Employers should have the right to hire and fire as they see fit

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buy custom Bones Muscle and Mental Health essay Exercise can be defined as any bodily activity that aims at promoting or maintain good health and body fitness. It is done to strengthen body bones and muscles, cardiovascular system, honing athletic activities, maintain weight loss, for enjoyment among other reasons. Exercise can range from highly physically engaging activities for example weight lifting, to moderate intensity aerobics for example brisk walking or opting to take the stairs. Physical exercises can be categorized into those aimed at strength training, agility training and eccentric training. Physical exercise helps combat health conditions and diseases.It prevents high blood pressure, cardio vascular diseases, mental syndrome, strengthens bones and muscles among others, while generally improving individuals ability to undertake daily chores. Exercise also helps maintain positive self esteem. Since physical exercise improves physical fitness and overall health wellness, it helps individual feel good about themselves. According to (Kenneth 2009), physical exercise helps improve on individuals sexual appeal and body image. Exercise in children it prevents ailment s like obesity which in the recent years has become a menace to society. This condition which is generally caused by accumulation of eexcessive fat in the body can be prevented through physical exercise as it helps burn up excessive calories in the body leaving children healthier. Among aging exercise adults its helpful as it improves on their cognitive function and generally boosts ones moods. It is credited for preventing insomnia and reduces chances of suffering from depression as its physically and mentally demanding. Health benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks of getting hurt as it helps one maintain a healthy weight, build and maintain body and bone density, joint mobility, psychological wellbeing, muscle strength and reduces surgical risks hence making it a very important undertaking.. Buy custom Bones Muscle and Mental Health essay

Quiz 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Quiz 1 - Assignment Example He is also looking ahead and is avoiding the unwanted incase the Democrats retain control of the senate in November and the Republicans decide to compromise immigration. The foreign policy problems have caused atrophy in the foreign policy. This has affected the approval rating of Mr. Obama; this has been a concern for most of the Democrats in the final season of the campaign. The policies have made the president be perceived weak an issue likely to hurt his party’s electoral chances.(Hook, and Nelson, 2014) The senate has prepared a 100 day agenda plan should they take the senate; they are very likely to win. The key agenda is to authorize the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline so as to boost the energy production. Other agendas are: approving fast track trade authority, repealing Obamacare’s unpopular tax on medical devices and effecting back new Environmental protection Agency regulations. There is a rift amongst Republicans; there are those thinking the GOP can rely on Obama’s lack of popularity in winning the senate and those thinking that the party would do better to push the positive agenda. (Riley, 2014) The republicans are intending to attract women voters at all cost. Rep. Cory Gardner announced his support for the over-the-counter women’s oral contraceptives. The policy is one of the party’s attempts to draw more female voters contrary to the past. The party was also the leading oppose of the Obamacare, something that a large number of women opposed, this gives them the support from the

Brand Lifetime and Obsolescence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Brand Lifetime and Obsolescence - Essay Example Brand Lifetime and Obsolescence What doesn’t die is the heritage of a brand specifically when it was never known for wrong reasons before the obsolescence. Hence, if a brand is obsolete (i.e., forgotten by people after the corresponding products become obsolete), it can be revived later by carrying out retro-branding by making people recall the old heritage of the brand and then link new offerings with the brand along with power sentences like â€Å"the leader is back with new promises† (Brown and Kozinets et al. 2003). However, what is important for revival of brands is that they should not remain obsolete across generations such that the people that loved them are no longer alive in the world. The only value of such brands may be their archaeological value whereby their products may be purchased as antiques. We can imagine what would had happened to Ford if they were to continue with their Model T in today’s world of flashy & stylish cars and to Sony if they were to continue with their Walkman in today’s world of digital entertainment. These brands have survived due to their continuous innovations and launch of new products maintaining the past competencies and developing new competencies. Brands do become obsolete if new innovations & products are not launched for prolonged periods and existing products & services become obsolete due to the competition killing them through the creative destruction process.

Commercial Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Commercial Practice - Essay Example Generally in most cases, there are certain three distinct states that can generally require the usage of a quantitative model. In a case where we are unable to observe such a stipulation not being contented then every model that is being considered will have to be forced to ascribe mathematical values for the incompetent characteristics or attitudes , that can ultimately guide to distortions in several conclusions that are consequently obtained from each of the models Still, wherever all of the significant issues are quantified, there can exist other issues those that are linked with the information and data that may prevent the exploitation of a quantitative model. If for instance the specific data are undependable or in some cases are exceedingly pricey in terms of the time it may require to be collected in or the funds it would cost to assemble, then in the above cases the use of a quantitative model might not be appropriate feasible. 2. The rationale ought to rivet a certain intensity of prejudice or delineation which can only be attained through certain specific mathematical and quantitative comparisons. Some examples of these maybe : It is said by researchers and analysts that if the chief rationale seems to be achievable devoid of the use of a certain specific quantitative model, it is then advised to inquire about the response in a non-quantitative manner. The rationale behind this being, the fact that the utter intricacy and information congregation essential for nearly all of the quantitative models know how to be factually reasonable if it is vital. 3. An occurrence wherein the scheme of significance encompasses an important amount of responses on the intensity of aggregation necessary. This is most commonly a situation wherein the behavior and effect of a certain variable X tends to affect a certain variable Y, and vice versa. If we observe all the definitions of almost all the quantitative models that exist, we would be able to comprehend the fact that in some cases they would not be required to evaluate the response. On the other hand if the performance of the aim is seemingly directly proportional or directly related to the feedback it would be advisable to use a certain quantitative model for the purpose1. Most of the Quantitative models are based on the assumptions that are simple and not too intricate at all. It is also observed that most of the most quantitative funds managers hold on to the ground rules of contemporary group theory. The fundamental concepts of this issue consist of the capital asset pricing model also famously known as the CAPM model , the Central Value Theory by the famous Graham & Dodd who also named the model after them , the

Family Travel and Tours Company Analysis

Family Travel and Tours Company Analysis SECTION ONE Family Travel and Tours has specialised in affordable, inclusive summer and winter sun travel packages for nearly forty years. The two base of our travel offerings have been price and predictability. Our prices were highly competitive, although they are less so now, and our customers want to know ahead of time exactly what they can expect from their travel experience. However, changes in the tourism market have caused our sales to stagnate, and we currently have zero growth in our customer numbers and fewer repeat customers. Although according to the National Travel Survey, the number of tourists taking inclusive packages have increased significantly in the past twenty years, so has the number of outlets through which customers can purchase their holiday travel (Shaw and Williams 2004). The primary reason for our lack of growth is this increased competition. In price, we have been adversely affected by a sharp increase in the number of discount travel companies available to price-conscious consumers, particularly over the internet. Whereas we once had only competition from a limited number of local agencies, some of those who would have been our customer base are beginning to experiment with online bookings. This opens our market up not only to other UK competitors, but also to agencies from other countries. For example, the American company Cheap Tickets offers international flights, tours and cruises at highly competitive rates. One has only to run a simple search under â€Å"discount travel packages† to reveal literally hundreds of competitors where our customers could take their holiday spend. Many of these competitors also do not maintain brick-and-mortar branches, allowing them to offer even more competitive prices as they have lower overhead costs. Additionally, each year as a greater percentage of the population becomes comfortable purchasing over the computer and more and more people try out online spending, FTTs competitiveness on the basis of price is reduced. Customers are also finding they can create their own packages, as they can now research hotels, transport and activities online and make their own reservations for all of them. More family-oriented travel destinations are also now providing inclusive packages on their own, and are able to offer these through online marketing. Whereas once our contacts with local travel companies allowed us to provide all-inclusive packages available to the consumer only through a travel agency, now there are a number of places the typical traveler can book their desired holiday. For example, Disneyland Paris has its own hotels, restaurants and transportation. As such it can market directly to the customer without need of a middle-man travel agency. Many other popular family tourist destinations have similar offerings. Cruises are another all-inclusive alternative that can now be booked directly without use of a travel agency. We have not reacted quickly or substantially enough changes in the market and in customers themselves, leaving us in a vulnerable position. FTT therefore needs to make changes to its products and marketing strategies quickly to retain its market position in the future. SECTION TWO FTT has benefited from catering to two distinct customer groups, although both on the basis of predictability and price. During the winter period, FTTs customer base tends to be older people escaping the winter cold. The repeat business in this niche is substantial and breaks down further into two groups. The first wants to return to the same location each year, often even requesting the same room. The second group prefers packaged tours, typically taking a tour of a different location each year. Both highly value predictability; that is, they want to eat the foods they are used to and stay inside their comfort zone even when traveling, rather than experience any kind of local culture. They also want to know when booking the details of their holiday, such as daily schedules, and want to spend their winter holiday in warm, sunny locations. This customer group has shown less stagnation, as the increase in competitors from online travel brokers has not penetrated this market group subst antially as of yet. It is likely that it will in the near future, however, particularly as the computer-friendly segment of the population expands and ages. Summer customers are typically middle-class families looking for a convenient and affordable holiday experience. They also want to know ahead of time the details of their holiday, but more to ensure activities and proper accommodations are available for their children than for any deep-seeded need for sameness. Destinations with child-friendly attractions such as beaches and theme parks are foundational in sales to this group. This segment of our customer base has suffered the most from increased competition. Where we or agencies like FTT were once the only place families could go to have their entire travel needs satisfied, online travel agencies and the attractions themselves are now providing equally planned holidays at prices at or below ours. As we examine what changes need to be made, it is helpful to consider tourist motivation from both reductionist and structuralist perspectives regarding our stagnant customer base. Reductionism views tourist motivation as â€Å"a tension between the search for the new or novel experience and the requirement for some degree of familiarity† (Shaw and Williams 2004, 140). This is true of both winter and summer customers. They wish to experience a holiday outside their current existence whilst maintaining a predictability that will allow them, whether older people or children, to be sure of a certain level of comfortability. It is unlikely that we will be able to compete strictly on price, as was the case many times in the past. Therefore expanding the balance of novelty and predictability in our current products is likely to be our strongest marketing asset for future growth. The question then becomes how to address these customer motivations in the changing and more competitive market. SECTION THREE Todays postmodern society is now consumer led, with the consumer dictating the location and activities they expect rather than simply choosing from a limited assortment of package options (Sharpley 2003). Customers can now choose not only travel options we have available, but also those provided by remote travel operators and attractions themselves. Further, customers are more and more likely to create their own travel packages, as they now have access to information on local attractions, lodging and transport for a given area. Their expectations are higher as far as flexibility and options are concerned, making it more difficult for FTT to plan or provide all-inclusive packages, particularly at any significant reduction in price. In addition, as the divide between work and leisure has been reduced, and recreational avenues are more available throughout the year, the novelty of taking the family to the beach or theme park has diminished. Consumers are more likely to seek a holiday experience that allows them to escape from their day-to-day reality rather than simply play instead of work (Sharpley 2003). Todays mass tourist â€Å"desires to be in a place which is both real and yet fantastic at the same time, and to encounter people who are both authentically other yet also fun and fictional† (Coleman and Crang 2002, 157). As such, our customers are beginning to demand travel packages that go beyond simply being at the beach or a certain location, but also offer some type of fantasy or adventurous opportunity. The immediate gratification and visually-based information preferences of the postmodern society also lend themselves strongly to the convenience of internet booking provided by our competitors (Sharpley 2003). Now customers can actually see the room where they will stay, satisfying their predictability needs, yet independently reserve it in an instant, with the simple click of a mouse. The entire transaction is charged effortlessly to their credit card, almost making it seem as though the holiday was free. This signals a change in our customer, especially those in the summer/family group. Whilst they still have a need for predictability so they can plan for their children and the children feel comfortable, there is an increased desire for new experiences, visually-based marketing, and easy, quick booking. SECTION FOUR One difficulty we are currently experiencing is the change in customers perceptions of our services and their attributes, an event common over time in service-based sectors (Palmer 1994). Whilst they are still strongly motivated by predictability, they seek at the same time authenticity in their holiday experience. Authenticity can be viewed from the perspective of the place visited, or from the perspective of the tourist doing the visiting. According to Handler and Saxton, the meaning of the term authenticity â€Å"refers to experiences through which tourists feel themselves to be in touch with both the real world and their real selves† (Shaw and Williams 2004). There are three kinds of authenticity in the tourist experience. Two, objective and constructive authenticity, are object-related. The third, activity-related authenticity, â€Å"refers to a state of being that is to be activated by tourist activities† (Shaw and Williams 2004). It is that place where â€Å"one is true to oneself† (Shaw and Williams 2004). For example, beach holidays may be seen as providing a relaxed, playful environment where people can be their true selves like they were as children, without the sometimes-false pretenses maintained at work or in the community. As our world becomes increasingly more connected, a certain homogeneity is affecting the authenticity of place. McDonalds restaurants provide an example. Although there is some regional adaptation (one can order wine in France or get kosher sandwiches in Israel), the chains product mix of a hamburger, fries, and a coke is constant throughout its restaurants in over 100 countries (Vignali 2001). Every time a Tesco moves into a town, a number of the areas local merchants are likely to go out of business, reducing the regional differences of that area as opposed to the rest of the country. Shaw and Williams (2004) report â€Å"Boorstin saw mass tourism producing a homogenization and standardization of the tourist experience through the commodification of culture† (135). The â€Å"developing global culture of tourism accepts anything or any place being produced and reproduced, moved and recontextualised in any place whatsoever this process marks the proliferation and increased co nsumption of experiences† that are depthless simulations, separated from tradition and history (Coleman and Crang 2002, 156). This makes it harder for FTT to provide unique travel packages. SECTION FIVE FTT needs to meet these changes in society and in the level of competition head on, addressing issues related to both our products and our target markets. First, we need to stop viewing the internet as our completion and begin to view it as a means of increasing our customer base. Although we have a website, it is not as user friendly as it could be, and does not offer a wide range of holidays. We could expand our travel product available online. Instead of simply listing our set packages with prices, as our current website offers, we could experiment with creating an a la carte method of creating packages. With the correct software, this would be possible to do completely online, and agents wanting to make a booking could even use the same online system when dealing with customers. In this scenario, a customer could access our website and choose the components of their holiday, appealing simultaneously to the postmodern desire for novelty and our established customer need for predic tability. For example, one family may want to have a less expensive lodging but hire a larger car. They would be able to do this on the website, and after all their bookings would have created their own package, as inclusive as they desire. This would also provide a price incentive as customers could pay for only the level of or types of provision they really desire. In addition to increasing the number of customers purchasing holidays from us, such flexibility and convenience in booking is also likely to increase the spend of our existing customer base. Whereas once one of our established customers might use us only for holiday travel, a convenient website might also lead to other bookings by the same customer, such as business travel, expanding our product base. We would also be able to attract more customers from outside the UK, or from areas inside the country where we do not have strong branch presence. We also need to change the product mix of our fixed-package offerings to include more novelty and fantasy. For example, we might add adventure activities to a beach holiday in such a way that they meet the safety needs of parents. Including water-skiing lessons as part of a beach holiday provides some adventure, but because it includes instruction and a supervised environment it retains the safety and predictability our customers value. The entire family can together enter into an activity outside their normal circumstances. For our winter/older customer group, changing the type of tour or travel available would probably not be popular, but adding additional and more adventuresome locations where a level of comfort and predictability could be guaranteed would be advantageous. For example, as Turkey seeks entrance into the European Union, it has become a country more open to tourism, providing a wealth of new places for tours, and usually at competitive prices. Increased availability and reduced price of air travel also now allow us to offer tours farther abroad, and we need to look into areas of the world such as India and Mexico, which were typically too far and too costly to be considered by our customers for a holiday. We would need to work closely with local lodging, transport and other providers to ensure the level of comfort our customers require, but these locations provide an opportunity to introduce adventure and fantasy in an appealing way to our older customer group. FTT should also expand our marketing via the internet, particularly to repeat customers and potential customers who have already initiated contact with us, such as those who stop by a branch to discuss travel options, but do not purchase right away. Email is a simple and extremely inexpensive way to contact customers with various offerings. This would also allow us to increase our target markets. For example, the UK Tourism Survey shows that an increasing number of young working-class families are taking holiday abroad. As younger people are more likely to have computer access and be knowledgeable in computer operation, it figures that this is a potential market where FTT may increase market share. Working class families without computers could still be included in the target market, but through other means of penetration. Over forty million loyalty cards were in circulation in the UK in 1999, and that number has undoubtedly increased substantially since (Evans 1999). Most cost-conscious Brits now have several such cards, and those motivated by price are particularly keen on using them. Partnering with several major cards could not only increase our visibility and presence, but attract customers that might not consider holiday travel. For example, we could offer a discounted package as a reward for points earned by a major loyalty card scheme, such as Tesco. Alternatively, we could join the scheme itself and offer points for a customers spend with us. In any case, being included in a scheme with extensive emails, newspaper inserts, and other advertising would reach cost-conscious consumers, a characteristic of our traditional customer base, who might not have considered package holidays before. We may also attract those who had purchased their packages elsewhere, at least to the point that they might inquire about our offerings, either in person or online. Some in this market will be surprised at the affordability of many packages. It is also likely that since customers attracted from this target market have never had a holiday abroad before, they would be nervous about both planning and going. As such they would find our servcies as a travel agency both convenient and comforting. Once they went once on a holiday package from us, we could make them part of our database, and provide various marketing endeavors to encourage their repeat patronage. The marketing changes discussed above give FTT the opportunity to once again dominate the travel package sector of our industry, to attract and retain customers from a wider customer base, and to ensure future growth and profitability. Our society is changing, but if we change with it we can continue for another forty years of travel excellence. REFERENCES Coleman, S. and Crang, M. (ed) (2002) Tourism: Between Place and Performance. Oxford: Berghahn. Evans, M. (1999) Loyalty schemes and the Orwellian Millennium. British Food Journal, 101(2): 132-147. Palmer, A. (1994) Principles of Service Marketing. London: McGraw-Hill. Sharpley, R. (2003) Tourism, Tourists and Society. Elm Publishing. Shaw, G. and Williams, A.M. (2004) Tourism, Tourists and Tourist Spaces. London: Sage. Vignali, C. (2001) McDonald’s: â€Å"think global, act local† the marketing mix. British Food Journal, 103(2): 97. WEBSITES www.cheaptickets.com www.cooptravelshop.co.uk www.expedia.co.uk www.gate1travel.com www.travelbag.co.uk

Quality Assurance Review Essay

According to Merriam Webster (2014), â€Å"Provision is: the act or process of supplying or providing something.† Every company provides a provision or has a mission statement that their company stand by, which shows what services that company, will commit to delivering to their clients. We as professionals and them as businesses have an obligation to deliver direct services effectively to help clients adapt socially and effectively in society. It is the companies’ responsibility to provide clients with the services that sustain a good work or living environment. Companies are dedicated to providing direct support services that will enhance a client’s quality of life, and that is designed to meet the needs of their client. Moreover, it is important that staff build their time to participate in activities with the clients that they are servicing. It is also the responsibility of the company, to make sure their staff is educated and trained in their area of concentration to assist their client. It is important to develop relationships with clients that will allow them to engage in everyday life activities. It is provided that any person that is working with clients to engage in activities with their client. Clients have IEP (Individual Education Plan) programs that should be followed to assure the client is receiving the proper education that is based on their need. It is up to the worker to provide clients with a structured setting which will allow them to see if the client is learning according to their plan or their day. In every event, every aspect is about providing proper service to the client. Furthermore, it’s about creating independence in that client by setting academic and functional goals that are attainable and reachable from a realistic aspect for that client. A professional’s purpose is not to please coworkers but, their purpose is to be an advocate for their client. In the case scenario of the staff member providing services appropriately to  clients, certain information is required in the process of gathering and covering the basic components of quality assurance, which are proper provision of service, client satisfaction with the service and proper documentation. With reasoning, questions have been formulated to help monitor and prevent future fraud and misappropriation of services as it pertains within these guidelines. From the information gathered from the staff at the school, the client, and all that is involved with working with this particular client, the question is, since the goal for the staff member was to develop and maintain a client-centered service and to provide quality service and ensure the client’s satisfaction, should that particular client have had services from our agency because of a communicable disease in which he/she was recently treated for according to the teacher at the school? According to the teacher employed at the school, where the staff member was working with the client stated that this particular staff member was frequently late, was this tardiness professionally and legally documented? As reported by the teacher at the school where the staff member was working with the client, the teacher reports (if legally documented) that the staff member did not engage in their professional interventions towards a certain client about their behavior on a particular day. Were there any witnesses to this behavior and did the staff not intervene in stopping a certain behavior from this client? The reasoning behind these questions is as follows: Although the teacher at the school at which my agencies staff member was working with a particular client, it was not reported or stated about any legal documentation on this worker’s tardiness at this school. Also was there a specific reason for which my staff member did not tailor in her interventions towards a particular client due to their behavior that was reported to me, the director of the agency. It is believed that gathering the correct and adequate information from all parties involved when working with clients especially in the health care profession, helps those involved have a better understanding what kind of frame of mind the particular staff member, the client involved and even the teacher working with both parties, it is important to obtain such information so that there is no misinterpretation in communication, documenting all actions involved, or just documenting the day’s activities so that the agency and the school can  see if the client shows any improvement with working with a particular staff member. This also helps prevent any legal action involving all parties regarding he said/she said, or future fraud towards a certain agency. As it pertains to the accusation that the staff member is not open to feedback, how was the staff member approached about this feedback? Was this communicated in a professional manner? How exactly did the staff member respond to feedback given? Lastly, did the staff member give reasoning for not accepting feedback about services rendered? This line of questioning is important because it approaches the first accusation from all angles. These questions are trying to determine whether or not the staff member is blatantly refusing to accept feedback or if they are accepting feedback and just not implementing it. It is also important to not how the feedback was approached. If the feedback was delivered in a negative or accusatory way it may not have been implemented because the staff member may have a strict treatment plan and be avoiding confrontation with the teacher by just not accepting feedback. This is why it is important to understand the staff member’s reasoning behind not accepting feedback. It determines whether or not this staff member is providing the client with the proper services and that the staff understands what these services are so that there are no misunderstandings. As it pertains to the accusation that the staff member does not tailor their interventions to the client according to his behavior on a specific day, please name one example where the staff member did not tailor their interventions to fit the client’s needs? How was the staff member approached about this incident? Did the staff member give reasoning for continued their planned treatment? Was this incident documented and if so how was it documented? Were the client’s needs met? Was the client unsatisfied with their services provided? This line of questioning is important because it makes sure that the client is receiving the proper services that they need. The staff member’s treatment plan should always be centered on what is best for the client; not what is easier for the staff member. It is also important that a staff member with a strict treatment plan not stray from their original treatment plan if it affects the overall effectiveness of the treatment. This is why it is important to understand the staff member’s reasoning behind not altering their original treatment plan so as to make sure that this decision is not affecting the way that the  client is treated and or receives their services. Another important part of this line of questioning is that if the client’s needs were not met, how was this documented? Having proof that the client’s needs were not met is important in accessing the staff member’s overall effectiveness in their treatment plan. Lastly, it is important to note whether or not the client was satisfied with the services they received so that the staff member can be clearer in the future about the services they provide as to not having any misunderstandings. As it pertains to the accusation that the staff member is frequently late, has this tardiness been properly documented? If not, are there eyewitnesses that can attest to this accusation? Was the staff member approached about this accused tardiness? If so, by who and what where the repercussions of this action? Also, was this action documented and if so how was it documented? This line of questioning is important because it grants validity or not to the accusation that the staff member is constantly tardy. For there to be action taken against this staff member there need to be legal documented proof that this staff member is constantly tardy. If not there is not much that can be done legally about this accusation unless there is some documentation stating that this individual has been reprimanded about this behavior. As it pertains to the accusation that the staff member has created conflict between them and the teacher, how was this situation handled between the two staff members? How did the school handle this situation? Where all have actions are taken to prevent any further conflict member between the two before filing this complaint? Where these actions documented and if so how where they documented? This line of questioning is important because it relates to the validity of the complaint in general. This relates to whether or not this staff member is even in need of review or whether the school just doesn’t want to deal with feuding individuals. It is important that this type of situation be documented every step of the way or it just becomes he said she said battle. It is important to understand how the school handled this situation so that if there are any misunderstandings about the service rendered at the school by the staff member that these issues be resolved so that the main focus is on the clients. In special cases such as with disclosure of pertinent information in regard to communicable diseases, this breach of security poses a huge impact as it pertains to patient confidentiality and services provided.  Although the sharing of information with other healthcare professionals is important in providing effective patient care, if a breach of confidentiality as occurred and shared amongst other unaware of the contents of the patients history, this disclosure witho ut consent can pose a risk based on standard infection control procedures, as well as exposure-prone risks undertaken in primary care. In such circumstances, in order to repair the relationship once a breach of confidentiality has been made, the director must adequately acknowledge and apologize for the mishap. Ensure that the client understands that this is not how business is normally conducted and that HIPPA laws and regulations are taken seriously within the organization. To ensure that this does not happen again, there should be a mandatory training centered on client confidentiality and rules and regulations of HIPPA, and certificate of completions could be provided to the client to ensure that they are aware of your dedication to mend the relationship. References Bord, J.D, DDS MSD MA, Burke, W., MD Ph.D., & Dudzinski, D.M.., Ph.D. MTS (2013).Confidentiality. Ethics in Medicine. University of Washington School of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/confiden.html Confidentiality case study: Serious Communicable Diseases. General Medical Council: Working With doctors working for patients. Retrieved from:http://www.gmcuk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/confidentiality_serious_communicable_diseases.asp Merriam Webster., Provision. (2014). Retrieved September 1, 2014.

Cornell University Johnson Graduate School Of Management

Traditional finance theories assume that financial market participants are rational, and argue that the financial market is always efficient and prices are always right.Behavioral finance, on the other hand, argues that securities market prices can be wrong, and that a lot of financial market phenomena can plausibly be understood only under the assumption that some market participants are not fully rational. This course gives an introduction to behavioral finance, and discusses its applications in investment management. We will first introduce the conceptual framework of behavioral finance, and then apply the framework to the study of individual stock trading and portfolio management. Topics covered in the course include: limits of arbitrage (i. e. why stock market mispricing can persist), investor psychology and behavior (and how to overcome our own irrational biases in stock trading), stock index predictability and market timing, stock portfolios that were shown to beat the market (including value, momentum, size, earnings quality, volume, earnings management, and many other effects), and applications of behavioral finance in quantitative asset management. As a summary of the course, we will apply the conceptual framework of behavioral finance to the understanding of China’s financial market (as an example of emerging markets).PREREQUISITES You must have taken an introductory level finance course that covers basic topics such as stocks and bonds, the CAPM, and the efficient market hypothesis. COMMUNICATING WITH ME My office hours are Monday, 4:30-6:00pm. You should also feel free to communicate with me by email. 1 TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS The required textbook is Richard H. Thaler (ed. ), Advances in Behavioral Finance, Vol. II, Russell Sage Foundation and Princeton University Press, 2005. For each session, there will be required reading and (occasionally) optional reading.All required readings are either included in the course packet or wil l be handed out in class. All optional readings will be posted on Blackboard. All classroom handouts will also be posted on Blackboard. The following books are optional supplementary readings and can be purchased in many bookstores or from online vendors. Behavioral Finance: A User’s Guide, by James Montier, Wiley Finance Series, 2002. ? An introduction of behavioral finance from a practitioner’s perspective. Advances in Behavioral Finance, edited by Richard Thaler. The first volume preceding our textbook. Contains some important early academic articles on behavioral finance. Irrational Exuberance, by Robert Shiller. ? A great book on the Internet bubble. The Myth of the Rational Market – A History of Risk, Reward, and Delusion on Wall Street, by Justin Fox (2009). ? On the history of efficient market theory and behavioral finance. Behavioral Finance and Wealth Management – How to Build Optimal Portfolio That Account for Investor Biases, by Michael M. Pom pian. ? Written from the perspective of a wealth manager and practitioner.When Genius Failed, by Roger Lowenstein. ? An account of LTCM failure. CLASS PREPARATION There will be a reading, as well as an occasional case assignment, to prepare for each session. You are expected to be prepared for each session by doing the reading and working on the assignment for the case. Each individual is required to turn in the case assignment prior to the class during which the case is discussed. Those listed in the syllabus are subject to change during the semester, which will be announced in class when applicable. 2 GRADINGThe grade will be based on problem sets (10%), class participation and case assignments (10%), an exam (50%), and the final individual term project (30%). PROBLEM SETS Three problem sets will be assigned during the course, with the following preliminary schedule: Problem Set 1 Problem Set 2 Problem Set 3 Assignment Date 10/17 (Wed) – Session 2 10/29 (Mon) – Sessi on 5 11/7 (Wed) – Session 8 Due Date 10/24 (Wed) – Session 4 11/5 (Mon) – Session 7 11/ 14 (Wed) – Session 10 Problem sets are not included in the course packet, but will be handed out in class.Late submissions will not be accepted. You may work with other students in the class (from either section) for all the problem sets. (Of course, there is no reason to believe that an organized group is the best approach for everyone. ) A team of people need only submit one copy of their solution for a particular problem set. However, the number of students submitting one problem set solution is limited to no more than four. Every member of a group submitting a problem set solution will receive the same grade on that problem set. Solutions to each problem set will be made available.Grades on problem sets will be recorded by giving a â€Å"check-plus,† â€Å"check,† or â€Å"check minus. † Typically, the problem sets will not be discussed in clas s. EXAM There will be a (closed-book) in-class exam on Monday, November 19. TERM PROJECT A term project is the final requirement for the course. A detailed assignment on the term project will be handed out during the semester. Each individual needs to submit a written term project (into a box marked â€Å"NBA 5980† in 304 Sage Hall) no later than 1pm, December 6 (Thursday). ATTENDANCE POLICIES As mentioned above, class participation is a factor in determining the final grade.It is expected that all students attend all classes. It is also expected that students will be on time for class and will not disrupt the class by leaving early or by leaving and returning to class. We recognize that there are medical and other special circumstances that may cause a student to miss a class. Special circumstances may also arise that cause a student to miss part of a class. If such circumstances arise, students should contact the instructor (preferably by e-mail) and explain why it was nece ssary to miss part or all of a class session.This should be done before the absence if the absence is foreseen in advance and as soon as possible after the absence if the absence was unanticipated. Students who miss parts of class sessions or class sessions in their entirety without reasonable justification should expect that their class participation grade may be adversely affected in a significant way. 3 Schedule of Sessions and Reading List (Note: Advances is the abbreviation for our textbook: Richard Thaler (ed. ), Advances in Behavioral Finance, Vol. II, Russell Sage Foundation and Princeton University Press, 2005. ) Session 1 0/15 (Mon) Topics: Introduction and Examples of Extreme Mispricing Overview of the course, efficient market hypothesis, and extreme examples of market mispricing. Advances (pp 1-2; 8-12), Chapter 1, sections 1; 2. 3 How Did Economists Get It So Wrong? by P. Krugman (in packet) Anomalies: The Law of One Price, by Lamont-Thaler (in packet) Greenspan Concede s Error in Regulatory View (NYT) (in packet) Ignoring the Oracles, by Justin Lahart (in packet) Has Financial Development Made the World Riskier? by Raghu Rajan (2005) (posted on Blackboard) Advances (pp 102-169), Chapters 3-4Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 2 10/17 (Wed) Topics: Limits of Arbitrage LTCM and convergence bets, noise trader risk and other reasons for limits of arbitrage. Advances (pp 3-8), Chapter 1, sections 2. 1-2. 2 HBS Case: Long-Term Capital Management, L. P. (A) (in packet) Assignment on the Case of Long-Term Capital Management (to be submitted at the beginning of class on 10/17) How the Eggheads Cracked, by Michael Lewis (in packet) Advances (pp 79-101), Chapter 2 (academic and theoretical) Required Reading: Assignment: Optional Reading:Session 3 10/22 (Mon) Topics: Investor Psychology: Overcoming Our Own Biases Common human psychological biases in beliefs and risk preferences. How to overcome our own biases in stock trading? Advances (pp 12-22), Cha pter 1, section 3 Aspects of Investor Psychology, by Kahneman-Riepe (in packet) Required Reading: 4 Session 4 10/24 (Wed) Topics: Behavior of Individual Investors Behavior of individual investors, home bias and naive diversification, individual buying and selling decisions, disposition effects, individuals vs. institutions.Advances (pp 50-56), Chapter 1, section 7 Advances (pp 543-569), Chapter 15 Advances (pp 570-601), Chapter 16 Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 5 10/29 (Mon) Topics: Stock Index: Predictability and Market Timing Stock index-return predictability, equity premium puzzle, market timing and tactical asset allocation Advances (pp 173-201), Chapter 5 Change Agent: How Greenspan Finally Came to Terms †¦, by Schlesinger (in packet) Advances (pp 22-35), Chapter 1, section 4 (academic and theoretical) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 6 10/31 (Wed) Topics: Anomalies in Stock Portfolio ReturnsPortfolios that beat the market (even after adjusting for beta); the price effect of investor mis-reactions, momentum and reversal, post-earning-announcement drifts, post-corporate-event returns Advances (pp 35-41), Chapter 1, section 5. 0 Does the Stock Market Overreact? by DeBondt-Thaler (in packet) Advances (pp 353-388), Chapter 10 Required Reading: 5 Session 7 11/5 (Mon) Topics: Value and Momentum – Theories and Explanations Explanations of value and momentum effect; combining value and momentum; using volume to improve return predictability Advances (pp 41-47), Chapter 1, sections 5. -5. 3 (theoretical) Contagious Speculation and a Cure for Cancer, by Huberman and Regev (in packet) Price Momentum and Trading Volume, by Lee and Swaminathan (on Blackboard) All the News That’s Fit to Reprint, by Tetlock (on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 8 11/7 (Wed) Topics: Earnings Quality and Corporate Governance How to measure earnings quality? How to rank firms’ corporate governance? Can we use them to p redict stock returns? Do Stock Prices Fully Reflect Information in Accruals and Cash Flows About Future Earnings? y Sloan (in packet) Corporate Governance and Equity Prices, by Gompers, Ishii, and Metrick (posted on Blackboard) Earnings Quality and Stock Returns, by Chan, Chan, Jegadeesh, and Lakonishok (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 9 11/12 (Mon) Topics: Effect of Short-Sale Constraints on Stock Prices The asymmetry between buying stocks and shorting stocks; the costs and risks of short-selling stocks; disagreement of valuations among investors, short-sale constraints, trading volumes, and their effects on stock prices Read the Wikipedia coverage of stock short selling: http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Short_(finance) Disagreement and the Stock Market, by Hong-Stein (in packet) Short Sale Constraints and Overpricing, by Lamont (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: 6 Session 10 11/14 (Wed) Required Reading: Guest Speaker TBA None EXAM: 11/19 (Mon) 11/21(Wed): Monday, November 19, in class. No class, Thanksgiving Break Session 11 11/26 (Mon) Topics: Applications of Behavioral Finance in Asset Management Do value and momentum still work? What happened in August 2007?Discussion of issues in practical applications of portfolio strategies based on anomalies in behavioral finance Papers Study August Crisis, by Anderson (in packet) What Happened to the Quants in August 2007? by Khandani and Lo (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 12 11/28 (Wed) Topics: Application: Understanding the Chinese Stock Market (As an Example of Emerging Markets) Try to appreciate that many other markets around the world are quite different from the US stock market; understanding the Chinese stock market as an example of emerging markets. None Required Reading: 7 Cornell University Johnson Graduate School Of Management Traditional finance theories assume that financial market participants are rational, and argue that the financial market is always efficient and prices are always right.Behavioral finance, on the other hand, argues that securities market prices can be wrong, and that a lot of financial market phenomena can plausibly be understood only under the assumption that some market participants are not fully rational. This course gives an introduction to behavioral finance, and discusses its applications in investment management. We will first introduce the conceptual framework of behavioral finance, and then apply the framework to the study of individual stock trading and portfolio management. Topics covered in the course include: limits of arbitrage (i. e. why stock market mispricing can persist), investor psychology and behavior (and how to overcome our own irrational biases in stock trading), stock index predictability and market timing, stock portfolios that were shown to beat the market (including value, momentum, size, earnings quality, volume, earnings management, and many other effects), and applications of behavioral finance in quantitative asset management. As a summary of the course, we will apply the conceptual framework of behavioral finance to the understanding of China’s financial market (as an example of emerging markets).PREREQUISITES You must have taken an introductory level finance course that covers basic topics such as stocks and bonds, the CAPM, and the efficient market hypothesis. COMMUNICATING WITH ME My office hours are Monday, 4:30-6:00pm. You should also feel free to communicate with me by email. 1 TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS The required textbook is Richard H. Thaler (ed. ), Advances in Behavioral Finance, Vol. II, Russell Sage Foundation and Princeton University Press, 2005. For each session, there will be required reading and (occasionally) optional reading.All required readings are either included in the course packet or wil l be handed out in class. All optional readings will be posted on Blackboard. All classroom handouts will also be posted on Blackboard. The following books are optional supplementary readings and can be purchased in many bookstores or from online vendors. Behavioral Finance: A User’s Guide, by James Montier, Wiley Finance Series, 2002. ? An introduction of behavioral finance from a practitioner’s perspective. Advances in Behavioral Finance, edited by Richard Thaler. The first volume preceding our textbook. Contains some important early academic articles on behavioral finance. Irrational Exuberance, by Robert Shiller. ? A great book on the Internet bubble. The Myth of the Rational Market – A History of Risk, Reward, and Delusion on Wall Street, by Justin Fox (2009). ? On the history of efficient market theory and behavioral finance. Behavioral Finance and Wealth Management – How to Build Optimal Portfolio That Account for Investor Biases, by Michael M. Pom pian. ? Written from the perspective of a wealth manager and practitioner.When Genius Failed, by Roger Lowenstein. ? An account of LTCM failure. CLASS PREPARATION There will be a reading, as well as an occasional case assignment, to prepare for each session. You are expected to be prepared for each session by doing the reading and working on the assignment for the case. Each individual is required to turn in the case assignment prior to the class during which the case is discussed. Those listed in the syllabus are subject to change during the semester, which will be announced in class when applicable. 2 GRADINGThe grade will be based on problem sets (10%), class participation and case assignments (10%), an exam (50%), and the final individual term project (30%). PROBLEM SETS Three problem sets will be assigned during the course, with the following preliminary schedule: Problem Set 1 Problem Set 2 Problem Set 3 Assignment Date 10/17 (Wed) – Session 2 10/29 (Mon) – Sessi on 5 11/7 (Wed) – Session 8 Due Date 10/24 (Wed) – Session 4 11/5 (Mon) – Session 7 11/ 14 (Wed) – Session 10 Problem sets are not included in the course packet, but will be handed out in class.Late submissions will not be accepted. You may work with other students in the class (from either section) for all the problem sets. (Of course, there is no reason to believe that an organized group is the best approach for everyone. ) A team of people need only submit one copy of their solution for a particular problem set. However, the number of students submitting one problem set solution is limited to no more than four. Every member of a group submitting a problem set solution will receive the same grade on that problem set. Solutions to each problem set will be made available.Grades on problem sets will be recorded by giving a â€Å"check-plus,† â€Å"check,† or â€Å"check minus. † Typically, the problem sets will not be discussed in clas s. EXAM There will be a (closed-book) in-class exam on Monday, November 19. TERM PROJECT A term project is the final requirement for the course. A detailed assignment on the term project will be handed out during the semester. Each individual needs to submit a written term project (into a box marked â€Å"NBA 5980† in 304 Sage Hall) no later than 1pm, December 6 (Thursday). ATTENDANCE POLICIES As mentioned above, class participation is a factor in determining the final grade.It is expected that all students attend all classes. It is also expected that students will be on time for class and will not disrupt the class by leaving early or by leaving and returning to class. We recognize that there are medical and other special circumstances that may cause a student to miss a class. Special circumstances may also arise that cause a student to miss part of a class. If such circumstances arise, students should contact the instructor (preferably by e-mail) and explain why it was nece ssary to miss part or all of a class session.This should be done before the absence if the absence is foreseen in advance and as soon as possible after the absence if the absence was unanticipated. Students who miss parts of class sessions or class sessions in their entirety without reasonable justification should expect that their class participation grade may be adversely affected in a significant way. 3 Schedule of Sessions and Reading List (Note: Advances is the abbreviation for our textbook: Richard Thaler (ed. ), Advances in Behavioral Finance, Vol. II, Russell Sage Foundation and Princeton University Press, 2005. ) Session 1 0/15 (Mon) Topics: Introduction and Examples of Extreme Mispricing Overview of the course, efficient market hypothesis, and extreme examples of market mispricing. Advances (pp 1-2; 8-12), Chapter 1, sections 1; 2. 3 How Did Economists Get It So Wrong? by P. Krugman (in packet) Anomalies: The Law of One Price, by Lamont-Thaler (in packet) Greenspan Concede s Error in Regulatory View (NYT) (in packet) Ignoring the Oracles, by Justin Lahart (in packet) Has Financial Development Made the World Riskier? by Raghu Rajan (2005) (posted on Blackboard) Advances (pp 102-169), Chapters 3-4Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 2 10/17 (Wed) Topics: Limits of Arbitrage LTCM and convergence bets, noise trader risk and other reasons for limits of arbitrage. Advances (pp 3-8), Chapter 1, sections 2. 1-2. 2 HBS Case: Long-Term Capital Management, L. P. (A) (in packet) Assignment on the Case of Long-Term Capital Management (to be submitted at the beginning of class on 10/17) How the Eggheads Cracked, by Michael Lewis (in packet) Advances (pp 79-101), Chapter 2 (academic and theoretical) Required Reading: Assignment: Optional Reading:Session 3 10/22 (Mon) Topics: Investor Psychology: Overcoming Our Own Biases Common human psychological biases in beliefs and risk preferences. How to overcome our own biases in stock trading? Advances (pp 12-22), Cha pter 1, section 3 Aspects of Investor Psychology, by Kahneman-Riepe (in packet) Required Reading: 4 Session 4 10/24 (Wed) Topics: Behavior of Individual Investors Behavior of individual investors, home bias and naive diversification, individual buying and selling decisions, disposition effects, individuals vs. institutions.Advances (pp 50-56), Chapter 1, section 7 Advances (pp 543-569), Chapter 15 Advances (pp 570-601), Chapter 16 Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 5 10/29 (Mon) Topics: Stock Index: Predictability and Market Timing Stock index-return predictability, equity premium puzzle, market timing and tactical asset allocation Advances (pp 173-201), Chapter 5 Change Agent: How Greenspan Finally Came to Terms †¦, by Schlesinger (in packet) Advances (pp 22-35), Chapter 1, section 4 (academic and theoretical) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 6 10/31 (Wed) Topics: Anomalies in Stock Portfolio ReturnsPortfolios that beat the market (even after adjusting for beta); the price effect of investor mis-reactions, momentum and reversal, post-earning-announcement drifts, post-corporate-event returns Advances (pp 35-41), Chapter 1, section 5. 0 Does the Stock Market Overreact? by DeBondt-Thaler (in packet) Advances (pp 353-388), Chapter 10 Required Reading: 5 Session 7 11/5 (Mon) Topics: Value and Momentum – Theories and Explanations Explanations of value and momentum effect; combining value and momentum; using volume to improve return predictability Advances (pp 41-47), Chapter 1, sections 5. -5. 3 (theoretical) Contagious Speculation and a Cure for Cancer, by Huberman and Regev (in packet) Price Momentum and Trading Volume, by Lee and Swaminathan (on Blackboard) All the News That’s Fit to Reprint, by Tetlock (on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 8 11/7 (Wed) Topics: Earnings Quality and Corporate Governance How to measure earnings quality? How to rank firms’ corporate governance? Can we use them to p redict stock returns? Do Stock Prices Fully Reflect Information in Accruals and Cash Flows About Future Earnings? y Sloan (in packet) Corporate Governance and Equity Prices, by Gompers, Ishii, and Metrick (posted on Blackboard) Earnings Quality and Stock Returns, by Chan, Chan, Jegadeesh, and Lakonishok (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 9 11/12 (Mon) Topics: Effect of Short-Sale Constraints on Stock Prices The asymmetry between buying stocks and shorting stocks; the costs and risks of short-selling stocks; disagreement of valuations among investors, short-sale constraints, trading volumes, and their effects on stock prices Read the Wikipedia coverage of stock short selling: http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Short_(finance) Disagreement and the Stock Market, by Hong-Stein (in packet) Short Sale Constraints and Overpricing, by Lamont (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: 6 Session 10 11/14 (Wed) Required Reading: Guest Speaker TBA None EXAM: 11/19 (Mon) 11/21(Wed): Monday, November 19, in class. No class, Thanksgiving Break Session 11 11/26 (Mon) Topics: Applications of Behavioral Finance in Asset Management Do value and momentum still work? What happened in August 2007?Discussion of issues in practical applications of portfolio strategies based on anomalies in behavioral finance Papers Study August Crisis, by Anderson (in packet) What Happened to the Quants in August 2007? by Khandani and Lo (posted on Blackboard) Required Reading: Optional Reading: Session 12 11/28 (Wed) Topics: Application: Understanding the Chinese Stock Market (As an Example of Emerging Markets) Try to appreciate that many other markets around the world are quite different from the US stock market; understanding the Chinese stock market as an example of emerging markets. None Required Reading: 7

Desperation By Stepen King essays

Desperation By Stepen King essays Desperation, a recent Stephen King novel, is not just a book, but an experience that leaves the reader frightened, paranoid, and questioning his moral beliefs. Picture, if you will, a lone, crazed Nevada policeman who pulls over vehicles on a lonely desert highway and forcefully takes away their occupants. Whichever of them he doesnt kill immediately, he locks up in the jail of the small desolate town of Desperation. Among those captured are the vacationing Carver family, whose car is sabotaged on its way to Arizona. Already incarcerated is Tom Billingsley, a once well-known member of the now slaughtered community of Desperation. They are soon joined by formerly famous, currently old and overweight writer, Johnny Marinville, who is riding across the country on his Harley-Davidson gathering material for a book of short stories. How to escape Desperation isnt the only unanswered question, though. How could and why would one man single-handedly murder the population of an entire town? H ow does he have such control over the minds of the animals? Why are they locked up when he could have killed them like every one else? Whatever it is that possesses the body of officer Collie Entraigan cant last forever, though. After several days his body is falling apart at the seams, and he is bleeding from every orifice. Weirder yet, he is growing several inches a day and is bound to burst soon. Will he? Or are the occupants of the local Desperation jail just backup bodies that the possessor will use when it wears out its current one? If so then what is it? More importantly, whos next? An intriguing aspect of this book is that there is no real protagonist. King leaves the reader in constant suspense. Frequently changing views, the story follows one character or group of characters for one chapter and then in the next chapter, follows another, often intertwining the time sequences. The overlapping action is interrupted only by f...

buy custom Nationalism in Today’s Modern States essay

buy custom Nationalism in Today’s Modern States essay The topic of nationalism cannot be sufficiently handled without first defining what a nation is. It is difficult to give nation a definition, but it can be explained by looking at its characteristics. These are the characteristics that are common to number of nations; therefore, the one is able to derive a notion of a nation. All nations consist of a mixture of cultural and political characteristics that are either objective or subjective. In terms of being objective, nations can be termed as cultural entities that are groups of people, who speak the same language, have the same religion and share a similar past etcetera. Defined subjectively, a nation is a psycho-political construction. The members of the particular nation regard themselves as the unity. It is characterized by having a distinctive political order. This is what differentiates a nation from an ethnic group. Nationalism has been on the rise both in the US and the rest of the world since the turn of the century. This is rather unexpected because nationalism had been on the decline for the better part of the 20th century, driven by the emergence of international organizations, such as the UN, regional organizations, such as NATO, International NGOs and globalization. After the turn of the century, several events have occurred that have ignited nationalistic emotions. The main ones are the September 11 (9/11), and the subsequent war on terrorism, and the global economic recession. This paper is going to explore the issue of nationalism in the modern times and factors that are fuelling nationalism feelings. The paper will explore how nationalism varies from one country to another; and the role played by women in building nations. WHAT DESCRIBES NATIONALISM IN THE MODERN USA? IN THE WORLD? Modern nationalism in the US is characteristically different from the rest of the world. This is because while one may describe nationalism in other countries in terms of culture, ethnicity, territory or language, the same cannot be said about the USA. This is because it has a variety of all the above, though some theorists have claimed that, in fact, the USA has an Anglo-Saxon culture. This claim is debatable. The USA nationalism is defined by its influence as a superpower. It is embodied in its multinational companies, and it influences in other spheres of life as a super power. In the USA, there is an ongoing debate as to whether the behavior expressed by the US citizens is patriotism or nationalism. This is so because the term nationalismis not well received. People prefer calling themselves as patriots. However, what is referred to as patriotism in the US carries the same characteristics with what is referred to as nationalism elsewhere. In other countries, nationalism is defined by culture, political or civic entities, ethnicity, language or terrestrial boundaries. For example, the UK nationalism is made of the English, Scottish, North Irish and Welsh cultures. Countries, like Serbia, Albania and Czech Republic, are defined by ethnicity, while many of the former colonies in Africa are defined by territorial boundaries. WHAT HAPPENED TODAY THAT THEORIST CALL A NATION OR NATIONALISM? According to Breuilly (137) there is virtually no agreement amongst scholars as to what nationalism is. Each scholar handling this topic begins by explaining at length what nationalism is in the context he would like to consider. Lack of consensus on the topic can partly be explained as resulting from the many avenues this same issue can be approached from. Breilly identified the following approaches to nationalism; I. Particular histories that explain certain nationalism. II. General histories that view nationalism as a consequence of modernity. III. General historical perspectives that see nationalism as a political expression of the emergence of nations; therefore, relating different nationalism to different types of nations. IV. Studies that dig deeper to discover the underlying issues that give rise to a particular nationalism. These realities could be based on class, psychology or modernization. Goodman (13-33) provides five parameters in which nationalism can be approached from. These are; I. Ethno-national theories, which focus on the role of ethnicity in shaping nationalism. There are countries whose nationalism is based on having monolithic ethnic group. Countries in South East Europe such as Albania, Serbia, Czech Republic and Kosovo are based on ethnicity. These nations came into being because of the ethnic composition of people inhabiting the territories, more than any other factors. Some nations, for example, Yugoslavia, broke up into several nations based on the ethnic composition of a region. The Rwanda and Burundi conflicts are also based on the ethnic nationalism. II. Modernization theories, which put emphasis on the role played by socio-economic factors in the development of nationalism, chief among them is industrialization. This form of nationalism arises from pride of a peoples accomplishment in development. The citizens share their success in development. This theory can explain nationalism in countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Brazil, whose citizens may feel proud to be associated with their country for its accomplishment more than anything else. III. State-centered theories, which associate nationalism with the state system and international relations. These are states that are nations due to territorial matters more than anything else. Simply said, boundaries were drawn based on physical features that lumped together all the people within that territory as one nation. Because of this, they established a state machinery to run the nation, which also represented them in international matters. IV) Class centered theories, which view nationalism as having risen out of class relations and economic influences. This happens in the US where one class of people see themselves as more American than others, especially those who are highly endowed. V) Uneven development theories, which explain nationalism that arise where a region or a part of a country has been neglecting wise development, rise up to claim its share. This may partly explain the birth of nations, such as South Sudan one. Nationalism is inflamed by marginalization. WHY DO MODERN THEORISTS CLAIM NATIONALISM TO EXIST IN THE USA? IN THE WORLD? Theorists claim nationalism to exist in the USA and other countries in the world, because the USA, like the rest of the world, manifests characteristics of nationalism as they are espoused by the theorist. Nationalism in the USA like in the rest of the world had been on a decline in the 20th century. This can be attributed to the changes that occurred in the century, such as the rise of supra-nationalist institutions, such as the UN; and due to the effect of globalization, where people were now encouraged to think and act globally. However, everything changed after 9/11. Post 9/11 nationalism has risen to high levels, sometimes high enough to cause concern. This is not unexpected though. When a country is under threat, the citizens respond through increased patriotism and nationalism. While patriotism, the expression of love towards ones country, is positive all through, nationalism, when taken to extreme, is dangerous. It may breed intolerance, xenophobic reactions, racial discrimin ation and animosity among fellow countrymen, where one party feels more patriotic than the other and, in fact, accuses the other of being traitors. Looking at the verbal attacks by conservative Republicans on Democrats, one cannot help but come to conclusion that post 9/11 the USA is expressing nationalism to levels that should raise concern. The finger-pointing habit, accusations and counter accusations on who is truly Americans, have been flying in the media. Such phrases as country first are meant to awaken the nationalism fires. Not that nationalism is worthless, but when it is stretched too far, it ends up causing disunity among the citizens instead of creating unity that moderate nationalism should bear. Post 9/11 nationalism brought to the fore both the best of American nationalism embodied in respect for human rights and a republican government, and wht is not likeable, such as religious, anti-elitist, and racially inclined populism. This manifestation on nationalism isolated America both from some of its traditional allies and its foes. America has lost a part of respect and goodwill it used to enjoy internationally, because it was taken as manifesting arrogance and insubordination. The modern American nationalism has sought connections to the nations past. Indeed, such movements, like the Tea Party, keep on referring to the ancestors and calling for a return to the principles of their Founding Fathers. It expresses nostalgia for a return to the old days, when America respected God and was respected by the rest of the world. The measure of a true America is conformity to the principles held by the Founding Fathers. Modern nationalism in the USA has also been tainted by a show of religious and racial intolerance. This is so, especially, against the Muslims and the Blacks. While this is not connected to the government, one finds it among the ultraconservatives, who act as if it is wrong to be a Muslim or to be a person of another race. A lot is said about President Obama; he is accused of being a Muslim and a Black person, as if it is wrong to be either. Nationalism has further been fuelled by the recent economic recession. Phrases like buy America, build America were coined in response to the increasing tread of importing Chinese-made merchandise and in part due to relocation of the Americas manufacturing businesses to China, where production cost is low. This reliance on the foreign made products, and shifting jobs overseas became an issue after the economic recession due to increasing levels of unemployment. Anti-Chinese rhetoric increased, and the feeling is that the USA should be more assertive in its dealing with China. One cannot conclude discussing Americas nationalism without mentioning Israel. America now, just like in the past, has stood with Israel in thick and thin. Indeed this has become one of the Americas identifications. Whenever a question concerning Israel comes, America takes Israel defense. Two events in the near past clearly manifested this; when Palestinians decided to seek a seat in the UN, the USA said it will use its veto power to block it. When UNESCO voted to have Palestine as a member of the body, the USA withdrew all its contribution to the organization. A pro-Israel policy has, therefore, been one of the defining characteristics of the USA nationalism. Nationalism has, therefore, been on the rise in the USA since the 9/11 events. It has been taken to greater heights by ultra-conservatives, such as the Tea Party movement. The downside of it is that it has divided the American publicity and created a negative image to the other nations who interpret it as arrogance. NATIONALISM IN THE REST OF THE WORLD Virtually in any nation on the face of the globe, nationalism has been on the increase. Russia, after a lull following the collapse of the USSR, has become increasingly assertive in the global scene; its citizens have gained back the self confidence they had lost following the devastating economic meltdown, after the collapse of the USSR. It has become more assertive in dealing with Europe and the USA, and in some cases acted as a protector to nations such as Iran and Zimbabwe. With an improved economy and better prospects, Russians are again proud of themselves, and are looking to set and play a bigger role on the global scene (Carens). In Israel nationalism cannot be divorced with religion. The country emphasizes its Jewish roots and that alone forms the main basis of determining citizenship. There are Jews of African origin, European origin and Eastern origin, but, all of them are identified as one nation, because they share a common religion. Nationalism has been on the rise inside Israel. This is manifested by the government Israel chooses; one lead by an ultranationalist. It is also manifested by the continued building of houses in the disputed West Bank and East Jerusalem and by laying a claim to the whole of Jerusalem as belonging to the Jews. It is noteworthy that the Israelites have even been bold enough to disagree openly with the USA, its main ally. In Turkey, amid an economic boom that has propelled the country to the G20 economic club, nationalism has been on the rise. The country has mainly managed to contain the Kurdish rebels that were a menace to the government, and to enjoy tranquility. This economic boom and stability has made Turkey a shining star in the region and raised the countrys profile globally. Its regional influence has been manifested through an increased role in the Palestinian conflict and in supporting progressive movements during the Arab Spring Revolutions. Over in Africa, where anti-colonialism nationalism rules large, the story is mixed. There are the countries, whose welfare has improved leading to an increased sense of pride. For example in Kenya after the post-election chaos in 2008, a new constitution was adopted and improved governance has increased peoples confidence in themselves. The country is currently engaged in war in the neighboring Somalia fighting the Al-Shabab group, the AL-Qaida linked terrorist group. As would be expected, the nationalism among citizens is at its peak in showing solidarity with their government. Nationalism is most complex in Somalia; a country that is made up of one ethnic group speaking one language, but where due to the clan wars, the country has never had a stable government for the last twenty years. In Burundi, war continues along ethnic lines, a testimony of a nation was brought together by colonial boundaries more than anything else. WHERE DO MODERN NATIONS HAPPEN OR BEGIN AS THE RESULT OF HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS? The modern nations began in France during the French Revolution. The idea thereafter spread to the rest of Europe, and with time to the whole world. Nations were formed through peace, when people living in a territory organized a common government, or when a ruler conquered a territory by force, and imposed his will on the people. The Dutch Republic and the USA are examples of nations that were formed by agreement of people living in the same territory. On the other hand, the former colonies belonging to European powers and the Eastern Europe countries are examples of nations that were formed by force. Of the nations that were brought together by force, some has disintegrated later into different nations after armed struggles and after gaining recognition from the United Nations (Bell). WHAT ROLE DO WOMEN PLAY IN THE MODERN NATIONS AS POLITICAL ATTRIBUTES In modern democracy, the representation of women in politics is significant, hence, has allowed democracy to prevail all over the modern states. Women presentation in parliament has encouraged female participation in politics in general. Just as men, women have a right to be elected without discrimination; hold key positions in leading public and civic offices, and even attend various public functions legalized by the laywomens participation in politics; provide them with a well ground of their position in the society, as they play a vital role not only in the family, but also in the country as MPs. Secondly, women act as role models and opinion leaders. Thirdly, they provide legal corresponding with the various institutions in the society. These not only allows womens interests to be met, but also helps in decision making where justice and compliance is met according to the democratic standards. If women did not participate in politics, the ideas of equality, development, peace and democracy would not be achieved since they reflect the social structure. Article 7 of the Convection on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women explains that women and men are equal; they should be awarded equal participation in all public ceremonies, vote in all elections and be equally elected in public offices, participate in implementing government policies and formulating them. They, also, should participate in associations that are concerned with the countrys social and political affairs, including the non-governmental organizations operations. The presence of women, however, in public associations brings a revised endeavor between public space, immorality and feminism, despite the fact that male candidates compete among themselves. They base theiir defeat on internal hierarchies such as the race, availability of capital, thus creating a double competition for most women working hard to win among themselves, and yet again among the men. Women possess disti nctive values more than men; hence, they become potential assets in the political field. Such attributes, as the willingness of women to take responsibilities from the grassroots, are much more desired by the public. Womens efforts can, however, be frustrated by the men candidates to provide well designed policies, hence they end up losing. As compared to the traditional system of governance where women were viewed as inferior hence they had no speech in any political ground hence lacked power the modern world has once women brought into existent women with power, with strong ideologies that fit their best interest. Since politics has always been regarded a male activity and women out of politics, it is a challenge in that key public policies are based on the old ideas of division of labor, hence related to issues of the family that is why different roles are assigned to various people in the government institutions. Women participating in politics are regarded as liberal radicals or even socialists according to the existing philosophies of governance to construct their own personal ideas. Women have been seen to have democratic ideas that undermine dictatorship by all means hence creating fear among men in the political field. In the modern world, women have been able to acquire key position in most states one as presidents of nations, members of parliament hence serving the contemporary society. This ideology has proved women to be strong individuals, thereby disapproving that they are weak individuals, and that they should submit to men always. These women in the political field define themselves as citizens with achievement within the government central offices, the judiciary and even the military. However, the role of women and men in the political field should not be disregarded in providing peaceful coexistence in the country and the neighboring countries, as far as democracy and equality are concerned. DIFFERENCES IN GENDER BETWEEN NATIONS AS NATIONALISM ARE CONCERNED Gender is a range of characteristics that differentiate males from females; while nationalism is the political ideology to belong to a particular country hence being patriotic to it. George Santayana explains that nationalism is like the relationship that men have with women, in that a nations needs are identified by the struggle of men and what they tend to aspire. Gender differences between men and women define entirely the national difference limits between power men and women have. As for women, their membership in collectivities and structures dominating can only affect their power and status amongst themselves. Women play key roles as socializers of a nations youth, and in passing on the nations values and culture. In most nations women and men create mobilization in times of war. While men are willing to sacrifice themselves for their nation, the act of nationalism hence is a patriotic act to a given nation. As nation and states seek to modernize, they have gone to the society creating distinctive roles to women as wives and mothers. Contemporary nationalism has focused on men and masculinity to handle nation state issues; however, women are coming up strongly, hence, taking up high positions from men. The national elites ignored the colonial gender order; since they were the one taking up leadership roles and resources that were regarded valuable, excluding the women. Through nationalism, however, feminists movements have emerged; hence, complex relations with the state affecting key developments with the state. Gender class, ethnicity and generations do not identify themselves with national formations in the same way. Women are allowed, in some nations, to participate actively in opposition, politics, movements, and decision making in institutions and review processes. Legal investigations assert that nations and states are gender based; due to the fact that those roles are written by men while women act on them. Hence, Enloe argues what is the relationship between manhood and masculinity to that effect. The United States of America and Europe, however, relate the manly virtues and the needs of a contemporary nation. The virtue of independence, a country requires that stability to function with its own people, strength, willpower and the liberty fraternity and equality that reflect country as well as a man that why most states are associated with masculinity. These various stereotypes, however, argue why nations are to be related to women and men. Since women gender equality there are various virtues women, who fail to possess so as to be associated to country as being feministic. Nationalism, however, entails good governance whether by women or men. In the country, women reproduce, while men guard the state. That is a notion. A nations imagery of a mother portrays women as symbolic, whose offspring belong to that nation. Feminine nations are vulnerable to attacks, and they are nurtured, thus, the territory should be guarded by the male soldiers. Mens domination provides a better understanding of recent global and national politics. Cynthia Enloe (94) observes that nationalism has emerged from masculinized memory, masculinized humiliation and hope. It is evident in the apartheid regime, in South Africa where nationalism was a sign of hope till 1994, when it gained independence, men are persistent hence are symbolic to have undergone the n ations shed of blood. WHEN NATIONALISM AROSE IN THE MODERN WORLD Nationalism emerged during the middle ages of 400 A.D.; the developed countries by that time were nation states. By the end of the 1700s, these include Spain, France, and England. Nationalism was a notion that united the people and set their belonging to a certain country because of a common goal, common religion, history, the same language and culture. By the 1800, nationalism had become a powerful ideology, in that the powerful states wanted to own and conquer other countries. Due to hard work, determination and persistence, some of the European nations gained full independence. For instance, Greece gained its independence from Turkey in1829. Nationalism was a source of patriotism, though other leaders, like Adolf Hitler of Germany, misused the ideology. Hitler was an absolute leader, and his thoughts and behavior resulted in killing his enemies mercilessly during his times. Though Adolf Hitler nationalism was viewed as a chauvinistic idea, it was an aggressive ideology. During the early times, European nations began to take an interest in economic and political opportunities that arose. They somehow gained American wealth and resources by increasing their intervention worldwide. The modern world intensified long distance trade among nations; hence, leading to cross cultural interaction creating a more diversified world that sharpened the global economy, and a consolidation of centralized states. Richard, however, explains that a modern coherent state has religious freedom, global economy that is diversified, world population increasing, powerful technologies and the intensification of land use. The modern world began to develop in the 1500-1800 on the basis of the global era. Nationalism is viewed as a recent phenomenon in different nations worldwide. Nationalism will continue to emerge through secondary roles where issues of complexity would need to be addressed while they still remain old as the mankind. It had emerged and flourished strongly during the Second World War, where nations fought for superiority over other nation. In addition, the fall of the USSR and the decolonization of Africa led to collapsing of nationalism hence paving way for democracy. Nation and nationalism are social constructions designed for revolutions and mass mobilization, creating change in the contemporary society. Nationalism had emerged and become important and dominant during the agrarian epoch of the human history. It uses prehistorically cultures and cultural wealth to transform the nations radically. It is an ideology that would not have existed, if not for the European nations. Nationalism can lose its meaning since most nations will become dependent on themselves politically and economically, making nationalism a historical ideology. Buy custom Nationalism in Today’s Modern States essay

Theory of planned behavior( Ajzen, 1991) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Theory of planned behavior( Ajzen, 1991) - Essay Example The theory relates human behavior to beliefs, arguing that our behavior is influenced by our beliefs. The following study expounds on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The theory of planned behavior was coined by Icek Ajzen in 1985 after seemingly developing it from his joint proposal with Martin Fishbein’s of the theory of reasoned action in 1975 (Fishbein & Cappella, 2006). The theory of reasoned action was developed from many other proposed theories such as the attribution theory, the consistency theories, the expectancy-value theories, and the learning theories. As such, the theory of planned behavior is far-fetched; containing multiple frameworks from many other [proposed] theories. Ajzen coined this theory after evaluating and concluding that individual theories did not satisfactorily attempt to explain human behavior which, according to him is a â€Å"complex and difficult task† (Ajzen, 1991). Behavioral intention: This is the extent to which an intended behavior has motivational factors. It states that the higher the intention to perform a behavior, the higher the chances of it being performed. Social norms: Social norms are simply the standard customary codes as perceived by the larger context of society. In short, it is the level to which a behavior is acceptable or unacceptable according to society. These constructs are categorized into three contexts, that influence human behavior; individual attributes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. According to the theory of planned behavior, these three elements combined are what determine intention and/or action. They are discussed herein: Ajzen developed the context of perceived behavioral control from Bandura’s self-efficacy concept which states that a person’s ability to execute a behavior depends on their perception of its difficulty or ease. In short, a person’s belief is what motivates or demotivates them from executing a certain action. Belief may act as an

Argument response paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Argument response paper - Essay Example I believe that when families are developed on the patterns of kinship, family members are quite closely related to each other and they do not think in an individualistic manner. Kinship is the best pattern for a family because in such a pattern families and its members find it easier to depend on each other and they share problems with each other. When problems are shared, people within the family try to find a solution to the problem together and everyone tries to help. Due to this, the burden of solving problems is shares and due to decrease in the burden, the person facing the problem does not have to take enough stress. On the other hand, individuals who belong to families where individualism is promoted experience higher level of stress as they try to solve problems on their own. This is why individuals belonging to individualistic cultures end up indulging in deviant behaviors such as drinking and abusing drugs. In case of kinship, families keep a close eye on each other and if the find patterns of drug abuse are being developed by a family member, they tend to intervene and help the individual in getting rid of the