Deborah Clark Changing The Future Of Health...

Deborah Clark Changing the Future of Health Professions: January 25, 2017 Embedding Interprofessional Education Within an Academic Health Center In the article â€Å"Changing the future of health professions: Embedding interprofessional education within an academic health center,† by Blue, A. V., Mitcham, M., Smith, T., Raymond, J., Greenberg, R. (2010) the authors talk about the need for changes in the health education system. They contend that IPE is the needed change that can make healthcare better and more efficient. This article is mainly about how the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has implemented IPE into their education program. The university was required to write a†¦show more content†¦The fourth goal requires the student to show their teamwork skills in a healthcare or research setting. For Creating Collaborative Care (C3) to be successful, it had to become an integral part of university life. To ensure the success of Creating Collaborative Care (C3), four domains were created to implement IPE experiences into university life. The first domain is curricular. This domain makes sure that IPE is implemented into academic curriculum. The curricular domain makes sure students have experiences that focus on IPE which will fulfill the first goal of Creating Collaborative Care (C3). To achieve the second and third goals first year students are required to take an IPE class and complete a group project to show their interprofessional skills. The second domain is extracurricular. Team building skills are taught in various student organizations. Other extracurricular activities that provide IPE experiences are the Student Interprofessional Society, Presidential Scholars Program, CLARION Interprofessional Case Competition, and IPE fellowships. The third domain is faculty. Faculty must have the skills necessary to teach IPE so continuing education courses through training sessions or seminars is offered. Faculty has embraced this new concept, and it is now a requirement for faculty to receive IPE training to receive promotions or awards. The fourth domain is healthcareShow MoreRelatedStrategic Human Resource Management View.Pdf Uploaded Successfully133347 Words   |  534 Pages and outsourcing as an alternative to investments in human resources. Following the discussion of these factors, specific investments in strategy-related training and development will be considered. This discussion will include investments in the future â€Å"employability† of employees, current practices in training investment, on-the-job training, management development, prevention of skill obsolescence, and reductions in career plateauing. 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Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesEthics and Trust 386 What Is Authentic Leadership? 386 †¢ Ethics and Leadership 386 †¢ Servant Leadership 387 †¢ Trust and Leadership 387 †¢ How Is Trust Developed? 389 †¢ Trust as a Process 390 †¢ What Are the Consequences of Trust? 390 Leading for the Future: Mentoring 391 Mentoring 391 Challenges to the Leadership Construct 393 Leadership as an Attribution 393 †¢ Substitutes for and Neutralizers of Leadership 394 †¢ Online Leadership 395 Finding and Creating Effective Leaders 396 Selecting Leaders 396Read MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagessince the first edition of these Mistakes books. I hope you all are well and successful, and I truly appreciate your contributions. I apologize if I have missed anybody, and vi †¢ Preface would be grateful to know such so we can rectify this in future editions. I welcome updates to present affiliations. Michael Pearson, Loyola University, New Orleans; Beverlee Anderson, University of Cincinnati; Y.H. Furuhashi, Notre Dame; W. Jack Duncan, University of AlabamaBirmingham; Mike Farley, Del MarRead MoreHbr When Your Core Business Is Dying74686 Words   |  299 Pagesboxes at the ends of article pages. Your rankings are used to create the Readers’ Most Recommended list, which appears both on the home page and on individual article pages. If you have any thoughts about these site changes or suggestions for our future efforts, please contact the executive editor of HBR online, Eric Hellweg, at ehellweg@hbsp.harvard.edu. ALWAYS AT HBR.ORG SUBSCRIBER LOG-IN T H I S M O N T H AT H B R . O R G If you are a subscriber but haven’t yet logged on at HBR.org, click

Hate Crime Hate Crimes - 1454 Words

Hate Crimes Hate crimes, two small words with a very big meaning. Hate crimes are happening everywhere, some hit the news, some go into newspapers and others don’t even make it to the point of any social awareness at all. Hate crimes are a targeted attack, one that should not be taken lightly. While hate crime laws infringe on free speech rights, acts of hate should be criminalized because groups of hate crimes have had a huge impact on social behavior for a long period of time, hate crimes victimize the entire community causing public damage, and the overall threat hate crimes pose on society without the repeated use of penalties. Hate crimes victimize the entire community causing public damage. Hate crimes are a criminal offense†¦show more content†¦Many victims of this attack were communicating their last words with their family members over the phone when the shooting was taking place. â€Å"This was not the first attack on the LGBTQ community, and it is certainly not the last† says CNN (CNN). As shown above, hate crimes are a threat to society and can victimize not only an individual, but a whole community. How Orlando Shooting Unfolded via Texts This link includes a detailed description of the shooting and talks to some of the parent and victims of this hate crime. Likewise, groups of hate crimes have had a huge impact on social behavior for a long period of time. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) originated in 1865 primarily against people of a different race. The Civil Rights movements made later in this time calmed this storm and laws were created for the safety of diverse races. This last year saw an apparent comeback of KKK groups, growing immensely from 2014’s number of 72 to 2015’s 190. This apparent growth is mainly accounted for two major groups; the Fraternal White Knights, and the Knight Rider Knights disappeared as a whole and moved into other groups. Klan groups still continued to start last year. The Civil Rights movements of 1954-1968 put an end to segregation and the discrimination against those of different races. The KKK was disassembled during this time, the comeback of this group is dangerous for the society, and puts out a movement for racistShow MoreRelatedThe Crime Of Hate Crimes1607 Words   |  7 PagesHate crimes are very common in today’s society, they can range from various ethnicities and orientations as well as the severity of the crime committed. A hate crime is defined as â€Å"the violence of intolerance and bigotry, intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability. The purveyors of hate use explosives, arson, weapons, vandalism, physical violence, and verbal threats of violence to instill fear in their victimsRead MoreIs Hate A Crime?1322 Words   |  6 PagesIs Hate a Crime It is 6th period history, the last class of the day, and I am anxious to get out of here to the school bus. So much drama around this school over our Rebel mascot and that ridiculous flag they wear on their helmets and football uniforms. The James F. Byrnes High School Rebels is what we are called since its founding in 1955. I have studied history ever since elementary school and have read much about the civil war, rebel soldiers, confederate flags, and slavery. However, that isRead MoreWhat are Hate Crimes?736 Words   |  3 PagesThroughout history, crimes have been committed worldwide. Murder, assault, and other crimes have been dealt with some kind of punishment, but one crime stays unnoticed and not cared about. Hate crimes, a major conflict in communities, have been showing up without anyone noticing. People sometimes commit them unaware of the consequences due to the lack of understanding what a hate crime really is. A hate crime is a motive to hurt or insult a certain group of people. It is more harsh and dangerousRead MoreHate Crimes Essay1417 Words   |  6 PagesCrimes I. Intro-What is a hate crime . A hate crime is when a person intentionally selects a victim because of the race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. A person who commits a hate crime can come from any background and be any race. 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Reasons for Hate Crimes Even though Hate Crimes have been around in the past, and have been most certainly been more violent in the past. Hate Crimes are most certainly still a problem in todays society, but it is not dealt with the same violent manner as previously performed in the past. There are still violent actsRead MoreThe Problem Of Hate Crimes1023 Words   |  5 Pagesorientation, represents a serious threat to all communities. Experts estimate that a bias-related crime is committed every 14 minutes. Criminal justice officials and state policy makers need to realize that it is key to make or adjust hate crime legislation. This has been a heated debate for centuries. The key to solving the ever-growing problem of hate crimes is more hate crime legislation. Crimes The news of Columbine was all over the TV, newspapers, and in every social aspect of life. ThisRead MoreThe Issue Of Hate Crime1284 Words   |  6 Pages‘There has always been hate and divisions,’ some would say. While this is true, this kind of prevalence has not been at the forefront of the political, personal, social, etc. sphere in a long while. Headlines are becoming more trigger inducing and there has been an uproar of hate crimes across the nation. While both sides have contributed to the hatefulness, the way that the hate is manifested is more rampant among supporters of Trump. This is seen through the way that the hate crime rate has gone upRead MoreHate Crimes Essay936 Words   |  4 Pagesare the roots of the violence/hate crimes today in our contemporary society? What can we do to reduce them? Explain. The world is full of HATE. What is this word? What makes someone HATE someone else enough to kill or harm another human being? Hate crimes are criminal actions intended to harm or intimidate people because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other minority group status. They are also referred to as bias crimes. Hate crimes have been going on in the world

Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management Free Essays

Around 280 B. C. the royal family of Han gave birth to one of the greatest philosophers of China, Han Fei Tzu. We will write a custom essay sample on Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management or any similar topic only for you Order Now He studied under Sun Tzu, and in addition, from other philosophers such as the Taoist Legalist philosopher, Shen Tao, and a Legalist philosopher, Shen Pu-hai. Though Han Fei Tzu did not invent Legalism, he furnished the ideas to its perfection. His theories went against those of Confucius’s and other philosophers, focusing more on the practical level. Though ill fated to die in the hand of his own student, Li Ssu, Han Fei Tzu’s theories prove successful in uniting China and establishing the first emperor of China. Han Fei Tzu is a Legalist. His ideas of government establishment and function strove for those of extremes, of utmost reward and punishment. Han Fei Tzu focused on the art of distrust. His ideas parallel those of the modern world business, where the society is filled with darkness. Moreover, his establishment of the hierarchy of government equals those of modern corporations. The Chief Executive Officer oversees each and every order carried out, with specialists occupying different offices. Speaking of corporations, there is one industry that would draw Han Fei Tzu’s close attention. Not only does Han Fei Tzu’s theories apply in this particular business; furthermore, it actually functions in identical ways. In the hotel industry, the vital component not only lies in skills, capitals, or services. Hotel management, for the General Manager, focuses on the tactics of administration. The society within the hotel stands upon tied complications between individuals. Each and every member and staff deal not only with their duties. They face the challenge of cooperation and service. Thus, almost everyone in the hotel industry faces the challenge of socialization, on the materialistic level. People do not approach without purpose. ‘Deals’ and ‘transactions’ lie beneath every interaction. These deals and transactions may be job promotion, favors, etc. When there is no use for any additional help, people depart in their own ways. As one general manager describes, â€Å"I’d rather have a true enemy then all these false friends†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Putting Han Fei Tzu and the art of hotel management together provides the perfect combo. Han Fei Tzu’s â€Å"The Way of the Ruler† should work in harmony with the way of a General Manager. On the level of executive administration, Han Fei Tzu said, â€Å"The ruler [GM] must not reveal his desires; for if he reveals his desires his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. He must not reveal his will; for if he does so his ministers will show a different face. † (P16) A GM, like the ruler, must not reveal his true self to his employees. By revealing the GM’s true self, he is also showing his weakness. Thus, his employees will be acknowledged of where to get at the GM. By this, the GM loses his control and power over his staff members, disabling the superiority over them. The skill to perfect the coverage of identity is trust. â€Å"It is hazardous,† Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"for the ruler of men to trust others, for he who trust others will be controlled by others. † (P84) When trusting others, one reveals his secrets to them. In turn, one day these secrets may backfire and injure the position of the GM. Thus, making sure to ignore trusting others is a fundamental for GMs to stay in control. In connection to trust is the way of assignment. How can the GM appoint positions if he ceases to trust anyone? This is done through the means of observation. Han Fei Tzu recommended, â€Å"if one were only to observe a man’s features and dress and listen to his speech, then even Confucius could not be certain what kind of person he is. But if one tries him out in government office and examines his achievements, then even a man of mediocre judgement can tell whether he is stupid or wise. † (P124) The result of the work is observed to judge a person. Intuitions and visuals are discarded. Rather, results are used to judge an individual and used to place him or her in the right office. Due to the fact that the world of hotel management lies in deep connection with socialization, the line between the manager and managed must be drawn. Henceforth, if the managed lacks the fear against the manager, the order of the hotel will be disrupted. Employees will act lazily and try to reduce their workload. Thus, to avoid laziness and enhance work efficiency, extreme measures of punishment must be carried out. â€Å"The enlightened ruler,† Han Fei Tzu describes, â€Å"controls his ministers by means of two handles alone. The two handles are punishment and favor. (P30) With extreme punishment, the GM sets an example of how misconduct will be treated, while encouraging hard work by means of reward. The usage of punishment and reward also allows greater control by the GM. Han Fei Tzu explains, â€Å"†¦the officials will turn their backs on law, seeking only to establish weighty personal connections and making light of public duty. † (P23) Through punishment and award, managers will be pulled away from attendance of establishing connections with higher executives, while focusing more on their duty. As mentioned above, the skill of socializing is so abused that hotel staffs solely rely upon connections to escape responsibility. Thus, they will learn that, though with connections, punishments will be carried out when duties are not fulfilled. Similarly, rewards will be given even there exists no connections, as long as the job is done right. Speaking of duties, the difference between executive officers and specialized staff must also be specified. â€Å"Appoint one man to each office. Let no one,† Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"do as he pleases, and never permit men to change office or to hold two offices at the same time. (P39) A waiter is a waiter, and his duty is to serve the customer. Topping the waiters is the chief-waiter, who oversees the functioning of the restaurant. F/B (Food Beverage) division manager sees to it that all the restaurants are providing the best service possible, keeping their customers content and jubilant. This is the distribution of responsibilities. To succeed in management, the GM must remember the words of Han Fei Tzu, where â€Å"the ministers name their proposals, the ruler holds fast to the name, and the ministers come forward with results. When names and results match, then superior and inferior will achieve harmony. † (P37) One’s own duty must be recognized, and regardless of the importance of the task, only by the fulfillment of every detail can a hotel function in its proper way. Moreover, â€Å"things have their proper place, talents their proper use. When all are in their proper place, then superior and inferior may be free from action. (P35)† Each member of the hotel secures their own position, making sure they have good ethics in their duties. One must not cross the lines of their responsibility, for it brings disorder and confusion to the hotel as a whole. Everyone minds their own task, and when appointed a certain position, they focus their energy to fulfill the requirements. Relating the bondage of duties and socialization of hotel members enter the competition for position. Every staff working in a hotel looks up to a higher level. They want to upgrade their status to increase their salary, to gain a better reputation, or other unspecific reasons. As a result, while everyone is socializing, treating each other in friendly matters, each one is in fact selfish. In reality, they fight over positions beneath the surface. Thus, a GM must â€Å"guard against danger, fear peril, make haste to designate your heir, and misfortune will have no means to arise. † As long as the GM announces the entitlement of certain positions, individuals will be aware of the occupied office, thus ceasing to plot for competitions. Even as the head of a hotel, the GM has to work in order to gain the ‘favor’ of his colleagues. Unlike the times of Han Fei Tzu, where the emperor ruled a province, GMs ruled only a hotel. Thus, punishments such as beheading and property confiscation could not be utilized. An alternative would be persuasion, to successfully convince his employees to follow his orders. This would be the usage of rewards, or wages. Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"praise other men whose deeds are like those of the person you are talking to; commend other actions which are based upon the same policies as his. † Though this strategy is for ministers, the employers nowadays should also consider this tactic. Through persuasion, the GM may be able to command his people with greater efficiency. The hotel is like a province, and similar to ancient China, there exist more than one province. Competing hotels stand everywhere, and they are the ones that the GM battles. Thus, the GM must know how to maximize the usage of public resource and private capital to triumph in sales over other hotel competitors. Han Fei Tzu has already seen the significance in resource allocation, as he describes, â€Å"When the sage rules, he takes into consideration the quantity of things and deliberates on scarcity and plenty. † (P99) Though by this Han Fei Tzu means in terms of punishment and reward, this rule would be applied towards the usage of capital and investment, for the time is situated for such measures. The change of technology and uprising of new competing hotels also forces the GM to decide on major upgrades for the hotel. Which component of the hotel should the GM upgrade? Should technology be weighed heavier, or should the GM renovate the outlook? Han Fei Tzu recommends, â€Å"Those who have no understanding of government always tell you, â€Å"Never change old ways, never depart from established custom! † But the sage cares nothing about change or no change; his only concerns is to rule properly. † (P93) By this, the GM’s responsibility is to make the best decisions for the hotel, and because circumstances change according to the age, and ways of dealing with them change with the circumstances,† (P99) the GM’s decisions would be in reaction to the functions of competing hotels. If Hyatt renovated their lobby, Sheratons would check to see if this did create a higher room sales rate. If so, the Sheratons should also upgrade their lobby facility to compete against Hyatt. One particularly important writing of Han Fei Tzu is ‘The Eight Villainies’. This not only applies as a warning against the ruler and advice for the minister, it can also be manipulated to be used by the GM. Han Fei Tzu would certainly enjoy seeing his tactics used to its full extent. Here is a briefing for how this ‘Eight Villainies’ can be deployed and modernized for the best use by the GM: Making use of his bedfellows = Immediately upon distribution of reward, the GM may hope to ask for greater job performances, prior to the former one. Making use of his attendants = The GM, as the head of the hotel, can force lower employees such as waiters to agree with the GM, thus convincing the waiter-head to be held responsible for certain events. This applies to other offices as well. Making use of his elder and kin = By visiting the families of his employee, the GM may be more persuasive and successful at convincing his employee at undertaking certain task, for the family, in consideration of promotions, will try to convince particular individuals to gain favor of the GM. Encouraging baleful pursuits = The GM may appoint certain managers or staffs a better office, with fully equipped furniture and luxuries, thus impose heavier duty and greater responsibility unto the manager. Making use of the people = Considering one question, would the employees be in greater pursuit to gain favor from their GM or their manager? Given the fact that the GM is the head of the hotel, employees are certain to strive in contenting their wage-payer. Thus, the GM can impose a greater influence upon his employees to order managers indirectly to do so as the GM pleases. (This is very similar to ‘Making use of his attendants) Making use of fluent speakers = In one way, the GM may assign speakers from popular hotel management schools such as Cornell to speak in agreement with the GM. This increases credibility and enhances the strength of persuasion. Making use of authority and might = The GM is the head of the hotel, thus he possesses the greatest authority and might in the hotel. Using this power, the GM should exploit it to its full extent, by terminating unwanted managers or lazy employees. Making use of the surrounding = The fact that there are competing hotels can too, be used to the GM’s advantage. His position enables special ‘connections’ with other executives, thus when the GM’s own managers are not following orders, the GM can make certain that he would not be able to gain a similar job at a different hotel. Only the GM’s hotel is willing to accept this particular individual. Though these ‘Eight Villainies’ may too, be used against the ruler -Han Fei Tzu wrote it as a warning to rulers- GM should also consider these tactics to employ them himself. A final warning Han Fei Tzu suggests is the trade of authority and power. In this case, Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"no ministers should be allowed to borrow the power and authority of the ruler. † (P89) The GM is indeed the most powerful man in the hotel. If he was to lend his authority to managers, this power may be exploited in terms of corruption. Money might be drained, employees might be lost, and worse, the GM himself may be used as a scapegoat. Overall, the vital mentality that should be considered is not only the GM’s. The hotel functions as a whole, thus each and every member work together to benefit the hotel. In hotel management, the ways of the GM stands not alone, but with the support of his managers and employees. Thus, the mentality of these managers and employees should also be considered. Han Fei Tzu summarizes the essence of this whole construct. â€Å"The interests of the state and the individual are,† Han Fei Tzu analyzes, â€Å"mutually at odds, and both cannot prevail at the same time. Managers and employees must not act selfishly to gain their own benefits, but rather, everyone must work with good ethics to strengthen the hotel as a whole. The question, â€Å"what would Han Fei Tzu say about hotel management,† is asked. In response, Han Fei Tzu would comment, â€Å"Hence it is said that the art of hotel management affiliates itself to the rules of a king, they work in the same mechanism. Han Fei Tzu would promote a copy of his philosophies to the GM of the hotel. The ways of the ancient government and modern hotel construct are identical. The only difference lies in the lack of military. Yet, without military and arms, the essence of Han Fei Tzu’s philosophies remains. Without the conduct of arms, persuasion is the new modern weapon. To manipulate the thinking of others is the new rule. Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in reality a cookbook for dealing with people. This works perfectly for hotel management because GMs deal more with socialization than actual hotel functioning. Indeed, there involve skill and talent to administer the hotel, yet in order for jobs to be done, the GM must learn how to control his managers and employees. Han Fei Tzu would have been the perfect GM if he lived. He would not comment on everything, but only minor details, for his theories apply in great affiliation with hotel management. Even on a greater level, Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in bondage to corporate functions. The weapon in the modern days though, is wealth. Han Fei Tzu’s thinking not only applies to hotel management, but it also works for corporate executives. Han Fei Tzu would have said the same things to each officer working in a firm, for his teachings hold true for everyone. Han Fei Tzu’s work is actually a perfect guideline for modern day society, where people work to their own benefits and lack the altruistic characteristic that existed in ancient times. Han Fei Tzu focuses specifically on the level of trust and socialization. This skill is vital in the survival of society, because in the world of infinite talents, it is only luck and connection that surfaces a person’s identity and ability. Han Fei Tzu, though dislike the fact that this is true, admits to the flaw of the system. Human nature is ultimately bad and lazy. Each individual strives for their benefits, discarding benevolent practice. Thus, Han Fei Tzu discredits and criticizes the theories of benevolence, particularly promoted by Confucius and Mencius. In the modern world, everyone tries to survive under the tide of wealth and capitalism. They work in companies and firms to accomplish this goal. Yet, it is the interaction of individuals that make up societies, communities, and corporations. Han Fei Tzu, if living in today’s world, would indeed thrift in his philosophies, and make millions if he wrote the book, Han Fei Tzu and the Art of Humanistic Behavior. His ideas target not only rulers and ministers, they too, function well in today’s world. How to cite Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management, Essay examples

Sodium Essay Example For Students

Sodium Essay Sodium, a silvery white-metallic element classified under the alkali metals, has an atomic number of 11 and a mass of about 23g. Sodium has been known since early times and was used by the people of Mesopotamia and Egypt to make glasses. Sodium is the sixth most common element found on the earth, usually not found in nature but more often in compounds such as salt (NaCl). Its regularly found in compounds among dry lake beds, underground, and as well as in sea water in such places as: Belarus, China, France, Germany, India, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States. Sodium conducts heat and electricity very easily. Without this element life could not exist. Each compound is used for a certain reason. About 2.8% of the earths crust contains this element making it the sixth most common in the earths crust. It is an extremely chemically active element; if combined with water it tends to react vigorously. For example, since sodium is such a dangerous element it has to be hand led with care and stored airtight meaning without oxygen. Sodium was first extracted into pure form in 1807 by an English chemist known as Sir Humphry Davy. When it was first extracted into its pure form, he used the process of electrolysis where an electrical current is passed through a molten sodium compound such as sodium chloride. Many manufacturers today still use electricity to obtain sodium. Sodium is still highly manufactured for many industrial and commercial uses. It has commercial uses as well as industrial uses. From soaps to fertilizers, sodium is used to make water softeners, textiles, and is also used to relieve stomach acid, sodium bicarbonate: a white crystalline weakly alkaline salt NaHCO 3 used especially in baking 1 powders, fire extinguishers, and medicine. Photographers use sodium thiosulphate: a hygroscopic crystalline salt Na 2 S 2 O 3 used especially as a fixing agent and a reducing or bleaching agent to fix photographic images on paper. Sodium in its pure f orm also has industrial uses such as in catalyst, which help in making synthetic rubber. Sodium is combined with other metals to produce titanium zirconium and many other chemicals. It is used in the manufacture of tetraethyl lead and some power plants even use it in liquid form to cool nuclear reactors. Sodium fluoride is used to poison mice and roaches and also for ceramics. Sodium is also put to use as a fertilizer, Chile salt pepper that is the compound sodium nitrate. Sodium is also a necessary element in the body for the maintenance of normal fluid balance and other psychological functions. Also, it is used in making vapor lamps. Finally after reviewing sodiums uses, we can conclude that sodium is a versatile element. Sodium and Potassium compounds are highly similar, so they can be substituted for each other. Both are used in the industry but mostly sodium is used because it is less expensive. This secret was discovered in 1789 by a French chemist named Nicholas Leblanc, who was making soda (NaCO) with common table salt. Sodium is greatly useful and important and is used in many compounds. Some physical properties of sodium are melting point: 98 C, boiling point: 883 C, density: .97g/cm, atomic radius: 0.157nm and it is a solid. In a conductivity test, sodium chloride turned out to a strong electrolyte in comparison with mercuric chloride solution which turned out to be a weak electrolyte: a compound that conducts an electric current in an aqueous solution or in the molten state. Sodium is produced when molten sodium chloride is electrolyzed. It is an alkali metal manufactured on a large scale. In order to make the metal sodium ions have to be reduced. After researching sodiums uses in everyday life I came to the conclusion that sodium is a necessity and should be used carefully. It is an inexpensive and useful element that should not be played around with because it could cause a lot damage to anyone or anything. It can be used in various ways, so if s odium would not exist, life itself would be totally different. It is unbelievable that an element such as sodium can be very dangerous and at the same time .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .postImageUrl , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:hover , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:visited , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:active { border:0!important; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:active , .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub27816c368e383fc19fc10e04f2f46ac:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Journey that Shaped My Life Essay

The New Immigration Essays - American Culture,

The New Immigration In 1886 the statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World," a gift from the people of France, was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. Set at the entrance to New York, the statue was just in time to greet the biggest migration in global history. Between 1880 and World War I, about 22 million men, women, and children entered the United States. More than a million arrived in each of the years 1905, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1913, and 1914. Not everyone had to travel in steerage. Passengers who could afford the expense paid for first- or second-class quarters. Upon arrival these immigrants were examined by courteous officials who boarded the ships at anchor. But those in steerage were sent to a holding center for a full physical and mental examination. The facility at Ellis Island which opened in 1892 could process up to 5,000 people a day. On some days between 1905 and 1914 it had to process more than 10,000 immigrants a day. Many arrivals had left their homelands to escape mobs who attacked them because of their ethnicity, religion, or politics. The German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman (Turkish) empires ruled over many different peoples and nationalities and often cruelly mistreated them. Until 1899, U.S. immigration officials asked arrivals which nation they had left, not their religion or ancestry. So oppressed people were listed under the countries from which they fled. Armenians who escaped from Turkey were recorded as Turks, and Jews who had been beaten by mobs in Russia were listed as Russians. This so called "new immigration" was different in many other ways from previous immigration. For the first time, Catholic an Jewish immigrants outnumbered Protestants, and still other arrivals were Muslims, Buddhists, or Greek or Russian Orthodox church members. Until 1897, 90 percent of all overseas immigrants had come from Protestant northern and western Europe. Many of these nations had democratic traditions and education systems. Even among the poor, many had spent a few years in school or had acquired some industrial skills on the job, and more than a few spoke English. Many of these men and women settled in agriculture regions of the Untied States. Their goal was to buy readily available land and start small family farms. The people of the new immigration differed from earlier arrivals on other ways. Very few spoke English, and some could not read or write any language. Most were Catholic, but ten percent were Jewish. All of this was soon proved to be not true. Only one third were actually illiterate, and 90 percent of those who could not speak English learned to do in less than ten years after they arrived. Their stamina helped make America an industrial giant and the world's economic power. The new immigrants came at a turning point in American growth. Bosses rarely knew their workers. Class animosity often divided management and labor. Corporations showed little interest in their workers. Instead, these business sought to maximize profits. To lower wages, plant managers often tried to pit one racial, religious, or ethnic minority against another to keep the pot of hostility boiling. A labor paper reported that employers were "keeping up a constant war of the races." Bosses placed spies among their employees so they could report "troublemakers" - any who urged workers to organize unions.

Ergonomics essays

Ergonomics essays One of the key issues at work places is the high stress level of employees and the need to be able to reduce such work related stress in order to benefit both the employee and the company. Although there are many different factors that contribute to having stress and stress related injuries it became important that businesses also take into account the human environment factors that their employees faced. This in turn gave rise to a new branch of science called Ergonomics, a fairly new concept that is only about 50 years old. (ergonomics.org.uk/ergonomics.htm). Ergonomics is derived from the Greek words Ergos, which means work, and Nomos which means "laws" which is where we get the idea of Laws of Work. Ergonomics can be further defined as being "the applied science of equipment design, intended to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort, or as OSHA puts it, the science of fitting the job to the worker." (pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/july-dec99/ergonomics_11-22.html). According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, better known as OSHA about one-third of all workplace injuries is caused by "a bad fit between workers and the equipment". Statistics like these gave rise to OSHA's new proposal which now require employers to implement atleast a "basic ergonomics program that includes assigning someone to be responsible for ergonomics; providing information to employees on the risk of injuries, as well as signs and symptoms to watch for; and setting up a system for employees to report those signs and symptoms." (pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/july-dec99/ergonomics_11-22.html). Furthermore, it is important that both employers and employees be educated and made aware of the hazards of improper or prolonged use of equipment which could range anywhere from typing on the computer, staring at the computer screen all day to picking up heavy boxes which c...

Thermodynamics and Fluids II Laboratory tests and report Lab

Thermodynamics and Fluids II Laboratory tests and - Lab Report Example The potential to kinetic energy conversion takes place in the stagnation point; the point situated at the Pitot’s tube entrance, as see in the schematic diagram below, Figure 2 below. A pressure higher or greater than the free-stream pressure, that is dynamic, results from the conversion kinematic to potential. This "static" pressure is obtained by comparing it to the dynamic pressure of flow with the differential manometer (CÃŒ §engel and Cimbala, 2014). The conversion of the resulting differential pressure measurements into respective fluid velocity heavily depends on the specified fluid’s flow regime a Pitot tube is measuring (Spurk and Aksel, 2008). In case of an incompressible flow, below is the Bernoulli equation describing the relationship between the pressure and velocity along the streamline: The simple pitot tube is comprised of an opening at the tip where pressure can be compared with the atmospheric pressure, or the pressure at pipe through that the flow passes (Boyes, 2010). The Pitot tube is when taking the local velocity measurements at the given point of the flow. The speed of airflow is determined when there is change in pressure between the two holes found in the Pitot tube; known via head (Kundu, Cohen and Dowling, 2012). Therfoe the speed of airflow is calculated using Bernoulli’s equation: The purpose of this laboratory was to analyze jet pumps using knowledge of fluid mechanics learned in the course. Assumptions of steady flow and no friction were applied and these theoretical results will be compared to the experimental results obtained by measuring the flow at the end of the jet pump. The SI units were used during the analysis for easy conversion among different variable. Head was directly proportional to actual pressure, high heads translated into high velocities; the fast jet had a large head drop. The pitot tubes are greatly affected by the Reynolds number when operating at low fluid velocities. Pitot tube’s accuracy

Peking Duck Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Peking Duck - Essay Example I grew in a family where eating is the most important task. We had a belief that, by eating, we get to live well. My family was a middle class one. We only became rich when I joined middle school. My father chose to appreciate the fact of getting rich by tasting every cuisine. He became the biggest gourmet worldwide. We also chose to join him as gourmets. My dad was never a duck eater because he was the origin of south china where they do not eat duck. Surprisingly, he has a passion for Peking duck just like my mother and I. The problem of eating Peking duck is that we could not have it cooked at home. We had to travel so to have it cooked. We marked the best and famous restaurant where we could have our Peking duck cooked. Quanjude is the restaurant we liked most. Travelling to this restaurant was another challenge of its own. Beijing being a huge city is affected by bad traffic. Often, we stayed for long hours at the traffic jam before reaching the restaurant. We had every reason of eating Peking duck more than the reasons we had for our lives. We had a belief that all cuisines have their own different stories. We had the great pleasure of having a delicious meal together as a family. Peking duck has been found to be the main cuisine on the menus of The Imperial Court. This dish inspired poets and the poems. As we can discover in the collection of the poems, the verse of Duan Zhu ZhiCi mentioned of roasted duck. Pecking duck became the symbol of China in the mid-20th century. Many tourists and diplomats showed great interest of Peking duck making it famous among the people in China (McMeel 5). Peking ducks have been served severally during meals in the big meetings of the famous people between the Chinese. With this great history, am happy that Peking duck is my favorite dish. If I can get the stereotyping part of this story, I am tempted to believe I can also be famous by eating Peking duck. I chose

Safe Sex Communication for Young People in China Essay

Safe Sex Communication for Young People in China - Essay Example Sheeran, Abraham, & Orbell (1999) and a meta- analysis by Noar, Carlyle, & Cole (2006) found communication about condom use, which can be the most effective way for sexually active individuals to protect themselves from STDs including HIV, to be the strongest predictor of condom use. China is suffering one of the fastest growing of HIV epidemics in the world, with an annual 30% increase (Webber, 2007). Among the reported HIV infections, about 81% were young people between the ages of 20-39 (Qi, 2002). One primary factor fueling the spread of HIV is the increase in unsafe sexual behaviors. Hence it is vital to encourage the Chinese young population to engage in communication about safe sex and condom use. In this study, two theories that have been used to explore safe sex communication successfully in the US will be examined from the perspective of the young Chinese population: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) developed by Ajzen (1991), and the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills Model (IMB) developed by Fisher and Fisher (1992). The determination will be made of how they could be used to successfully the young Chinese population to engage in more active safe sex communication and condom use. This paper begins with an overview of the... g this, the Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills Model (IMB), suggesting that information, motivation and behavioral skills are the three essential factors in achieving behavior change, will be examined. Finally, the application of the two theories to the young Chinese population in terms of safer sex communication and condom use will be presented. They will be compared and contrasted, and recommendations regarding the effective use of the two theories in Chinese young population will be offered. An evaluation of 10 million Chinese people will be infected with HIV by 2010 in the absence of effective preventions (UNAIDS, 2004). However, few studies have investigated safer sex behavior among the young Chinese population. Of the limited studies in this area, results indicate that it is largely uncommon to conduct safer sex behaviors, and the use of condom remains consistently low (Wong & Tang, 2001). For instance, among a total of 455 surveyed Chinese college students in Hong Kong, 24% were sexually active while only 38.2% of them using condom regularly during the year (Wong & Tang, 2001). In another study, only 14.4% of the subjects were found using condoms regularly during sex intercourse, while almost 30% (28%) had never or almost never used condoms (Wang, & Zhang, 2002). Cottrell et al. (2005), which investigated Chinese college student's sexual and HIV knowledge, found that less than half of the student (43%) had used a condom the last time they had sex. Condom use, however , was found to be the only reliable method of protection for STD/HIV for those who are sexually active (Bryan, Fisher, & Fisher, 2002). Researchers have found that consistent and correct condom use can reduce the rate of HIV transmission by 87% (Bobrova, Sergeev, Grechukina, & Kapiga,

Logistics for the UK Brewing Industry

Logistics for the UK Brewing Industry The area of logistics management is today seen as a powerful tool in reducing cost, improving customer satisfaction and thereby increasing sales of a business. Therefore, as a critical business function, logistics has been subjected to extensive research that has led to the development of several theories, processes and strategies for efficient logistics systems. The purpose of this paper is to study strategy in the context of logistics for the brewing industry in the UK. The paper begins with discussing logistics and supply chain as well as the brewery industry in the UK. The brewer chosen for this paper is Greene Kings that produces different brands of beer besides owning and running more than 750 pubs across the UK and exporting its products as well. The discussion then moves to the understanding of Greene Kings strategy through generic models like Ansoff and Porters 5 forces model. This is followed by commentary on the plausible tools and strategic logistical models that Greene Kings may implement for more efficient systems. The problems that are faced in implementing a new strategy are discussed next along with suggestions as to overcoming the same. Finally, the trends and developments in logistics have been included with a discussion on which tools may be useful for Greene Kings. INTRODUCTION The importance of having a strong logistics strategy is being recognized by organizations in the light of the changing dynamics of the business environment. The growth of e-commerce, online transactions and globalization have led to an increase in the intensity of competition, which makes it imperative for every business to have a clear and comprehensive strategy for every operation and functional unit so as to be able to compete in the present dynamic business environment. A sound and comprehensive strategy around logistics management and supply chain is also crucial for pre-determining the demands of the customers (Towers John, 2003). In the intensely-competitive market, breweries have to keep abreast of the demands of the consumers. Towers and John (2003) term these varying demands as the fickle requirements (pp. 592) of consumers, through the importance of these requirements is paramount to retain and increase the customer-base. Moreover, as the same authors have further expounded, the inefficient management of customer demand would have effect on the residual stock, cash flow and other business functions. Logistics are a core process of business operations and plays a crucial role in cost management of the business products, and also for helping the business achieve the demands of a demanding beer-consumption market. Logistics includes storage, warehousing, materials handling, packaging, inventory, transport and information and control. A sound logistics strategy is long-term and is aligned to the larger strategy of the business unit and further, those formed at the corporate level. Any changes in the logistics systems are substantial and impact the entire business in a big way. In the globalized era, where business operate in several continents, the role of logistics and supply chain assumes a more complex and proportionately important place in determining the success of the business. Profit-making is no longer the sole motive of businesses today (lecture slides, M32SOR, Lecture 2; slide 4)., at least in a majority of cases and with the increasing dynamism of the market, it is important to keep the logistics strategy flexible to each of the different goals of the business and also to accommodate the needs of the market. Thus, strategy and logistics are inter-connected and aligned with one-another. For strategies to work, operating plans have to be well-drafted and efficiently executed. For this, there has to be a w ell-defined strategy to which the operations can turn. RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Aims This paper aims to study the strategy of a UK-based brewery from the point of view of logistics. This would be used as a point of reference in developing a comprehensive logistics strategy. Objectives To research and analyze the logistics strategy of the Greene Kings Group and comment on the avenues for improvement. To understand the issues that the management of a brewery may face in implementing a new logistics strategy. Trace and comment on the new developments in technology that would affect a beer manufacturer in the logistics scenario. BACKGROUND Company Background: Greene Kings Greene King Group is a 200 year-old brewery group based in Bury St. Edmunds and produces beer brands Abbot Ale, IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles County, along with other smaller brands. It is the largest British-owned brewery in the UK. Besides, the company also runs more than 750 public houses all over the country, including chains such as Hungry Horse and Belhaven Pubs. Furthermore, Greene King exports its products to over thirty countries in Europe, Americas, Asia, Middle East, Africa and the Oceana countries. UKs Brewery Industry The Brewery Industry primarily comprises beer producers and this market generates  £ 19 billion in revenues (British Beer and Pub Association, 2009). An interesting characteristic of the brewery industry is that it includes products with varying shelf-lives and therefore, the logistics decisions have to be made so that they fit the different products and offerings (Towers John, 2003). The four biggest breweries in the UK are Scottish and Newcastle (who produce Fosters and Kronenbourg); Coors from USA; Inbev (who produce Stella Artois, from Belgium) and Carlsberg from Denmark . Thus, it is clear to see that international players are the dominant market-share holders in the UK beer industry. Lager is the predominant beer produced and sold here that holds 68 per cent of the total market. Beer is the most important product offering by breweries, especially in the UK. The consumption of beer is divided into on-trade and off-trade consumption, the former being in pars and pubs and the latter through retail outlets (Carlsberg Group Communication, 2008). These differences also reflect in the system of logistics of the businesses. The beer market in UK and the larger Northern and Western Europe is mature and therefore the growth of the beer market would either be stagnant or declining. This makes the task of the management complex here because the focus of the business is shifting to new and emerging markets where growth potential is large. The focus in the UK market would be on retaining existing customers and fighting off competition from international brewers. According to Carlsberg Groups annual report (2008), the share of beer as a percentage figure of the total alcohol consumption is 44.2 per cent. This is divided between on-trade selling (i.e. through pubs and bars) and off-trade selling, with the former claiming 54 per cent of the market. The pricing of beer is done to target four different segments, namely discount, mainstream, premium and super-premium. The logistics strategy for a mature market like the UK has to be aligned to the logistics strategy of the overall business. Here, it is important to streamline the processes to achieve benefits of cost reductions. Globalisation has led to newer avenues for reducing cost. Central procurement is one such tool, wherein raw materials and processes may be obtained at a central level for the different products of the brewery, which would lead to lower costs. ANALYSIS OF GREENE KING THROUGH GENERIC STREATEGIES Porters Five Forces Model As has been discussed in the industry and company overview, the brewery industry in the UK is intensely competitive in the light of changing trends and growing acquisitions and mergers that are increasing the market share of international brewing giants. The Five Forces Model that was developed and presented by Michael E. Porter illustrates the major factors that influence the strategy-making process of a business. The factors include suppliers, buyers, competitors in the form of existing rivals and new entrants, and potential or existing competition from substitute products. These have been analyzed in the specific context of Greene King Breweries (see Appendix 1). In terms of its market share, Greene King is in the expansion stage as it is procuring more and more public houses and bars in all parts of UK, which are also increasing the sale of its beers. Threat of Competitors Greene King faces competition from other beer brands and breweries, especially international players. The main business of Greene King is through the company-owned pubs and bars, with over 750 pubs all over the UK. Off-trade sales accounting for a little below half of the beer sales, this is one part of the business of Greene Kings that faces threat from other large beer brands and breweries, especially international businesses like Carlsberg Group, Scottish and Newcastle and others. The advantage for international brewery groups is that they have the option for centralized procurement of processes and raw materials that result in cost-cutting. Threat of Suppliers The bargaining power of the company is reduced in certain areas of procurement, where there are limited or even a single supplier of raw materials. This is especially true in the case of bottles and cans suppliers who are few and scattered, leading to an almost monopolistic situation that greatly undermines the companys bargaining powers. Threat from buyers The beer market is characterized by different categories of beer, in different price-ranges. There are many variants on the basis of quantity, price, packaging and so forth that requires businesses to offer a diverse range of goods to accommodate the minor variations that customers seek. Furthermore, the consumption of beer is price-sensitive (Carlsberg Group Communication, 2008) and therefore the breweries face the risk of and threat from tax legislations that may lead to increased beer price. Threat from substitutes The increase in health concerns further highlighted by the ban on smoking in public places (Greene King, 2008) that was made legal in UK and Scotland has also put on the forefront, the threat from substitute beverages, especially non-alcoholic varieties. There is also the threat from other drinks with higher content of alcohol. Threat from Potential Entrants The beer and breweries industry is an important one in the UK and globalization has changed the face of competition of this industry that was traditionally a local one. As discussed earlier, globalisation has led to mergers and acquisitions that have increased both the scope as well as the threat of business from big, international players in the market. The main area of concern is that these players have substantially more funds, wider experience of systems and strategies and the added support of the local brewery or product they acquire so as to become formidable competitors for businesses such as Greene King that are involved in export but the primary focus of business is geographically concentrated to the UK. PORTERS VALUE CHAN ANALYSIS Porter further identified a set of interrelated activities that helped the firm in creating competitive advantage for itself in the market. The primary activities in the value chain include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales and service, while the support activities include procurement, technology development, human resource management and firm infrastructure (Porter, 1985). Within the analysis of the value chain, a firm can look at cost advantage and/or differentiation. In case of the former, Greene King is saving costs on its interrelationships among the various business units. The two breweries, public houses, diners and restaurants, and finally the off-trade selling all have been created around its specific products to minimize chaos among requirements of and supply to these units. For example, Greene Kings Loch Fyne restaurants cater to high-end clients and supply a luxury meal to its clients, for which its two breweries produce Old Speckled H en and other high-end ales while the breweries also produce economy ales for retailing in supermarkets and selling through its pubs. Thus, Greene King has effectively maintained its breweries at two locations only, even when its business continues to expand. ANSOFF GROWTH MATRIX When analyzed from the point of view of Ansoff Growth Matrix, Greene Kings has existing products that the company is offering in both new and existing markets. The existing products are its beer brands that are being offered in the existing markets in the UK through on-trade channels, i.e. more than 750 public houses all over the country and off-trade channels, i.e. retail through supermarkets and other counters. In case of off-trade sales, Greene Kings is number one in terms of market share (Greene King, 2008) and is therefore focussing on consolidation of its share. On the other hand, it is expanding the on-trade sales by way of acquiring pubs. Therefore, in this case it is focussing on penetration. In case of new markets, Greene King is focussing on exporting to more than 30 countries (Greene King, 2008). The focus is on existing competencies and existing products of the company. Development of Existing Logistics Capabilities The above analysis of generic strategies of Greene Kings shows that there is scope in improvement of logistics management for Greene Kings. The large number of pubs and dining places that the group owns and runs makes it imperative for Greene Kings to have an impeccable distribution and logistics system. The group has two breweries based in Bury St. Edmonds and Dunbar. Both supply the different beer brands produced by Greene Kings to their nearly-900 outlets. There is scope for improvement on the following fronts: There is the risk of transport and logistics hazards in terms of transportation of the beer from the brewery to the pubs and other retail outlets. The company is in the process of setting up a disaster-recovery system (Greene King, 2008) but it needs to work on this in detail. Greene Kings outsources certain parts of its supply chain to vendors and there is scope for improvement in the supply-chain, especially when seen as a value-chain system. The relations with suppliers is complex since the public houses that Greene Kings owns and runs also offer products by competitors and rivals, in which case the distribution system has considerable loopholes. There is inadequate risk management mechanism towards internal production and distribution activities and this is one area that needs to be worked on. There has to be provision and management support to provide for a new logistics system. The reports and top management inputs show that the focus of the executive managerial committee is on end sales, specifically the effect of smoking ban on pubs in UK. There has to be better integration between the company and its logistics service providers. STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT The strategic approach of management to logistics is of paramount importance since it adds value to the whole operational process if accomplish efficiently. Logistics has increased in importance from a function of business that was scarcely necessary to a key business function that can lead to significant cost savings and also as a factor that influences customer satisfaction, thereby increasing sales (Grant, Lambert, Stock, Ellram, 2006). Even when business is good for an organization like Greene Kings, organizations have to understand that innovation and constant improvements are a necessity to sustain and grow in the fiercely competitive business world (Black, 2009). Introducing effective strategies and new methods and processes effectively to the work process would further improve quality, reduce time and improve the over-all customer-service, thereby giving the business additional boost. There are several factors that influence the formulation of a business logistics strategy. These are the influence of e-commerce and information technology, competition in the segment and dynamism within the business environment among others. Strategies can only be useful if they are fully understood in the light of the business requirements and shortfalls in existing systems. There are several strategies that may be adopted by Greene Kings either individually or in combination with others to overcome the loopholes and shortfalls in its existing logistics system, as also to introduce newer methods. Just-In-Time and/or Lean Over the years, manufacturing has been introduced with several efficiency-increasing strategies, of which one of the more researched and implemented ones is Lean Manufacturing.   The essential focus of the lean manufacturing process is to maximize the value of the product that is offered by an organization to its customer. This value, in case of the manufacturing industry is obtained through a series of steps and processes that are collectively called the value stream (Womack, 2007). The lean system focuses on this value stream to continuously make the process of manufacturing more efficient that in turn enables the organization to compete on stronger grounds against competitors. The lean manufacturing strategy, often simply called lean was pioneered by Toyota but has been seen to benefit organizations all across the manufacturing industry. A very popular method of implementing an effective lean strategy is the 5S method. The 5 Ss stand for Sort, Set-In-Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain (Hemmant, August 2007). The 5S method is a continuous process that focuses on waste-reduction and discipline in the workplace. The method encourages order and cleanliness and its sustenance in the workplace, which does not include the manufacturing facility only but the entire organization, including workers and management. The implication of the 5S method is to develop and imbibe a culture where waste and negligence is frowned upon. Sorting implies distinguishing between useful and redundant components and processes and removing the latter. Setting-in-order would mean putting the right thing at the right place. The right place would be one that is easily accessible and prevents waste of time in reaching it when required. This component would also ensure that any components missing or falling short would be identified easily. Shine related to cleanliness and order, while Standardization is taken in the context of the quality levels that must be made routine in the production process. The sustenance of this method is the only way it will bear fruits and thus, this facet has also been included within the steps. JIT too, is based on the essential objective of minimizing waste. However, a little different from lean, JIT requires extensive and efficient communications between the manufacturing processes as well as the entire value-chain set. For example, in order to run a tightly time-bound production and supply system, it is important to have similar and efficient systems established with the suppliers and transporters. Greene Kings has two breweries that cater to the vast production needs of the business that owns and runs more than 750 pubs all over UK, besides exporting its beer to more than 30 countries in the world. Therefore, production at the two breweries has to be a flawless with minimum waste of resources and time. Lean can be used as an effective tool of breaking down the various processes in production and logistics and identifying any redundant processes that may be removed or processes that have scope for improvement. Benchmarking Benchmarking can be a very important tool for Greene Kings since it relies heavily on its distribution network. As has been discussed earlier, with its public houses, the importance of a flawless, daily distribution system becomes of paramount importance to the business. A very unique feature of Greene Kings is that it sells not only its own brands of beer at its public houses but also other brands that create a more complex distribution set-up for the organization. Here, Greene Kings can learn immensely from the logistics systems and strategies in place in other brewers, especially the market leaders. International brewers like Carlsberg focus on logistics strategy heavily and have more effective systems and strategies in place. Gourdin (2001) defines benchmarking as a process for identifying best practices by comparing key performance indicators for a specific activity across organizations and using those performance levels as inputs to corporate goal setting. There are a number of steps that are part of the benchmarking processes and include defining the present performance level for the activity to be benchmarked; determining the level of performance that is desired in the given activity; determining how and what type of improvement is implemented to achieve stated targets, and establishing a process time frame (Gourdin, 2001). Partnerships and Alliances Partnerships and alliances with vendors and suppliers is an emerging concept that is replacing the traditional notion of a professional relationship between suppliers and businesses. Relationship marketing is a term used to define this concept. Relationship marketing means that the time scale involved forming alliances and partnerships is lengthy. Another important ingredient that differentiates relationship marketing from others is the fact that it is based on cooperation. Therefore, the negotiations that form part of other organizational systems of functioning would be replaced by continuous communications that are interactive and aimed at establishing long-term contacts. Greene Kings is a well-established and local business in the UK and has key business functions being performed by vendors and suppliers. Therefore, the benefits of having an established set of suppliers and vendors who understand the unique features and business of Greene Kings in detail would really help in impro ving the efficiency of the business. ISSUES IN IMPLEMETING A NEW LOGISTICS STRATEGY People are at the core of any new strategy and introducing a change in the existing systems has potential for severe people issues. However, these have been and can be tackled effectively by the inclusion of all of the organizations people, from the top management to the ground staff. On one side, top management of the business may be sceptic about overhauling an established system and introducing an entirely new process. In case of Greene Kings, the issue among top management is the absence of attention towards the importance of logistics and other operational systems. On the other hand, a more serious concern could be resistance of subordinate workers and ground staff to a new logistics strategy. However, by keeping the new strategy and its expected benefits open before the whole organization, more support and better acceptance may be achieved. Furthermore, HR issues such as recruitment, selection, strategic training and appraisal, autonomy, flexibility, harmonization and reward system are consideration factors to ensure smooth implementation and transitional change. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS Technological developments will influence the changes that are implemented in the logistics strategy of Greene Kings and as such, these have to be taken into consideration while formulating one. ERP systems are a technological development that provides feasible avenues for the business to improve efficiency upon. ERP systems are based in Internet technology and as such, enable the business to share informational flow among different departments, business processes and stakeholders efficiently. ERP is a set of business applications on modules, which links various business units of an organisation such as financial, accounting, manufacturing, and human resources into a tightly integrated single system with a common platform for flow of information across the entire business (Baheshti, 2006). For a business like Greene Kings that works across a large geographic area and has several different business units and alliances with stakeholders, a centralized ERP system would improve efficiency and cut cost and time for the business substantially. SUMMARY The above report discussed the position of Greene Kings brewers from the point of view of logistics. It also talked about the brewing industry in the UK, theoretical understanding of logistics and trends in development of strategies that would all be beneficial for Greene Kings. Avenues and strategies that may be used by Greene Kings were discussed, along with problems that are faced in implementing new strategies. Finally, the new trends in the area of logistics was documented. REFERNCES Baheshti, H. M. (2006) what managers should know about ERP/ERPII: Management Research News. Vol. 29(4) [online] available from Accessed on [20/12/2009] Black, John R. (2008): Lean Production: Implementing a World Class System; Industrial Press. British Beer and Pub Association. (2009, 12 08). Government makes five times more money from beer than pub and brewing companies. Retrieved 12 20, 2009, from British Beer and Pub Association: http://www.beerandpub.com/newsList_detail.aspx?newsId=310 Grant, D., Lambert, D., Stock, J., Ellram, L. (2006). Fundamentals of logistics management. Berkshire: McGraw Hill Education. Greene King. (2008). Annual Report. Suffolk: 85Four. Towers, N. S., John, P. (2003). Stock control and supplier relationships at the local pub in a market town: A case study investigation into effective demand management. British Food Journal , 591-691. Womack, James P. (March, 2007): Moving Beyond the Tool Age; IET Manufacturing Engineering (4-5), Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Homeless and Alienated in Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot Essay

Homeless and Alienated in Waiting For Godot    Jean-Paul Sartre (1957) once said "Man is condemned to be free; because, once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does." (23) Whether this is good or bad is not an issue, whereas the implications derived from this are profound. Life, in this case, has no fixed purpose, and we are free to give it one; perhaps it is more appropriate to say that we are condemned to give it one, instead. One look at today's western modernized society makes it seem as if we strive to learn about everything and invent the ultimate tool to carry out all conceivable tasks for us (however artificial the task may be.) Writers, like Albert Camus, describe how waiting, or more generally, boredom, causes the individual to put serious effort into thought of questions regarding one's identity. It is easily seen, thus, that with the way our society has developed, it was inevitable that things like the existential philosophical movement and the literary absurdist movement would eme rge from an era of modernism. Perhaps one of the more famous absurdists was the 1969 Nobel Literature Prize winner, Samuel Beckett. His most popular play, 'Waiting For Godot,' is easily classified as an absurdist work by its properties, or lack thereof, as pointed out in a 1955 review of the play: "Beckett defies every known law of playwriting, his play is about nothing... Each Act is interrupted by a big bully and a fool he keeps on a chain... That is all. There is no climax, no sense of anticipation and the situation becomes obvious in the first five minutes." (Barker, qtd. In Butler 22) This reviewer naively added "I think that people are wrong in trying to read a philosophy i... ... us aside, making us feel homeless and alienated no matter where we are or try to go, "For reasons unknown." Works Cited: Astro, Alan (1990). Understanding Samuel Beckett. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. Beckett, Samuel (1954). Waiting for Godot. New York: Grove Press. Beckett, Samuel (1958). Endgame. New York: Grove Press. Beckett, Samuel (1974). First Love and Other Shorts. New York: Grove Press. Butler, L. St. J. (ed.) (1993) Critical Essays on Samuel Beckett. Brookfield: Scolar Press. Jeffares, A. N., & Bushrui, S (Eds.). (1981) York Notes on Waiting for Godot. London: York Press. Sartre, Jean-Paul (1957). Existentialism and Human Emotions. New Jersey: Citadel Press, Inc. Sartre, Jean-Paul (1946). No Exit and Three Other Plays (Vintage 1989) Webster Online Dictionary, (1986) Formatted 1994.

Parental Involvement And Its Relationship To Discipline In Elementary Schools Essay

There is a plethora of research on books, journal articles, and stand-alone reports on the subject of parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. These writings include research reports, expert opinions, theory papers, program descriptions, and guidelines for how to address this issue. Many of these reports are informative and useful, and because parental involvement and its link to discipline have been greatly emphasized in the past few years, there is considerable current information. An important influence on the way parents raise their children are the experiences they have in their family of origin (Hops, Davis, Leve, & Sheeber, 2003). The way a person is raised influences the rest of their life. Socioeconomic status can have a very significant effect on a family and how parents behave with their children. This effect continues into the school environment and could be directly related to how students behave in schools (Hops et al. ). The extra stress that families from a lower Socio Economic Status (SES) household experience can cause parents to use more punitive parenting practices. Some students have shown that, along with the economic hardships families from low SES groups experience, minority ethnic groups also have to deal with the added stress of racism (Pinderhuges, Dodge, Bates, Pettit, & Zelli, 2000). These factors all have an influence on parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Discipline concerns in schools are not new. MacDonald (2002) stated that student behaviors that require discipline have always existed in schools. However, it is the seriousness and widespread nature of discipline concerns that is disturbing. School campuses, once islands of safety, are now faced with violence daily (MacDonald). School discipline problems are impacting every demographic segment of society. O’Donoghue (2005) stated that in the 1990s, discipline concerns were viewed widely as an inner city phenomenon, but since then, discipline concerns have been distributed across the entire spectrum of schools in the United States of America. At a time when our nation’s children need adult guidance the most, some parents retreat from involvement in their child’s schools. Johnson (1999) stated that our nation’s youths are making desperately poor choices oftentimes guided by equally confused peers. All children, youths, adolescents, and teenagers alike need the advocacy and support of parents. Parental involvement is vital to the behavior and achievement of students. Unfortunately, many parents are doing much less than they should be doing. According to the U. S. Department of Education (2005), American mothers, on the average, spend less than half an hour a day talking, explaining, or reading with their children, and fathers spend less than 15 minutes interacting with their children. As vital as parental involvement is to discipline in schools, many parents do much less than they should and many schools engage in practices which serve to limit the extent of parental involvement. Literature Review Several researchers have attempted to categorize parental involvement according to the nature or type of activity in which parents are involved. Epstein and Salinas (2004) suggested that parents may be involved as tutors, volunteers, advisory committee members, school board members, or room mothers or room fathers. They grouped these types into three basic groups: advocates, decision-making partners, and co-production partners. They defined advocacy as politically active parental involvement; decision-making refers to parental involvement as committee members; and co-production refers to parental involvement in those areas or activities that contribute to school efforts for developing and planning and instructing students toward improved behavior and achievement (Epstein & Salinas). Data from the 2005 Children’s Defense Fund indicated that every day in American, 13,076 students are suspended from school, 6,042 students are arrested, 3,356 high school students drop out of school, and 3,087 students are corporally punished. Additionally, more than 3 million acts of violence and theft were reported in American public schools (Walker, Colvin, & Ramsey, 2005). A factor in improving discipline in American schools is to empower school personnel to be proactive rather than reactive. This means that teachers must become skilled in behavior management strategies that would enable them to create school environments that motivate students to act according to school and classroom rules as well as foster positive interpersonal interactions with peers and authority figures (Lewis & Sugai, 1999). In contrast to zero tolerance policies that emphasize punishing instead of positive consequences, it is critical to stress positive incentives that will motivate all students to behave (Lewis & Sugai). When schools develop disciplinary action plans, parents should be included at every stage of the process to obtain their input and to give them a sense of shared responsibility. According to the National Parent Teacher Association (2004), the following three types of parental involvement are critical to a child’s education: (a) parents as first educators in the home; (b) parents as partners with the school; and (c) parents as advocates for children in society. The full involvement of parents is vital to the success of these efforts. Barton, Coley, and Wenglinsky (1998) identified four basic components of parental involvement: the basic obligation of parents, school to home communications which include monitoring students’ discipline, parental involvement at school, and parental involvement in learning activities at home. Children growing up in society today need parental involvement and adult attention more than ever before (Comer, 2006). Parents belong at the center of a child’s education. The single best way to improve students’ behavior is by strengthening parents’ role in it, by both reinforcing parents’ relationships with the school and by helping and encouraging parents in their critical job of teaching the young. Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers (Comer). The most basic statement that can be made about parent and family involvement is that when it is effective, everyone benefits. Research has shown us conclusively that effective parental involvement in education benefits parents, teachers, and students, whether the involvement is at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or high school level (State Department of Iowa, 1999). Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to examine issues surrounding parental involvement in schools. The experiences of parents were examined with the goal of giving parents an opportunity to express themselves in parent surveys. The study brought new insights to the body of research concerning parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Research Questions 1. What is the relationship between the level of parental involvement and the number of student discipline referrals? 2. What is the relationship between socio economic status and the level of parental involvement? 3. What is the relationship between the level of parental involvement and student academic success? Limitations/Delimitations Limitations 1. This study was limited to two elementary schools in a Trenton, North Carolina school district. 2. One limitation would be the honesty of parents’ responses. 3. Another limitation would be the sample size of the respondents; therefore, the findings should be viewed with caution. Delimitations 1. Duplication of the study may or may not produce the same results. 2. The study analyzed one school year of discipline records for students. Definition of Terms Parental Involvement – Parents’ level of active involvement in their child’s education (Epstein & Salinas, 2004). Parenting Styles – What strategies parents use to as it relates to disciplining their children at home (Coolahan, McWayn, Fantuzzo, & Grim, 2002). Socioeconomic Status – A person’s social and economic status (Bradley & Corwyn, 2002). Student Academic Success – measured by students’ mathematics and reading scores obtained from the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (GCRCT). Student Discipline – Control or order exercised over students. The system of rules used to maintain this control (Barton, Coley, & Wenglinsky, 1998). Student Referrals – Discipline referrals students receive for disciplinary problems in school (Gosche, 2005). Importance of the Study It has become increasingly evident that parental involvement in education contributes to students’ success in school. Research also suggests that when parents are involved in their children’s learning at school and at home, discipline referrals decrease at school and academic progress increases (Comer, 2006). This study is important because it investigated the relationship between the level of parental involvement and student academic success. It also investigated the relationship between the level of parental involvement and the number of student discipline referrals and the relationship between socio economic status and the level of parental involvement. It is essential for this data to be examined because the results will assist school boards, statewide evaluators, and school personnel in restructuring the learning environment to address and include parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Chapter Two will provide a review of the literature findings on parental involvement and discipline. CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Introduction Not all parents are involved in their children’s school although there is a dire need for parental involvement and guidance in schools (Kornbluth, 1997). All children, regardless of age, need the unwavering support of their parents to further guide their academic growth. According to the U. S. Department of Education (2005), â€Å"American mothers, on the average, spend less than half an hour a day talking, explaining, or reading with their children, and fathers spend less than 15 minutes daily interacting with their children† (p. 2). The U. S. Department of Education further stated that positive results such as increased student performance, better communication between parents and teachers, and better socialization skills occurred when parents play an active role in their children’s education. According to Barton, Coley, and Wenglinsky (1998), chaos in the schoolhouse requires disciplinary measures. An exemplary discipline program is truly vital to the success of schools, thus making good discipline an educational requirement. Research has shown that when schools have discipline problems, academic achievement is negatively affected. As a result, a distinct relationship exists between how students achieve academically and their behavior in school (Barton, et al. ). A dire need exists for parents to partner and communicate with school staff so that problems with discipline could be reduced. Johnson (1999) stated that poor choices are often made by children and adolescents in the United States, and these choices are oftentimes aided by their bemused peers. Research by Kornbluth (2006) has noted that many schools do not put forth enough effort to enlist parents’ support and involvement in schools. On the other hand, Waggoner and Griffith’s (2001) research revealed that students with involved parents performed at higher levels on standardized tests than students with uninvolved parents. In a similar vein, Kornbluth’s study found that students not only performed better in school but also improved in discipline when their parents were actively involved in their education. It has become increasingly evident that parental involvement in education is a major contributing factor to reduced disciplinary concerns and a need for disciplinary action in schools. An article by the San Diego County Office of Education (2000) entitled, What Does Research Tell us About the Influence of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement, includes research on the benefits of parents nurturing their children at home and the importance of parents setting academic goals and expectations for their children. It also stresses the importance of parents’ involvement in their children’s education as it relates to their academic success. According to Parlardy (2005), parental involvement produces a decline in classroom disruptions and the need for disciplinary action while improving school climate, teacher and student morale, and student achievement. Cotton’s (2001) study revealed the importance of effective schoolwide and classroom discipline strategies and lists various ways to improve discipline in schools such as staff commitment to achievement, parental involvement, high expectations for students and faculty, clearly defined rules, and good school climate. Additionally, Wright, Wright, and Heath (2004) provided research on how the No child Left Behind act affects parents, teachers, administrators, and students as it relates to discipline and parental involvement. Waggoner and Griffith’s (2001) research supported parental involvement since it strengthens teacher/parent/student relationships and reinforces teachers’ expectations in the home environment. Homework is another area where parental involvement is critical. When parents are aware of what the curriculum entails and what teachers expect, they are better equipped to help their children with homework so that increased learning could occur. Kornbluth (2006) provided data to support the importance of parental involvement in schools. The results of their study revealed that students with involved parents performed better on tests than students with uninvolved parents. Hand in hand with parental involvement is involving the community in the school. Epstein and Salinas (2004) noted the benefits of partnering with the community. These benefits included having businesses become partners in education and serving on school councils along with parents. The benefit that is derived from this is that the community is involved in the decision-making process of the school and; therefore, has a pulse for the school’s goals and missions. As a result, one of the goals will also be to decrease disciplinary infractions and improve student learning. What is Parental Involvement? There are numerous books, journal articles, and stand-alone reports on the subject of parents’ involvement in their children’s education. Parental involvement is a term that frequently has different meanings to people. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that parental involvement covers a multitude of interactions between parents, students, and the school (Swap, 1998). Swap further postulated that parental involvement may be as simple as a parent attending a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting or a conference with the teacher or as complex as representing other parents in decision-making situations or other aspects of school governance. In general, parents may take an active role, passive role, or non-involvement role regarding their participation in the school their child attends. A review of literature indicates that there are several strategies and activities available to parents, teachers, and administrators to obtain optimum parental involvement at different levels of commitment. For example, parents may volunteer to read to a class, become a book buddy for a student, or work with their child on take-home learning materials (Gordon, 1998). The research overwhelmingly demonstrates that parental involvement is a component that is positively related to improving students’ discipline and achievement in schools. When defining parental involvement, it is very important to consider Brandt’s (1979) four basic assumptions about parental involvement. The first assumption is that the family’s capabilities for providing a learning environment that accentuates the positive elements of cognitive and emotional factors can be improved (parent impact model). The second assumption is that the child’s health, nutrition, social, and psychological development influences academic learning (comprehensive services model). The third assumption is that when schools are made more responsive to parents, this responsiveness will lead to better discipline and achievement by the child (school impact model). The fourth assumption for parental involvement is that everything relates to everything else (community impact model). Swap (1998) asserted that various models have different assumptions and goals that must be clear to all participants. Swap’s premise of parental involvement described four models and their goals: The protective model’s goal is to reduce conflict between parents and educators, primarily through the separation of parents’ and educators’ functions and to protect the school from interference by parents. The second model’s goal (school to home transmission) is to enlist parents in supporting the objectives of the school. The third model’s goal (curriculum enrichment) is to expand and extent the school’s curriculum by incorporating the contributions of families. Finally, the fourth model’s goal (partnership) is for parents and educators to work together to accomplish a common mission – success for all children. Barriers to Effective Parental Involvement According to Hampton, Mumford, and Bond (1998), many students come from home environments described as America’s worst problems such as drug abuse, neglect, alcoholism, and domestic violence. On the other hand, Kornbluth (1997) maintained that not all students are in trouble because their parents are irresponsible, lazy, or uninvolved. Many students come from good homes, and they have parents who are doing their best to care for them. Often parents face different circumstances that affect how well they believe they can make contributions to their children’s education. Issues such as language barriers, work schedules, transportation, and access to childcare, for example, affect the frequency and conditions under which parents believe they can realistically spend time in schools (Kornbluth). Seeley (1999) noted that another complicating factor facing parental involvement is the idea that some well-meaning school staff members feel that they have been delegated as the educators of children and the sole responsibility for education is in their hands. Seely proposed that this idea of delegation has been subconsciously signaled to the parents so that they do not need to be involved in their children’s educational experiences. In brief, Seeley’s study concluded that one must convince all involved in the child’s education that parental involvement is essential to the education process. This study further implied that once parents and teachers understand the importance of parental involvement, they will be willing to commit do doing all that is necessary to achieve the identified goals. Davies (1998a) revealed that the growing number and variety of students’ ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds make reaching out to families increasingly complex. Educators who think only in terms of traditional families are likely to have a particularly hard time dealing with today’s great variety of family types. Davies suggested that educators must face their own misperceptions about parents. However, a child born to parents who are mature, educated, employed, and married is statistically more likely to do well rather than a child who lacks that family support, even if the child is exposed to a host of government intervention programs. Parenting Styles and Ethnicity According to Coolahan, McWayn, Fantuzzo, and Grim (2002), parenting styles differ based on ethnicity and are also determined by parents’ characteristics. Parents from different cultures may have different characteristics and may, therefore, use different parenting styles when raising their children. For example, ethnic differences have been found in the acceptance of spanking. Thus, there may also be ethnic differences in parenting (Pinderhughes, Dodge, Bates, Pettit, & Zelli, 2000). Research has found the authoritarian parenting style to be more common among African-American families than European-American families (Clark & Gross, 2003). Families from the same SES group but from different ethnic groups have been found to have differing levels of stress. For example, African-American families with low SES report higher levels of stress than European-American families with the same SES. This could be due to the fact that African-American families are also vulnerable to additional race-related stressors (Pinderhughes et al. , 2000). The Asian-American culture differs from European and Mexican-American cultures. Studies have shown that the styles of parenting used among Asian-American families may differ significantly in some areas. For example, Liu (2003) found two main types of parenting styles among Asian-American families. They are care and overprotection. When parents use the care styles of parenting, they are affectionate, emotionally warm, empathic, and close to their children. However, many Asian-American families use a style of parenting that closely resembles an authoritarian style called overprotection in which parents strictly enforce rules and discourage independent behavior. The overprotection style of parenting is comprised of parental control, overprotection, intrusion, excessive contact, and prevention of independent behavior. Other studies have found that the families who use the care style of parenting are closer and more functional with each other (Kee, Sim, Tech, Tian, & Ng, 2003). They also found the families who use the overprotection style of parenting to be more dysfunctional on the average. Other studies on parenting styles and ethnicity have found African-American families from low SES groups to have a more punitive attitude towards their children because of the higher levels of stress they experience (Pinderhughes, et al. , 2000). This attitude would lead to a more authoritarian style of parenting. Authoritative parenting predicts good psychosocial outcomes and problem behaviors in all ethnic groups and is associated with increased academic performance (Steinberg, Darling, & Fletcher, 2005). Parenting Styles and Their Relationship to Discipline Parenting styles begin determining, to a significant degree, how a child will develop at a very early age. For example, with infants, sensitive, responsive maternal behavior is associated with healthy and secure mother-infant relationships (Isabella, Belsky, & von Eye, 1999). According to Schaefer (2000), parenting style is the single most important factor associated with conduct disorders. Behavioral instability and non-optimal parenting across four generations was examined by Gosche (2005), and it was reported that non-optimal parenting is reproduced in subsequent generations due to the development of unstable behavioral styles in children exposed to poor parenting. Children who are exposed to more hostility from their parents are more likely to display aggressive behavioral styles as adolescents and adults which, in part, cause their aggressive and hostile behavior toward their children (Gosche).