Financial Statement Analysis of Dutch Lady

I. INTRODUCTION Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (â€Å"Dutch Lady Malaysia†), a company established in 1963, is currently leading in the business of quality branded dairy in Malaysia. The company, whose holding company is Royal FrieslandCampina–a Dutch multinational corporation, one of the largest milk companies in the world- was the first milk company in Malaysia to be listed on Bursa Malaysia, the local Stock Exchange in 1968.Being the leading producer and seller of quality dairy products and fruit juices for home and export market (such as Infant formula, many types of milks, yoghurt and fruit juice drinks), Dutch Lady Malaysia has a strong consumer following and represented by strong brands (such as Dutch Lady, Frisolac, Completa, Omela, Friso, and Joy). In addition, it was the first company in the world to introduce a growing up milk powder specifically formulated for children from ages one to three (known in Malaysia as Dutch Lady 123 and Dutch Lady 456) and is the largest purchaser of local fresh milk from the Veterinary Services Department.The company receives strong support from its holding company. It also believes in product innovation and commitment to its consumers, which lead it to a constant efforts to improve its processes in order to serve its customers with high quality nutritious products. The company gives prime considerations to Quality Control and Quality Assurance. It has continually received accreditation of ISO 9001 since 1995. In terms of food safety, it applies HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) System to all its plants.Meanwhile, for its Environmental Management System it has in place ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series). The Company’s products are all halal-certified. With factory located in Petaling Jaya that employs 600 Malaysians, Dutch Lady Malaysia made an annual revenues of RM692 million in 2009. Currently, Dutch Lady Malaysia is leading in the market o f key milk categories such as UHT milk, Sterilised milk and Growing-Up milk. II. PERFORMANCE RATIOS II. 1. Liquidity Ratio Liquidity ratio refers to ability of company to meet its short term obligation. There are eight types of liquidity ratio: . | Working Capital Ratio = Current Assets – Current Liabilities| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 193,784 – 96,855= 96,929| = 234,244 – 106,261=127,983| = 324,466 – 135,309= 189,157| 2. | Current Ratio = Current AssetsCurrent Liabilities| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 193,78496,856=2 :1| = 234,244106,261 =2. 2 :1| = 324,466135,309 =2. 39 :1| 3. | Acid Test Ratio = Quick AssetsCurrent Liabilities| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 136,23296,855=1. 4 :1| =161,522106,261 =1. 52 :1| =230,978135,309 =1. 7 :1| 4. | Account Receivable Turnover = Sales on AccountAverage Accounts Receivable| | 2009| 2010| 2011| = 691,847(94,369+122,858)/2=6. 36 times| = 696,625(75,176 + 94,369)/2=8. 22 times| = 810,647(36,714 + 75,176)/2 =14. 56 times| 5. | Invent ory Turnover = Cost of Goods SoldAverage Inventory| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 462,510(57,552+74,902)/2= 6. 98 times| = 447,961(72,722+57,552)/2=6. 88 times| = 506,175(93,448+72,722)/2=6. 09 times| 6. | Days Sales Uncollected = Ending Accounts Receivable(Debtor Turnover Ratio) Net Sales| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =94,369691,847 x 365=49. 7=50 days| =75,176696,625 x 365=39. 3=39 days| =36,714810,647 x 365=16. 5=16 days| 7. Days’ Sales in Inventory = Ending InventoryCost of Goods Sold| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =57,552462,510 x 365=45 days| =72,722447,961 x 365=59 days| =93,448506,175 x 365=67 days| 8. | Total Assets Turnover = Net SalesAverage Total Assets| | =691,847(280,990+288,570)/2=2. 42 times| =696,625(307,490 +280,990)/2=2. 37 times| =810,647(398,514+307,490)/2=2. 30 times| The increasing amount of working capital shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is able to continue their operations and it has sufficient cash flow to satisfy both short term debt and upcoming expenses.D utch Lady Milk Industries Berhad experiences an increasing self-support through its growing current assets compared to its current liabilities. The current ratio and quick ratio of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is more than ideal ratio. The increasing percentage of both ratios is indicating Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has the ability to pay its current obligations in time. From account receivable turnover, in 2011 shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad converts 14. 56 times from account receivable into cash. In 2009 and 2010, the sales movement from account to cash is not quite good because above 12 times.However, as we can see from inventory turnover from 2009-2011, indicating that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad inventory management techniques in 2010 and 2011 are less efficient as compared to that in 2009 because productions selling is less frequently and make the number of inventory increase. The decline in the total of days’ sales uncollected from 2009 to 2011 shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has an effective accounts payable procedures. It would benefit Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad because they would get cash faster from their customers.The days sales in inventory measures the liquidity of inventory, the operating cycle time for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad in 2009 is shorter than 2010 and 2011, they only need 45 days, 22 days faster than in the 2011. Technically total asset turnover shows how many times company can generate revenue from every dollar asset that they have, it measures the efficiency of assets in producing sales. In 2009, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad can use their assets efficiently compared to the year 2010 and 2011. II. 2. Solvency Ratio It measures the ability of firm to survive in the long run.There are 4 types of solvency ratio: 1. | Debt Ratio = Total Liabilities Total Assets| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =101,005280,990x 100=35. 9 %| =110,018307,490x 100= 35. 7 %| =139,360398,514x 100=34. 9 %| 2. | Equity Ratio = Total Equity Total Assets| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 179,985280,990=64% | =197,472307,490=64. 2% | =259,154398,514=65% | 3. | Debt to Equity Ratio = Total LiabilitiesTotal Equity| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =101,005179,985=56. 1%| =110,018197,472=55. 7%| =139,360259,154=53. 7%| 4. | Times Interest Earned = Net Income before Interest Expense and Income ExpenseInterest Expense | | 2009| 2010| 2011| = 82,031 1=82 times| = 89,2210=0 times| = 139,368 919=152 times| Based on the table above, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has favorable debt ratio. There is a decline of percentage from 35. 9% (2009) to 34. 9% (2011), indicating that they has a good strategy in reducing company’s assets that are contributed by creditors. Equity ratio shows that they have tendency to depend more on the owner for financing. Consequently, it is considered as a good result for the investors as long as the company earns good profits and maintains its performance.Debt to Equity Ratio has decreased from 56. 1% to 53. 7% in 2009 and 2011 respectively, which means that in 2011 for 1 RM of Dutch Company owned by the shareholders, they owe 53. 7 cent to creditors. This is a good indicator that the company is not facing a risky situation as its business does not rely the financing on debt. The investors, therefore, may find the company as a promising firm to invest. II. 3. Profitability Ratio It is used to assess a business’s ability to generate earnings as compared to its expenses and other relevant costs incurred during a specific period of time.There are 4 types of profitability ratios: 1. | Gross Profit Margin = Net Sales – Cost of Sales Net Sales| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =691,847-462,510691,847= 33%| =710,588-447,961710,588=36%| =810,647-506,175810,647=37%| 2. | Operating Profit Margin = Net Income Net Sales| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =82,031691,847=12%| =89,221710,588=12. 5%| =139,368810,647=17%| 3. | Return on Total Assets = Net IncomeAverage Total Asse ts| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =60,400(280,990+288,570)/2=21. 21 %| =63,887(307,490+280,990)/2=21. 71 %| =108,082(398,514+307,490)/2=31. 1%| 4. | Return on Common Stockholders’ Equity = Net Income – Preferred DividendsAverage Common Stockholders’ Equity| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | =60,400-0(179,985+161,585)/2=35. 37 %| =63,887-0(197,472+179,985)/2 =33. 85 %| =63,887-0(197,472+197,472)/2 =32. 35 %| Based on the graph above, we can see the percentage of gross profit margin has been increasing over the last three years. It is a good sign for a company, as it is considered as a sign of healthy and growing company. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is able maintain their inflow and outflow.It is able to make a reasonable profit on sales by keeping its overhead costs in control. Operating profit margin ratio increases from 12% (2009) to 17% (2011), showing that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has a great management skill and operating efficiency. However, there is a decline i n the percentage of return on total assets from 21. 50% to 20. 78% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This reveals that year 2010 is less profitable. Return on assets (RoA) declines from 21. 50% to 20. 78% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This could be an indicator that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has spent much assets to do business.If they have to pay a lot in order to maintain these assets, it will decrease the RoA even lower since the maintenance costs will decrease their earnings. In 2011, however, we can see in the table that there is an increase to 27. 12%. This indicates that they required less assets on that year. A high or low RoE needs to be interpreted in the context of a company's debt-equity relationship. The rise percentage of RoE (Return on Equity) above RoA shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad takes a financial leverage. In 2010, by taking on debt, Dutch Lady increased its asset than to the cash that came in.It may be sign that management is using leverage t o increase profits and profit margins. So, debt amplifies RoE in relation to ROA. II. 4. Market Prospect Ratio For Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad, the market prospects can be observed from Earnings per Share, Price-Earnings Ratio and Dividend Yield. 1. | Basic Earnings per Share (EPS) = Net Income – Preferred Dividends Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 60,400,000-064,000,000= 99. 40 cent | = 63,887,000-064,000,000= 99. 80 cent | = 108,082,000-064,000,000= 168. 90 cent| 2. Diluted Earnings per Share| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | There were no diluted earnings per share for the company| There were no diluted earnings per share for the company| There were no diluted earnings per share for the company| 3. | Price-Earnings Ratio (PE) = Market Price per ShareEarnings per Share| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 1162 cent99. 40 cent= 11. 69 times| = 1754 cent99. 80 cent=17. 58 times| = 2340 cent168,90 cent=13. 85 times| 4. | Dividend Yield = Annual Dividends per ShareMarket Price per Share| | 2009| 2010| 2011| | = 65. 63 cent1162 cent=5. 65%| = 72. 50 cent1754 cent=4. 3%| = 72. 50 cent2340 cent=3. 1%| The improvement of basic EPS for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad from 99. 40 cent in 2009 to 168. 90 cent in 2011 is an indication that the company can generate its share to gain better profit every year. Diluted earnings per share is illustrated the assumption of the worst case scenario, it means if the company announce any dilution it will decrease the equity position in every issuance of additional shares. Diluted earnings per share seen as a bad thing for the shareholders because it will reduce the amount of the basic EPS that belongs to their stock.Thus, no diluted EPS in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad can be interpreted that there were no reduction of the basic earnings per share for every share issued. For Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad, the PE ratio from 2009 to 2010 is increasing because the market price per share in 2010 is h igher than that in 2009. Market price per share indicates how much the price that market stock is willing to pay or sell for the share. Therefore, when the market price is going up, it means that the stock is quite appreciated, more demand that is willing to buy rather than to sell. Whereas, PE ratio from 2010 to 2011 decreased from 17. 8 times to 13. 85 times because of the firm’s earnings per share rises. In this case, however, the investors who already had share in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad are recommended to hold their stocks, because the market price tends to rise. For long-term outlook, keeping the shares is still better then selling them. However, PE ratio is not the only information to be considered in carrying out stocks investment. Thus, no diluted EPS in Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad can be interpreted that there were no reduction of the basic earnings per share for every share issued.The dividend yield by Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is declining from 5. 65% in 2009 to 3. 1% in 2011, because the rise of its market stock price. If the dividend yield increases because the market stock price is fall, it will make investors unhappy. High yields can be a sign of an unsustainably high dividend. Some investors perceives that dividends are important and usually their interest is in receiving a steady return each year. The Dutch Lady stockholders seem to be less concerned with the dividends. For them, the important things are the stock price appreciation and capital gains.III. RECOMMENDATION 1. Improve a long operating cycle ratio. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad should increase collection efforts on accounts receivable to ensure timely payment from customers, for example are frequent billing or increased collection calls and correspondence. They can decrease unused inventory by putting on sales or selling overstock products to resellers. Negotiate for more favorable payment terms with creditors to give the company more time to pay bills without incurring late payment penalties or additional interest. . Increase the liquidity of inventory Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad should evaluate their sales, because the operating cycle in inventory take longer time than the previous year. If the sales not improving and only in a steady condition, it will increase inventory, and occurs loss for the company, because their product will be expired. To solve this problem, they can expand to the new market/export, increase their sales with promotion and advertisement. Brand awareness is important to encourage customer buy the product.If they success improving the sales, the company not only will generate more profit but also have a less inventory. 3. Manage total asset turnover efficiently. The efficiency of total asset in producing sales decreased from 2009 to 2011. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad should allocating their resource and update technology to maximize the utilization of asset. Furthermore, they also have the depreciation of current assets, before the book value of their current asset decreasing they can improve human resource/labor competencies to use the asset efficiently. 4. Improving the price earnings ratio.This ratio reflected confidence of the shareholders to buy and keep Dutch Lady stock, and will attract more big investors. If the company can maintain their supply towards the market demand in the stock market, and also maintain the earnings per share by increasing net income, it will increase the price earnings ratio. Because the higher price earnings ratio means the more opportunity for Dutch Lady to grow. This improvement can support point 2 of the recommendations, the more they can keep the big investors happy, the more opportunity Dutch Lady to expand the market. IV. CONCLUSIONSThe increasing amount of working capital shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is able to continue their operations and it has sufficient cash flow to satisfy both short term debt and upcoming expenses. The company does not seem to face any risk of being unable to meet its current obligation. However, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has problem in the management of inventory system, the production capacity is exceed than the ability to sell their product. Solvency ratio shows that Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad prefers to finance their business from owner’s equity instead of debt.This is a favorable condition for investors as their investments are not put in risky situation. This is also a favorable for creditors, as the company provides them with a safety and security by its ability to quarantee that it is able to pay off all the loans. Market prospect ratio is used to evaluate market growth of the company because this ratio estimates company’s prospect and risk in earning reinvestment and distribution to the shareholders. Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad can be a good target for big investors as it is able to improve their market share every year.Th e improvement of basic EPS for Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad reveals the company’s ability to generate its shares to gain better profit every year. In terms of performance in profitability, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad has demonstrated good performance in profitability. The company has been able to improve its gross margin over the last three years as shown in graph above. The RoE tells common shareholders how effectively their money is being employed. ——————————————– [ 2 ]. Loth, R. Profitability indicator ratios: return on equity.Retrieved November 16, 2012, from http://www. investopedia. com/university/ratios/profitability-indicator/ratio4. asp#ixzz2CMaaeQwt [ 3 ]. Data obtained from Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad Annual Report 2009, 2010, and 2011. [ 4 ]. Draker, P. P. Financial Ratio Analysis. Retrieved November 11, 2012, from http://educ. jmu. edu/~drakep p/principles/module2/fin_rat. pd [ 5 ]. eHow. What Does the Dividend Yield Tell the Investors. Retrieved November 14, 2012, from http://www. ehow. com/facts_5192566_dividend-yield-tell-investor_. html

Why Metal Music Does Not Create Violence in Teenagers

Loud, aggressive, and fast, metal music has been accepted worldwide as an acceptable genre of music. Yet, some people cannot comprehend a genre of music that thrives on being the horror movie of music, and purposefully creates controversy at nearly every turn. â€Å"The media has irresponsibly finger-pointed† (Sterngold). One of the most recent examples of metal being blamed for a national tragedy was in the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Here, a song by Drowning Pool was blamed as the sole motivator for the shootings. However, the most prolific example of the media irresponsibly finger-pointing at metal music has to be the case of Columbine. After the Columbine shootings, the authorities placed sole blame on Marilyn Manson and his music for the shootings suggesting that Manson’s music, or his fans, incite violence (Sterngold). The only problem with their claims was the fact that the two shooters did not listen to, nor where they fans of, Manson’s controversial music. This brings the question of whether or not the claims placed on metal music for leading to violent behavior are true and can be supported. An example of what those who think metal has a direct correlation to violence say that Manson’s music promotes â€Å"hate, violence, death, suicide, drug use, and the attitudes and actions of the Columbine High School Killers (D’Angelo). However, the other side of the story can be best stated by Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo when he said, â€Å"We’re telling stories. It’s not actions-it’s just music. It’s fantasy stuff, just putting thoughts on paper, that’s a crime? † (Considine). Although metal is dark, heavy, and often times inappropriate, it does not have a negative effect on an otherwise normal and productive listener, especially teenagers, because metal is just a different genre of music, meaning that its lyrics do not have a negative affect on an otherwise normal listener. To begin, artists are too often misinterpreted and bashed with claims that are stretched to the point of lies, creating the opinion that all of their listeners can be stereotyped into a select, violent, group. One case of this can be with the band Slayer, one of the most popular thrash metal bands of all time. Slayer has been sued multiple times and is one of the most controversial bands in history. The band was sued twice by California parents who claimed their daughter was murdered in a ritual inspired by Slayer’s music, yet both suits where dismissed (Considine). It also really frustrates the musicians who work so hard to make music, only to see themselves harmed because of it. As Lombardo says sarcastically, â€Å"If they take my drums away, I guess I can’t play any more. But I don’t see that happening, unless I’m living in a Communist culture. † (Considine). It also agitates the fans who feel that they are misconstrued and all used as inferior examples of what music can do to people. Slayer’s fanbase contains more MENSA members than any other metal band (Considine). At this point in time it is also safe to say that people know what they are getting into and what to expect from a band named Slayer. No, this is no band for virgin ears, but this does not give reason for it to be said that they immediately turn everyday human beings into monsters. Slayer knows that where they go, controversy will naturally follow, and this for years has been a successful marketing tool (Considine). Although Slayer is only one example, this idea spreads all the way to people trying to explain violence, and finding scapegoats throughout the media with similar attributes to metal. Also, violence in the media has often been exaggerated, and statistics are often inaccurate to the point where a consistent thesis is no longer possible. According to James K. Fitzpatrick, a former teacher at a Catholic school, his former students who listened to metal went on to lead successful, calm, lives, which in his opinion, proved that the lyrics of songs do not have long term effects on the listener. It also brings to mind exactly why kids in an environment like this would choose metal, when it is certainly not condoned or accepted. It can be inferred that they chose this because of the idea that it would offend adults and others in their lives. According to Fit zpatrick, perfectly normal kids listen to â€Å"shock rock†. There are certain types of kids who like being associated with music that offends some adults (Fitzpatrick). There is an emphasis with Fitzpatrick that lyrics are not detrimental to listeners in the long term and that they are in the end generally meaningless in the quality of a persons life. He states that â€Å"I have seen fans of other rock groups that caused great anxiety to parents in the 1980s†¦mature in a similar way. † (Fitzpatrick) Another reason for the explanation of why violence is often exaggerated can be the fact that violence is so often overstated since we see so little of it. As Rhodes said ‘we live in one of the least violent eras in peacetime history’†(O’Hehir 32). Our society has surely changed in the way we view violence since we are exposed to so little of it. Out society has also changed because of the way we deal with violence. It used to be that we ensured we avoided it all times. Now it seems like we almost react positiv ely to certain types of violence. By viewing violent entertainment individuals will leave with pent up tendencies gone, and anger released (Sparks 115). It seems as though times are truly changing and that in fact violent lyrics do not make mad men, and violence can in fact do some good for certain people. Next, is the fact that metal music is often scapegoated for events where people’s emotions run high, and accusations fly because people feel a need to know a reason. Metal is often first blamed but a majority of these claims are false and without proof. A majority of these claims stating that metal lyrics lead to long term mental problems have been biased, in-conclusive, or accurate. As Harvard physiologist Steven Pinker wrote, â€Å"Media violence research has been flawed and in-conclusive at best, and a great funding scam at worst. † (O’Hehir 25). These claims are strong, and his claims have been backed up by other sources fighting against the claims of others. MIT Professor Henry Jenkins observed that the idea that violent entertainment had consistent and predictable effects on viewers was â€Å"inadequate and simplistic. † (O’Hehir 27). Another reason for the increased blame put on metal is the rise of the digital age, and with it the rise in metal music videos and horror movies. Some would go as far to say that these videos alter the mind producing a mentally unstable person. Yet, as others would claim, media depictions of violence are inherently attractive to the masses, only truly affecting a few people, and are never the sole reason for any mental instability. This is called the Aesthetic Theory of Vandalism or The Aesthetic Theory of Destruction. The theory states that the same things that account for the enjoyment associated with socially acceptable experiences are similarly responsible for the pleasure associated with acts of destruction. Not to mention the fact that from what limited televised media there was in the 1950s and 1960s, a majority of it was uncensored, and unregulated. 50s TV was profoundly routed in guns and gunfire, to a degree that would provoke outspread outrage today (O’Hehir 31). The explanations for blaming metal are not true and barely factually based. Furthermore, metal does not have an affect on the mental stability of a listener, and the there have yet to be a definitive solution to explain that it does. In short, it becomes apparent that there is no correlation between metal and violent behavior, and in fact anger can released when listening to metal. It is also true that metal being blamed for social problems can be generalized into the topic of media violence being blown out of proportion when in fact, our society is generally less violent and more regulated than in previous generations. The question becomes, what can be done about it? The gap between the fans of metal and those against it has always been a large gap, and one that has rarely attempted to be bridged. First, it takes understanding that it is not okay to generalize fans and bands into a group of â€Å"evil† people, and understand also that a majority of the listeners understand that indeed the music they listen to is offensive, and that they enjoy that aspect of it. Certain people who want to listen to this music will, and if they like it, obviously they will continue (Fitzpatrick). It is also important to truly know the person, and never assume that something like listening to a genre of music immediately translates into a personality characteristic or flaw. People like violent in your face things in spite of, not because of, violence only in rare circumstances where the media itself is too good for the violence to negatively affect the experience. † (Sparks 115). When debating the human psyche it is important not to let emotions, biases and judgments interfere with rationale. It is important to listen, and look at facts, proof, and remember that those who appear like a â€Å"metalhead† would, are very different people than you may think.

Popper

â€Å"The greatest disease in the West today is not Tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. † This quote, spoken by Mother Teresa, describes why I aspire to be a nurse. The technology and medicine we have in the world today is extremely advanced. However, this advanced technology and medicine would be worthless without the compassion and quality care given by trained nurses.I remember when my mom got the phone call that my grandfather had stopped breathing and that he only had a few hours to live. My grandparents live in Florida, however; they were driving to New York for a wedding. After they drove through the Lincoln Tunnel, my grandparents' next direction was to make their first right. Instead, my grandfather proceeded to make the first left. My grandmother said, † No, you turned the wrong way! † My grandfather repli ed, † But the hospital is this way. † My mom told me that his heart had stopped. My grandfather has a long history of earth problems and has had many surgeries.He resuscitated by the Meet's and was put into the Intensive Care Unit. My father drove my mother and aunt to New York so they could have the opportunity to see my grandfather still alive since he was not expected to live more than a few hours. With modern medicine and lots of prayer, he was able to make a full recovery. This incident made me want to learn more about how the body and the heart works. Ever since then, I've wanted to be a cardiovascular nurse. To me, being a nurse is far more than a Job or career. It is a continuous learning recess that I look forward to every day.I love the thought that I can wake up every day and help people. In order to be a great nurse, you must have many qualities that enable you to be a leader, an advocate, and a friend. It is a necessity to give quality care. Nurses have to h ave compassion. Compassion is not a single trait. Compassion means you care, you are loyal, devoted, honest, and hardworking. It means you are willing to do more for others than for yourself. Now I am in my senior year of high school and I am still working towards my dream of becoming a cardiovascular nurse.I am in the nursing program at Hartford Tech and I am currently participating in clinical at Lories Nursing Home. After I complete 40 hours of hands-on experience at Lories and pass a state skills and written test, I will become a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. I plan on attending Hartford Community College in the fall of 2014. I hope to get into the nursing program there and receive my associates degree. After receiving my associates degree, I plan to continue on to a university and earn my masters degree.

Velocity in Soccer Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Velocity in Soccer - Research Paper Example The speed involved in the velocity is defined as the distance an object covers by time, which means that speed is equal to distance. It is usually measured in meters per second. Velocity, which is usually abbreviated as â€Å"V,† is proven by the formulae V= displacement/ time. This means that for there to be any velocity, there has to be a displacement of an object, which is subject to the time that it covers usually measured in seconds. This article looks at the various velocity forces that are effected in soccer among various world known soccer players. It looks at the differences in horizontal and vertical velocity while still keeping focus on accuracy, which is hitting the goal. Velocity acceleration shows how an object changes its speed overtime within a given duration of time. When the object is travelling at a constant velocity, it means that the object is travelling at a steady speed in a particular direction. When an objects speed is increased when moving to a partic ular direction, it means that the object is referred to be accelerating. Contrary, if the object is reducing its speed, the object is said to be decelerating. In a mathematical approach, we can derive the formulae of velocity as follows. Average Velocity (V) = change in position = Displacement (D) Time (T) Time (T) One of the velocities that affect soccer is angular velocity. This special measure is used to evaluate the speed at which an object such as a soccer ball spins if it is locating on its axis in a circular movement. Soccer balls are usually circular in shape. This measure is usually described in radians per second or per minute. In other measures, it is usually measured in cycle per minute or even rotations per minute. If the soccer ball is measured in rotations, we describe this as rotational speed. Secondly, we have horizontal velocity. This special measure is used to evaluate the speed at which an object such as a soccer ball moves in a horizontal direction over a given time. Similarly, to the angular velocity, the horizontal velocity measure the speed, distance covered, and time spent by that object to cover that distance. It involves the displacement of an object from one position to another. The third type of velocity is the vertical velocity. This involves the displacement of an object such as a soccer ball to move vertically into a higher position from its original surface or to move vertically from a higher surface towards a lower position without moving into another direction. An example can be hitting a soccer ball into the air, vertically, or throwing a stone upwards aiming to hit a bird that is up in the air. All this types of velocities are used in the soccer game. They involve the players hitting the ball to pass to a different player, or aiming to score a goal. Velocity has a direct relation with soccer. When a player hits the ball, it accelerates and gains speed or velocity. This happens in that the ball moves to the direction, which is hit. However, this ball reduces the speed as it moves to the direction. A cause of this reduction in speed is often due to the resistance that the soccer ball faces. One of the causes is wind. The ball displaces the air where it is headed to, which causes resistance. This in turn slows the ball and eventually slows down. A recent research was carried out on the effect of velocity on soccer. It involves soccer players Marco Van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Lionell Messi and Robin Van Persie. These soccer players

Movement of goods and services across borders, trade blocks (within Essay

Movement of goods and services across borders, trade blocks (within Europe) - Essay Example The aim of the European Union was to develop a single market in Europe and enhance a free movement of goods and services from one country to another within the Union. The European Union also plays a significant role in enacting laws regarding home affairs and justice, maintaining common trade policies, and allowing free movement of people and capital. The internal goods and services market in Europe has become an essential part of EU’s success, and it is the main catalyst for economic growth in the region. Through the European Union, most of the barriers to free movement of goods and services have been eliminated. According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), goods and services are defined as anything that is capable of forming the subject of commercial transaction. They include anything that has economic value and can be valued in terms of money. Things such as artworks, coins no longer in circulation, electricity, natural gas, bank notes and bearer notes have economic value that can be measured in monetary terms. Therefore, they can all be classified as goods. However, donation in kind and television signals is not considered as goods. In terms of distinction between goods and services, goods are tangible while services are intangible. For example, fishes are goods while fishing rights are serv ices. The free movement of goods and services is usually affected by barriers to trade. Article 34 of the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union (TFEU) provides guidelines on the obstacles to trade between member states. The article is used as a right of defense against measures developed on the national level to create unjustified barriers to entry or exit of goods and services to and out of member states (Woods, 2004). Activity of the state that may infringe section 34 of TFEU leads to prohibited obstacle to the free movement of goods and services. An administrative practice on the part of member

Circuit Protection and Polyphase Motors Assignment

Circuit Protection and Polyphase Motors - Assignment Example These techniques result in a high arc voltage to control over current and voltage during a fault in operation. Types of Air Blast Circuit Breakers: The Air blast circuit breakers can be divided into the following three types: (a). Axial Blast ABCB (b). Axial Blast ABCB with Side Moving Contact (c). Cross Blast ABCB Construction: (a). Axial Blast ABCB The axial blast air ABCB consists of two contacts; one is fixed and the other is movable. The fixed contact has an arcing chamber with a spring loading mechanism, and a nozzle orifice over which the movable contact rests under the normal closed condition. In case a fault arises, a high Figure 1.Axial Blast ABCB (Courtesy:www.electrical4u.com) air pressure in the arcing chamber causes the spring to deform. This produces an effect of lengthening and cooling of the air column in the chamber which pushes out the movable contact. As a result of these changes an arc voltage is produced which is much higher than the system voltage. The disparit y in voltage levels results in the quenching of the arc produced. (b). Axial Blast ABCB with side moving contact: Figure 2. ... As a result, an arc is drawn between the fixed and movable contact, which is passed over to the arcing electrode. This causes the surge to be quenched. (c). Cross Blast ABCB Figure 3. Cross Blast ABCB (Courtesy:www.electrical4u.com) The cross blast ABCB has a fixed blast pipe. The moving contact’s movement is perpendicular to the direction of the air blast from the blast pipe. An exhaust chamber having arc splitters is fitted on the same alignment as the blast pipe. When the movable contact is detached from the fixed contact an arc is established. High pressure air coming from the blast pipe enters the exhaust chamber after passing through the contact breaker, forcefully taking the arc into the exhaust chamber. This results in the quenching of the arc. 1. b. OIL-FILLED CIRCUIT BREAKER Working Principle: The oil-filled circuit breaker is one of the oldest types of circuit breakers. It employs mineral oil as the insulating medium to quench the surging arc. The fixed as well as t he movable contacts are immersed in oil; as a result the arc forms a bubble in the oil. The energy of the arc is utilized to decompose the oil into hydrogen gas. As a result arc quenching is obtained. Types of Oil Circuit Breakers: Oil circuit breakers can be broadly classified into two categories: (a). Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker (b). Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker (a). Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker Construction: Figure 4. Conceptual view of the Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker. (Courtesy:www.electrical4u.com) The bulk oil circuit breakers employ transformer insulating oil as the insulating and arc quenching medium. The current carrying contacts (fixed and movable) and the earthed parts of the circuit breaker are placed in a large quantity of oil in a closed tank or vessel. The oil

Wright Brothers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Wright Brothers - Research Paper Example While the efforts to design and develop flight can be traced to periods before the 19th century when humans were imitating birds in flight, it is 19th century and early periods of 20th century, which witnessed real and tangible efforts that culminated to controlled and powered flight (Helfand and Banerjee, 2011). Subsequent years have seen rapid advancement in the aviation industry with better and advanced flights being developed. These flights have advanced technological capabilities and comfort. They are more comfortable, fast, and come with more attractive designs. The quest to realize controlled and powered flight began in earnest in 1891 when Otto Lilienthal worked to design a glider that can fly (Dixon-Engel and Jackson, 2007). He was the first person to design a glider that would fly a person, as well as being able to fly relatively long distances. He studied aerodynamics and he wrote a book that was later used by the Wright Brothers in their designs. The year 1891also saw Sam uel Langley building a plane model called aerodrome. Although his efforts to develop a powered flight failed, he made important contributions that would help in developing powered flight in the future particularly by Wright Brothers (Anderson, 2004). In 1894, Octave Chanute undertook the invention of airplanes after being inspired by Otto Lilienthal. He designed several aircraft; the Herring was a particular aircraft that he designed and was the most successful deign and was the basis for the design of Wright biplane (Howard, 1998). He also published a book in 1894 called â€Å"Progress in Flying Machines†. This book contained all the technical knowledge about aviation at that time. The Wright Brothers this book as the basis of their experiments. It is important to note that Chanute was in constant contact with the Wright Brothers and made regular comments on their technical progress. Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright were deliberate in their quest for flight as evidenced by t he fact that they spent many years learning all the early flight developments (Dixon-Engel and Jackson, 2007). They also read all the literature published up to that time about flight. Because of the knowledge that they acquired by reading and learning about flight, they started to test the early theories with kites and balloons. They also spent considerable amounts of time in learning and testing the shapes of gliders and how gliders could be controlled. The year 1903 witnessed a breakthrough in design and development of flight (O'Hern and Mayo, 2006). Wright Brothers were the first to sustain controlled flight, powered flight. Wright Brothers are the two American brothers who are credited as the earliest successful aviation inventors and pioneers. They are credited with inventing and developing the first successful airplane in the world, as well as making the first sustained, controlled, and powered heavier-than-air human flight on 17 December 1903 (Howard, 1998). Historians agree that even though the Wright Brother were not the first in building and flying experimental aircraft, they were the first in inventing aircraft controls that made possible the fixed-wing powered flight. In particular, they achieved a major breakthrough that other inventors had not achieved; they invented a three-axis control that enable the pilot to effectively steer the aircraft and at the same time maintain the aircraft’s equilibrium (O'Hern and Mayo, 2006). The significance of this method became standard in aviation and remains standard mainly on all kinds of fixed-wing aircraft. While the experimenters of the time were emphasizing on developing powerful aircraft engines, the Wright Brothe

Budget Planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Budget Planning - Assignment Example It is thus important that organizations compare the work completed with its objectives rather than merely analyze budgets on calendar basis. For instance, one may spend 90% of the allocated resources in doing a shoddy work or completing only 80% of the stipulated work, notwithstanding that the spent amount may fall within the projected calendar period. One could also run under budget on calendar basis. That is, the same proportions of the budget and work may be covered as expected while running under budget on calendar basis due to delays and breaks. The implication here is that there could have been slips in work schedule. While under budget implies that one performs below the planned budget, over budgets means that the planned budget has been surpassed. Proper planning and implementation of budget would thus lead one to as close to the budget as possible (Barr & McClellan, 2011). Excessive under budget could therefore suggest a situation in which one did not spend enough in specifi c areas to grow and protect business or establish a project. On the other hand, constant over budget performance could suggest that one is in danger of running out of resources and business. It is thus vital that work is done as planned to avoid both under and over budget both of which have their negative effects and implications on task implementation and completion (Article Library,

Service Delivery System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Service Delivery System - Essay Example The service delivery systems are linked from the manufacturing process to the distributing process. This system looks after the every aspect for delivering the goods or services with the consumer satisfaction as the main goal. The service delivery system works as a link between the producer and the consumer. The goods which are being monitored by this system may be the goods, jobs, technologies or software too. There is no limit for the working of the service delivery system. In every industry, the efficient service delivery system is required to look after the delivery issue of the services offered by that particular industry to their clients. The service delivery system examines the input as well as the output in the industry or organization. It takes feedback of the customers and tries to solve their problems. Then these problems are taken into account to remove these problems future. This system leads stress on the choice and requirement of the consumer.

Promoting Wellness and Resilience Essay Example for Free

Promoting Wellness and Resilience Essay This paper deals with promoting wellness and resilience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). First, a model of wellness and resiliency is presented. Then, recommended intervention activities that promote resilience and wellness are discussed. Lastly, prevention and education activities are proposed. Wellness and Resiliency Model Studies on wellness and resilience models among individuals with IDD appear non-existent and very few have been written about counseling methodology. Most focus on a cognitive-behavioral approach to psychotherapy (CBT). Therefore, a paradigm must be created that combines CBT and an evidence-based model of wellness. Myers, Sweeney, and Witmer (2000) define wellness as â€Å"a way of life oriented toward optimal health and well-being, in which body, mind, and spirit are integrated by the individual to live life more fully within the human and natural community. Ideally, it is the optimum state of health and well-being that each individual is capable of achieving† (p. 252). â€Å"Resilience refers to positive adaptation, or the ability to maintain or regain mental health, despite experiencing adversity† (Herrman, Stewart, Diaz-Granados, Berger, Jackson, Yuan, 2011, p. 259). Myers and Sweeney (2005) created a model of wellness called The Indivisible Self which is based on Adlerian principles. This model delineates five areas of wellness: physical, essential, social, coping, and creative. Physical well-being is further divided into two areas: exercise and nutrition. Essential wellness is broken down into four components: spirituality, self-care, gender identity, and cultural identity. Social felicity is divided into two parts: friendship and love. Coping is divided into four aspects: realistic beliefs, stress management, self-worth, and leisure. Creative fitness is broken down into five elements: thinking, emotion, control, positive humor, and work (Myers and Sweeney, 2005). Recommended Intervention Activities That Promote Resilience and Wellness As  the IDD population tends to be of lower socioeconomic status (as adults), placed in residential facilities, and highly medicated, physical health is a vital component of overall wellness. Physical fitness can be maintained through exercise programs. A community-based program described by Lante, Walkley, Gamble, and Vassos (2011) provided health and psychosocial benefits to participants. In the area of essential wellness , spirituality plays an important part in the lives of most. IDD individuals should be allowed to attend worship services or participate in other activities cultivating the spiritual nature. Watts (2011) proposes utilization of Special Religious Education for People with a Developmental Disability (SPRED), defined as â€Å"†¦symbolic catechesis where formal instruction is supplemented or completely replaced by visual, aural, sensory, and physical stimuli (p. 237). In the area of self-care, individuals can be taught tasks to their fullest level of independence. Gender identity can be explored through modified sex-education curriculums exemplified by The Facts of Lifeand More by Walker-Hirsch (lesliewalker-hirsch.com, 2014). Social well-being is a necessary component of wellness among those with IDD. Friendship and love are very possible and should be encouraged. Community groups, such as The Gathering Place and Pathfinders, provide a venue and activities for the population (welcometowesley.com, 2014; gracenc.org, 2014). Dating sites such as Special Bridge provide access for individuals with IDD a chance to meet and date others with IDD (specialbridge.com). CBT can be utilized to help disabled individuals in the area of coping. Irrational beliefs can be explored and replaced with more realistic views. Stress management techniques can be taught. Self-worth can be explored and improved (Lee, 2004). Leisure skills and interests can be explored and improved upon through systematic testing and development (Kreiner and Flexer, 2009). Creative fitness can be cultivated through activities that involve thinking, particularly critical thinking. Handling emotions and controlling behavior can be taught via dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) (Rizvi, Steffel, and Carson-Wong, 2013). Work needs can be met through sheltered, supported, and/or competitive employment. In North Carolina, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides services and referrals to service providers (ncdhhs.gov/dvrs, 2014). Proposed Prevention and Education Activities Education and prevention can focus on training individuals, families, caretakers, and facility staff. If those who are in contact with the population everyday can be educated as much as possible, the level of wellness and resilience in persons with IDD should increase. IDD clients can learn about healthy eating and exercise through objective plans adjusted for functioning level. For instance, individuals with autism can read a social story (The Gray Center, 2014). Individuals, families and staff can be trained on proper nutrition by registered dietitians who can develop meal plans (American Dietetic Association, 2009). The importance of gender and sex education, spirituality, and cultural identity can be taught to those working with people with IDD. Gender and cultural identity and sex education can be taught to individuals with IDD through modified curriculums or incidental learning. Social skills, coping mechanisms, and creative pursuits can be taught to individuals. Families and facilities can learn what coping mechanisms are effective for clientele. Identified Strategies to Promote Community Resources Families in particular can be directed to community resources. Many resources exist for individuals with IDD. Brochures, information about service providers, and government resources can be given to families and higher-functioning individuals. Providing links to websites for organizations such as The Arc and managed care organizations such as Coastal Care can be a good starting place (thearc.org, 2014; coastalcarenc.org, 2014). References Beange, H., Lennox, N. (1999). Health targets for people with an intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Developmental Disability, 24(4), 283. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.capella.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/login.aspx?direct=truedb=aphAN=2731367site=ehost-livescope=site The gathering place. (2014). Retrieved May 18, 2014, Retrieved from http://welcometowesley.com/connect/special-needs/ The gray center: What are social stories. (2014). Retrieved May 18, 2014, Retrieved from

Requirements for Healthcare Organization | Case Study

Requirements for Healthcare Organization | Case Study TASK I A SUMMARY ON THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF CONCORDIA HEALTHCARE LTD. RELATIVE TO: I. Internal Organizational needs First and foremost, ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. Requires that the staff, partners, members, directors will consider and respect the Equality and Diversity Guidance and Policy. This organization is committed to delivering quality health care services to the clients without prejudice on them due to race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religious affiliation, marital status, employment status and political opinion and characteristics. All clients should be treated equally and fairly. Professionalism on the part of the staff, partners, members and directors should be observed. No client should be discriminated; instead, promotion and accessibility of health care services should always be the ultimate mission of everyone. Quality healthcare services will result to the increasing demand by diverse clients. The ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. will be sought by the community and the clients they serve. A good name will be established for and in behalf of ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. II. External Needs of ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. To achieve the goal of this organization, that is the promotion of equal opportunity and accessibility of quality healthcare services to all clients, they are also considering their external needs. A. Meeting clients’ needs Appropriate steps must be considered to be able to meet the diverse needs of clients. 1. Identify the needs of clients who come from different communities. Clients come from different communities with different cultural background and upbringing. So, they also have different needs. These needs have to be catered well. 2. Formulate the policies and procedures that will be undertaken to meet clients’ needs. Policies should be done regularly because these are guides for decision making. Policies encourage coordination and integration of actions and plans within and across functional areas of an organization. The policy making process involves the following: a. Identifying the problem b. Formulating the policy c. Implementing the policy d. Evaluating the results 3. Specify the services that should be provided to the following group of clients: a. Clients with a disability b. Clients who are unable to communicate effectively in English c. Carers, children and the elderly d. Members of religious groups e. ethnic groups, nationalities f. Lesbian, gay or transgender people B. Communication Plan To avoid miscommunication, the ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. also provides the following: 1. A Communication Plan is prepared to disseminate the policies and procedures to ensure that all services are provided to the clients. 2. Steps to be followed and the requirements to be accomplished are also given to access the healthcare services 3. Orientation and training for the employees, members, partners, staff, and directors are done for effective implementation of the plan. FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE A just and fair treatment can be the strongest asset in any organization especially if there is competition. ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. has laid some policies with emphasis on the following: a. Dealings with third parties – this organization does not unlawfully discriminate other Healthcare service providers. b. Dealings with contractors- ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. engages contractors on the basis of their skills, experience and ability. There is no discrimination whatsoever based on age, gender, marital status, race, religion, etc. c. Employment – Job applicants are treated equally and fairly. Recruitment and selection procedures and terms and conditions of employment, training opportunities, promotion and transfer, grievance and disciplinary process, demotions, dress code, bonus schemes, work allocations and other employment related activities are carefully relayed to employees and applicants. d. Recruitment and Selection- ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD ensures that the workforce is: Taken from the widest pool of qualified applicants . Job openings are open to all. Effort is directed towards the dissemination of the information that will reach all interested applicants. Employment opportunities are based on personal merit and fitness. Performance is considered in this regard. Priority is given to applicants from all sections of society especially the underrepresented in the workforce. This is where fairness is evident. No one is discriminated simply because he belongs to the underprivileged and the handicapped. ABC Concordia Ltd. has lawful exemption (genuine occupational requirements) to be used suitable to meet the special needs of a particular group. People with special needs are those coming from different ethnic and cultural background; gender (especially the gays, lesbians and transgender people), carers, etc. Recruitment agencies of ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. know the requirements not to discriminate. Fair and equal treatment should always be borne in mind. There is a wholesome working environment respecting the employee’s beliefs and diverse background. Terms and conditions of service for employees comply with anti-discrimination legislation. The organization identifies the diverse training needs of the workers. A plan is made which includes the details of the training to be provided, who will be trained, and when the training will be provided. Those identified are informed of this quality and diversity and training plan. Acts of unlawful discrimination on any of the forbidden grounds by employees, partners, members, directors will be subjected to disciplinary action. Appropriate action is imposed to any person employed who commits unlawful acts of discrimation. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the grievance procedure of the organization. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. will monitor and record equal opportunities and information about staff and all employees. These pieces of information will be used exclusively for equal opportunities monitoring and have no bearing on opportunities and benefits. The organization will provide equal opportunities to the Human Rights Services Commission as required in relation to personal and clients under the terms of the legislation. Operation review of the organization will be conducted twice a year. Remediation will be imposed on non-compliance under the policy to equal opportunities. THE IMPACT OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION ON INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP 1. Prejudice and discrimination are acts of disrespect on the uniqueness of every individual. â€Å"Individual differences should be recognized although human beings are similar in many ways.† 2. Prejudice and discrimination may cause stress. â€Å"Typical causes of stress are: new work procedures, work overload, differences between the organization and employees values, frustration and role ambiguity. Workers are likely to suffer mental and physical symptoms as a result of pressure.† 3. Prejudice and discrimination hampers the individual’s desire to grow and to achieve his goal. If an individual is constantly discriminated, he loses his self-confidence. Thus, he can’t perform his task well. When prejudice is felt in an organization like a Healthcare Provider, the client would lose his motivations to get well and to become fit again. Nobody encourages him and nobody values his human dignity. 4. Discrimination and prejudice are non-humanitarian actions. This will deprive the act of getting people work together to accomplish desired goals and objectives at minimum cost and maximum profit.† 5. Commitment is obtained through kindness. Hence, organization should be fair and impartial, free from biases in dealing with employees and clients. 6. In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, belongingness, love, affection and acceptance are among the basic needs of man. When there are discriminations of whatever nature, then there is no love, affection and acceptance. 7. Discrimination and prejudice is against the Civil Rights of people. â€Å"Civil rights guarantees fair and equal treatment for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, or personal beliefs.† On July 2, 1964, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibiting discrimination based on a person’s race, color, national origin, religious beliefs and sex. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO ADDRESS GAPS IN THEIR SYSTEM PROCESS 1. Plan for review and monitoring on the compliance of equality and diversity issues should be prepared Separate from that of the communication and training plan. 2. Team meetings should be done regularly to track and discuss the progress of implementation. A special meeting may be convened also at any time to consider urgent matters. 3. Roles and responsibilities of the persons manning the organization should be clearly specified like: a. Director/ manager b. Staff c. Employees d. Other support personnel 4. Time scales for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation should be clarified. 5. Periodic audit on the organization’s financial status is important. This is one component of the overall performance management framework. As an initiative is implemented, the outputs and outcomes are monitored, refined and then evaluated. 6. Policies should be revisited from time to time. Substantial amendments maybe necessary to ensure the stability of the organization. 7. Human resources are important in any organization. Performance assessment should be conducted as basis for planning skill enhancement training and updating. 8. Facilities and other material resources should be equally allocated. Insufficient or outmoded materials may affect the efficacy of attainment of the organization. 9. Facts should be gathered and use them as supporting evidences in order to analyze the programs and services and in turn may serve as guide for proper actions.

Buffer Overflow Attacks And Types Computer Science Essay

Buffer Overflow Attacks And Types Computer Science Essay Abstract Buffer Overflows are one of the main reasons for problems in a computer system. Statistics in this report have shown that the number of attacks in the past 20 years is increasing drastically and it is buffer overflow which is also rated the most occurring attack. This paper basically provides the various prevention techniques for Buffer Overflow attacks, like Canaries, DEP and ASLR, and more which have been deployed and are working well to a certain extent. Introduction It is the job of the compiler to check for errors or vulnerabilities in the code. In C, the compiler is not so very efficient to detect these logical errors. The simplest form of a buffer overflow attack would be as follows:- char buf1[5]; char buf2[10]=A1B2C3D4E5; strcpy(buf1,buf2); The above 3 lines of code are compiled without any error by the C compiler as there are no syntactical errors. But logically we are copying a string of 10 chars into a buffer which can hold only 5 chars. This might be a small typing error on the programmers side, but results in an attack which can overwrite the data which might have been stored in the memory location next to the space allocated for buf1. This is Buffer Overflow. Its types are explained in the section below. Buffer Overflow Attacks types. Buffer Overflow Attack as defined by Kramer (2000) occurs when a program or a process tries to force more data into a buffer than it is actually intended to hold. The simplest examples to explain this is the program above, but in laymans terms, let us assume 2 jugs, one with a capacity of 2 litres and another of 1 litre. If you try to empty the 2litres of water into the jug which can hold only 1 litre, you spill 1 litre of water. This attack can have many consequences on a system like incorrect results, security breach or even a system crash. Posey (2005) explains the different types of Buffer Overflow attacks. There are basically two kinds of buffer overflow attacks: 1. Heap-based attacks and 2. Stack-based attacks. In Heap-based attack the attacker floods the memory space which is actually reserved for the program. This attacks is not exactly easy as it feels, hence the number of attacks with respect to the heap are very rare. In Stack-based attack, the attacker takes advantage of the stack, a part of the memory reserved for the program to store data or addresses. The attacker then partially crashes the stack and forces the program execution to start from a return address of a malicious program address which is actually written by the attacker. Statistics Fig 1. Buffer Overflow Statistics Statistics from the National Vulnerability Database(2011) show the occurrence of Buffer overflow attacks. It ranges from 1989 to 2011. The graph is declining in the last 3-4 years, but experts say that there is a possibility that it may rise again. Prevention Techniques Some host based mechanisms to prevent Buffer Overflow Attacks are mentioned below: Detection Elimination: Kuperman(2005) says detection and elimination of the vulnerable code is necessary before someone takes advantage of that code. In this technique there are ways in which software searches for some specific type of code. This is known as Source Code Auditing. Vernon (2003) in his WhitePaper has mentioned techniques and ways how it is done. Kuperman has also mentioned about a group, OpenBSD Group, a group which audits the source code free of cost for a BSD based Operating System. The time taken for analysis is large and the expertise of the volunteers determine their efficiency. Complier Modifications: A technique to avoid buffer overflow attack is to modify the way the data is stored in the memory. StackGuard is a type of a complier which can be used to add gaps in the memory in between, these gaps are known as Canaries. It works in the following way: whenever a function gets a return call, it reads the canary on the stack and check for any modification. If it finds the canary is modified it understands it is under attack. (Kuperman, 2005). Another Complier, ProPolice uses pointers to address memory locations. ProPolice is also an enhancement concept of StackGuard. Frantzen Shuey (2001) in their article have mentioned about StackGhost. StackGhost is a unique technique which was developed by Sun Microsystems. It detects the change in return pointers without actually affecting the program. It effect on the throughput is also negligible. This made attackers much more difficult to do a buffer overflow. Array Bounds Checking: Cowan et al(2000) have explained each time an operation needs to be performed on an array, we can do the boundary checking. If boundary is reached it wont allow writing into the array, thus avoiding the buffer overflow. Similarly we can write a code to check the size of each buffer when writing. If the destination buffer is bigger than the other which is to be copied, then its ok or dont allow it. This technique although might work, but is very costly to implement as it will delay the actual process. Non-Executable Stack: Fritsch (2009) explains marking of the stack as Non-Executable can help stopping Buffer Overflow. But this in turn also stops genuine programs from executing directly from the stack. Sanders (2009) had also mentioned the same technique. The article mentioned that Microsoft had included a security feature in its new service pack for Windows XP (it was Win XP SP2). This was known as DEP (Data Execution Prevention). DEP is of 2 types: Hardware and Software. In Hardware DEP some parts of the memory were marked as Non-Executable by the processor. But again this was a bit tricky as not all processors supported Hardware DEP. Software DEP on the other hand watches the exception thrown by program and checks whether they actually belong to the program. Address Space Layout Randomization: Wagle (2003) has mentioned that earlier the attacker used to insert a large number of nop instructions, to work around the memory location. ASLR randomly allocates memory locations to the code and data, thus making it difficult for the attacker to find the instructions. Proof Carrying Code (PCC): Necula (1997) says PCC is a technique which checks the properties of the program, and the code and also checks its security policy and determines whether it should allow it to execute it or not. SmashGuard: Kuperman(2005) has explained this technique uses a modification of the normal call ret instructions. Whenever a call instruction is encountered along with the actual entry of the return address on the stack another entry on the data stack within the processor. Then when it encounters the ret instruction it matches both the return addresses. If it matches it goes ahead with the execution else if a match is not found then it terminates the program. Also no changes are made to the data. This is a technique which works well with Brute Force Attack. Split Stack: Kuperman (2005) has explained that Split Stack or Secure Address Return Stack (SAS) is a proposed technique to prevent buffer overflow attack. In this technique two software stacks are used, one for control information and another for data information. Hence even if an attacker gains access to the data stack, he cannot affect the control stack. Although it might need to read and write from 2 stacks it is worth the time. Write Correct Code: Cowan et al (2000) writes, the best way to avoid any kind of attack if to write good and correct code. It is a humans tendency to write and forget the code, but that same code can be checked by someone else as well. The above mentioned prevention techniques are only few of them which are available; there are many techniques available for prevention against Buffer Overflow Attacks and various other attacks. Risks Fritsch (2009) in another article has explained the way to bypass ASLR protection. He explains there exists a flaw in the random number generation for ASLR. He explains it is not so very difficult to predict the randomization address. Writing a program which will try and brute force the memory location till it finds the correct one breaks the ASLR protection. Symantec Architect Mr. Whitehouse (2007) had mentioned the problem of ASLR in Windows Vista. Research by Mr. Bojinov (2011) shows pre-linking can help in implementing ASLR on Android phones. He has introduced retouching which is similar in design to prelinking. Also crash stack analysis is introduced which uses crash reports on the local device to prevent brute-force attacks. Conclusion This report includes what exactly are buffer overflow attacks, the defenses mechanisms which can be build up to prevent against them. Buffer Overflow attacks are on the top when discussing about penetration issues or buffer related vulnerability issues. Earlier it were only professionals amateurs who were trying buffer overflow attacks, but now the situation has changed, a small keyword search Buffer Overflow Attack Programs returns results with detailed tutorials and description to perform it. Also the National Vulnerability Database shows that Buffer Overflow attacks have reduced in the past 3 years, but no one knows when situations might change.

drugs in sports :: essays research papers fc

From the beginning of time sports have been around. It is the competition that everyone loves. The feeling of winning makes many people do anything to achieve it. Even if this means one must cheat to win. Cheating is monitored in professional sports by the use of referees or umpires. With the discovery of many â€Å"nutritional† supplements, many new forms of cheating have arisen that cannot be monitored on the field. Many players used and still use steroids to enhance their muscles so they are stronger during game play. Many random drug tests have been instituted to cut the number of people using steroids down. There are many other supplements that basically do the same thing as steroids that these players use. More and more are becoming illegal in professional sports. And people still use them. Illegal drugs to enhance one’s performance are illegal, therefore when people use them they are cheating. They have created an unfair advantage for themselves illegally. These people using these drugs should be banned from their sport. Professional sports players get paid to play a sport. What more could they want? It is every kids dream. It they cannot play with out cheating they should not have the privilidge of playing at all. There have been many cases in professional sports where athletes have been caught for using illegal drugs that enhance their performance. Often players even use illegal drugs that have no benefit on their performance. These drugs are illegal to everyone, but it seems that when professional athletes get caught using them they don’t get as harsh of a punishment as an average person because of their fame. Steve Howe received seven lifetime suspensions from Major League Baseball. For some reason that does not appear to be possible. If an average person was caught doing so they would be in jail. It is disappointing to see professional athletes receive special treatment because of their fame. They have a good profession; why would they risk it by using drugs?

Using Love to Justify Sex in A Very Short Story Essay -- Very Short St

Using Love to Justify Sex in A Very Short Story    At first glance unusually normal, at second glance unusually striking, the title "A Very Short Story" reveals Hemingway's perception of a perhaps unforgotten war experience. Man went to war. He met woman. They spent many nights together. They considered marriage. He went home without her. She moved on. He moved on. The end. The story, the relation of events, is indeed short. This is not eternal spiritual love; instead, this is the animalistic, barbaric sexual act- sex and love for the sole purpose and convenience of sex itself. Then it is over.    The story begins on "ONE HOT evening in Padua" (Hemingway, 65), "hot" relating to passionate feelings, and "evening" as the perfect time for an affair. The reader can deduct from the reference to Padua, a city in northeast Italy, that perhaps the character is at war, and in fact, this is confirmed in the fourth paragraph with a reference of an "armistice" (65). The main character himself is referred to as "he", though, knowing the author's biographical history, and presence in the war, "Hemingway" is a presumable substitution. "They" (65), his war buddies, "carried him up onto the roof", they carried him because he was injured, but also, as "the others went down and took the bottles with them", very likely intoxicated. There, he and the female figure, "Luz" meet, she "sat on the bed", and "was cool and fresh in the hot night". Immediately, alcohol, guy and girl, a rather convenient bed, and a "hot" night left alone on the rooftop combine, forming a passionate love affair.    So, who is this Luz? Well, apparently, as she was "on night duty" (65), and she was the one who "prepared him for the operating table", she is a... ...ncoln Park." (66).    Man went to war. He met woman. They spent many nights together. They considered marriage. He went home without her. She moved on. He moved on. The end.    It is a short story, and it is a simple one. Simple attraction of the opposite sexes. Simple sex. Simple break up. Simple recovery. Without the talk of marriage, it resembles any animal mating ritual on the Discovery Channel.    Interesting that the story ends with the onslaught of gonorrhea, as the cycle is continued, and thus, the simple recovery transforms magically to painful consequences. Perhaps, in Hemingway's own life, the simple recovery of losing a mistress after the war transforms and somehow contributes partly to his own suicide many years later.    Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. "A Very Short Story." In Our Time. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1925.

Computational Multibody Model Elbow Joint Health And Social Care Essay

Abstraction: Computational multibody mold can be used as a various tool to analyze joint mechanics, joint hurt, examine ligament map, and to foretell joint contact force per unit area. This paper describes a fresh method for the development and rating of a computational multibody theoretical account that represents human elbow flexion- extension associated with forearm pronation-supination. An expeditiously developed theoretical account can help sawboness and other research workers in the design and rating of interventions for cubitus hurts, and contribute to the improvement of patient attention. Therefore, it is really much necessary to analyze biomechanical technology to develop and formalize an effectual cubitus theoretical account for the optimum intervention of cubitus upsets prior to their application in patients. The computational theoretical account accurately predicted flexion-extension gesture bounds, and relationships between coronoid procedure remotion, flexure angle, and varus constraining forces. The theoretical account was besides able to calculate parametric quantities that the experimental probes could non, such as forces within ligaments and contact forces between castanetss [ 1 ] . Introduction: The cubitus articulation is the 2nd most normally dislocated joint in grownups [ 2 ] . Relative to hurts and upsets of the lower limb, there is relatively small grounds to direct intervention of many elbow hurts [ 3 ] . Computational theoretical accounts of the cubitus could profit our apprehension and intervention of upper appendage upsets. Multibody mold is an effectual and powerful tool in biomechanics. The multibody patterning attack has been used by research workers for patient-specific preoperative planning, computer-aided surgery, and computer-aided rehabilitation. Biomechanical computational theoretical accounts of the cubitus have been developed, but all limited their pertinence by presuming fixed joint axes of rotary motion, ordering specific kinematics, simplifying ligament features or disregarding gristle consequence [ 2, 4-6 ] . Therefore, the cardinal aim of this survey was to develop and formalize a multibody theoretical account of the cubitus articulatio n that includes representation of articular gristle and ligaments as non-linear viscoelastic springs. The topic specific theoretical account was validated by comparing predicted bone kinematics to mensurate gesture of the identically loaded corpse cubitus utilizing a bi-axial mechanical examiner. The overall end of the undertaking is to put capable specific articulation theoretical accounts within musculus driven musculoskeletal motion simulations of the upper-extremities. Methods and Materials: The experimental and multibody patterning methods were similar to that described by Stylianou et Al. [ 7 ] and Bloemker et al. [ 8 ] . One fresh frozen corpse cubitus ( 44 old ages old, female, left cubitus, 152cm tallness, 41 kg mass ) was used for this survey. The humerus caput was cemented with a cylinder that was attached by a flexible joint articulation to a Bose 3510 bi-axial mechanical examiner. The triceps musculuss sinews was sutured and tightly connected to a burden cell that was stiffly attached to the top cylinder of the testing machine. The elbow bone was besides fixed to a cup connected to the mechanical examiner via a cosmopolitan articulation ( Fig 1 ) .The radius was free to revolve. For each simulation kinematics of the humerus and ulna were obtained utilizing stiff organic structure markers and a 3-camera Optotrak Certus system ( Northern Digital, Inc. , Waterloo, ON, Canada ) and the forces on triceps sinews were recorded by a burden cell ( Model SBO-100, Temecula, CA 92590 ) . The initial place and orientation of cadaverous bone geometries relative to the dynamic simulator were recorded utilizing a examining tip with the Optotrak system. After proving, the cubitus was dis-articulated and the median collateral ligament ( MCL ) , sidelong collateral ligament ( LCL ) , triceps insertion/origin sites were measured with an Optotrak digitizing investigation.3omega ten Y Load Cell Ired Localizer21C: UsersmmrhwbDesktoppictureElbow # 2 # 3 proving images & A ; videos100_0183.jpg C: UsersmmrhwbDesktopReportpictureabs_model_pic.jpgFig 1: Experimental Setup Fig 2: Model ApparatusComputed Tomography ( CT ) scan images of the cubitus castanetss and localizers were taken to do 3D bone geometries. The plan 3D Slicer ( www.slicer.org ) was used to make the bone and localizer geometries from the CT images by utilizing car cleavage. Geomagic Studio ( Geomagic, Inc. Research Triangle Park, NC ) was used for file transition and post-process filtering of the cubitus geometries including smoothing, taking spikes, and cut downing noise. The bone geometries and ligament insertion/origin points were aligned in MSC.ADAMS ( MSC Software Corporation, Santa Ana, CA ) by utilizing the initial place points and point clouds of each bone ( Fig 2 ) . The ligaments and musculus sinews were modeled as nonlinear springs utilizing a piecewise map depicting the force-length relationship for each p ackage [ 9 ] . A subprogram was written in ADAMS to depict this relationship. This subprogram was derived from the ligament force as a map of strain, the length of each ligament in the place it was constructed, the measured zero-load length and the ligament stiffness. The zero-load length of each package was determined by ciphering the maximal straight-line distance between interpolation and beginning sites throughout the by experimentation measured full scope of gesture and so using a rectification per centum of 80 % [ 8 ] . The gristles geometries were modeled as stiff organic structures of 0.5 millimeters unvarying thickness by squeeze outing cartilage country of bone surface by utilizing Geomagic shell map. Soft contacts were applied between gristle geometries utilizing a contact map in MSC.ADAMS that allows for interpenetration of the geometries to imitate soft tissue [ 7 ] . Consequence: The theoretical account is validated by comparing the kinematics and RMS mistake of each bone and triceps tendon force obtained from the theoretical account versus the experimental information. The comparing of kinematics graphs demonstrates that the theoretical account replicates the experiment.AA Degree centigrade: UsersmmrhwbDesktopReportpicture3_y_abs.jpgCCalciferol FoC: UsersmmrhwbDesktopReportpicture6_y.jpgFigure 3: Comparison of Movement in y-direction of Humerus ( A ) , Ulna ( B ) and Radius ( C ) . Motion informations are taken from Marker 1, 2 & A ; 3 shown in Figure 2.Degree centigrades: UsersmmrhwbDesktopReportpicture ricep_force.jpgC: UsersmmrhwbDesktopReportpicture7_y_abs.jpgFigure 4: Comparison of triceps tendon forceBMarker No.Marker 1 ( millimeter )Marker 2 ( millimeter )Marker 3 ( millimeter )Tricep sinew force ( N )RMS mistaketen 2.40 ten 5.90 ten 10.0 6.5 Y 1.96 Y 2.54 Y 6.20 omega 1.27 omega 4.80 omega 9.37Table 1: RMS Mistake in x, y & A ; z way for marker 1,2 & A ; 3 and tricep sinewDiscussion: The chief purpose of this survey was to make and formalize a topic specific computational multibody theoretical account of the elbow articulation composite to foretell joint behaviour. Model cogency was successfully demonstrated through comparings of fake kinematics and triceps tendon tenseness informations obtained from cadaver experiment. The chief advantages of this theoretical account are the ability to foretell ligament and contact forces which are really hard to capture by experimentation [ 1 ] . Future work includes utilizing non-uniform distinct gristle, adding more ligament packages, annulate ligaments, and patterning soft tissue wrapper. The developed techniques will so be used for capable specific musculoskeletal motion simulations of the upper-extremity that include anatomical theoretical accounts of the cubitus. Recognitions: This research is funded by the School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mentions: [ 1 ] J. P. Fisk and J. S. Wayne, â€Å" Development and Validation of a Computational Musculoskeletal Model of the Elbow and Forearm † , Ann. Biomed. Eng. , Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 803-812, April 2009, [ 2 ] J. de Haan, N.W.L. Schep, D. Eygendaal, G-J. Kleinrensink, W.E. Tuinebreijer and D. den Hartog â€Å" Stability of the Elbow Joint: Relevant Anatomy and Clinical Implications of In Vitro Biomechanical Studies † The Open Orthop. J. Vol.5, pp.168-176, May 2011. [ 3 ] L. M. Ferreira, J. A. Johnson, Graham J.W. King, â€Å" Development of an active cubitus gesture simulator to measure kinematics with the humerus in the multiple places † , J Biomech. Vol. 43, No.11, pp. 2112-2119, August 2010 [ 4 ] F.C. Anderson, M.G. Pandy. â€Å" Dynamic optimisation of human walking † . J. Biomech Eng. Vol.123, No.5, pp.381-390, October 2001. [ 5 ] . A.S. Arnold, S.L. Delp. â€Å" Rotational minute weaponries of the median hamstrings and adductors vary with femoral geometry and limb place: deductions for the intervention of internally rotated pace † , J. Biomech, Vol. 34, No.4, pp.437-447, April 2001. [ 6 ] . T.M. Barker, C. Kirtley, J. Ratanapinunchai, â€Å" Calculation of multi-segment stiff organic structure joint kineticss utilizing MATLAB † , Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. [ H ] , Vol.211, No.6, pp.483-487, 1997. [ 7 ] A. P. Stylianou, T. M. Guess, J. L. Cook, â€Å" Development and proof of a multi-body theoretical account of the eyetooth knee articulation † , Comp. Meth. Biomech. Biomed. Eng. , DOI: 10.1080/10225842.2012.684243, pp. 1-8, May 2012. [ 8 ] K. H. Bloemker, T. M. Guess, L. Maletsky, K. Dodd, † Computational Knee Ligament Modeling Using Experimentally Determined Zero-Load Lengths † , The Open Biomed. Eng. , Vol.6, pp.33-41, April 2012 [ 9 ] G. Li, J. Gil, A. Kanamori, S. L. Woo. â€Å" A validated 3-dimensional computational theoretical account of a human articulatio genus articulation † , J. Biomech. Eng. Vol.121, No.6, pp.657-662, December 1999

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company Essay

Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan’s Adventure, it remained one of the most popular parks in the region. It also once boasted the only operating roller coaster (Afterburner) with an inversion in the state of Indiana Fun Spot boasts that it is one of only a few amusement centers in the nation that offers multi-level cement go-cart tracks – four separate tracks. In addition to go-carts, there are bumper cars, bumper boats, a number of other thrill rides and the children’s section known as Kid Spot. The Kid Spot section includes a small carrousel; the Frog Hopper, a ride that drops its riders in small increments and then bounces back up; a kiddie’s swing; a kiddies train and other rides. Fun-Spot Fun Park began as a small amusement park in 1985, with nothing more than a merry-go-round, a slide, pony rides, and an ice cream stand, Fun-Spot grew into a popular family attraction with 20 rides, a restaurant, and an outdoor performing arts theater. â€Å"My wife, Gail, and I didn’t know what we were getting into,† commented Ron Hart, the owner. â€Å"We just knew that weekenders coming to the lakes in our rural area represented an untapped market. † Today, thousands of visitors flock to Fun-Spot—families, children of all ages, even senior citizens who enjoy strolling through the gardens and arbor At Fun Spot, elementary school age children, teenagers and parents, will find plenty of fun and thrills at this mini-amusement park that packs a lot of excitement into a very small area.. â€Å"There’s something here for everyone,† Gail Hart says. â€Å"Dozens of companies hold annual company picnics here. We have welcomed class field trips. And we even had one wedding here at the park! † â€Å"Here’s the funny thing,† Ron chime in. â€Å"We really don’t know why we’ve been so successful! There is nothing else like Fun-Spot Fun Park in the area. We were just lucky. † â€Å"I think it’s the ambience of the park,† Gail added, â€Å"that has brought so many visitors. We provide a ‘total package’ of entertainment. Plus, we try to change our rides and various attractions from time to time. † Ron and Gail Hart admitted that making every visitor happy is a priority. â€Å"That has always been our philosophy,† they said. â€Å"And we’ve always been able to deliver on that because we’ve never allowed ourselves to grow too big too quickly. †

Role Model Review

For this assignment I have chosen a leader that is in charge of overseeing the over 300,000,000 people of the United States of America, (The World Fact Book, July 2010) the 44th President of The United States of America, Barack Obama. The primary duty of the president of the United States is to make sure that all United States laws are carried out and that the federal government is run effectively. Although the president may not introduce new legislation he does hold the awesome power to veto all bills that are approved by the legislature. In addition, the president has the weighty role of commander in chief of the armed forces. As the nation's chief executive, the president oversees foreign policy, making treaties with foreign nations and appointing ambassadors to other nations and to the United Nations. He also appoints members of the Cabinet, as well as Supreme Court justices and federal judges. As you can tell the job of the president of The United States is full of responsibilities and is a job that should not be taken lightly. When president Barack Obama was elected to office in 2008 it was an election of epic proportions. That year there was not only the first African American running for president, but also the first female. After the primary elections it was clear that the race for the 44th president was going to be between Republican candidate John McCain and Barack Obama. President Barack Hussein Obama II has a story that American dreams are made of. He claims to have been raised with values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others. He was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961. His father was from Kenya and his mother was from Kansas. He was raised with the help from his grandparents. His grandfather served in Patton's army and his grandmother was a secretary at a bank. Barack worked his way through college with the help of scholarships and student loans. (whitehouse.gov) President Obama has claimed to be a Christian, but there has been many who would question this because of his Muslim roots. President Obama has been quoted as saying that he has attended the same Christian Church for the past 20 years. (The associated Press) This is after he was accused of being an Islamic terrorist because his father as well as his step-father were both Muslim. President Obama and his family were in fact members of The Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago until he had a disagreement with his pastor. (The associated Press) There are things that President Obama has endorsed throughout his campaign and throughout his presidency that I do not agree with. I do not agree with his issues on abortion, even though he did stop federal funding of it. I am also not a fan of his health care reform. I believe that there are other ways than what he is proposing to make sure that the American people have affordable health care and health care coverage As with any leader there will always be things that everyone dislikes and things that only some people like. This is after all a free country that is driven by freewill and democracy. Personally I can see why people would hold president Obama to the standards of a role model and even a hero. His story is truly amazing and is an example of the American dream. I however would not say that he is a perfect person to be a role model. As I mentioned before I do not agree with a lot of his policies or that he has a Muslim background. I also do not agree with the thought of a public official being thought of as a role model for children when he openly discusses his battle with nicotine. There are really none of us that are perfect, but as Christian's we are to strive to be Christ like. Throughout the past few years I have watched as president Obama has delivered public addresses and wondered if he were turning religion and faith into the same thing. The only way that he can talk about religion is to talk about his faith, but never specifically mentioning what he has faith in therefore turning faith into an irrelevant flourish of sentimentality that one can choose to wrap around social justice or dispose of completely. I feel that this is bringing religion down to the lowest common denominator. I cannot look at a man as a role model that tries to make Christianity politically correct.

Marketing Management of Ocean Park Essay

Brief Description of Ocean Park Hong Kong Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. It was officially opened on January 10th 1977 by the governor of Hong Kong and was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on July 1st 1987, with a Government-appointed Board. It constitutes of marine mammal, oceanarium, animal and amusement as a theme park, located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Reason for Choosing Ocean Park Hong Kong Ocean Park Hong Kong ruled the local amusement park landscape alone. In 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland had arrived and busted out the Park from its near 30-year comfort zone. However, Ocean Park has secured the prestigious 2012 Applause Award, which was the first in Asia to be rewarded. The reason for choosing Ocean Park Hong Kong is thus to study how effectively the marketing strategies are used in the Park against its main competitor, Hong Kong Disneyland. SWOT Analysis A Strength of Ocean Park Hong Kong is the numerous attractions with different levels of amusements ranging from roller coasters to aquariums. Another one is the five major annual events throughout the year: a varying Animal in High Definition Month, the Ocean Park Summer Splash, the Halloween Bash, Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations. Yet, the most obvious weakness is the several incidents happened in the past five years. Panda attacking a feeder, dying of Chinese sturgeons and sudden pause of attractions – all these had surprised the public’s confidence to the park. In terms of opportunity, there is a proposed MTR station on the east of South Island Line for Ocean. Park Hong Kong. The station would help attract more customers for the Park because it will be easier and more convenient to visit. The major threat is from the future development plan of Hong Kong Disneyland, which is expected to build more themed areas, rides and hotels in the coming decade to match the increasing needs. There will be keen competition between Ocean Park Hong Kong and Disneyland after such an expansion. Marketing Objectives Since Ocean Park Hong Kong aims to become a leader among the theme park industry, its marketing objective is to strive for a place in the top ten of the total number of visitors of the Global Attractions Attendance report by AECOM within two years. Moreover, the Park hopes to increase its profit by at least 20% within two years due to the huge amount of visitors every year. Last, due to the accidents happened in recent years, customers’ satisfaction towards Ocean Park Hong Kong has been damaged. To increase customer retention and satisfaction, the Park should make an effort to ensure there will be no accident in the coming two years Reference list 1 / 2 Rubin, J. (2013). Global attendence attractions report. Retrieved from http://www. aecom. com/deploy edfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/ThemeMuseumIndex_2013. pdf (2014). Vision and Mission. Retrieved from http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/html/en/footer/corporate-information/vision. html (2014). Annual Report. Retrieved from http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/doc/common/footer/ar/ophk_ar12-13. pdf Ocean Park, Hong Kong. (n.d. ). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 7, 2014 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ocean_Park_Hong_Kong Pelle, J. (2012). Liseberg – The Applause Award. Retrieved October 5, 2014 from http://liseberg. com/en/home/Entertainment/Awards1/ Nip, A. (2014). â€Å"Annual tourists to Hong Kong could rise to 70 million in three years, commission says†,SCMP,17 January from http://www. scmp. com/news/hong-kong/article/1407779/visitor- numbers-can-rise-70m-three-years-commission-says? page=all POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).   

Business plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 2

Business plan - Essay Example The gaming room will have approximately fifty computers for the gamers, as well as play stations while they can also have refreshments, although high alcoholic drinks will not be served at the counter. This is because the equipment at the bar is sensitive and drunken gamers could destroy them. In addition, the bar will also provide game discs, consoles, and information at reasonable prices, which, together with the excellent service that will be provided, will be the core point for the bar. The staff at the bar will be expected to be gaming enthusiasts, and they will be trained by professional players in order to offer better service. Game heaven expects to have its own website for promotional activities where clients can interact and set up games. Industry Analysis The idea for starting Game Heaven came from the fact that more and more individuals who want to play the battle arena video games. However, despite the increasing interest in this game, there are no battle arena video gam e and sports bars, around the Birmingham area. Game Heaven is going to have to serve several sectors of the market. In the sports and gaming bar industry, it is important to have a family atmosphere where the gamers feel part of an exclusive group (Rail, 2011: p300). In addition, it will serve several uses, such as watching big games, gaming tournaments, and personal gaming time. The bar also plans to begin offering light food, although the dining areas will be separated from the â€Å"family† by a wall. However, wherever one sits, there will be a big screen TV showing games, whether cricket, football, or rugby, especially since the plan involves having multiple screens in these areas. The business will face regulatory issues, especially with regards to employee wages, liquor licenses for the big matches, local ordinances, building permits, and others that could be of effect to the business (Rail, 2011: p301). Objectives Management at Game Heaven is confident that it has the ability to replicate its success with the plain Sports bar concept into an e-sports bar concept. It has established several objectives: Have at least two stores operational by the end of the second year Sales of approximately ?150,000 in its initial year A net profit margin of 35% Net profit margins of approximately 14% Maintain a tight control on operations, as well as costs, by hiring quality staff, while also making use of automated control Keep beverage costs under 30% Select additional locations on the basis of meeting success parameters Grow the location to a ?1 to ?2 million yearly business. Mission Game Heaven UK will strive to become the premier e-sports themed bar in the Birmingham area. Our goal is to stay ahead of competitors, as well as allowing clients to enjoy their leisure time the best way we can. In addition, the bar will provide more computers and more screens showing more matches than all other sports bars in the Birmingham area. Game Heaven UK provides audio con trol, which is state-of-the-art at all computer and play stations, as well as in TV areas that allow the customer enjoy their gaming and watching experience without background noise interference. Through a combination of atmosphere, quality service, ambiance, and menu selection, to create a valuable and excellent entertainment experience. Keys to Success In order to achieve Game Heaven UK’s goals, the bar will seek to: Give quality service