Case 6-1 Browning Manufacturing

Michellee Marie B. Chavez 2004-39460 BM 220 – Management Accounting 1) BROWNING MANUFACTURING COMPANY T-Accounts Cash Accounts Receivable Notes Payable 2,604,000. 00 144,000. 00 2,562,000. 00 49,200. 00 288,840. 00 118,440. 00 78,000. 00 311,760. 00 19,200. 00 264,000. 00 264,000. 00 492,000. 00 2,604,000. 00 552,840. 00 198,000. 00 2,873,760. 00 2,672,400. 00 49,200. 00 201,360. 00 Interest Expense 135,600. 00 38,400. 00 522,000. 00 Finished Goods 38,400. 00 38,400. 00 257,040. 00 1,806,624. 00 788,400. 00 1,901,952. 00 Indirect Manufacturing Labor 9,000. 00 2,158,992. 00 1,806,624. 0 198,000. 00 36,000. 00 352,368. 00 198,000. 00 52,200. 00 2,986,440. 00 2,542,800. 00 Manufacturing plant and equipment Direct Manufacturing Labor 443,640. 00 2,678,400. 00 492,000. 00 144,000. 00 492,000. 00 Prepaid taxes and insurances 2,822,400. 00 66,720. 00 52,800. 00 Materials 78,000. 00 Accounts Payable 110,520. 00 811,000. 00 144,720. 00 52,800. 00 788,400. 00 825,000. 00 825,000. 00 91, 920. 00 66,000. 00 935,520. 00 811,000. 00 185,760. 00 124,520. 00 788,400. 00 1,076,760. 00 Income Taxes Payable 288,360. 00 Work in Process 9,000. 00 9,000. 00 172,200. 00 1,901,952. 00 5,800. 0 Selling and Administrative Expense 811,000. 00 9,000. 00 14,800. 00 522,000. 00 1,129,200. 00 5,800. 00 522,000. 00 2,112,400. 00 1,901,952. 00 210,448. 00 Supplies Depreciation :: 17,280. 00 61,200. 00 140,400. 00 492,000. 00 66,000. 00 907,200. 00 198,000. 00 83,280. 00 61,200. 00 1,047,600. 00 49,200. 00 22,080. 00 135,600. 00 52,800. 00 Capital Stock Income Tax Expense 61,200. 00 1,512,000. 00 58,000. 00 140,400. 00 1,512,000. 00 58,000. 00 1,129,200. 00 Sales Cost of Goods Sold Power, Heat and Light 2,562,000. 00 1,806,624. 00 135,600. 00 2,562,000. 00 1,806,624. 00 135,600. 00 Sales Returns and Allowances Sales Discounts Social Security Taxes 19,200. 00 49,200. 00 49,200. 00 19,200. 00 49,200. 00 49,200. 00 Retained Earnings 829,560. 00 36,000. 00 68,576. 00 36,000. 00 898,136. 00 862,136. 00 Statement of Retained Earnings Retained earnings, 12/31/09 $829,560. 00 Add net income 68,576. 00 898,136. 00 Less dividends 36,000. 00 Retained earnings, 12/31/10 $862,136. 00 BROWNING MANUFACTURING COMPANY Projected 2010 Statement of Cost of Goods Sold Finished Goods Inventory, 1/1/10 $257,040. 00 Work in process inventory, 1/1/10 $172,200. 00 Materials used 811,000. 00 Plus: Factory expenses Direct manufacturing labor 492,000. 00 Factory Overhead: Indirect manufacturing labor $198,000. 00 Power, heat and light 135,600. 00 Depreciation of plant 140,400. 00 Social security taxes 49,200. 00 Taxes and insurance, factory 52,800. 00 Supplies 61,200. 00 637,200. 00 2,112,400. 00 Less: Work in process inventory, 12/31/10 210,448. 00 Cost of goods manufactured 1,901,952. 00 2,158,992. 00 Less: Finished goods inventory, 12/31/10 352,368. 00 Cost of goods sold $1,806,624. 00 2) BROWNING MANUFACTURING COMPANY Projected 2010 Income Statement Sales 2,562,000. 00 Less: Sales returns and allowances 19,200. 00 Sales discounts allowed 49,200. 00 68,400. 00 Net Sales 2,493,600. 00 Less: Cost of Goods Sold 1,806,624. 00 Gross margin 686,976. 00 Less: Selling and administrative expense 522,000. 00 Operating Income 164,976. 00 Less: Interest Expense 38,400. 00 Income before federal and state income tax 126,576. 00 Less: Estimated income tax expense 58,000. 00 Net Income 68,576. 00 BROWNING MANUFACTURING COMPANY Projected 2010 Balance Sheet Assets Current Assets: Cash and marketable securities $443,640. 00 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) 201,360. 00 Inventories: Materials $124,520. 00 Work in process 210,448. 00 Finished goods 352,368. 00 Supplies 22,080. 00 709,416. 00 Prepaid taxes and insurance 91,920. 00 Total current assets 1,446,336. 00 Other Assets: Manufacturing plant at cost 2,822,400. 00 Less: Accumulated depreciation 1,047,600. 00 1,774,800. 00 Total Assets $3,221,136. 00 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts Payable $288,360. 00 Notes Payable 552,840. 00 Income Taxes payable 5,800. 00 Total current liabilities $847,000. 00 Shareholders' equity: Capital stock 1,512,000. 00 Retained earnings 862,136. 00 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $3,221,136. 00 Comparative Statement of Cost of Goods Sold, Projected 2010 vs. 2009 20092010% change Finished Goods Inventory, 1/1/10 218,820. 00 257,040. 00 17. 47% Work in process inventory, 1/1/10 137,760. 00 172,200. 00 25. 00% Materials used 663,120. 00 811,000. 00 22. 30% Direct manufacturing labor 419,040. 00 492,000. 00 17. 41% Indirect manufacturing labor 170,640. 00 198,000. 00 16. 03% Power, heat and light 116,760. 00 135,600. 00 16. 14% Depreciation of plant 126,600. 00 140,400. 00 10. 90% Social security taxes 42,120. 00 49,200. 00 16. 81% Taxes and insurance, factory 46,320. 00 52,800. 00 13. 99% Supplies 56,880. 00 61,200. 00 7. 9% Work in process inventory, 12/31/10 172,200. 00 210,448. 00 22. 21% Finished goods inventory, 12/31/10 257,040. 00 352,368. 00 37. 09% Comparative Income Statement, Projected 2010 vs. 2009 2009 2010 % change Sales 2,295,600. 00 2,562,000. 00 11. 60% Sales returns and allowances 17,640. 00 19,200. 00 8. 84% Sales discounts allowed 43,920. 00 49,200. 00 12. 02% Cost of Goods Sold 1,568,280. 00 1,806,624. 00 15. 20% Selling and administrative expense 437,160. 00 522,000. 00 19. 41% Interest Expense 34,080. 00 38,400. 00 12. 68% Estimated income tax expense 89,520. 00 58,000. 00 -35. 21% Net Income 105,000. 00 68,576. 0 -34. 69% Comparative Balance Sheet, Projected 2010 vs. 2009 2009 2010 % change Cash and marketable securities 118,440. 00 443,640. 00 274. 57% Accounts receivable 311,760. 00 201,360. 00 -35. 41% Materials 110,520. 00 124,520. 00 12. 67% Work in process 172,200. 00 210,448. 00 22. 21% Finished goods 257,040. 00 352,368. 00 37. 09% Supplies 17,280. 00 22,080. 00 27. 78% Prepaid taxes and insurance 66,720. 00 91,920. 00 37. 77% Manufacturing plant at cost 2,678,400. 00 2,822,400. 00 5. 38% Accumulated depreciation 907,200. 00 1,047,600. 00 15. 48% Accounts Payable 185,760. 00 288,360. 00 55. 23% Notes Payable 288,840. 0 552,840. 00 91. 40% Income Taxes payable 9,000. 00 5,800. 00 -35. 56% Capital stock 1,512,000. 00 1,512,0 00. 00 0. 00% Retained earnings 829,560. 00 862,136. 00 3. 93% The comparison shows that in 2010, it is projected that there will be a significant increase by 274. 57% in the company’s cash and marketable securities. It can also be noted that accounts receivables for 2010 is expected to go down by 35. 41%, meaning the company will have more and faster collections of receivables, thus, increase in cash can be expected. On the other hand, notes payable and accounts payable is projected to increase by 91. 40% and 55. 3% respectively, which indicates that the company will not be able to pay its financial obligations in due time. Their credit standing as a company will worsen, because the company’s expenses will be higher in 2010. They may have faster collections of receivables, however, payables and expenses increases, resulting to the inability of the company to become liquid. Aside from this, inventory turnover is expected to be low, meaning; the company will not be able to utilize its resources efficiently. It can also be attributed to the slight increase in sales which shows that the company is having a hard time disposing / using its resources. Due to these projections, net income is also expected to decrease in 2010. 3) The company will fail to achieve its notes payable repayment goal of a year-end cash balance of $150,000. 00 after paying off at least $350,000. 00 of the notes payable, because after repaying $350,000, year-end cash balance will decrease to $93,640, which is short of its $150,000 year-end cash balance. In order to achieve its minimum objective, the company should be able to increase its sales, and lessen the expenses as well as the payables. ) Management’s inventory turnover goal will not be achieved in 2010. Inventory turnover can be computed as: Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory 20091,568,280. 00/ [(218,820. 00+257,040. 00)/2] = 6. 59 20101,806,624. 00/ [(257,040. 00+352,368. 00)/2] = 5. 93 As shown in the above computation, inventory turnover in 2010 is lower than that of 2009. In the budget, inventory turnover goal is not indicated to be achieved. The company should analyze its market and d emand of the people in order to evaluate how many of the goods should be prepared and ordered by them. They should be aware of the average number of products that they should have and it will be determined based on the demand. They should also strategize by having effective marketing and selling techniques. 5) The budget shows that the company will have a poor credit trade standing due to its higher payables. This shows that the company is not able to pay its obligations in time, primarily because of its inability to monitor and control their expenses. Eventually, the company will have a hard time borrowing if there will have continuous past dues, thus, operations might soon be affected and eventually will not be sustained.

Basic Accounting Equation

The basic accounting equation upon which the final accounts are prepare encompasses the following: Assets minus Liabilities = Ownership Interest The Balance Sheet is the key financial report that portrays the accounting equation, which will be utilized to compute the accounting equation for the companies at hand.Accounting Equation in McDonald’s Annual Report (2007) Assets: Property, plant and equipment $20,984. 70 million Current Assets $ 3,581. 90 million Other Assets $ 4,825. 10 million Total Assets $29,391. 70 million Liabilities: Non-Current Liabilities (note 1) $ 9,613.40 million Current Liabilities $ 4,498. 50 million Total Liabilities $14,111. 90 million Ownership Interest $15,279. 80 million Note: ownership interest is represented by total shareholders’ equity in the Balance Sheet. Note 1 – Computation of Non-Current Liabilities: Long-Term Debt $7,310. 0 million Other Long-Term Liabilities $1,342. 5 million Deferred Taxation $ 960. 9 million Non-Current Liabilities $9,613. 4 million Accounting Equation in Triarc Companies Incorporation (2007) Assets: Non-Current Assets $1,284,313,000 Current Assets $ 170,254,000Total Assets $1,454,567,000 Liabilities: Non-Current Liabilities (see note 2) $ 798,530,000 Current Liabilities $ 207,163,000 Total Liabilities $1,005,693,000 Ownership Interest $448,874,000 Note: ownership interest is represented by total stockholders’ equity in the Balance Sheet. Note 2 – Computation of Non-Current Liabilities Long-Term Debt $711,531,000 Deferred Income $ 10,861,000 Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries $ 958,000 Other Liabilities $ 75,180,000 Non-Current Liabilities $798,530,000Under both organisations the same accounting equation is utilised and the same components taken. This uniformity is important in accounting in order to ensure comparability. In addition with the aid of such accounting equation a uniform structure is given to the Balance Sheet, which is an important medium for pertinent stakeholders to assess the financial position and stability of the organization. As one can note the assets section is classified between current and non-current assets, while the liabilities are divided between current and non-current liabilities.The subtraction between the two will results in the ownership interest. This basically comprises the equity capital of the company together with capital and revenue/capital reserves. Such features are present both for McDonald’s Corporation and Triarc Companies Incorporation. In addition such features will also be present in the majority of limited liability companies set across the globe. The Balance Sheet is the main medium that one can utilize to identify the assets, liabilities and ownership interest of the companies.The additional notes in the financial statements serve as detail specification on certain assets and liability elements. However, the accounting equation being generic in its nature does not necessitate t hat one enters into such details. In this respect the Balance Sheet was the main medium utilised to put in practice the accounting equation for McDonald’s Corporation and Triarc Companies Incorporation. Reference: Weetman P. (2003). Financial and Management Accounting. Third Edition. New York: Prentice Hall.

PTSD Stigma in military personnel

The present review addresses the perceived stigma associated with admitting mental illness and seeking mental health treatment. Research on the public stigma associated with mental illness is reviewed, indicating that the public generates stereotypes of mental illness, which may lead to discrimination of those individuals with mental illness. The internalization of these public beliefs result in self stigma which leads the individual to experience low self esteem and self efficacy. This process of stigmatization in both public and self, is what causes the mentally ill individual to reject the provided mental health treatment.Under the influence of the military, these mentally ill individuals are more prone to stigma barriers in mental health treatment. Within the military it is understood that there is a high demand of reediness and responsibility, which is threatened by the stereotypes incapability associated with mental illness, resulting in an exposure of â€Å"weakness† fo r the mentally ill individual. Soldiers in efforts to avoid this consequence will deal with there psychological symptoms independently rather then facing the consequences that might entail in seeking professional treatment.The term invisible wound was established in order to change the belief of a physical and tangible injury acceptable but not an emotional injury. Efforts to reduce the mental health stereotype and promote mental health treatment have included testing possible interventions, which can be applied in future military personnel with psychological problems. The interventions are directed towards improving one area of stigma and include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and improvement in leadership quality and unit cohesion. Starting on October 2001, 1.64 million soldiers were deployed to serve either in OEF, Operation enduring Freedom or OIF, Operation Iraq Freedom. Upon their return, close to half of these soldiers reported symptoms of mental health problems. The prevalence of mental problems in the US military was larger then it has ever been.The Military personnel screening positive for PTSD was at a rate of 0.2% in 2002 and in 2008 increased to 21.8%. Additionally, during these years rates of  Alcohol abuse went from 1.1 %- 7.1% as well as the rates of Depression going from 2.3%- 17.4%. Unfortunately, along with the rise of PTSD, Alcohol abuse, and depression the increase rate of military suicide followed Kim et al. (2010). As a result measures were taken in order to reduce mental health barriers and improve the accessibility of mental health care within the military personnel. In 2008, The National Defense Authorized Act was passed which extended the eligibility of receiving VA health care benefits from 2 to 5 years post deployment. Although the potential barrier of accessibility was adjusted the gap military utilization of mental health treatment still remained.Through the studies identifying mental illness and prevalence in the military, resea rchers have found that the rate of positive screening mental illness is inconsistent with the rate in utilization of mental health services. Hoge et al. (2004) conduced a study measuring the mental health problems in 3,201 OIF and OEI military personnel. The study found that of the soldiers and marines who met the criteria for a mental health illness only 23- 40% reported actually receiving professional mental health care treatment. Interestingly, only 38- 45% of those positively screened reported an interest in receiving any form of treatment.If healthcare is delivered, then what leads these suffering military personnel to reject the advised mental health care attention? This article will argue that the perceived stigma in mental illness is a major factor contributing to the lack of utilization of the mental health care provided.The forms of Stigma: In order to understand the role stigma plays in mental health care utilization of military personnel, we need to fully understand stig ma of mental illness. Research of mental health stigma within the military context often relates and applies findings of the general stigma of mental illness in order to entirely understand how it. Corrigan & Penn (1999) defined stigma as, an overall negative attitude or stereotype about a person. The research of stigma agrees with this definition but also differentiates between the two different forms of stigma, self- stigma and public stigma.The findings of Ben- Zeev et al., (2012) although focuses on stigma within  the military context, agrees with the definition of stigma given from Corrigan and Penn (1999) but also explains that public stigma is the rejection of mental illness as a result of society endorsing stereotypes. Originally, these negative perceptions of mental illness start off minimal but eventually turn into false facts, resulting in the formation of public- stigma.Within the study, public stigma is explained to be the main source of stigma. Within the research of Ben- Zeev et al., (2012), the three stages of the conception of stigma are also explained. The first stage occurs when the individual is exposed to the illness through explicit cues, whether personally experiences the mental illness symptoms such as (intense emotional distress or flashbacks) or if he or she hears about a fellow members mental illness.In the second stage, these stigmatizes cues produce negative beliefs of what the public has generated about people with mental illness such as incapable, dangerous and at fault. Although the second stage indicates knowledge of the various negative perceptions, only in the third stage are these perceptions believed. After this process the stigma is endorsed and as a result generates negative reactions against those suffering such as condescension or discrimination and will impact the individual with mental illness. Awareness of public stigma results in self- stigma, where the public stereotypes becomes internalized and made into facts b y the individual with mental health problems.This internalization of negative beliefs will cause the individual to apply the negative stereotypes to him or herself impacting how they view themselves. Mechanic et al., (1994) found that the consequences of self -stigma will cause the individual to experience a loss of self-esteem and self- efficacy. Although the study of Mechanic et al. (1994) was specific to the general stigma of mental illness, the findings from the research have been described within the mental illness stigma in the military. Wright et al, (2007), which findings agrees with the findings of Mechanic et al. (1994), consisted of surveying 680 soldiers on their perceptions on mental health stigma it the military.After selecting from those who screened positive for mental illness the results found that self-stigma attacks the individual’s self perception generating self loathing thoughts such as, I am a pitiful soldier and I have failed my responsibility of being a soldier. Further results in this study found that the self-stigma, resulting in low self -esteem and self- efficacy  will cause the soldier to have harder time seeking professional help. Studies have shown that in order prevent the consequences of stigma soldiers will reject the referral to seek treatment. The symptoms the solider may encounter such as insomnia, flashbacks, and severe anxiety will go untended to, in order to avoid formal diagnostic. Researchers have defined this reaction as label avoidance. Individual avoids the occurrence of formal diagnostic due to the consequences a label of mental illness might entail (Ben- Zeev et al., 2012).Consequences of seeking treatment, specific to military environment: Many researchers have focused their study on understanding the specific nature of stigma of mental illness in relation to military personnel. Studies have shown that military service members are prone to the negative consequences of stigma due to the expressed concern of how they are viewed by other service members and commanders. Hoge et al., (2004) found that soldiers indicate a strong concern on how they are perceived by their peers and leaders. Further results of the study link high levels of concern to the potential stigma associated with mental illness. Furthermore, the worry of being â€Å"treated differently† among other military personnel was reported in the study of Wright et al., (2007).The study found this worry of discrimination to be a major concern and cause of soldiers refusing mental health treatment. Research has explained that the mental illness stereotypes such as violence and incompetence pose a threat to the high expectations and demands, specific to the nature of the military. Wright et al., (2007) findings agree and explains that the soldiers are expected to be capable and reliable of completing relatively challenging assignment and if viewed as incapable would not be relied on by others. Soldiers, struggling with mental illness, fear the reality of receiving different treatment or being passed for duties and promotions.This fear that seeking help for mental illness may harm the individuals career had been understand to be another linking factor as to why soldiers decide against seeking mental health care treatment. Many studies have found that due to stigma, soldiers will also undergo the fear of exposing weakness and as a result, reject mental health care. Due to the high demands and expectations of soldiers, the military leaves little room for areas of weakness. This contestant state of  exhibiting strength in character creates less acceptance of mental illness due to the stereotype of weakness attached to it.The study of Kim et., (2010), conducted a cross sectional study of 10,386 US army soldiers within three and twelve months following their deployment. These soldiers were surveyed on their perceptions of the potential barriers to care where they report a major barrier was due to the consequence of being â€Å"seen as weak†. They feel that once a soldier was to seek treatment for his or her mental illness, they fear that others who endorse the stereotype will see them as weak.To emphasis the stigma of weakness researchers apply the research conducted on general mental illness stigma in order to further explain the stigma of being seen as weak in military contexts. Corrigan et al.,(2000) in the research conducted on stigma, found that mental illness can be judged by others in terms of controllability. The idea that mental illness is controllable places more responsibility of the symptoms of mental illness on the person with the illness. This concept of controllability can be applied to the fear of being seen as weak within the military. When others view mental illness as controllable they often judge them and generate the stereotype that mental illness is a weakness.Invisible wound: The term invisible wound has become predominantly used among the military expressing mental health aftermath of the war. Research has showed that physical injury tends to be more accepted then the psychological injury of combat. The term invisible wound attempts to reduce the stigma of mental illness by emphasizing that mental trauma is no less severe then physical injury. Britt et al. (2000) analyzed mental health problems in a service unit returning from a peacekeeping mission. Those who screened positive for psychological problems expressed that they felt more discomfort in discussing their mental health status then any medical problems.Although those screening positive would benefit from psychological treatment, they might feel that it is not as important as a physical injury and therefore neglect to seek professional treatment. This perception among military personnel of physical injury being more acceptable then military injury is exposing the stigma and its negative effects of dealing with mental illness. The term â€Å"invisible wound† allo ws for more attention to be given to anemotional trauma by indicating that just because the wound is not physical or tangible it should still be considered an injury.Interventional Discoveries: Through the research conducted on stigma and barriers to mental health care, interventions to improve the utilization of mental health care in military personnel have been tested among the soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraq Freedom. Interventional research has found that In order for a soldier to admit the psychological symptoms and treat their mental illness studies have shown that he or she needs to in the right environment and around the right people in order to do so. A soldier will probably feel more comfortable discussing their psychological status amongst individuals that they feel confident in and trust.In the attempts to reduce stigma, researchers explored the correlation of stigma on leadership quality. Britt et al., (2000) found that amongst the soldiers who reported a higher perception of leadership quality had lower levels of perceived stigma. Wright et al., (2007) study agreed with the findings in Britt et al., (2000). The results in Wright et al., (2007) study additionally found that those who expressed high unit cohesion ratings were associated with low levels of stigma. The results of both the studies emphasis the importance in positive relationships, within the individuals with mental illness and his/ or her leaders and unit members. Additional findings on efforts to reduce stigma apply the method of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.Stecker et al., (2011) tested a Cognitive Behavioral intervention, attempting to show a reduction of stigma in mental illness. Those screened positive for mental disorder, underwent a brief CB session in order to modify the destructive beliefs of mental illness. Destructive thoughts for example would be â€Å" nothing will ever change so why would I bother trying†. The CB session encou raged constructive thoughts such as â€Å" I can learn more about myself by talking to others†. Each session was accommodated to the individual’s personal perceived stigma. The results that after the CB intervention sessions were administers the surveys showed dramatic decrease in levels the perceived stigma of the participant and followed the increase in the participants intention of seeking mental health treatment. This CB intervention was a measure to reduce stigma of mental  health and increase the rate of care.Research has indicated a gap within the utilization of military mental health care. There is increase in rates of mental illness within the military due to Operation Endurance Freedom and Operation Freedom Iraq. Further results have shown that the rates of military usage of the mental health care do not match the increase rate of mental illness. Studies have suggested the lack of mental health care is due to the stigma associated with mental illness. Milit ary service member continue to suffer from mental illness without seeking help due to the prevalence of mental health stigma within the military. Within the research in stigma of mental illness, stigma is shown to have many different forms.Researchers have explained how due to the combination of public and self -stigma soldiers are reluctant to seek treatment for their mental illness. Although having a mental health problem is not easy, the solders reject treatment due to the consequences it might entail due to specific the culture of the military. The soldiers fear the reality of discrimination from other service members as well as and being viewed as weak due to the stigma of mental illness. The perception of mental illness being seen as not as important as physical injury has resulted in the new term of indivisible wounds, which attempts to change these stereotypes. Interventions on how to reduce stigma in the military have been tested in order to improve future views of mental i llness within the military.

Human Rights Law - Protection of the Environment and Environmental Essay

Human Rights Law - Protection of the Environment and Environmental Rights through Criminal Law - Essay Example Environmental pollution has been an issue of concern over the recent years. History has been a crucial witness to many deliberate acts aimed at destroying the natural environment so as to achieve strategic objectives (Vanderheiden, 2012). Accidental causes also have a fair portion of the blame for environmental pollution. In recent years there have been very serious accidents resulting in massive environmental damage. (Dinar, 2011). A negotiation drafted to serve as a General Assembly Resolution on the protection of the environment is the first step of a solution process to mitigate serious environmental damage regardless of whether it is deliberate or accidental. The resolution determinates the jus puniendi of the States and acts as a harmonizing mechanism of the environmental criminal law of the States (Chowdhury, 2010). Discussion Member States of the General Assembly are responsible for coming up with a resolution, calling for the protection of the environment through internation al criminal law. This resolution aims at discouraging acts causing or likely to cause environmental damage. ... ‘Unlawful’ means infringing a law or a decision taken by a competent authority that aims to prevent environmental damage (Davis, 2007). The resolution is open to signature for both the developing and the developed countries and shall enter into force immediately after the Member States have expressed their consent to be bound by it. Though the resolution is aimed at protecting the environment through international criminal law, it should not affect the rights and undertakings derived from international multilateral conventions concerning special matters (Castree, 2005). According to Ultima Ratio Principle and criminal law intervention, criminal law is the last legal weapon capable of defending the interests of the society. In the preamble, the ultima ratio criminal law principle claims that, while the prevention of the impairment of the environment must be achieved through other measures, international criminal law has an important part to play in protecting the environm ent (Kutz, 2005). International criminal law plays a crucial role as it controls small-scale, large-scale and individual polluters. It helps to prevent further environmental destruction, and avoids over burdening of civil and administrative law with criminal provisions. Its responsibility provides an added incentive for individuals to refrain from conduct that may be harmful to the environment by emphasizing its culpable character and by allowing more stringent enforcement measures to be imposed (Cocks, 2009). Individual states should be responsible for the protection of the environment even though the resolution is agreed at in a convention. A state cannot plead provisions or deficiencies of its own law in answer to a claim against it for any

HOW ARE FASHION AND APPEARANCE CENTRAL TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL Essay

HOW ARE FASHION AND APPEARANCE CENTRAL TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL IDENTITIES DISCUSS, WITH REFERENCE TO SPECIFIC EXAMPLES - Essay Example In understanding beauty and the sacrifices that are made for representing what is beautiful, it can be seen that most cultures have supported alterations of the body in order to attain the essence of beauty as it is defined within the social construct, creating identity and status through those sacrifices. The value of beauty is so high that great pain has been endured in order to attain that representation The concept of beauty would seem a simple concept to define, however beauty is sociologically relevant to the culture that defines it and has an evolving meaning that changes through time. At the center of modern Western society is the beauty salon. According to Black (2004), â€Å"The beauty salon stands at the intersection of a number of techniques of the body, which in turn relate to gender, the body, sexuality, class, commodification, leisure practices, consumption, and so on† (p. 7). Current Western society also supports the use of painful surgical remedies to alter th e physical form and create a more beautified appearance. However, pain has been collateral to many of the ways in which beauty has been chased throughout the centuries. While contemporary society may frown upon some of the methods that have been used throughout history, the current trends are actually a continuation of culturally accepted concepts of the discomfort and pain that can be experienced in the pursuit of what is physically beautiful. The Beauty Salon in Western Society The core of the creation of beautiful through physical change within contemporary Western society is the beauty salon, a place where the hair, skin, and nails are attended to in order to project a more beautiful exterior presence. The salon is a social center, as much as it is a utilitarian entity. According to Black (2004), as she quotes Yvette, an owner of a salon, â€Å"Ordinary people come through here The desire of these ‘ordinary people’ is for pleasure and escapism† (p. 2). While what is done there occurs in order to emerge into society with the intention of the results having an impact on the way in which one is viewed, what happens within the salon is as much a part of the identity as the effect of the result. A relationship is developed between the staff and the client, a connection that is made in order to form a social contract where the professional expertise of the staff member becomes the center of the development of an intimacy with the client, the commodified relationship as emotional as it is purposeful. Often the relationship that one has to their beauty professional is as much emotionally therapeutic as it is physically therapeutic (Black 2004, p. 7). What occurs within the salon is often uncomfortable, if not painful, that level of suffering helping to form the bond between the beauty professional and the client. What is experienced and sacrificed in order to attain the result helps to create the intimacy through which the social contract is es tablished. Furthermore, there is a sexuality that is established within the confines of the experience. The salon professional often must inflict pain in a very intimate way in order to achieve the goals of the session. The pain is endured, the recipient developing a dependency on the one inflicting pain as the release of that sensation is within the control of the professional. This pain can become a deep resource of connectivity between the one inflicti

Federal Reserve System, Interest Rates and Money Supply (SLP) Essay

Federal Reserve System, Interest Rates and Money Supply (SLP) - Essay Example By increasing the interest rates Federal Reserve attempts to condense the supply of money by making it more expensive to obtain. There is no immediate effect on market with the increase in interest rate. However what happens immediately is that it suddenly becomes more costly for banks to borrow money from the central banks pushing the banks to increase the interest rates for lending money to their customers. (Siddhartha Jha, 2011) Expenses necessary for the survival are called committed expenses. As these expenses are mandatory, there purchasing decisions are not affected by fluctuations within the interest rate environment. Further, such expenses are met against cash so interest expenses are not applicable. Committed expenses include rent, transportation, groceries, and health insurance, telephone and electricity bills. Expenses associated with consumer goods, which depreciate quickly and rarely add value to one’s bottom line are called discretionary expenses. Expenses on designer clothes, vacation packages, high-end electronics and memberships to exclusive clubs are discretionary expenses. With the rise in interest rates discretionary spending reduces sharply because higher interest rates increase financing costs and lower disposable income. (John Bates, 2011) Spending on big ticket items expenses like purchasing a car or financing a home is encouraged with stable incomes and low interest rates. The spending decisions for big-ticket items are more so affected by the overall economy because despite a low-interest rate environment, one would be unlikely to take on a mortgage to buy a new home, if one’s job is in jeopardy. On the contrary, a strong economy and impressive stock market returns encourage raising cash to purchase a luxury car. Lower interest rates on real estate loans are better for the real estate market in general because it

Wayne Williams Assessment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wayne Williams Assessment - Research Paper Example The route taken by the accused could be a human rights preference, and it is also highly probable that he took that route to dump the body of one of his murder victims. The taunts that Wayne directed at the investigators cannot be overlooked as they could have two implications to the case. The investigations were slated at a time when race related matters were at an all time high. This could mean that Wayne was reacting to the maltreatment that he received which was a direct result of his race. On the other hand, it could be that he was highly corky and overconfident because he knew that there was no evidence that would eventually link him to the murders (Deadman, 1982). This paper will support the conclusion that Wayne Williams was guilty in the murder of some of the victims, as an outcome of fiber evidence analysis and linkage. Despite all the numerous challenges in the provision of evidence, in the above stated claims, there are certain aspects of the case that remain hazy. It is not possible for Wayne to claim that he was travelling to scout and recruit Cheryl Johnson, who could not be traced. There is no existing evidence that shows that they had previously communicated or even agreed to meet on the said date. Evidence that was gathered from his home intimated that he had taken time to acclimatize himself on the procedures to follow when trying to beat a polygraph test. It is a result of non-binding evidence that the prosecutors thought it prudent to rely on fiber evidence (Deadman, 1982). It is prudent to note that fiber evidence has contributed greatly in drawing resolute conclusions in criminology. The process, analysis, correlation and merging of fibers has the capacity of solving mysteries that would have otherwise remain unresolved. In the case of Wayne, the fibers processed and analyzed from the murdered victims were of a rare kind (Ramsland, 1991). However, investigators were able to

Organization Theory and Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organization Theory and Design - Essay Example Things have never moved so fast and threats and opportunities have never been so immense. Competitors have to be efficient and different to survive and stay on the top. Daft continues and presents the most recent developments in organizations' design - structures and management methods that have only emerged lately in response to the turbulences in the environments and competition worldwide. The rise of an emerging managerial philosophy of efficiency, system, and process is, according to Daft, reflected in the forms of internal communication that serve as mechanisms for managerial coordination and control. These have developed as a product not only of changing organizational needs but also of the technologies available to support them. Forms of organizational communication can thus be organized into specific and recognizable 'genres' such as letters, memorandums, meetings, agendas, proposals etc. These technologies as used by principals and senior managers within colleges not only to account for, but also to promote and disseminate, specific leadership visions and objectives. The overflow of more general managerial philosophies into the realm of globalizations in recent years has included the need to demonstrate competence, compliance and effectiveness to a variety of audiences. Going with Daft's idea1, the purpose of my study would suggest that this need for visible competence is now a dominant theme, driven by external inspection, funding and governance mechanisms as well as the service culture expectations of users and other stakeholders. Such 'audit cultures' (Strathern, 2000) are increasingly common in both public institutions and private enterprise, reflecting the need to perform a new kind of accountability based around the twin goals of economic efficiency and good practice. The concept of the audit, previously constrained within financial applications, has now expanded to become a ubiquitous element of daily life, with the learning and skills sector being no exception. The result is a raft of 'technologies of accountability'. The pan-national corporation, with its inherently complex structure, is the organizational form most severely affected by globalization. It is therefore important for the management of such corporations to improve the control and coordination of the corporations' spatially dispersed subsidiaries. Information technology (IT) has been hailed as an important tool in changing traditional control and coordination processes in complex environments. IT is being used for changing the nature of the relationship between headquarters and subsidiaries in a manner that makes the pan-national corporation more global in orientation. This is occurring as operations and decision-making processes in subsidiaries are redesigned in order to improve global management and local responsiveness Technology serves to shape the manner in which leadership work is

Verizon Wireless Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Verizon Wireless - Case Study Example These are its high quality nationwide wireless network, technological choice of CDMA instead of GSM, constant monitoring of its products and services, and provision of the best product to the customer through an automated software which analyzes customers' calling habits. The company's investment in building a system which takes into consideration the customer service capabilities and coverage has important implications on the company's long-term cost structure. Through these investments, the company is able to provide the best for its clients thereby minimizing churn. The case states that customer loyalty is very important as the acquisition of a customer totals to $300 to $400 each and it takes six to eight months before this cost of customer acquisition is recouped by a business organization. Thus, when a customer stays longer in a service provider, this will mean that the cost of acquisition is covered while the company will not be spending so much in order to acquire new ones. Loyalty also has important implications for a company. If customers are loyal, they tend to spread it to word of mouth allowing the companies not to spend too much on other promotional activities like television advertising. This, in time, reduces the acquisition cost for a business organization. ... This business level strategy is complemented by the functional strategies of quality, efficiency, and responsiveness to customer. The company has invested in quality by checking its signals in nationwide locations through its Test Men as well as having the largest coverage, clearer connections, and fewer dropped calls. Efficiency is also ensured through the employment of CDMA technology which functions better than its GSM counterpart. The company also proves its commitment to customer responsiveness through its consistent communication with clients offering them with the best plans that suit their calling habits. These strengths allow Verizon Wireless to have a competitive advantage in the wireless business. It should be noted that having a nationwide coverage is very hard to be replicated by another player since it will call for a massive outlay of investment in its part. As Verizon has already been operating in this nationwide network, it also enjoys economies of scale which drives down cost significantly. Weaknesses: Verizon Wireless churn rate is 0.87%. Through lower than its competitors, this still indicate that the company is not able to serve all of its clients and meet their requirements. The company should aim and strive to bring down the churn rate to 0% since these aggravated customers through word of mouth can ruin the image of the company which is detrimental in the long run Opportunities: The quality, efficiency, and customer responsiveness can be used by Verizon in order to allow it to go after its rival's customers. It should be noted that the company does not have the most number of subscribers. It can earn more clients through a more intensive

Films of Ingmar Bergman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Films of Ingmar Bergman - Essay Example To quote Jesse Kalin: â€Å"Bergman’s subject is not being as such, but the moral world – ourselves as human beings in the twentieth century; what is deepest and most true and essential about us , and what meaning we can find for our lives in the face of the truth..† (.The Films of Ingmar Bergman, Page 1) The existential struggle becomes acute in women as their loneliness is deeper in a male dominated society. How do these women communicate with each other in this world of loneliness? The denial of both sexual pleasure as well as the maternal bliss makes their quest for themselves much more frustrating. Persona (1966) and Cries and Whispers (1972) are two great works of this master that form wonderful examples for psychodrama of the modern life as well as for Meta cinema or self reflexive cinema. In Persona it is a speechless woman who confronts an over speaking woman, who essentially speaks of her dilemmas, which strangely confirms to the dilemmas of the listening silent woman. The film opens with a pre-title sequence of a bewildering Freudian montage of seemingly unrelated images, indicating that it is dealing with dark contradictions and never matching opposites. Of the images in the opening montage, the image of the cinematic projection apparatus with the carbon arc of a projector is repeated in the end of the film as well. .Elisabeth Volger (portrayed brilliantly by Liv Ullman ) is a noted stage actress , who is thirty plus of age and who loses her speech mysteriously in the middle of a performance while she was acting as Electra, the Greek mythological character .After staying in the hospital for a brief period , she is removed to a sea side cottage for psychiatric observation. She comes under the care of a private nurse named Alma (Bibi Anderson ).The nurse opens herself up to the patient and tells her all her frustrations as well as her hopes and dreams. She talks

Oppression in the Twentieth Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Oppression in the Twentieth Century - Essay Example Much of the definition of oppression is attributed to its nineteenth-century roots. Particularly, the works of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Karl Marx, and John Stuart Mill were pivotal in outlining the systematic nature of oppression, which has tremendous influence in its modern forms. On the one hand, the works and philosophies of Gandhi, de Beauvoir, Malcolm X, among others, have added dimensions to oppression, updating its conception to contemporary twentieth century. Imperialism and colonization dominated the discourse on oppression especially during the early part of the 20th century. From Africa, Asia to Latin America, there was a wave of liberation movements that demonstrated various experiences of oppression and the attempts to be free from it. One of these experiences is the emergence of conflicts such as World War II wherein colonies were expected to provide warm bodies to fight in the frontlines as well as supply the raw materials and augment the war chest of their masters. The wartime sacrifices underscore a form of oppression that has permeated since the previous century and has spilled over to the 20th. Then, individual experiences amidst the dawn of modernity and the increased contact of people from various part of the globe gave rise to the growth of nationalism. This aspect is highlighted in the case of Gandhi. He is one of the most vocal advocates of decolonization in Asia. Gandhi’s crusade for India’s independence fro m Britain was inspired by personal maltreatment as he was building his career in Africa as a lawyer. As a non-white person, he experienced being thrown out of first-class train car, barred from certain hotel rooms and beaten for no reason but his color. Gandhi’s philosophy behind the liberation movement he launched underscored a kind of oppression India experienced in its relationship with Britain.  

Christianity and Time Period Essay Example for Free

Christianity and Time Period Essay Christianity had a big impact on Europe culturally, economically, and politically through the 600 to 1750 C. E. time period. Christianity during these time periods had great many changes but also had a variety of continuities that were alike as well. The Christian faith through this time period in Europe went through multiple reforms. Reforms such as the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther, had a severe impact on the Catholic Church and Christians everywhere in Europe. Also the change of the political power of the papacy and the effect it also had on Europe’s economy. Culturally Christianity had a big impact on Europe, seeing as almost everyone in that region considered themselves Christians. Christianity during the 600’s was on the rise and this caused various different forms of ideas of what people thought Christianity was. Most Christians in the 600’s to the 1500’s were Catholics and the Catholic Church had clear power in Europe politically and economically. Of course, this all started to change around 1517 when Martin Luther published â€Å"The Ninety-Five Thesis† that got people thinking about the downfalls of the church and the reasons to join the Protestant Church during this time period which effected European culture in such a short period of time because of one man’s attempt to overthrow the Catholic Church in Europe in the 1500’s. This split between the Christians led to European Wars of Religion in the 1600’s that eventually ended and came to peace with the â€Å"Peace of Westphalia†. Despite the ending of the wars Europe’s Church was still split in two and caused many changes in Europe culturally. Although there were a great many changes in Europe’s culture there was also a continuity that kept these three time periods alike. This continuity was the fact that despite all of these obstacles that the Catholic Church and the Christians face over the 600 to 1750 time period they still kept going and stayed intact because of the love of culture and religion in Europe during this time period. Economically Christianity affected Europe in a variety a different ways.

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn In his episodic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain fabricates a journey as the platform for the narrators symbolic rite of passage. The protagonist, Huckleberry Finn, discovers the true colors of his individuality, as he voyages through his many adventures and gains priceless experiences. While he matures and advances, Huck discards his disposition as an ignorant and juvenile adolescent craving for joy and peril and becomes a man, being able to firmly identify and establish his morals and ethics. During this intricate process, he develops a comradeship with a Jim, a runaway slave, ultimately learning the true horrors of the flawed society, in which he lives in. As a role in Hucks learning process, Mark Twain realistically utilizes the social perception of whites during the time period to assist Huck in discovering the blemishes of slavery, rejecting many critics assumption that he is a racist. Huck, a thirteen-year-old son of a drunkard, is recurrently strained to survive on his own wits where sometimes it contradicts societys standards and laws. As he seems to trek down the Mississippi River, he also journeys down his inner mentality, as Huck encounters challenges between his social conscience and individual conscience. Huck always seems to look up to the educated, the high and mid-class. He appeared to make himself believe that his judgment was inferior or abased to theirs because he was illiterate, and not truly part of society or a civilized human being. He blindly follows Tom Sawyer, due to the fact that he was educated and brought up in a refined urbane setting. As the novel opens, Huck is forced to be integrated in society and civilization. Though he struggles, he persuades himself to sublime in. In the beginning, Huck is perplexed by the fatuous purpose of religion. As Widow Douglas and Miss. Watson try very hard to reform Huck to become sivilize, he doesnt see the purpose of heaven and hell. Its these first signs of society (religion) that plays an impact on Huck, where he makes a connection that his actions will determine his destination after death. Huck also can be portrayed as an innate philosopher, where he is very skeptical of the societal dogmas (religion) and in fact perceives these ideas in his own ways, as he tries to reform. This is seen with Hucks idea that hell might actually be a better place than the Widow Douglass heaven. Thus this issue only engenders Hucks moral development. When Huck encounters Jim on Jacksons island, and attends his story of a runaway slave, Huck sees Jim as a human being rather than a slave. Huck feels empathy and remorse, as he hears Jims sad tale of his family being ripped apart. Huck, who just wasnt able to properly fully mold with society, and Jim, a run-away slave, both were alienated from society in fundamental ways. Both now in some form freed from the insincerity and injustice of society, but knew this would not last long. When Huck realizes that his fate was wrapped around Jims, he questions the morality of helping a run-away slave, this in which was against law, and breaking a law would lead him to hell. More subtly, Twain criticize the American South for its phony romanticism and hypocritical Christianity. Huck decries the idea that the Christianity of the South is a living contradiction. Huck does not comprehend the fact how society accepts slavery yet ignores the Biblical notion of the equality of all believers. (The Adve ntures of Huckleberry Finn pg1). Nonetheless, Huck conceded and acknowledged that he would go to hell, in which a sacrifice he was willing to make. In further context, Twain in his works is not a racist. In the manner he depicts Jim as a real person, who carries feelings and emotions, shows in fact that Twain is an opponent of slavery. Huck had the common sense to see how slavery was a genuine blight to humanity. Contrarily the so called sophisticated society accepted it, even the good people such as Miss. Watson. Huck matures further as he breaks that mask that society gave Jim, and accepts him as a normal person. Huck refers to Jim, I knowed he was white inside. (Twain, pg 46). It shows how Huck, who was brought up in a very bigoted section of the country, that ingested all the hypocrisy of slavery, was still able to transcend it by just knowing this one nigger, Jim. Furthermore, Hucks character changes as Jim teaches him about friendship. Their relationship becomes tighter, after the Hucks joke about him never had gone missing in the fog. Huck learns that Jim is a person is with feelings, and ultimately Jim induces this movement into Hucks maturity. This is the critical point of Hucks transformation, where Huck apologizes to Jim. Hucks voyage down the Mississippi taught him much, but was mainly a frolic. But once it resumes, when Huck is taken up the Grangerfords, he journeys to the dark side of American civilization. The benevolent family who offer Huck to stay is in a burning feud between another family, the Shepherdsons. Twain uses these two families to employ in some deriding absurdity and to mock an overly romanticizes ideas about family honor. Ultimately, the families sensationalized feud gets many of them killed. Huck truly refutes society once he saw his new friend Buck, be shot and killed. Twain uses this incident to comment on all systems of principle that rebuffs the humanity of another set of people. Huck becomes befuddled in this episode. The Grangerfords are a mix of contradictions where they treat Huck well, but they own slaves and behave more foolishly with other family by killing one other. Is this what society dawns upon? In the denouement, Huck transmogrifies into a full adolescent who now truly believes in his values, and deems that it should not be tractable and tarnished by societys laws. Near the conclusion of the novel, Huck and Tom make an attempt to free Jim who is held captured. After Toms ludicrous plan fails, everyone learns that Jim was actually a free man for weeks (because Miss. Watson, in her will, allow Jim to be free when she died). This idea of freeing a free black man had a special resonance at the time Twain wrote this novel. Blacks during this time had much trouble integrating with society because of the racial subordination that was still present preceding the Civil War. Work Cited The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay. Novelguide.com. December 14, 2009. . Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. United States: Bantum Books, Inc., 1884.

Geometric Morphometrics Analysis of Fish

Geometric Morphometrics Analysis of Fish Use of Fish Geometric Morphometric Markers for Characterizing Shape Variations of Selected Fishes: Family Leiognathidae in the Marine Waters of Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao, Philippines Roldan T. Echem Abstract [AU1] In this investigation, geometric morphometric analysis was used to determine the extent and degree of morphological diversity within and among four species of fishes under Family Leiognathidae and one out-group under Family Menidae collected in the marine waters of Zambonaga City. A total of 200 of fish samples, these include Leiognathus equulus, L. fasciatus, L. bindus, L. daura and one out-group Mene maculata which showed evolution and diversification of L. fasciatus, were subjected to various geometric morphometric analyses. Fish samples were scanned at uniform 400 dpi and the resulting images were binarized using SCIONIMAGE, an image analysis and processing software. The x and y coordinates of a total of 15 landmark points were collected from around the contour of the fish samples. For the landmark analyses, the 15 landmark coefficients were used as morphometric variables for multivariate and cluster analyses in order to assess its shape. Procrustes fitting of the landmark points allowed for the comparison of the various shapes of the fish samples. The resultant shape variables were analyze to determine differences in form, contour and profile of the fishes using geometric thin-plate spline grids (TPS), partial warps (PW) and relative warps (RW). Results of this study showed variations in the various species of fishes under Family Leiognathidae and within each species. Significant differences were found among species and these shape changes are probably related to differences in habitat and feeding habits among the species. Keywords: Biology, Leiognathidae, Geometric morphometrics, Partial-warp scores, Multivariate  Analysis, Western Mindanao, Philippines Introduction [AU2] Leiognathids are schooling, bacterially bioluminescent fishes abundant in coastal bay and estuarine environments throughout the Philippine Islands (Borja, 1978)[AU3]. The family is readily divided into three genera namely; Gazza, Leiognathus and Secutor, but due to the wide geographical distribution of the family and morphological similarity of the species within genus, much confusion presently exists over identification of the 20 to 30 species (Borja, 1978; James, 1985)[AU4]. Menidae (moonfishes) are a morphologically distinctive group represented by a single recent and numerous fossil species. Members of this family are easily recognized by their laterally compressed disc-like bodies, dorsally oriented mouth large, distinctly shaped maxillae and long ascending processes of the premaxillae, anteroposteriorly elongated dorsal and anal fins with relatively short rays, and narrow pelvic fins with a compressed and greatly elongated second ray. This unique morphology is conserved over th e known fossil history of this group, and characterizes the only extant member of Menidae, Mene maculata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)[AU5]. This recent form is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa, India, the Philippines, northern Australia, and Japan. The phylogenetic affinities of Mene have been the subject of some historical debate. Morphological characters have been commonly used in fisheries biology to measure discreteness and relationships among various taxonomic categories (Bookstein, 1991). However, the major limitation of morphological characters at the intra-specific level is that phenotypic variation is not directly under genetic control but subjected to environmental modification. Blake (1983) stated that the phenotypic plasticity of fish allows them to respond adaptively to environmental change by modification in their physiology and behavior which leads to changes in their morphology, reproduction or survival that mitigate the effects of environmental variation. Such phenotypic adaptations do not necessarily result in genetic changes in the population, and thus the detection of such phenotypic differences among populations cannot usually be taken as evidence of genetic differentiation. According to Sparks (2004) that environmentally induced phenotypic variation may have advantages in the stock identif ication, especially when the time is insufficient for significant genetic differentiation to accumulate among populations. A fundamental problem facing systematists and comparative biologists is that of deciding just how two separate phenotypes are different. Geometrics morphometric analyses can thus be a first step in investigating the stock structure of species with large population sizes of Leiognathids and Menids. No study so far has examined the relation of body form in these groups of fishes using the methods of geometric morphometrics analyses of landmark data. Morphometric studies are based on a set of measurements which represent size and shape variation and are continuous data. The geometric morphometric analysis covers the entire fish in a uniform network, and theoretically should increase the likelihood of extracting morphometric differences within and between species (Rohlf, 1990). There is evidence that geometric morophometric analysis is much more powerful in describing morphological variation between closely related fish taxa than traditional measurements (Turan, 1998). When combined with multivariate statistical procedures, they offer the most powerful tool for testing and graphically displaying differences in shape (Loy et al. 1993, Rohlf and Marcus 1993, Rohlf et al. 1996). The main objective of this paper was to use geometric morphometric analyses to determine the extent and degree of morphological diversity within and among four species of fishes under Family Leiognathidae and one out-group under family Menidae collected in the marine waters of Zamboanga City. Second, to determined patterns of significant differentiation and its biological implications, and third, to analyzed the taxonomic classification of the four species fishes belonging to family leiognathidae and one out-group under family menidae based on their morphological characters. Method [AU6] A total of 200 of fish samples, these include Leiognathus equulus, L. fasciatus, L. bindus, L. daura and one out-group M. maculataan evolution and diversification of L. fasciatus, were subjected to various geometric morphometric analyses (Figure 1). Figure 1. Fish samples under family Leiognathidae and family Menidae. Geometric morphometric methods usually begin with digitized images. The fish samples were scanned at uniform 400 dpi and the resulting images were binarized using SCIONIMAGE, an image analysis and processing software. The x and y coordinates of a total of 15 landmark points were identified and collected from around the contour of the fish samples (Figure 2). Figure 2. Relative positions of all landmarks assigned on the body of the fishes. landmark’s  description (Leiognathus equulus in the example): (1) snout tip; (2) nostrils;  (3) anterior and posterior;(4) insertion of the dorsal fin; (5) insertion of the second  dorsal fin;(6) origin of the caudal fin;(7) middle of the caudal fin;(8) insertion of the  caudal fin;(9) insertion of the anal fin;(10) origin of the anal fin;(11) origin of  Ã‚  the pelvic fin;(12) origin of pectoral fin;(13) posteriormost margin of the  operculum;(14) junction between maxilla and upper lip;(15) middle of the eye Then contours of the fish samples were then summarized as chain codes. For the landmark analyses, the 15 landmark coefficients were used as morphometric variables for multivariate statistical analyses and hierarchical cluster analyses in order to assess the shape. To remove all information unrelated to shape, a generalized orthogonal least-squares Procrustes (GPA) superimposition (translation, scaling and rotation) described in Rohlf and Slice (1990) was conducted on the sets of landmarks. Procrustes fitting of the landmark points allowed for the comparison of the various shapes of the fish samples. Consensus configurations of each species were subjected to thin-plate spline (TPS), partial warps (PW) and relative warps (RW) to determine variations in shapes through examination of the deform shape of the grids. The extent and degree of variability within and between species belonging to the same family leiognathidae including the out-group were also assessed using the method of Principal component analysis. PCA is a discriminant function analysis to confirm size and shape variations. PCA involves the calculation of the eigen value of the data and the results of a PCA are usually described in terms of component scores and loadings. Discriminant function analysis is used to determine which variables discriminate between two or more naturally occurring groups. Canonical analysis are obtained to performed a multiple group discriminant analysis and automatically determine some optimal combination of variables so that the first function provides the most overall discrimination between groups, the second provides second most, and so on. The uniform components were tested for significant differences among species by multivariate analysis of variance MANOVA: (Neff and Marcus 1980). Multivariate anal ysis of variance was performed to test for significant differences in shapes between species, a multivariate was obtained F value (Wilks lambda) based on a comparison of the covariance matrix. Results and Discussion [AU7] Table 1 revealed that there was a high significant difference between the x and y components (p = 0.0001) of the landmarks on the contours of the fish. Table1 Analysis of variance of the x and y uniform components Sum of squares df Mean of square F P Groups: 2.52 9 2.79 1.41 0.0001* significant Columns: 2.58 29 8.89 4.51 Interaction: 3.55 261 1.36 Within: 1.12 5700 197.2 Total: 3.19 5999 The extent and degree of variability within and between species belonging to the same family Leiognathidae including one out-group under family Menidae were also assessed using the method of Principal component analysis. The result of PCA shows largest component scores at 96.9%. The first principal component showed high significance and accounts for as much of the variability in the data, and each succeeding component accounts for as much of the remaining variability (Table 2). Table 2 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the 5 Groups of Fishes Species Sex Eigen Value Variance 100% Leiognathus equulus Male 28.81 69.45 Female 25.52 39.61 Leiognathus fasciatus Male 32.89 96.9 Female 17.5 83.78 Leiognathus bindus Male 11.14 57.6 Female 18.9 40.43 Leiognathus daura Male 13.82 37.17 Female 15.69 50.58 Mene maculata Male 30.9 78.61 Female 18.9 85.17 Figure 3 shows that the canonical analysis was performed to automatically determine some optimal combination of variables that provides overall discrimination between groups. Results showed that the shape variations can be attributed to changes in the upper lip, caudal fin and pectoral fin and dorsal fin as shown in the deformation of shapes of the grids. The 1st relative warp extracted from the matrix of the partial-warp scores accounted for about 69.45% of the total nonaffine shape variation, whereas the 2nd relative warp explained 39.61% of the total variation. The 1st relative warp is characterized by shape changes along the upper lip between the male and female Leiognathus equulus. The specimens with highest scores on the 1st relative warp is between male and female Leiognathus fasciatus which accounted 96.9% variation and is characterized by shape changes along the dorsal fin. Biological meaning of these partial shape variations can be explained in the change in fin morphology and position, the central component of the evolutionary transformation of functional design in leiognathid fishes. Documenting phylogenetic patterns in the structure of the dorsal fin, caudal fin and pectoral fin, and interpreting the functional significance of such patterns, has been the subject of ongoing study by systematists (Breder, 1996). There is significant anatomical variation because of hydrodymic significance of evolutionary transformation in dorsal fin and the important similarities in patterns of diversity in fishes seem to indicate competition for food resources that may cause diversity in jaw apparatus among fish (Lauder, 2000). [AU8] Figure 3. Transformation Grid and Warps of the Five Species Including the Out-Group, Deformations of Grids in the Anteriormost Tip Or the Upper Lip, Dorsal Fin  and Caudal Fin. Table 3 shows that the canonical vector analysis indicated the existence of large and highly significant among group differences. The first discriminant variable is the caudal fin and highly significant (Wilks Λ = 2.0, F = 1.76, P= 0.002), the second variable that provides discrimination between groups is the pectoral fin and displayed high significance (Wilks Λ =1.0.35, F = 0.75, P= 0.81), and the snout tip (Wilks Λ = 0.51, F = 2.60, P= 0.002) and dorsal fin (Wilks Λ = 0.35, F =1.89, P= 0.002). Table 3 Canonical Vector Analysis Variable Var.N LambdaA P F Caudal fin 7 2 0.002 1.76 Pectoral fin 12 1 0.75 0.81 Upper tip 1 0.51 0.002 2.60 dorsal fin 4 0.35 0.002 1.89 Prosanta (2006) reported that the family Leiognathidae, commonly known as ponyfish or slip mouth, comprises three genera, each being characterized mainly by mouth morphology. The relationships allowed phylogenetic analyses of mouthpart structures and light organ systems. The results suggested that the morphology of the mouthparts is ancestral in the family. The results also suggested that internal sexual dimorphism of the light organ system was present in the common ancestor of a sister clade to L. equulus, whereas external sexual dimorphism seems to have evolved subsequently in two monophyletic subgroups. The evolution and diversification of L. fasciatus to other group Mene maculata under family menidae support the result of this study that the out-group exhibited similarity of morphological features from L. fasciatus. The analysis of the shape differences depicted in the fish species sampled mainly according to their systematic relationships. This agrees with the findings of Loy et al. (1993) and Rohlf et al. (1996), that the shape components may contain more taxonomic information than the uniform components of shape variation. The shape variation using geometrical analysis of landmark data can describe and locate differences of form in organisms more efficiently (Bookstein 1991). This approach has been shown to yield the most accurate information in fish morphological studies (Walker 1996; 1997), [AU9]and is expected to find increasing applications in the near future. As reported by Loy et al. (2001) shape differences between 3 sparids of the genus Diplodus juveniles appear to be related to ecological differences in their ecology. Webb (1984) [AU10]showed evidence that body shape is a reliable indicator of the swimming behavior and the ecology of fish. The link between morphology and diet in fish is provided by feeding performance (Norton 1991; Wainwright 1991; Motta and Kotrschal 1992). [AU11]As suggested by Wainwright and Richard (1995),[AU12] morphology and shapes is influence on a fish’s feeding capability. A major challenge in fish ecology is to establish the linkage between morphology and diet. Functional morphological, biomechanical, and physiological analyses may be used to determine the expected consequences of morphological variation on feeding performance (Wainwright 1988).[AU13] Conclusion and Recommendation[AU14] In this present study, the findings reveal the potential power of the use of geometric morphometric markers for characterizing shape variations in several species of fishes under family Leiognathidae for identifying phenotypic stocks. The geometric system can be successfully used to investigate stock separation within a species that allows, in a long term, a better and direct comparison of morphological evolution of stocks, while using the same set of measurements. Results of this study revealed variations in shape of the selected species of fishes under Family Leiognathidae and within each species and one out-group under family Menidae. Significant differences were found among species with respect to caudal fin, pectoral fin, upper lip and dorsal fin. These shape changes are probably related to differences in habitat and feeding habits among the species. This present study concluded the usefulness of the geometric morphometric system as a fisheries management tool and it is capable of examining large numbers of samples in a short time. It is also effective in identification of stocks and improving the biological basis of management of fishes. References Bookstein, FL. (1991). Morphometric tools for landmark data. Cambridge Univ. Press, p 435. Blake, R.W. (1983). Functional design and burst-and-coast swimming in fishes. Can J Zool, 61  (11):2491–2494 Breder, .CM. (1996). The locomotion of fishes. Zoologica, 4:159–297. Sparks, J.S. (2004). Phylogeny and biogeography of cichlid fishes (Teleostei: Perciformes: Cichlidae)  Cladistics, 20 (6), 501-517. Loy, A.; Bertelletti, M.; Costa, C; Ferlin, L. Cataudella, S. (2001). Shape changes and growth  trajectories in the early stages of three species of the genus Diplodus (Perciformes,  Sparidae). J Morphol, 250:24–33. Prosanta, C. (2006). Evolution and diversification of a sexually dimorphic luminescent system in  ponyfishes (Teleostei: Leiognathidae), including diagnoses for two new genera. Cladistics,  20 (6), 501-517. Rohlf, F.J. (1990). Rotational fit (Procrustes) methods. In FJ Rohlf, FL Bookstein, eds. Proceedings of  the Michigan Morphometrics Workshop. Special Publication No. 2. Ann Arbor: Univ. of  Michigan Museum of Zoology, pp. 227-236. Rohlf, F.J. (1993). Relative warp analysis and an example of its application to mosquito wings. In LF  Marcus, E Bello, A  [AU15] Rohlf, F.J. (1995). Multivariate analysis of shape using partial-warp scores. In KV Mardia, CA Gill, eds.  Proceedings in current issues in statistical shape analysis. Leeds: Leeds Univ.Press,  pp. 154-158. Rohlf, F.J. (1996). Morphometric spaces, shape components, and the effects of linear  transformations. In LF Marcus, M Corti, A Loy, G Naylor, DE Slice, eds. Advances in morphometrics. NATO ASI Series A: Life Sciences, 284.[AU16] Rohlf, F.J.; Loy, M. Corti (1996). Morphometric analysis of Old World Talpidae (Mammalia,  Insectivora) using partial-warp scores. Syst. Biol. 45: 344-362. Rohlf, F.J. Marcus, L.F. (1993). A revolution in morphometrics. Trends Ecol. Evol. 8: 129-132. Rohlf, F. Slice, D.E. (1990). Extensions of the Procrustes method for the optimal superimposition of  landmarks. Syst. Zool., 39: 40-59. Turan, C. Basusta, N. (2001). Comparison of Morphometric Characters of Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax  nilotica, Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1808) among three areas in Turkish Seas. Bull. Fr. Peche  Piscic. ; 362/363 : 1027-1035. Smith, P.J. (1990) Protein Electrophoresis for Identification of Australian Fish Stocks. Aus. J. Mar.  Fresh. Res., 0; 41: 823- 833. [AU17] [AU1]  236 words Ok [AU2]  598 words OK [AU3]  Not found in the References. [AU4]  Not found in the References. Use the more recent work. [AU5]  Not found in the References. If possible use their more recent work. This is very very old source. [AU6]  485 words OK [AU7]  944 words – Add some more. The Results and Discussion (combined) should be at least 1, 200 words in length. [AU8]  Not found in the References [AU9]  Not found in the References [AU10]  Not found in the References [AU11]  Not found in the References. [AU12]  Not found in the References. [AU13]  Not found in the References. [AU14]  178 words only – Add some to make the length at least 300 words. [AU15]  NOT cited in the text. Recheck and complete the information items. If book, add place of publication publisher [AU16] Not found in the text [AU17]  Not cited in the text.

Was The Atomic Bomb Used To Stop Soviet Expansion? :: American America History

Was The Atomic Bomb Used To Stop Soviet Expansion? There has been a long- standing debate on why the atomic bomb was used to defeat Japan. The threat of Russian advancement in Europe and in Asia was enough to worry the top officials in the United States and British governments. Wherever Russia would go, they would conquer that area for themselves. The imminent invasion of mainland Japan and the allied casualties that came with it were also a factor in the decision to drop the bomb. If the allied forces had invaded mainland Japan, many lives on both sides would have been lost, probably more than there lost in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki put together. The tactics that the allies had used up to this point cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides. This was when the Japanese only had maybe two or three thousand men on an island; whereas on the mainland millions of people would fight until their death to protect their country. Can you imagine if the Americans invaded mainland Japan, where they had not only soldiers to fight against but also the citizens of Japan? Massive destruction, immense loss of life, and the prolonging of the war until late 1946, would result to invading on foot instead of using the bomb. Revenge also played a role in the decision to bomb Japan. The Japanese were not following the Geneva Convention in regards to treatment of prisoners of war. This document says that prisoners are not to be put through torture of physical or psychological nature. The Japanese refused to comply that and would decapitate American prisoners, or shove bamboo shoots under their fingernails. The American government also wanted revenge for the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The Russia territorial expansion definitely played a factor in the dropping of the bomb. The Soviet Union had already taken Poland and many other countries during the war. The Soviets were helping the Chinese with the war against Japan and would later get the railroads in China and Manchuria when Japan completely surrendered. The Americans did not want Russia to get involved in the war against Japan.

Explication Of Sharon Olds Poem, Late Poem To My Father :: essays research papers

Sharon Olds’ poem â€Å"Late Poem to My Father† exposes the profound effect that childhood trauma can have on someone, even in adulthood. The speaker of the poem invokes sadness and pity in the reader by reflecting on the traumatic childhood of her father, and establishes a cause and effect relationship between the abuse he endured as a child and the dependence he develops on alcohol as an adult. The idea of emotional retardation caused by childhood experiences is not uncommon, especially in our modern world of prevalent substance abuse, dysfunctional families, and child abuse. However, Olds’ poem is a moving testament to this tragic loss of innocence due to the powerful imagery she weaves throughout the first half of the poem. In addition, Olds skillfully uses figurative language and deliberate line breaks throughout the poem to develop the dismal sorrow her speaker feels while reflecting on the childhood of her father. The poem opens with the speaker experiencing an epiphany while contemplating on her father’s childhood, and later in the poem we learn that this contemplation is more specifically focused on the causes of her father’s dependence on alcohol. In the first seven lines of the poem she uses descriptive details to establish a dark, foreboding image of the setting. For example, in lines two and three she describes the house with â€Å"unlit rooms† and a â€Å"hot fireplace†. She goes on to portray her father as â€Å"a boy of seven, helpless, smart,...† which reinforces his innocence in this imagery of darkness. It is interesting to note how the speaker distinguishes these details, yet in lines three and six, she refers to her father’s father only as â€Å"the man†. She intentionally refers to him in this flat way so as to convey to the reader that he is unworthy of any characterization. She also omits characterization in line six when she writes, â€Å"there were things the man did near you,† purposely emphasizing â€Å"things† with no other explanation. This leads to the assumption that some actions are too abominable to convey in words, thus leaving us with a vast array of uncomfortable possibilities to consider. The description of the â€Å"sweet apples picked at their peak...rotted and rotted,†in lines nine and ten establishes a comparison between her father’s loss of innocence, and the ripe fruit being left to waste. In line eleven she writes, â€Å"past the cellar door the creek ran and ran† which is a contrast to the apples being trapped within the cellar (like the child in the house), and the creek being on the outside, where the idea of escape exists.

Beliefs About the World Trade Organization

Before reading articles about the World Trade Organization written by activist organizations and the WTO itself, I was aware that the conflicts and the debates surrounding the esteemed organization concern the power differences between the haves and the have-nots in the global economy. I also believed that the WTO is an indispensable entity produced by globalization itself. In my opinion, the WTO balances power between the haves and the have-nots as far as it is possible to do so.And, while the economies of abundance and high economic growth cannot be expected to slow down because of the low growth economies, the WTO at least gives the latter a voice. The articles on the WTO written by activist organizations have changed my beliefs about the organization very little. Indeed, it comes as a surprise to me that the WTO is blamed for putting the rights of big businesses â€Å"to profit over human and labor rights.† Jerry Mander, the president of the International Forum on Globaliz ation, refers to the WTO’s â€Å"mad drive toward corporate led economic globalization. † Yet, I had believed that WTO naturally favors the big economies of the world rather than corporations because the big economies happen to be instrumental in the entire global economy. In fact, without the big economies, the developing world would not even dream of globalization and foreign investment that would eventually make it possible for poor countries to economically grow.Besides, human and labor rights, in my opinion, cannot possibly be discounted by the WTO, seeing that businesses cannot even function without human and labor rights, and at the heart of WTO’s mission lies its interest in the promotion of business around the globe. Articles authorized by the WTO strengthen my belief that the organization works with â€Å"member countries† instead of focusing on corporations. In actual fact, the WTO takes decisions based on a consensus among its member countries .Moreover, it is wonderful to note that the WTO’s system is a promoter of world peace. After all, the organization allows for discussions, even among those member countries that differ in their opinions about the global political economy. I do not believe that I require further information to change my beliefs about the WTO. The organization remains ‘esteemed’ in my humble opinion, promoting the interests of all of its member countries while naturally favoring the big economies that happen to be most helpful for the small economies as well.

Handling of Grievance Procedurin Organizations

Various organizations are aware about the diversification of the employees’ traits and characteristics. Instead of letting these individuals affects the culture of the organization, it is the corporate culture that tends to affect their behavior. Still, there are chances that within the organization, the collision and clash of ideas might turn into arguments. In order to bring back the harmony inside the organization, the management is engaged in handling the different faces of issues to maintain the life and the employees’ relationship. Background of the StudyThe issue of grievance within the organization is identified as the protest of the people against the application of the policies which is placed in an unjust or unfair manner (Hardeman, 2006). The organization sets rules or regulations which some of the employees’ finds faults or conflicts. In order to compensate their right to clarify the things, in which they believe that will affect them sooner, the emp loyees do what for them fits and right. The grievance is the kind of procedure that values the idea and participation of the employees’ but often taken as a negative factor within the organizations.However, the organizations are still looking for an effective way in handling the grievances in their organization. Scope of the Study The scope of the study intentionally addresses the handling of the grievances inside the organization. The administration of the grievance is important in all types of organization. The creation of the study is meant for properly handling the grievances with administration’s judgment and the person or people involved should be addressed their on role and address their issue of grievance. Research ObjectivesThe first objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of the grievance procedures within the organization. The second objective is to identify the appropriate techniques in handling the grievance within the organizations. With these two objectives, the respected organization can identify the right formula in handling the conflict such as grievance in the workplace. Literature Review In order to adjust the employees’ concerns, there are recognized procedures that applied by the organization in detailing the every inch of the problems.The grievance procedures are part in the specified area of labor in which the main concept is to implement the system regarding the various concerns and complaints. People are important for the business leaders and managers, and to minimize the conflicts and other problem within the workplace, they have to handle the issue with fair treatment. Historically, the grievance procedures can formulate the positive outcomes and contribute to for the effectiveness of the management. This can be another tool for the management to maintain the relationships within the workplace.With the use of the system, the management can evaluate its own flexibility for the managers are capabl e in handling the arguments by providing therapeutic value. The grievance procedures provide the means of indentifying the appropriate practices, procedures, and administrative policies that can cause the employee’s complaints be considered (Bohlander, 1989). The creation of the grievance procedures began through the various conceptualizations of the people and their access in resolutions. The comparison of the female and male employees has difference means of grievance procedure.Mostly, women are anticipated in seeking justice but are lacked in the access in networks that are necessary towards the resolution. Meanwhile, the men are hesitant to embrace the formality of the grievance procedures for they were reluctant to damage their relationships with other people (Hoffman, 2005). There are recognized steps in handling the grievance which can be also applied in the process of the organizations. Firstly and maybe the most important, is to let the person or the people stand up and speak on what are the things they believed is wrong.Everybody has a right to be heard, and with the open communication, the problem can be easily resolved (Hardeman, 2004). The people who participated should be true to himself to let the organization what he truly desires regarding on the imposed regulations. Methodology The proposed method in the study is the use of the comparative case study which is related and concern regarding to the grievance procedures. With the aid of the past literatures and other related study, the current study can have the opportunity to compare and review the related study that emphasizes the handling of grievance and the procedures.In addition, the study can generate its own analysis and conclusion on what would be the best applied technique/s to handle and, therefore, resolve the recognized grievance within the organization. References: Bohlander, G. W. , 1989. Public Sector Independent Grievance Systems: Methods and Procedures, Public Personnel M anagement, Vol. 18, No. 3. Hardeman, T. , 2004. Complaint, Grievance, Whistle-Blowing Administrative Regulation [Online] Available at: http://www. faith. edu. ph/manila/uploads/file/policies/grievance-policy-web. df [Accessed 22 March 2010]. Hoffman, E. , 2005. Dispute Resolution in a Worker Cooperative: Formal Procedures and Procedural Justice, Law & Society Review, Vol. 39, No. 1. Read more: http://ivythesis. typepad. com/term_paper_topics/2010/03/handling-of-grievance-procedures-in-organizations. html#ixzz17KYToojb Introduction Maintaining quality of work life for its employees is an important concern for the any organisation. The grievance handling procedure of the organisation can affect the harmonious environment of the organisation.The grievances of the employees are related to the contract, work rule or regulation, policy or procedure, health and safety regulation, past practice, changing the cultural norms unilaterally, individual victimization, wage, bonus, etc. Here, the attitude on the part of management in their effort to understand the problems of employees and resolve the issues amicably have better probability to maintain a culture of high performance. Managers must be educated about the importance of the grievance process and their role in maintaining favorable relations with the union.Effective grievance handling is an essential part of cultivating good employee relations and running a fair, successful, and productive workplace. Positive labor relations are two-way street both sides must give a little and try to work together. Relationship building is key to successful labor relations. Precautions and Prescriptions The management should take care of following aspects to develop a culture of trust and confidence upon the employees. 1. Always ensure that the managers involved in the grievance handling procedures have a quiet place to meet with the complainant. . Always ensure that managers have adequate time to be devoted to the complainant. 3. Explain manager's role, the policy and the procedures clearly in the grievance handling procedure. 4. Fully explaining the situation to the employee to eliminate any misunderstanding and promote better acceptance of the situation complained of. 5. Try to let employee present their issues without prejudging or commenting 6. Do use a positive, friendly ways to resolve the crisis than punitive steps, which disturb the system. 7.Do remain calm, cool, collected during the course of the meeting. 8. Always focus on the subject of the grievance than allied issues. 9. Don't make threats manage the grievances. 10. Never make use of allegations against personalities. 11. Be aware of the staff member's potential concerns to the possible repercussions of raising a grievance. 12. Don't become angry, belligerent, or hostile during grievance handling procedure. 13. Do listen for the main point of arguments and any possible avenue to resolve the grievance. 14.Listen and respond sensitively to any d istress exhibited by the employees. 15. Eliminating the source of the irritation or discomfort being complained of. 16. Reassure them that the managers will be acting impartially and that your hope is to resolve the matter if possible. 17. Don't â€Å"horse trade† or swap one grievance for another (where the union wins one, management wins one). Each case should be decided on its merits. 18. Avoid usage of verbosisms like   â€Å"it will be taken care of. † 19. Ensure effective, sensitive and confidential communication between all involved. 0. Take all possible steps to ensure that no victimization occurs as a result of the grievance being raised. 21. The investigator or decision maker acts impartially, which means they must exclude themselves if there is any bias or conflict of interest. 22. All parties are heard and those who have had complaints made against others are given an opportunity to respond. 23. Try to look upon the problem on different angles for appropr iate understanding. 24. Ensuring that there is proper investigation of the facts and figures related the problem under concern. 25.Consider all relevant information in the investigation process. 26. Ask the staff member their preferred resolution option, although it is important to make it clear that this may not be a possible outcome. 27. Be aware of the limits of authority of the person who involved in the grievance handling procedures. 28. If the manager feels that he/she is not the appropriate person (senior manager) to deal with the issue refer the complainant to the appropriate person as soon as possible. 29. Try to get a better idea of whether the alleged discrimination or harassment happened or didn't happen. 0. Tell them exactly what they are supposed to have done, to whom and explain, why this may be seen as discrimination/harassment or as inappropriate. 31. Grievances are preferably to be settled informally at the level of the employee's immediate supervisor. 32. Try the level best to involve team members to resolve the crisis at unit level itself. 33. Avoid as far as possible the union involvement in conflict resolution situation process. 34. Follow documentation the procedures, of all necessary steps taken to resolve the problem/complaint. ConclusionTo a great extend the aggravation of industrial problems depends on manager's approaches and attitude in effective handling of employees grievances. Care should be taken in the way managers approaches the problem and perceiving the pros and cons of the situation. The conflict management approaches include the win-win strategy that help in the healthy organisational practices and which reflects the strong organisational culture. The cooperation from both parties is the pre-requisite to handle the problem and effective settlement of the grievances.Conscious use of professional self can help managers in the conflict handling situations grievance redressal process. References 1. European Trade Union Instit ute (1989) Collective Bargaining in Western Europe 2. Ozaki (1987), ‘Labour Relations in the Public Service,' IL Review, July – Aug. 3. Schregle J (1991)'Workers Participation in Decisions Within Undertaking'   IL Review Jan – Feb. APSRACT A grievance is a sign of an employee's discontentment with his job or his relationship with his colleagues.Grievances generally arise out of the day-to-day working relations in an organization. An employee or a trade union protests against an act or policy of the management that they consider as violating employee's rights. One of the effective ways of minimizing and eliminating the source of an employee's grievance is by having an ‘open door policy'. An ‘open door policy'facilitates upward communication in the organization where employees can walk into a superiors'cabin at any time and express their grievances.The National Commission on Labor suggested a Model Grievance Procedure, which lays down the sequence of steps to be taken whenever a grievance is expressed. Conflict occurs when two or more people or parties perceive an incompatibility in their goals or expectations. There are seven methods for achieving reconciliation of conflict. These methods are win-lose, withdrawal and retreat from argument, smoothing and playing down the difference, arbitration, mediation, compromise and problem solving. Of all these methods

“What Do the Frankfurt School Contribute to Our Understanding of Popular Culture?”

The independent institute Frankfurt School was founded by Jewish intellectuals, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer and Herbert Macuse within a Nazi empowered Germany in 1923. After relocating to various parts of America, gaining exposure from Los Angeles and Hollywood lifestyle, the school returned. They took a great concern in the analysis of popular culture and the Culture Industry that had affected Germany in the 1940s. Although these changes reshaped a nation over 70 years ago, Frankfurt School’s interpretation of popular culture still relates to our own understanding today. The question is why, Adorno in particular, criticised this new behaviour in Germany’s society. The Enlightenment was introduced, which expressed individualism instead of tradition but ultimately led the way to modern capitalism and the culture industry. â€Å"Frankfurt School perspective is an obvious variant of Marxism. † (Strinati, 2004) Despite disagreeing with the Enlightenment, Adorno and Frankfurt School agreed on the Marxist theory. According to Dominic Strinati, to understand Frankfurt’s views â€Å"the school can be seen as trying to fill in a part of the picture of capitalism Marx did not deal with. (2004, 48) This provides a reappraisal of popular culture which Marx did not comment on, which we will acknowledge and see how far that it is understood by society today. Interestingly, the school focuses on the culture, not the economy or political aspects of society. However Adorno has also been criticised for his unclear and inaccurate analysis of the to pic, which will also be discussed and questioned upon. To begin, we will establish how Capitalism is the foundations of the development of popular culture. Capitalism is the political and economic system which is controlled by the individual, and not by state. Frankfurt School considered Capitalism as their opposition due to their left-wing beliefs. Though it is noticeable that the Frankfurt School believed Capitalism was more stable than what it really is. Adorno fails to mention that capitalism also has it’s faults and popular culture was not formed on this system alone. Despite this, it certainly aided it effectively. Adorno declares that the working class accept this system unforced is because businesses, advertisers and other consumers make the product that is being retailed more appealing. It doesn’t take much effort from the consumer to submit to these influences and purchase the product. This makes them feel better about themselves because they now own said product and are part of the majority that does. He introduces the term â€Å"commodity fetishism† which â€Å"is the basis†¦ of how cultural forms such as popular music can secure the continuing economic, political and ideological domination of capitalism. † (Strinati, 2004) He shows us that consumers in the capitalist society value money more than appreciating what was purchased. This â€Å"defines and dominates social relations† (Strinati, 2004, 50) The same is true today – many of us would much prefer to spend a colossal amount of money on an well-known brand commodity, say a new car or handbag, than an affordable and sensible priced one. This presents ourselves to others as a much wealthier individual, which essentially makes us feel better about ourselves. Adorno quotes this well â€Å"the real secret of success†¦ is the mere reflection of what one pays in the market for the product. (Strinati, 2004, 49) This superficial attitude expressed most of us can relate to today because we all live in a capitalist society and have experienced this need for a certain commodity. Therefore Frankfurt School has successfully helped us be aware of the root of popular culture. According to the Frankfurt school, â€Å"the culture industry reflects the consolidation of commodity fetishism. † (Strinati, 2004, 54) When the public are satisfied, cap italism will continue to work and therefore other political systems will be unsuccessful. It’s only when a system does not work does the mass culture look for new power. With the simplicity and effectiveness of the Culture Industry, the Working Class will remain content consuming. â€Å"It is so effective in doing this that the working class is no longer likely to pose a threat to the stability and continuity of capitalism. † (Strinati, 2004, 55) The industry successfully moulds and alters the tastes of the masses to suit the industry’s needs. However, the Frankfurt School do not consider that the notion of popular culture has any radical potential at this time. Instead, Adorno found that popular culture was ‘imposed’ on the people, and warned that they should only welcome it insofar as they do not get imposed. (Strinati, 2004, 55) Of course, this working class at the time was not going to take notice of the school’s negative response when they find something so welcoming and appealing. Perhaps Frankfurt did not appreciate how diverse and hybrid popular culture was. One way of looking at this would be to see Adorno’s criticism as a warning to us about the effects of the powerful culture industry, something the masses of 1940s would not understand. We are able to understand and relate to this because we all know from experience of this captivating affect that popular culture has on our lives. The school’s theory discusses that by capitalism and the culture industry working together produces ‘false needs’ for the masses, which means â€Å"people can be reconciled to capitalism, guaranteeing its stability and continuity. † (Strinati, 2004, 52) In the pursuit of profit, the industry will be ruthless to promote consumerism – to make consumers buy things they essentially do not need. These goods are advertised so effectively to the mass culture, they are tricked to believe that they genuinely need it. Think of the example from earlier with the expensive car or handbag. These false needs are created and sustained through advertisements in magazines, television, the media and from other consumers’ opinions. Therefore the consumer purchases the item: increasing the success of the industry and fulfilling the false need. The customer buys what they think they need, however remain unsatisfied and wants more. Strinati puts it very well: The customer is not king, as the culture industry would have us to believe, but its object. † This is a disturbing truth that needs to be dealt with, but it appears that nobody is bothered by it, so why should it be changed? The school successfully makes it clear to us how this lifestyle is influencing us so powerfully. We are aware of this feeling of ‘false needs‘ from time to time, yet we share the same attitud e as the society in the 20th century and continue in bad habit. In particular, the school criticises the culture industry’s popular music, accusing it of two processes: standardisation and pseudo-individualisation. The customer is being fooled through the use of standardisation â€Å"popular songs are becoming more alike† (Strinati, 2004, 58) Traditional music at such as Beethoven or Mozart requires an attentive listen and expression of the imagination to hear every detail that has been put into the musical piece. Meanwhile, popular music, as described by Storey: â€Å"operates in a kind of blurred dialectic: to consume it demands inattention and distraction† (2009) which means that it requires little attention – which suits perfectly for customers with busy lives, who after a stressful day prefer to listen to something which requires less concentration. Popular music is ideal here and â€Å"satisfies the craving. † The pseudo-individualisation element of the song disguises it making it appear more unique and distinctive, often by adding a catchy chorus or beat. Frankfurt School makes us aware of this process, which still is regular in many pop songs today. Adorno compares the characteristics of both music styles and criticises the simplicity of the one dimension popular music. Here it is felt that he must be condemned for criticising with a lack of evidence or experience to prove his theory. This makes it extremely difficult for us to relate to the school because they fail to relate with us. On the other hand, it could be argued that he was writing in 1941, a time were popular music would be very different to listen to. The music industry has changed drastically in the past 70 years and the sound of ‘pop’ has been reshaped too. It has to be acknowledged that despite Adorno’s criticisms of the culture industry’s popular music, it indisputably proves to us that if we reflect on the music we listen to today we will see evidence of standardisation and pseudo-individualisation used. To conclude, it must be asked why the mass culture both then and now continues to gives into the power of capitalism and the culture industry. Adorno’s idea is â€Å"that most capitalist societies live limited, impoverished and unhappy lives† (Strinati, 2004, 61) and the reason for this is the submission from the power of commodity fetishism, escape from the real world and tragically, laziness. Strinati presses that â€Å"popular culture does not necessarily hide reality from people† but that it’s realised how difficult it is to change the world from this mindset so it becomes a matter of acceptance. It is surely â€Å"killing the desire that might let us imagine a better world. † (Storey, 2009) The Frankfurt brings to us an interesting outlook of how we could change our lives and prevent the power of capitalism and the culture industry from absolute control. Bibliography Strinati, Dominic (2004) An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture London: Routedge Storey, John (2009) Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction Harlow, England