Weapons Are An Important Aspect Of Warfare - 1821 Words

Weapons are an important aspect of warfare. They help determine how the war will go. If one side as better and more technologically advanced weapons, they have an advantage over their opponents. Nations struggle to create innovated weapons or improve old upon ones. Not every advancement is appreciated and respected. An example of this type of weapon is the chemical weapons, gas or chemical warfare. Chemical warfare is not an accepted or approved weapon, but one that has been banned from use during war. Chemical weapons have been prohibited from warfare before the Great War due to the effect it has on the soldiers and reactions from the civilians and soldiers. Why after World War I are they universally prohibited? Chemical warfare was†¦show more content†¦It was also this destruction and death that caused nations to later agree to the prohibition of chemical weapons and warfare. Germany used chemicals as a weapon usually in the form of poisonous gas as it was a more technolog ically advanced weapon then their enemies had. When the Germans first used this weapon it was met with little resistance, therefore, proving that with more advanced weapons, soldiers could accomplish their missions and goals both more accurately and faster or simply making their mission more attainable. While using this weapon, the Germans were not stopped, simply as there was no one to stop them from taking the trenches as their enemies lay dead on the ground in what resembles a gruesome death. During the Second Battle of Ypres, the Germans used chemical weapons for the first time and after a half hour; everything was dead with only the Germans to claim the French trench. This weapon made it possible for the Germans to capture trenches and accomplish their missions. During the war, the reactions to chemical warfare were increasingly negative from both soldiers and civilians. The negative reactions and responses to chemical weapons are reasonable and understandable. Soldiers held ne gative views on chemical warfare as they had to personally deal with the attacks, while the civilians and citizens at home also had difficulty responding to chemical warfare with anything but a negative response. The citizens at home hadShow MoreRelatedThe Invention Of The World War II1367 Words   |  6 Pagesevery other aspect of the war (Military Technology). There have been many pivotal points in warfare driven by advancements in technology. For instance, the invention of gunpowder eventually led to the creation of many new weapons which called for changes in the way battles were fought. Nuclear weapons ended World War II and caused major tension during the Cold War. The invention of the Internet gave way to a completely new branch of warfare, cyber warfare. The Effects of Gunpowder in Weapons The developmentRead MoreMilitary Historians And Theorists Postulate That Napoleon Invented Modern Warfare916 Words   |  4 PagesMany military historians and theorists postulate that Napoleon invented modern warfare. This belief is not true. Although there are aspects of how Napoleon fought that are used by many modern armies today, and his tactics and philosophy of fighting should continue to be studied, Napoleonic warfare is not fundamentally similar to modern warfare. Napoleon implemented ideas that modern armies use today; however the Revolutions in Military Affairs (RMAs) of the Franco-Prussian Wars and American CivilRead MoreThesis on the First World War1510 Words   |  6 Pagesferocity of the weapons and the increase in human/nations participation was occasioned by the industrial revolution and the French revolution. B. Thesis: The First World War stimulated the greatest changes in warfare because it brought about new technology and industry development, advancement in science, and improved infrastructure and communication; essentially the First World War combined the legacies of the French and Industrial Revolutions and set the pattern for twentieth century warfare. ii. TheRead MoreThe War Of The French Revolution1676 Words   |  7 PagesIt is critically important to gain all benefits of the military history lessons to abstract the aspects of war, which enhance our leadership and capabilities to take the right decision. Therefore, I am going to start with war definition. â€Å"War is an act of force to compel our enemy to do our Will†. During the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth centuries, a series of conflicts dominated Europe. These conflicts had its influence on the Europe at that time, but the Napoleonic wars had theRead MoreThe Iliad By Homer And With The Old Breed93 7 Words   |  4 PagesB. Sledge, the two stories that revolve around warfare are surprisingly different. Not because of the time period but because of how warfare is viewed in each of these works. In the Iliad, warfare is not only conducted differently but it is viewed as a very heroic and noble thing. Throughout the Iliad, Homer avoids all of the gruesome or evil topics of warfare and simple shows the noble aspects, so much so that he ensures that most of the important characters get a heartfelt and heroic monologueRead MoreEssay on Biological Warfare1747 Words   |  7 PagesBiological Warfare I believe that biological warfare should not be option in war because it is expensive, it could cause a major death toll, and could cause major contamination to anything that is left over after biological weapons are used. Others believe that biological warfare should be an option because it is quick and kills off a lot of area all at once and may be more potent than the most lethal chemical warfare agents. At a time in history when such unique situations are effectingRead MoreThe American Military And International Law Of War Essay1312 Words   |  6 Pagesentered a new era of warfare – information warfare. In the Third Wave, information ascends to become the most important resource and, as such, becomes a significant means of both preventing and limiting future wars as well as winning wars. Many scoff at the ideas as so much hype, but perhaps so, but is important to realize that the American armed forces are the most information-driven force in the world. The American military uses computers and technology for almost all aspects of protecting our freedomsRead MoreWhat Were the Effects of the Rifle? Essay1213 Words   |  5 Pagesrotate about its longer axis (Merriam-Webster). The rifle changed America by starting long range warfare, enforcing a new industry of American weaponry, and leading to the sniper rifle which now has many important uses such as protecting the white house. Foot soldiers have used many different weapons in history dating back to the beginning of time from clubs and spears to bow and arrows and muskets. Weapon evolution has always focused on a way to be able to kill your enemy from a farther distance thanRead MoreWorld War I Changed The World1115 Words   |  5 Pagesmade the countries develop new tactics and strategies to fight the enemies. All aspects of geography resulted in struggles, whether it is disease or warfare strategy. Both battles at sea along with battles in trenches both affected the way our military strategized how to defeat the enemy. World War I was known for it’s trench warfare, but few are aware of the extent of naval battles during the war. Trench warfare was used before WWI, but not to this extent. In this war, trenches were used forRead MoreInternational Law Is The Violation Of National Law Throws A Nation Into Social Anomalies1713 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction International law regulates the relationship between nation states in the world. Violation of international law makes the whole world hazardous as the violation of national law throws a nation into social anomalies. Drones are the weapon of 21st century, the century which is marked by the development of technology. It is thought-provoking and horrifying that the international law is being questioned by the drones attack throughout the world. It is said that the target of these Unnamed

Social Interactions And Its Effects On The Basketball Court

Felecia and Joseph both have numerous social interactions, not just as individuals, but as a couple as a tool. Joseph is often seen socializing amongst his friends on the basketball courts. The conversations touch on everything from basketball, to school, and relationships. During his interactions with his friends on the basketball court, he can at times be competitive, but that’s just the nature of the game. If he ever loses there are moments when he’ll just storm off the court not shaking hands. His attitude can be taken to another level if he loses and performs poorly, whenever this occurs he doesn’t only storm off, but he also refuses to talk to anyone if he does the conversations tend to turn out aggressive with a lot of trash talk. When things are going his way Josephs demeanor is calm, he engages well with his friends, and he always brings humor to the conversations, he tends to take himself less seriously when his girlfriend is not around, and when he isn ’t losing games. Joseph is also a student giving him the chance to interact with his classmates/teachers. There are moments when he doesn’t have much to say unless he is talking with his friends, he is polite and very respectful towards the teacher. Surprisingly, he always appeared to be more timid when he was in class compared to when he was on the basketball courts. Felecia has social interactions like Joseph, but with different people in different environments. During her spare time she enjoys hiking, clubs,Show MoreRelatedAttribution Theory, By Fritz Heider Essay1714 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough these two paths in which individuals arrive to different conclusions despite the experience shared being the same. This is a The first of these distinctions is internal attribution, which â€Å"locates the cause of a particular behavior within the social actor† (Miller). Internal attributions are formed with interpretations or assumptions of one’s personality or traits. Since the formation of an internal attribution comes from a preconceived notion of an individual or what is immediately presentedRead MoreThe Lessons Learned From Park Play1176 Words   |  5 Pagesbeneficial effects of sidewalk play compared to the overpraised parks. Jacobs tells us that parks don’t build a stronger form of morality and help with developing more knowledge on city life like sidewalk play do. Park children are given less of a chance to visually learn how to become well rounded citizens in society from adults around them. Parks are not as amazing as they’re believed to be from the public. They do not offer the many chances to learn compared to what sidewalk interactions have toRead MoreBiological Narrative1617 Words   |  7 PagesPERSONAL POTRAIT: A BIOLOGICAL NARRATIVE 2 John C. Carter Capella University Dr. Janice J. Caron August 29, 2010 Abstract Eric Erickson is best known for his studies with psychosocial development, or the development of a person within a social context. Eric Erickson’s theories focused primarily on the correlation of the release of sexual tension and psychosexual development. The purpose of this paper is for the author to develop a personal portrait integrating Erickson’s developmentalRead MoreEffects of High School Sports on the Relationships between Students1490 Words   |  6 PagesIt goes without saying that athletics are enormously influential in the social sphere of high school. While academics are more impactful on ones future, immediate popularity is something numerous teenagers covet. Countless students try out for sports every year for multiple reasons, one of the most prevalent being the aspiration of becoming a school celebrity. While that is indeed an excellent benefit, the reason I initially joined the tennis team was to have a group to be a part of. But thereRead Mo reThe Role Of Playing Game ( Frpg ) Or Dungeons Dragons ( Dnd )2699 Words   |  11 Pagesattempting to court. However, maybe the fact that I’ve played FRPGs is helping me court this woman, or perhaps even make friends and socialize better than I had before. This essay will concern itself not with just the negative stereotypes and proving or disproving them. But with the culture and impact of FRPGs as a whole. I believe FRPGs in the United States have a positive impact on the social development of young adults. When analyzing a specific subjects effects on a person’s social skills, it’sRead MoreThe Film American History X1248 Words   |  5 Pagesthat with drastic actions come drastic consequences, and that autonomy is a powerful force when fueled with willpower. The importance of social influence is a strong theme to American History X, which is why I think Lev Vygostky’s socio-cultural theories surrounding cognitive development can explain the film’s meaning well. According to Vygotsky, the interactions a person has between the environment and other human beings determines the learning that takes place. The type of environment that a childRead MoreNational Parks And National Resource Parks1615 Words   |  7 Pagesthat nature appears to be an afterthought to human needs. It was not only here that I saw this, but also by the waterfront park by my house. When I was younger the only thing down there was a little playground and now there is a bulkhead and basketball courts. The thing that was enjoyable about the waterfront park was that nature was slowly making its way back on top. The sand was building up over the little wooden fences and the weeds grew wild. It was a positive show of nature’s resilience. GrantedRead Mor eEffects of Interscholastic Sports on Academic Achievement3231 Words   |  13 PagesRunning head: EFFECTS OF INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS ON PARTICIPANTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. Function of Interscholastic Sports and Their Effect on Participants Academic Achievement. #8195; Function of Interscholastic Sports and Their Effect On Academic Achievement While the first account of humans engaged in learning may well be the story of Adam and Eve, the origins of team sports are virtually unknown. Perhaps, team sport pre-dates the origins of the Olympic Games inRead More Child Observation Report Essay6698 Words   |  27 Pages11:55-12:20, Kindergarten recess 12:25-12:50 Activities observed: Children climbing across the climbing rings, watching children pretend play at the tire mountain and under the large wooden play structure with the blue plastic slide. My interaction with the children: I spent a lot of time answering questions about my name and where I am from for the children. Example A: There was one child named â€Å"Ron† on the first recess who was racing across the rings with another child, lost theRead MoreTheory Assignment on American History X Essay3123 Words   |  13 Pagesguy was an act of social activism, and helped contribute to the reformation that occurred to Derrick while he was locked up. Lamont showed his capacity for caring, and, in a sense, gave love without looking for anything in return. 2. The social environment, depicted in the film, was one of racial strife. Social environment being the interactions between an individual and the people he comes in contact with, and the culture of that individual. The scene at the basketball court showed the haltered

Business Structures Free Essays

There are four main forms of business structures. The structures of business differentiate based on liability, tax implications, and what type of business is being evaluated when determining what structure to use. This paper will cover the advantages and disadvantages within the four types of business structures; Limited Liability Corporations, Corporations, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Structures or any similar topic only for you Order Now Corporations A corporation is a standalone entity. There are two types of corporations, general or S Corp. Advantages of corporations consist of limited liability, capital through stock sales, attractive to employees, and receiving corporate tax treatment. S Corps, in addition to limited liability, have tax savings as the owners are taxed individually. A disadvantage of an S Corp is the limited growth as S Corps may not have greater than 100 shareholders. General corporations file taxes separately from his or her owners while S Corporations do not. Disadvantages of a corporation are time and money, large amounts of recordkeeping, and subject to double taxation. Double taxation is taxation on the corporate level and again on a member’s personal level (â€Å"U. S. Small Business Administration,† 2013). Corporations are generally suited for large business organizations. Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) A Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) is a company combining the benefits of a partnership and a corporation. A LLC acts as its own entity with the limited liability, but also has the tax savings as if it were a sole proprietorship (â€Å"The Advantages of an LLC Company†, 2013). Advantages of an LLC are limited liability, require less paperwork, and have the ability to profit share. Disadvantages of an LLC are limited life and members are subject to self-employment taxes. Members of an LLC are considered self-employed; therefore the individuals file taxes through personal income taxes, and pay tax contributions toward Medicare and Social Security (â€Å"U. S. Small Business Administration,† 2013). Partnerships A Partnership is a business form that consists of two or more individuals. There are two types of partnerships; general and limited. General partners are liable for the full extent of debts and obligations within the business. Limited partnerships provide individuals with a limitation of responsibilities in the organization’s liability; this type of partnership is dependent upon the investment percentage. Advantages of partnerships consist of cost efficiency, shared financial responsibility, complementary skill association, and offer employees partnership incentives. Disadvantages of partnerships are joint and individual liability, disagreements between partners, and shared profits (â€Å"U. S. Small Business Administration,† 2013). Sole Proprietorship A Sole Proprietorship is one owner. The advantages of a sole proprietorship exist in the simplicity of taxes, cost efficiency in the startup process, and complete control of the organization. A sole proprietorship structure is the simplest method of establishing a business, the expenses are low and fewer licensing is required. A sole proprietor is responsible for the final decisions and directions of the business. The taxes are reported through the individual at a much lower rate than any of the other structures. The disadvantages of a sole proprietorship are the personal liability risks and capital; the individual absorbs all legal implications within the business. The difficulty of this type of business structure is the process in raising capital; the credibility of the organization can deter any potential investors. Conclusion The dynamics within each type of business structure can be applied to the needs of the organization. Each business structure has various advantages and disadvantages. A business structure should be chosen based upon the product or business and the needs and wants of the owner or owners. This paper covered what the four business structures are, and advantages and disadvantages associated. References U.S. Small Business Administration. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.sba.gov/ The Advantages of an LLC Company. (2013). Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-llc-company-17263.html How to cite Business Structures, Papers Business Structures Free Essays 1 The Desert Enterprise Runing caput: Case survey for the desert endeavor. The Desert Enterprise Abstraction In this instance survey I discuss about the effect of alteration from partnership to incorporation and frailty versa in footings of advantages and disadvantages. The struggles arises when engaging a direction squad and its solution. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Structures or any similar topic only for you Order Now Amount of net income generated by company and the benefits from company’s portion monetary value. Besides, portion monetary value maximization and attachment to societal and ethical criterions. 1- Discuss the effects of the proposed alteration from a partnership to a corporation in footings of advantages and disadvantages. There are many significances of the suggested alteration from a partnership to a corporation because both partnership and corporation has its ain advantages and disadvantages. In partnership one has to unite his fiscal resources with his spouse. Establish footings with your concern spouse and mark specific concern understanding to protect yourself in instance of any dissension or closing. In partnership both net income and loss has to be shared by both the spouses as per define in concern understanding. Business understanding is developed in the aid of attorney which ensures that: You are screening your securities. Footings of partnership are clearly established work outing the concerns like net income division, fade outing the company, etc. Encounter lawful status for restricted partnership. While corporation is another type of concern. It is done at regional or province degree. When concern is incorporated it means now it is legal entity and is disjointed from shareholders and owners. Before integrating it is better to seek legal advice as you will non be personally responsible for the arrears, duties and Acts of the Apostless of the organisation. In partnership method it is easy to get down partnership as both the spouses has to portion the cost for get downing concern. Share is divided every bit either in direction, net incomes and assets or in losingss and liabilities and debts. It besides has revenue enhancement advantage as you and your spouse has to pay revenue enhancement jointly. But there is no lawful change refering you and your concern. You have to utilize your personal assets to minimise your concern debts. There is a possibility of developing struggles between you and your spouse. You are accountable for the concern determinations prepared by your spouse as it effects you financially for illustration broken contracts. Although in corporate method duties are limited. You can reassign proprietary. Corporation will hold on-going being. It is easier to increase capital in such a concern. Taxs are besides low for an integrated concern. Despite that corporation is purely structured. More dearly-won than partnership or lone proprietary. There is a opportunity of struggle between managers and stockholders. Residency of manager can besides make job It means that if we switch from one to another so possibly we face some jobs and failing at some points and on the other manus we besides find some strength and net income in some points. For illustration in partnership there are more than one concern proprietor while in corporation there is merely one proprietor. It means that it is hard to reassign ownership so we consider it as disadvantage. While in corporation it is advantage as it is easy to reassign ownership in it. 2- Describe potency bureau conflicts that can originate when engaging a direction squad and suggest possible solutions. When chief hires some agent to execute a undertaking, it is set uping an bureau relationship. But when the incentives of the negotiant do non aline with those of the principal this consequences in bureau struggles. There are two primary bureau relationship: Directors and investors Directors and creditors Shareholder versus Directors: Conflict between directors and investors/ shareholders arises when directors holds less than 100 % of the company’s common stock. Sometimes director may do some determinations that brush with its best involvements of the shareholder for illustration directors may progress their organisations to get away a coup d’etat effort to increase their personal occupation safety. Though, a coup d’etat may be in the shareholders ‘ finest involvement. Stockholders versus creditors: Creditors decide to impart money to a house centered on the hazardousness of the company, its investing construction and its possible investing construction. These all issues will upset the company ‘s latent hard currency flow, which is a creditors ‘ chief concern. Though, shareholder have control on such determinations along with the directors. As shareholders will do picks founded on their ain best involvements, a possible bureau job takes topographic point between the shareholders and creditors. For illustration, directors could borrow money to buy back portions to maximise stockholder return and decreases corporation shareholder’s base. In this instance Muhammad would wish to engage a squad with cosmopolitan accomplishments indispensable to implement his concern visual image. May be he has to confront troubles sing direction squad as this is wholly new to the company and doesn’t know everything about company. Its mean that he should depict everything about company and so they besides have to make up one’s mind either they want to work with you or non and this will besides consequences in wastage of clip to finish his undertaking. Harmonizing to my point of position it is better to develop your hired squad and topographic point strategy and functions for all and sundry should involvement to meet the company objectives. 3- Determine the sum of hard currency the company would bring forth from. Does it count to the company whether the portion monetary value rises subsequent to the IPO? Who benefits from an addition in the company ‘s portion monetary value? The sum of hard currency the company is traveling to bring forth is 5 million issuing portions at BD4. 5 ten 4=20M. Its affairs to the company whether if the portion monetary value is increased following to the IPO ( initial public offering ) . Raising money requires high portion monetary value for any company. As that will let them to publish less portions for sum they want. And if portion monetary value beads so they had to publish more portion on the same sum therefore when portion monetary value additions net income additions and when portion monetary value lessenings net income lessenings and therefore loss takes topographic point. Basically in IPO ( initial public offering ) or APO ( extra public offering ) status investors propose a auxiliary figure of portions of equity in the concern. These portions are all equal so when you buy a portion from company it means you are purchasing some fraction of the company equivalent to that of anyone else who grips one interest of that company. The amount of all portions is equal to full value of that company. Now all these portions are non for public. Largely companies have the bulk of the portions possessed by little figure of pull offing involvements. Now when company want to do money high portion monetary value at the clip of issue is best instance. As company make money when portion merchandising is in its initial phase as when it moves towards 3rd party so company will non acquire any net income. And besides the worth of stock flexible joint on on its demand in market. Fewer portion of the company available in market more the cost it consumes. So the shareholder and stockholders will be successful to acquire net income from an addition in the company’s portion monetary value at its primary sale. As after that it will travel towards 3rd party and the net income of that portion goes to the marketer non to the company. 4- Do you see a trade-off between a company ‘s focal point on portion monetary value maximization and the attachment to societal and ethical criterions? Business moralss are applied in order to vouch that a definite required degree of trust exists between consumers and several signifiers of market members with traffics. For illustration, a portfolio director has to give the same attending to the mixtures of household members and little separate depositors. Such Acts of the Apostless show that public is treated reasonably as investors and stockholders are treated. Yes I see a trade-off between company’s focal point on portion monetary value maximization and the attachment to societal and ethical criterions as in addition in the monetary value of goods and services effects the societal and ethical criterions. That’s mean those clients who have limited net incomes will affected by the company. As to increase company net income it is good to maintain cheque and balance between company’s need and customer’s demand. If you increase portion monetary value so off class it will non be low-cost by low monetary value investors or low income populace. This will bring forth a negative consequence on common public. To maintain interact with common public it is our duty to understand their demands besides. So there are many ways to get the better of such state of affairss. You can present more such offers to fulfill low income consumers. So for this via media takes topographic point between company portion monetary value maximization and attachment to societal and ethical criterions. Mentions: complete usher to corporate finance. ( n.d. ) . Retrieved from www.investopedia.com: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.investopedia.com/walkthrough/corporate-finance/1/agency-problem.aspx stackexchange. ( n.d. ) . Retrieved from personal finanace and money: hypertext transfer protocol: //money.stackexchange.com/questions/16491/how-does-a-high-share-price-benefit-a-company-when-it-is-raising-funds Retrieved from reply: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.answers.com/topic/business-ethics How to cite Business Structures, Essay examples

IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICS Essay Example For Students

IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICS Essay Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, and interpreting numerical facts, which we call data. Data bombards us in everyday life. Most of us associate statistics with the bits of data that appear in news reports: baseball batting averages, imported car sales, the latest poll of the presidents popularity, and the average high temperature for today. Advertisements often claim that data show the superiority of the advertisers product. All sides in public debates about economics, education, and social policy argue from data. Yet the usefulness of statistics goes far beyond these everyday examples. The study and collection of data are important in the work of many professions, so that training in the science of statistics is valuable preparation for a variety of careers. Each month, for example, government statistical offices release the latest numerical information on unemployment and inflation. Economists and financial advisors as well as policy makers in government and business study these data to make informed decisions. Doctors must understand the origin and trustworthiness of the data that appear in medical journals if they are to offer their patients the most effective treatment. Politicians rely on data from polls of public opinion. Market research data that reveal consumer tastes influence business decisions. Farmers study data from field trials of new crop varieties. Engineers gather data on the quality and reliability of manufactured products. Most areas of academic study make use of numbers, and therefore also make use of the method of statistics. We can no more escape data than we can avoid the use of words. Just as words on a page are meaningless to the illiterate or confusing to the partially educated, so data do not interpret themselves but must be read with understanding. A writer can arrange words into convincing arguments or incoherent nonsense. Similarly, you can manipulate data to be compelling, misleading, or simply irrelevant. Numerical literacy, the ability to follow and understand numerical arguments is important for everyone. The ability to express oneself numerically, to be an author rather than just a reader is a vital skill in many professions and areas of study. The study of statistics is therefore essential to a sound education. We must learn how to read data, critically and with comprehension; we must learn how to produce data that provide clear answers to important question; and we must learn sound methods for drawing trustworthy conclusions based on data as well as acquire ability to effectively communicate valid conclusions. Statistics teaches you how to gather, organize, and analyze data, and then to infer the underlying reality from these data. It is a powerful intellectual method that is applied in many contexts and most disciplines. Persons in industry and government make decisions that are increasingly dependent upon the collection and interpretation of data, and employers demand greater quantitative sophistication from their employees (or prospective employees). Indeed, in almost every aspect of our daily lives we confront data and make judgments based on them, about issues ranging from airline safety to the spread of AIDS. It is now clear that the Challenger disaster never would have occurred if a statistically wise person had seen the data. This did not have to be a statistician, but one (say an engineer) with enough statistical literacy to see the strong relationship between the temperature and the failure rate of the O-rings. H.G. Wells anticipated that statistical thinking (numerical literacy) would one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write. Many individuals and professional groups think that day has come. One individual has written that: .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .postImageUrl , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:hover , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:visited , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:active { border:0!important; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:active , .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9 .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u308d99665f780e5f72b2227d73b5c3f9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Child Labour and its Effects on Children and Their Families examples EssayIt is widely agreed that the critical reading and analysis of texts, the methodology of experimental science, and the deductive reasoning of mathematics are broad intellectual methods that should be part of a general education. It is now claimed by some that reasoning from numerical data that is statistics deserves a similar stature. The influential National Science Board has suggested elementary statistics and probability should now be considered fundamental for all high school students. Statistics students learn to define problems, to think critically, to analyze and to synthesize which prepares them to explore widely throughout their professional lives, and to be creative and productive .

Jetblue Essay Example

Jetblue Essay Learning objectives 1. institutional aspects of equity issuance transaction 2. costs and benefits associated with public share offerings 3. develop a deeper appreciation for challenges of valuing unseasoned firms and enhance corporate valuation skills KEY QUESTIONS FOR CONISDERATION 1)What are the advantages and disadvantages of going public? 2)What different approaches can be used to value JetBlue’s shares? 3)At what price would you recommend that JetBlue offer their shares? Potential Questions to be addressed in report submission * What is an Initial Public Offering and why is it such a big deal? Is going public, particularly at the time they did, a good idea for JetBlue? * What do you believe JetBlue stock is really worth? * Does the financial forecast in case Exhibit 13 seem reasonable? * What are the key assumptions in the IPO valuation? * Is the length of the forecast period within the IPO valuation (exhibit 13) reasonable? * What discount rate is appropriate for the cas h flow forecast? * How would you suggest estimating the terminal value? What assumptions have you made? How have your assumptions affected the estimated value of JetBlue shares? Introduction After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was upset deeply because of the safety for the airline industry in the United States. The passenger demand suddenly reduced and many flights cancelled afterwards, which led a lot of American airlines declared bankruptcy afterwards, including US Airways and United Airlines. It was a challenging time for airline industry, however, David Neeleman, the CEO and Founder of JetBlue Airways, discovered an opportunity for the company. Barely two years after its foundation, the company decided to raise additional capital through initial public offering (IPO). This report is aimed to apply financial theories and concepts into analyse the real case study of JetBlue Airline. Firstly, the background of JetBlue will be introduced briefly. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of going public for JetBlue will be discussed in the following pages. In addition, the share valuation of JetBlue IPO will be estimated based on several assumptions. Last but not least, the recommendation will be provided in the last past of this report. Background JetBlue was founded by David Neeleman in 1999, which looked to fulfil the purpose of â€Å"humanity back to air travel†. We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer By following the low-cost model of Southwest Airlines, JetBlue pursued to offer passengers an enjoyable flying experience by providing in-flight entertainment, comfortable room and high-quality customer service. In addition, in order to organise a strong and experienced working team, Neeleman employed several skilled senior managers, comprising of David Barger who was a former vice president of Continental Airlines to be president and COO and John Owen who was executive vice president and former treasurer of Southwest Airlines to be CFO in JetBlue. Moreover, as the founder of JetBlue, Neeleman have own extensive experience with airline start-ups from managing low-fare flights during university period. Based on the explicit marketing strategy of JetBlue, barely less than one year, the company increased the routes to other cities in America and it continued to grow rapidly to 17 destinations in early 2002. And not only that, JetBlue adopted the active measures to increase expenditures for security by setting up equip cockpits with bulletproof doors and security cameras, which enhanced the confidence of US residences to take flights under the circumstance of few people was afraid of flying after September 11 hijackings. Advantages and disadvantages of going public Refer to Bodie, Kane and Marcus (2011), initial public offerings are stocks issued by a formerly privately owned company that is going public, which means that selling stock to the public for the first time. According to Rothberg, the following table are shown some advantages and disadvantages of going public. Pros| Cons| Potentially large bonuses for business owners| High explicit cost – roughly 7% of the funds raised| Ability to raise additional capital rapidly in the future| Pressure to meet investor expectations| Attraction and retention for the valuable talents| Less control on make business decisions – decisions should be based on the interest of shareholders and investors other than owners themselves| Easy to sell ownership shares when owners exit business or retire| Reporting disclosure on regular basis| Access to capital markets| | In relation to this case, JetBlue aimed to raise additional capital through an IPO in order to support company’s growth and offset portfolio losses by investors. Moreover, according to John Owen, JetBlue had prepared the initial registration statement with security and exchange commission (SEC) for the IPO on September 11, 2001. However, based on the September 11 attacks, they delayed IPO before it came into force. In fact, not only the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, but several events happened negatively affected the global economy during the period of going public for JetBlue. For example, the contagion of bird flu was quite severe during taking flights, which definitely influenced the demand of flights. The increasing oil price also raised the basic cost in any transportation industry. Another negative condition could be the economic downturn, including crash of the dot-com bubble and financial crisis in Asia. From this point of view, it seemed not to be an appropriate time to going public. However, faced with the weak financial markets, JetBlue measured the targeted strategies and made success in profitable operations. And IPO market is never dead for good company with real revenues and real earnings just like JetBlue. It then turned out that it was a suitable time for JetBlue to IPO during the economic downturn though. JetBlue’s shares valuation There are various methods to value shares for a company, including free cash flow to equity (FCFE) method discounted by WACC, free cash flow to firm (FCFF) method discounted by cost of equity, dividend discount model and relative valuation techniques. Since JetBlue had not paid out any dividends on common stock, dividend discount model cannot be used to estimate company share value. In addition, FCFF method do not consider the effect of interest payment, however, as mentioned in the case, the Federal Reserve had attempted to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates. Therefore, from my point of view, it was more appropriate to value JetBlue share by FCFE method to consider the consequences of interest rate. The assumptions are made for evaluate JetBlue share value as follows. The long-run growth rate was expected to be 7% annually. And the company would have survived and would be a typical firm with an estimated cost of equity of 15% in 2010. Last but not least, the appropriate discount rate was assumed to be 30%. Additionally, there was a quite weird number disappeared in the Exhibit 13, which was the expected inflation rate was 4 times in 2002 than other years. After changing it back to the normal, the share value then could be calculated to be around $24. 60 per share. (Appendix 1) Recommendation Based on the assumptions, the calculated consequence is identical to the initial offering prices which ranged from initial price to implemented offering price ($24 to $25). Faced with sizable excess demand to potential investors, JetBlue took the appropriate measure to increase share value in order to avoid â€Å"money leave on the table†. In the long run, I believe that JetBlue will still grow at a stable stage as the innovative spirit and seasonable measures to the different types of events. Therefore, JetBlue’s stock was worth for the potential and incoming investors. We prepared to retristrict initial registration with SEC for the IPO on September 11, 2001. Based on the event of that morning, we didnot . We waited until stock market settled down. We returned the profitability in November and December. We started to issue IPO gain in Christmas time. Obviously, we modified the document a bit. High growth, low cost profitable airline has rebounded substantially in the market place. It was a very good stands to do the IPO for JetBlue. Even though it was 2002, the IPO market was pretty much dead, the IPO market is never dead for good company with real revenues and real earnings. So we were confident even a small amount of John Owen registration statement with underwriters FCFF we do not consider the effect of interest payment 1) In FCFF, we use EBIT (1-t) whereas in FCFE, we use Net Income; this is because while using EBIT (1-t) in FCFF we do not consider the effect of interest payment as mentioned above. 2) IN FCFE, we use Change in Non- Cash Working Capital*(1-D) – Capital expenditure*(1-D) whereas in FCFF we use Change in Non-Cash Working Capital – Capital Expenditure; this is because we just want to concentrate on cash flow due to equity only. Reference Bodie Z. , Kane, A. , Marcus, A. J. (2011). Investments (9th ed. ). New York: McGraw-Hill Rothberg F. The Pros and Cons of Going Public. Retrieved from http://www. cfoedge. com/resources/articles/cfo-edge-the-pros-and-cons-of-going-public. pdf Appendix (Appendix 1: Share valuation of JetBlue Airways) [ 1 ]. Bodie Z. , Kane, A. , Marcus, A. J. (2011). Investments (9th ed. ). New York: McGraw-Hill [ 2 ]. Rothberg F. The Pros and Cons of Going Public. Retrieved from http://www. cfoedge. com/resources/articles/cfo-edge-the-pros-and-cons-of-going-public. pdf

Industrial Revolution in Western Europe Essay Example

Industrial Revolution in Western Europe Essay Example Industrial Revolution in Western Europe Essay Industrial Revolution in Western Europe Essay The eighteenth century witnessed the arrival of widespread industrialisation in Western Europe. Many countries underwent the gradual transition from a predominantly agrarian society to industrial development on an extensive scale and the introduction of the modern factory system. Great Britain was thefirst European country to experience this profound economic and social transformation and it can be labelled the innovator to the process of industrialisation, the stimulus to development. Why was Britain at the forefront of the progression to advanced society David Landes (1969) states that there was a, piling up of various factors which triggered off a chain reaction. It is indicated that Britain, in this period of time, was propitious for invention and expansion due to a number of determinants, such as, agricultural circumstances, population growth and hence availability of labour, capital and raw materials, improvements in transport, growth in overseas trade, willingness of capitalists to invest, non-conformists, its political system and the recently studied phenomena of proto-industrialisation. By no means is there an order of importance, as each and every one of these factors contributed to Britains ability and facility to industrialise there existed a fertile soil in which the seed of industrialisation could grow. English agriculture between the late seventeenth century and mid-nineteenth century is commonly regarded as a huge success with respect to the economy as a whole. Some believe that agriculture should be sufficiently developed so that there is a release in labour and resources for modern industry to transpire. Others believe that a revolution in farming techniques is an essential prerequisite to the modernisation of manufacturing and transport industries.

Comprehensive Examination Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comprehensive Examination - Research Paper Example This is achieved through good leadership which is aimed at promoting a positive culture within a learning institution. Being elected as a leader of a school that is experiencing a problem of a negative culture and rigidity to change, there is dire need to develop actions for change. This paper presents a report on ways through which the problems faced by the school can be dealt with through cultivation of positive change among teachers, students, administrators, parents and the community. The report includes supporting literature, a research approach and recommendations for change upon which actions for change are based. Objectives 1. To provide supporting literature on problems in learning institutions, the underlying theories and effective measures for change 2. To investigate the actual problem within the institution as a basis for designing relevant measures for change 3. To develop a school improvement program that will develop a change of culture within the institution 4. ... Resistance to change in schools is effectively dealt with through proper leadership. Additionally, all stakeholders of an educational institution must be involved in implementing the change. Rigidity to change, toxic environments and negative culture are the major problems that schools face (Taj & Iqbal, 2012; Ansell, Reckhow & Kelly, 2009). Therefore change can only be achieved if these problems are solved. More specifically problems such as lack of proper communication, poor student behaviors and lack of support from parents and the community are more challenging to schools because they derail the achievement of objectives and goals. For this reason it is argued that parents and the community at large should be involved in promoting good behavior among learners so that they would be more focused on their educational goals. The cultivation of good behavior among students is achieved through guidance and support from the family, teachers and the community (Rhodes & Brundrett, 2009). This prevents problems among students such as early pregnancy, drug use and abuse and school dropouts. When such problems are characteristic of a learning institution they must be addressed as top priority because they are major contributors of a toxic environment within the institution. It is through change that problems within schools such as lack of effective and well-designed student programs can be solved (Caldwell, 2008). Positive change within schools also contributes to the prevention of low performance among learners (Payne, 2007; Law, Walker & Dimmock, 2007). Moreover, it is argued that the ability of teachers, students, parents and school administrators to implement change and a positive culture determines the overall performance of

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Coursework

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS - Coursework Example Thus, banging on the perception of the require, and so vividly glimpsed by the detail that only a couple of years before Fast Company's periodic characteristic deserving "Change or die!" For most, the name is true. Change has become an integral part of organizational life for its constituents and the organization. more mighty technologies play a certain function in this, technological advancement is now nearly as very fast as data methods, so the proficiency to method data much quicker, more new submissions, innovative modes to organise data for better decisions (Moore & Fitz 2003). These innovative new modes to organise, in turn, conceived an interior dynamic of the developing organization. This is widespread, even banal currently discover constituents of all kinds of associations about the present plans for change, because the month of flavour. Although the workers (and managers) can be a bit jaded by all the alterations and the entire converse about change, it makes the method of altering bureaus in the 21st century and the convoluted phenomenon. Change bureau mentions to a change in detail made in organizational life. For each organizational change, an individual or lawful means to provoke or acknowledges any blame for the administration, implementation, upkeep or modification. This means or entity, generally an agency of change by the man called (Lacity Hirschheim and Willcocks 2004). Activity of this means or body part is called the change in the body. Organizational Alterations and Communication As is clear from the introductory consideration, there may be little or no creative consideration of the evolution of the bureau, without comprehending the environment of organizational change itself. Change and bureau, thus, characterised in common. Organizational Change Perhaps the most conversed about occurrence in the area of organizational dynamics and development over the past 20 years, organizational change mentions to the puzzling sequence of happenings, undertakings, plans and crusades to associations that have a thing in common: a kind of action of a set of ideas or demeanour in another set of ideas or behaviours (Major 2002). This action can be differentiated in periods of scale or dimensions and amount of data. This could encompass the whole association, or subsystem (the department or purposeful unit) of the organization. It may request to change the whole association, as well as in coordinating the transition from the customary hierarchy of government engagement, the flat structure, or going into unfamiliar markets with a new scheme, or it may demand other alterations, both in the reorganization of the newest expertise with the assist of output, inserting new types of individual employees, or new modes for educators to record class. It may furthermore be helpful to differentiate between alterations in notions and other periods that are affiliated with alterations and are occasionally utilised as synonyms. Change in Communicati on System The simplest delineation, but can furthermore be an international action of a somewhat steady state to another state for the time being provisional stable. The organizational alterations are progressing with the positions in which the purposes of work needed by most persons all through the association to discover new behaviours and skills. The major alterations encompass all workers and can focus on discovery and teaching of

Case Study Analysis- Planet Starbucks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Case Study Analysis- Planet Starbucks - Essay Example Starbucks was initially formed with the motto of selling good coffee with a unique flavor that a regular coffee brand wouldn’t offer. After the company was listed in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ), the growth of the company accelerated and it opened 16,680 stores across the globe. High priced brews, Moccachinos, Cappuccinos, Lattes and frappes have awakened the senses of 50 million customers approximately worldwide. Starbucks was formed initially in the year 1971 in Seattle (Burks 2009, 1). In the year 2013, the sales of global Starbucks stores grew by 8 percent and the expansion of the stores grew by 12 percent with revenue of $2.78 billion (Fontevecchia 2013). The company generated huge revenue from China and Asia Pacific region and earned a major part of the share in the coffee industry. Starbucks is one of the most coveted brands in the coffee industry and has a highly developed copyright, logo, brand and trademarks. In the year 2010, the company’s profit margin had hit hard during recession but the company immediately regained profits by 12.7 percent in the year 2012. Brand Power: In Australia, the brand is strongly associated with customer loyalty and innovative capabilities. The Company has maintained strong revenues, earnings per share, operating income and comparable store sales. Brand promise is crucial for Starbucks and the company has been using high quality beans. It has been observed that the customers prefer having Arabica over Robusta beans and accounts for 75 percent of the worldwide production (Burks 2009, 07). Starbucks uses high quality Arabica beans for serving the customers for their satisfaction purposes. European Coffee Houses: The Australian customers prefer cafà © chain similar to European coffee houses. The European Coffee houses were traditional and had an old charm to it and a warm atmosphere. Starbuck

Waterside Boarding Kennels

Waterside Boarding Kennels Environmental Analysis Business Management 1 Executive Summary This report reflects an environmental analysis of Waterside Kennels.Co To write this report I looked into internal and external environments of the company using the SWOT,PEST and Porters Five Forces tools. This report offers opportunity of improvement and reflections of the threats which may occur within the Waterside Kennels.Co 2 Title An Environmental Analysis of the Waterside Kennels.Co 3 Terms of Reference On Wednesday day 16thSeptember 2009 the Business Management Tutor Ms Karen Abberton requested a report on Environmental Analysis of a Company of Work placement to comply with the requirements of the FETAC level 6 Business Management. I choose Waterside Boarding Kennels where I am doing work experience. This report is to submitted by 15th December 2009. Recommendation were requested. 4 Method of procedure In order to obtain relevant information the following procedures were adopted to acquire the information in the report: * Waterside Kennels Co. * Website research * College handouts 5 Findings 5.1 History of the Company Waterside Kennels is a solo proprietorship founded and owned by Fred Quinn, established 5 years ago in North Co. Dublin on the old N2 road. 5.1.1 Type of work carried by Waterside Boarding Kennels Every pet should have a good home but if you are going to be away for a while because of business or a holiday, your pet still needs the proper care and handling until you come back from an out-of-town business meeting or holiday. The best way to do this is to get in touch with a pet care and boarding business which can help your cat, dog or other pet. When you choose a pet care and boarding business you want the best care for your pet while you are away from home. The goal is to get a pet care and boarding business that feels close to the comforts of your home. Your pet will feel more comfortable in an environment that resembles your home environment and wont experience anxiety if you must leave for a few days. At Waterside Kennels, we specialise in caring. Whether it is providing a happy holiday home for pet, training dogs to be a socially acceptable companions or advanced competition dogs the owners peace of mind and a contented pet is our prime concern. The Waterside Kennels is able to offer this specialized attention because they are equipped very well. When customers leave their dog at the Waterside Kennels it is surrounded by people all day, has its own bed and is taken for walk twice a day and has an eleven acre of grassland fenced in backyard to explore. The Waterside Kennels is a superior alternative to a Kennel because the dog gets attention all day, have plush facilities and have ample opportunities to exercise. 5.1.2 Organization Structure Pet care and boarding services include a wide range of full or part-time employment opportunities for people that want to provide care for animals on a temporary basis. Services such as boarding, grooming, house sitting and training pets are a part of lucrative market especially to people that have experience in pet care and boarding services. Waterside Kennels is a flat company administrated by Fred Quinn The organisational structure of Waterside Kennels is the follow: 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 0020000000000bc02000000000102022253797374656d00003f3f000000000000000001003f3f3f3f3f3f3f3f3f3f3f00040000002d010100040000002d010100030000000000 From the chart above we can see that Waterside Kennels Co is managed by Fred Quinn who at the same time is in control of finances and is in top of all departments. John Lynch is responsible in training the dogs. Kevin Hogan is in charge of caring the dogs and cleaning the kennels. At my request to get work experience placement Fred Quinn positioned me in advertising department , and ask me to do a research what are wants and needs of people with pets on this period of time. Veterinary services for Waterside Kennels provides Veterinary Clinique from Asbourne on request. 5.1.3 Capability Waterside Kennels buildings is zoned perfectly on 11 acres of grassland, and has ability to host more than 60 dogs at the same time. Company provides services, such as grooming, training or doggy day care. Waterside Kennels is open all year round for boarding for dogs, cats and small animals and can also offer a collection and delivery service for you. Company is capable to take in consideration every needs of each individual customer. 5.2 SWOT SWOT is an abbreviation for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. SWOT analysis is an important tool for auditing the overall strategic position of a business and its environments. The following SWOT analysis captures key strengths and weaknesses within the Waterside Kennels and describe the opportunity and treats that facing the company. Strengths Ø Strong relationship with the Human Society and local breeders. Ø Ample time to dedicate to the care of the animal Ø Ideal facility Ø High customer loyalty Weaknesses Ø Lack of visibility in the community Ø A limited marketing budget Ø A limited access of Dublin customers Opportunities Ø Growing market with a significant percentage of the market still not aware that the Waterside Boarding Kennels exists Ø Fixed cost that is reduced when spread over multiple animals. Treats Ø A slump in the economy that will reduce peoples discretionary income, thereby, reducing their opportunity to travel Ø New competitors realising the true market potential 5.3 PEST The PEST analysis is a useful tool for understanding the â€Å"Picture† of the environment in which you are operating and the Opportunities and Threats that lie within it. By understanding the environment in which you operate (external to your company) you can take advantage of the opportunities and minimize the threats. The PEST is used to describe a framework for the analysis of a range of macro environmental factors including the Political, Economical, Social and Technological. By using the following PEST method I will look at some of the outside factors which affects Waterside Boarding Kennels. Political * Introduction of water charges levy. This introduction affects the company budget as it will cost 800 euro a month. * Introduction of more strictly regulation such as waste, fire, health and safety make the company to spend more money to be in line with this regulation. Economical * Downturn in the economy affected peoples ability to travel. The company relays on holidaying people. * Interest rates increasing leaving the company to struggle whit the monthly repayments. The company borrowed from the bank 300.000 euro to develop the business. * Increase in unemployment. With no jobs people care for their pets themselves. Social * Life style changes in the last 3-4 years many people moved to live in Dublin. * The customers are 30-60 years. * Increase in unemployment is a big issue for the company Technological * Company is using website for advertising * At all the time supervision by developed technology * Working on project of modifying the locking system on the kennels which will allow to close and open the door automatically in case of Health and Safety (Fire, Flooding) 5.4 Porter 5 Forces Michael Porter has identified five forces that are widely used to assess the structure of any industry. Porter five forces are: Ø Bargaining Power of Suppliers Ø Bargaining Power of Buyers Ø Treats of New Entrants Ø Treats of Substitutes Ø Rivalry among Competitors Together the strength of the five forces determines the profit potential in an industry by influencing the prices, costs and required investments of business. Stronger forces are associated with a more challenging business environment. Scanning Waterside Boarding Kennels I remarked the follows: Ø Power of suppliers for Waterside Boarding Kennels is low. It is easy to switch from one supplier to another. Ø Power of buyers is medium. In boarding business customers like to stay with the same company as they feel their pets are happy. Ø Treats of new entrants is medium. Depends on how much the entrants will invest. Waterside Kennels invested, (for boarding business ) a lot of money and try to have a high standard of services. For five years period the company acquired a good reputation. Customers are loyal to our company. Ø To reduce the treats of substitutes we are staying closely in tune with customers preferences. Ø To look at competitive rivalry whiten boarding industry in Ireland, I did a research and realised there were many boarding businesses. The Waterside Kennels have low rivalry as there no other boarding business in the area. 6 Conclusion Waterside Boarding Kennels Co. is very well placed on N2 road with new ideal facilities. The owner invested a lot of money unexpecting the downturn in economy which affected the company. This company must to do a research on their needs/wants. In my view, boarding business is like any businesses have to have strategies. There is still a lot to be done. At the moment company operates for local customers. It is time to expand coverage. I am optimistic on this company future. Not many people will turn away from their love pets. 7 Recommendations My recommendations Waterside Boarding Kennels are the following: * Review the company strategies. * More advertising * Organise events * Clear signs for directions(location) * Coffee machine for customers * Collecting rain water for cleaning will reduce water charges bill * Employ volunteers who can come with good ideas 8 Bibliography Waterside Boarding Kennels company.

The Loss of a Life Partner Essay -- Relationships Grief Death Love Ess

The Loss of a Life Partner Introduction Feelings of loss are very personal because only the person involved in the loss knows what is significant to them. People commonly associate certain losses with strong feelings of grief. The solitude is always agonizing, especially for someone who has never lived alone. Many people lose their spouses each year. Because the modern society has few mourning rituals other than the memorial service, they may find themselves alone and disconsolate just when they are most in need of comfort. Different Kinds of Loss Loss of one’s partner can be due to various reasons including:  · Death of a partner/Bereavement  · Serious or dilapidating illness of a loved one If you—or your loved one—has become sick or injured, expect a number of physical, emotional and financial changes in your life. Coping with these changes can be very difficbrt, even overwhelming at times, but the following strategies may help:  · Relationship breakup/Separation Relationship breakup. This involves losing a partner from a problematic relationship. Although it might seem easier to lose a partner when the relationship has been difficult or unsatisfying, the feelings of dissatisfaction can make the survivor vulnerable to guilt and second thoughts. When he/she remembers the best times of the relationship, self-blame can convince the individual that if he/she had done things differently, they could have had good times. The grief then can be colored easily by regret and guilt. If the survivor's friends and family are aware of the difficulties in the relationship, they may expect the person to quickly move on and they may not support her process of grieving. We have a cultural prohibition about speaking ill of the dead. Because of this prohibition, the survivor may find no opportunity to talk about the different aspects of her experience because only the positive aspects are acceptable. Also, if she wants to begin a new relationship, she may have difficulty cultivating a positive identity as a partner because of the negative experiences with her lost partner. Bereavement Bereavement triggers a normal, natural, healthy process that often leaves the victim/bereaved partner feeling far from normal, natural and healthy. Indeed it can leave you feeling quite mad, suicidal, or even like harming others. Feeling like it for a period of time is one... ...u can. Something as simple as a home-cooked casserole or cookies is not only helpful, but it also lets people know that you care about them.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Help a bereaved person to make plans for getting through special occasions such as the first Christmas without his or her spouse. The anniversary of a loss, either a death or divorce, is an especially sad time.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Do not try to minimize grief  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Talk about your own losses There's no question about it that loss is a necessary and painful part of life. But perhaps what matters most is that there are ways in which those who love you can help you say good-bye, and deal with loss. It is very difficult to think about what do when you are experiencing a loss, or want to help someone else who is. Often, even trying to make sense of loss is a daunting task for a person to do alone. BIBLIOGRAPHY Fisher, Bruce. Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends. Impact Publishers, 1990. Kilne, S. Nathan, MD. From Sad to Glad. G. P Putnam’s Sons. Toronto. 1994 Shaw, Eva. What to do when a Love One Dies: A Practical and Compassionate Guide to Dealing with Death on Life’s Terms. Dickens Press, California. 1994

Hrm599

Week 1 1. Benefit plans Employer-sponsored benefits reflect the culture and business of the organization, and plans should be crafted and selected accordingly. Think about your current (or former) organization's benefit plan. Did it help to improve the quality of your work as well as your personal life? Why or why not? Was it a generous benefits program or were there specific benefits you felt should have been included? We want more time off Today people are looking for benefits what will help them manage their work-life life-styles better.Today, with the help of technology, employer is now starting to be more capable of offering flexible options with great results. Time off, seems to be another area that, I think, needs major improvement across the whole country. The average of two weeks’ vacation is way below the standard offered in all other countries, even third world countries have mandated better time off benefits embedded in their labor laws. I feel that we Americans wo rk too hard, with little time to be more involved in raising our kids or even taking care of ourselves.No time for soccer practice with my kinds, no time to go to the gym so I can lose some weight, no time to cook a good health meal for the family. Our lives are hassle and hassle and hassle. To me, when it comes to benefits, time off carries a lot of weight. I rather have an additional week of vacation that 5K more in my pay. Benefit plans Our company is into sales, entertainment, sports. I think it would be kinda hard to model a plan accordingly. Our plans are more designed to the type of family you have because we have a big mixture of people.I personally am not covered so I can't really speak in terms of how it benefits my life. Of course I do have vacation time and such, which does allow me to take some to myself. One thing I think would help in my quality of work or personal life is a flexible schedule. What I do sometimes affect payroll, so I have to map out times off or half days. However there are times when I really could use off and not really need to be in, so I wouldn't mind working an extra hour each day to have a half day later, or coming in earlier so I can leave earlier.Mainly because I prefer working in teh morning. I feel it helps me stay more attentative. Benefit discussion Providing workers with paid vacation time is extremely common, and generally considered a low-cost benefit to offer. Two weeks paid leave is fairly standard for a small business in the U. S. Many companies start workers at two weeks and reward them with additional time off as they accrue seniority. Some companies will also pro-rate vacation time, so that new hires that start on or after July 1 are only offered a week's vacation time in their first year. . Benefit Planning Process (graded)| As part of conducting a benefit plan needs assessment, a human resource professional must consider the organization’s business strategy as well as its compensation philosophy. Wh at do you think is the next step that should be taken? What are some of the possible outcomes of a benefit plan needs assessment? depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is | Mark Lema | 4/25/2012 7:11:46 AM| | I guess It depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization we are, and the industry we are.I think that if we are new start-up business in the technology industry, we might need the best talent out there; therefore our strategy should be to offer very competitive benefits to attract and retain the best. Specially if they are highly skilled and in big demand. If I were to be in the â€Å"decline† stage or the organization, I might have to reduce cost and offer cost effective benefits to offset the costs and minimize expenses. | | RE: depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/4/2012 7:53:32 PM| | Modified:5/4/2012 7:54 PM | I agree with my classmates that first it all depends on what stage the org anization is in. Along with this in my opinion, the immediate external environment and the changing needs of the organization are the priority too. If there is lot of external competition then the organization might need to reevaluate its benefit plans to attract, retain and reward valued employees. In order to do this, human resources should conduct a thorough review of the current plan and gain a clear understanding of short and long term strategic and financial objectives. | What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Catherine Flynn | 4/30/2012 11:46:54 AM| | I think they need to look at the employees themselves and what their needs are. Easier for smaller companies, but even for bigger companies you can do online surveys. Finding out what the employees want is kinda imperative because you may not have similar workers. You may have some single people who don't need child care benefits, or older people who are into saving more so would really be interested in a 401 k or Pension more than an FSA account necessarily. | RE: What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Lynn Peirce | 5/1/2012 12:34:40 AM| | Hi Catherine, thanks for your post†¦. I think, as I have seen through my readings†¦ companies simply are not offering pension plans. I would rather have that than a 401K. I think compnies should use surveys and interviews with kep personnale to see what employees really want after a needs assessment†¦. I imagine the results would be surprising. Management always seems to be disconnected from the â€Å"real† hard working backbone employees. | | RE: What do you think is the next step that should be taken? | Aaron Jones | 5/1/2012 6:04:19 AM| | This is true but they should reconnect themselves so they can find out what is really going on with there employees, the hard backbone employees need to know that they are  notice for there hard work and when mangerment does   surveys and needs assessment this shows th e employees that the organzation is concern about there hard working employees. | | Outcomes of an assessment | Catherine Flynn | 5/1/2012 11:18:52 AM| | I'm not sure what the book says.However I would assume there could be many outcomes such as needs that might be too expensive to cover. Or perhaps not enough people want the same coverage or not enough people to meet the limit requirement for the insurance company. You can also find out that the benefit plan might not suit anyone at all and a serious change is needed. | | RE: Benefit Planning Process | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/6/2012 8:41:42 PM| | Most successful companies utilize business strategic planning to set priorities and goals for the organization's future; outcomes include short-term goals and long-term strategies.A clearly written, well designed strategic plan can align business units, divisions and employees so that the vision of the management team and the mission of the company can be fulfilled. As companies evolve and the environment changes it is critical for companies to maintain a disciplined execution of the strategic plan. However, if they are not aligned with the business strategy, are done independently, and are not linked to a multi-year strategy they can become a source of frustration and may create unintended outcomes.By adopting a strategic benefit planning process, companies can make decisions regarding their benefits and health care with significantly less stress. Addressing the changing environment of health care will be approached with a more thoughtful long-term perspective and will be tied to the values and philosophy of the   company. | benefit plan | Manqing Liu | 5/4/2012 10:36:41 PM| | There are several external environmental factors considered in strategic benefits planning: Industry prospects, economic conditions, and forecasts Employer costs for compensation and benefitsGovernment regulation of employee benefits Changing demographics of the labor force| Next Step | Natasha Wylie | 5/11/2012 2:13:56 PM| | I think the next logical step would be for the company to  do an evaluation  in terms of both cost and employee need, to maintain a balance between direct wages and benefits. Wage increases and benefit changes independently can lead to excessive increases in payroll costs where the organization loses control of the situation. When benefits or one benefits costs are rising quickly, it impacts the organization's ability to raise other parts of the compensation package. |Week 2 discussion Role of Government (graded)| Other than the mandates of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and a few other ineffectual reporting and disclosure requirements, benefit programs were practically unregulated by the federal government. Before the major shift that came with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, which was primarily aimed at traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans but applicable to other employer sponsored retirem ent and benefit programs. What is the government’s current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits?Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Role of the government | Aaron Jones | 5/5/2012 4:23:24 AM| | 1. * Government regulates retirement plans, health benefit coverages, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation benefits. Effects * Government regulation on unemployment insurance pays benefits to the unemployed. By regulating workers' compensation benefits, states can control the amount an insurer pays, the kind of drug testing it requires and whether businesses with fewer employees are exempt from these laws.With the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the federal government establishes standards for retirement and health coverage that private businesses must offer. Liability * In states like North Carolina, the government subjects new employers to a standard tax rate at first. Once it has determine d their actual rate, the state's Employment Security Commission notifies the business by letter of its liability to pay unemployment taxes.Significance * Not only do federal and state regulations on benefits guarantee certain types of coverage, they also establish minimum reporting standards and disclosure requirements for businesses that must document their compliance. Size * An expansive program, ERISA regulates benefits given to a company's current and discontinued employees. It also mandates compliance with the Newborns' Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, to name a few. information from: Government Regulations on Employee Benefits | eHow. om http://www. ehow. com/facts_5554578_government-regulations-employee-benefits. html#ixzz1tzOVqKAW. | RE: Role of Government | Sylvia Privette | 5/6/2012 8:53:03 AM| | Lynn and Aaron I agree with both of you. I don't think the government intervenes eno ugh. I believe they waited to long to help with this issue as they do with all issues. They wait  until they are out of control or the government is tired of paying for the people because they are short on funds, so they attack. Had this issue been dealt with before the backlash would not be so drastic. As Aaron stated it took this particular president to do something.I look back at the wheel and the economy if you don't work for the big companies, then its difficult for the smaller ones to give great benefits. The Healthcare plan is a good one, but possible at an inconvenient time for companies financially. In response to Lynn I too believe the government should provide healthcare coverage but to the needy. If you are employed then your employer should offer heathcare and the employee should be covered, contributing or not. The government is now complaining that are not only giving health care to the needy and companies can help bare some of the cost.We all know healthcare is exp ensive | | RE: Role of Government | Manqing Liu | 5/12/2012 9:54:07 PM| | The government's role in the retirement income area has been dictated primarily by historical factors. Beginning in the late 19th century, the economy of the United States changed fairly rapidly from predominantly agricultural to predominantly industrial and service oriented. Coinciding with this change—and probably in response to it—the large, supportive extended family of the agricultural economy was largely replaced by smaller, more fragmented family units.The shift away from agriculture reduced the amount of economically useful work available to older people, and family structural changes reduced the amount of family support for the aged. | | RE: Role of Government | Aaron Jones | 5/7/2012 6:04:07 AM| | This is the way the system likes to operate, they will let an situation like this one get so far out of hand then have meeting about the matter and really get nothing done instead they fight o n issues that they know should have been address   long before Barack Obama came along.Now that he is here he just wants do do the job he was put in office for taking care the American people and use all the funds in a wisely matter so all can live a more comfortable life. Healthcare is expensive and with the right program in place the cost can be handle if they   take the right action regarding this matter. | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? | Catherine Flynn | 5/9/2012 8:26:36 PM| | All benefits are so complex it takes a lot to work plans out, so having regulations I think is helpful.However I don't feel that the government should get more involved than they already are because I feel that they are almost trying to control what I can and cannot have, and that is what I don't agree with. I mentioned before about the Individual Mandate Clause in the new healthcare plan that is being voted on and I personally do not appreciate being told what I can and cannot buy. It should be my choice to purchase health insurance if I want it or not, and this clause is taking that choice away from me. | | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Norma Vega | 5/9/2012 11:32:52 PM| | I think there are too little. While there are some penalties and sanctions imposed by ERISA, through the Department of Labor, these are for violations on the administration of the employee benefits programs of those who voluntarily designed employee benefits plans. How about for those who opted not to voluntarily design employee benefits plans and programs? REFERENCES:Pndyck, Robert S. (2005). Microeconomics. Pearson Education, Inc. http://www. dol. gov/compliance/guide/erisa. htm#who | | To ensure there is fair environment for competition | Mark Lema | 5/10/2012 7:15:33 AM| In my opinion, the government’s role is to primarily set a minimum standard. As they do for the minimum wage. Then to enforce de law, and to ensure there is fair environment for competition and no monopolies are developed. Competition will drive the quality of benefits. | Government Mandates | Professor Blanco | 5/10/2012 1:12:34 PM| | Class-  Ã‚   intereesting that many of you feel that â€Å"government should provide benefits†. Let's take a look at that. Benefits are very expensive, we know. But why? What is driving the cost of these benefits? How do you propose the â€Å"government provided benefits† will be paid? | RE: Government Mandates | Crystal Johnson | 5/10/2012 4:30:08 PM| | One thing that is raising the cost of benefits is specialty drug prescriptions. Specialty drugs for   multiple sclerosis can cost $2,500 to $3,800 a month. The cost of staying alive on drugs is sky rocketing. Prescription drug companies are making a killing with their patents and over charge the public to fix erectile dysfunction or having long lashes. However, drugs that actually extend your life and true quality of lif e should be augmented so everyone can benefit or at least let people have reasonable access to them.I know that sex and long eye lashes are meaningful to quality of life, but not as much as asma medication or kidney cleansing  drugs for dialys patients. http://www. shrm. org/hrdisciplines/benefits/Articles/Pages/SpecialtyDrugs. aspx | | | RE: Government Mandates | Manqing Liu | 5/11/2012 11:15:52 PM| | I found something interesting about government provided benefits: A 2008 poll of 1,400 Americans by the Cornell Survey Research Institute found that when people were asked whether they had â€Å"ever used a government social program,† 57 percent said they had not.Respondents were then asked whether they had availed themselves of any of 21 different federal policies, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, the home-mortgage-interest deduction and student loans. It turned out that 94 percent of those who had denied using programs had benefited from at least one; the average respondent had used four. http://www. nytimes. com/2011/09/20/opinion/our-hidden-government-benefits. html| | | What is the government’s current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 5:43:14 PM| The  basis of ERISA is to provide protection of employee benefit rights. ERISA has a few major objectives, they are: To ensure that workers and beneficiaries receive adequate information about their plans To set standards od conduct for those managing employee benefits plans   and plan funds To determine that adequate funds are being set aside to pay promised pension benefits To ensure that workers receive pension benefits after they satisfied minimum requirements To safeguard pension benefits for workers whose pension plans are terminated | | | Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention?Why? | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 6:05:23 PM| | I'm on the fence about whether there is too much government interv ention in the administering of employee benefits. I'm sure  that both sides could argue where oversight is needed and where there is too much involvement. Whether the oversight is handled by the government or another agency, I do believe that someone should look out for the best interest of employees, and ensure things related to benefits are handled in a proper manner. |Government Mandated Benefits (graded)| There are certain benefits that are legislatively mandated and cannot be altered or dropped by an organization for any reason other than the organization is closing its doors for good! Social Security and Medicare, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, COBRA and FMLA are all federal and state mandated programs. What do you think determines the types of programs that the  government chooses to make mandatory? Do you feel these programs are efficient and effective?Why or why not? | Government Mandated Benefits | Lynn Peirce | 5/6/2012 2:55:19 AM| | My feeling is that the U. S. economy plays a large part in determining the types of programs the government makes mandatory, in order to help and protect U. S. citizens in times of need, for example, COBRA. Some of these programs go back many years in their enactment, such as the Social Security Act of 1935, when the U. S. had the foresight to help aid in retirement of older workers (and that was post-Depression and pre-WWII).Some of these programs are efficient, such unemployment insurance (even though it should last longer), and some are not, such as Medicare (seniors still have to purchase supplemental insurance or pay out-of-pocket costs). Social Security may not even be around in another 25 years. I think these programs started out well, and the intentions are good, but they became financially strapped. See http://www. socialsecurityreform. org/problem/index. cfm. | | RE: Government Mandated Benefits | Sylvia Privette | 5/6/2012 8:06:52 PM| | I agree with both of you.The government does w hat it feels is necessary when monies are tight for them and for companies. The state of the economy determines in which way the wheel should turn. If it too expensive for the government then they want more from employers, however they also know that employers will want something in return i. e. , tax incentives. The government should have stepped in long ago before these problems became bigger problems. Aaron you make a good point. The government should make sure that the employees they have working in these positions are educated nough to do so. The proper training and supervision is most important. Mishandling of funds is a big issue for the government and it seems as if they need the corporations help in bailing them out financially. I am grateful for the programs that the government has mandated, however, I think the government could regulate more benefits programs. | RE: Social Security ; Government Benefits | Lynn Peirce | 5/10/2012 11:03:05 PM| | Jill, as we discussed in cla ss, Social Security was implemented in 1935, after the Depression, and was only meant to be temporary.Since the system is already broken, and the government is trying to fix it, healthcare will be regulated by the federal government†¦ but as we discussed in class, Obamacare will have to be tweaked in order to satisfy those who are opposed to it, as well as make it more feasible to implement and operate. I imagine this will be  a nightmare. I found this great article about Social Security, written from the viewpoint of a sociologist, on the origins of Social Security and how it is being â€Å"reformed†: http://www2. ucsc. edu/whorulesamerica/power/social_security. tml If the current social security dliemma, is not fixed, I feel that the consequences will be dire. | Do you feel these programs are efficient and effective? Why or why not? | Natasha Wylie | 5/13/2012 7:35:53 PM| | Personally speaking I think that these programs are effective. I have used FMLA, after giving birth to my daughter. T he Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for themselves or a relative suffering from a serious health condition, a newborn baby, recently adopted child or a new foster child.Also covered are emergencies that occur when a relative who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves is called to active duty. To qualify, employees must work for a covered employer for a minimum of 1,250 hours during the designated 12-month qualifying period. Its a relief to not worry about securing your position while out on FMLA. There were times when if an employee needed to be out of work for and extended period of time, there positions weren't held. | Week 3 discussion Healthcare Cost Management (graded)|Many Americans benefit from the investments in healthcare; however, the recent cost growth, coupled with the economic downturn and rising national deficit, has placed a great strain on the financial systems used to finance hea lthcare, including private employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and public insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. What is the responsibility of individuals for the cost of their care? Are health savings accounts and high-deductible insurance policies an approach that should be expanded? What are the concerns for low-income individuals?Healthcare cost management | Aaron Jones | 5/12/2012 7:12:54 AM| | The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a provision similar to AMA policy on individual responsibility, which is scheduled to take effect in 2014. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the ACA will expand coverage to 32 million more Americans by 2016. Several of the new benefits included in the health reform law, such as an end to coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions, are only made possible by increasing the number of Americans participating in the health insurance market.Individual responsibility for health insurance allows patients to take ownership of their health care needs, decreases the number of uninsured — now estimated at 50 million nationwide — and helps make popular insurance market reforms possible. By promoting individual responsibility and increasing the number of insured individuals, we improve the health of Americans and keep hidden costs from being passed along to all of us * HSA/HDHPs are a highly tax-advantaged savings vehicle appealing to people who have high incomes and to those who are expected to have low use of health care services.For the uninsured, these approaches are less attractive since they often have low income and neither benefit significantly from the tax advantages now have the financial assets necessary to cover the large deductibles associated with the plans. * Their ability to reduce system-wide spending is very limited. * The plans have the potential to increase segmentation of health care risk in private insurance markets unless employers set premiums to offset the healthier s election into the plans or government subsidizes the higher costs associated with the remaining non-HSA market.The plans have thus far been less attractive that prononents envisioned, the authors add, so their potentially negative ramifications on populations with high medical needs have been limited. However, they say, â€Å"efforts to expand enrollment in these plans through further tax incentives, for example, could place growing financial burdens on those least able to absorb them, leading to more barriers to medical care for the low-income and the sick and fewer insurance options. www. rwjf. org/pr/product. | Healthcare Cost Management | Lynn Peirce | 5/12/2012 10:39:30 PM| I think that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare, whenever possible and affordable, but since the economy has been so bad for so long, a lot of people go without, which places a strain on the financial systems used to finance government-managed programs. I, myself, am fortunate enough to receive Medicaid, but it was not handed to me, as one must be medically-needy (an individual can make $47,500 per year and receive Medicaid). There are two programs within Medicaid in New Jesey, one is the Workability Program, which I am in; the other is for people who are unable to work.Health insurance is very expensive for employers ot provide, as we have been discusssing in class the past few weeks. I feel that high-deductible policies are not the way to go, but health savings accounts may be a great option to explore. The concerns for low-income individuals are that they simply do not have the means to invest in a health-savings account, and if they don't qualify for Medicaid, they are stuck in clinic care, which doesn't really do the job. â€Å"More than 60 percent of nonelderly Americans receive health-insurance (HI) coverage through employers, either as policyholders or as dependents.However, rising health-care costs are leading many to question the long-term viability of the employer-based insurance system. Concerns about the economic burden of providing HI are particularly acute for small businesses, which are both less likely than larger firms to offer HI and more sensitive to price when deciding to offer insurance. Small firms may have difficulty containing costs due to their limited bargaining power and their inability to hire experts skilled in negotiating with insurance companies.Further, while few recent studies have systematically explored differences in the quality of HI plans that small and large firms offer, small firms may offer health plans of lower quality† (http://www. rand. org/pubs/technical_reports/TR559. html). | Healthcare Cost Management | Norma Vega | 5/13/2012 11:20:31 PM| | I would say it depends on the institution. There are great medical facilities all over the US but many are closing down because of different law violations. I think it is a mix of both money and helping patients though. The good facilities I think concentrate on the genuinely helping people part from top down.As they hire staff, I would hope that is one requirement they look for while in the interview process. I think with a good staff and employees that truly care and provide excellent service are the ones that are successful and make more money. | The importance of becoming a smart consumer | Mark Lema | 5/15/2012 1:30:07 PM| | Becoming a smart consumer is a must when it comes to utilizing your healthcare benefits. The high cost of benefits is not under the control of employers, therefore, employer have no option but to offer all other   possible options to reduce the cost of healthcare and minimize the passing of that cost to their employees.Unfortunately, there is very little employers can do. As they cost for healthcare increases, employer have to become more creative in developing a healthcare pla that will not upset employees and   that will not place the company on bankruptcy. HSA and FSA type of accounts are som e of those alternatives that employer use to help employees better manage their healthcare costs. Unfortunately, the lack of understanding how these plans work, and the fact that it requires a lot of time andn preparation to comply with the processes  and submit receipts, has pushed back many current and potential participants.In my case these option do help. My wife, who is the smart one, fully understands the procedures and requirements of HASs and FSAs and has save us   in the last years 100’s of dollars in healthcare costs, this dedication and full understanding of my family healthcare needs, has by far offset the time-burden it requires to manage them. | | What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Catherine Flynn | 5/16/2012 5:17:20 PM| | For low income families it's a big struggle to be able to afford insurance. Sometimes it can even be something that they just don't think about cause it may not be the firs thing on their mind.When you're worrying about ot her bills, that could take precedent over insurance. Until someone gets sick, then you realize that on top of all the bills, you need money for when you or your child is sick or needs hospital care. For my family when I was growing up, we knew insurance was important because I was a pretty sick kid, so I was always needing doctor visits and medicines, and of course ER visits since I was also clumsy. Then my mother's health started to decline as I got older. So having some sort of insurance was extremely important and I always knew that it's beneficial to have some type of funds available should emergencies occur.When I was in college there were a few years I had to go without benefits. Today and even then I felt extremely lucky I didn't get sick because if I had I would have had a lot of bills. Not only because of that but because My mother and I had assistance, I'm very grateful for it. However not everyone has that, and not everyone is eligible for it because they work. But their salaries may not be enough to get them health care, so they have the option of finding a job that might offer benefits, or get a second job to try and get a plan on their own.It can be very difficult, and it's something you need to ask yourself. Are you going to try your hardest to protect yourself with insurance, or are you going to risk it? I think it depends alot on each persons circumstances. | What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Michael McArdle | 5/18/2012 10:43:39 AM| | Personally I just feel that low-income people are in trouble of never being able to afford healthcare. There are people that can go to Health Clinics but there is still a fee of $5, $10 or $20, based on income level, and many people cannot even afford to pay the amounts that are listed.Sometimes when I visit to see the Dentist because I don't a dental plan, I pay $20, I hear the stories of the people talking to each other makes me almost want to melt in my seat hearing about their life stories a nd the struggles they have. It is just so sad that all of these people I see in the waiting room are unable to afford to see a Family Doctor, it makes me feel sad. | RE: What are the concerns for low-income individuals? | Aly Traore | 5/18/2012 4:34:25 AM| | what you said is very true and sad, but unfortunately it is the reality. n my opinion, to better live in USA in these days, you have to be at least in middle class that is the level where you can benefit from the system of economy in particular healthcare system. â€Å"low- income† is just a beautiful word to cover the word â€Å"poor† in the government vocabulary. | | Consumer Driven Healthcare (graded)| Consumer driven healthcare has become popular over the past few years as employees seek tax advantages and cost savings on healthcare. What are some of the key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan? Does your company currently offer any of these plans?If so, are you taking advantage of them? Why or why not ? | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Sylvia Privette | 5/15/2012 10:02:36 PM| | Lynn  I agree, with healthcare becoming more and more expensive, for the little things people are starting to self heal as much as possible. Those over the counter medicines are on the rise for purchases because its cheaper. Individuals wait until self healing is no longer working to go to the doctor. I am starting to see more people looking for the cheaper health plans. The plans offered by the government based on income determines your contribution.Some of these plans depending on pay scale are cheaper the what employers are asking. Also free clinics are on the rise for health care, the medical buses we see sometimes like to get your blood pressure checked, or free screenings, free flu shots, mammograms and the use of the department of health especially for children. These are some of the cheaper ways people are staring to use. | | | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Manqing Liu | 5/20/2012 10:49:22 P M| | Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans.These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues. Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as disability, workers compensation, and productivity. | | RE: Consumer Driven Healthcare | Aaron Jones | 5/16/2012 4:23:00 AM| | With the high cost that comes with healthcare people are becoming smart consumers when looking for the right healthcare package, it may not have all the benefits people are looking for but as long is the price is right people will just get what they can afford these days.Free clinics, over the counter medicines, whatever will work for that person helps the consumer deal better with healthcare issues. | | consumer-driven plans | Mark Lema | 5/16/2012 1:17:52 PM| | The term consumer-driven evolved out of a concept of a defined contribution in contrast to a defined benef it. Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans. These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues.Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as disability, workers compensation, and productivity. | Does your company currently offer any of these plans? If so, are you taking advantage of them? Why o | Catherine Flynn | 5/16/2012 5:22:55 PM| | Our company offers two separate plans, and one of them does fall under this category. Alot of our employees actually do take advantage of this particular plan versus our personal choice plan. I however do not, so unfortunately I lack alot of the specifics about it.I think our biggest question right now is what's going to happen in June, because that will affect our negotiation meetings with our brokers that are coming up soon. It could not change at all, or it could change completely. I will say th at because I'm not to familiar with both plans yet I can't say that I know which one is best for me. I do know however that I am very prone to getting sick, and often, so I suppose that would play a big factor in my choice of benefits. | | RE: Does your company currently offer any of these plans?If so, are you taking advantage of them? W | Aaron Jones | 5/17/2012 4:48:37 AM| | This is a tough situation to be in but like most companies we all have to sit back and look over the choices we have when it comes to making the right choice for health care and I am sure you will sit down and make the best choice for you and your family. Just pray that the company does not make to many changes to the healthcare and if they do it works out for all that is involved in this situation. Good Luck! consumer driven healthcare | Aly Traore | 5/17/2012 10:14:56 PM| | consumer-driven health care is a good idea, and even better a good system, but with a deregulated health care system environment, it wil l be very hard for employee to stick to it for long, because the cost of health care is increasing every day. in my opinion, to be better enjoy all the health care benefits, the system has to be regulated. | | Does your company currently offer any of these plans? | Michael McArdle | 5/18/2012 10:51:13 AM| Our company does offer a lower cost plan if a person has a primary doctor, and it does cost less than a PPO, however the cost of seeing a doctor is still very high, close to $50, and if someone gets a prescription, they pay close to the full price that the prescription would have been to someone without insurance, so overall it is worth paying more for a PPO because the cost to see a doctor or get a prescription is much lower, and if you have a major accident and need surgery, a person is more likely to get the treatment they need over not getting help if their insurance was low cost and does not cover surgeries for emergencies. FSA's | Natasha Wylie | 5/20/2012 1:25:27 PM| | My co mpany offers flexible spending accounts. Flexible Spending Accounts permit employees to pay for specified health care cost that are not covered by an employee's insurance plan. For the upcoming benefit year I did elect a pre=tax contribution to FSA. This year I expect to have dental work done   and having access to the money upfront and pre-tax is an added and much needed benefit. | | RE: FSA's | Norma Vega | 5/21/2012 6:39:29 PM| | Hello Natasha,Same here.I am going to be getting some dental work as well as some minor nasal corrective surgery done and being able to pay the $500 out of pocket cost with a pre tax card is such a luxury. I really have no idea how anyone could not like these benefits. I think it comes down to people being scared of having money taken out, not realizing they’re going to spend it anyway post tax. I also think that some people can’t comprehend exactly how much they are saving from taxes. | What are some of the key features of a consumer dri ven healthcare plan? | Natasha Wylie | 5/20/2012 1:38:03 PM| The key features of consumer driven health care plans are: It helps employers maintain control over cost Enables employees to lower the cost of insurance premiums through high deductibles Puts a restriction on employees ability to make choices about who they want to receive treatment though via in ; out of network providers | | key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan | Manqing Liu | 5/20/2012 10:42:17 PM| | Transforming the third-party reimbursement system into one that puts economic purchasing power — and decision-making — in the hands of the consumer.Supplying the information and decision support tools needed, along with financial incentives, rewards and other benefits that encourage personal involvement in altering health and health care purchasing behaviors. Letting consumers, rather than health plans, control health care decisions. | Week 4 discussion Life Insurance Plans (graded)| A major conc ern for most employees is caring for their families in the event of the employee’s death. Many employers provide life insurance for employees. Does your organization offer a group insurance policy?If so, what is the basic plan design of your organization’s life insurance policy, and for  how much are you covered? RE: Group life insurance plans | Manqing Liu | 5/27/2012 10:52:00 PM| | Group life insurance is term insurance covering a group of people, usually employees of a company or members of a union or association. Individual proof of insurability is not normally a consideration in the underwriting. Rather, the underwriter considers the size, turnover and financial strength of the group. Contract provisions will attempt to exclude the possibility of adverse selection.Group life insurance often includes a provision for a member exiting the group to buy individual coverage. | Group life insurance plans | Aaron Jones | 5/19/2012 7:08:48 AM| | There are three different types of group insurance and this company uses number one for there employees from what I was reading out of the company policy. 1) Basic group term life—This is the most typical coverage, providing basic coverage and often paid for by the employer. The premiums (up to $50,000) paid for by the employer are considered to be an employee income tax-free benefit. ) Supplemental group term life—Often offered by employers in conjunction with a basic group term life policy, this type of coverage provides the flexibility for the employee to purchase additional amounts of coverage. The employee chooses the type and amount of coverage to suit personal needs and circumstances and pays the cost for the premiums. 3) Portable term life—Employees who lose the employer’s group eligibility (they either leave the group or retire) can take this coverage with them to continue their insurance protection generally until they reach age 70.They make their payments directly to t he insurer, many times through electronic funds transfers. From what I saw when I was reading the company policy when it comes to life insurance they use the typical coverage for there employees, they have there reasons why they do things the way they do it because everybody have different reasons for life insurance mostly this company uses number  1 for there employees. | Life Insurance Plans | Catherine Flynn | 5/20/2012 2:46:40 PM| | We offer voluntary life insurance plans for employee, their spouse, and dependents. Each are available in increments of $10,000.Each plan has a maximum benefit of $500,000 except for dependents, this insurance is only available in $2,500, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000. This is only available for 30 days after you acquire the dependent (birth, marriage, adoption). I personally feel as though it's important for me to make sure my family, even though small, should be protected if I can afford it. Accidents happen, and if I have the available funds why not put money away for that purpose? I've always been a squirrel when it comes to money so saving plans like these are a good fit for me. | Commonwealth life insurance plan | Crystal Johnson | 5/20/2012 7:22:50 PM| From what I understand, my life insurance plan matches my base pay. Base pay is $20,000 to $25, 000 less than my actually income because of the amount of over time that I do. If I get killed on state property  it suppose to be three times my base pay. Rumored has it that the hostage situation that happened in 1998 where a staff was killed by another staff member the grieving family had to go to court to get the triple pay out. The insurance company said that the death was not caused by a patient so they did not want to pay. Even though the killer staffer was upset about upper management decision to fire him.Group Life InsuranceThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides life insurance coverage for permanent employees through The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The a mount of life insurance is equal to your annual salary (rounded to the nearest $1,000) as of the date of hire, up to a maximum of $40,000. The amount of insurance is adjusted on January 1 of each year to account for pay changes. There is a 90-day waiting period from your date of hire before coverage takes effect. Eligible employees will receive a â€Å"Welcome Kit† from Prudential within three months of hire.The kit will include the Booklet/Certificate that confirms coverage and outlines the contract provisions that apply, as well as a Group Insurance Beneficiary Designation/Change form. | | RE: Commonwealth life insurance plan | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 11:34:36 AM| | Life insurance should really be called â€Å"death insurance. † Like other types of insurance, life insurance is protection against the unknown. When you buy life insurance, you're paying for the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the event of your sudden demise. Life insurance is t he life jacket in the fishing boat..You hope to never have to use it, but it's nice to know it's there. Some people call life insurance gambling. They think that you're throwing away a bunch of money on the off chance that you'll die young. But when life insurance is handled correctly, it isn't gambling at all. It's simply part of a larger economic plan whose goal is the financial security of your family. It's a shame that often times its not handled correctly. | Imputed Income | Crystal Johnson | 5/24/2012 5:55:52 PM| | Income that may not be seen as cash, but instead comes in the form of a benefit†¦ ometimes by having another pay an expense†¦ sometimes by having a benefit provided. Examples: The value of a car provided by your employer that you may use for personal use. That value is imputed income. Likewise, the value of having some other benefits – over $50,000 a year of life insurance provided by your employer (the value of the insurance is imputed income). An employer sponsored (even if what it does just work to make the costs lower) of an on site cafeteria – imputed benefit. Having a below market rate loan†¦ that some employers provide certain employees†¦ he lower interest that they forgoe is a benefit to you†¦ and hence imputed income. Read more: http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_is_imputed_income#ixzz1vpnMNB4x| Definition of Imputed Income | Lynn Peirce | 5/24/2012 9:33:06 PM| | As per our discussion in class tonight, imputed income is defined, as follows: â€Å"Imputed income is the addition of the value of cash/non-cash compensation to an employees’ taxable wages in order to properly withhold income and employment taxes from the wages. Imputed income is taxable to the assignee (unless specifically exempt).Because it is delivered for the performance of services (related to employment) it must be included in the assignee's Form W-2 to accurately reflect the assignee's taxable wage-related income† (se e http://definitions. uslegal. com/i/imputed-income/). I didn't want to add too much because Crystal also defined it in her post. | | Life Insurance | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 11:28:45 AM| | Employee sponsored life insurance gives employees a peace of mind in the event of death. Having life insurance relieves some of the financial burden left on grieving loved ones.Employee-sponsored life insurance   protects family members by paying a specified amount to n employees beneficiary upon the employees death. | Disability Plans (graded)| In addition to replacing household income when an employee either retires or is no longer working, he or she may also carry some type of income-replacement plan in the event they become disabled. Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? What are the specifics of your coverage? Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? Why or why not? | RE: Disability coverage | Crystal Johnson | 5/22/201 2 2:08:29 AM| Jobs that offer short term disability insurance as part of a benefit's package creates more loyalty in employees than jobs that do not offer it. Human beings are going to acquire bumps and bruises as part of the â€Å"age and wisdom† baggage. Short term disability insurance gives you the luxury to fully heal while keeping a roof over your head and raman noodles on your plate. When employees know  that they  will be able to recuperate without financial stresses  from standing-on-the-stool-to-change -a-light-but-crashed-landed-into-the-wall, they are more willing to go stay where they are appreciated and valued. Disability Coverage | Lynn Peirce | 5/20/2012 1:51:31 AM| | Of course, the firm I currently work for does not offer disability insurance; since I am a Medicaid recipient, I currently would not need it. As far as purchasing supplemental disability insurance, I found an example of coverage from Combined Insurance Company, as follows: â€Å"Disability income insurance is paid directly to you for covered disability for up to two years* when you are totally disabled and can't work due to accident or sickness. You are protected, on or off the job, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.You are considered totally disabled when you are under the regular care of a physician and are unable to perform the substantial and material duties of your own occupation. Income Protector works in conjunction with Social Security and Workers' Compensation to help you maximize your benefits. When no social benefit** is paid, Combined Insurance pays you the full benefit amount of your selected plan. When a social benefit is paid, our disability income protection makes up any shortfall between your target replacement paycheck and your social benefit payment. ** However, Combined Insurance will never pay less than 40% of the benefit amount purchased† (http://www. combinedinsurance. com/insurance-types/disability-insurance. html). I think it is probably a good idea, if you have a family and can afford it, but on the other hand, we are already paying into Disability, and it seems like another money-maker for insurance companies. I mean, there is insurance for just about everything anymore (like pet insurance). How far does it go, and how much should an employer provide when the cost of health insurance is already so high? | | Aflac | Crystal Johnson | 5/20/2012 7:38:08 PM| | I am not a saver. I know I should be more responsible and put money away  for rainy days. I know that I should put away 10% of my income for  life's  financial thunderstorms. I don't have a financial  umbrella. I like dancing in the rain so I got Aflac. Aflac  gave our union a group rate for  disability insurance and secondary life insurance. My coworkers  allowed Aflac to  take out money out of their check because the wanted a stronger piece of mind and  plan  B to their savings plan.I choose to have Aflac take out money out of my  check be cause I cant be trusted to do it myself. | | RE: Disability Plans | Lynn Peirce | 5/23/2012 5:08:32 PM| | They have to pay people/employees to do this, so they have to make it worth everyone's while. The cost to the employer has to be validated in order for it to continue. | | RE: supplemental disability insurance | Aaron Jones | 5/24/2012 6:21:07 AM| | I am sure that a whole lot of people will need this type of insurance when they get to a point in their life and hopefully the insurance will cover the things they will need cover once it kicks in.The rules always change when the person really needs this type of coverage this is why the person must make sure evrything is still good before the insurance is needed. | Disbility plans | Harpreet Sandhu | 5/23/2012 10:20:53 PM| | Short term disability insurance can replace a portion of income during the initial weeks of a disabling illness or accident whereas, long term disability can replace a portion of income after those initial weeks, for an extended period. Some people have one or both of these through their employer.Many people also choose to purchase individual disability insurance on their own. Individual Disability Income Insurance can provide protection for people who do not have disability insurance available through their workplace or may be used to supplement group coverage through their workplace. Some of the benefits of MetLife’s Individual Disability Income Insurance include: Monthly Benefit Payments—after an initial waiting period, benefits are paid for each month you can’t work through the policy’s maximum benefit period.Noncancelable and Guaranteed Renewable Coverage Available – Provided premiums are paid on time, MetLife cannot cancel or change your coverage or premium rates until the first premium due date on or after your 67th birthday. www. metlife. com/individual/insurance/disability-insurance/index. html | | Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental dis ability insurance? | Manqing Liu | 5/25/2012 8:13:45 PM| | Most people don't realize the risk of becoming disabled, permanently or temporarily, at some point in their lives. But the reality is that at age 40, your chances of becoming disabled for 90 days or more prior to age 65 is 43%. Source: 2004 Field Guide, National Underwriter). I think it is necessary to purchase a disability insurance. | | RE: Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? | Aly Traore | 5/25/2012 8:49:59 PM| | why would you want to buy an additional insurance, if you can invest your money somewhere else to make profit over the time period. in my opinion,   I think if your goal is to buy that supplemental insurance just to have more money in a case where you get disable or retired,   this is not a good option. | RE: Mental Health Paridy Act | Sylvia Privette | 5/25/2012 8:46:06 PM| | Modified:5/25/2012 8:47 PM | The Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) provides for parity in the applicatio n of aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits on mental health benefits with dollar limits on medical/surgical benefits. A plan that does not impose an annual or lifetime dollar limit on medical and surgical benefits may not impose such a dollar limit on mental health benefits offered under the plan. MHPA does not apply to benefits for substance abuse or chemical dependency. Health plans are not required to include mental health benefits in their benefits package. MHPA only applies to those plans that do offer mental health benefits. ttp://www. dol. gov/dol/topic/health-plans/mental. htm | | disability benefit | Manqing Liu | 5/26/2012 9:44:15 PM| | Monthly disability benefit depends on your average lifetime earnings. The amount also may be affected by your receipt of other government benefits. If you are getting workers' compensation, civil service, military, state temporary disability or state and local retirement benefits based on disability, the total amount combined with you r Social Security disability benefits may not exceed 80 percent of your average earnings at the time of your disability.Should your total government benefit go over that amount, your Social Security benefit will be reduced. Disability payments from private sources do not affect your SSDI benefits. | Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 12:35:42 PM| | My organization offers short and long term disability. Short-term disability provides income if employees are not able to work due to a non-work related illness or injury.Long-term disability coverage allows employees to continue receiving a portion of their salary for a period of time if they are disabled and cannot perform the duties of your regular job or injured. This employer-provided benefit provides 60 percent of base pay up to $10,000 per month maximum. | Disability Plans | Natasha Wylie | 5/28/2012 1:43:49 PM| | There are  four laws that influence the desi gn and implementation of company sponsered disability plans: ERISA ADEA The americans with disabilities Act State   Workers compensation and Social Secuity Disability Regulations |