Interrelationships with Culture and Visual Entertainmen Essay

Culture and visual entertainment media have an interrelationship with each other such as film and television. As the years go by and more and more television shows and movies have been created they have in my opinion become of a reflection of our cultural times. Society is watching the films and television and seeing that they can relate to what they are watching which then they are able to take away a message. People can see visual instead of having to read to learn which can give them a different perspective that they may not have thought of on their own. As people view the visual entertainment they and see what is being influenced from the way people act, dress, talk, and so forth since it is what is shaping our culture. The Brady Bunch is an example of how families were starting to see that families can merge together and become one family, the outfits and hairstyles were being mimicked by people in everyday life. I remember watching this show thinking how â€Å"cool† is it to have two families merge together. This showed that the social influences of visual entertainment media can be positive. People can still watch visual media that is been out dated but still learn about American culture with such shows. Another example is â€Å"The Breakfast Club† this movie is a classic and still very relevant to how our American culture is shaped. In this movie they look at individuals and show that even though we are from all walks of life such as a jock, nerd, snob, shy, and criminal that we all have similarities in the end if we stop and take a moment to see. I Love Lucy† was a huge influence on visual entertainment people wanted to have the grace, the silliness, and could also see that they lived modestly which made it relate to society. Visual media can be negative as well a positive influence on social behavior. When we view visual entertainment I would say majority want to emulate the celebrities that they are viewing which can be negative or positive depending on that moment. People want to fit in society and with visual entertainment that can shape them in to something different. I remember during the eighty’s all of the shows and movies I watch were all the underdog wins in the end and I felt that this is what I want I want to be the underdog the stand along and befriends with everyone. Guess what I was that person I still am that person as well as I take up for the underdog and befriend everyone as well as treat everyone with respect no matter what. I can thank â€Å"Sixteen Candles, Full House, The Breakfast Club, The Outsiders, and I Love Lucy† were all visual entertainment that made me who I am as well as a lot of others.

Analysis of 2 commercial brands Essay

Topic : Analysis of 2 commercial brands of bleaching solution & a determination of the best buy Introduction : Sodium chlorate(I) forms the basis of most commercial bleaches. The amount present in bleaching solution can be determined by a volumetric technique. In this experiment, sodium chlorate(I) reacts with excess potassium iodide in the presence of acid to liberate. The iodine is titrated against standard sodium thiosulphate solution. Chemicals : Bleach solution , 0.1 M Na2S2O3 ,1 M H2SO4 , KI , Starch indicator  Procedures : 1. Determine the total volume of bleach in the commercial bottles provided. Note the brand name, volume & price of each sample. 2. Pipette 25 cm3 bleach solution into a 250 cm3 volumetric flask. Make up to the mark & mix well. 3. Pipette 25 cm3 of this solution into a conical flask. Add 10 cm3 KI solution & 10 cm3 1 M sulphuric acid. 4. Titrate this mixture against the standard sodium thiosulphate solution provided. Add starch indicator when the solution become pale yellow. 5. Record your results and calculate the molarity of the orginal bleach solution. 6. Determine which bleach has the lowest price per mole of actual bleach. Results : Brand A = ___________KAO_____________ Brand B = _________Best Buy____________ Volume = ___________1.5L______________ Volume = ____________2L_______________ Price = _______$12.9 / Bottle____________ Price = ________$10.9 / Bottle____________ Mole = _________0.753 Mol_____________ Mole = ___________1.152 Mol ___________ $/mole = _______$17.13 / Mol ___________ $/mole = __________$9.46 / Mol__________ Best buy is ________ Best Buy___________ Titration of Brand A against the standard sodium thiosulphate solution Titration 1 2 3 4 Final Burette Reading (ml) 31.70 35.70 27.80 32.20 Initial Burette Reading (ml) 2.90 9.80 4.40 8.30 Volume of titrant (ml) 28.80 25.90 25.40 23.50 Mean volume of titrant (ml) = __(25.90+25.40+23.50)à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3 = 25.1 ml__ Calculation: The Result Of Brand A Sodium chlorate(I) reacts with excess potassium iodide in the Bleaching solution, which is a acid medium. Iodine solution produced. Following equation: 2H+-(aq) + OCl–(aq) + 2I–(aq) –> Cl–(aq) + I2-(aq) + H2O-(l) Secondly, the iodine solution is titrated with sodium thiosulphate solution Following equation: I2(aq) + 2 S2O32- (aq) –> S4O62- (aq) + 2 I-(aq) The Molarity of Na2S2O3 : = 0.1M Number of mole of S2O3- reacted with I2: : = Molarity X Volume = 0.1 X (25.1à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1000) = 0.00251 mol The Mole ratio of Na2S2O3:: I2= 2:1 Number of moles of I2 reacted with S2O3- = (1à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2) X 0.00251 mol = 0.001255 mol The Mole ratio of NaOCl: I2= 1:1 Number of moles of NaOCl used in the titration = I2 = 0.001255 mol Number of moles of NaOCl in the 250ml volumetic flask = 0.001255 mol X 10 = 0.01255 mol Number of moles in 1.5L bleach solution = 0.01255 mol à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 25 X 1500 = 0.753 mol Price of OCl- per mole in brand A = $12.9 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 0.753mol = $17.13 / mol Results : Titration of Brand B against the standard sodium thiosulphate solution Titration 1 2 3 4 Final Burette Reading (ml) 30.90 32.8 31.90 35.20 Initial Burette Reading (ml) 2.10 3.90 3.30 6.90 Volume of titrant (ml) 28.8 28.90 28.60 28.90 Mean volume of titrant (ml) = __(28.90+28.60+28.90)à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3 = 28.8 ml__ Calculation: The Result Of Brand B Sodium chlorate(I) reacts with excess potassium iodide in the Bleaching solution, which is a acid medium. Iodine solution produced. Following ionic equation: 2H+-(aq) + OCl–(aq) + 2I–(aq) –> Cl–(aq) + I2-(aq) + H2O-(l) Secondly, the iodine solution is titrated with sodium thiosulphate solution Following ionic equation: I2(aq) + 2 S2O32- (aq) –> S4O62- (aq) + 2 I-(aq) The Molarity of Na2S2O3 : = 0.1M Number of mole of S2O3- reacted with I2: : = Molarity X Volume = 0.1 X (28.8à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1000)= 0.00288 mol The Mole ratio of Na2S2O3:: I2= 2:1 Number of moles of I2 reacted with S2O3- = (1à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2) X 0.00288 mol = 0.00144 mol The Mole ratio of NaOCl: I2= 1:1 Number of moles of NaOCl used in the titration = I2 = 0.00144 mol Number of moles of NaOCl in the 250ml volumetic flask = 0.00144 mol X 10 = 0.0144 mol Number of moles in 2L bleach solution = 0.0144 mol à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 25 X 2000 = 1.152 mol Price of OCl- per mole in brand B = $10.9 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 1.152 mol = $9.46 / mol Questions : 1. Why must the KI be present in excess ? If less than the specified quantity of KI is added, what effect will this have on the results ? The bleach solution contain sodium chlorate(I),which have ions OCl-.We can prepare the iodine solution by adding the sodium chlorate(I) to potassium iodide in a acidic medium. At first, the sodium chlorate(I) Is the limiting agent. When we add the excess potassium iodide into the bleach solution. Not only it will not effect the result, but also the calculation can be more accurate. All the ions OCl- can be completely reacted. In addition, Iodine solution is only slightly soluble in water but it is very soluble in the solution, which contain I- ions. 2. What is the function of the sulphuric acid ? The function of sulphuric acid is provide a acidic medium containing excess iodide to ionizes the iodine solution to triiodide ions. We must know that the Brown colour of iodine solution is cause for the triiodide ions(I3-).This colour in observation of titration is very important. 3. Bleaching solutions may deteriorate for 2 reasons : (a) react with CO2 in the air according to the equation : 2 OCl- + CO2 –> CO32-+ H2 + Cl2 (b) what is the other reason ? It must be effected by light. It is because the The hypochlorite ions OCl-( will be decompose quickly under light Following equation:2NaOCl –>2NaCl + O2, .While losing some OCl- ions, the result in calculation will not be accurate 4. What should the starch indicator not be added too early ? The starch solution turns the iodine to blue black because of the formation of starch-iodine complex. Also, the complex is not reversible when the concentration of iodine is high. If we add the starch solution early, the attraction of starch molecules and iodine molecules will attract so strongly. Although we have add standard sodium thiosulphate solution, but we can not do completely finish the real result of titration and effecting the calculation. The above-mentioned tell us that the starch solution should be added when only a few of iodine solution left, near the end point of the titration. Conclusion: The bleach solution of brand B is the best buy.

Brilliant Minds Essay Research Paper Running head

Brilliant Minds Essay, Research Paper Runing caput: BRILLIANT MINDS Brilliant Minds of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Willie B. Hill, Jr. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale ________________________________________________________________ ELM-300 Introduction to Electronic Management Research Spring Semester 2000 Fort Gordon, Georgia Contentss Page ABSTRACT # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .3 INTRODUCTION # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; 4 MOTION STUDY # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .4 FATIGUE STUDY # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .6 CONCLUSION # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .. # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .7 REFERENCES # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .. # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .8 Abstraction Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were two of the great innovators of in the survey of Scientific Management. Two of there major Hagiographas were on Fatigue Study and Motion Study. Business bookmans use many of their Hagiographas, today. Many of their consequences affect the work conditions in many companies. Brilliant Minds of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Frank Gilbreth was born on July 7, 1868 in Fairfield, Maine. Lillian Gilbreth was born on June 24, 1924 in Montclair, New Jersey. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; are considered two of the greatest American bookmans in the field of scientific direction. Many professional concern directors use many of their Hagiographas. Many of their Hagiographas include The Psychology of Management, Fatigue Study, Motion Study for the Handicapped, Applied Motion Study, Motion Study, Primer of Scientific Management, Bricklaying System, and Concrete System. One of the great literary Hagiographas by the Gilbreths was the survey of gesture. Gesture survey is a agency to permanent and practical waste riddance ( Gilbreth, 1917 ) . This work is aim to depict the work countries that gesture survey can be or is being applied and different methods to use to the survey. Finally, the consequence of the survey. Gesture survey was chiefly used in American Industry. The end of this survey was to extinguish unneeded attempt used in the industry to every bit low as possible. The betterment of a occupation undertaking while increasing productiveness was the consequence. The American industrial sector was used because it was spread outing during this clip and America needed to better industrial techniques to stay competitory against other states. Gesture survey analyzed every detailed in the operation to execute a peculiar undertaking and determined the method which used the least sum of energy. An illustration of this research is the assembly of piece used in the production of the braider manufactured by the New England Butt Company ( Gilberth 1917 ) . After analysis utilizing gesture survey there was a three hundred and 50 per centum addition in production with no addition in worker weariness ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . The analysis consisted of what is the unit of step, the difference methods used, an d devices needed. All three are needed to be incorporated to obtain a consequence. The usage of chronocyclegraph gesture devices was another method used in gesture survey. Chronocyclegraph devices were used in the survey to explicate a precise scientific decision to an probe. Clocks, temperature, and location devices was used during the survey. This was necessary to acquire the accurate clip of twenty-four hours, temperature, and topographic point a survey was performed. The information can be mention in the hereafter or the present by scientist and bookmans to compare other scientific consequences from gesture survey. The 3rd type used to make a decision in gesture survey was a gesture theoretical account. Gesture theoretical accounts were used chiefly in educational sector ( Spriegel 1953 ) . It dealt with the different methods of instruction by an person. The outline of the survey was that different methods are used to execute the undertaking than what is taught by the instructor. In one illustration, the instructor taught a individual who was unfamiliar with a topic a really thorough account on how to carry through the undertaking, which was really clip consuming ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . On the other manus, when really executing the undertaking the teacher used cutoffs that reduced the sum of clip to execute the undertaking ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . Another of the Gilbreths # 8217 ; plants was a survey of weariness in the workplace Fatigue is the fatigue from labour or effort ( Webster 1994 ) . This was designed to foremost, to find what types of business causes different sorts of weariness. Second, to measure how unneeded weariness can be eliminated. Third, to cut down the sum of weariness in the workplace every bit low as possible. Fourth, to find different methods to battle weariness. Fifth, to set the information gathered by the survey in a signifier that the mean worker can understand. The two types of weariness are necessary and unneeded. Unnecessary weariness is caused by work that uses more energy to carry through a undertaking than is needed or executing a occupation that should non be performed to make a end ( Myers 1953 ) . A good illustration of otiose energy is the work of the bricklayer. The method for centuries was for the bricklayer to raise his organic structure, the howitzer, and the bricks from the land to the top of the edifice ( Gilbreth 1916 ) . This type of work used a big sum of unneeded energy. Necessary weariness is caused by the achievement of any undertaking. For illustration, there might be an betterment to a work method, which resulted in an addition of productiveness by 50 per centum. Even though more work was accomplished in the same sum of clip it did non or can be expected to extinguish all weariness. One of the most effectual ways to cut down weariness is to better the work environment of an employee. The employer needs to guarantee a worker has adequate clip to rest and pass clip with the household at the terminal of the twenty-four hours. One of the ways to guarantee an employee is non exhausted is to supply a lunch period and at least one twenty-four hours a hebdomad off from work. Another method is to guarantee the proper equipment is used to execute a undertaking. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; did a survey, in which, they provided a lean backing chair to all workers in a company. After one hebdomad of usage the company addition productiveness with less worker weariness ( Spriegel 1953 ) . Proper lighting in the workplace is another manner to cut down weariness. If a workplace has excessively much or non plenty illuming the workers will tire at a greater rate because it will do changeless accommodation and re-adjustment of the eyes. Decision Improvement of working conditions is indispensable to increasing worker productiveness. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; dedicated their lives to contrive methods to cut down worker weariness and waste of unneeded energy. Many of their thoughts are incorporated to many Torahs passed by the authorities during the 1930s # 8217 ; and 1940s # 8217 ; . Failure of concerns to follow the rules of the Gilbreths # 8217 ; could ensue in lower worker productiveness and morale. An of import ingredient in a company # 8217 ; s profitableness is a good relationship with direction and the employee. Bibliography Mentions Gilbreth, F. , A ; Gilbreth L. ( 1916 ) . Fatigue Study. New York: Sturgis A ; Walton Co. Gilbreth, F. , A ; Gilbreth L. ( 1911 ) . Gesture Study. New York: D. Van Nostrand Co. Merriam-Webster # 8217 ; s School Dictionary ( 1994 ) . Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc. Meyers, C. E. , Spriegel W. R. ( Eds. ) . ( 1953 ) The Writings of the Gilbreths. Homewood, Illinois: Richard D. Irwin, Inc.

How was Slavery impacted (Mod 4 Disc1) Assignment

How was Slavery impacted (Mod 4 Disc1) - Assignment Example The major impact of the slavery during the civil war was the skills acquired in the Africa to the work done in the Americas, which increased the industry productions. Slavery was the major contradiction to the national purpose and the critical source of the irrigation in the American conscience; it defined the American freedom and called for the commitment for natural human rights. Before slavery, communities felt secured because they were protected by the strongest men in the community but during the slavery period the community was insecure and the lifestyle of the communities changed gradually. The slavery caused ineffectiveness in the public schools system, divisions in the families since the each community did not come from the slavery problem with same measures. The south state of the America depended entirety on the cotton plantations; they used the slave labor on the plantations to work and earn more income (McPherson & Hogue, 2010). During the Civil War, they feared that losing the slave would have severe economic impact on the cotton plantations. Slavery was the major incongruity to the national purpose and the critical source of the irrigation in the American conscience; it defined the American freedom and called for the commitment for natural human rights. During that period the African slaves trade become illegal and these pushed the North state to abolish the slavery that denied the slaves human right and the dignity. The pension earning of the slaves was not implemented because the important documents were destroyed during the war period; hence, they were not compensated. In conclusion, the war resulted to some slaves settling in these countries because they could not trace the record about their birthplace; the war affected econom y and political activities

Banking Regulation and Risks Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Banking Regulation and Risks - Coursework Example The banks are now on a constant quest to out-wind the effects of the global financial crisis and encounter a new business era. The change in the regulatory framework of banks has been observed globally. The practices of the banks of increased regulatory requirement have are hindered the banks from progressing (Ernst & Young, 2011). Hence, this report aims to highlight the effect of the global financial crisis on the regulatory framework of the banks. It will signify the need for the banks to alter the global banking landscape. This has become mandatory so that the system can run smoothly and performance can be optimized while developing capability to sustain any such economic shocks in future. SECURITIZATION The financial engineering based process of pooling certain types of assets so that they can be converted into interest bearing securities is called securitization. The asset in turn derives interest and principal payment for the individual who has purchased the securities (Jobst, 2006). This concept began in 1970’s in the US. The agencies which were backed by the US government pooled the home mortgages. By the 1980’s other assets which were primarily important for pooling were gathered and since then the market of securitization grew dramatically (Jobst, 2006). There was incremental growth in the residential mortgage funding through residential based mortgage securities (RMBS) in UK moved to ?257 billion from ?13billion (Wainwright, 2010). Following trend was observed across the years: (Wainwright, 2010) With the global financial crisis the stability of this concept was also widely impacted. This impact originated from the credibility of securitization conducted for the sub-prime mortgage loans. The poor credit origination, lack of regulatory efficiencies and inadequate methods of valuation proved to hurt the securitization severely. UK suffered as nearly 70% of the RMBS were given to foreigners who reverted to local markets (Wainwright, 2010) The concept of Securitization is also known as financial innovation. The need for securitization was realized to supply the customers with securitized bonds which were backed by sufficient assets. The surety that such bonds will never be subject to bankruptcy was a major factor which attracted the individuals towards it (Davis, 2011). USEFULNESS OF SECURITIZATION AND THE FINANCIAL CRISIS Businesses adopted securitization as source of funding for business on the basis of assets held by them. Banks also allured to the usefulness of securitization as it reduced the pressure of minimum capital requirement imposed as regulation (Jobst, 2006). Securitization was widely used in the US before the financial crisis. At the time of the global financial crisis it was observed that the asset based securities were primarily in the limelight of the investors’ portfolio. The securitization tool was asset backed and so it was widely used as collateral of the sale and repurchase agreements. T he asset based securities were also used for the issuance of the asset backed commercial paper. However, the benefits of securitization were enchased unduly that resulted in the crises. During the financial crisis banks were involved as financial intermediaries. When the banking system collapsed these instruments also collapsed as the banks couldn’t sustain the complex engineering introduced for excessive use of the process. This

Memo to Paul Taylor - AM Equipment Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Memo to Paul Taylor - AM Equipment - Term Paper Example One of the major steps that AM should take is to prepare going global. This entails establishing of various managerial positions that will be responsible for overseeing effective distribution of the products in the new markets. In its efforts to enter the three foreign markets, AM should establish an export sales department. Based on the fact that the company is currently based in US, the export sales department will ensure linkage between the production facilities is US and the sales outlets in the three countries. Additionally, AM should employ skilled marketing managers who will be responsible for overseeing the company subsidiaries located in the foreign countries. One of the advantages of the export sales department and the hiring of experienced marketing managers is that new policies such as effective pricing, extensive promotion and creating strong customer awareness will be created. For instance, the company will emulate penetrative pricing policy (Joshi 47). Through this pol icy, AM will enter the new markets using low prices without compromising the quality of its products. This will ensure that it acquires large customer base. However, the company will need more financial resources to cater for the marketing managers wages. ... After preparing to go global, AM should find the right market that will provide ready market for its products and skilled human resources. One of the key factors to consider is the population of the foreign countries. Additionally, the company should take into consideration the competition, political stability and regulatory environment among other factors. Being one of the developing economies with large population, South Africa is a viable country that AM should enter. In the same way, Britain and Australia have strong economies and high customer’s purchasing power thus proving a market opportunity that will enhance the sales and the profitability of the company. It is also vital to note that in order to encourage investments, South Africa, Britain and Australia have flexible regulatory environment that is essential for foreign direct investments. For example, South Africa has entered into double taxation agreement with US. As a result, AM will not face a lot of taxation cha llenges that may hinder its operations in the country. Additionally, South Africa taxation for foreign companies stands at 35% which is not so high. One of the major aspect that make the three countries viable markets that AM should consider is that they experience political stability that is essential for foreign and local investments. Even though AM Equipment Incorporation will be exposed to stiff competition from the well established firm in the three countries, the company will undertake extensive advertisement and promotion thus effectively putting at bay its competitors. Based on the political and technological development in the three countries, AM will benefit from adequate availability of classical factors of production that includes labor, capital, land and

The impact of VAC Therapy on management of sternal wound infections Literature review

The impact of VAC Therapy on management of sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery - Literature review Example The impact of VAC Therapy on management of sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery Sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery is a serious problem resulting in increased patient morbidity; mortality and duration of hospital stay (Luckraz et al 2003). The incidence of this infection has been variably reported as 0.5 to 5% and the resultant mortality as 10 to 25% (Sjogren et al 2006; Schimer et al 2008). Conventionally, many management techniques have been recommended to treat this complication like surgical debridement with open dressings, closed irrigation of the infected wound, or reconstruction with vascularised omental or pectoral muscle flaps (Domkowski et al 2003). Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy is one of the newer modalities to treat this complication (Evans & Land 1997) which has been widely adopted. Application of negative pressure was successfully used for treating chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers (Eneroth &Â  van Houtum 2008; Ubbink et al 2008). After it was found successful in achieving faster healing in these wounds, use of this therapy has been extended for the management of sternal wound infections as well (Luckraz et al 2003; Domkowski et al 2003; Hersh et al 2003; Sjogren et al 2006). However, i t hasn’t been proven yet with good evidence that its efficacy is more than the conventional treatment. Thus, the main objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the management of wound infection after cardiac surgery. ... Also, it allows re-examination of the wound and bedside debridement, as and when required. To apply negative pressure, wound area is packed with special dressing (polyurethane sponge/foam or polyvinyl alcohol foam) and covered with a transparent tape which seals the wound. A drain tube passes through this tube which is connected to a vacuum tube which sucks out the fluid through this drain tube. Negative pressure applied is in the range of -75 to -125 mm Hg (MAS 2006). Conventionally, medical (antibiotics) and various surgical modalities have been used in the treatment of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) (Singh, Anderson & Harper 2011). Surgical management options include closed suction antibiotic irrigation system, omental flap reconstruction, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi or rectus abdominis muscle advancement or rotation flap, and microsurgical free flap. Early wound exploration is combined with any of these techniques. Regimen of sternal fixation with sternal plating sys tem is also getting popular (Singh, Anderson & Harper 2011). Traditional methods of wound care involve regular cleaning and dressing of the wound different kinds of dressing materials from simple gauzes to chemical impregnated gauzes as per the type of the wound. However, VAC therapy is being projected as one solution for multiple wound types. Search strategy A manual search was conducted for the journals, books and other data related to the subject. Internet was also accessed for searching for journal articles pertaining to the subject. CINAHL database via the EBSCO host platform was utilized to perform a literature search because it is the most wide-ranging nursing database and is easy to search. MEDLINE and COCHRANE database

Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Strategy - Essay Example Most women live on the shadow of what really is the truth about mammography. They should be taught about the whole process and the outcomes of it. They should know that early detection of cancer can be very helpful in the treatment process. The second strategy should be reduction of the cost of acquiring screen mammograms. It is very expensive; most women can’t afford the screening process due to their financial nature. Even after the screening, the treatment itself is still so expensive. The team should get some donors to support the whole process in the low-income regions. The final strategy is to make the mammography always available in the region. The once in a while program is not helpful due to the undecided nature of the locals. If the program is made available, and a proper teaching process is conducted, the long run effect may see even the hard hearted women accepting to undergo the mammography (Nielsen, 2011) The understanding of the underlying social problems would ease the planning process. It would point out the reasons why women have low turnout for the mammography. For example, if it is a financial problem, the team would try to find a way before starting the program to remove the burden of high costs to the region. The understanding of the region is greatly helpful to the team. They would be ready for any problem which arises socially in the process of executing the program (Nick,

Explain The Relationship Between Money Supply And Inflation Essay

Explain The Relationship Between Money Supply And Inflation - Essay Example When money increases in quantity, the demand for it devalues consequentially. â€Å"According to Austrian Economics an increase in the money supply should result in inflation as the value of each old dollar is "diluted" by the printing of new dollars† (McMohan, 2009). Different theories of economy offer different explanation for the influence of money supply on inflation. According to the theory of quantity of money, which is often referred to as monetarism, relationship between the two terms is interpreted as MV = PT, where M = money supply, V = Money Velocity, P = Price Level, and T = Transactions (Ellis, 2011). Other terms being constant, price level is controlled by the money supply. As the velocity of money and the transactions generally remain constant, this essentially means that increase in the supply of money directly increases the price. Likewise, decrease in money supply decreases inflation. On the other hand, the Keynesian theory suggests the existence of several o ther factors that can influence inflation and price level, in addition to the supply of money. â€Å"Generally, the Keynesian theory stresses the relationship between total or aggregate demand and inflationary changes† (Ellis, 2011). Money supply is often varied to control the inflation. When the government intends to lower the inflation in a certain region, central banks stop lending the money frequently and raise the rate of interest. As a result of this, inflation drops. However, when it goes below the intended level, the lending patterns are loosed so that the economy may be stimulated. In other cases, when release of money becomes unreserved, it results into the situation of hyperinflation. When a bank issues loan, it adds to the amount of money in circulation, without a net increase in the wealth (Anon., n.d.). Economists mutually consent that an increase of inflation above 50 per cent per month is the symbol of inflation. The inflation typically increases when the incr ease of money supply is not accompanied with an equivalent increase in the production of goods. In a vast majority of cases, the federal banking system is used to impose limits of the trends of lending and setting interest rates. If more money is supplied at equilibrium, it makes the interest rate ti go down because the supply of money far exceeds the demand (Hornle, 2007). In order to keep that from happening, the federal banking system decides the limits making use of the economic data. Sometimes, it becomes hard to estimate the money supply, particularly when the trends changes constantly. The supply of money may increase frequently as a result of change in the patterns of storage of money on the part of people. The following chart displays the supply of money from 1985 to 2008. The per cent change in money supply of one year has also been shown: Supply of money vs inflation (McMohan, 2009). M1 is generally considered as the most accurate measure of supply of money in that M1 mea sures money in just its most liquid states. M1 is just limited to the currency that is in the public’s occupancy in various forms which include but are not limited travelers’ checks, and checks for money deposits. Sometimes, increase in the supply of money may not cause the inflation to increase. Certain factors play a role in it that include but are not limited to the speed of circulation of money, increase in the capacity of productivity and the state of economy. Increase in real output is one

Chemistry in Daily Life Essay Example for Free

Chemistry in Daily Life Essay 1.You feel hungry because of the satiety center in your brain falls short of particular hormones to function and then sends the signal of hunger. 2.You fall in love, get attracted and have a feeling of belonging because of certain monoamines present in your brain which get stimulated through nerve sensors. 3.If you have wondered, why is the sky blue, it is due to a phenomenon called the Rayleigh scattering, which depends on scattering of light through particles which are much smaller than the wavelength. Hence when light passes through gases, there is scattering and the sky appears blue. 4.Coffee keeps you awake because of the presence of a chemical called adenosine, in your brain. It binds to certain receptors and slows the nerve cell activity when sleep is signaled. 5.Anaerobic fermentation is also a great concept which is present in the chemistry of everyday life. It is present in yogurt, breads, cakes and many other baking products. It is the multiplication of certain useful bacteria which increase the size of the food and make it more filling and soft. 6.Soap is formed by molecules with a head which likes water (hydrophilic) and a long chain which hates it (hydrophobic). 7.Lactose is the main complex sugar found in the milk. Its a pretty big compound formed by two smaller components: glucose and galactose. Such a big compound cannot get through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, so we need something to break it into smaller pieces. This something is an enzime named lactase. The more milk and milk products we consume, the more lactase we need. 8.The iodised salt is a necessary intake. It prevents a disease called goitre. 9.In the garden we use sprays to kill insects from attacking our plants. 10.Vermiwash is a liquid fertilizer. It isused as a leaf spray.

Healthcare Policy in the US

Healthcare Policy in the US A healthcare policy is a set of rules and regulations that are put into effect to assist in the operation and the shape of health delivery. A healthcare policy covers a range of issue including public health, chronic illness and disability, long-term care, the financing of health care, preventive health care and mental health. There are two models of a healthcare which consist of the single payer and the social insurance system. In the single payer model, taxes are paid to the government which then pays healthcare providers such as nurses, doctors, and dentists to provide health services to individuals. In a social insurance system, citizens must purchase health insurance from non-profit insurance companies who will then use this health insurance to pay for services provided by healthcare providers. Healthcare is financed through private insurance companies which individuals can access through their employers and for the many Americans that are uninsured, there are three programs in which they can go through called Medicare, Medicaid, and The State Childrens Health Insurance Program. Medicare mainly deals with Americans who are over the age of 65 or disabled. Medicaid deals with people who are of low income or maybe classified as being poor. The State Childrens Health Insurance Program deals with people who are uninsured or low income children. There are so many aspects that can make up healthcare policy and there will be many more that will have an impact on healthcare in the future. Principles of US Health Policy There are many principal features of the United States health policy, but to name a few critical ones are: government as subsidiary to the private sector; fragmented, incremental, and piecemeal reform; pluralistic politics; the decentralized role of the states; and the impact of presidential leadership. These key characteristics of health policy work together or separately to pressure the progress and growth of health policy to benefit the country. The United Sates is one of the few countries in the world that does have a national health care system where their government pays the majority and is the leader in the health care organization. That is not the case in the US. The private sector is the leader and the government takes a back seat in the majority of the development of health policies. It is funny that Americans prefer to have as less involvement from the government as possible in relation to health care financing, delivery, and policy. Being a capital nation we are under the notion that the private sector can best organize and operate the production and consumption of goods and services in our country rather than the government. The US health care system is fragmented so much that it is almost impossible to track. Employers provide a voluntary insurance program to their employees that are paid for through payments from employees and employers together. Then you have the elderly you are covered through Social Security tax, government subsidized voluntary insurance for physician, supplementary, and prescription drug coverage. The indigent obtain health care through Medicaid which is funded through federal, state, and local revenues. American Indians, Congress, members of the armed forces, Veterans, and the executive branch have health insurance that is financed through the federal government directly. Any type of reform in America is incremental and piecemeal especially health care. For example Medicaid has had many much needed changes since its beginning in 1965. First, Congress changed the policy to have more children become eligible and in 1984 pregnant women and children in two parent families were granted health care if income restrictions were met. Policy changes are met with an array of complex political roadblocks that make much needed reform difficult to accomplish. Often it takes a revolutionary presidential election to overcome such barriers. As in any other policy debates in the US politics interest groups pluralism have an effect on the health policy. Powerful interest groups involved in health care politics adamantly resist any major change (Alford 1975). Each group deeply believes that their interests are the best and will fight very hard to protect their interest. For instance, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for American citizens over the age of 50. They are one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the United States with over 40 million members. Because they are such a well organized interest group they are very effective in influencing the decisions on policies that affect the seniors in this country. A decentralized role of the states has its pros and cons. The states provide financial support for the indigent and disabled through comprehensive health care programs. They also take on the additional responsibility of implementing the governments Medicaid and SCHIP programs for the elderly and children. On the flip side critics have suggested there is too much state control in regards to health policy changes. With each state having control over their own health policy decisions makes it extremely difficult to create a unified national health care policy. New presidents have always been the stepping stone for policy changes in America. Every president from Johnson to Bush has made an attempt to reform health care in some shape or form. The most recent major historical change has come with the election of President Obama. He has done what no other President has done, Health Care Reform. He is putting the control of peoples health care needs in their own hands. President Obamas presidential leadership impact will reform health care by making it more affordable, making insurance companies accountable for their actions, and provide coverage to all Americans. Development of legislative health policy Health policy is a set course of action undertaken by governments or health care organizations to obtain a desired health outcome (Cherry Trotter Betts, 2005). The health care system, including the public and private segment, with the political forces influence how systems are shaped by the health care policy-making processes. Public health policies start from local, state, or federal legislation, regulations which manage the terms of health care services. There are also institutional or business policies related to health care in addition to public policies. In the private sector the policies are developed by hospitals, accrediting organizations, or managed care organizations. Nurses, the largest number of health care providers are the most familiar with institutional policies including those developed and implemented by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The decision making in the public or the private sector, the scope of the issue, and the nature of the policy all have an impact on the characteristics of a policy (Thurber,1996). A basic understanding of the policy process is the first step in having a strategy on how to encourage potential power and control important changes in the health care system. It is a process that uses multiple points of access in order to provide a vision that influences the decision makers involved at each stage. There are three stages of policy making: the formulation stage, the implementation and the evaluation stage. In the formulation stage, input of information, ideas, organizations, research from key people and interest groups are put together. The implementation stage involves disseminating the collected information and starting to put the policy into action. During this stage, the proposed policy is transformed into a plan of action (International Council of Nurses, 2005). Public policy endorsed b y local, state, or federal governmental identities is usually put into practice through the normal process that interprets the policy into a written set of rules issued by the government agency that is responsible for overseeing the policy. All concerned groups contribute in the development of health care policy by providing necessary information needed to decide on the implementation. Nurses are a very important part in the preparation and implementation of the policy. As the largest one group of health care providers, nurses can successfully sponsor health care policy project; they also have a distinctive point of view on health care policies and expertise to share with the responsible agents. Nurses are a strong voice and active advocated group that leads to positive change and build consensus on important issues. The policy process also includes an evaluation and modification phase when existing policies are revisited and may be amended or rewritten to adjust to changing circumstances (Longest, 2006). Most major public policies are subject to modifications in this process. Smaller changes in already existing policies are usually easier to be implemented than major changes as less clarification and efforts are required to be implemented. A good example would be when the Medicare Program has undergone since its enactment in 1965. Another change is when the U.S. Congress in 1998 added nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists as providers that can bill for Part B services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. Congress has changed Medicare program many times after that and put a number of preventive services to the Medicare program. The most recent change was done to Medicare Part D and added a prescription drug program available for Medicare beneficiaries. Health care issue moves through the phases of the policy process, from a proposal to an actual program that can be enacted, implemented, and evaluated, the policy process is impacted by the preferences and influences of elected officials, other individuals, organizations, and special interest groups (Longest, 2006). Political interactions take place when people get involved in the process of making decisions, making compromises, and taking actions that determine who gets what in the health care system. Special interest groups and individuals with a stake in the fate of a health care policy use all kinds of influencing, communication, negotiation, conflict management, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in the political arena to obtain their desired outcome (Cherry Trotter Betts, 2005; Kalisch Kalisch, 1982). Health care system is continuously changing, nurses in many institutions are taking the advocacy role, working together to reflect nursings perception in health care policies and to be implemented. However, the legislative process needs to be well understood and policy advocates should be aware that they may run the risk of working with the wrong people or at the wrong time and therefore the policy may not be established. Well prepared professionals can always find ways to promote for a better health care system. For the more experienced professional there are many resources available to nurse policy advocates who want to learn more about how to make a difference in key health care issues using legislative and policy processes and working within the political arena. The Future of Health Policy The future of health policy is unknown and difficult to predict. The US has struggled with conquering the health care system as one comprehensive unit. Instead, there have been individual attempts at specific problems, resulting in fragmented solutions. The anti-socialist views of the US citizens have thus far prevented a nationalized health care system, but this has not and will not stop many influential leaders from trying. Regardless of health care being a universal or disjointed system, the future of health policy aims at containing costs, increasing access, and improving quality. On March 2010, President Obama signed a health care reform bill. A preliminary estimate claims that the bill will reduce the deficit by $130 billion in the first ten years and by $1.2 trillion in the next ten years (Jackson Nolen, 2010). State-based insurance exchanges will be implemented as a way to purchase insurance for those who do not have access through their employer. The Medicare prescription coverage donut hole will be closed by 2020 and seniors will receive a 50% discount on brand name medications. Medicaid will be expanded, will include childless adults, and illegal immigrants will not be eligible. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions and children will be able to stay on their parents insurance plans until age 26. Beginning in 2014, there will be an individual mandate that everyone must have health insurance or have to pay a fine, with exceptions for low-income people. Employers with greater than 50 employees will be required to offer health insurance. There is no telling what the ultimate success will be of this bill, as it is a continued hot debate between political parties, but it puts some definition on the future of health policy. The role of state governments in health care has become more substantial. They hold the majority of the responsibility for regulating all aspects of the health care system. In addition, states contribute to financing Medicaid services, finance health coverage for state/public employees and retirees, and subsidize the costs of health care services for the uninsured. States also have the role of protecting the publics health through controlling the spread of communicable diseases, protecting the environment, preventing injuries, promoting healthy behaviors, responding to disasters, providing health services to those without access, monitoring the populations health status, and developing health care policies to benefit the community. The future of health policy shows that states will continue to perform these roles. Conclusion In closing, we feel that an issue such as healthcare must be thought through and have a decision made based on the need of the American peoples as well as the needs of the American economy. By this we mean that a decision should be developed based on a way to keep this great country from going bankrupt or prevent the American people from going broke when a plan goes into effect. In todays world, the U.S health Care System of today is turning into a disaster because many people are getting to the point to where they are not able to afford healthcare services due to the fact that they are not able to afford it or have lost their jobs are may have partial health care benefits. We feel that all Americans must try to stand up for what they believe and fight for a healthcare policy that will enable everyone to be able to have healthcare coverage so that our government will see that there is a need for a change in the future. Resources 1. Shi, L. Singh, D.A. (2008.) Delivering Health Care in America: A Systems Approach (4th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers 2. Jackson, J. Nolen, J. (March 23, 2010). Health Care Reform Bill Summary: A Look At Whats in the Bill. cbsnews.com. Retrieved, April 20, 2010, from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000846-503544.html. 3. Alford, R. R. 1975. Health Care Politics: Ideology and interest group barriers to reform. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 4. S M Williams-Crowe and T V Aultman, State health agencies and the legislative policy process. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1403499/?page=1 5. Pamela White, Tobie H. Olsan, Carolanne Bianchi, Theresa Glessner, Pamela Mapstone, Legislative: Searching for Health Policy Information on the Internet: An Essential Advocacy Skill. Retrieved from: http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN

Mercury in the Everglades Essay -- Geology

Mercury in the Everglades Everglades Background Information: * Established in 1947 on 1.4 million acres in southwest Florida * Sunny, Semi-Tropical Swamp Setting. Experiences near daily downpours (http://srv3sftpa.er.usgs.gov/sofl.fact.html) Mercury's Effect on the Everglades: * A small amount of mercury is found in the crust of the earth. This is not the problem. The anthropogenic mercury is the problem. The mercury that is growing dangerously in size is known as methylmercury. It is an organic substance that still baffles scientists who are trying to work out its life cycle. So far, what they know is that methylmercury forms when inorganic mercury combines with organic matter that is dissolved in water. This reaction favors conditions that are extremely warm, where there is plenty of sunlight, and where the right kind of bacteria is present (mainly sulfate reducing bacteria). The Everglades, unfortunately, because of its large amount of sunlight and the near daily downpours provides ideal environment for forming methylmercury. (http://www.research.fsu.edu/RinR/Fal_Wn97/merc_sd2.htm) * Mercury settlement: The majority of mercury sett;es into the surface sediment where the amount of mercury was2.5 times more than the deep sediment. This of course leads to an even greater chance of the mercury getting recycled into the food chain rather than decomposing. (http://www.aslo.org/aslo/dialog/d_rood.html) * Biomagnefication: Methylmercury becomes deadly to the environment through the process of biomagnefication. To achieve biomagnefication, the mercury must be consumed by microorganisms nd work its way up the food chain increasing in concentration as it enters large... ... that 95% of the mercury arrives in the Everglades via the atmosphere. Hydrological changes resulting from the Central and South Florida Flood Control Project (www.sph.umich.edu/group/eih/umaql/suamp.html) * Conclusion: Rising mercury levels in the Everglades is just one of the problems that we need to deal with in order to protect our Everglades. However, it is not an issue that we can procrastinate on or fight over. Mercury levels are rising and our time is running out. We need to act before it is too late. * Bibliography: (http://srv3sftpa.er.usgs.gov/sofl.fact.html) (http://www.research.fsu.edu/RinR/Fal_Wn97/merc_sd2.htm) (http://www.aslo.org/aslo/dialog/d_rood.html) (http://www.n-jcenter.com/98/feb/08/en2.htm) (http://www.sph.umich.edu/group/eih/umaql/suamp.html) (http://ww.fsu.edu/cpm/FACT/sec_D/merc.html)

Politics and The Death Penalty :: the anti-death penalty position

The question regarding whether the United States should implement the death penalty as a form of punishment is a heated issue in American politics. The topic is so divisive because it deals with death, which is permanent. Life is valued in every society, and when life is taken away, emotions rise. Most human beings maintain a strong underlying fear of dying, so they wish to prevent their own death, especially their murder, at any cost. Furthermore, since crime is a prevalent problem in the U.S., Americans yearn for a successful way to reduce the homicide rate. However, most Americans do not favor the use of the death penalty when other options, such as life in prison without parole plus restitution, are presented (Dieter). By comparing the empirical and moral claims of the arguments in favor and against the use of the death penalty, we suggest that the presidential candidate take a cautiously anti-death penalty stance. The key issues involve whether the U.S. should sustain the current death penalty system, abolish it in favor of life in prison without parole plus restitution, or only reform the system to make it less costly and free of class, racial, and mental illness discrepancies. Many people have a stake in the issue. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union are against the death penalty because they claim it is a cruel and unusual form of punishment, while other groups such as the National Center for Policy Analysis support the death penalty because they believe that life sentences do not deter homicide. Furthermore, victims’ families have a stake in the issue because they deserve justice for their murdered loved ones, and convicted murders have a stake because their own lives are in jeopardy as they sit on death row. Most importantly, all the citizens of the United States are involved in the matter, since the way in which we punish crime af fects public safety. Death penalty supporters believe that capital punishment is the only sure way to deter murderers from committing murders again. â€Å"The argument that murderers are the least likely of all criminals to repeat their crimes is not only irrelevant, but also increasingly false. Six percent of young adults paroled in 1978 after having been convicted of murder were arrested for murder again with six years of release† (Death Penalty Paper).

Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low Working Memory Capa

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low Working Memory Capacity The terms â€Å"baby brain† and â€Å"maternal amnesia† are informally used to describe the perceived memory loss and inattentiveness many women report suffering during pregnancy (Cuttler, Graf, Pawluski & Galea, 2010). Previous studies have suggested that this perceived memory loss may be associated with temporary exhaustion of working memory capacity (WMC) (Casey, 2000). In 1971, Marian Diamond and collegues did extensive research on pregnant and non-pregnant rats and demonstrated for the first time that pregnancy reshapes the brain (Diamond, Johnson & Ingham, 1971). Their findings suggest that pregnancy in rats increases dendritic spine density in areas of the brain that regulate learning and memory as well as areas involved in control of fear and anxiety. During stressful situations, adrenergic activation prompts secretion of epinephrine by the sympathetic nervous system (Elzinga & Roelofs, 2005). The hormone cortisol is made by the adrenal glands and is also essential in response to stressful situations. When adrenergic activity and cortisol levels are concordantly increased, working memory impairments proceed. Throughout the third trimester of pregnancy, cortisol reaches levels consistent with those seen in Cushing’s syndrome (Glynn, 2010). Cushing’s syndrome is defined by excess cortisol levels dispersed by the adrenal glands as a result of a tumor or medication (Margulies, Voto, Fescina, Lastra, Lapidus & Schwarez 1987). Individuals suffering from Cushing’s syndrome experience a wide range of symptoms, one of which is a decrease in working memory. Working memory (WM) is a theoretical structure referring to an ind... ...10). Literature associating endocrine exposures during gestation and changes in memory function, support that women with lower levels of cortisol display poorer verbal recall memory performance (Glynn, 2010). However, performance on working memory tasks did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant participants. The contradictory evidence pertaining to the impact of cortisol on memory suggests that further study is needed to understand its effects. Working Memory Attentional Control Measures of performance on tests of WM suggest that WMC increases continually between early childhood and adolescence (West, 1996). Empirical studies have also supported that WM is among one of the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age. West (1996) theorized that the declines in WM as we age is due largely to the deterioration of the pre-frontal cortex. Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low Working Memory Capa PROJECT DESCRIPTION Impact of Pregnancy Cortisol Levels on High and Low Working Memory Capacity The terms â€Å"baby brain† and â€Å"maternal amnesia† are informally used to describe the perceived memory loss and inattentiveness many women report suffering during pregnancy (Cuttler, Graf, Pawluski & Galea, 2010). Previous studies have suggested that this perceived memory loss may be associated with temporary exhaustion of working memory capacity (WMC) (Casey, 2000). In 1971, Marian Diamond and collegues did extensive research on pregnant and non-pregnant rats and demonstrated for the first time that pregnancy reshapes the brain (Diamond, Johnson & Ingham, 1971). Their findings suggest that pregnancy in rats increases dendritic spine density in areas of the brain that regulate learning and memory as well as areas involved in control of fear and anxiety. During stressful situations, adrenergic activation prompts secretion of epinephrine by the sympathetic nervous system (Elzinga & Roelofs, 2005). The hormone cortisol is made by the adrenal glands and is also essential in response to stressful situations. When adrenergic activity and cortisol levels are concordantly increased, working memory impairments proceed. Throughout the third trimester of pregnancy, cortisol reaches levels consistent with those seen in Cushing’s syndrome (Glynn, 2010). Cushing’s syndrome is defined by excess cortisol levels dispersed by the adrenal glands as a result of a tumor or medication (Margulies, Voto, Fescina, Lastra, Lapidus & Schwarez 1987). Individuals suffering from Cushing’s syndrome experience a wide range of symptoms, one of which is a decrease in working memory. Working memory (WM) is a theoretical structure referring to an ind... ...10). Literature associating endocrine exposures during gestation and changes in memory function, support that women with lower levels of cortisol display poorer verbal recall memory performance (Glynn, 2010). However, performance on working memory tasks did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant participants. The contradictory evidence pertaining to the impact of cortisol on memory suggests that further study is needed to understand its effects. Working Memory Attentional Control Measures of performance on tests of WM suggest that WMC increases continually between early childhood and adolescence (West, 1996). Empirical studies have also supported that WM is among one of the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age. West (1996) theorized that the declines in WM as we age is due largely to the deterioration of the pre-frontal cortex.

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibilty Essay

Business ethics and corporate social responsibility Introduction Anglo American is one of the world’s leading mining companies. It is a UK public limited company and operates on a global scale. Anglo American operates mainly in the primary sector of the world economy. This, as the name suggests, covers industries involved in the first stage of economic activity, such as mining and agriculture. Anglo American operates throughout the world. It has extensive operations in Africa, where 76% of its employees live. It is also a major employer in Europe. Its Tarmac aggregates and construction products business employs nearly 7,000 people in the UK. As a primary producer, Anglo American plays an important role in the world economy. Anglo American produces five main types of raw material.†¢ Business ethics †¢ Corporate social responsibility †¢ Effects of ethical behaviour †¢ Benefits of ethical behaviour Public limited company: a company whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange, denoted by the initials plc. Primary sector: the first stage in producing goods. Pressure group: an organisation formed by people with a common interest who get together to further that interest, for example, nongovernmental organisations. Ethics: moral principles or rules of conduct and behaviour accepted by members of society. Corporate social responsibility: the responsibility of an organisation to wider society, to a range of stakeholders including the community and society at large. Mining operations can have a big impact on the environment and on the societies where they work. Since most mineral resources belong to nation states, mining companies largely depend upon a licence to operate from governments. This allows them to extract and process minerals in return for investment and the payment of taxes and royalties. Increasingly it is also important to get the consent of local communities to mining development – a ‘social licence’ to operate. Like all businesses, mining companies are under increasing scrutiny from pressure groups as well as the general public. Anglo American seeks to adopt fair and sound business practice. The company believes that it has an important role to play in building the capabilities of the communities where it works. Issues such as combating corruption and promoting revenue transparency are high on the company’s business agenda. This case study shows how Anglo American seeks to make ethical choices in its business practice. What are business ethics? Business ethics are moral principles that guide the way a business behaves. The same principles that determine an individual’s actions also apply to business. Acting in an ethical way involves distinguishing between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and then making the ‘right’ choice. It is relatively easy to identify unethical business practices. For example, companies should not use child labour. They should not unlawfully use copyrighted materials and processes. They should not engage in bribery. However, it is not always easy to create similar hard-and-fast definitions of good ethical practice. A company must make a competitive return for its shareholders and treat its employees fairly. However a company also has wider responsibilities. It should minimise any harm to the environment and work in ways that do not damage the communities in which it operates. This is known as corporate social responsibility. ANGLO AMERICAN 25 www. thetimes100. co. uk The law is the key starting point for any business. Most leading businesses also have their own statement of Business Principles which set out their core values and standards. In Anglo American’s case, this is called ‘Good Citizenship’. A business should also follow relevant codes of practice that cover its sector. Many companies have created voluntary codes of practice that regulate practices in their industrial sector. These are often drawn up in consultation with governments, employees, local communities and other stakeholders. Anglo American has played an active part in initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative. GLOSSARY Code of practice: written guidelines governing business behaviour. This could take the form of a voluntary code or a legally enforced set of regulations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 outlining human rights that should apply to all people. Engagement: the process of involving others in the decision making process. Anglo American has also contributed to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. This code sets out principles and practices for ensuring that a company’s need to ensure the security of its employees and operations in volatile countries does not adversely impact upon the local population. Thus the Principles provide guidance on how both private and public security forces assigned to protect a mining operation or an oil and gas facility should be vetted, trained in human rights, monitored and controlled. Anglo American also aims to ensure that it plays a role in protecting the human rights of its employees and local people in countries in which it operates. The company supports the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All companies need to make a profit. However, Anglo American recognises that this objective must take account of ethics as shown in its statement on corporate responsibility: ‘Though providing strong returns for our shareholders remains our prime objective, we do not believe that these can or should be achieved at the expense of social, environmental and moral considerations. Indeed a long-term business such as ours will only thrive if it also takes into account the needs of other stakeholders such as governments, employees, suppliers, communities and customers. ’ An important process used by Anglo American is that of stakeholder engagement. This enables it better to understand the perspectives and priorities of external groups that are affected by its activities and to factor them into its decision-making processes. To support this work at a local level, Anglo American has developed a Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox or SEAT process. This ‘toolbox’ helps managers to measure the impact of activities on the company and communities. It also helps to improve a mine’s contribution to development through, for example, using its supply chain needs to generate new businesses or to improve the water or electricity infrastructure. They use this toolbox to engage with stakeholders including community representatives. 26 Sometimes communities have to be resettled, with government sanction, in order for important mineral deposits to be accessed. This can cause controversy and divisions in the communities concerned. International best practice sets out a number of key stages in such a process including the need for structured consultation, fair compensation and the importance of restoring and enhancing the livelihoods of people in their new locations. Recently Anglo American has had to undertake two such relocations in South Africa at the villages of Ga Pila and Motlhotlo. These were undertaken with the support of the provincial government and local tribal leadership and after consultation with local people lasting for several years leading to agreement with each householder. New villages have been built with better houses and infrastructure and more land for farming. The relocation programme was voluntary. The relocation programme at Motlhotlo is still under way but at Ga Pila 98% of those living in the old village took up the offer to move to the new village. www. thetimes100. co. uk GLOSSARY Empowerment giving responsibility for making decisions to lower levels within the organisation or community. Indigenous: naturally existing in a place or country rather than arriving from another place. Why should a business act ethically? Businesses have great potential to transform people’s lives and to alleviate poverty through generating economic growth. They produce goods and services that customers want and they create jobs. Through paying taxes, they contribute to government revenue that can finance schools, hospitals and other public services. However, a business must keep in tune with the wishes of the societies it serves or it runs the risk of alienating its shareholders, stakeholders and customers. This would be bad for business, reducing growth and potentially affecting profit. Anglo American has to deal with many different levels of interest when setting up a new project. This includes, for example, the owners of the land and the people and services in the area. The current South African government has a policy of transferring a share of the ownership, management and benefits of the country’s mining industry to people previously excluded from the economy. Anglo American is backing the South African government in this process. This includes supporting black economic empowerment deals (BEE). Through this process, Anglo American has sold (usually at a small discount) 26% of its assets in South Africa to BEE groups. For example, Anglo American was instrumental in the creation of Exxaro. This is now the largest black-owned and managed mining company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It also aims to have at least 40% of its managers drawn from the ranks of previously disadvantaged ethnic groups. Governments in the developing world face many challenging social and economic problems. They need companies that are ready to be part of the solution. Anglo American believes that it can support governments in reducing poverty and inequality and in improving health and welfare. In South Africa, the company has been a major campaigner for AIDS education. It was the first major company in South Africa to announce that it would provide free anti-retroviral drugs to its HIV-positive employees. It now has the largest workplace HIV/AIDS education, voluntary testing and treatment programme in the world. After running the programme for five years studies have shown that the programme has become self-financing through reducing deaths and the attendant loss of skills and cutting absenteeism rates by boosting the health of infected workers. What are the effects of acting ethically? Most business activity incurs financial costs such as equipment and labour. Non-financial costs include noise and impact on the environment. There is a financial cost to acting ethically. To engage stakeholders takes time and money. Mining in ways that minimise environmental impacts is more expensive than extracting resources regardless of impact. An ethical business also recognises its responsibility for minimising the non-financial costs. The Pebble Project in Alaska is a good example of the way that Anglo American takes account of non-financial costs. This is a gold and copper mining project in the early stages of assessment. This could provide new jobs and revenues for the Alaskan economy at a time when oil and gas revenues have been falling. However, some people are concerned that the mine could damage fish stocks and wildlife. Therefore, Anglo American has been consulting widely and through a structured process with local people, politicians, businesses and especially indigenous people. 27 ANGLO AMERICAN Anglo American has made it clear that it will only seek to proceed with the project if it can be done without damage to the local fisheries. It will also give priority to the recruitment of local people. www. thetimes100. co. uk The benefits of ethical behaviour Anglo American establishes goals each year for sustainable development. These goals include: †¢ working without fatal accidents †¢ eliminating occupational diseases †¢ increasing diversity in the workplace †¢ increasing the benefits of mining for local communities †¢ increasing energy efficiency. By working towards these goals, Anglo American hopes to gain a competitive advantage. By demonstrating a more caring and sustainable approach, the company is able to differentiate itself from rival mining companies. It makes Anglo American more likely to be the partner of choice for many governments and communities in the developing world. It also helps with its position on the stock market. Most long-term investors, such as pension funds that run investments for millions of ordinary people in the UK, believe that it is important for a company to consider social and ethical issues and not just the financial bottom line if a business is to be sustainable. Anglo American sees shareholder returns and social and environmental responsibilities as complementary activities. This puts the company in a stronger position. All stakeholders benefit – shareholders, employees, governments, local communities and suppliers. GLOSSARY Sustainable development: development which meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to achieve their own needs and aspirations. Competitive advantage: a strategic element that enables an organisation to compete more effectively than its rivals. Governance: the process of making decisions and governing. Conclusion Anglo American is a multinational organisation with a high profile in the primary extractive sector. Because many new mineral deposits are to be found in developing countries, some of which have weak governance, Anglo American recognises that it must be rigorous in observing local laws, even if they are not always enforced. It has a significant role in supporting good governance initiatives and boosting the opportunities available to the communities associated with its mines. The company is involved in a range of initiatives to help these communities, such as AIDS testing and provision of new local services like schools and clinics. Its socio-economic assessment toolbox helps it measure its impact and engage with local communities to resolve issues and to underpin initiatives like small business development or partnerships with local farmers. The Times Newspaper Limited and  ©MBA Publishing Ltd 2008. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information, neither the publisher nor the client can be held responsible for errors of omission or commission. The financial and non-financial benefits to the company and shareholders are shown in several ways. Anglo American is trusted as a business partner that takes into account social and environmental issues. It has licence to operate in countries like South Africa, Brazil or Chile, where it is playing an important part in encouraging local business development. Questions 1. What are business ethics? Give two examples of business practices that stakeholders would regard as ethical and two that might be considered unethical. 2. The benefits of ethical business behaviour affect the business itself and the wider community. Taking an example of an Anglo American business project, identify the benefits to the local community and to the company’s shareholders. 3. How is Anglo American’s reputation enhanced by engaging with local communities in decision-making? Why is it important for this engagement to be an ongoing process? 4. Some business decisions involve a careful balance of social, economic and environmental considerations. Evaluate how Anglo American achieves that balance, using examples from the case study.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is a platform that was established by the government as a set of laws and policies for preventing discrimination against individuals. It was for the purpose of offering equal opportunities for employment, education, and business. Several of our formal Presidents has signed executive orders that was meant for all hiring to be equal regardless of race, color, or national origin with all government contractors and the other specifically for associations which received federal contracts and subcontracts eliminating discrimination within the workforce towards individuals centered on their race, color, religion, and national origin. Later the affirmative action was modified to include no discriminating against one's sex. Affirmative action also established preferential handling for minorities and women in the hiring process and the chance to receive a higher education. Affirmative action holds private employers accountable as well.During the Civil Rights movement, affirmation action was a tool that proposed opportunities for women and minorities and to provide equality for them. There are noted changes in how colleges recruit and enroll students, housing and also how using public transportation where now blacks can sit anywhere since Rosa Parks. Since affirmative action was primarily intended on improving chances for African Americans in employment and education, but there is still a low percentage of improvement that is why an executive order was signed and it required all government and private industry jobs to increase the number of women, disable individuals and minorities to either receive employment or to have the ability to gain an education or have additional training for work enhancement. There are numerous organization that uses affirmative action and equal employment opportunity policies within their business structure there is still a controversy today surrounding these issues. Are the equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies have the same meaning? Let's talk about equal employment opportunity first, the definition is that it bans all types of discrimination. This means that no matter the race, or gender everyone has the same chance of obtaining and getting promotions as well as training within the workforce. Whereas, affirmative action focus on past discrimination acts which were meant to give women, disabled individuals, and the minorities an equal footing in gaining employment and a higher education.It was to create equality between the workers and employers however it has caused extra adversity in the workforce. Because many believed that jobs held by whites were being jeopardized. Has affirmative action been consistently and effectively used to create a more robust and productive workforce? I would say yes; affirmative action has made it possible for many to see and earn their desired goals such as their life dreams. I feel that there are still many obstacles but if one applies themselves there are no limitations. Barak Obama was our nation's first black President and there are many who hold prominent leadership roles that also includes women. Recently in the news, it was announced that the FBI, for the first time in history that there may be a woman heading this department.Though affirmative action has come along way there are those who still discriminate and don't offer equal chances for others to succeed. Affirmative action has allowed the workforce to become more diverse in races, genders, and cultures. We must remember that the affirmative action is not about letting minorities to get into college or to get a job, but it's about giving qualified individuals no matter their race a chance that they may not get otherwise.In conclusion has affirmative action been consistently and effectively used to create a more robust and productive workforce? I would say yes it has worked extremely well. I hope to see it continue because there are many more who could benefit from this program. Affirmative Action â€Å"An action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to employment or education† – affirmative action, also commonly referred to as the paradox positive discrimination. 1 Affirmative action was designed as a temporary measure to insure a â€Å"leveled playing field† for all Americans specifically minorities and women. The affirmative action measure was created to be a catalyst in ending racial and gender discrimination in the workplace and was to be retracted once the presumable â€Å"playing field† was leveled. However, through various flaws and shortcomings in the policy, it grew into a form of reverse discrimination where individuals that were well qualified for positions were turned down in lieu of minorities. When it was created, the affirmative action policy was a necessary step in insuring equality for all, but twenty-first century America has many restrictions and guidelines to prevent employers from discriminating against someone based on their race, gender, religion and national origin, proving affirmative action to be irrelevant. The essayist chose this topic because of her interest in the diversity of America’s current workforce. After various courses in economics as well as a course on public policy she became interested in programs designed to enhance social welfare in the United States of America. Also with growing concerns of immigration and the dwindling of whites as a majority in the United States, the topic of changes in the American workforce are sure to arise. The idea of affirmative action has drawn many supporting and opposing views since President John F. Kennedy first introduced it 1961 with the Executive Order number 10925. The order commanded all federal contractors (the public sector) to take â€Å"affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. 2 As years went on, the progressive Civil Rights’ movement evolved the idea of affirmative action and called for it to encompass all public and private sectors in the United States. Affirmative action had many supporters including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that was created to insure equal opportunity in the workplace for all Americans. The idea of positive discrimination was rejected in the 1978 landmark court case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, where the United States Supreme Court ruled that race could not be used as an admission standard to a university and â€Å"disadvantaged minority students† were not permitted to have admission spots reserved for them. Supporters of affirmative action believe that aiding those who have been historically disadvantage will insure the end of the cycle of poverty and call for a justified wealth distribution throughout the United States. It is statically proven that on average, minorities are less wealthy than whites. 4 Statistics also prove that individuals in low-income households are less likely to receive a college education therefore making them unqualified for most jobs in America’s current workforce. This cycle continues as these unqualified workers who were not able to get high paying jobs have children who are subsequently born into low-income households. In order for this cycle to discontinue, a policy should be put in place that will provide them an advantage over the wealthy white job seekers; the affirmative action policy provides this advantage. Sacrificing the well being of white males for a short period of time in order to catapult minorities and women into becoming qualified employees is a belief that many supporters of affirmative action hope for. Although the affirmative action policy was meant to be a temporary aid, a decade after it was created it morphed into a hypocritical attempt to fix a solution. College students from St. Norbert College, believe that â€Å"[it‘s] really justifying racism by it's own actions. Its policies totally judge people solely on skin color and gender. That is discrimination in itself. †6 Those in opposition of affirmative action believe that it is not fair to discriminate against someone that has worked hard to become qualified for a job position. They believe that other programs such as scholarships and extra tutoring programs for the underprivileged are better solutions to solving inequality in the workplace. Once minorities become equally educated and acquire skills for jobs in today’s workforce, they will inherently level the playing field on their own. The issue of affirmative action has acquired many praises and oppositions. From when it was enacted over fifty years ago, it has transformed into a controversial subject. Although this topic was more relevant during the period of the Civil Right’s Movement, it has recently gained momentum with the growing minority population. Affirmative Action Affirmative action is a practice that is intended to promote opportunities for the â€Å"protected class† which includes minorities, woman, and people with disabilities or any disadvantaged group for that matter. With affirmative action in place people of this protected class are given an even playing field in terms of hiring, promotion, as well as compensation. Historically, affirmative action is only known to have protected African Americans and woman; however that is not the case. Affirmative action protects a variety of people and without this statute many people included in this protected class would be unfairly discriminated against.There are many reasons why affirmative action should continue to be a part of workplace such as: †¢Fosters diversity. †¢Educates our workforce on diversity. †¢Equips employees to achieve their highest contribution to the mission. †¢Challenges employees to make their maximum contribution to the mission. †¢Encourages em ployees to offer differing views and suggestions toward achieving organizational goals. †¢Respects and appreciates individual differences. †¢Provides equitable treatment and opportunities. †¢Creates and maintains an inclusive approach to all systems, policies, and practices (i. . , promotions, performance ratings, awards, training, assignments, and access to services). †¢Facilitates culture change to support wider diversity. People who are opposed to affirmative action often argue that it gives an unfair advantage to any member of this protected class; however that is far from the case. Affirmative action programs do not give racial preferences nor create quotas. In fact affirmative action programs are flexible therefore creating a legitimate selection process in the hiring aspect of the workplace.Although not in the workplace, an example of a flexible affirmative action program was seen at Ohio State University where they adopted the 10 percent rule. This rule a dmits students who are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. Doing so allows colleges to take minorities who excel in marginal urban schools. This is a very legal way in ensuring minorities an even playing field (Campus that Looks like America). Because of the effectiveness of affirmative action other statues have been put into place to ensure that other members of this protected class are not getting discriminated against such as the Rehabilitation Act.The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which makes it unlawful for certain employers to discriminate against a qualified individual exclusively by reason of her or his disability. The Rehabilitation Act does not specifically address medical inquiries, although it provides that the judicial standards used to determine whether an employer has unlawfully discriminated shall be the standards applied under the ADA. This is merely one of many statutes that were created as a part of affirmative action to promote equal employment.Cl early, with all of the mandates that were branched off of affirmative action the need for this program in the workplace is vital. Affirmative action promotes diversity which is known to be a vital part of any company’s success. Many companies even the U. S Government pride their selves on diversity and use various affirmative action programs to achieve such a company culture. For example the U. S. Census Bureau recently conducted a case study regarding the issue of diversity. The Census Bureau defines adversity as the all of the ways in which we differ.Among these dimensions are race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and child/elder care responsibilities. The United States Government in acted a program within the Census Bureau in 1994 under the leadership of President Clinton, in hopes that he could build â€Å"a government that looks like America. † Further, he stated that: â€Å"Diversity transcends race and gender, affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity. It must encompass a fundamental appreciation of one another and a respect for both our similarities and our differences.It must include a heartfelt respect in attitude and in behavior towards those of different race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity and those with disabilities — all the facets that make each individual the unique and precious resource that each of us is. † In conclusion affirmative action is a vital part of society because it gives everyone a fair opportunity succeed regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or background. It also provides diversity in the workplace which will accurately reflects the community. . â€Å" Works Cited Merritt, J. (2002, March 10). Wanted: A Campus That Looks Like America – Businessweek.Businessweek – Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice. Retrieved September 4, 2012, from http://www. businessweek. com/stories/2002-03-10/wanted-a-campus-that-looks-like-america Jacobs, Ro ger. â€Å"Disability Discrimination, Reasonable Accommodation, and the Modified Commute. † 36. 4 (2011): 59-68. Print. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Policy Statements. (n. d. ). Census Bureau Homepage. Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://www. census. gov/eeo/policy_statements/ Why Affirmative Action is Necessary in the Workplace Lawrence Smith James Lee Andrea Willis Affirmative Action â€Å"An action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to employment or education† – affirmative action, also commonly referred to as the paradox positive discrimination. 1 Affirmative action was designed as a temporary measure to insure a â€Å"leveled playing field† for all Americans specifically minorities and women. The affirmative action measure was created to be a catalyst in ending racial and gender discrimination in the workplace and was to be retracted once the presumable â€Å"playing field† was leveled. However, through various flaws and shortcomings in the policy, it grew into a form of reverse discrimination where individuals that were well qualified for positions were turned down in lieu of minorities. When it was created, the affirmative action policy was a necessary step in insuring equality for all, but twenty-first century America has many restrictions and guidelines to prevent employers from discriminating against someone based on their race, gender, religion and national origin, proving affirmative action to be irrelevant. The essayist chose this topic because of her interest in the diversity of America’s current workforce. After various courses in economics as well as a course on public policy she became interested in programs designed to enhance social welfare in the United States of America. Also with growing concerns of immigration and the dwindling of whites as a majority in the United States, the topic of changes in the American workforce are sure to arise. The idea of affirmative action has drawn many supporting and opposing views since President John F. Kennedy first introduced it 1961 with the Executive Order number 10925. The order commanded all federal contractors (the public sector) to take â€Å"affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. 2 As years went on, the progressive Civil Rights’ movement evolved the idea of affirmative action and called for it to encompass all public and private sectors in the United States. Affirmative action had many supporters including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that was created to insure equal opportunity in the workplace for all Americans. The idea of positive discrimination was rejected in the 1978 landmark court case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, where the United States Supreme Court ruled that race could not be used as an admission standard to a university and â€Å"disadvantaged minority students† were not permitted to have admission spots reserved for them. Supporters of affirmative action believe that aiding those who have been historically disadvantage will insure the end of the cycle of poverty and call for a justified wealth distribution throughout the United States. It is statically proven that on average, minorities are less wealthy than whites. 4 Statistics also prove that individuals in low-income households are less likely to receive a college education therefore making them unqualified for most jobs in America’s current workforce. This cycle continues as these unqualified workers who were not able to get high paying jobs have children who are subsequently born into low-income households. In order for this cycle to discontinue, a policy should be put in place that will provide them an advantage over the wealthy white job seekers; the affirmative action policy provides this advantage. Sacrificing the well being of white males for a short period of time in order to catapult minorities and women into becoming qualified employees is a belief that many supporters of affirmative action hope for. Although the affirmative action policy was meant to be a temporary aid, a decade after it was created it morphed into a hypocritical attempt to fix a solution. College students from St. Norbert College, believe that â€Å"[it‘s] really justifying racism by it's own actions. Its policies totally judge people solely on skin color and gender. That is discrimination in itself. †6 Those in opposition of affirmative action believe that it is not fair to discriminate against someone that has worked hard to become qualified for a job position. They believe that other programs such as scholarships and extra tutoring programs for the underprivileged are better solutions to solving inequality in the workplace. Once minorities become equally educated and acquire skills for jobs in today’s workforce, they will inherently level the playing field on their own. The issue of affirmative action has acquired many praises and oppositions. From when it was enacted over fifty years ago, it has transformed into a controversial subject. Although this topic was more relevant during the period of the Civil Right’s Movement, it has recently gained momentum with the growing minority population. Affirmative Action Affirmative action is a practice that is intended to promote opportunities for the â€Å"protected class† which includes minorities, woman, and people with disabilities or any disadvantaged group for that matter. With affirmative action in place people of this protected class are given an even playing field in terms of hiring, promotion, as well as compensation. Historically, affirmative action is only known to have protected African Americans and woman; however that is not the case. Affirmative action protects a variety of people and without this statute many people included in this protected class would be unfairly discriminated against.There are many reasons why affirmative action should continue to be a part of workplace such as: †¢Fosters diversity. †¢Educates our workforce on diversity. †¢Equips employees to achieve their highest contribution to the mission. †¢Challenges employees to make their maximum contribution to the mission. †¢Encourages em ployees to offer differing views and suggestions toward achieving organizational goals. †¢Respects and appreciates individual differences. †¢Provides equitable treatment and opportunities. †¢Creates and maintains an inclusive approach to all systems, policies, and practices (i. . , promotions, performance ratings, awards, training, assignments, and access to services). †¢Facilitates culture change to support wider diversity. People who are opposed to affirmative action often argue that it gives an unfair advantage to any member of this protected class; however that is far from the case. Affirmative action programs do not give racial preferences nor create quotas. In fact affirmative action programs are flexible therefore creating a legitimate selection process in the hiring aspect of the workplace.Although not in the workplace, an example of a flexible affirmative action program was seen at Ohio State University where they adopted the 10 percent rule. This rule a dmits students who are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. Doing so allows colleges to take minorities who excel in marginal urban schools. This is a very legal way in ensuring minorities an even playing field (Campus that Looks like America). Because of the effectiveness of affirmative action other statues have been put into place to ensure that other members of this protected class are not getting discriminated against such as the Rehabilitation Act.The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which makes it unlawful for certain employers to discriminate against a qualified individual exclusively by reason of her or his disability. The Rehabilitation Act does not specifically address medical inquiries, although it provides that the judicial standards used to determine whether an employer has unlawfully discriminated shall be the standards applied under the ADA. This is merely one of many statutes that were created as a part of affirmative action to promote equal employment.Cl early, with all of the mandates that were branched off of affirmative action the need for this program in the workplace is vital. Affirmative action promotes diversity which is known to be a vital part of any company’s success. Many companies even the U. S Government pride their selves on diversity and use various affirmative action programs to achieve such a company culture. For example the U. S. Census Bureau recently conducted a case study regarding the issue of diversity. The Census Bureau defines adversity as the all of the ways in which we differ.Among these dimensions are race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and child/elder care responsibilities. The United States Government in acted a program within the Census Bureau in 1994 under the leadership of President Clinton, in hopes that he could build â€Å"a government that looks like America. † Further, he stated that: â€Å"Diversity transcends race and gender, affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity. It must encompass a fundamental appreciation of one another and a respect for both our similarities and our differences.It must include a heartfelt respect in attitude and in behavior towards those of different race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity and those with disabilities — all the facets that make each individual the unique and precious resource that each of us is. † In conclusion affirmative action is a vital part of society because it gives everyone a fair opportunity succeed regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or background. It also provides diversity in the workplace which will accurately reflects the community. . â€Å" Works Cited Merritt, J. (2002, March 10). Wanted: A Campus That Looks Like America – Businessweek.Businessweek – Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice. Retrieved September 4, 2012, from http://www. businessweek. com/stories/2002-03-10/wanted-a-campus-that-looks-like-america Jacobs, Ro ger. â€Å"Disability Discrimination, Reasonable Accommodation, and the Modified Commute. † 36. 4 (2011): 59-68. Print. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Policy Statements. (n. d. ). Census Bureau Homepage. Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://www. census. gov/eeo/policy_statements/ Why Affirmative Action is Necessary in the Workplace Lawrence Smith James Lee Andrea Willis