nurse or Midwife who facilitates learning and supervises and assesses students in practice places. I shall be referring to the standard of Assessment in practice. As a qualified midwife, I know the importance of assessment but not very sure on how to go about it, yet to achieve a better professional of tomorrow, mentors need to master good ways of doing this. Assessment is something we do before undertaking any process of instruction and again at the end of a practice placement. It is however a way of collecting, measuring and interpreting of information relating to a learner’s response the process of instruction Hand (2006). There are three ways of assessing used in health and social care formative, summative and continuous There are a variety of student, teacher and environment factors that can affect the quality of learning like, lack of assessment is one of those factors that affect learning Adult learning is a complex field with many different theories and can be daunting for mentors, however. Anderson (2011) states the need to have an understanding of intellectual, physical and attitudinal processes involved in adult learning to support and assess students in practice. Most students nursing students will achieve the proficiency standards they need to register but mentors may be faced with students whose performance is weak, while these may be in the minority, evidence suggests that mentors find this one of the most challenging aspects of their role Duffy (2004). The NMC Standards to support learning and assessment in practice (2006) identified mentors’ responsibility in supporting and assessing nursing and midwifery students. The standards emphasise mentors’ role in managing the failing students. Within pre-registration nursing and midwifery education programmes, clinical competence is verified via continuous assessment in practice. Mentors assess competence in practice and have a responsibility to confirm that students are capable of a safe and effective practice, NMC (2006). This requires them to identify underperforming students and manage the situation appropriately. Duffy (2004) identified that one of the reason mentors ‘fail to fail’ students in practice is lack of knowledge of the assessment process. Students may react with anger/ aggression and denial, and may verbally abuse their mentor. They may react by blaming others, or even the previous mentor. Some students may be relieved and willing to accept a failed assessment. Failure can have a positive or negative outcome which is why some mentors may chose to avoid the assessment to avoid stress that is accompanied with failing a student. Duffy (2004) also states that this can leave the mentor feeling sad, anger, exhaustion or relief. Although failing students may have emotional consequences on the whole team, it is important that mentors do not avoid these situations by passing them when they feel that they have not achieved the outcome required of them whatever the reason. CONCLUSSION I have enjoyed looking at assessment as an aspect of mentorship, as I had to look at my own practice; it has opened my eyes in prioritising what is important and what is not. I have always known myself as someone who is not as assertive as I ought to be, and sometimes feel sorry or even scared of the reaction and thought I may end up passing a student who has failed. The NMC Code of professional conduct (2004) states that nurses and midwives on professional register have the duty to facilitate students of nursing and midwifery and others to develop their competence. By passing a failed student, you are not keeping to this code of conduct, and also by passing them; you are making your own work a lot harder as you will have to work with an incompetent professional tomorrow.

Activity-based Costing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Activity-based Costing: Advantages and Disadvantages Activity-based costing is an information system, that assigning resource of cost to products or services based on the activity consume. The Economist, June 29th 2009, Activity-Based costing Thus, ABC can help the manager to obtain more accurate and up-to-date costing information to evaluate the cost budgeting to maximize profit. (Metin Reyhanoglu, Activity-Based Costing System: Advantage and Disadvantage, Ankara University, Turkey, Pp.2) In additional, ABC can provide a company with precise cost information to improve company performance. In order to allow identify the products and prevent inefficient or unnecessary activities for cost reduction and enter in the wrong marketplace. (Turney 1991, Pp.50) The ABC is become most popular since1980s from the rising lack of relevance of traditional cost accounting of assigning costs and to enhance its usefulness to decision making define by English mans Robin Cooper and Americans Robert Kaplan. ABC system follows two stages to identify the cost. Firstly, is accumulates manufacturing overhead costs for each activity consume; Secondly, identifying the resources and activities consume and then assigning the costs to the products, services and customers. ABC is an alternative to Traditional Cost Accounting in which a companys overheads are assigned in proportion to an activitys direct cost. This is dissatisfied whereas two systems which are absorbed the same costs but can use very different amount of overhead. Hence, for a company using TCA system that make and more and more variety products would lead to large losses. For the todays manufacturing, ABC systems is most appropriate to adopted for companies to customise products, this is because it can assigning indirect costs more accurately. While ABC look complex whereas TCA is simple, because ABC required a lot of specializes knowledge to be able implemented correctly and provides positive results. It is a well know that the Traditional cost accounting (TCA) is a systems usually assigns costs based on single volume to measures such as labour hour, machine hour and etc. It is arbitrarily assigning manufacturing costs overhead to units produced (only to product). It is an allocate manufacturing costs directly to products or services such as direct labour hours, direct labour costs or machine hours. But TCA is fails in assigning non-manufacturing costs such as administrative expenses because it is not absorbed in to products or services. This is a reason why the TCA system often report inaccurate in product cost compare to ABC system. But in the situation, the company where there is a large diversify of products or high level of automation, thus, the overheads misrepresentation will be significant in TCA system. Therefore, ABC system is more appropriate to adopt it can help the manager to analysis more accurate cost management than TCA system. ABC can provide reliable information in calculation product costs and is best practice for products and service profitability analysis. Therefore, todays manufacturing most of the management recommendation using ABC to determine costs. When overhead is high, diversify products, therefore cost of determine cost of mistake high and competitive is stiff thus ABC is able to calculate the precise cost of product compare with TCA. ABC system is help to evaluate performance and set budget which can assist the manager to use this information to control and comparison purpose. To prevent over budget situation and overcome unpredictable occur. ABC can help the management to set clear picture of the objective to guide the company toward given target. For the TCA system is determining the cost of production after the produces. Therefore, TCA system is almost obsolete whereas ABC system is become famous. ABC can provide more precise information in determine cost of product and control the quality of the products to prevent sacrificing by competitor. Advantages Disadvantages In the advance manufacturing, many companies adopt ABC system because its can provide more advantageous offer so that can reduce misrepresentation in product costs. ABC can provide more logical, relevance and accurate information to assist company calculation more precise cost of product and evaluation the performance, leading to increase profitability measurement. For the accurate measurement of ABC that can help managers more effective at decision making. Therefore, a better decision can improve the management strategic and tactical planning effectively, detect changes in unpredictable and allows managers to detect mistake become crucial. To be profitability, a company must calculate its product costs in order to make its pricing decision. Therefore, ABC system is an effective product costing system more appropriate to adopt. It can provide management with the vital information, timeliness and accurate information to designed standard costs to compare the variance between actual costs. Management can analysis the mistake and take corrective action of variances. It can minimize the risk of error estimate product cost. To remain ahead of competition, the company must be offer goods and products of the good quality and right price for retain customers. Thus, the company is in interest the prices competitors set of their products. This is an important factor for the company to determined cost of product and making decision whether is a right time to enter a new market. If the selling price set too high lead to loss lots of loyal the customers and damages the company image. Therefore, the company must prepare contingency plan for changing needs of the market. Although ABC can help manager manage overhead and understand profitability of products and customers as well, despite managers should be aware several limitations. For getting accurate information is not easily, sometimes the company need spent lot of times to collect data and investigate, that all is not free thus caused consume a lot of human resources and valuable time. It is a well know that the ABC system is not cost free. Lot of the company considers an ABC is likely to be very expensive to implementing. Due to ABC was not updating because designs difficult and time consuming to develop. But found out that ABC can only be implemented in certain companies from certain industries because not all the companies suitable advanced system like ABC. For small businesses for choosing not implement of the system. Despite, some large businesses have discarded because of high maintenance and complex to implement. However, despite the claimed limitation of ABC, but still have company prefer to implementation of ABC system. Because its can provide most reliability and effective information. Eventhough ABC has consumed most of time and cost to gather information but it can result to get first-hand information for better strategic planning. The accurate information can assist in minimizing the waste, saving time, and easily to identify the cost of product simultaneous cost save. ABC system can help to reduce resources consumption and boost profits. Around the world, different companies have adopted ABC in order to minimize the costs and increase the profit. In this paper would be discuss the adoption of ABC system in four (4) countries with different culture and industries to identified the factor that critical to implementation. Case study one: Restaurant Industry in Tunisian According to Amel B. Hadj Salem-Mhamdia and Bahia Bejar Ghadhabs Value management and activity based costing model in Tunisian restaurant article was reported that the tourism industry play an important roles for Tunisians source of income and restaurant industry is highly competitive and is central to the success of the tourism industry. Costing method play an important role to further develop the restaurant industry in Tunisian due to costing method might direct and/or indirect lead the business to maximize the profit and minimize the cost. In this first case study, ABC system was successfully implemented the a la carte style restaurant in Tunisia (only a single restaurant in Tunisia). Thus, ABC system fully recommended adopting due to able to determine accurate cost of product in term of cost incurred of different activities involved in all menu items. This is because every different activity it can mainly directly affect the cost in the menu. Thus, ABC system can provide reliable and accurate information to calculate costs of the menu item and profitability measurement. In order to forecast the ingredients order, adjustment of recipe grade, etc. Operation Department (Chef, Services staff) is important for a restaurant, ABC system able to analysis the adjustment of operation salary, operation hours, staff arrangement. ABC system is a significant benefit for restaurant industry; it can provide reliable information useful for market research and culture analysis in service industry especially can improve of planning and cost control analysis. Simultaneous can directly perceived the restaurants activities via customer satisfaction survey analysis. In order to help managers make a good decision drive for restaurants profitability and competitiveness. In the conclusion, ABC system has been suggested as an appropriate method for guiding and leading the process of making decision. ABC is a viable method to estimate product costing in restaurant and also conduct a price sensitivity analysis in order to learn about the price elasticity patterns of the menu. The ABC system can be identifying the basics of service direction and service experience in a specific culture environment. Case study Two: Telecommunication Industry in Portuguese According to the Maria Joao Martins Ferreira Majors Management accounting change in Portuguese telecommunication Industry article was reported the telecommunication company in the Portugal changed the management accounting system in order to evaluate more accurate product cost and provide efficient information to enhance the decision making. In this subsequent case study, conduct in Portuguese telecommunications company call Marconi, the main activity of the company is providing long distance telecommunication service. The Marconis telecommunication business was operating in a monopoly organization in Portugal, hence was not facing any competition pressure issue. For todays industry, the telecommunication market in Portuguese become more and more competition attack the market. Therefore, the Marconi required the manager with significant market power should follow cost direction in order to justify the cost. So the Marconi decided to implemented ABC system in order to stay competitive and deliver more applicable and precise data which can be used by the management. In this research, the Marconi changed its TCA systems and replaced it with ABC system due to the company did not have a proper cost systems to control costs. ABC system, it can provide reliable information can be used to calculation the cost model which to satisfy the Portuguese telecommunication. The result of ABC system is highly recommendation to adopt in the telecommunication company in Portugal, because it can provide significant information to provide precise cost calculation of telecommunications interconnections. Thus, the European commission clearly designated that the ABC system is more appropriate used to allocate the common costs to the cost of product. Furthermore, ABC establishes an efficient managerial tool to support manager in decision within the new business environment. In addition, ABC system can provide accurate and up-to date information to support calculate product costing more precise through the allocation basis and assists managers better understanding of the drivers on costs. Finally, the telecommunication company choosing ABC as the right costing system sacrificing TCA in order to assist manager evaluate interconnection prices strategic more adequate was an important issue. Case study Three: Hot Spring Country Inn in Taiwan According to Wen-Hsien Tsai and Jui-Ling Hsus activity-based costing: a case study in Taiwanese hot spring Inns cost calculation article was reported the Hot Spring Country Inn is run a nontraditional style business in Yang-Ming-Shan area of Taiwan. The company is provides nontraditional lodging, hot spring and meal serving services. In this third case study, the Country Inn was forgone TCA and adopt ABC as their costing management because ABC system is more practice and appropriate for the company and can provide more accurate information for evaluate cost management and pricing set-up. The ABC system is more applicable to use because the company has various products such as lodging, hot spring and meal serving. Therefore, ABC system can provide more relevant and accurate information to calculate the cost. For the diversify products thus the overhead which indirectly traceable to the product, therefore proportion the overhead of the total cost is very significant. The ABC system more concern on the precise cost assigning and overhead allocation. For instant, the Country Inn fully agree the implemented ABC system is really more benefit and useful costing management. And ABC system can provide more accurate information for pricing decision and make a better decision. Meanwhile, the Country Inn faces on seasonal customer fluctuation unstable, while in winter the hot spring use can hit to the maximum whereas in summer season would drop minimum. Thus, using ABC system can overcome this seasonal issue. The manager can implements ABC system to allocate resources costs based on activity consume and assign the overhead costs to product based on direct labour hour to overcome limitation of TCA system in order to calculate more accurate cost of product and prevent losses. After the Country Inn adopts ABC system, the unit costs of each product in the market segment obviously clear and can provide useful information to assist managers on decision making and cost-volume-profit analysis. Therefore, the Country Inn fully agrees choose the right costing system and define activities well. Case study Four: Automotive manufacturing in American According to Paul Jurek, Bert Bras, Tina Guldberg, Ji, DArcy, Seong-Chan Oh and Stephan Billers Activity-Based Costing applied to automotive manufacturing article was reported the GM adopt activity-based costing to evaluate demand and response offer from local utility company in an American automotive manufacturing industry. General Motors Company known as GM is produces cars trucks and sells services these vehicles is an American multinational automobile, and among the largest auto-producer in the world. In this case study, automotive industrial is a complex, consume large amounts resources and high competitive. Due to the way to increase competitive advantages is implement ABC system to analysis the production and operating cost in order to minimize the expenses due to ABC able to identify the cost in detailing for each production stage and/or material cost. It can assist the operator for selection of material and/or production method, i.e. hours of labour, amount of space, length of melding, efficiency of machinery. Also, ABC able to advise the demand and response for the product and this may help manufacturer to determine the cost allocation for resource, material, marketing plan, etc. In conclusion, ABC system is suitable for huge production industrial even the implement cost is high, because the return in direct and indirect benefit or profit due to of able to identify the cost in detailing and helps to allocate more resources on profitability products. Conclusion As the research from different industries in above, ABC has demonstrated leading to produce more reliable, precise in costing management and cost-volume-profit analysis. Thus, those industries fully agree the ABC system is a more appropriate costing system to implement for the nowadays. Despite, the ABC system cost expensive and consumed most of time, but those companies still willing to adopt ABC sacrificing TCA in order to overcome limitation of TCA. ABC systems identify easily to determine the cost of product, minimize the waste and simultaneous save cost. Therefore, ABC system more appropriate adopt for the company. To conclude, ABC system can provide accurate information for resulting in better decision, strategy planning and forecasting for future development.

Favoring Villain :: Antagonist Villains Movies Essays

Favoring Villain Society thrives on movies, the excitement, the romance, and the danger. Most people watch movies as a source of entertainment, but how often do we think about the nature of the film. For instance, the film† Oceans Eleven† and â€Å"The Italian Job† were very successful movies at the box office this year. Both films have innumerable aspects of revenge and payback but probably the most apparent theme of the movies is stealing. The characters in both films are masterminds at what they feel is the perfect job, the heist of large amounts of money from their enemy. These films show the devious side of people and how they succeed in illegal actions, constructing the villain in such a way that it makes the audience favor the villain. Through repetition the writers can engage the viewers to favor the villain. Oceans Eleven starts out with the main Character Daniel Ocean getting out of jail for another job that he got caught trying to do. The character is dressed in a tuxedo and has a confident air about him. The first scene of the movie already has the audience intrigued with the character because he looks first-class. As the movie progresses the other characters are introduced, each one exceptionally well dressed with great manners, coming across as very sophisticated. Our society loves excitement and leadership, which the characters in this movie provide greatly. While introducing each new character, the writers were particular about having each character dressed remarkably well, repeating the image that they are high-quality people. Daniel Ocean makes a proposition to his very close friend played by Brad Pitt, to hit up three casinos in one night. He explains that this hit will have to be precise, it will need lots of planning, and they will have to have lots of funding. The character s come off very smoothly, relaxed and confident about what they are doing, allowing the audience to get comfortable with the idea that the characters are going to be stealing from three major corporations, all of which happen to be owned by the same man. The owner of the three casinos is a ruthless man described as someone â€Å"Who better not know your involved, not know your name, or your dead or he will kill you and then go to work on you.† The audience is already favoring Daniel Ocean and his crew, finding out that the man they are stealing from is ruthless just turns everyone against him even though he is the one who is getting robbed. Favoring Villain :: Antagonist Villains Movies Essays Favoring Villain Society thrives on movies, the excitement, the romance, and the danger. Most people watch movies as a source of entertainment, but how often do we think about the nature of the film. For instance, the film† Oceans Eleven† and â€Å"The Italian Job† were very successful movies at the box office this year. Both films have innumerable aspects of revenge and payback but probably the most apparent theme of the movies is stealing. The characters in both films are masterminds at what they feel is the perfect job, the heist of large amounts of money from their enemy. These films show the devious side of people and how they succeed in illegal actions, constructing the villain in such a way that it makes the audience favor the villain. Through repetition the writers can engage the viewers to favor the villain. Oceans Eleven starts out with the main Character Daniel Ocean getting out of jail for another job that he got caught trying to do. The character is dressed in a tuxedo and has a confident air about him. The first scene of the movie already has the audience intrigued with the character because he looks first-class. As the movie progresses the other characters are introduced, each one exceptionally well dressed with great manners, coming across as very sophisticated. Our society loves excitement and leadership, which the characters in this movie provide greatly. While introducing each new character, the writers were particular about having each character dressed remarkably well, repeating the image that they are high-quality people. Daniel Ocean makes a proposition to his very close friend played by Brad Pitt, to hit up three casinos in one night. He explains that this hit will have to be precise, it will need lots of planning, and they will have to have lots of funding. The character s come off very smoothly, relaxed and confident about what they are doing, allowing the audience to get comfortable with the idea that the characters are going to be stealing from three major corporations, all of which happen to be owned by the same man. The owner of the three casinos is a ruthless man described as someone â€Å"Who better not know your involved, not know your name, or your dead or he will kill you and then go to work on you.† The audience is already favoring Daniel Ocean and his crew, finding out that the man they are stealing from is ruthless just turns everyone against him even though he is the one who is getting robbed.

The Diary of Anne Frank Thanks to the Nazis :: Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank   Thanks to the Nazis The Diary of Anne Frank Journeying back to the early nineteenth century, when Nazi forces occupied Germany during World War II, the lives of those living in this territory was spent in constant fear and anxiety. The Diary of Anne Frank leads readers through the harsh times of a family trying to escape imprisonment in concentration camps by Nazi soldiers, where death was almost certain. Born on June 12, 1929, Anne Frank was a German-Jewish teenager who was forced to go into hiding during the Holocaust. She and her family, along with four others, spent 25 months during World War II in an annex of rooms above her father's office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. During the two years in hiding which Anne refers to as "a time when the ideals are being shattered and destroyed, when the worst side of human nature predominates, when every one has come to doubt truth, justice and God (pg.327)." Anne kept a diary that was given to her by her father, Otto Frank, on her birthday. Between June 1942 and August 1944, from Anne's thirteenth birthday until shortly after her fifteenth birthday, Anne recorded her feelings, her emotions, and her thoughts, as well as the events that happened to her. "†¦[I]deas, dreams, and cherished hopes rise within us only to meet the horrible truth and be shattered†¦yet in spite of everything I still believe that people are rea lly good at heart (pg. 327)." The diary is an accurate record of the way Anne grows up and matures, in the unfortunate situation she found herself. Given the circumstances in which the novel is written Anne gave a very vivid description of her surroundings and the feelings she encountered throughout her ordeal. The novel displays the grief and frustration that is experienced throughout the time spent in hiding. The emotions of the situation are captured in the text and gives validity to the pain and frustration encountered. Despite the amusing and enlightening side of the diary, that documents the process of her adolescence, it also provides a vividly terrifying description of what it was like to be Jewish hiding during the time the Nazis sought to kill all the Jews in Europe. After two years of living in the "secret annex", behind a bookcase, and having to be extremely quite during the day so that the workers in the office and warehouse below could not hear them the family was captured.

Free Process Essays - Preparing a Pumpkin Pudding :: Free Expository Process Essays

Preparing a Smashing Pumpkin Pudding It's that time of year again, pumpkin season! Two wonderful family holidays are just around the corner. Traditionally, we spend Thanksgiving or Christmas (or both) with the family to have a nice holiday dinner. There is always delicious food prepared for dinner, but what's dinner without dessert? The most traditional holiday dessert is pumpkin pie, but how about "spicing" that dessert up a little this year? Well, here's the way to do it, a delicious holiday dessert that the whole family will love and it's quick and easy! The first step in baking, of course, is to gather all the ingredients necessary for the job. Luckily with this dessert, most of what you need, you'll already find in your kitchen. Whatever you don't have, you can just pick up at your local grocery store: 1 can pumpkin, 3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/2 tsp. cloves, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 box spiced cake mix, 1 1/2 cubes margarine or butter, and 3/4 cup favorite chopped nuts (if desired) and a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. You may also need a measuring cup and measuring teaspoons if you want to measure the ingredients evenly. Also, you'll need a small bowl, to beat the three eggs and melt the butter in, and a large bowl to mix the ingredients together. Now that you have all your ingredients, you can get started on the fun, but first, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Before you mix all the ingredients, beat the three eggs together in the small bowl until they are well mixed. Now mix together the can of pumpkin, the three beaten eggs, the milk, salt, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar in the large bowl. You can use anything to mix it all with, a rubber spatula, a wooden spoon, or if you have neither of those, a large spoon will do the trick. Be sure to mix everything so that it's mixed evenly. There's no need to grease the pan first. Just pour the mixed ingredients into the baking pan. Pour it all so that it covers the pan evenly. Don't just pour it all in one spot. If you couldn't get it even while pouring, smooth out the top of the pudding with your mixing tool. Rinse the bowl in which you beat the eggs; or if you'd rather, just grab a new bowl.