Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Why do you think science fiction is so popular today Essay

For what reason do you think sci-fi is so famous today - Essay Example the advanced world is inferable from the incredible logical advancement that has been made as of late, the far reaching nature of the class, and a general disquiet with contemporary society and our aggregate prospects. One of the significant reasons sci-fi is broadly well known today is a result of present day mechanical advances. The most recent two decades have seen an imbuement of innovation the quick movement of which the world has at no other time experienced. In such matters, one thinks about the improvement of the Internet and computerized innovation as a portion of the conspicuous turns of events. What's more, cloning and foundational microorganism research has likewise introduced extraordinary potential for the class. At last, with the blast of these innovations a relating want to investigate their outrageous possibilities in writing and diversion has to a great extent filled the class. Another noticeable explanation sci-fi is very mainstream in the contemporary world is a result of the extensive idea of the class. Sci-fi is exceptional among kinds in that it is limited uniquely by the creative mind of the author. This is appeared differently in relation to sorts, for example, film noir, westerns, or even lighthearted comedies that are dependent upon profoundly prohibitive kind shows that develop tired following various years. Then again sci-fi is continually ready to reexamine itself as per explicit changes in innovation and the social milieu. This capacity to continually investigate the range of human information and experience permits the class to remain profoundly applicable in the contemporary world. A last explanation sci-fi is broadly well known is a direct result of general disquiet with society and our aggregate prospects. The current world has issues. Nations, for example, Italy and Greece are confronting liquidation and the remainder of Europe and the United States face a significant downturn. There are developing worries with a worldwide temperature alteration, world craving, and HIV. With this extraordinary measure of social anxiety the requirement for a fantasy like and fanciful

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Trade Reform, Adjustment, and Growth

Exchange Reform, Adjustment, and Growth The Focus of the Article Economic examiners look into the monetary development of one country with another with the target of inferring conceivable clarification of their differentiating development execution and apply the strong discoveries as suggestions to the creating nations. The differentiating variable that the investigators have recognized is the â€Å"openness to the global trade† (Greenaway, Morgan Wright 1547).Advertising We will compose a custom report test on Trade Reform, Adjustment, and Growth explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is certain relationship between's the open exchange and the monetary development as observationally showed in the created nations. This finding has activated exchange changes the creating nations with the World Bank starting and supporting the exchange changes through its Structural Adjustment Program. The political will is fundamental for appropriate usage of the arrangements in exchange changes given the method of reasoning that â€Å"†¦there seems, by all accounts, to be long haul relationship among execution and transparency and in the event that an economy is by and by moderately shut, at that point advancement is an important scaffold to turning out to be more open† (Greenaway, Morgan Wright 1547). Subsequently, one of the essential components to transparency is the progression of the exchange. Diverse monetary experts have utilized various systems and models to clarify the effect of exchange advancement to the development of the economy. The greatest test is the recognizable proof of the exact model that will give vigorous proof since advancement is extremely disputable in the perspective on monetary and exchange changes. The financial examiners can utilize one or numerous methodologies in the distinguishing proof of the exchange progression. Arrangement accounts is the fundamental proportion of distinguishing freedom as far as the approaches yet it has a mishap of poor e xecution of strategies accordingly require the back up from different measures. A relative value change is another measure that has a unit of exchange system inclination, which can substitute exchange advancement with time. The yield based measure is wide and can coordinate increasingly superfluous pointers. Numerous financial experts have neglected to introduce the unmistakable elements of the advancement on the grounds that â€Å"†¦there are no straight forward markers of progression. For these explanation various investigators have utilized different models to recognize freedom scenes, some unoriginally some judgmentally† (Greenaway, Morgan Wright 1550).The utilization of numerous rules approach gives an away from of the progression multifaceted nature. The Evidence The exact confirmations have demonstrated that the monetary development relies upon the advancement, fares, and exchange direction. On account of advancement, the appraisal and assessment has been drawn ne arer in two different ways, in the midst of difficulties, for example, prior strategies, other arrangement shifts, and the idea of the economy. Crosscountry is the primary methodology that has been utilized by the bury alia World Bank and has two parts of evaluation: ‘with-without’ and ‘before-after.’Advertising Looking for report on business financial matters? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Assessment utilizing ‘with-without’ involves taking of case and control investigations of an example of nations and doing similar examinations to find out whether there is hugeness distinction in monetary development consequently crediting to the exchange changes. ‘Before-after’ appraisal is like the ‘with-without’ aside from that it has a scope of time as far as years when evaluation. Time arrangement is the second methodology that utilizes financial parameters, for exam ple, auxiliary change advances, venture, and fares in the examination of freedom. These examinations have affirmed that, â€Å"liberalization is a panacea; its outcome into a progressively fast development of fares, increasingly quick development of genuine GDP †¦without genuine transitional expenses in joblessness, and †¦without critical impacts on the government’s monetary position† (Greenaway, Morgan Wright 1552). The equivocalness of the relationship between's exchange changes and financial development challenge the above end that the freedom is a panacea of monetary development. The irregularity and uncertainty of the outcomes demonstrating relationship of exchange changes and monetary development can be ascribed to the over goal-oriented program configuration, low gracefully flexibility, and poor execution of the program and the utilization of differed measures and models. To locate the steady and strong outcomes, changed proportions of advancement, hug e example of nations and a standard center development model was utilized. The outcomes got show that â€Å"the development upgrading impacts of progression are probably not going to be quick: an away from of a J bend impact which is predictable across tests and proportions of liberalization† (Greenaway, Morgan Wright 1558). For the financial development to be exponentially noteworthy, it requires a drawn out time of years. The Implications The investigations of exchange changes and monetary development have observationally demonstrated that progression and receptiveness have long haul critical effect on the development of the economy. The recognizable proof of components that establishes advancement and evaluation of progression sway on the monetary development has been so dubious and uncertain. The vagueness and discussion was because of the conflicting outcomes from various monetary experts that made it hard to give definitive outcomes. The irregularity of the outcomes was ascribed to the varying measures and models of assessing and surveying progression. This examination acquired strong and reliable outcomes since it used variable progression measures and standard center development model. The examination have indisputably indicated that the exchange arrangements and changes fundamental for monetary development are unpredictably connected to the transparency, progression and other jumbling variables, for example, correspondence, innovation and transportation. Greenaway, David, Wyn Morgan and Peter, Wright. â€Å"Trade Reform, Adjustment andAdvertising We will compose a custom report test on Trade Reform, Adjustment, and Growth explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Growth: What Does the Evidence Tell Us?† The Economic Journal 108 (1998): 1547-1561

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Geodon (Ziprasidone) Antipsychotic Drug Profile

Geodon (Ziprasidone) Antipsychotic Drug Profile Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Geodon (Ziprasidone) Drug Information Treating Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 13, 2014 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 11, 2019 Geodon   More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis In This Article Table of Contents Expand Indications Dosage Side Effects Warnings Drug Interactions Potential Advantages Other Considerations View All Back To Top In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the antipsychotic drug Geodon (ziprasidone) for the treatment of schizophrenia. The approval was extended in 2004 to include acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder (the more severe form of the disease). In 2009, Geodon received further FDA approval for use of Geodon as a daily maintenance therapy for bipolar I disorder in combination with other traditional bipolar drugs. Geodon belongs to a class of medications known as atypical  antipsychotics, which works by altering the activity of  neurotransmitters  in the brain. Indications Geodon is indicated for treatment in adults with the following specific conditions: Schizophrenia, taken either as an oral medication for the general treatment of schizophrenia or as an intramuscular injection for acute episodes of agitation in schizophreniaAcute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorderBipolar I disorder, where it is used for maintenance therapy with either lithium or valproate when acute symptoms have been controlled The Role of Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia Dosage The dosage of Geodon varies by the condition treated. Geodon capsules are available in four formulations: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg. Geodon injections are available in a single-dose vial, reconstituted with sterile water for a total of 20 mg of ziprasidone. The recommended dosage of Geodon is as follows: Schizophrenia: Start with 20-mg capsules twice daily, increasing to a daily dose of no more than 80 mg twice daily. The lowest effective dose should be used.Acute manic/mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder: Start with 40-mg capsules twice daily. Increase to 60 mg or 80 mg twice daily on day 2 of treatment. Subsequent adjustments should be made based on tolerability, maintaining the lowest effective dose.Maintenance of bipolar I disorder: Continue treatment at the same oral dose used to stabilize the acute manic/mixed episode. When used for this purpose, Geodon must be coadministered with either lithium or valproateAcute agitation associated with schizophrenia: Start with a 10- to 20-mg injection delivered intramuscularly (into a muscle), up to a maximum of 40 mg per day. Dosages of 10 mg can be delivered every two hours. Dosages of 20 mg can be delivered every four hours. If you miss a dose of Geodon, you can take the dose when you remember. However, you should skip the missed dose if its almost time for your next dose. You should never double up or take extra doses to make up for missed doses. Side Effects All antipsychotic drugs will have side effects, ranging from mild to intolerable. Speak with your doctor in advance of treatment so that you are fully aware of the possible side. Common side effects of Geodon use include: FatigueSleepinessNauseaConstipationDizzinessRestlessnessDiarrheaCoughRunny nose Extrapyramidal symptoms, including tremors, shuffling, rocking, muscle rigidity, and involuntary movements (dystonia), are common with all antipsychotic drugs. Of the 15 antipsychotics currently approved for treatment, Geodon ranked eighth in the potential for extrapyramidal symptoms according to a 2013 study from Germany. Geodon may also trigger an allergic reaction in some people. In rare instances, this could lead to a potentially life-threatening, all-body allergy known as anaphylaxis. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you develop hives, rapid heart rate, breathing difficulty, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, and the swelling of the face, throat, or tongue after taking Geodon. Warnings Geodon is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis in elderly people. The FDA issued a black box warning advising doctors and patients about the increased risk of death in this population of adults. Most deaths were caused by either a cardiovascular event or an infection. The same warning has been issued with other antipsychotic drugs. There is also a slight risk (roughly one in 4,000) that Geodon could trigger a potentially fatal change in heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia, leading to sudden death. As such, you should not take Geodon if you had a recent heart attack or have been diagnosed with severe heart failure, long QT syndrome, or certain heart rhythm disorders. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you faint or experience rapid heartbeats (tachycardia) or abnormal heart rhythms while taking Geodon. Drug Interactions Geodon is contraindicated for use with any drug that affects the QT interval of the heart. These include: Avelox (moxifloxacin)Betapace (sotalol)Mellaril (thioridazine)Orap (pimozide)Quinidex (quinidine)Tikosyn (dofetilide)Zagam (sparfloxacin) Geodon should also not be used with any medication used to treat arrhythmia, including: Pacerone (amiodarone)Procan (procainamide)Rhythmol (propafenone)Tambocor (flecainide)Tonocarid (tocainide) Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant drug sold under the brand names Tegretol and others, can reduce the effectiveness of Geodon by as much as 35 percent. As such, carbamazepine may need to be substituted for another drug. Because of its potential for inducing hypotension (low blood pressure), Geodon may enhance the effects of certain drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Potential Advantages One of the more exciting aspects of this novel antipsychotic drug is that, unlike earlier generation medications, Geodon is not associated with weight gain. In a six-week, head-to-head study, Geodon performed just as well as Zyprexa (olanzapine) in alleviating symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and withdrawal. However, it did so with only a median weight gain of one pound compared to 10 pounds with Zyprexa. Moreover, unlike Zyprexa, Geodon did not cause an increase in cholesterol and other blood lipids. These results suggest that Geodon is not only a healthier alternative but may decrease the risk of treatment termination due to weight gain. Antipsychotics Used to Treat Bipolar Mania Other Considerations As ziprasidone is primarily cleared from the body via the liver, any preexisting liver condition may be exacerbated the use of Geodon. This is especially true for people with cirrhosis in whom Geodon may increase liver impairment. If used, your doctor will need to monitor your liver enzymes to avoid liver toxicity and damage. Geodon is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, meaning that there are no adequate clinical studies in humans but that animal studies have shown an increased risk of adverse events. Low birth weight is the most cited concern. As such, the potential benefits of Geodon may outweigh the potential risks, so speak with your doctor. You should not breastfeed while taking Geodon as there are no studies to determine whether ziprasidone can be transmitted in breast milk and what effect if any, this may have on the baby. Before starting Geodon, advise your doctor if you: Have a family history of heart diseaseHave ever had problems with dizziness or faintingHave ever had liver problemsAre pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to get pregnantHave allergies to any medications Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Geodon as this can exacerbate symptoms of dizziness or fainting. What Are Typical Antipsychotics?

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) - 2193 Words

Taxonomy Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1983, was an early report of a new disease discovered by both French virologist Luc Antoine Montagnier of the Pasteur Institute of Paris and Dr. Robert Gallo of the National Cancer Institute in Washington. The virus was at first named HTLV-III/LAV which is (human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus) by an international scientific committee. The name was later changed to HIV Human immunodeficiency virus. Since the early 1980s, Human immunodeficiency virus was identified as a retrovirus as the cause of AIDS.1 Fig.1. Taxonomy and Classification of Human immunodeficiency virus. 2 Because HIV is a virus, there is less known about the general taxonomic classification of it, and as a result, classification of HIV is a different than other organisms. 2 The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are two phylogenetically distinct types of HIV referred to as HIV-1 and HIV-2. 3 The Human immunodeficiency virus itself belongs to the group of retroviruses known as lentiviruses. Human immunodeficiency virus HIV has been discovered that as well as it affects humans, Human immunodeficiency virus can also infect mammals, such as monkeys and a number of different animal species.4 The Human immunodeficiency virus type1 (HIV-1) was first isolated in 1983, and firmly associated with the Acquired immunodeficiencyShow MoreRelatedHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1359 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus has infected two million adults and children by the year 2005 already. The virus continues to race around the world, and new HIV infections are at 50,000 per year (Martine Peeters, Matthieu Jung, Ahidjo Ayouba) (2013). The final outcome of the HIV infection is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are many treatments that have developed to help the large numberRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Essay1208 Words   |  5 PagesHIV has been a pandemic that has affected the world relentlessly for many years in a never-ending circle. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that is spread through certain bodily fluids and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, which leaves the person infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections, diseases, and other complications.1 Once this virus is acquired, the human can never fully rid itself of thisRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )884 Words   |  4 Pages(2010), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the human immune system, leading to a chronic, progressive sickness that leaves people susceptible to opportunistic infections. When the body no longer can fight or resist infections, the condition is at this point referred to as AIDS, which means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Averagely, it has been found to take more than ten years to develop from initial infection of HIV to AIDS. Though simple in description, HIV and AIDSRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )862 Words   |  4 Pagesshown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the ca use of AIDS. More than 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus today. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus similar to that of the flu or common cold. The differentiating factor is that with the flu and cold, your body will eventually clear the virus out of your system, but with the HIV virus, the immune system cannot clear it. Getting HIV means you have it for life. The virus immediately beginsRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )948 Words   |  4 PagesThe Uses of Blood by the HIV Virus Blood-borne diseases have contributed greatly to poor health outcomes among individuals and communities. Though blood fulfills various functions to ensure our survival, it can also act as the mechanism through which we become diseased. Understanding the characteristics of such infectious diseases is essential to preventing further cases. In this paper I will discuss how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uses blood to cause illness within the infected individualRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1261 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become more commonly seen in the world. It is important to show compassion rather than judging that patient based on a virus. The hygienist plays an important role in making the patient feel comfortable and in a judgment free environment. The patient should not feel as if the disease or virus defines the overall character of the patient. Standards precautions are still the same when treating all patients with or without a compromisingRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus1205 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is HIV? HIV is a fatal disease which stands for â€Å"Human Immunodeficiency Virus† it is a failure to the immune system to protect the body from any infections. This virus causes a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. When HIV is left untreated it leads to another disease called â€Å"AIDS†. It can occur in any age, race, sex or sexual orientation. The highest risk of contracting HIV is having unprotected sex and sharing needles with others. Another factor are people that have STI’s andRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )980 Words   |  4 Pages The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an immune system disorder that can be contracted through sexual activity as well as other types of contact. (Healthy Living, pg. 79) If left untreated this virus can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the final stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). (aids.gov) AIDS is an incurable progressive disease that causes gradual destruction of CD4 T cells by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (Diseases, pg. 431) A healthyRead MoreHiv, Or Human Immunodeficiency Virus998 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion 1 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the human immune system and greatly weakens the body’s ability to fight foreign invaders and infection. HIV first demanded notice in the early 1980s in the United States in homosexual men displaying illnesses like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The disease was soon observed in IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients, but became publicized as a â€Å"gay disease,† nicknamed by the media as GRID, or Gay-RelatedRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1349 Words   |  6 Pages Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retro virus that causes AIDs by infecting the T Helper cells of the body’s immune system. The AIDS virus is the final stages of the HIV virus. HIV is a lentivirus genus, which is a subgroup of the retrovirus that causes the AIDS virus. Even with proper treatment, an infected person has a life expectancy of less than ten years.As the virus weakens t he human immune systems, this effectleaves the patient compromised and at risk to opportunistic infections

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Equality In Harrison Bergeron, The Scarlet Ibis, And Brownies

Treating everyone everyone equally. Doesn’t that sound nice? I’m guessing your saying yes but just imagine if everyone was treated equally we probably wouldn’t have the stuff we do today because everyone would have to have an equal intelligence. Doesn’t that sound weird an equal intelligence, equal strength, and much more that would make things so much different. That doesn’t sound good to me I don’t think everyone should be treated equally. Harrison Bergeron, The Scarlet Ibis, and Brownies all share this in common they want people to be equal and when they try to treat people as equal they sometimes don’t take into concentration some things about them or if they have different ways about them or if they are taking away from what we could†¦show more content†¦She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor. Diana Moon Glampers loaded the gun again. She aimed it at the musicians and told the m they had ten seconds to get their handicaps back on.† In this you see how seriously they take the handicaps and the lengths they will go if everyone is not equal. This can looked at from two different point of views. First view is that they see this as a serious matter and know one should go against it. The second view is that they have become so wrapped up into the idea of everyone being equal that they will kill anyone who goes against it which shouldn’t be an option. So despite them wanting everyone to be equal it is to be said that treating everyone equal sounds like a good thing but in the long run it can lead to people getting killed for not being equal to everyone and that when we are trying to make everyone equal it also is hurting everyone’s future and the future of what we could be doing with the world. In The Scarlet Ibis there is a brother and his brother Doodle. Doodle is not like everyone else, he is unique in his own way. His brother is very emba rrassed by this and tries to fix where he can be equal with him and everyone else. While this is a thoughtful thing to try to help him do normal stuff his intentions come from a rotten dark place inside of him. With him succeeding with him they go show their family and he starts crying , â€Å"What are you crying for? asked

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

MBA Free Essays

My decision to pursue my MBA rests on my commitment to improve myself. Being a firm believer that learning is a life-long process which should an individual’s top priority, I am applying for an MBA program with the hope of furthering my strengths and competencies while contributing my acquired knowledge and skills to this institution. After my college graduation, I remember being very much excited on applying the theoretical concepts which I have learned inside the four walls of the classroom into the outside world. We will write a custom essay sample on MBA or any similar topic only for you Order Now Surprisingly, working in the corporate arena equipped me with the new skills which are beyond what are taught by professors. My job experiences furnished me with the capacity to lead, become creative as well as self motivated. Having been assigned to lead my team in the creation of communication tool for managing promotions, I have experienced how it is to manage a workforce with members of different values, expertise, and ideas. I can say that the most challenging part in being a leader is coordination especially because I’ve dealt with a team from different functional areas. However, this experience taught me the essential qualities to be an efficient leader—being goal-oriented, credible, approachable, firm, and the ability to deal with a diverse workforce. I am the type of person who doesn’t settle for the conventional but as much as possible, I look for ways to improve things. In the business sense, I apply this through a continuous search for ways which can help my business organization to be more efficient like the communication tool I have described above. I believe that my acceptance for the MBA program should not only be credited for my skills that I currently posses but even more for my passion in gaining more knowledge and enhancing my skills in order for me to reach my full potential. I am very much motivated to excel in my career but more importantly is my motivation to improve myself. I know that there is no simple formula which can make a person succeed in everything that he does. My measure of accomplishment is usually gauged in the amount of things that I have learned from the experience and not victory itself. So far, I am very proud of the three accomplishments which have instilled me with a sense of fulfillment namely being able to land my first full time job at VCS, being a core team member of business projects, and leading a team which worked for the creation of a communication tool for promotions management. I am one of those fortunate fellows who have experienced the thrill and challenge of landing a first full time job after searching for months. I can still remember how overjoyed I was when I am informed that I am hired for the position of _________ at ______________. This job opportunity has tested my patience and perseverance. The company also became the first venue for me to apply my knowledge and skills and instilled me with the values of being a good employee. Secondly, I am proud to be a core team member of the Business Objects project where members representing various departments worked hard together to reach a common goal. While we spent countless hours to test and implement the project, in the end, it is very much self-fulfilling. I value the ideas that I have learned from my colleagues as well as the good working relationship which we have established. Lastly, I consider launching a communication tool for managing promotions, which is now utilized by sales, operations, finance and senior management the most challenging task that I have ever handled. I am specifically proud of my recognizing some of the shortfalls which I committed during the project because this is where most of the learning comes from. I am proud to have led the project which is now generating numerous benefits for the company not just in its bottom line but on overall efficiency. How to cite MBA, Essay examples MBA Free Essays The 20th century revolutionised the idea of leadership and management. As little as ten years ago, leadership and management were clearly separated by rank, position and chain of command. Leadership was seen as something natural, which could maybe not be skilled. We will write a custom essay sample on MBA or any similar topic only for you Order Now It was the stuff of Bill Gates and Richard Branson, the giants of technology and commerce who belonged to a very exclusive club of like-minded individuals. These people manifested the kind of leadership that was connected to charisma, power and the ability to inspire others to buy into their vision. In the past, you needed the right connections or at least an MBA to become a leader of anywhere near that caliber. The ethos was driven by political visionaries such as Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan who promoted the ideas of free enterprise and a move away from socialist economies. It is not simple to understand what are the differences in the role of team leadership and organization leadership? As for me the roles for leaders do change, as will be explained in more detail which include: adjusting organisational structures and supports for collaborative work processes   and monitoring and mediating environmental factors that effect internal operations. Team leadership concerns the level and focus of way a team communicate. Team members may share leadership amongst them or rely on a chosen leader. Wherever it resides, leadership is important in channeling team energy and efforts, and in helping to work through conflicts and problems. Clearly absent from the High-Performance Team Wheel is â€Å"the leader,† as most important aspects of leadership are contained in the nine dimensions and can effectively least in theory—exist without a formal authority or designated leader. After long comparison I concluded that team leaders coordinate while leaders of organization control work and work processes. As general organization leaders are its managers. The team leader’s job is to develop the business and the business strategy – e.g. formally or informally researching and identifying new business opportunities. Organization leader are more involved in setting objectives, drafting plans and implementing the work. Moving people is very much part of its role while, at the same time, organization leader   must know how to motivate staff on a daily basis. Team leaders coach and develop e.g. by setting up mentorship relationships between new entrant graduates and experienced, successful senior managers. Organization leader s on the other hand is engaged in training and managing/monitoring staff performance. The leader’s role is to renew, reinvent and replenish, while organization leader measure, evaluate and monitor. 21st century leadership is also about growing and developing self-managing teams. Organization leader are more concerned with building and managing conventional teams. The role of leadership is required to communicate a vision of how products need to be developed and to define the desired development process objectives under this new paradigm. Is the focus on time-to market, on product performance and technology, or on product or life cycle costs? Each of these objectives will result in a different orientation for the development process. Specific goals should be established and communicated – â€Å"we will cut our development cycle by 40% over the next three years†. Priorities need to be established – â€Å"we will focus on establishing an effective team-based approach to development before we invest in upgrading our CAD systems†. Resources and funding mechanisms for this effort need to be committed including time for personnel working on the IPD initiative, training, process improvement, and tools implementation. Will these efforts be funded by a separate budget, by departmental budgets or by development program budgets? Explicit guidance is required on objectives, goals, priorities, resources and funding mechanisms. Once the key people in the organization develop a plan of action, it must be reviewed, approved and actively supported by executive management. Leaders must have a wide range of skills, techniques and strategies, which are the same to both organization and team leaders. These include: Planning Communication skills Organization Awareness of the wider environment in which the team operates Jack Welch, respected business leader and writer is quoted as proposing these fundamental leadership principles: There is only one way – the straight way. It sets the tone of the organisation. Be open to the best of what everyone, everywhere, has to offer. transfer learning across your organisation. Get the right people in the right jobs – it is more important than developing a strategy. An informal atmosphere is a competitive advantage. Make sure everybody counts and everybody knows they count. Legitimate self-confidence is a winner – the true test of self-confidence is the courage to be open. Business has to be fun – celebrations energies and organisation. Never underestimate the other guy. Understand where real value is added and put your best people there. Know when to meddle and when to let go – this is pure instinct. Worked Cite: 1. Daniel. F. Predpall, ‘Developing Quality Improvement Processes In Consulting Engineering Firms’, Journal of Management in Engineering, pp 30-31, May-June 1994 2. Richard Pascale, ‘ Managing on the Edge’, Penguin Book, pp 65, 1990 3. John Fenton, ‘ 101 Ways to Boost Your Business Performance’, Mandarin Business, pp 113, 1990 4. Welch, J. (2001). Jack: Straight from the gut. New York: Warner Business Books. Samsung in bloom. (2002, July 15). Newsweek, 35. 5. Patrick M Lencioni, Jossey-Bass The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, , San Francisco, CA, 2002                      How to cite MBA, Essay examples MBA Free Essays I would like to share the considerations which I have made in my choice to enroll in an Executive MBA program. I believe that the program would help me grow in both personal and professional realms, through an acquisition of both technical and soft skills. Through the rigor and discipline required, I will be equipped with academic content that will help me function more effectively in my job. We will write a custom essay sample on MBA or any similar topic only for you Order Now In securing a Masters’ degree, I also to develop the necessary soft skills that will hone managerial effectiveness. In particular, I want to be enlisted into a program that will help me further develop my skills of problem solving, written and oral communication skills, information retrieval and utilization, and collaboration. From a â€Å"working knowledge† level, I want the program to help me advance to a â€Å"can do† level. For my problem solving skill, I want to learn more on how to analyze and synthesize the emergence of problems, patterns and causes and to generate solutions or options in solving critical or complex issues through various means. I also want to be capable of identifying new, innovative and creative ideas/options to overcome problems. For communication skills, I want to learn how to foster an atmosphere of open communication and to see things from another’s perspective. In addition, I want to learn how to assess the need of the audience in order to deliver the appropriate message and content. For information management, I want to broaden my perspective by ensuring that information is free of distortions or personal bias. Finally, on collaboration, I expect the program to teach me how to develop and maintain a strong network of contacts in the industry and outside the company and use this to promote my company’s reputation. I also want to learn how to actively building lasting business relationships with other department or companies, private and government institutions. Pursuing this degree is one of my educational goals in the near future. I want to secur the degree within the next 5 years as I simultaneously strive to continue developing my accounting and management skills. I will carry this out by conscientiously attending training and workshop sessions for accounting and administrative professionals. I would also be actively engaged in planning for my own development in my current workplace, suggesting means and venues for skills acquisition to my superior. If time permits, I also intend to join a professional organization within my field of expertise striving to work my way up to a role with greater responsibility and to pursue a Doctorate degree simultaneously to further increase my management competencies. I am fortunate to have been given proper and comprehensive exposure to management roles. I have held positions which allowed me to exercise a substantial degree of autonomy. The positions which I have thus far held helped me to think critically and to make rational decisions amidst ambiguity. While I do not have an exceptionally high GPA, my experience in the organizational setting, I believe, may compensate for this short coming. Upon graduation in 1989, I have worked for a decade in manufacturing companies, holding accounting positions. These include the positions of Cost Accountant, General Accountant, Plant Accountant, and Finance Manager. Gradually, my circle of influence has grown with increasing responsibility. There have been no significant changes in terms of the technical requirements of these roles. The increasing responsibility came with the need to manage people, which is more of a challenge than the technical aspect of these jobs. I take pride in saying that while I have not been academically exceptional, I have been effective at performing these roles, being both results driven and yet to have enough focus on people management. Thus far, the position of Finance Manager have been the most challenging role I have performed so far. Whereas before I was only expected to deliver daily management plans or short-term objectives, this role has necessitated strategic and â€Å"big picture† thinking. In this role, I have also been required to manage people, and have realized that it it important for them to realize how their objectives are meaningfully linked to overall organizational goals. Recognizing the importance of one’s contribution has been an effective motivator. The intangible factors of autonomy, relationship with superior, and engagement cause people to be results-driven and constantly motivated. The people management component of the role has helped me keep a more balanced perspective or focus on work vis-à  -vis people, and initiatives may be cleverly drafted so that one component complements the other. In resolving to apply in the program, I have been convinced that it is critical to my personal development and learning, and may also be key to progress in my career. In entering the program, I expect my technical and management skills to be developed further. For problem solving, I want to be able to break down problems and see patterns or basic relationships or connections among them. Moreover, I want to be able to utilize several analytic or creative ways to break apart complex issues into component problems and to evaluate the identified alternative solutions to problem. I would also want to be taught how to use logical, systematic reasoning to understand and resolve, analyze and resolve issues. In terms of communication skills, I want to express ideas more effectively in both written and oral communication and to pick up non-verbal clues and use non-verbal information. I want to practice effective use direct, open, two-way communication and read beyond what is said and to alter my own behavior to respond appropriately. Information management is also one of the areas which I want to develop. I want to be able to compare, recognize and correct discrepancies with multiples sets of data to balance records and to utilize monitoring systems to ensure achievement of goals of individuals in the organization I work for. I also want to be taught the rigor of verifying or uncovering additional information for accuracy. I also want to be more effective at collaborating with others. I want to build good relationships with people within and outside of the organization to identify or resolve differences, issues and obstacles. All these soft skills, together with the technical content that shall be imparted in the program will help me become a more effective professional. I am thoroughly convinced that to progress in one’s profession, there must be continuous passion for learning – both academically and through practical applications. The learning not only comes with solid academic content but also equips one with the soft skills needed to advance in one’s career. This realization of the value of learning upon application to the program in itself is valuable. I have changed my perspective of learning as a tedious process, to one in which I could be actively engaged, and to even have fun. I really appreciate what the program has to offer, and its promise of helping me advance both my personal and professional career. I also expect the program to espouse an atmosphere of learning where students can be inquisitive. That is, where questions and further inquiry are encouraged. Moreover, I hope that the teachers of the program may be prudent in knowing when to handhold a student and when to let him work independently. There may be some subjects which I will find difficult and in which I expect more help from my Executive MBA mentors.    How to cite MBA, Essay examples

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Critically Evaluate The Cognitive Theory Of Stereotyping. Essay Example For Students

Critically Evaluate The Cognitive Theory Of Stereotyping. Essay Word Count: 3201B231: Social Interaction, Exam Paper 1998, Question 4. Graeme GordonStereotyping is a form of pre judgement that is as prevalent in todays society as it was 2000 years ago. It is a social attitude that has stood the test of time and received much attention by social psychologists and philosophers alike. Many approaches to, or theories of stereotyping have thus been raised. This essay evaluates the cognitive approach that categorisation is an essential cognitive process that inevitably leads to stereotyping. Hamilton (1979) calls this a depressing dilemma. Browns (1995) definition of stereotyping through prejudice is the holding of derogatory social attitudes or cognitive beliefs, the expression of negative affect, or the display of hostile or discriminatory behaviour towards members of a group on account of their membership to that group. This definition implies that stereotyping is primarily a group process, through the individuals psyches within that group. A further idea of stereotyping, defined by Allport (1954) as thinking ill of others without warrant, is that people make their mind up without any personal experience. This pre judgement about a whole group is then transferred to the stigmatisation of any individuals in that group. It is these ideas that the essay aims to evaluate, through the cognitive process of categorisation and the above definitions that bring about three distinct features of stereotyping, that our cognition can be demonstrated through. The first characteristic of stereotyping is over-generalisation. A number of studies conducted found that different combinations of traits were associated with groups of different ethnic and national origin (Katz and Braly, 1933). However, stereotyping does not imply that all members of a group are judged in these ways, just that a typical member of a group can be categorised in such judgements, that they possess the characteristics of the group. Still, when we talk of a group, we do so by imagining a member of that group. The second feature and characteristic of stereotyping is the exaggeration of the difference between ones own group (the in-group) and the other group (the out-group). This can be traced back to the work of Tajfel during the 1950s the accentuation principle (Tajfel, 1981). Tajfels work was specifically on physical stimuli, and concluded that judgements on such stimuli are not made in isolation, but in the context of other factors. Applied socially a judgement about an out-group relies upon other factors surrounding the judgement in question, as well as making a statement about the in-group and the relationship between the two groups. Through stereotyping and categorisation we exaggerate the differences between the groups. From this comes the effect that in believing an out-group is homogenous, through exaggerated differences, their in-group is not with very much less over-generalisation taking place (Linville, et al., 1986). The third characteristic of stereotyping is that of the expression of values. Most stereotypical judgements of group characteristics are in fact moral evaluations (Howitt, et al., 1989). For example, Katz and Braly (1933) studied a group of students attitudes to towards minority groups. They found that Jews were attributed to being mean (in terms of money), rather than they themselves being spendthrifts. Also, they found that there was a strong view that French people were excitable. This actually implies that they are over-excitable above the norm, as everybody is excitable, per se, and thus there would be no necessity to mention it. Concluding from this, it is valid to say that a value has been put on a characteristic in this case, a stereotypical one. A criticism with much of this research is that participants are asked to make judgements out of social context in abstract situations. Howitt, et al. (1989) say that this leads to a derogatory implication: that attributing a group with a characteristic is also withholding others. However, stereotyping leads to more than merely placing an adjective onto a group or category. The cognitive processes that give reason to stereotyping are much deeper than this, giving rise to the above characteristics. The cognitive approach to stereotyping is that we all stereotype, at varying levels because of the essential cognitive process of categorisation (Brown, 1995). Howitt, et al. (1989) take this view also, and add that it is an ordinary process of thought to over-generalise, and then protect it. We live in a complex social environment, which we need to simplify into groups, or categories. This simplification is present at all levels of life it is part of our language, distinguishing between dog and cat, male and female, and even in the basic motives of distinguishing between food and non-food. Such categorisation may seem linguistically simple, but is essential for example, the classification of elements and organisms by biologists and chemists: one of the most basic functions of all organisms is the cutting up of the environment into classifications (Rosch, et al., 1976). However, the point must be made that, even though language suggests so, categorisation leads to different functions and features in non-humans and humans. For stereotyping is not present in non-humans, thus, we may come to the conclusion that stereotyping is possible through linguistics this topic is discussed further later. This categorisation also has varying depths of moral meaning, or value, which c an lead to varying levels of stereotyping. For example, the categorisation of Catholic Protestant in Northern Ireland. Categorisation is seen as a way of ordering what we perceive (Billig, 1985), stimuli of the external world that needs to be simplified, using iconic images, to pass into our short-term memory (Neisser, 1976). This simplification process transforms James blooming, buzzing confusion into a more manageable world in which it is easier to adapt categorisation is a cognitive adaptation. For we do not have the capability to respond differently to each stimulus, whether it be a person, an object, or an event. Categorisation is important in every day life, as well as in the most extreme of circumstances for example, the discrimination between friend and foe. For categorisation to be useful, we enhance the difference between groups. This was found to be the case at both social and physical levels, and later became known as the accentuation principle (see above). However, the distinction between physical stimuli and social objects must be made clear. We ourselves our social objects, thus, we are implicated by such categorisations. As Hogg and Abrams (1988) state: it would be perilous to disregard this consideration. This can be seen in the accentuation of out-group homogeneity (Park and Rothbart, 1982). Mary Flannery O’Connor Analysis EssayWe are aware of the possibility and ability to change. However, we do not express this flexibility because it is a disruption of the norm, or, of the social group-thought. Goffman (1959) views everyday life as dramaturgical (All the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players Shakespeare). To disrupt this would be to change the script, and break out of the conformity of the social group, self-to-self and to others. Even so, this illustrates that through our ability to categorise, we have the ability to particularise and do more with the stimuli than accumulate more instances of predetermined categories (Billig, 1985). In Billigs alternative approach to stereotyping, he also raises the point of category selection a problem that cognitive psychologists have often overlooked. Tversky and Gati (1978) found that different stimuli are judged on their similarities and differences before categorisation and this judgement can be diff erent depending on what way the stimuli is perceived. Billigs point is that we must particularise before categorising and thus a link has been formed. Categorisation implies a rigidity in our cognition. Stereotypes, by nature, are over generalisations. Such inflexibility is not a possible process of our cognition categorisation do not exist in isolation (Billig, 1985). As categorisation leads to many categories, through its definition, surely only one such category could possibly be so rigid and inflexible, as other categories must be used by it, and thus be flexible. Therefore, categorisation is not a rigid process, but involves change which is reflective of our cognition and change is possible (conflicting with Allports definition). The difference between two groups affects other attributes of the out-group, including those that are similar to the in-group. By subdividing further such similarities, we are initiating a defence against change in our attitudes and categories. This inventiveness is another example of the flexibility of categorisation. In the most extreme cases, this can lead to an inventiveness demonstrated by racial theorists, which in fact, contradicts their prejudice and rigidity of categories. This flexibility can be illustrated further by studies that have shown that in stereotyping, people imply that most of a group posses a stereotypic trait but not all members. Thus, is the need for special cases, realisation of individualisation and tolerance (Billig, 1985). According to the cognitive approach, stereotyping is a group process. It may occur in groups, but it is the individual psyches that make up the group, that project their stereotypes through a group. We do have the ability to see people as individuals and particularise their unique characteristics. We can change, as even categorisation is flexible, which undermines the cognitive approach with categorisation, although it may take time on a social level. To conclude, the cognitive approach alone does not give us an understanding of stereotyping. However, it does anchor the fact that through our natural thought processes we do categorise, which leads to stereotyping. It also highlights the importance of the individual and the group. There are, however, problems that have been overlooked by cognitive psychologists which we need to understand, in order to fully understand the changing dynamics and nature of stereotyping in our society (Howitt, et al., 1989). There is also the need to look further than the causes of stereotyping and into its effects in order to understand the processes of our thought, of stereotyping. ReferencesALLPORT, G.W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. London: Addison-Wesley. BILLIG, M. (1985). Prejudice, categorisation and particularisation: From a perceptual rhetorical approach, European Journal of Social Psychology, 15, 70-103. BROWN, R. (1995). Prejudice. Oxford: Blackwell and Cambridge, Massachusetts. DUNCAN, B.L. (1976). Differential social perception and attribution of intergroup violence: Testing the lower limits of stereotyping blacks, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34, 590-598. ESSED, P. (1988). Understanding verbal accounts of racism: Politics and heuristics of reality constructions, Text, 8, 5-40. HAMILTON, D.L. (1979). A cognitive attributional analysis of stereotyping, In: Berkovitz, L. (ed.), Advances in Experimental Psychology, Vol. 12, Academic Press, New York. HOGG, M.A. ABRAMS, D. (1988). Social identifications, London: Routledge. HORWITZ, M. RABBIE, J.M. (1982). Individuality and membership in the intergroup system, pp.241-274, In: Tajfel, H. (ed.), Social Identity and Intergroup Relations, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. HOWITT, D., BILLIG, M., CRAMER, D., EDWARDS, D., KNIVETON, B., POTTER, J. RADLEY, A. (1989). Social psychology: Conflict and continuities, Milton Keynes: Open University Press, and Philadelphia. JONES, E.E., WOOD, G.C. QUATTRONE, G.A. (1981). Perceived variability of personal characteristics in in-groups and out-groups: the role of knowledge and evaluation, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 7, 523-528. KATZ, D. BRALY, K. (1993). Racial prejudice and racial stereotypes, Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 30, 175-93. LINVILLE, P.W., SALOVEY, P. FISCHER, G.W. (1986). Stereotyping and perceived distributions of social characteristics: An application to in-group out-group perceptions, In: Dovido, J.F. and Gaertner, S.L. (eds.), Prejudice, discrimination and racism, Orlando, FL: Academic Press. NEISSER, U. (1976). Cognition and reality, W. H. Freeman, San Francisco. PARK, B., ROTHBART, M. (1982). Perception of out-group homogeneity and levels of social categorisation: memory for the subordinate attributes of in-group and out-group members, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 42, 1031-1068. ROSCH, E., MERVIS, C.B., GRAY, W.D., JOHNSON, D.M. BAYES-BRAEM, P. (1976). Basic objects in natural categories, Cognitive Psychology, 8, 382-439. TAJFEL, H. (1981). Human groups and social categories, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. BACK TO MAIN PAGE

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Review of Current Trend in Sustainable Manufacturing free essay sample

Sustainable manufacturing revolves around the cooperation and efforts of manufacturers, and the customers support towards this process. The manufacturing industry is in support for sustainable manufacturing, but there are some factors that still need to be ironed out so that manufacturing can go full swing into sustainable manufacturing. Sustainable manufacturing goal can be achieved through sourcing for materials locally, using natural resources for production instead of too much chemical, energy and resource conservation, recycling where whatever waste that the industry produces should and can be recycled and education about environment conservation through sustainable manufacturing to all. These important steps should be taken from now itself in order to protect the environment and for the future of our next generation. Keywords: Sustainable manufacturing, recycling, environment conservation. Sustainable manufacturing is a manufacturing methodology that exists for quite some time in manufacturing environment with an ecological goal set in mind to produce and manufacture products for today’s generation’s ever increasing needs without risking reproducibility of the products in the future [1]. We will write a custom essay sample on Review of Current Trend in Sustainable Manufacturing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This can be achieved by adopting ecological methods in current manufacturing environment to ensure sustainability. Engineering, ecological and economical aspects must be integrated in decision making for a product’s manufacturability consideration. There are many concerns that manufacturers have in expressing their support of sustainable manufacturing, such as customers’ perception in accepting recycled products with a fear of lack of quality of the product. Another concern of manufacturers would be the stability in supply of recycled materials because the materials that can be reused might not be identified properly by the customers. These items are to be resend to the manufacturer and this needs the support from product end users. In this case, the manufacturer, the recycling industry and the end users should be aligned with the same mindset [2]. Education for . the public also plays a main role in promoting sustainability and about its impact to the environment. All parties, the manufacturers, employees, suppliers, business partners, non-governmental organizations (NGO), customers, schools, communities, local and national governments should play their part in creating awareness regarding sustainability. They need to be provided with sufficient knowledge, training and resources on sustainability in order to create a future generation that cares for the environment and continue doing their part for the future of the human being. In this paper we will be discussing about the concerns that manufacturers express in support of sustainable manufacturing, which will have impact on the conservation of the environment. Looking at the overall picture, the manufacturing industry is in support for sustainable manufacturing, provided the sustainable manufacturing key obstacles could be solved, if not be reduced. The main area to be looked into would be customer segments, product value propositions and resources. Several methods will be deployed to resolve the obstacles and at the same time maintaining the sustainable manufacturing goal. Despite sustainable manufacturing has been a current trend in most of the countries in the world, the main deciding playing factor would still be the manufacturing cost. Although the manufacturing industry is being assisted by international legislations, international trade treaties and a global move towards sustainable manufacturing, many manufacturers are still reluctant to take this bold step. Being holistic alone is not sufficient in this sense. Establishment of new manufacturing paradigms, standards, rules and legislations are necessary. Manufacturers have many concerns that block them from venturing into sustainable manufacturing. 4. 1Economical concerns Many manufacturers are reluctant to venture into sustainable manufacturing due to lack of confidence that this method is economically sustainable and has many advantages. The manufacturers are more worried about their survival and the capability to maintain sustainable design in their manufacturing process [7]. Manufacturers can try to manufacture products using designs that use less energy and fewer natural resources for better sustainability. As the first step, the manufacturers will have to invest in research and development of the most effective way in order to attain these criteria, and this involves cost. Lack of technical support among employees in achieving sustainable manufacturing is another issue that manufacturers need to look into and resolve [3]. 4. 2Knowledge on sustainability The manufacturers fail to understand what sustainable manufacturing is all about. The manufacturers do not realize that lack of knowledge on sustainable manufacturing is a loss to them. At present, there are still not much accessible resources for the manufacturers to refer to broaden their mind on issues concerning sustainable manufacturing. Currently, since not many are practicing sustainable practices, until it becomes something in common the manufacturer will still find it as a difficult process to be followed. Furthermore, some manufacturers are still lacking in awareness regarding the current market trend which demands the manufacturing industry to focus on sustainable manufacturing instead of the traditional way. 4. 3Competition and survival Since not all the countries stress on regulations regarding green or sustainable manufacturing, the manufacturers in countries that enforce the regulations fear that the competitor will be able to give a better pricing by compromising on the environmental concerns. Some manufacturers tend to enter the market for a short period of time frame and manage to offer competitive price by neglecting sustainability. This situation creates a tough competitive environment for manufacturers that are implementing sustainable manufacturing at a higher cost. 4. 4Attitude The manufacturer’s attitude towards sustainability is one of the deciding factors whether the manufacturer will venture into sustainable manufacturing or not. The mindset of employers and employees at all level need to be tuned to accept and implement sustainable manufacturing. This is not an easy task. A clear path to achieve effective sustainable practices need to be drafted, put into action, monitored and only then it can be implemented. Manufacturers are also still lacking of accountability towards the environment.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Essay on Gema Rodriguez Internet Addiction 1

Essay on Gema Rodriguez Internet Addiction 1 Essay on Gema Rodriguez Internet Addiction 1 Gema Rodriguez Composition-6 Problem/Solution Essay 5/1/15 Internet Addiction Over the years the internet has been changing the way people live their lives daily. Technology has been upgrading the internet so that people can have easy access to it. The internet is becoming an addiction just like alcohol and it is growing more and more as each year goes by. People are getting disconnected to their surroundings because they are using the internet almost every minute of the day. Even though the internet is starting to be an addiction for some people, there are some solutions to stop the addiction before or after it begins. Some solutions may be to set rules, reduce where we get access to the internet, and provide therapy for people who are already addicted to the internet. Internet addiction has gotten out of control for many users all over the world. Families gather around the dinner table with electronic devices and do not engage in conversations with each other. Whenever people go out with their friends they are too busy checking their Twitt er, Instagram, and Facebook to pay attention to what is going around them. As Bilton says, we are becoming a dystopian society where people ignore each other as they stare at their phones every second of the day. Not only are electronic devices affecting us when we eat but they also take part in our jobs. People are always trying to make jobs easier and quicker to gain customer satisfaction and spend less money on their products. Electronics have become free money making devices for companies that require employees to work outside of the job by answering e-mails or other questions that people can access on their electronic device. Laura Petrecca also brings up a good point questioning if constant access to the internet comes at a cost: never clocking out. As companies discovered that they could get people to work from their electronic devices they also thought it did not require them to pay the employee. When people go home and â€Å"get off† of work to rest they really do no t stop working if they still have to take care of business on electronics. The downside for the employees in a case like this is that the majority of workers who work at home after leaving their job do not get payed for whatever they are doing that is related work. On the bright side some employees may be getting paid for the extra time they are working outside of their work place. Companies could also help stop the internet addiction that is being created by not overworking their employees at home that will require them to use electronic devices. Employers could also prohibit the use of digital devices if it is not required on the job. Not only will employers help reduce internet addiction this way, but their workers will be more focused on their job and it will create a better environment. Workers will be able to communicate with each other without texting; therefore, they will have a decent time at work not discussing everything that is on their cell phones with each other, which may cause problems in the working environment. As technology has been advancing people find it easy to gain access to the internet because it is wireless and found almost everywhere. Restaurants like Mcdonalds provide free use of the internet so that customers will be satisfied and return again. Providing people with free internet only increases the internet addiction because it allows people to use their electronic device without having to pay for it with their own money. The convenience of free internet also draws the attention of people to use the electronic devices for as long as they want because there is not a set time limit. If restaurants, stores, hospitals, and other places that provide free internet were to set a time limit on the usage of each electronic devices it could help reduce the internet addiction that is being created in society today. To help avoid this problem over all places like these could get rid of the free

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

The Gunpowder Plot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Gunpowder Plot - Essay Example The failed plot to assassinate James I and the ruling Protestant elite tainted English Catholics with claims of treason for centuries thereafter. In this paper I describe the infamous Gunpowder plot before discussing its resolution and the implications for English Catholics before their emancipation. The year 1603 marked the end of an era where Catholics were in a transitional phase between rulers and had the opportunity to fundamentally alter their subjugate role within society. After nearly 45 long years as Queen of England, Elizabeth I was nearing death. It was assumed that her successor would be James VI of Scotland. Had this have been the scenario, Catholics would have been able to celebrate increased freedom as James VI was more lenient towards catholicism (Smith 1998). This was pleasing to the English Catholics as this could have marked an end to their suffering. They had suffered severe persecution since 1570, when the Pope had excommunicated Elizabeth, releasing her subjects from their allegiance to her. Additionally, The Spanish Armada of 1588 continued to make matters worse. To the Tudor State, it was held that each and every follower of Catholicism were potential traitors (Adams, 2005). They were forbidden to hear Mass, forced instead to attend Anglican services, with steep fines for those recusants who persistently refused (Smith 1998). Since James was more warmly disposed to Catholicism than the dying Queen Elizabeth. His wife, Queen Anne of Denmark, was a Catholic, and James himself was making vocal about his empathy with the plight of the Catholics. Moreover, historians contend that the early signs were encouraging to catholics as he ended their political dissatisfaction. In fact, he immediately ended recusancy fines and awarded important posts to the Earl of Northumberland and Henry Howard, another Catholic sympathizer (Questier, 2006). Catholics began to openly practice their beliefs as they became increasingly optimistic about their future in England (Smith 1998). While some individuals indicate that Catholics should have never felt any sense of security, others indicate that the Catholics were well on their way to emancipation. In his attempts to accommodate different religious demands, James was dissatisfied at their growing allegiance. This is because of his religious devotion to his own beliefs. Moreover, the uncovering of the 2 plots in 1603 created obstacles to James’ capacity to further empathize with the Catholic followers. The situation deteriorated further at the Hampton Court Conference of January 1604 where James I was explicit in his show of hostility against the Catholics in order to satisfy the Puritans, whose demands he could not wholly satisfy. Furthermore, in the following month he publicly denounced Catholicism. This was followed by every priests and Jesuits had being expelled as well as the resurgence of recusancy fines. The taste of freedom coupled with the abrupt 180 created an aura of despe ration that hit home with some of the most devout followers. Specifically, Robert Catesby was a devout Catholic whose father had been imprisoned for harboring a priest. Moreover, he had had to leave university without a degree, to avoid taking the Protestant Oath of Supremacy. Yet he possessed immense personal magnetism, crucial in recruiting and leading his small band of conspirators. James’ discontent is arguably because of the fact that the Catholic followers were so devout to the pope. He assumably didn’t want to have his constituents loyal to another leader. This perhaps caused him to be more cruel to the followers. Moreover, many sources indicate that there were fears of the pope attempting to take over. This is why kings did not want to allow this religion to proliferate within their borders. As kings

Monday, February 3, 2020

Theory of Strength and Conditioning and Vertical Jump Essay

Theory of Strength and Conditioning and Vertical Jump - Essay Example Young (2006, p. 74) reported that exercises involving bilateral contractions of leg muscles for vertical movements, like squats and jump squats, are not effective in improving performance. In contrast, according to Young (2006, p. 74), plyometric training can lead to â€Å"significant increases in sprint acceleration performance, thus highlighting the importance of movement pattern and contraction velocity specificity.† Further, Harris et al. (2008, p. 691) reported that based on an experiment they conducted among thirty elite rugby athletes, the correlation between sprint ability and jumping ability is generally positive and of moderate to strong magnitude. Adopting the definitions reported by earlier works, Ploeg et al. (2010, p. 39) explained that plyometric exercises or plyometrics are exercises in phases that begins with intense eccentric muscular contractions followed by rapid concentric muscular contraction. Drawing on various works, Ploeg et al. (2010, p. 39) explained that when muscle is stretched, the muscle stores elastic energy briefly and plyometric exercises use the stored energy to assist the concentric contraction to produce more force than what can be provided by a plain concentric action or a concentric contraction.... (2010, p. 40) clarified that alpha motor neurons transmit signals to the muscle group in a ploymetric exercise. The amortization phase in the plyometric activity is crucial in developing the production of power (Ploeg et al. 2010, p. 40). Craig and Judge (2009, p. 75) explained that several studies have shown consistently that overloading the body with a progressive training program will increase muscle size and strengthen the bone. Based on the results of their experiments, Villareal et al. (2008) concluded that moderate plyometrics training programs are more efficient than higher plyometrics training volume but the although their study was limited to short-term or 7-weeks of training and may be applicable for that class of training programs, particularly short-period training programs. In contrast, the evidence reviewed by Craig and Judge (2009, p. 75) covered l training programs with longer time periods. 2.0. Training and Conditioning Appropriate and Physiological Adaptation In de signing training programs, Craig and Judge identifed three important aspects of designing a training program: periodization, resistance training, and training sets (2009, p. 75-76). Turner (2011, p. 34) emphasized on the importance of periodization as an â€Å"optimal strategy for organizing strength and conditioning programs.† Periodization involves the variation of training methods and volume loads for the purpose of â€Å"potentiation of biomotors and the management of fatigue and accommodation† (Turner 2011, p. 34). Turner pointed out that periodization manipulate volume loads and progresses from general to sport-specific training (2011, p. 34). For Turner, although scientific studies are required to establish the use and

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Restorative Justice | An analysis

Restorative Justice | An analysis Introduction Restorative Justice is often known as the term used to describe meetings in which people affected by crime talk about their experience, the damage and harm caused, in addition to discussing how the situation can be repaired, on a direct and personal level. Government research shows that Restorative Justice is coveted by around half of victims, helping victims who choose to take part, but reducing their desire for revenge and by relieving any undue stress that has come to fruition as a result of the victims experience. It has been argued that custodial sentences do not rehabilitate offenders, particularly those offenders who had committed minor/petty crimes. Many offenders, once released, would have strengthened their overall knowledge of crimes, gaining information from fellow inmates. Therefore, custodial punishments could be seen as considerably more harmful for the offender compared to community sentences. Prisons always do harm. Thats the most important thing that people have to get into their heads: that prison always does harm (McLellan, 2006:10) Restorative Justice allows victims the opportunity to inform their offenders of the true impact that the crime they committed had on the victims life, helping them to get answers to their questions and to receive an apology for the overall experience that they encountered. It gives the offenders the chance to repent and understand the significant impact of what they have done and to do something to repair the damage and harm caused. A great positive concerning restorative justice is that it has the potential to unite offenders, victims and local communities together to resolve any problems, and to settle on a response to a particular crime. Its crucial for the process of restorative justice to put victims needs at the centre of the criminal justice system and, drawing on positive solutions to crime by support them in order for the offender to face up to their actions. Within the criminal justice system, restorati ve justice conferences allow offenders, victims and their respective family members and friends to come together to explore how those involved in the incident had been affected and, when possible, to decide how to repair the harm and meet their own needs. A victim can request a restorative justice approach to help an offender comprehend and understand how the crime has affected their life, and/or other peoples lives in the process, to gain information, helping put the crime behind them and aiming to come to terms/forget their experience and personal ordeal, and to openly forgive the offender for their actions. Restorative Justice also aids offenders, with trials within the United Kingdom highlighting that the process of Restorative Justice significantly reduces the number of crimes offenders commit, with an average of 27% fewer crimes committed by offenders who had taken part in a restorative justice conference. Restorative Justice is also beneficial in terms of finance, as it has b een underlined that restorative justice saves the criminal justice system up to  £8 for every  £1 spent delivering the Restorative Justice Service. Restorative Justice assists offenders to account for what they have done, directly and personally, in addition to helping the victims to proceed with their lives. Restorative Justices is not only used successfully within the Criminal Justice System, but also in local communities, school, at work, and within other institutions across the country. (Restorative Justice Consortium (RJC)) Various techniques are used to bring the offender and victim together, to discuss the impact the crime has had, on both of their lives, futherly helping both parties to leave the incident behind them and continue with their lives. Direct mediation involves the victim, offender, facilitator and potentially other supporters for each party who come together to meet face to face, discussing the experience and incident as a whole. Similar to direct mediation is involving the wider community whereas indirect mediation concerns the victim and offender who communicate through letters which are passed between them by a facilitator. Conferencing is another technique used, which involves supporters from both parties. Restorative justice is carried out in many different forms and structures; however, each and every variety within restorative justice contains common/similar traits. When concerned with criminal cases, each and every victim is given the opportunity to express the full impact of the crime upon their lives. Offenders can also contribute by expressing their feelings and views concerning the crime, explain on a personal level why the crime was committed and similarly to the victim, explain how the incident has had on their life. In social justice cases, those less fortunate and impoverished people such as foster children are given a similar opportunity to express their opinions and points of view for their futures, and being encourag ed to plan their futures, thus avoiding involvement in committing crimes. However, only a small minority of young adolescents have access to Restorative Justice. The Restorative Justice Consortium (RJC) consider their consortium to be the national voice of restorative justice with their vision being for every person harmed by conflict to have the opportunity to resolve it through a restorative processproviding independent information about Restorative Justice to the public; support and resource our members who deliver Restorative Justice and promote the development and use of Restorative Justice. (Restorative Justice Consortium (RJC)) Restorative Justice Unit Victim-Offender Family Group Conferences is one method/process used within restorative justice, where conferences are organised by the Restorative Justice Unit (RJU) in reaction to referrals from victims, offenders, as well as anybody else considered to be involved in the situation. The programme occurs once the offenders sentence has been concluded, allowing victims to put across their point of view even once offender has been sentenced to jail or to a community alternative. Agreement on participation within the video conference must take place between the offender and the victim. Whilst participating in the conferences, the offender and victim(s) can meet together with their respective parties. Each and every participant has the chance to discuss the crime and the impact that this has had on their lives. Once this has occurred they then come to an agreement about what needs to be done to help to repair some of the damage and minimise future harm. The agreement is called a Conferenc e Agreement. This arrangement may include an apology, community service work, repair of damage to property, personal repayment as well as an undertaking by the offender to seek counselling, support or treatment. (Restorative Justice Consortium (RJC)) Restorative justice contains many benefits and positives. For example, whereas traditional justice can be seen to be about punishing offenders for committing crimes against the British Government/Nation, restorative justice solely concerns offenders and their victims, aiming to make making amends directly, with the people and victims involved. Restorative justice assists victims to speak and discuss their criminal experience as a victim within the criminal justice system, in addition to acknowledging the explanations of both parties concerned, building confidence and a rapport that ultimately leads to the offender making amends for their actions, and the damaging effect their actions caused upon an innocent member of society. Studies on restorative justice indicate the that restorative justice approaches help to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder in victims , and in many, deter offender from crime, as well as motivating offenders to avoid further criminal behaviour. Some may believe restorative justice to be an easy and simple process to go through, however it should not be considered a soft option as many offenders find it extremely difficult to face up to the impact of their crimes, committed by themselves. There are many types of restorative justice approaches including, offenders removing graffiti, repairing property that has been damaged, bringing shoplifters face to face with store managers to hear how shop theft affects others, and also getting offenders to write letters of apology to those who have been affected as a result of their own criminal behaviour. McCold and Wachtel bring to light that restorative practices have a clear and defined history within the concepts of restorative justice. The Interna tional Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) continues to develop comprehensive framework to be put into practice, with theory that aims to expand concept and hypothesis of restorative justice further afar than its original ideas in criminal justice. Restorative practices continue to emerge in term of practice and study, which are devoted to structuring and realising social discipline, through social participation in restorative justice Involved Steps Steps have been taken to considerably promote restorative justice within the criminal just system. Restorative justice is essentially committed to putting victims at the forefront of the criminal justice system, in order to have their say and reflect upon the experience they encountered, assisting the criminal justice system in the reduction of crime within the United Kingdom. Recent restorative justice strategies include introducing more restorative justice processes into the criminal justice system such as weve introduced restorative police cautioning , as well as aspiring to offer 75% of all victims of youth crime participation in restorative processes. Restorative justice also looks to develop an evidence headquarters for the use of restorative justice through funding a number of pilots on topics like the relationship between restorative justice and prevention of re-offending, in addition to developing and introducing constructive, practical and valuable guidelines for people wor king in restorative justice. Mc Cold continues to inform us of how restorative justice has been applied to property offences, as well as civil and criminal offences. However, it has been deemed as unsuitable for drug offences, sexual assault and domestic violence. However, areas of Australia and New Zealand are amongst the nations who have chosen to deal with juvenile sexual offences using restorative justice. Indigenous and native areas of Canada have implemented different approaches, such as circle sentencing, to tentatively deal with domestic violence. Supporters believe that this may be suitable to these indigenous communities due to their different levels concerning their personal regard and effectiveness they have for a punitive court system compared to non-indigenous communities and groups. However, it is acknowledged that restorative justice has no agreed, fixed or set rules and regulations, and therefore it must be emphasised to avoid conflict within communities. Reparation s is a fair and practical way for the offender to repay the harm caused as a result of their offence, either by personally repairing the damage caused or through assisting within the local community. Types of reparation include, as mentioned earlier, a written apology, an oral apology, or financial reparation to the victim. Community reparations involve the offender working within a local community, as a source of punishment and repayment due the detrimental effect their crime had on the community as a whole. In 2001, the Home Office conducted their fourth report concerning their Crime Reduction Programme. Earlier reports highlighted how schemes were implemented, the expectation of the participants who were due to be involved in the scheme in addition to feedback given from those who we previously involved in the scheme, highlight the benefits and rewards that they experienced as a result of restorative justice.. This fourth report focuses on one of the key original aims of the Home Office funding, whether restorative justice reduces re-offending and/or provides value for money. In 2007, Lawrence W Sherman, Professor of Criminology at the University of Cambridge, was assisted in publishing a review of each and every research project, from 1986 to 2005, concerning restorative justice conferencing. The results that came from the publication were considerably constructive, encouraging and optimistic. It found that victims who were assigned to and complete the restorative justice process reported greater ability to return to work, to resume normal daily activities, to sleep better at night. What is also very encouraging is that during the 19 year period of the reports, there were no documented cases or either physical or verbal violence between the two parties involved in the restorative justice process. The reports also emphasised that much of the reluctance is due to the unfamiliarity of the general public towards restorative, with the majority, having little or no knowledge of the procedures involved, due to misconceptions about what it entails, through communication and interaction with others. Restorative justice is considerably more accessible now than it ever has been throughout its history as well as the history of the criminal justice system, together with information about the upbeat views of the victims who have chosen to participate; this is likely to result in increased participation amongst victims, who previously were unwilling to participate. Due to such consistent positive feedback about victim benefits, within the vast majority of cases, helps us conclude that victims will generally benefit from participation whenever they have the opportunity to do so, and should seek to volunteer for restorative justice, as the report shows they have nothing to fear, but a great amount to gain through participation. The reports published also showed differences in the victims feeling prior to and after the meeting with the offender had ta ken place. Feelings differed greatly when considering personal fear of the offender, especially amongst more violent victims; personal self-confidence; level of personal anxiety; sympathy for the offender and the offenders supporters, wishing for their sake also that the crime had never been committed; as well as feelings of trust in others, that had previously been depleted as a result of the criminal ordeal as a victim Family group decision-making Family group decision-making (FGDM) also known as or referred to as family group conferencing (FGC) deals with allowing extended families to meet privately, with no counsellors/staff in the room, to formulate a plan to protect their children families from further neglect and violence. In education, circles and groups provide opportunities for students to share their feelings, build relationships and problem-solve, and when there is wrongdoing, to play an active role in addressing the wrong and making things right Thus, I see restorative justice as a forward-thinking and moving, anticipatory response that strives to understand crime in its modern day social context, challenging us to examine the causes of foundations that lead to criminal actions of violence. The restorative justice approach is based on the supposition that crime has its origins in social conditions, and recognises that offenders themselves have often suffered harm, turning to crime as a result of their personal exper iences. As a result, communities must both take some responsibility for controlling the social condition that significantly contributes to crime, simultaneously working to promote healing. With healing not only crucial to victims, but also to the offender. Equally the rehabilitation of offenders, as well as their re-integration into the community are critical aspects of restorative justice. Offenders are treated respectfully and their needs are addressed. Removing them from the community, or imposing any other severe restrictions, is a last resort. It is thought that the best way to prevent re-offending is re-integration. As a result, restorative justice can be seen to be a positive structure that continues to grow and gain publicity. It is the choice of the victim and the offender to volunteer to be included in the restorative justice programme, and therefore it can be said that a negative aspect concerning restorative justice lies with the victim and the offender, as restorative j ustice is not an issue forced upon a person, but a choice that can have a significant overall effect on not only the lives of the two parties involved, but also on the community as a whole. Another criticism of restorative justice that has been raised is that there is no detailed and precise theory supporting the procedures of restorative justice. For example, some see restorative justice as being vulnerable to biases and prejudice, particularly concerning class and race which could distort the fundamental purposes of restorative justice, instead reinforcing western, white middle-class values. (Delgado, 2000:768) Due to the lack of precise theory surround restorative justice, it is open and vulnerable to criticism. Ashworth and von Hirsch highlight the possible lack of equality and proportionality involved in restorative justice procedures, concerned with the extreme demands of irate victims, however Dalys claims are not supported by evidence or theory, and as a result his hypothese s is not always taken into consideration. Restorative justice is also vulnerable to criticism from opposing politicians and members of the general public, as a result of many believing in the old-fashioned phrase you do the crime, you do the time. Many see restorative justice as a simple option for offenders, causing numerous groups and people to ask the question Why commit the crime in the first place? Numerous members of the general public and several scholars believe that victims should not be pressured into reconciling with the offenders, ultimately ensuring that the general public and offenders separate in order to assure public safety. However I disagree with this view as restorative justice is a voluntary option, not being forced on the victim, it is their own personal choice, and in order for offenders to be fully rehabilitated, they have to accepted and re-integrate with society once their sentence has passed. Re-integration is made considerably simpler if the offender is given the chance and opportunity to come face-to-face with the victim, assisting the offender to realise the impact that their immoral actions have had, not only on the victim, but on close friends and relations. Overall I believe restorative justice to have a positive impact within the criminal justice system, targeting rehabilitation and reform, whilst hoping the offenders do not re-offend. Restorative justice can be seen to be a pro-active method of reducing crime, for the offender, as well as having a positive effect on the victim, helping them overcome any fears they may have had prior to meeting with the offender. Methods and processes of restorative justice continue to go from strength to strength, reforming and rehabilitating more offenders each year, which can simply be described as a move in the right direction for our criminal justice system.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

The William Wrigley Jr. Company Essay

1.0   Introduction Identifying opportunities for corporate financial restructuring was typical for Blanka Dobrynin, a managing partner of the hedge fund Aurora Borealis LLC. In 2002, with the then debt free William Wrigley Jr. Company (Wrigley) in her sights, she asked her associate Susan Chandler to conduct research on the impact of a $3 billion debt recapitalisation on the company. This case report aims to make an informed recommendation on whether Wrigley should pursue the $3 billion debt proposal. 2.0 Optimal Capital Structure According to Miller and Modigliani’s (1958) first proposition, the value of a firm is independent of its capital structure, assuming no corporate taxes. It was later demonstrated that the existence of debt in the capital structure creates a debt shield that increases the value of the firm by the present value of the tax shield (Miller & Modigliani, 1963). This line of reasoning implies that debt financing adds significant value to the firm and an optimal capital structure occurs with 100% debt. However, this is an unlikely outcome in reality with restrictions imposed by lending institutions, bankruptcy costs and the need for preserving financial flexibility implying that management will maintain a substantial reserve of borrowing power (Miller & Modigliani, 1963). These imperfections have since been discussed as additional factors when determining an optimal capital  structure. The trade off theory suggests that an optimal capital structure may be achieved by determining the trade-off between tax shields and the costs of financial distress (Kraus & Litzenberger, 1973). The presence of tax shields means that the optimal capital structure decision is unique for each firm (DeAngelo & Masulis, 1980). High levels of debt can lead to indirect bankruptcy costs and financial distress costs which relate generally the costs associated with going bankrupt or avoiding bankruptcy. At high debt levels, the benefit of debt may be offset by financial distress costs. It appears that the optimal cash structure exists somewhere in the middle. Jensen and Meckling (1976) noted the existence of ‘agency costs of debt’. These costs arise when equity holders act in their own interest rather than the firm’s interest. As Wrigley is a family owned company it is unlikely that agency costs will be an issue. 3.0 Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) The question that underlies the decision to pursue the debt proposal is whether Wrigley is efficiently financed without debt. In this report, the WACC will be the main factor when determining whether Wrigley is efficiently financed. The WACC is the minimum return that a company needs to satisfy all of its investors, which is also the – it is the required rate of return on the overall firm. The value of Wrigley will be maximized when its WACC is minimized. This report will examine the optimal capital structure as the one that produces the lowest possible WACC. WACC is one of the most important methods in assessing a company’s financial health, both for internal use, such as capital budgeting, and external use, such as valuing investments or companies. It is able to provide an insight into the cost of financing and can be used as a hurdle rate for investment decisions. It can also be used to find the best capital structure for the company. The WACC can be used as a rough guide to the interest rate per monetary unit of capital (Pratt & Grabowski, 2008). The WACC method can be considered a better indicator than other methods such as earnings per share (EPS) or earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) because it takes into consideration the relative weight of each component of a company’s capital structure (Armitage, 2005). The calculation uses the market values of the components rather than the book values as these values may differ significantly. The components WACC takes into consideration include internal and external factors such as equity, debt, warrants, options, pension liabilities, executive stock options and government subsidies (Hazel, 1999); whereas the EPS and EBIT calculations only take into consideration the internal factors, such as total earnings. of the company and However, the earnings reported by a company may not be a reliable value, as they tend to report more favourable values as opposed to the true amounts. However, as the WACC is calculated according to M&M theory, some of the input parameters can be difficult to ascertain. This is due to the uncertainty that exists in the market that would influence the outcome. Another issue limitation with the WACC, is that it relies on the assumption made in the M&M propositions, which do not necessarily apply in the real world. Some assumptions that do not apply include the fact that transaction costs exist and individuals and corporations do not borrow at the same rate. Referring to Appendix 1, the calculations show a slight increase in the WACC after the $3 billion debt is acquired. This change is more profound when using the 10 year US treasury rate as the risk free return – an increase from 10.11% to 10.28% for the WACC. Therefore it appears that the optimal capital structure for Wrigley would be one containinginclude no debt as this provides the lowest WACC. 4.0 Estimating the effect of the recapitalisation on: 4.1 Share value In an efficient market, it is assumed that the share price will change  quickly to reflect investors changing perceptions about the new debt issue. The effect of the recapitalisation on the share price can be summarised by Miller and Modigliani’s adjusted NPV formula: Post-recapitalisation equity value = Pre-recapitalisation equity value + Present value of debt tax shields + Present value of distress related costs + SignalingSignalling, incentive & clientele effects Assuming the debt will continue into perpetuity, the present value of the $3 billion debt would be $1.2 billion. Using the post recapitalisation value of equity incorporating the tax shield of $1.2 billion, the stock price is increased from $56.37 to $61.51. The remaining factors of this equation are very difficult to ascertain. The present value of the distress related costs could be assumed to be the value of a put option on the debt. Nevertheless, it could be assumed that financial distress costs would be negligible in Wrigley’s situation, as it is a market leader with a strong financial position. It is very difficult to estimate the cost of signalingsignalling and clientele effects and it is necessary to bear this in mind when looking at the increase on share price as it does not fully reflect all relevant considerations. 4.2 Level of Flexibility Financial flexibility refers to the ability of a firm to respond in a timely and value-maximizing manner to unexpected changes in the firm’s cash flows or investment opportunity set (Dennis, 2011). Chief Financial Officers surveyed by Graham and Harvey (2001) state that financial flexibility is the most important determinant of corporate capital structure (Graham and Harvey, 2001). A flexible capital structure can be achieved by preserving access to low-cost sources of capital. DeAngelo and DeAngelo (2011) argue that firms should optimally maintain low levels of leverage in most periods in order to be better equipped to cope with the adverse consequences of exogenous shocks. They also argue that firms should maintain low leverage and high dividend payouts in â€Å"normal† periods in order to preserve the option to borrow or issue equity in future â€Å"abnormal† periods characterised by earnings short  falls and/or lucrative investment opportunities. The financial flexibility of Wrigley will be reduced as borrowing $3 billion now will lower their ability to borrow in the future if there are any lucrative investment opportunities or cope with any unexpected exogenous shocks to the market and themselves. 4.3 Mix of Debt and Equity Considerations have to be made when evaluating the recapitalisation of Wrigley’s capital structure by adding debt. A concern of Wrigley is deciding the debt ratio which optimizes the overall value of the firm. Companies are often inclined to choose debt over equity as the cost of debt is cheaper due to the tax shield created. With the addition of $3 billion of debt in Wrigley’s capital structure, the tax shields benefit will increase the equity value by $1.2 billion. The estimation of the tax benefits are assumed under the condition that Wrigley will maintain debt value of $3 billion in perpetuity. As a result of $3 billion payout, the value of equity will decline by $1.8 billion which will be offset by the present value of the debt tax shield ($1.2 billion). Wrigley’s debt/equity level after recapitalisation will be 78% and 22% debt. The traditional view is that taking on higher levels of debt could potentially generate more earnings on positive NPV projects which could increase the company’s value. Although it should be noted that considerations have to be made at what which point, debt becomes more costly to Wrigley in terms of increased risk to shareholders. Assessing Wrigley’s optimal debt level, it suggests that the optimal point would be not taking on any debt. By taking on debt, Wrigley’s credit rating will fall from AAA to BB/B, as it would be increasing it’s risk levels of financial distress and risk of bankruptcy cost. Assessing From this, it can be recommended that Wrigley’s optimal debt level, it suggests that the optimal point would be not taking on any debt.having minimal debt. 4.4 Reported earnings per share Before the proposed recapitalisation, Wrigley will have no minimal debt. If Wrigley does not have any income, they still need to pay the interest on the debt, so EPS will be negative. Referring to Appendix 2, the two lines intersect where EBIT is $1.70 billion and EPS is $12.21. This is the break-even point – if EBIT is above this point leverage is beneficial. If Wrigley’s income was higher than $1.70 billion, they could should take the $3 billion debt. In fact, the current income is only $0.51 billion therefore according to a breakeven EBIT analysis, Wrigley should not pursue the debt. 5.0 Other matters for the board’s consideration 5.1 Effect on Voting Control Assuming the $3billion is used either for a dividend payout or share repurchase, only the second option would alter the amount of shares outstanding. The Wrigley family already controlled 21% of the common stock and 58% of the Class B common stock, which had superior voting rights attached. A $3 billion share repurchase would substantially increase the voting control of the Wrigley family, however the family was already in a majority position so voting control would not be substantially different. A strong controlling majority is highly advantageous in deterring potential mergers and acquisitions. 5.2 Clientele and Signaling effects In general, companies that take on debt signal to investors that the company is in a good financial position as it is able to make future interest repayments. If the debt were used for a dividend payout, this would signal to investors that the company is doing well and increase the stock price. However, using the debt for a share repurchase might have a clientele effect  on potential investors that prefer dividend payouts. These investors could potentially sell their remaining stock in reaction to the share buyback resulting in the stock price falling. 6.0 Conclusion The WACC indicated that taking on $3b of debt would reduce the value of Wrigley company. This value could change, provided the Wrigley company had an investment opportunity or plan to use the newly obtained debt of $3b. The WACC value may be disregarded or adjusted if Wrigley had a high NPV project to invest in or provided a specific use for the funds. However, in the current situation, there is no indication of the reasons for Wrigley to take on the debt and thus they are unnecessarily restricting their financial flexibility. This could prove costly in the future if there are any unexpected negative shocks to the market or Wrigley may miss out on a highly lucrative investment opportunity due to their inability to borrow more. Therefore it is our recommendation that the Wrigley company does not take on the $3b of new debt as it would reduce the total value of the company at this point in time. 7.0 References Armitage, S. (2005). The Cost of Capital: Intermediate Theory. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. DeAngelo H., & DeAngelo, L., (2006) Capital Structure, Payout Policy, and Financial Flexibility, University of Southern California working paper. DeAngelo, H., & R.W. Masulis. (1980) Optimal Capital Structure under Corporate and Personal Taxation. Journal of Financial Economics 8, 3-29. DeAngelo, H., DeAngelo, L., & Whited T.M., (2011) Capital structure dynamics and transitory debt. Journal of Financial Economics, 99, 235–261. Denis, D J. (2011) Financial Flexibility and Corporate Liquidity. Journal of Corporate Finance, 17(3), 667-674. J.R. Graham, & C.R. Harvey., (2001) The theory and practice of corporate finance: evidence from the field. Journal of Finance and Economics 60, 187–243. Jensen, M., & Meckling, W. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs, and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics 3, 305-360. Johnson, H. (1999). Determining Cost of Capital: The Key to Firm Value. London: FT Prentice Hall. Kraus, A., & R.H. Litzenberger. (1973) A State Preference Model of Optimal Financial Leverage. Journal of Finance (September), 911-922. Modigliani, F., & M.H. Miller. (1958). The Costs of Capital, Corporate Finance, and the Theory of Investment. American Economic Review, 48 (June), 261-297. Modigliani, F., & M.H. Miller. (1963). Corporate Income Taxes and the Cost of Capital: A Correction. American Economic Review 53 (June), 433-443. Pratt, Shannon P., & Roger J. Grabowski. (2008) Cost of Capital: Applications and Examples. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.