Three Original Combinations in Retail Markets Essay

Three Original Combinations in Retail Markets - Essay Example Murthi and Sarkar (2003. pp1344-1345) presented personalization framework for customers that comprises of learning matching and evaluation as per customer preferences. The combinations in retail stores should be planned carefully in such a way that they can be combined to present packages through personalization process that delight the customers given that the overall outcome fits a bigger picture in customer's mind. In the next section, three original ideas of combinations are presented. Verhoef (2003. pp32-33) proved the hypotheses that affective commitment positively affects customer retention. Personalization process effectively results in customers feeling connected to the firm and hence guarantees their long term loyalty. Combination 1: Consumer electronics, computers and furniture: This combination appears to be completely irrelevant with each other because all the three have different purposes and requires different sales skills. However, when viewed from personalization perspective now-a-days many consumers combine the computers & laptops with electronics items like televisions, cameras, handicams, surround sound systems, etc. and normally struggle with their integration aspects. If they are displayed with different integration combinations consumers can be delighted to get ready solution in one shop. Also, many consumers are concerned about the aesthetic combination of their computers, television sets and furniture - like type & look of chairs to sit & view digital cinema in flat screen TVs plugged into a laptop and surround speakers deployed around the chairs. Such aesthetics can be demonstrated by the sales people by building on the spot combinations. Combination 2: Sanitary items, Wall Paints, Furniture & Cupboards: This might appear to be irrelevant combination as well but can give lot of new ideas to consumers that are designing the interiors of their homes. A computer graphics operator can show various colour combinations of furniture, cupboards, wall & roof colors and flooring patterns. Customers can decide on the best combination quickly such that the appropriate package can be designed by selecting the right furniture/cupboard looks, wood (or metal polish), wall paints, roof paints, surface graphics, floor tiles etc. What might take weeks for customers to decide can happen in just a few hours. Such stores can also offer packaged services whereby all the items selected can be deployed at customer's home by single team of professionals having the view of the bigger picture. Combination 3: Wall paints, Art Paintings, Antiques, Carpets, and Wall Mountable clocks: Traditional customers are very particular about giving an artistic look to their homes with various tastes of matching among Wall Colors, Art Paintings, Carpets, Antiques and Wall Clocks. In this combination, the author imagines about a store where world class

Activity 1 - Ford & Taylorism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Activity 1 - Ford & Taylorism - Assignment Example Workers in these three countries are accustomed to industrialization and most of the manufacturing companies within these countries currently apply the Taylorism management technique, which means that workers presently receive specialized training on various tasks and hence they can perform better in specified tasks. According to Lewis & McDermott (2006), the best script for call centers must consider the customer’s journey. Customers journey include designing a matrix of customer needs against solutions been offered in order to map the foundation of the intended customer interaction and make sure every interaction is covered. Taylourism is evident in this because the principle of scientific management is brought out clear in the aspect of deciding or planning the work in advance, and also in the determination of standards of performance. The advantages of a bureaucratic organization is that each role is standardized. It fosters specialized skills, which then eliminate the immanent judgment. Therefore, it is correct to argue that industrialized areas within the World would highly prefer the ideas of Taylorism

Information Systems Acquisition Development And Maintenance Information Technology Essay

Information Systems Acquisition Development And Maintenance Information Technology Essay The ISO 27002 standard is the new name of the ISO 17799 standard. It is code of practice for information security. It basically outlines hundreds of potential controls and control mechanisms, which may be implemented. The standard which is to be established guidelines and general principles for initiating, implementing, maintaining, and improving information security management inside an organization. The actual controls listed in the standard are proposed to address the specific requirements identified via a formal risk assessment. The standard is also intended to provide a guide for the development of organizational security standards and effective security management practices and it is also helpful in building confidence in inter-organizational activities ISOs future plans for this standard are focused largely around the development and publication of industry specific versions. One of the content of the ISO 27002 is information system acquisition, development, and maintenance, the details of which are as follows:- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance (ISO 27002) Table of Contents Overview Standards Security Requirements of the information systems Correct processing of the information Cryptographic control Security of the system files Security in development and support processes Technical vulnerability Management Overview Information security must be taken into account in the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes for specifying, building/acquiring, testing, implementing and maintaining IT systems. Automated and manual security control requirements should be analyzed and fully identified during the requirements stage of the systems development or acquisition process, and incorporated into business cases.   Purchased software should be formally tested for security, and any issues risk-assessed. The  Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), or  Software Development Life Cycle  in systems  and  software engineering, is the process of creating or altering systems, and the models and  methodologies  that people use to develop these systems. The concept generally refers to  computer  or  information systems. Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process used by a  systems analyst  to develop an  information system, including  requirements, validation,  training, and user (stakeholder) ownership. Any SDLC should result in a high quality system that meets or exceeds customer expectations, reaches completion within time and cost estimates, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned  Information Technology  infrastructure, and is inexpensive to maintain and cost-effective to enhance Standards ISO 27002: Information Security Management   Clause 12: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance Security Requirements of the information systems Security can be integrated into information systems acquisition, development and maintenance by implementing effective security practices in the following areas. Security requirements for information systems Correct processing in applications Cryptographic controls Security of system files Security in development and support processes Technical vulnerability management Information systems security begins with incorporating security into the  requirements  process for any new application or system enhancement. Security should be designed into the system from the beginning. Security requirements are presented to the vendor during the requirements phase of a product purchase. Formal testing should be done to determine whether the product meets the required security specifications prior to purchasing the product   Security requirements are established to ensure as an integral part of the development or performance of an information systems. The acquisition of a system or application often includes a Request for Proposals (RFP), which is a formal procurement process. During this process, security requirements need to be identified. Indiana University includes both  a security review and a security questionnaire as part of the RFP process. Learn more about this effective practice. The main objective of this category is to ensure that security is an integral part of the organizations information systems, and of the business processes associated with those systems. Correct processing of the information This category aims to prevent errors, loss, unauthorized modification or misuse of information in applications. Application design includes controls such as those to validate input/output data, internal processing,  and message integrity, in order to prevent erros and preserve data integrity. Input data validation  Data input in applications should be validated to ensure that the data is correct and appropriate.   Control includes use of both automatic and manual methods of data verification and cross-checking, as appropriate and defined responsibilities and processes for responding to detected errors. Control of internal processing Validation checks should be incorporated into applications to detect the corruption of information through processing errors or deliberate acts.  Ã‚   Control includes use of both automatic and manual methods of data verification and cross-checking, as appropriate and defined responsibilities and processes for responding to detected errors. Message integrity  Requirements for ensuring authenticity and protecting message integrity in applications should be identified, and appropriate controls identified and implemented. Output data validation  Data output from applications should be validated to ensure that the processing of stored information is correct and appropriate to the circumstances.   Control includes use of both automatic and manual methods of data verification and cross-checking, as appropriate and defined responsibilities and processes for responding to detected errors. Cryptographic control Objective of cryptographic is to  describe considerations for an encryption policy in order to protect information confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. A cryptography policy should be defined, covering roles and responsibilities, digital signatures, non-repudiation, management of keys and digital certificates  etc. Certain data, by their nature, require particular confidentiality protection. Additionally, there may be contractual or other legal penalties for failure to maintain proper confidentiality when Social Security Numbers are involved, for example. Parties who may acquire unauthorized access to the data but who do not have access to the encryption key the password that encrypted the data cannot feasibly decipher the data. Data exist in one of three states: at rest in transit or undergoing processing. Data are particularly vulnerable to unauthorized access when in transit or at rest. Portable computers (holding data at rest) are a common target for physical theft, and data in transit over a network may be intercepted. Unauthorized access may also occur while data are being processed, but here the security system may rely on the processing application to control, and report on, such access attempts. This category aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of information by cryptographic means. Policy on the use of cryptographic controls. Policies on the use of cryptographic controls for protection of information should be developed and implemented.   Control includes Statement of general principles and management approach to the use of cryptographic controls Specifications based on a thorough risk assessment,  that considers appropriate  algorithm selections, key management and other core features of cryptographic implementations. Consideration of legal restrictions on technology deployments. Application, as appropriate, to data at rest and fixed-location devices, data transported by mobile/removable media and embedded in mobile devices, and data transmitted over communications links and specification of roles and responsibilities for implementation of and the monitoring of compliance with the policy key management.  Key management policies and processes should be implemented to support an organizations use of cryptographic techniques.   Control includes procedures for distributing, storing, archiving and changing/updating  keys recovering, revoking/destroying and dealing with compromised keys; and logging all transactions associated with keys. Security of the system files The main objective is to ensure the security of system files. Security requirements should be identified and agreed prior to the development or acquisition of information systems. Security requirements analysis and specification An analysis of the requirements for security controls should be carried out at the requirements analysis stage of each project. Control of operational  software. Procedures should be implemented  to control the installation of software on operational systems, to minimize the risk of interruptions in or corruption of information services.   Control includes: updating performed only with appropriate management authorization; updating performed only by appropriately trained personnel; only appropriately tested and certified software deployed to operational systems; appropriate change management and configuration control processes for all stages of updating; appropriate documentation of the nature of the change and the processes used to implement it; a rollback strategy in place, including retention of prior versions as a contingency measure; and Appropriate audit logs maintained to track changes. Access to system files (both executable programs and source code) and test data should be controlled. To ensure that system files  and sensitive data in testing environments  are protected against unauthorized access, and that  secure code management systems and processes are in place for configurations, software, and source code. Documented procedures and revision control systems should be utilized to control software implementation for both applications and operating systems. New York University described their approach in the presentation. Protection of system test data  Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Test data should be selected carefully and appropriately logged, protected and controlled. Access control  for program source  code  Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Access to program source code should be restricted.   Control includes: appropriate physical and technical safeguards for program source libraries, documentation, designs, specifications, verification and validation plans; and maintenance and copying of these materials subject to strict change management and other controls. Security in development and support processes This category aims to maintain the security of application system software and information. Change control procedures  The implementation of changes should be controlled by the use of formal change control procedures.   Control includes: a formal process of documentation, specification, testing, quality control and managed implementation; a risk assessment, analysis of actual and potential impacts of changes, and specification of any security controls required; a budgetary or other financial analysis to assess adequacy of resources; formal agreement to and approval of changes by appropriate management; and appropriate notification of all affected parties prior to implementation, on the nature, timing and likely impacts of the changes; Scheduling of changes to minimize the adverse impact on business processes. Information leakage Opportunities for information leakage should be appropriately minimized or prevented.   Control includes: risk assessment of the probable and possible mechanisms for information leakage, and consideration of appropriate countermeasures; regular monitoring of likely information leak mechanisms and sources; and End-user awareness and training on preventive strategies (e.g., to remove meta-data in transferred files). Application system managers should be responsible for controlling access to [development] project and support environments.   Formal change control processes should be applied, including technical reviews.   Packaged applications should ideally not be modified. Checks should be made for information leakage for example  via  covert channels and Trojans if these are a concern. A number of supervisory and monitoring controls are outlined for outsourced development. One of the security layers that can expose serious vulnerabilities is the application layer. Inventorying and securing all applications, software interfaces, or integration points that touch sensitive data is crucial in any organization that handles personal identity data, HIPAA, PCI, or any data that can lead to identifying confidential information. Unfortunately, this layer is subject to extensive variations and stretches across many technologies, human competencies, and organizational controls, practices, and standards. As such, it is difficult to secure and sustain, usually requiring departments to re-evaluate much of their software development, acquisition, and production control organization, staffing, and practices. Moreover, since applications are enhanced to adapt to changing business needs relatively often, even while the technology they depend on may also be changing, a consistent and routinized approach to maintaining their security must be adopted. Fortunately, there are many excellent resources to help organizations get started. a formal process of documentation, specification, testing, quality control and managed implementation; a risk assessment, analysis of actual and potential impacts of changes, and specification of any security controls required; a budgetary or other financial analysis to assess adequacy of resources; formal agreement to and approval of changes by appropriate management; and appropriate notification of all affected parties prior to implementation, on the nature, timing and likely impacts of the changes; scheduling of changes to minimize the adverse impact on business processes Technical vulnerablility Management Technical vulnerabilities in systems and applications should be controlled by monitoring for the announcement of relevant security vulnerabilities, and risk-assessing and applying relevant security patches promptly. To ensure that procedures are implemented to mitigate and/or patch technical vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Control of internal processing  Validation checks should be incorporated into applications to detect the corruption of of information through processing errors or deliberate acts.  Ã‚   Control includes: use of both automatic and manual methods of data verification and cross-checking, as appropriate; and defined responsibilities and processes for responding to detected errors. This category aims to reduce risks resulting from exploitation of published technical vulnerabilities. Control of technical vulnerabilities  Timely information about technical vulnerabilities of information systems used by the organization should be obtained, evaluated in terms of organizational exposure and risk, and appropriate countermeasures taken.   Control includes: A complete inventory of information assets sufficient to identify systems put at risk by a particular technical vulnerability; Procedures to allow timely response to identification of technical vulnerabilities that present a risk to any of the organizations information assets, including a timeline based on the level of risk; Defined roles and responsibilities for implementation of countermeasures and other mitigation procedures. Conclusion Sadly it is not a perfect world and when breaches of security do occur, for whatever reason, it is important to contain the result by reporting the incident and responding to it as quickly as possible. To whom should an incident be reported? What information will that person need to know? What precautions should one take to limit the organizations exposure to the security breach? It is essential that all staff know what comprises an information security incident and also a security weakness and to whom they report it. At the same time it is essential that all management know how to respond if they are on the escalation process for information security incident management reporting or escalation. It may be that there will be little or no time to organise a response to the incident, in which case the more thinking which has gone into the response procedure the better placed the organisation will be to deal with it. Documented and practices information security incident management procedures should be developed and practiced. Whilst information security incidents are not a desired outcome for any organisation, they must learn, and their staff must learn, from them to prevent them occurring again. A process of learning from such incidents by use of induction training, ongoing awareness training or other means should be undertaken and all staff, contractors and third parties should be undertaken. Remember that if the response is likely to include formal disciplinary action then the full process should be formally described and approved by the organisational management to remove the possibility of dispute after the event. If evidence is to be collected it should be done by competent staff and with due regard for rules of evidence for the jurisdiction.

The Physics of Riding Bulls Essay -- Sports Rodeo Essays

The Physics of Riding Bulls Rodeo is a sport that came about by everyday work being made into competition. Every event in rodeo has a practical purpose; all but one that is. There is no practical reason to get on a bull; only the thrills, chills, and rush of excitement. It ¡Ã‚ ¦s more than a challenge between riders. It ¡Ã‚ ¦s a challenge between man and beast. Legendary cowboy Larry Mahan had an even different way of looking at it. He said,  ¡Ã‚ §It ¡Ã‚ ¦s not a challenge with the animal but with the weakness in one ¡Ã‚ ¦s self ¡Ã‚ ¨. At any rate, it ¡Ã‚ ¦s all about the challenge. The challenge is simple; stay on the bull ¡Ã‚ ¦s back for eight seconds while keeping one hand fee from contact with the bull or your own body. Well it sounds simple anyways. Bull riding is a difficult challenge that involves overcoming many forces. Bulls will try just about anything to get a rider off their back. This includes raring, kicking, spinning, jumping, belly rolls, and some unintended moves such as stumbling and falling down. All the moves produce some sort of force the rider has to overcome. Fortunately the rider can produce a few forces of their own. Mainly, the rider only has a combination or leg strength and arm strength to counter with. But, there is a lot that a rider can do to overcome these forces through body positioning. There are really two different types of bulls; fast bulls, and strong bulls. Fast bulls are the hardest to ride. Typically, a bull can move much faster that a human making it difficult for the rider to keep up. There are basically three types of motions that a bull can make: linear, circular, and rotational. Linear motions include the rare, kick, jump, and just plain running. Circular motions include spinning. Rotational m... ...ay at the center point of the circle. Some bulls can do so many random and different moves so fast that the rider may black out or loose focus. The only way to really get good is through experience. Experience trains the subconscious so that as the rider feels what the bull is doing he can react faster. A bull rider must also be in great shape. Much energy is spent in the course of a bull ride. The energy is equal to the force applied times the distance traveled. The forces are great and as fast as a bull can move they can cover a lot of ground in eight seconds. This adds up to a lot of energy being expended. Bull riding can be loads of fun. But it is definitely no picnic. WORKS CITED Kirkpatrick, Larry D., and Gerald F. Wheeler. Physics A World View, Fourth Edition. 1992. Orlando: Harcourt, 2001. p. 275. http://plabpc.csustan.edu/astro/newton/cpetal.htm The Physics of Riding Bulls Essay -- Sports Rodeo Essays The Physics of Riding Bulls Rodeo is a sport that came about by everyday work being made into competition. Every event in rodeo has a practical purpose; all but one that is. There is no practical reason to get on a bull; only the thrills, chills, and rush of excitement. It ¡Ã‚ ¦s more than a challenge between riders. It ¡Ã‚ ¦s a challenge between man and beast. Legendary cowboy Larry Mahan had an even different way of looking at it. He said,  ¡Ã‚ §It ¡Ã‚ ¦s not a challenge with the animal but with the weakness in one ¡Ã‚ ¦s self ¡Ã‚ ¨. At any rate, it ¡Ã‚ ¦s all about the challenge. The challenge is simple; stay on the bull ¡Ã‚ ¦s back for eight seconds while keeping one hand fee from contact with the bull or your own body. Well it sounds simple anyways. Bull riding is a difficult challenge that involves overcoming many forces. Bulls will try just about anything to get a rider off their back. This includes raring, kicking, spinning, jumping, belly rolls, and some unintended moves such as stumbling and falling down. All the moves produce some sort of force the rider has to overcome. Fortunately the rider can produce a few forces of their own. Mainly, the rider only has a combination or leg strength and arm strength to counter with. But, there is a lot that a rider can do to overcome these forces through body positioning. There are really two different types of bulls; fast bulls, and strong bulls. Fast bulls are the hardest to ride. Typically, a bull can move much faster that a human making it difficult for the rider to keep up. There are basically three types of motions that a bull can make: linear, circular, and rotational. Linear motions include the rare, kick, jump, and just plain running. Circular motions include spinning. Rotational m... ...ay at the center point of the circle. Some bulls can do so many random and different moves so fast that the rider may black out or loose focus. The only way to really get good is through experience. Experience trains the subconscious so that as the rider feels what the bull is doing he can react faster. A bull rider must also be in great shape. Much energy is spent in the course of a bull ride. The energy is equal to the force applied times the distance traveled. The forces are great and as fast as a bull can move they can cover a lot of ground in eight seconds. This adds up to a lot of energy being expended. Bull riding can be loads of fun. But it is definitely no picnic. WORKS CITED Kirkpatrick, Larry D., and Gerald F. Wheeler. Physics A World View, Fourth Edition. 1992. Orlando: Harcourt, 2001. p. 275. http://plabpc.csustan.edu/astro/newton/cpetal.htm

A Boy Called It

The deficits David Pelzer will have to overcome according to biological and environmental foundations and emotional and social development will deal primarily with the neglect he suffered as a child.This environmental history will play a major role and an obstacle at being accepted into new schools, new families and in any future job he holds.   He will have to come to terms with the ‘normal’ relationships children and parents have as opposed to his neglected childhood upbringing by not only his mother, but the social service system and foster families.The way in which David experience mental health is through the actions of his mother.   His mother, Catherine Roerva, tortured David both physically and emotionally by not even considering him a son, or a human being but an ‘it’.As such her mental health made it impossible for her to raise her child and instead her disease (and her alcoholism) made her torture him, not feed or clothe him and basically not treat him as a son not to mention a person, â€Å"SMACK, mother hits me in the face and I topple to the floor.   I know better than to stand there and take the hit.   I learned the hard way that she takes that as an act of defiance, which means more hits or worst of all no food.I regain my posture and dodge her looks as she screams into my ears†(Pelzer 3).   To a young child, such experiences of mental health make it detrimental to truly experience anything normal for his sense of normalcy is warped due to his exposure of these horrific experiences.Although David did have one of the worst childhood abuse cases in the state of California (he was caged in the basement, not allowed to eat, and was threatened physically almost daily) he did end up in the child welfare system where he tried to adjust to a new life outside of his mother’s abuse.Finally at the age of 12 David was taken from his mother’s care thanks to the help of school teachers and other authori ties and at that time he entered into the social welfare system through foster care.   In this system David experienced other types of both horrible and kind human activity for which he goes into detail with his other book entitled The Lost Boy: A A Foster Child’s Search for the Love of a Family.On the issue of biological deficits, David Pelzer may have to face the fact that his mother neglected him after he was born,Genetic counseling is a communication process designed to help couples assess theirChances of giving birth to a baby with a hereditary disorder and choose the best course of action in view of risks and family goals.As such, David’s mother, given the choice may not have had her son because of her own actions which was detrimental to his health.   In David’s case, it is not a hereditary disorder but more of an environmental disorder that he has in him.Works CitedPelzer, David. (1995).  Ã‚   A Boy Called It.   HCI. 1995.Wall, Charles M. (April, 1975). Child Abuse: A Societal Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   with Educational  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Implications. Peabody Journal of Education. 52 (3). 222-225.  

Methodology: Metro Manila and Caloocan City

This chapter presents the research design of the study, the subjects and the area of the study, sampling method, data needed, the research instrument, procedures for data gathering, procedures for data analysis and logistics, schedule and budgetary requirements. Research Design The study made use of Descriptive Analysis in determining the attitudes of student smokers to selected Caloocan City student smokers.Descriptive analysis was appropriate for the researchers' study which discovered and described the attitudes of student smokers towards smoking despite the SIN Tax Law and the effects of smoking towards student smokers themselves as its primary objective. Descriptive analysis was the most appropriate way on obtaining these two variables. The research study made used of survey and in-depth interview as research techniques. The advantage of having survey as research instrument was the cheapest technique.If correct sampling was achieved, the result of the survey would be generally a ccurate. Past and present information can also be use and apply to the study. The disadvantage of having survey as research instrument was limited in scope and respondents may not write honest answers. In-depth interview was a qualitative research technique used by the researchers that allowed researchers person to person discussion. It was lead to increased insight into people’s thoughts and behaviour on the important issues.This was often unstructured and therefore permitted the interviewer to encourage the respondent to talk at length about the topic of interests. The advantaged of conducting an In-depth interview was the ability to choose respondents. It generated ideas in pilot studies and obtaining greater depth information on a topic of interest as a supplement to data received from other methods. Survey had researchers' primary instruments since the research locales of the study are respondents (student smokers) and this instrument deeply gave researchers a deeper und erstanding about our respondent’s uses towards the study.Survey was the most appropriate way on obtaining the attitudes of respondents towards the study and the effects of the study to the respondents as well as their demographic profile. The researchers have to ask them questions through survey forms that range from smoking and effects of smoking, social aspects to family and friends, satisfaction value and how smoking serves them as, if something good, in their life. Research InstrumentIn this study, the primary instrument that was used to determine the attitudes of smoking among the selected Caloocan City student smokers was the survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was formulated based on the related literatures and studies presented. The related literatures and studies lead the researchers about the advantages and disadvantages of smoking as well as the brand of cigarette that was used by student smokers. The respondents were provided with a convenient list of question s on which the respondents will only encircle their answers.The questionnaire was composed of the respondent’s demographic profile such as their names, age, gender, civil status, and academic status. The researchers wanted to know about the number of cigarettes a student smoker smoke each day, the certain effects in their living, and how did smoking change their perception on education. Subjects of the Study The respondents of the study were the selected smokers in Caloocan City. This includes students ranging from 16 – 30 years of age in Caloocan City within the vicinity of UE Caloocan.Research Locale The researchers conducted the study in the vicinity of Caloocan City area. Caloocan City is located in the northern part of Metropolitan Manila. The city is divided into two parts: the urban portion, which was bounded on the north part of Malabon, on the east of Quezon City, on the south of Manila and Navotas, and on the west of Manila Bay; the rural portion, bounded on the north by San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, on the east and south of Quezon City, and on the west of Valenzuela.It occupies a total land area of 55. 8 square kilometres. Caloocan City is composed of 188 barangays, which are subdivided into two Congressional Districts. It has been classified as a Highly Urbanized City. (Caloocan City Municipality) Sampling Method The proposed study made used of Simple Random and Stratified Random sampling method. Simple random method is a method of selecting a sample size from a universe such that each member of the population has an equal chance of being included. Data Gathering ProceduresThe major data gathering procedures, by means of conducting the survey, carried out and accomplished by all the researchers together as a group since the subject of the study and the research locale was within the vicinity of Caloocan City area. The questionnaires will be personally handled by the researchers to the respondents. The researchers then directly answer s any question that the respondent raised to ask regarding the survey questionnaires, then the respondents answer the questionnaires, they collect it for immediate review, made sure that every item has been answered to avoid invalid forms.In this procedure, we aimed to do it and work for it as a team, from the formulation of the question to actual conduction of the survey, and from tallying of survey results, to the interpretation and analysis of data, since these are tiring doing it by just one person, we considered not only cooperation from our team, but more of collaboration from each and every one of us.Data Analysis Procedure After collecting the questionnaires, the researchers tally the data from the respondents. They tabulate it to make it easy for the user to analyse as basis for making interpretations. The collected data to arrange in groups or classified to descriptive as basis for analysis of the results.

The Legendary Invention of Silk

The Legendary Invention of Silk Is the fabric known as silk 7000 years old? Did people wear it from as long ago as 5000 B.C. before civilization began at Sumer and before Egyptians built the Great Pyramid? If silkworm cultivation or sericulture is as much as seven millennia old as the Silk Road Foundation says it may be the chances are poor that we will ever know exactly who invented it. What we can learn is what the descendants of the people who discovered silk wrote about it and what their legends say about the origins of processing silk. Although there are other stories and variations, the basic legend credits an early Chinese empress. She is said to have: 1. Cultivated the silk-producing caterpillar (Bombyx mori).2. Fed the silkworm the mulberry leaf that was discovered to be the best food at least for those interested in producing the best silk.3. Invented the loom to weave the fiber. Raising Silk On its own, the silkworm larva produces a single, several hundred-yard-strand of silk, which it breaks as it emerges as a moth from its cocoon, leaving residue all over the trees. In preference to gathering the tangled silk caught in the trees, the Chinese learned to raise the silkworms on a fattening diet of the leaves of carefully cultivated mulberry trees. They also learned to watch the development of the cocoons so they could kill the chrysalis by plunging it in boiling water just before its time. This method ensures the full length of silk strands. The boiling water also softens the sticky protein holding together the silk [Grotenhuis]. (The process of pulling out the strand of silk from the water and cocoon in known as reeling.) The thread is then woven into beautiful clothing.   Who Was the Lady Hsi-ling? The main source for this article is Dieter Kuhn, Professor, and Chair of Chinese Studies, University of Wà ¼rzburg. He wrote Tracing a Chinese Legend: In Search of the Identity of the First Sericulturalist for Toung Pao, an international journal of sinology. In this article, Kuhn looks at what the Chinese sources say about the legend of the invention of silk and describes the presentation of silk manufactures invention across the dynasties. He makes note of the contribution of the lady of Hsi-ling in particular. She was the principal wife of Huangdi, who is better known as the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi or Huang-ti, where Huang is the same word we translate as Yellow when used in connection with the great Chinese Yellow River, and ti is the name of an important god that is used in the names of kings, conventionally translated emperor) is a legendary Neolithic era ruler and ancestor of the Chinese people, with almost godlike proportions. Huangdi is said to have lived in the third millennium B.C. for 100-118 years, during which he is credited with giving numerous gifts to the Chinese people, including the magnetic compass, and sometimes including silk. The principal wife of the Yellow Emperor, the lady of Hsi-ling (also known as Xi Ling-Shi, Lei-Tsu, or Xilingshi), is, like her husband, credited with discovering silk. The lady of Hsi-ling is also credited with figuring out how to reel silk and inventing what people needed to make clothing from the silk the loom, according to the Shih-Chi Record of the Historian. Ultimately, the confusion seems to remain, but the upper hand is given the empress. The Yellow Emperor, who was honored as the First Sericulturalist during the Northern Chi Period (c. A.D. 550 - c. 580), may be the male figure depicted in later art as a patron saint of sericulture. The lady Hsi-ling is more often called the First Sericulturalist. Although she had been worshiped and held a position in the Chinese pantheon since the Northern Chou Dynasty (557-581), her official position as the personification of the First Sericulturalist with a divine seat and altar only came in 1742. Silk Clothing Altered the Chinese Division of Labor One could speculate, as Kuhn does, that the job of making fabric was womens work and that therefore the associations were made with the empress, rather than her husband, even if he had been the first sericulturalist. The Yellow Emperor may have invented the methods of producing silk, while the lady Hsi-ling was responsible for the discovery of silk itself. This legendary discovery, reminiscent of the story of the discovery of actual tea in China, involves falling into an anachronistic cup of tea.   Chinese scholarship from the seventh century A.D. says that before the Yellow Emperor, clothing was made of bird (feathers can protect against water and down is, of course, an insulating material) and animal skin, but the supply of animals didnt keep up with demand. The Yellow Emperor decreed that clothing should be made of silk and hemp. In this version of the legend, it is Huangdi (actually, one of his officials named Po Yu), not the lady of Hsi-ling who invented all fabrics, including silk, and also, according to legend from the Han Dynasty, the loom. Again, if looking for a rationale for the contradiction based on the division of labor and gender roles: hunting would not have been a domestic pursuit, but the province of the men, so when clothing changed from skins to cloth, it made sense that it would have changed the storied gender of the maker. Evidence of 5 Millennia of Silk Not quite the full seven, but five millennia puts it more in line with important major developments elsewhere, so it is more easily believed. Archaeological evidence reveals that silk existed in China as far back as around 2750 B.C., which puts it, coincidentally according to Kuhn, close to the dates of the Yellow Emperor and his wife. Shang Dynasty oracle bones show evidence of silk production. Silk was also in the Indus Valley from the third millennium B.C., according to New Evidence for Silk in the Indus Valley, which says copper-alloy ornaments and steatite beads have yielded silk fibers upon microscopic examination. As an aside, the article says this raises the question of whether China really had exclusive control of silk. A Silken Economy The importance of silk to China probably cant be exaggerated: the exceptionally long and strong filament clothed a vast Chinese population, helped support the bureaucracy by being used as a precursor to paper (2nd century B.C.) [Hoernle] and to pay taxes [Grotenhuis], and led to commerce with the rest of the world. Sumptuary laws regulated the wearing of fancy silks and embroidered, patterned silks became status symbols from the Han to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (2nd century B.C. to 6th century A.D.). How the Secret of Silk Leaked Out The Chinese guarded its secret carefully and successfully for centuries, according to tradition. It was only in the 5th century A.D. that silk eggs and mulberry seeds were, according to legend, smuggled out in an elaborate headdress by a Chinese princess when she went to her groom, the king of Khotan, in Central Asia. A century later they were smuggled by monks into the Byzantine Empire, according to the Byzantine historian Procopius. Silk Worship Patron saints of sericulture were honored with life-size statues and rites; in the Han period, the silkworm goddess was personified, and in Han and Sung periods, the empress performed a silk ceremony. The empress helped with the gathering of the mulberry leaves necessary for the best silk, and the sacrifices of pig and sheep that were made to the First Sericulturalist who may or may not have been the lady of Hsi-ling. By the 3rd century, there was a silkworm palace which the empress supervised. Legends of the Discovery of Silk There is a fanciful legend about the discovery of silk, a love story about a betrayed and murdered magic horse, and his lover, a woman transformed into a silkworm; the threads becoming feelings. Liu recounts a version, recorded by Tsui Pao in his 4th century A.D. Ku Ching Chu (Antiquarian Researches), where the horse is betrayed by the father and his daughter who promised to marry the horse. After the horse was ambushed, killed, and skinned, the hide wrapped up the girl and flew away with her. It was found in a tree and brought home, where some time later the girl had been transformed into a moth. There is also a fairly pedestrian story of how silk was actually discovered the cocoon, thought to be fruit, wouldnt soften when boiled, so the would-be diners got their aggression out by beating it with sticks until the filament emerged. Sericulture References: The Silkworm and Chinese Culture, by Gaines K. C. Liu; Osiris, Vol. 10, (1952), pp. 129-194 Tracing a Chinese Legend: In Search of the Identity of the First Sericulturalist, by Dieter Kuhn; Toung Pao Second Series, Vol. 70, Livr. 4/5 (1984), pp. 213-245. Spices and Silk: Aspects of World Trade in the First Seven Centuries of the Christian Era, by Michael Loewe; The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland No. 2 (1971), pp. 166-179. Stories of Silk and Paper, by Elizabeth Ten Grotenhuis; World Literature Today; Vol. 80, No. 4 (Jul. - Aug. 2006), pp. 10-12. Silks and Religions in Eurasia, C. A.D. 600-1200, by Liu Xinru; Journal of World History Vol. 6, No. 1 (Spring, 1995), pp. 25-48. Who Was the Inventor of Rag-Paper? by A. F. Rudolf Hoernle; The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (Oct. 1903), pp. 663-684.

5 Categories of Unnecessary Scare Quotes

5 Categories of Unnecessary Scare Quotes 5 Categories of Unnecessary Scare Quotes 5 Categories of Unnecessary Scare Quotes By Mark Nichol Each of the sentences in this post demonstrates a distinct example of superfluous use of quotation marks to call attention to a word or phrase. The discussion following each example explains why the scare quotes are extraneous. 1. Companies need to reevaluate, and perhaps â€Å"retrofit,† their existing programs. Retrofit is not being used in its literal sense of â€Å"renovating to enhance structural resistance to earthquake damage,† but analogous use of the word does not require scare quotes, which are helpful only when the analogy is obscure: â€Å"Companies need to reevaluate, and perhaps retrofit, their existing programs.† 2. Such a strategy must include thinking â€Å"outside the box.† Idiomatic phrases, like single words used as nonliteral analogies, are generally understood as such and do not require special emphasis: â€Å"Such a strategy must include thinking outside the box.† 3. So-called â€Å"softer† impediments often require as much attention as technical hurdles. So-called signals that a word or phrase is not being used in a literal or customary sense. Scare quotes signal that a word or phrase is not being used in a literal or customary sense. Redundancy is not necessary, nor is it required: â€Å"So-called softer impediments often require as much attention as technical hurdles.† 4. Information should be restricted to those individuals designated as having a â€Å"need to know.† Words and phrases adopted from specialized contexts- otherwise known as jargon (such an introduction of a concept as this doesn’t merit quotation marks, either)- are either sufficiently transparent in meaning that they don’t need emphasis or definition or should be omitted in favor of clear wording; in this case, a phrase originating in the milieu of classified government documents is self-evident: â€Å"Information should be restricted to those individuals designated as having a need to know.† 5. It is imperative to understand â€Å"what to do† as well as â€Å"what not to do.† Here, the writer invites the reader to glean the key phrases in the sentence, but the gist of the statement is obvious, and the scare quotes are distracting and not at all helpful: â€Å"It is imperative to understand what to do as well as what not to do.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Idioms About NumbersWork of Art TitlesWood vs. Wooden

How to choose between two really good job candidates

How to choose between two really good job candidates As a hiring manager, your reputation is built and bolstered by your ability to source top-tier candidates for positions across your organization. Chances are your performance goals are closely tied to how effective you are at stocking your company’s teams with the best available talent.Sometimes this is a relatively straightforward task, and the perfect candidate comes your way for an open position- all you have to do is get them interested and sell them on the notion of joining your team. Other times, the hiring process is a bit more difficult.Most seasoned hiring managers have encountered nearly every permutation of hiring challenge imaginable- one particularly anxiety-inducing one is when you have what seems to be two â€Å"perfect† candidates who are vying for the same position. Both candidates are well-qualified, have impeccable industry backgrounds and skill sets, come equipped with sterling references, and appear to be great potential fits in all key areas- and y ou’re tasked with deciding who rises from the candidate heap and earns the coveted spot.Here’s a solid method for successfully handling this situation in an effort to best meet your company’s needs.Look beyond the obviousIf you’re facing the choice of having to decide between two great candidates and they both seem equally matched in all the key metrics you typically base your hiring decisions upon, then look beyond the typical. Step back from the situation and think about whether or not a candidate made a positive impression on you in an area that you typically overlook or don’t weigh heavily. If there’s an area of strength that may help one candidate perform on the job- no matter how small- then consider taking into consideration. Traits like personality type and problem-solving style aren’t off-limits, even if they don’t fit into typical evaluation models.hbspt.cta.load(2785852, '9e52c197-5b5b-45e6-af34-d56403f973c5', {});Gi ve a testWhen facing two seeming equal candidates, take a step beyond and really put them to the test. Consider giving them an additional work-related task to see who does best. Having the candidates complete a project that mirrors one of the responsibilities that they’ll encounter on the job is not uncommon, and can really help you make a tough decision a little easier.Get a second opinionJust like no person is an island, no employee is alone in a company- and neither are you. There are reasons why many interviews are conducted by multiple people and over several encounters- hiring someone new for a position in your organization is no small decision, and having multiple opinions factor into the final decision can help ensure that the best choice is made. If you haven’t already, have the candidates meet with other key decision-makers in your company and use their opinions to help you work through this difficult situation.Trust your instinctsThe truth is, there is no pe rfect candidate. Despite all the state-of-the-art analytics your company uses to gauge candidates and how well they sold themselves during the interview process, there’s just no surefire way to know for sure how well they’ll do when they’re on the job and hitting the ground running. Don’t forget this when you’re facing a difficult hiring decision, and also don’t forget to trust your well-honed instincts as an experienced hiring manager. Hiring someone new is always a leap of faith- so have a little faith in your ability to choose between two candidates wisely using your experienced eye.Don’t write one candidate off completelyNo matter how difficult it is, at some point you’re going to have to make a decision between two highly qualified candidates. Hopefully, you make the right choice. That said, choosing one candidate above another doesn’t mean it’s necessarily â€Å"goodbye forever† to the losing candidat e. A savvy hiring manager knows that it’s in their company’s long-term benefit to maintain a talent-rich pipeline. That said, do your best to keep all good candidates in your orbit- because you never know when a new position will open up and you’re back on the hunt.

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 62

Art - Essay Example This report shows the presentation of two undergraduate students during the 11th annual artistry symposium. A light humor at the beginning signals his commencement of the presentation of his research on Italian futurism and fascism. He begins by digging deep into the historical background of both Italian Futurism and its relationship to fascism. According to the speaker, futurism was an artistic movement and later overtaken by social movement and began in Italy in the early 1900s. The movement held in high esteem themes that were linked to contemporary concepts of the future such as violence, young people, technological development and speed. In addition, the movement spearheaded growth in cars, aero plane and a manufacturing city. According to the author, there is an obvious reality when Italian fascism is linked to futuristic movement in Italy. The roughly thirty minute’s presentation comes to an end when the presenter begins to request for questions from the section of the audience. the interaction from the audience is magnificent as the speaker shows great depth by responding to all the questions and engaging in interactive intellectual debates. Perhaps a personal opinion would rate highly the presentation as it is full of content, the structure of the presentation is effective, though it is non visual, a imaginary picturing of the presentation confirms the same. The presenter must have cone the research well as the material presented is packaged properly with a deep historical connections. A humor at the beginning overshadows everything and eliminates nervousness showed by his involvement in the answers at the end of the presentation. She commences the presentation without acknowledging the audience, at least from the limitations provided by the audio recording. A visual one could have provided sufficient chance to observe her body language. However, her presentation is rich in content, but she blubs in between the presentation

Art and cinema Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art and cinema - Assignment Example They seem to be at peace with themselves and those around them. The disruption in narrative convention is apparent in the man’s time-space travel, where nothing is lasting and completely certain. The man and woman are as temporary as the dead animals they are gazing at. The parallel scene with Twelve Monkeys is the scene where the animals run free and James Cole (Bruce Willis) and Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe) see the animals for the first time. See Figure 2. James and Kathryn are in mid cut away shot at eye level. The impact of them together and the animals running free is the perceptions that they are not free compared to the animals. Like the animals, as in La Jetà ©e, the only time they can assuredly have is the present. The future is unreliable in giving happiness for it may even lead to their separation or death. The narrative is disrupted by the constant reference to life’s temporariness. In the clip from Godard’s Band of Outsiders, Odile (Anna) Karina recites from â€Å"Les Poà ¨tes† by Louis Aragon. Odile is represented in a different light from the woman in La Jetà ©e because the former is darker and less hopeful of the future. In this scene, Odile looks forlorn, as she says: â€Å"All they’d ask for was a light. They settled for so little. They had so little anger in them.† The sad tone of her voice and poem suggests that she is unhappy and she longs for something better in the future that she cannot enjoy at present. She is different from the woman in La Jetà ©e who no longer questions the comings and goings of the man. She just enjoys every moment they have. Odile is similar with the woman though because she also strives to be happy. She is unsure how, but she does want to have true happiness in her life. In the essay, â€Å"On Photography,† Susan Sontag explores the meaning of photography, based on its uses and impacts on human behaviors. She argues that photography is a process of collecting

Death and Dying, Rituals and Afterlife, Beliefs of the Ancient Greeks Dissertation

Death and Dying, Rituals and Afterlife, Beliefs of the Ancient Greeks - Dissertation Example The ancient Greek had several beliefs related to the dead and dying, they had strong beliefs and rites which reflected the role of human soul, location and actions believed to have occurred after death and as a result they formulated strict rituals which were to be performed after a person died and their beliefs: which were interconnected with death played a fundamental role during the death rituals (Taylor 39-51). The funerals of the ancient Greek consisted of three acts which were observed to the minute detail. These acts comprised of the procedures of laying down the deceased’s body, the procession to the grave yard, and the actual burial of the cremated remains of the dead. Similar to most funerals in today’s civilized world; the ancient Greek displayed family wealth and kinship ties. It was both a ceremony and much like a social event to bid farewell to the dead as well as an act of consolation to the family of the deceased. However, this was a function that displa yed the family’s wealth and kinship, it was further a rite of passage from the living soul to the afterlife and the main purpose was to support the soul along its journey to afterlife. (Taylor 83-109). The ancient Greek strongly believed that if the soul was not buried; then its entrance into the Hades would be compromised and thus the fundamental purpose of these rituals was extremely important to the future of the soul after death. Most of the ancient Greeks believe that; if the soul was not allowed to enter into the Hades then it was not be able to gain peace for it was to be disembodied. This created great fear among the Greeks and the denial of proper burial rites was often used as a punishment for those who had committed serious crimes during their lifetime. The most feared type of death was at sea since the body could not be retrieved to be accorded proper burial (Robben 61-75). Death Deities in Greek Legend and Myth Like in most religions, there were deities in Ancien t Greek which were accorded roles and responsibilities during the personification of the deceased. There are various deities, who are either related to or are offered to the personification of the deceased and some of the most common deities that existed are as discussed below: Hades Hades was known as the underworld Greek god, it was the destination of the soul after the death of an individual. This god presided over the punishment of the deceased after he/she died. The name of the god was also the synonym of the underworld and it is similar to the Christian belief of the existence of Hell (Robben 93-117). Thanatos Thanatos was the brother of Hypnos and the son of Nyx; the god of sleep and also the goddess of night. Further, he was also the Greek death personification. When an individual passed away, it would be his responsibility to direct the soul to the underworld (Obayashi 24-33). The Fates Under Greek mythology, the Fates were three sisters which were responsible for the desti ny of the soul. They were also associated with death as they determined for how long an individual was supposed to live before he died. The three sisters were: Clotho who spinned and individuals thread of life, Lachesis who determined the lifespan of a person, and Atropos who after the others had made their decisions, she would eventually cut the thread of life of an individual hence ending his life (Taylor 113-148). Greek Concept of

The Pizza Puzzle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Pizza Puzzle - Essay Example The idea of introducing a pizza kitchen in a restaurant that had previously focused on traditional steak and seafood was a great move towards diversification. However, the idea did not bring in the expected returns. A closer analysis of the situation revealed that the quality of pizza prepared in the hotel’s kitchen did not match the quality of pizza sold by renowned brands. This was a challenge for the Holiday Inn – Amman, which compelled the food services manager to put in place measures that could lead to improved quality of the pizza. The efforts of improving the pizza quality were evident after a blind taste test purposed to evaluate the difference in quality between the pizza made by the hotel and that from other companies. This evaluation proved that the pizza quality had improved to a remarkable level and that there was no difference between the taste of pizza offered to guests from the hotel and that from other companies. Despite these efforts, the pizza sales remained remarkably low. This prompted the development of a proposal that could increase the sales of pizza. The food services manager suggested that the hotel could create a Napoli pizza image, which would serve to attract more sales for the hotel pizza. Notably, the Napoli Pizza is a renowned brand that sells original Italian pizza. Therefore, the food services manager opined that creating such an image would definitely alter the customer’s perception of the hotel’s pizza. This is because the food services manager had identified that there was a mismatch between the image of the hotel and the expectations of guests regarding the pizza makers. Therefore, creating the Napoli pizza image would ascertain the customers and guests that the pizza was of high quality.

CEO of Apple Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

CEO of Apple - Term Paper Example He paid attention to the interests of his consumers as well as the employees (Feser, 2011). However, he was also stubborn and had a controlling way about him that in many instances compromised the company (Feser, 2011). An excellent example is his vendetta against trade unions. Fester (2011), reflects that as early as history allows, successful ventures in politics, religion and business boil down to the brains behind the scene; the leader of the venture. The personal characteristics (mindset), strategies, strengths and weaknesses of a CEO determine the success or demise of the organization (Schermerhon, 2011). Apple Inc. is not an exception to the rule. Through examining its past leadership, I can establish a trend in CEO characteristics influencing the running of the organization. Finally, with the help of this analysis, I postulate on the possible leadership Apple Inc. should utilize in the future. While most leaders rely on a universal set of principles such as trustworthiness, c harisma, creativity and endurance, different environments influence the way these leaders will apply these principles (Griffin, 2010). Establishing the fundamental principles of any organization is crucial because it helps to define the role of the leader (Schermerhon, 2011). With every new invention, Apple Inc. seeks out new marketing slogans (Feser, 2011). However, one can summarize that Apple Inc. cherishes innovation thereby creativity is the main principle that defines their market strategies (Fesser, 2011). Nonetheless, while businesses thrive or fall in view of these principles, there are legal and ethical issues to consider (Schlegelmilch, 1998). Apple Inc., in the recent past, has faced a couple of these issues and their ramifications can be pinned on the leadership the CEO provided. Griffin (2010), describes the late Steve Jobs as an inspiring visionary whom at the same time was an insufferable egotist. Griffin (2010), further asserts that the success of Steve Jobs stems f rom his contradictory and often complex personality. When Steve Jobs took over in 1996, he came with an agenda. Steve Jobs preferred â€Å"old weapons†; therefore, he cut down on new projects and focused on marketing and rejuvenating the company’s image (Griffin, 2010). The strategies he employed to rejuvenate the company such as high-end disruptions require that an individual is courageous and witty (Schlegelmilch, 1998). An example is the iPod which Griffin notes â€Å"hijacked the music industry† (Feser, 2011). Zeal, charisma and an animated personality helped Jobs reclaim Apple Inc.’s lost glory and raise it to a proclaimed multinational (Feser, 2011). Feser (2011) also holds that Steve Jobs created value for shareholder, consumers and the society. What Feser (2011) forgot to mention is that employees are also shareholders. Therefore, in my view, Jobs’ success reflects on one stakeholder’s satisfaction; the customer. In examining other p arties such as employees and the wider society discrepancies emerge. Schlegelmilch (1998) reflects that a most common trait for persons considered exemplary business leaders is strong personal ethics. There is a clear link between personal ethics and community ethics (Feser, 2011). A person with strong personal ethics is likely to influence persons around them to uphold the same especially if that person holds a position of leadership (Griffin, 2010). Schlegelmilch (1

Investment and Portfolio Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Investment and Portfolio Managment - Essay Example Investors must take account of the interplay between asset returns when evaluating the risk of portfolio at a most basic level; for example, an insurance contract serves to reduce risk by providing a large payoff when another part of the portfolio is faring poorly. A fire insurance policy pays off when another asset in the portfolio-a house or factory, for example-suffers a big loss in value. The offsetting pattern of returns on these two assets (the house and the insurance policy) stabilizes the risk of the overall portfolio. Investing in an asset with a payoff pattern that offsets exposure to a particular source of risk is called hedging. Anther means to control portfolio risk is diversification, whereby investments are made in a wide variety of assets so that exposure to the risk of any particular security is limited. By placing one's eggs in many baskets, overall portfolio risk actually may be less than the risk of any component security considered in isolation. So, using portfolio is very much important in investment decision-making Prof Stein should protect the value of his shares before the company issues an IPO by using derivative products such as options, forwards and futures. Derivative products help to avoid risk of price fluctuations and others. In hedging, Derivatives are tools for changing the firm's risk exposure. A derivative is a financial instrument whose payoffs and values is derived from, or depends on, something else. For example, an option is a derivative. The value of a call option depends on the value of the underlying stock on which it is written. Actually; call options are quite complicated examples of derivatives. The vast majority of derivatives are simpler than call options. Most derivatives are forward or futures agreements or what are called swaps. An unlimited variety of payoff patterns can be achieved by combining puts and calls with various exercise prices. Some strategies are discussed below: Protective Put: Under this one would like to invest in a stick, but one is willing to bear potential losses beyond some given level of investing in the stock alone seems risky to one because in principle one could lose all the money one invest. One might

CEO of Apple Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

CEO of Apple - Term Paper Example He paid attention to the interests of his consumers as well as the employees (Feser, 2011). However, he was also stubborn and had a controlling way about him that in many instances compromised the company (Feser, 2011). An excellent example is his vendetta against trade unions. Fester (2011), reflects that as early as history allows, successful ventures in politics, religion and business boil down to the brains behind the scene; the leader of the venture. The personal characteristics (mindset), strategies, strengths and weaknesses of a CEO determine the success or demise of the organization (Schermerhon, 2011). Apple Inc. is not an exception to the rule. Through examining its past leadership, I can establish a trend in CEO characteristics influencing the running of the organization. Finally, with the help of this analysis, I postulate on the possible leadership Apple Inc. should utilize in the future. While most leaders rely on a universal set of principles such as trustworthiness, c harisma, creativity and endurance, different environments influence the way these leaders will apply these principles (Griffin, 2010). Establishing the fundamental principles of any organization is crucial because it helps to define the role of the leader (Schermerhon, 2011). With every new invention, Apple Inc. seeks out new marketing slogans (Feser, 2011). However, one can summarize that Apple Inc. cherishes innovation thereby creativity is the main principle that defines their market strategies (Fesser, 2011). Nonetheless, while businesses thrive or fall in view of these principles, there are legal and ethical issues to consider (Schlegelmilch, 1998). Apple Inc., in the recent past, has faced a couple of these issues and their ramifications can be pinned on the leadership the CEO provided. Griffin (2010), describes the late Steve Jobs as an inspiring visionary whom at the same time was an insufferable egotist. Griffin (2010), further asserts that the success of Steve Jobs stems f rom his contradictory and often complex personality. When Steve Jobs took over in 1996, he came with an agenda. Steve Jobs preferred â€Å"old weapons†; therefore, he cut down on new projects and focused on marketing and rejuvenating the company’s image (Griffin, 2010). The strategies he employed to rejuvenate the company such as high-end disruptions require that an individual is courageous and witty (Schlegelmilch, 1998). An example is the iPod which Griffin notes â€Å"hijacked the music industry† (Feser, 2011). Zeal, charisma and an animated personality helped Jobs reclaim Apple Inc.’s lost glory and raise it to a proclaimed multinational (Feser, 2011). Feser (2011) also holds that Steve Jobs created value for shareholder, consumers and the society. What Feser (2011) forgot to mention is that employees are also shareholders. Therefore, in my view, Jobs’ success reflects on one stakeholder’s satisfaction; the customer. In examining other p arties such as employees and the wider society discrepancies emerge. Schlegelmilch (1998) reflects that a most common trait for persons considered exemplary business leaders is strong personal ethics. There is a clear link between personal ethics and community ethics (Feser, 2011). A person with strong personal ethics is likely to influence persons around them to uphold the same especially if that person holds a position of leadership (Griffin, 2010). Schlegelmilch (1

Vietnam in the 1950s and 1960s Essay Example for Free

Vietnam in the 1950s and 1960s Essay There was many reasons for the USA to get involved in Vietnam between the 1950s and 60s however they were all in stages, not just in one go. They called America and USAS clash the Cold War which began mainly due to America and the USSRS political differences. The USSR was a communist state and the USA and the other countries who were their partners were capalist states or countries. Many people believed that capalists and communists could not live alongside each other for long and that one system would take over another, however both sides were determined not to be taken over. This is how it all started as the governments were trying to take over large parts of East Europe and Asia. When the buffer zones were added there was a greater risk of war as the zones were dominated by the USSR who were causing a government domino effect through to the west so the USA and their partners were determined to stop it which caused the Truman Doctrine. The main reasons for the USA to get involved with Vietnam were because of their fear of communism and that communism could take over the Western world and Asia. Another reason why the USA didnt like communism was because in 1945 the USA built and tested the first nuclear bomb on Japan but kept it secret from the Russians even though they were supposed to be allies. This made the Russians very suspicious of America. America also didnt like communism because of their very different political beliefs as the communists were a totalitarian state whilst the USA believed in democracy and were afraid the Russians would try to spread their beliefs around the world. The first way of the USA to get involved was to supply France with money as during World War 2 they had lost control of North Vietnam however managed to keep control of South Vietnam. The USA paid the French armies to regain control of North Vietnam so to keep it capitalist and was thought to be a stand against world wide spread of communism. However in 1949 Americans were worried because China had turned communist and supplied money and weapons to North Vietnam making the war harder to win. The French assumed that they were invincible as they were surrounded by mountains and an airbase but the French miscalculation led to a humiliating defeat and ended French plans to regain control of Vietnam. This meant the USA had to get more involved as  well as take more action as communism continued to get stronger. The USAs next involvement plan was to send military advisors to South Vietnam. In 1954 Eisenhower gave 17 officers sealed orders sending them to Saigon and by January 1961 the number of advisors had grown to 685. However the advisors were not there to fight but to train the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to combat an expected invasion from the North. These advisors didnt work as the communist Vietcongs seemed to be getting stronger and even though the numbers of advisors were secretly raised it didnt greatly help. The USA soon had to get even more involved as their strategic hamlet programme officials selected villages in South Vietnam which they thought could be easily defended by the Vietcong but didnt work as very few hamlets were secure and the policy was very unpopular with the Vietnamese. Religion was also a problem because Diem favoured Roman Catholics but this led to street protests like a Buddhist monk who set himself alight. Diem soon became increasingly unpopular and was assassinated by ARVN officers who ere worried that the USA would withdraw there support if Diem continued in power. However the assassination made things worse as Diems successors were no better at governing the country. This all led to the USA needing to involve themselves more by using the military. This first happened with the Gulf of Tongking incident which was an excuse for Johnson to get the Gulf of Tongking resolution which allowed him to take all the necessary measures to repel any armed attacks against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression. Then in February 1965 Johnson got the opportunity to justify bombing North Vietnam when the Vietcong attack the USAs base at Pleiku. Ten aircraft were destroyed eight US advisors were killed with over a hundred others wounded. Johnson could then call up troops and bomb the North. The operation was called rolling thunder. The planes bombed the key military and industrial targets of North Vietnam but were not allowed to bomb until he felt he could explain his actions to the American people. After that, 3,500 US marines were sent to the airbase of Danang and from then on the Americans took control of South Vietnamese war effort. This all generally happened due to the Americans obsession with communism and their belief of the domino theory, that once one country turned communist, so would the next and next which made the Americans more involved with Vietnam as time went by with the Americans trying to stop the spread of communism across South East Asia.

Benefits of Adult Foster Care (AFC)

Benefits of Adult Foster Care (AFC) Types of Community-Based Long Term Care Services Crystal Mullen What did you learn this week that you did not know before or that you found interesting? What outside resources did you use this week? Your submission should be 1 page APA formatted paper, not including your title page. Although I was blessed to grow up in a home with a mom who loved me and provided for all my needs, I knew not all children were as blessed. I remember watching television shows like â€Å"MacGyver† and talk shows like â€Å"Donahue† and â€Å"Oprah† that spoke about foster children who grew up in various homes until their 18th birthday. Then, almost without warning they are dropped out of the foster care system because they are now legally considered an â€Å"adult†. I always thought that once a person turns 18 there is basically no long term assistance for individuals who are unable to care for themselves and I always found that premise to be so cruel because there are adults who need to be cared for. Well, I’m happy to report that for those who need it the most, there is such a thing as Adult Foster Care (AFC). AFC offers physically or mentally impaired, frail senior citizens or simply ailing adults around the clock assistance that they may not receive from their own family members or caregivers. Often these caregivers are overwhelmed and find themselves unable to continue the necessary care for their loved one. In these cases the only alternative would be to admit them into the AFC system (Boehlke, 2013). Many times AFC homes are large homes that are set up to mimic a traditional, mainstream home that could teach these adults life-skills that will help them interact with society the best of their own ability (Boehlke, 2013). AFC is no substitute for a therapeutic residential facility where an adult would receive services like awake night or nursing care support (Fosterparenting.com, 2013). However, the home does provides 24 hour assistance for up to five adults for those who are simply unable to care for themselves. Adults receive their meals, are supported, supervised, and even receive as sistance with their personal care needs while obtaining necessary training in living skills. Licensed providers are paid by the state that has the home, usually on a monthly basis (Fosterparenting.com, 2013). Reviewing the facts with the various types of AFC homes as well as the duration of stay will help a family member or caregiver determine an informed alternative on where he or she can send their loved one to be cared for long term (Boehlke, 2013). If a person were to develop an AFC home, he or she would require vision, a competent staff, a budget, and the capability of meeting all applicable policies and procedures, regulations and laws. These items can be realized by taking the following steps: 1 A person who is interested in developing an AFC home should research the applicable state laws and regulations where the home is to be founded. States govern AFC through their Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, Social Services Department, Department of Health, or the state’s Department of Human Services. This is because when an AFC home is being set up, the applicable state office that oversees AFC homes needs be identified. The rules and regulations for creating and establishing an AFC home in each state can be found through Internet research (Rappeport, 2013). 2 Interview people who already manage foster homes. AFC homes may be found through the state office that provides licenses for AFC homes. That are quite a few questions that may arise would be appropriate to discuss when planning to create an AFC. One question to consider would be what type of population does this particular home serve? For example, are they mostly developmentally challenged individuals, emotionally challenged individuals or a mixture of both? Another set of questions to consider would be what is the general age range this AFC home serves? If there is a diversity of ages in the home, how do individuals interact with each other despite the age differences? Finally though certainly not exhaustively I would consider asking the question what does the AFC home schedule look like. For example, does the schedule enable those who can to work outside the home? If so, how are residents able to obtain work (Rappeport, 2013)? Answers to questions like these and many others could prepare an individual for opening an AFC home. 3 Contact the state as well as federal government office that offers grants for the establishment of AFC homes. Periodically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides grants and/or loans for the development of AFC homes. As soon as the home has been approved the appropriate government entities will then allocate the proper compensation that will be allocated toward the eligible AFC individuals to manage the home and care for their residents in a licensed AFC facility (Rappeport, 2013). 4 Licensed assistants and staff need to be recruited and implemented to help maintain the facility. What the home will need to run efficiently will be based on the needs of the residents they house. This includes the severity of their disabilities and the number of residents who live in the home. The state’s regulatory office that governs AFC homes will make available a list of the requirements that state holds for the staff in that home. Information for these requirements can be retrieved from the offices website. Generally, most states require that those desiring a job in a foster care home complete a basic course in AFC followed by continued education hours annually. A criminal background check may also be required (Rappeport, 2013). Conclusion I can now see how AFC can benefit more than the adults who live there. First of all, adults who are unable to take care of themselves have a place to go where they can both receive care while also be enabled to live as independently and autonomously as possible. Furthermore, family members and caregivers who become overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for these adults have an option of ensuring care for their loved one while restoring a sense of normalcy within their own home. Finally, though not exhaustively, I can see how AFC can be a viable business option where licensed personnel can be compensated for caring for those who cannot care for themselves. I don’t know if they are adequately paid for their services, but I still see it as a selfless occupation. Therefore, AFCs give hope to adults to live a fulfilling life without being tossed out by the traditional system. They benefit adults, their families, and those who manage the AFC home. References Boehlke, J. (2013). What Is Adult Foster Care? Retrieved December 31, 2013, from eHow.com: http://www.ehow.com/print/about_4578950_what-adult-foster-care.html Fosterparenting.com. (2013). Adult Foster Care. Retrieved 31 December, 2013, from Fosterparenting.com: http://www.fosterparenting.com/foster-care/adult-foster-care.html Rappeport, L. (2013). How to Start an Adult Foster Care Home. Retrieved December 31, 2013, from eHow.com: http://www.ehow.com/print/how_5625539_start-adult-foster-care-home.html

The Dance Revolution of the 1970’s Essay -- Sociology Culture Essays

The Dance Revolution of the 1970’s Contact improvisation is a modern dance form where two people move while maintaining a connection. It originated from portions of Steve Paxton’s movement studies, which he began in 1972 at Oberlin College. As with every major event that happens in the world, the introduction and investigation of contact improvisation affected everyone in society one way or another. Many people associate the 1970’s as the â€Å"hippie era† in American history. Due to this, the majority of society was open to new ideas. It was the beginning of the sexual revolution and the women’s revolution was just getting underway. Younger members of society were participating in at least one of the numerous Vietnam War Protests, which they organized. They were into â€Å"free love†; they wanted to do away with racism and allow everyone to be treated the same and on the same level. As a result of the vast majority of society and open mindness, Paxton’s ideas in the new movement were accepted. Those who attended performances, also referre...

James Watt Essay -- History

James Watt James Watt was born 19th January 1736 at Greenock and at this time no one would have even imagined his effect on the Industrial Revolution that was to occur within that century. When James was fifteen he had read books about and become accustomed to Philosophy (similar to modern physics). He had also completed many of his own chemical experiments and even started produce and construct his own products such as a small electronic device that startled his companions. He soon became interested in astronomy and often spent long hours at night, lying in a grove near his home studying the night sky. He also enjoyed angling as his hobby and completed odd jobs to become known as a jack-of-all-trades. He sold and mended spectacles, fixed fiddles and constructed fishing rods and tackle. Watt met his first loss in 1753 when his mother unsuspectedly died. It was at this point that Watt decided to pursue his career and try and qualify himself to become a mathematical instrument maker. After James spoke to Professor Muirhead at the Glasgow University, he was introduced to several scientists who at the time encouraged him later to travel to London to further himself in instrument making. In 1755 he set out on horseback and arrived in London after either twelve days or two weeks. He tried to get a job in the instrumentation field although the shopkeepers could not give him a job as he did not do an apprenticeship and was too old. Finally though he found John Morgan of a company called Cornhill who agreed to bend the rules and offer an apprenticeship for a year. James Watt knuckled down and wanted to learn everything he wanted in one year that would have normally taken three or four years. After six weeks Watt learned that much he outstripped another apprentice who had been at Cornhill for two years! After the apprenticeship Watt found it hard to set up shop in London and due to his father's ill health decided to spend some time at Greenock. He then moved to Glasgow where there was a job vacant in cleaning and repairing newly imported scientific instruments. The University of Glasgow then arranged for James Watt to set up shop inside one of their university buildings where he met his future long-life friends Dr. Joseph Black and Professor John Robison both planning to be chemists. His shop at the university did not sell many of his inventions mainly ... ... had already died many years before him and so he lived partly lonesome life. On August 19, 1819, James Watt who was aged 83 died at his own home in Healthfield. Mrs. Watt lived much longer dying in 1832. James Watt was able to live through his life knowing that even though he only improved an existing invention, he powered much of the industrial revolution in doing so. His innovations also saved many of the mines in those times that were full of water unable to be pumped out by older model steam engines. James also knew that the protectionist nature of his patent also meant that future improvement could not easily be made, protecting his version of the steam engine as long as possible. References Internet Sites: * www.history.rochester.edu/steam/carnegie/ * www.history.rochester.edu/steam/thurston/1878/pp80.gif * www.history.rochester.edu/steam/marshall/chapter3.html * www.sydney-australia.net/tourism/sydney/attracts/power/powp18.html * www.cre.canon.co.uk/~davide/kbsm/boulton-watt.html * www.adventure.com/encyclopedia/general/rfiwatts.html * www.adventure.com/encyclopedia/general/ctssteam.html * www.colbybos.demon.co.uk/corn/hist8.html

Are we born with knowledge? Essay

Are we born with knowledge? Of course we are. In this speech, I am going to argue about how ability is knowledge and what knowledge we have when we were younger. As a child, we have been brought up by our environment and culture. Without this, what knowledge would we have? Let’s say, the minute a child is born, and you throw this new born baby into a â€Å"swimming pool† or â€Å"water† it will immediately be able to swim or float. Now the question is, where did this baby get the knowledge of being able to swim from? They were born with it. Many people would disagree with the fact that babies are born with knowledge. For example, David Hume suggests that we are born with a ‘Tabula Rasa’ a blank slate. That we have no knowledge at all, and that we need to experience things and have ideas of these things to gain knowledge. However, the reason we ARE born with knowledge is so that we can have a starting point in life. Our baby knowledge is a foundation for us to build and gain knowledge on. An example of this would be, when we are young we have the privilege of being able to eat and sleep or anything else related. As Hume said, if we were born with ‘blank slate’, then we would not even be able to do these simple things. Also, we are born with many abilities to do many things. Such as â€Å"swimming† when we are younger, it is an ability we have. However, when the time comes and we start to learn how to ‘swim’ we lose this natural ability of being able to swim. Many people would argue that ability ISN’T knowledge. Yet, if ability means we are able to do something, then we must be able to KNOW how to do it. This means that ability is KNOWledge. Furthermore, it is clear that we ARE born with knowledge, and that even if our knowledge has changed over the years, it has been growing since then. This proves that when we were born, we all started off with a basic foundation of knowledge, and are able to develop that knowledge as we grow older. ï » ¿Are we born with knowledge? Essay Are we born with knowledge? Of course we are. In this speech, I am going to argue about how ability is knowledge and what knowledge we have when we were younger. As a child, we have been brought up by our environment and culture. Without this, what knowledge would we have? Let’s say, the minute a child is born, and you throw this new born baby into a â€Å"swimming pool† or â€Å"water† it will immediately be able to swim or float. Now the question is, where did this baby get the knowledge of being able to swim from? They were born with it. Many people would disagree with the fact that babies are born with knowledge. For example, David Hume suggests that we are born with a ‘Tabula Rasa’ a blank slate. That we have no knowledge at all, and that we need to experience things and have ideas of these things to gain knowledge. However, the reason we ARE born with knowledge is so that we can have a starting point in life. Our baby knowledge is a foundation for us to build and gain knowledge on. An example of this would be, when we are young we have the privilege of being able to eat and sleep or anything else related. As Hume said, if we were born with ‘blank slate’, then we would not even be able to do these simple things. Also, we are born with many abilities to do many things. Such as â€Å"swimming† when we are younger, it is an ability we have. However, when the time comes and we start to learn how to ‘swim’ we lose this natural ability of being able to swim. Many people would argue that ability ISN’T knowledge. Yet, if ability means we are able to do something, then we must be able to KNOW how to do it. This means that ability is KNOWledge. Furthermore, it is clear that we ARE born with knowledge, and that even if our knowledge has changed over the years, it has been growing since then. This proves that when we were born, we all started off with a basic foundation of knowledge, and are able to develop that knowledge as we grow older.

My granddad who is in his 60s Essay

Childhood in its simplest term is defined as the period of time that a person is a child, for a something that sounds so simple childhood is an extremely complex concept. No-one’s childhood is ever the same, similar, yes! But our childhood experiences are unique. Affected by many factors such as; personal experiences, personality, restraints (money, rules, laws) , period born, place that we were born, gender etc†¦ . Childhood is understood to be social constructed, therefore the definition of an ‘ideal’ childhood never says the same for long even in the same society expectations of childhood is constantly evolving, circumstances change; new laws are passed, enhancements in science and technology, war all contribute to the social construction of childhood. It is thought as years have passed that the childhood has improved; more toys, more places to go, better education, entering a technological era, greater understanding of health, all are a part of the life we all now know. However, no matter how many toys, recent gadgets, new clothes a child is given is it really any consolation to the loss of quality time with their parents? Money does not grow on trees, and in recent years percentage of both parents having to work has increased dramatically, you are far less likely to see a stay at home mum but two working parents that won’t even be home by the time their children get home from school. It is said that children have become more independent? Partly I agree children do have to spend more time without the company and influence of their family, however, everything else is handed to them on a plate, children now no longer have to work for what they want but get given it as compensation by their parents who no longer have time for their children, does this really show childhood has improved? To investigate how the ideology of childhood has changed over the years, I interviewed my granddad who is in his 60’s, he began to explain how him and his siblings had a structured up bringing parents were strict but reasonable, they all respected each other and his father was the dominant in the household, they all knew there place. He lived in a 2 bedroom house; mum and dad in one room and him and his two brothers in another. Everything was basic, clothes where either second hand or more often than not hand me downs from his elder brother . Toys were not like they are now you had the choice of small figurines or marbles he’s favourite was a small teddy knitted by his mother. However, the majority of the time they entertained themselves by playing with the other children that lived on their street, he stated games are not what they are now you had to use your imagination and be social to have a good time, you could not just sit in front of a computer screen talk to your all friends. His mother was a stay at home mum, she was relied on to keep the house in order and make sure dinner was on the table as their father got in. Every night they would sit around the table to eat and be thankful for whatever they were given, he made it quite clear there was no snacking so you’d saver every last bit. He did go to school, it was small but education was taken seriously by all the students even though it was basic. He had his first job at the age of 16 and had to use the money he earned to buy himself the things he wanted, which taught him at a young age how important the concept of money is. Overall his memories as a child were extremely happy and family orientated. It is clear when comparing the information given in the interview, to the expectations of what childhood is meant to be like in the twenty-first century, peoples childhoods have changed significantly over the years. Although who is to say this change is for the better? Admittedly children now have a much better education and health care but is that really important when they are taken for granted by most. Even though we have progressed greatly in our understanding of science and technology, as well as being given a wider range opportunities and the freedom to express ourselves. We have lost what was once the most important parts of society and that’s family values, no longer is quality time thought of as important, in fact no one, not even children have time for it. Or do they? is the reason our children are so corrupt and confused, is it because they are begging for the attention of their parents who don’t have the time for them. It seems to me even children now are no longer brought in to this world because couples wanting a family but babies are just another step to having this materialistic ‘perfect’ life everyone is now striving for. I have been focusing on the stereotypical childhood of a child in a more economically developed country, I have concluded that childhood has both progressed in a positive as well as negative way. But what about in other countries? How have their children’s childhood changed? In Asia children are used as slave labourers, and for what exactly? To fulfil the wants of others in more economically developed countries. Children are taken away from their families and made to work in sweatshops to produce the materialistic possessions that apparently have improved other children’s childhood so greatly. Children in these countries are made to grow up so quickly that it can be said they have no childhood at all, they are seen to be young adults, they have to; provide for their family, work before they are even given a proper or any education, the eldest children are made to care for their younger siblings, becoming parents before they even have children of their own. Seems childhood is slowly disintegrating our corrupt and colluded world has forgotten about its children that now even the child protection laws are no longer abided by.

Ecology Paper Review Essay

It is necessary to note that information provided on both sites is rather interesting and important, because it reflects the latest events and trends in ecological issues. Both sites are devoted to ecological problems discussing climatic changes, global warming, birds’ migrations, etc. for example, it is interesting to know that, according to the National Climatic Data Centre, the year of 2006 is considered the warmest year in the United States, though in the global context 2006 takes only the sixth place. It is mentioned that the previous warmest years in the UA was ranked 1998 caused by El Nino exacerbated warming. El Nino appeared this year and caused the effect of global warming leading meteorological offices to predict that â€Å"worldwide average tempts would hit a new high in 2007†. (Warming Trends 2007) According to statistics the hottest ten years noted in records have been logged since 2004: â€Å"The past nine years have all been among the 25 warmest years on record for the contiguous U.S., a streak which is unprecedented in the historical record†. According to reporter from New York Times, global warming becomes a fundamental factor affecting annual climate reports meaning that global warming is one of the serious problems not only in the USA, but in the rest of the world. (Warming Trends 2007) It is necessary to underline the article â€Å"Poverty & the Environment† providing discussion of economic and environmental injustice. For example, the author thinks that poverty and environmental degradation are combined factors characterizing the USA. Certainly, the lower income the family has, the higher the chances to be exposed to toxins either at home or at work. Apparently, low-income families have greater risk to develop asthma or cancer caused by environmental factors. Not all families are able to afford healthy food and safe outdoor spaces. Furthermore, such families are more vulnerable to human-made tragedies and natural disasters. The author says that â€Å"the worst consequences of environmental degradation are visited on the homes, workplaces, families, and bodies of the poor†. Nowadays more than 12% of the US population is behind the poverty line. (Poverty & the Environment 2006) References â€Å"Poverty & the Environment†. (2006, February 13). Retrieved January 11, 2007, from http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/02/13/pate/index.html â€Å"Warming Trends†. (2007). Retrieved January 11, 2007, from http://www.sierraclub.org/compass/