Measuring quality in sport Essay Example

Measuring quality in sport Essay Using benchmarks within sports development is to measure the quality of an initiative or sports club. Benchmarking is a process that all clubs and initiatives have to follow to ensure they meet the correct requirements to achieve a benchmark. To get these benchmarks they must undergo Inspections and to have all data records looked upon to ensure they are covered In all kinds of insurances documents, safeguarding, and emergency procedures. Etc. National governing bodies and sports organizations such as Sport England and UK SPORT recognize these clubs that have achieved these benchmarks. Benchmarks are also used in comparisons with other sports clubs to produce a comparative and competitive source for which the standards of a club are compared to show people who are Interested In participating or know someone who does and want to Join a club fit for their needs. Quality Schemes are used to improve and continually are finding ways to improve the quality of customer service in the sports industry. Quality schemes are mostly aimed at leisure centre across the I-J that provide close contact will the general public. Sports Development organizations use self assessments or programmed to improve he qualities of sports clubs and sporting Initiatives. The assessment Is operated by a grading system that assesses; Timekeeping Workmanship Coaching Quality of Equipment Problem Solving Professionalism and Standards when the assessment takes place the club/lamentable have score boundaries they have for which whatever they are based on they fall Into that category which Is then published. We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The score boundaries are; Minimum 60% to be registered To achieve a higher category it has to be between 75% and 84% To achieve a excellent score they must score 85% and above So overall this measurement Is effect to show the quality of the club In making sure that the legal and formal parts of the club are at a high standard. The quality of a club is only shown if the club score 60% or more. Sport England Cellular A example of this is the Sport England Cellular. This cellular Is Issued one a club or leisure has passed the necessary procedure of approval. The cellular shows Sport England are in a way recommending this club that shows good standards and procedures within sport. The procedure of getting a cellular is set within guidelines for with an examiner will come in and ensure the club has all the accessory paperwork, safety procedures/action plans to ensure the participants are safe at all times. The criteria of the procedure is filled in and then a copy of certificates, policies and qualifications. The criteria is checked every 2 years to ensure the standards are met and that none of the paperwork used as evidence is not out- dated, if it is then the club must go about replacing them. In conclusion this type of assessment is quite effective due to marketing and advertising the cellular to show that the club is at a high standard. More so with participants who are edging towards the higher end of the sports development momentum, as parents will be looking for sports club that meets all of the desired targets that the parent may seem fit for their child to develop. Internal and Self-Assessment This is another procedure to measure quality in sport. Self-assessment is a evaluation provided of your own performance. Sports clubs and initiatives do this measure as their own clubs strengths and weaknesses. And the potential of the opportunities or threats they face. Sports clubs can then create a Development plan to fix the areas of development, and improve on their strengths. Self-assessing will alp initiatives and organizations set goals to improve their current results of assessment. Internal assessment means you can identify your successes and a areas of development and internally within your club can provide plans to improve the level of quality to a long term look and potential progress. A example of this is doing a SOOT Analysis to seek your strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is a form of self-assessing and is used to evaluate current states and where the club is and how they can improve. Opportunities are the result of the strengths when having strength only positive outcomes can be achieved. Threats are the results of the weakness and are the negative outcomes. When using a soot analysis to be able to make goals to improve the quality and be able to progress forward the club must be able to make realistic targets that will be measurable and fit the specific needs for the club and its members. This is used by seeking the weaknesses and areas for development and producing a development plan to set the targets and goals for expand the club. This is a very effective way in improving the quality of sports clubs and initiatives. This because it is easy to show the strengths and weaknesses and show that in the rent state the opportunities from the strengths and the threats the sporting club/ initiative may face if they do not improve. When evaluating from the results of a SOOT Analysis a development plan must be created to work on the areas of development and how to improve or better the strengths. This is a on-going procedure which in time will improve the quality of a sports club. Comprehensive Performance Assessment (C. P. A) CPA is an example of internal assessment. After a sports club have completed a SOOT analysis a sports organization will produce a CPA to put a rating the level of quality within the sports club. This is produced by a combination off sports clubs development plan. After a sports club have completed a SOOT analysis, a sports organization for example Sport England would then provide a CPA. The Spas objective is to put a value on the level of quality of a sports club. This is produced by a combination of a sports clubs action which is identified by a self assessment like a soot analysis. A plan is made with the potential quality and actual quality. Potential Quality is how good the quality of a sports club could be depending on what comes out of the development plan. Actual Potential is where a sports club is at this state eight now, which also depends on the Development plan. Different sports clubs have different levels of quality, for example some may have high quality in some areas that another sports club might not. In conclusion this type of assessment is quite effective if followed correctly and depending on if a clubs development plan is strong enough to work off. Ensuring that the goals the club are realistic and able to achieve, also the club has passed the following stages of a development plan they should be at better state for which they will achieve a better success rate and potentially more customers.

The Facts about Space Exploration essays

The Facts about Space Exploration essays Many people believe that space exploration is just a waste of time and money. Its true, space exploration is a very expensive investment, but think of the countless inventions and emotions that these amazing missions brought us. Today we are still inventing and improving existing inventions to use for NASA and space technology. Plus the landing of Americans on the moon was an important part of our nations great history and patriotism. Technology is one of the most important areas that space exploration affected and added to the most. Many navigational and communication advances were conceived because of the need for them in space and on the ground. Space prompted a technology revolution; inventions such as the Global Positioning System, the cell phone, and new more powerful radios all utilize satellites to function. These inventions changed communication as well as entertainment forever. Other uses for the new technology were found in the military; missiles, guidance systems, radar, rocket technology, and ICBM missiles all stemmed from the original NASA technology. Today each one of these inventions aid in the protection of our country and other countries as well. And on a more simple and common level, many household products were first invented for use in the shuttle; these inventions include tin foil, microwaves, and home computers. The technological advances discovered in space exploration changed o ur world forever. With any amazing achievement there are a rush of emotions, joy, fear, accomplishment, wonder, awe, and respect. One thing that we are forced to remember is that the astronauts on Apollo 12 were just humans such as ourselves. Many people dont think about this, astronauts are thought to be amazing super humans that are traveling into a forbidden place. Astronauts are doing great things but they are just as common as the people in your neighborhood ...

Contract situation Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Contract situation - Article Example The lawsuit filed by UC-Davis claims that Sacramento County in California was in breach of their agreed upon contract. The lawsuit is requesting repayment of indigent care services that have already been provided. Additionally a court order is being sought to require the county to cover all emergency care for residents who qualify as indigent in the future (California Healthline). The county contracted with a third party called Benefit and Risk Management Services that would provide cheaper services. It is estimated that by March of 2009 the county had apparently paid claims to the third party worth almost of the full amount of the contract. It was soon after that the county stopped reimbursing UC-Davis for the services that they had already administered. Letters were sent out by Sacramento County to residents that were eligible for indigent services informing them that their contract had been ended with UC-Davis and services received through them would no longer be covered. U-C Davis takes the stance that the County is responsible for the costs of these medical services with or without a contract. ( Robertson, Kathy). According to reports Sacramento County officials have declined to comment on the pending lawsuit. Officials did say that they would plan to continue communications with UC-Davis with attempts to resolve the matter outside of the court systems (California Healthline). It seems that this lawsuit is still fairly fresh and to date there are no reports of this contract situation being resolved. Negotiations between the County and UC-Davis appear to be occurring in an effort to resolve the matter. There seems to be a lack of information and understanding around the parameters of the contract between Sacramento county and UC-Davis. The California state law requires that counties assume responsibility for the cost of indigent care ( Robertson, Kathy). Given this law is on the books it appears that the County is responsible for payment of

Cultural Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Cultural Anthropology - Essay Example The poor in this scenario adapt based on the environment. The manner in which a person survives the social and economical complexities will determine their success. The nature of survival is attributed to adaptive strategy in that those who positively adapt would survive the complex environment. The society bases itself along the social hierarchy. According to Stack (1974), the society within which poverty prevails adapts a risk and opportunity sharing strategy. This strategy implies that members within a certain community collectively solve issues in an effort to reduce the costs incurred while performing particular functions. In this case, family members are used as a single unite. The self-help strategy at the family level ensures the community survives while fostering relation among family members (28). The strategy highlights the importance of unity along the family setting. According to the author, the unity and risk sharing are an adaptive strategy adapted by people lining in the Flats to overcome poverty and survive the harsh environments. The risk-sharing concept created by friends. These friends exchange basic goods and ensure fair distribution of basic commodities (33). The author acknowledges the close ties among the society members. This relation ensures that people develop a tendency of exchanging goods. The sharing culture ensures that the society enjoys commodities that are within the environment and hence limit the effect of poverty within this setting. The model ensures people within the Flat setting deal with social and economical challenges through sharing. The sharing aspect limits the amount of cash required to possess material elements. The culture ensures those who have surplus of given commodities share with others in the spirit of togetherness and social balance. The author highlights the tactics deployed members of the social setting as based on extended family

Congress U3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Congress U3 - Essay Example According to the U.S. Constitution the Congress retains the power to declare was and through its control of the purse strings can bring about a termination in a war, but it has no control over the actual conduct of the war, the power of which is retained by the President, and through this power defines the military strategy and troop deployments. (2). This separation of power shows that the Congress has a strong control over the purse strings or the expenditure that a President wants for the various agendas that the President believes is required for the nation. Given the current mindset of the Congress, President Obama will find pushing through his agenda will not be easy. Dilution of the agenda is a strong possibility. This is a not a novel situation. Examples of the failure of President Carter to push through his energy agenda, or President Clinton his healthcare agenda, or President Bush his agenda to privatize Social Security highlight the role that Congress can play in making o r breaking the agenda of a President. President Johnson’s success in getting Congressional support for his agenda can be an inspiration to President Obama. Close interaction between President Johnson and his staff with the congress defines the strategy adopted by President Johnson.

Issues that arise in research

Issues that arise in research It is becoming more common to talk about including childrens perspectives in review of childrens services and this is particularly the case for young children. The traditional method often required imagination if experiences and views of young children are to be taken into consideration by adults. Mosaic Approach is a particular framework for listening to very young children, under five years of age. It is an approach, which acknowledges children and adults as co-constructors of meaning. It is an approach, which can combine the visual with the verbal. The Mosaic is a multi-method which uses childrens own photographs, child-led tours and map making. The approach which combines the traditional research tools of observation and interviewing with participatory methods. The method is combined with talking and observing children to gain a deeper understanding of childrens perspectives in their early childhood. The approach has the potential to use with older children, especially those with communication difficulties or for whom English is an additional language. Clark quotes there are three main theoretical starting points for this research approach, each based on notions of competency. (Clark, 2004, pg 142). As children have their own time and activities Clark acknowledges that children have important perspectives to contribute about their own lives. This view of competency is in contrast to other research models which Qvortrup has pointed out, which can often exclude the voices of children. Qvortrup states that, children are often denied the right to speak for themselves either because they are held incompetent in making judgements or because they are thought of as unreliable witness about their own lives. (Qvortrup et al., 1994: 2) Critically, it is important to consider the use of the term research with children rather than on or for children as a way of highlighting child expertise and ability to collaborate. In the past, much research was conducted on children but relatively little with them (Masson, 2004, pg 4). Lahman quotes has call ed for child-centered research and sees children as subjects and not objects. This reveals a discussion of whether research has been on or for children (Lahman, 2008, pg 295). Lehman also stresses the importance of providing children opportunities to interpret data and reflect on tentative findings, which has been done through follow-up interviews and focus groups where findings and data previously collected are brought to the children to discuss. Similarly, Kay et al. (2003) has characterised this as (re)presentation, meaning that child participants are presented with representations of research data in order to gain their input so the researcher may (re)present their data as informed by the childrens input. The framework consists of a Multi-method, which recognises the different languages or voices of children. The Participatory method treats children as experts and agents in their own lives while the Reflexive method includes children, practitioners and parents in reflecting on meanings and addresses the question of interpretation. The adaptable method can be applied to a variety of early child-hood institutions which can be embedded into practice; this method is a framework for listening which has the potential to be both used as an evaluative tool and to become embedded into early years practice. Finally, the focussed on childrens lived experiences method looks at lives rather than knowledge gained or care received. A major influence in developing this approach has been the methods used in the participatory appraisal. Participatory appraisal is about empowering poorer communities to have a voice for changes within their communities. A range of methodologies are used, which dont rely on written words and assumed as competency. This often led the development of imaginative tools that enabled illiterate adults to speak and the same trigger has spurred the development the Mosaic approach with young children. The aim is to find practical ways to contribute to the development of services that are responsive to the voices of the child and which recognises childrens competencies. Clark states The approach developed as a multi-developed model which was important to include o range of methods in order to allow children with different abilities and interests to take part. (Clark, 2004, pg 144). There is a two stage approach, firstly children and adults gather documentation and practitioners and parents/carers reflect on what they think life is like for the children. The second stage pieces together information for dialogue, reflection and interpretation and practitioners and parents listen to the childrens own perspectives. In so far as we should choose those methods based around the ages of our participants, ethical issues will also underpin our choices of method. With interviewing, if you interview a 4 year old, you may exclude the other children. However, Lahman points out that using conventional one-on-one interviews would have meant missing most of the kids ways of expressing themselves. (Lahman, 2008, pg 294). However, as Clark states those who know the pe rsonalities of the children need sit alongside the participatory tools in the Mosaic approach in order to build a more detailed understanding of young childrens experiences. (Clark, 2004, pg 146). It is always preferable to be with children in their context, so naturally occurring conversations can occur in the context of the childrens lives. However, there are occasions when due to time, money or the topic, formal interviews may be required. When moving to a formal interview, the child/researcher power deferential be inherently emphasised and the researcher risks controlling the interview in a manner that produces what the child believes the adult wishes to hear. Researchers may wish to allow the child to choose where they want the interview to occur and allow the child to hear their voice recording and handle the recording equipment. When conducting focus groups, friendship may be the most important factor for composing groups. Children talking together replicate the small group s etting that they are familiar within the classroom where conversations can appear to flow effortlessly. A child could also lead the focus group with adults being present in a listening role. Encouraging children to interview their friends, as research is also a way to minimize the researchers power. Eliciting and understanding childrens views has become increasingly important for a range of reasons including legal, political and academic issues. Critically, new paradigms in social science have encouraged the views of children as social actors, playing an active role in shaping their environment. Research has suggested that children are more competent than previously thought in their ability to comment on their own lives, and be involved in making decisions. Yet, theories of child development are often cited as the reason why young children cannot be consulted and not able to understand the issues or make meaningful contributions. An alternative approach would be to assume that young children might not understand enough to be consulted on particular matters, or on some aspects of them, or indeed that they may be able to understand if they are asked in a different way. Adhering to participatory research principles requires a coherent and consistent approach to the research design, notably the practical considerations of generating data in appropriate ways. Pieces of the Mosaic, gathered by adults and children, form the basis for Stage Two. Combining the narratives and images of these individual pieces brings a greater level of understanding about young childrens priorities. By looking at all pieces gathered in Stage One you can build a picture of what appears important, this is completed by looking at what images or narratives come up more frequently. Thus what themes appear more often are more important to the child or children involved? Another methodology could be photographs (taken by young person) cameras are a medium, which appeal to young children and provide a form of communication, which is fun. For example, allowing the children to photograph their favourite things. On a positive note, children learn and gain confidence, as they are able to engage in ways they feel comfortable and they learn new skills such as listening, reflecting on their feelings and practical skills such as using cameras. Finally, by being listened to, children may become more active participants and get more involved in activities. Negatively, children must choose to take part, otherwise it can be intrusive to tell them we are listening to you or to observe them for research purposes without first telling them. Knowledge is power by gaining further insight into the lives of the children you are working with you gain power over them, therefore critical for practitioners to be careful how they respond to what the children say. In line with the approach, the use of cameras produced data in the form of pictures; it also encourages children to think about what they are looking at and make active decisions about what they do and do not want to photograph. However, as Clark states, if there is a mismatch between the task and the ability of the parti cipants to complete the task, the data will be incomplete and some data will be missing. However, a reliance on drawings, photographs or video clips depends on several factors, not least of which is the quality of the image. The skill of the artist, photographer or camera operator can influence the final product, and further, the perspective of the participant is essential to interpreting and extending these data. (Clark, 2004, pp. 142-161). There are equally complicated issues to be negotiated when research is conducted at school, in classrooms, or even at school when children are removed from classes to participate in research. Children could downplay their responses to questions (if answering in public might impact negatively on their status with peers) when a teacher or another authority figure (perceived or imaginary) was present but exaggerate their answers when with peers. The power of the photograph as a data-collection tool appears to make much more sense if the photographi c task is aligned with an interview with the photographer. Lahman suggests allowing children to choose whether they wish to express themselves through an innovative method, some of the children we saw were keen to express themselves by drawing while others had no interest in this method of communication. (Lahman, 2008, pg 294). Other examples of methods successfully utilized with children can include photography, video, communication with toys and art. Clark (2005) advocates for combining these methods as appropriate into what she has termed the Mosaic approach. It is of note that many of these methods will not work with our youngest participants such as infants and toddlers, or children who are severally disabled. For example, Lahman stresses in her journal the diary method may not be suitable for people [children] who cannot write nor have difficulty articulating their feelings in writing (Liamputtong, 2007: 154). The use of participatory methods with young children has opened more doors to communicating. This however contradicts the myth that researchers need to simplify their approaches with young children. The research has shown that there is a need to be flexible and to think differently. The approach is one attempt to turn this upside down and begin from young childrens strengths, their knowledge and attention to detail and visual, as well as verbal communication. To act ethical is to act the way one acts towards people whom one respects. Major areas of consensus for ethical consideration with children include informed consent, confidentiality, access and privacy. Excessive oversight by research review boards is also an area of ethical discussion with some feeling that vulnerable groups such as children are at risk for being under researched due to unnecessary restrictions or researchers avoiding children as participants due to governmental red tape. It is assumed that researchers should bring to ethical research with children that acknowledge childrens competence. Children are smart, make sense and want to live a good life. Lahman stresses in her journal for respecting childrens expertise as an ethical and methodological stance throughout the research process. This implies the need to be flexible and reflexive regarding ethical issues over the course of the entire study. (Thomas and OKane (1998) Critically, we need to look further, however not only with the process of learning but with the framework. Within the learning frame there is a wide range of approaches or pedagogies which view children in different ways. Some researchers see these children as an empty vessel waiting to be filled up with knowledge, while within this frame children are objects into which learning is poured. This type of participatory research is a right thing to do or at least a helpful thing to do, because it is based on a positive ethical framework, supports the political impetus of childrens rights and can generate such valuable data. Arguably most importantly, researcher must make time in ones research design to simply be with children. With time ethical consideration may be enacted reflexively. When we have multiple episodes upon which to draw, it becomes possible. Innovative methods rest on relationships and are not conducted frivolously, and children can demonstrate their true expertise as collaborators. Researchers should not stop attempting to form meaningful relationships with the children they research. Indeed, if we reflect overly long on this issue, the danger becomes one may say, then why bother? It is hoped that researchers are drawn to studying children through some sense of desiring to see the world through childrens eyes, attempting to improve children lives, and simply experiencing joy when with children. A multi-method, participatory approach, time consuming though it is, enables children with different skills and personalities to contribute their experiences. This can be applied to older children including those with special needs. The tools you choose to use can be altered according to the children you are working with. The philosophy behind the approach, children as experts in their own lives can apply to children of all ages. The Government Green paper, Every Child Matters states that the involvement of children and young people is crucial if services are to be improved. Core principles for increasing the involvement of children have been introduced, which all Government departments are expected to follow, and are not bound by a lower age limit of children who should be consulted. However, younger children may be highlighted as one group that face barriers to being involved. Therefore, a proactive approach in crucial towards involving younger children. However, we caution against the assumption that this approach necessarily produces better research data and, indeed if participants are fully involved in all dissemination there is a risk of portraying rather sanitised research results. We warn that researchers must anticipate ethical and practical implications and maintain a reflexive awareness of how power differences interplay in sometimes surprising ways. To conduct research we must not hide behind bland statements that research was participatory, without including in our analysis the theoretical framework in which the participation sits and how the participation has impacted on the claims made for, and from, the research. There is no one research tool best suited to gaining childrens opinions as researchers deploy a wide range of interconnected methods and ultimately, always seeking better ways to make more understandable the experiences they have studied. However, it is crucial for researchers to avoid getting caught up in a method for method sake. Researchers need to develop interesting methods to engage children, while at the same time avoid a gimmick approach. There are some conventional methods that can be alienating for some vulnerable children and therefore, essential researchers adopt alternative approaches. Word Count:

Essay --

For over twenty years, gun control has been a major topic in the United states. With countless amounts of public shootings taken place, our country is starting to question our second amendment which states â€Å" a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed†. It was adopted into the United States Constitution on December 15, 1790. It stated basically that people have the right to keep and bear arms. These rights were thought of as â€Å"natural rights† or â€Å"God given rights†. Written as a reminder to the government that they should not try to stop the people from having this right. Should a person have the right to own a gun for protection? Should we completely take away this right to prevent mass murder shootings in public places? A lot of citizens feel uncomfortable to the fact of not having protection and having their privilege’s taken away due to other people and cruel decisions. Although times have changed from when the amendment was passed on December 15th, 1791, U.S. Citizens still feel it is a mandatory thing to have ownership of guns and have them in their daily lives. Public shootings came about in the early 1700’s when the first shooting took place at Pontiac’s Rebellion school on July 26, 1764. Four Lenape American Indians entered the schoolhouse near what today is Greencastle, Pennsylvania, shot and shilled the schoolmaster, and killed nine or ten children. Shootings such as the ones taken place in Virginia Tech, Colombine High School, Sandy Hook Elementary, the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado; all have effected the country in a drastic sense and really impacted us Americans to take change and mak... ...ll waiting to be passed explaining that expanded background checks on gun owners or potential gun owners was to be done. Turns out the senate squashed that bill. President Obama has pushed for gun restrictions after the devastating shootings that have been happening and blames the senate for the failure to expand background checks. Without the full cooperations from both sides of this debate nothing will ever be solved. Banning weapons is not going to completely stop crime. This has just turned into a war against the rights of the individual stated in the constitution. Stricter gun regulations is not the solution but tougher punishments might be. Gun control is not the answer to this problem and that just needs to be accepted so that crime rate can finally be decreased and everyone can live happy with the fact that something is being done in this situation.

My name is margaret

â€Å"My Name is Margaret† Our name identifies us in many ways. It connects us to who we are and connects us to our family. White people have had the power to express what identifies them best and black people really never got the chance to experience what identity is, it has always been prearranged for them. This passage's main point is about identity and breaking out of the silence that the whites have had over the black people, about taking control and breaking the norms. In this story, Margaret is angry with the fact that Viola Cullinan calls her by ‘Mary ust for her convenience because Margaret is too long. Twenty years. I wasn't much older than you. My name used to be Hallelujah. That's what Ma named me, but my mistress gave me ‘Glory,' and it stuck. I likes it better too. † -Miss Glory Miss Glory, the cook, mentions that her real name was ‘Hallelujah' and that her mistress gave her the name ‘Glory and it stuck. It stuck for twenty years but claims she likes that name better anyway and â€Å"It's shorter too. † This shows how much power the whites had over the blacks. They were a much more superior race. Margaret entions Mr. Cullinan only briefly. Margaret states â€Å"Her (Mrs.Cullinan) husband remains, but in my memory, undefined. I lumped him with all the other white men that I had ever seen and tried not to see. † So I thought that she didn't have any kind of relationship with Mr. Cullinan if she tried to ignore and not face him. It then starts talking about how he has two daughters with a colored woman and from my assumption, I think that he raped the colored woman since this did often happen in the 1930s. Margaret talks about the girls' father and then says â€Å"l was unable to emember what he looked like, although I had Just left him a few hours before, but I thought of the Coleman girls. I was troubled by this. What does Margaret mean she just left him? And if she did Just leave him, why was she unable to remember his face? I didn't know what this meant at first and I kept rereading this and came to the realization that she was raped. This is why she had hatred toward not only Viola, but her husband. I can imagine Margaret trying to close her eyes and trying not to see this man while raping her. It all makes sense now. But the sad thing is, she was aped by other white men as well if you read the paragraph about Mr.Cullinan again. As I read her story, I have to uncover something that isn't pleasant; in fact, it devastates the young girl and, one assumes, her family. Now, it doesn't say much about Margaret's family besides her mother and I was getting concerned whether I should include this as part of my essay. After trying to fgure out what I was being asked to include, I came to an understanding. Margaret is pregnant. There are so many hints such as her throwing up her lunch and talking about her stomach.Margaret breaks the china and it could be her mood swings taking cont rol. Her and her baby would make a family and it's devastating how such a blessing can come from something so tragic. At first I thought Margaret was angry because of her new name, but it was much more than that. Each race has their own prejudice toward one another; however, the whites v. blacks will never truly fade away. There will always be jokes and seriousness about this situation. The contlict will always go on. This story does need to be decoded with a close reading.There was a more personal reason for her anger. The author has made this an allusion. She is lost in wonderland, someone else's definition of her own identity, she was raped, and she is now pregnant and Just imagine all the pain and emotion. In the end, Margaret left that house with dignity. She didn't want to quit but Margaret's mother wouldn't let her quit for any reason. So she conducts a plan to get fired. She drops and empty serving tray and a casserole and two of the green glass cups that was Viola Cullinan' s mother's china from Virginia. Mrs.Cullinan cries as she bends down to pick up the broken china. Miss Glory comes running in and asks â€Å"Who did it, Viola? Was it Mary? Who did it? † Mrs. Cullinan then says â€Å"Her name's Margaret, goddamn it, her name's Margaret. † How ironic is that? Miss Glory is calling Margaret, Mary. â€Å"Mrs. Cullinan was right about one thing. My name wasn't Mary. † And during Margaret's tenth year, a white woman's kitchen became her finishing school. Margaret has found herself and will not be taken advantage of again, she is now the one holding power upon herself. My name is margaret â€Å"My Name is Margaret† Our name identifies us in many ways. It connects us to who we are and connects us to our family. White people have had the power to express what identifies them best and black people really never got the chance to experience what identity is, it has always been prearranged for them. This passage's main point is about identity and breaking out of the silence that the whites have had over the black people, about taking control and breaking the norms. In this story, Margaret is angry with the fact that Viola Cullinan calls her by ‘Mary ust for her convenience because Margaret is too long. Twenty years. I wasn't much older than you. My name used to be Hallelujah. That's what Ma named me, but my mistress gave me ‘Glory,' and it stuck. I likes it better too. † -Miss Glory Miss Glory, the cook, mentions that her real name was ‘Hallelujah' and that her mistress gave her the name ‘Glory and it stuck. It stuck for twenty years but claims she likes that name better anyway and â€Å"It's shorter too. † This shows how much power the whites had over the blacks. They were a much more superior race. Margaret entions Mr. Cullinan only briefly. Margaret states â€Å"Her (Mrs.Cullinan) husband remains, but in my memory, undefined. I lumped him with all the other white men that I had ever seen and tried not to see. † So I thought that she didn't have any kind of relationship with Mr. Cullinan if she tried to ignore and not face him. It then starts talking about how he has two daughters with a colored woman and from my assumption, I think that he raped the colored woman since this did often happen in the 1930s. Margaret talks about the girls' father and then says â€Å"l was unable to emember what he looked like, although I had Just left him a few hours before, but I thought of the Coleman girls. I was troubled by this. What does Margaret mean she just left him? And if she did Just leave him, why was she unable to remember his face? I didn't know what this meant at first and I kept rereading this and came to the realization that she was raped. This is why she had hatred toward not only Viola, but her husband. I can imagine Margaret trying to close her eyes and trying not to see this man while raping her. It all makes sense now. But the sad thing is, she was aped by other white men as well if you read the paragraph about Mr.Cullinan again. As I read her story, I have to uncover something that isn't pleasant; in fact, it devastates the young girl and, one assumes, her family. Now, it doesn't say much about Margaret's family besides her mother and I was getting concerned whether I should include this as part of my essay. After trying to fgure out what I was being asked to include, I came to an understanding. Margaret is pregnant. There are so many hints such as her throwing up her lunch and talking about her stomach.Margaret breaks the china and it could be her mood swings taking cont rol. Her and her baby would make a family and it's devastating how such a blessing can come from something so tragic. At first I thought Margaret was angry because of her new name, but it was much more than that. Each race has their own prejudice toward one another; however, the whites v. blacks will never truly fade away. There will always be jokes and seriousness about this situation. The contlict will always go on. This story does need to be decoded with a close reading.There was a more personal reason for her anger. The author has made this an allusion. She is lost in wonderland, someone else's definition of her own identity, she was raped, and she is now pregnant and Just imagine all the pain and emotion. In the end, Margaret left that house with dignity. She didn't want to quit but Margaret's mother wouldn't let her quit for any reason. So she conducts a plan to get fired. She drops and empty serving tray and a casserole and two of the green glass cups that was Viola Cullinan' s mother's china from Virginia. Mrs.Cullinan cries as she bends down to pick up the broken china. Miss Glory comes running in and asks â€Å"Who did it, Viola? Was it Mary? Who did it? † Mrs. Cullinan then says â€Å"Her name's Margaret, goddamn it, her name's Margaret. † How ironic is that? Miss Glory is calling Margaret, Mary. â€Å"Mrs. Cullinan was right about one thing. My name wasn't Mary. † And during Margaret's tenth year, a white woman's kitchen became her finishing school. Margaret has found herself and will not be taken advantage of again, she is now the one holding power upon herself.

BP SWOT Analysis and future action plan

The business was started in 1909 by one of the mega merger of Anglo-Persian Oil Company. It was renamed as British Petroleum in 1954. The head office is located in the city of Westminster, United Kingdom. It operates throughout the globe and owns approximately 93,000 employees. Today there are BP 2go, BP Castrol, BP Express, BP Shop, BP Connect and BP Travel Center. The business has diversified intensively across its core business.BP (British Petroleum) is one of the prevalent vertically integrated conglomerates in oil and gas sector. It explores and produces crude oil and different gases. The colossal business also participates in trading and marketing of power resources, liquid and natural gases. Research and Markets (2010) conducted the SWOT Analysis of British Petroleum as follows: Strength: †¢ Prior to the oil spill catastrophe, the business owned leadership position in oil and gas sector and performed vertically integrated business operations †¢ The business has well established plants which are widened geographically†¢ It performs business worldwide and has collaborated with retail brands and subsidiaries like AMPM, AMOCO, Burmah Castrol, ARCO, BP travel center, Express, Connect and many more †¢ In 2007 the net profit improved by 83% due to the increase in oil and petroleum prices †¢ It owns loyal and committed customers Weakness: †¢ Over the past years the production of natural gas and crude oil has been reduced †¢ Other than the oil spill disaster the business is faced with lots of internal criticism and controversies †¢ The launch of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline resulted into large numbers of controversies†¢ In 2005 BP refinery explosion in Texas resulted into 15 deaths and 100 injuries †¢ The 2006 oil spill of 250 gallons in Alaskan Tundra has imposed different criminal charges †¢ BP faced immense crisis of poor management due to toxic spill of about 2000 gallon of methanol in Prudhoe bay †¢ The Alaskan oil well operations got seized †¢ The business formulated unsound policies related to environment †¢ Brand image might get worsened due to the recent oil spill crisis †¢ The business lacks contingency plan in order to overcome major issues Opportunity: †¢ Natural gas stipulation in North America has amplified†¢ Recently petrochemicals and refined product requirements has increased in China †¢ Due to prevailing environmental issues more and more businesses are investing in alternative sources of energy †¢ To a greater extent gas and oil exploration plants are being established specifically in developed countries †¢ The business has decided to invest USD 8 billion in alternative energy comprising of hydrogen gas, solar power, wind energy and natural gas †¢ It has decided to further expand in Post Soviet areas and acquire plants in North Sea †¢ Flexible pricing policy will enable the business to compete with major rivalsThr eat: †¢ Environmental regulations have imposed one of the chief threat on diverse business operations †¢ In North sea alone resource has reduced to a major extent †¢ Majority of the oil exploration and production areas have been faced with ups and downs †¢ Major competitors like Chevron and Shell might adversely affect the business †¢ USA government has filed major lawsuit against one of the recent BP oil spill crisis Action Plan for British Petroleum: A novel route: The business presentation reveals that it has adapted to changing environment and opted for sustainable future strategy.The top most priority highlighted includes reliability and safety and the business aims that the future business operations will specifically focus on personal safety. The 2015 forecast reveals immense opportunities in deepwater operations, gigantic fields and producing alternative energy sources. In contrary to this, although BP is not the only player responsible for the probl em, even then numerous issues have been surfaced and political influence has further threatened the operation by imposing strict regulations and control.It has incurred increase in cost due to political influence from USA and Brazil and safety measures criteria. It can be said that business itself destabilized, demoralized and weakened its future directions. Prior to this it was a world class corporation with premium brands and strong customer base and everything changed in three weeks (Rowell, 2010). Future growth strategy: Macalister (2010) states that the business has to recompense USD 20 billion as a liability for the oil spill issue.Nevertheless the business opted for the betterment and claimed that it will be establishing exploration and production plants in Libya, Egypt and Azerbaijan in the imminent years. The business came up with a comprehensive DRP (disaster recovery plan) which involves investigation, bringing changes at management level, looking into group performance a nd opting for future strategy formulation. The business introduced Bob Dudley as new face to clear up the business image. The strategy focuses on rehabilitation and compensation plan and improving the global image of BP and transforming into a good corporate citizenship across all over the globe.In order to gain confidence of stakeholders, the business particularly participated with communities in order to rebuild those areas which have been adversely affected by the crisis. The business stated that the crisis will have an impact on the future strategy in terms of liabilities but it aims in protecting and growth expansion of the business. The corporation collaborated with US agencies in order to pay off all the legitimate claims and deploy massive systems for the purpose of environmental restitution. About more than 15, 000 volunteers participated and committed to the appropriate strategy.Lesson learned as a future contingency plan: Winston (2010) analyzed philosophical, geopolitica l and corporate level strategy of BP and highlighted key learning points: †¢ The conventional fossil fuel technology is disastrous for species, business and overall society. Rather than investing in carbon emitting fossil fuels the business must look into safety and minimizing risk. †¢ Everything never goes right and there exist an element of uncertainty. The spreadsheet models being used in businesses only resemble positive numbers and they cannot forecast and formulate proactive measures.Oil companies found future success in deepwater oil exploration and they went for it and forget to look into clean up technologies and oil spill shielding measures. †¢ One of the prominent examples was reflected by Johnson & Johnson who called back all the Tylenol medicines and established one of the prominent corporate behavior paradigms. In contrast to this, BP CEO Mr. Hayward always said that it was an insignificant issue in comparison to massive sea and it resulted into awful re sponse in the form of slow actions and took them three months to impede the leakage. Nonetheless Mr. Hayward has learnt a lot for future debacles.†¢ Conventionally risk management was the primary concern however abiding to green provision will result into sustainability and decrease in risk. The poor risk management by BP reveals that it lost USD 70 billion market value within one week of the disaster. However the impact of its products on the overall ocean was massive and unquantifiable which killed precious species. Therefore BP will transform into green leader and further improve its supply chain so that it can perform socially and environmentally in an outclass manner. †¢ Businesses spend decades to build brand equity and it takes small fraction of time for everything to be lost.BP invested in businesses beyond petroleum but major diminution can be highlighted in the case of renewable energy just because of slight decrease in current profits therefore the business must invest in renewable sources in future sustainability. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the business opted for a holistic approach. The demeanor remains with adapting to environmental changes and performing as a good corporate citizen. The business gained vast experience from the disaster and opted for finest outcome. It formulated an aggressive marketing strategy with business expansion in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Libya.Although there are political influences even then the business looked into personal safety and reliability measures. The future remains with deep water exploration and alternative energy resources. The corporation formulated a disaster management plan and worked in order to gain confidence from diverse stakeholders. Some of the lesson engrossed includes investing in renewable resources, including risk management in financial modules, opting for swiftness and responsiveness and taking proactive measures for different business processes and operations. References: Re search and Markets. (2010). British Petroleum Company: Company Analysis.Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/354859/ Rowell, A. (2010). BP’s Long Term Business Strategy in Chaos†¦ Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://priceofoil. org/2010/06/29/bp%E2%80%99s-long-term-business-strategy-in-chaos/ Macalister, T. (2010). BP chief Tony Hayward to outline strategy that restores firm's fortunes. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://www. guardian. co. uk/business/2010/jul/21/bp-oil-spill-tony-hayward Winston, A. (2010). Five Lessons from the BP Oil Spill. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://blogs. hbr. org/winston/2010/06/the-bp-oil-spill-top-5-lessons. html

Business Law essays

Business Law essays INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION A. What is International Arbitration? 1. Defining Characteristics of Commercial Arbitration 2. Special Characteristics of International Commercial Arbitration 3. Legal Framework for International Commercial Arbitration 5. International Arbitration Agreements B. An Overview of the Advantages and Disadvantages of International C. An Overview of Leading International Arbitration Institutions and Rules a. International Chamber of Commerce International Court Of Arbitration c. London Court of International Arbitration D. An Introduction to International Treaties and Conventions Concerning International Commercial Arbitration 1. Geneva Protocol of 1923 and Geneva Convention of 1927 3. The Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration 5. Iran-United States Claims Tribunal E. Choice Of Law in International Commercial Arbitration 1. Importance of Choice of Law Issues in International Arbitration 2. Overview Of Law Applicable to the Substance of the Parties Dispute 3. Overview of Law Applicable to the Arbitration Agreement 4. Overview of Law Applicable to the Arbitration Proceedings F. U.S. Legislation Concerning International Commercial Arbitration 1. Relevance of National Arbitration Legislation 2. Introduction to the Federal Arbitration Act and Other Sources G. Overview of Foreign Arbitration Statutes 1. Less Supportive National Arbitration Legislation 2. Supportive National Arbitration Legislation H. International Efforts at Harmonization of Arbitration Statutes and Rules 1. UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration 3. IBA Supplementary Rules of Evidence 4. ABA/AAA and IBA Code of Arbitrations Ethics I. Sources of Information About International Arbitration 1. ICCA Yearbook of Commercial Arbitration 2. Mealeys International Arbitration Report 4. Journal du Droit Intern...

How do governments respond to large volcanic and earthquake disasters Research Paper

How do governments respond to large volcanic and earthquake disasters - Research Paper Example Also, buildings that have remained intact or partially damaged need to be stabilized so that they do not collapse in the aftershocks that follow. To initiate rescue operations, Civil defense organizations need to get their disaster control centers immediately into the act. Most of the hazards to people come from man-made structures. Liquefaction occurring underneath a building can make the building lean, or collapse, or sink several feet (UPSeis – MichiganTech, 2007) (Fig. 1). Hence, liquefaction is a risk especially in areas where the groundwater table is high and the soil is sandy. Also, the strong surface waves generated by an earthquake can make the ground heave and lurch, and thereby cause damage to buildings. Another major earthquake hazard is fire due to broken gas lines and snapped power lines. The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 made the city burn for three days (Fig. 2), and destroyed most of the city. Flooding due to cracking of dams and levees is yet another major earthquake hazard. ... Government’s response to hazards from large volcanic eruptions and earthquakes It is not possible to ascertain if a volcano has become extinct. A volcano that lay dormant for 5000 years erupted in 1973 on Heimaey island near Iceland (USGS, 1983). Furthermore, the eruption of volcanoes can neither be prevented nor controlled. But knowledge of the type of eruption, that is, whether explosive or effusive will give an idea of the potential hazards, and that will help in determining the measures to be taken during a volcanic eruption. The problems due to volcanic eruptions will be compounded in the likely event of an earthquake occurring in conjunction with the eruption. Furthermore, volcanic activity can provoke atmospheric repercussions because of the billowing clouds of smoke and ash plumes (Fig. 4). Governments should keep the disaster management plan in readiness with help from the civic bodies as well as fire departments in the area to deal with the evacuation of people livin g in the path of lava flow, to combat fires caused by molten rock and hot cinders, to take appropriate steps to deal with atmospheric pollution from sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and acid vapors. It is not possible to carry out ground-based monitoring on all volcanoes around the world. But space-based monitoring through satellite radars can help identify the volcanoes presenting the greatest danger. The radars are able to track minute changes in the Earth's movement which facilitates prediction of ensuing volcanic eruptions (European Space Agency, 2007). In the case of earthquakes, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, there are 45 states

Samsung Hunts for 'Wow' Moment Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Samsung Hunts for 'Wow' Moment - Article Example What probably has them more worried is the failure of Apple to enthrall the consumers with their iPhone 5. Samsung has marketed their products in such a way that has largely been a reason for the hype. Their clever advertising strategies satirized Apple Inc. taking the balls to Samsung’s court and making it a mainstream maker of trendy mobile phones. The new Samsung phone which was to be unveiled on 14th March at the ‘Samsung Unpacked’ event at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. This time is critical to launch a new phone because the smartphone industry is growing at a very fast pace transitioning from the ecstasy of new technology to a more clever and mature stage. The hardware developments are now more evolutionary than revolutionary; people are expecting enormous improvements in hardware and software. The area where Samsung lags behind Apple is software; where Apple has the ability to link its hardware to its own OS, Samsung uses the Android technology like other smartphone manufacturers. So to compensate their weakness in the software department, Samsung has to depend on on new software aspects such as the screen that will scroll up and down with the motion of the users eyes. Samsung introduced new features and are planning to ‘double down on software’ as their executive informed at a technology conference. Other features include one touch sharing between their devices. The question however is whether Samsung will be able to uphold its progress with the market growing so much more competitive and products becoming more and more commoditized. What worries Samsung more is the increase in the chip prices and the fall in sales which will decrease by 35% in 2013 as forecasted by research firm Strategy Analytics. Samsung had been a leading smartphone seller; in 2012 they were on the top sweeping away 30.3% of the world over smartphone