Holly Farm

Holly Farm A Diminishing profits of their business from milk and cereals activities trigger Fred and Gillian to decide to open up dairy and arable mixed farm for the demand of paying public. For the new business to be successful they devote all their saving and their time. They take different responsibility for each of them and when Fred continued to run the commercial farming business Gillian took responsibility in making the factory to be suitable for the tour. The rough advertisement and creating awareness to the public the number of visitors to the farm increases through the years.Gillian, who is responsible or the farm to the public each year from April to October inclusive. Other than this period conditions are not suitable to visit so it will not be opened for the public. Through experience Gillian conclude that Saturday and Sunday are a high visiting season Ads than other days in a week The milking parlous which concern So Fred constitute 150 cows to milk. For the visiting pu rpose a player' is build which have facilitate that ease displays on the tour and it lasts be from 4:30 pm to 7:00 PM.HERE Gillian complains on this situation that early visitors come before 4:00 pm that neither Fred nor the cows are repaired eve if most of the visitors wait patiently till to open. Concerning about the ice-cream factory. It is operated 48 weeks per year and three employees who are farm workers wives are responsible to work in line with farm opening from April to October. The maximum capacity of the equipment found in the factory is 350 liters of ice-cream per day. And the stock rotation allowed in practice is not above 7000 liters. The recommended storage time is twelve weeks prior to retail sale.From the comment of Gillian farm shop only visitors are surprisingly regular customer of sales. Her report room experiences started that the demand on average is one out of two customer buys a one liter box. With a farm shop retail price $ 2. 00 per box, a car comes with fo ur occupants, and two one -liter boxes are purchased. The other customers for ice-cream sales are farm shop only visitors. There is a separate, fenced road entrance that allows local customers to purchase good at a separate counter of the farm shop without payment to the other farm facilities.At last when Gillian forward her findings, on 1998 the factory able a small return on capital employed and hence a reform must be made to increase profitability ¶y'. To make the investment work better her first and ultimate decision is to increase the number of natural flavors from four to ten and the other is to increase farm visitors by 50% that can help the farm to meet the target. She conclude that I don't expect that fully to halt the decline in our sales to these outlets, and this is reflected in our sales forecast. Hen the form opened officially in 1993 Gillian took responsibility for visitors to come and visit the farm area asset is a farm to the paying public l. Order to increase the visitors Gillian a face saturation at first which is a low demand season were visitors are conditional for unsuitable regular tractor rides and of the animals being kept inside Gillian attempt to solve the situation by increasing the number of farm visitors to 50 percent in 1 999 that she intended to improve return on farm tour assets.Regarding to increasing farm four she had also to choose whether to promote sales to coach firms or to focus on advertisement for attracting more local families in car. The milking parlous, the activity concerning to Fred, usually lasts form 4:30 p. To 07:00 pm gallery which is purposely built to exhibit this activity for visitors displays teen the indicated time interval. Here Gillian face another problem that sometimes on Saturdays and Sundays visitors' arrival early before 4:pm but unfortunately nothing is ready to display.Even it most people are patient enough to wait until the activity are patient enough to wait until the activity to be opened it is obvious that this affect the return to farm tours on aggregate. Evaluating Shilling's proposal to increase the number of farm visitors in 1999 by 50 percent when Shilling's propose to increase the number of visitors she forest sales by taking sales of 1 998 as a base year. Taking 1998 as a base for January to December to evaluate the forecast.Even if the data on the appendix gives no separate records that separate sales to the paying farm visitors and to those who only visit the farm shop, Shilling's statement about the average sales to a paying farm visitors which says from two visitors one probably buy a one litter ice-cream gives a clue for evaluation purpose.

Principles Of human Resources Management Essay

INTRODUCTION The management of organization human resource to make them attain the organizational goals and work effectively towards contributing to the growth of the organization in contemporary times has taken a new dimension from the traditional way of personnel management. Human resource is considered as the most valuable resources in the organization; without which other resources cannot be coordinated and utilized to the optimal sue of the organization. The formation of effective relationship with workers and enabling a working environment where there is informal relationship goes a long way to motivating workers to performance. According to Farrazzi & Gatti (2007), â€Å"†¦developing deep, genuine relationships- both internally among co-workers †¦is one of the most important skills need for performance in workplace† Thus, Human Resource Development (HRD) is a vital process used in contemporary times to make an organization Human resource inapt and adequately equipped to face the challenges of the time. According to Wilson (1999:27), â€Å"An alignment between strategy and training and development is now commonly regarded as a good business sense in all corners of the globe†. This is more adduced to the limited resources and finance to aid an organization in the attainment of its goal. Thus, HR development will go a long way in the organization to attain effectively set goals in the most efficient way. For Colours R Us (CRU) company to effectively get the best in its human resource management , the management of the organization need to put in place conducive working environment; one that would motivate workers to want to remain long in the organization. This is obtainable through formation of deep relationship among workers. Getting the right people at the right place is a function of human resource planning. Motivation of workers plays a significant role in maintaining and making the positioned ‘right people’ stay and build up a long career in an organization. IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE HRM IN CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS Effective Human Resource Management practices are recognises as to enhance an organisation’s competitive advantage by creating both cost leadership and differentiation. Today’s competitive global environment has made organisation maintaining a competitive advantage puts a premium on having a committed and competent workforce. Low-cost, high- quality products and services are a result of committed employees all working hard to produce the best products and provide the best services that they can at the lowest possible cost. Thus, it is important that the Human Resource Managers are made to get in touch and be included in the organisation’s strategic plan, since they have the wealth of experience in the motivation of the organisational workforce into putting their best in the attainment of the strategic goals of the organisation. Furthermore, the possession of information about human resource planning put the Human Resource Manager in a good position to partake in the strategic planning of the organisation. For example, with the available information on human resource planning, this along side with the organisation strategy would bring about the hiring of the best human resource that would be in a better position to efficiently meet the organisation’s goals. In this view, Sims (2002), has it that, As effective partners in helping organisations successfully achieve their goals, Human Resource Management managers need to have a clear understanding of exactly what are the organisation’s strategies, and then they must ensure that their own efforts are consistent with provide support for those strategies. To the extent that the Human Resource Management function is seen as a strategic partner and/or a centre of expertise, of course, its manager should also be actively involved in the formulation of corporate and business strategies as well as other functional strategies. A closer integration between top management goals and Human Resource Management practices helps to elicit and reward the types of behaviour necessary for achieving an organisation’s strategy. According to Matanmi (2001:7), â€Å"as a concept HRM has relatively recently, developed as a generic (i.e. broad, all-embracing), and yet specialised management field that particularly draws its strengths from such multi-disciplinary sources of knowledge that include (but) not exclusively restricted to) personnel management, organisation behaviour   (OB), industrial and labour relations, economics, law, psychology and sociology†. In the process of HRM, there is an increasing emphasis on the personal needs of the organisation and its members. Thus, how effectively an organisation’s employee contribute successfully to the attainment of the organisational goals depends to a larger extent upon the ability of its HRM staff. Hence, the challenges of the HRM are to create an organisational environment in which each employee can grow and develop to his or her fullest extent (Sims, 2002:4). Furthermore, Rowden (1999) have it that Human Resource Professional need to master global operating skills. They should learn to do business in non-native environments, with individual of different backgrounds and perspectives and with products and services used in different ways. Human Resource Professionals should also be masters of the business environment. They need to understand financial reports, business goals, and consumer and investor important. â€Å"Also they must have the business acumen necessary to understand and support the business function. This will make Human Resource Professionals and indispensable part of a team assigned the task of charting a business’s future†. (Hussey 1995). Thus, it is seen that for the Human Resource source professionals to actively partake in the strategic planning of an organisation they need to be vast with skills that cut across financial planning, critical visioning and thinking, analytical skill and be informed with the ever changing technological development and better utilisation of modern information technology packages. This will make them be equipped to put the organisation a head of its competitors. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF COLOURS R US (CRU) HRM PROBLEMS The workers in Colours R Us (CRU) are not motivated enough to make their stay and build up a career in the organization. The working environment is not conducive; as workers find it difficult to meet their personal needs in the locality where CRU is located. These include restaurants services, baby day care services, security of workers who engages in night shifts. The necessary amenities are not there to aid the worker abide in their work and stay long in the company. Another major issue that is making CRU not to attract the best workers and to retain those it has is the level of remuneration available to the company’s staffers. However, CRU gives an average remuneration, the locality where the company operates from there is higher level of payment. The software companies and communication call centers are well positioned to pay more. This alone, would be an obstacle in motivating the right workers to want to be employed and build up a career with CRU. This is also a cause to make already employed workers in CRU to wanting to move out. Furthermore, the statistical number of workers in the organization shows that women are more than male permanent workers are. Women workers usually leave within short period of assuming their post as workers in the company. There is the problem of getting more workers to operate the company’s diversification operation in the production of ‘Magnificence in Miniature’ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGING THE COLOURS R US (CRU) HRM PROBLEMS As a Consultant with ‘Right People Right Place’, my recommendations for CRU Company, to solve its HRM problems, include the following: MOTIVATIONAL IMPROVEMENT FOR THE COMPANY’S HR CPU as an organization has not done very well in the motivations of its staffers. Though the company pays its staffers the average pay in the industry, the workers put in much time. Motivation would keep the staffers to contribute meaningfully in the organization and they will be interested and prepare to build up a lasting career with the company. Lindner (1998), argues, â€Å"Motivated employees are needed in our rapidly changing workplaces. Motivated employees help organizations survive. Motivated employees are more productive. Monetary incentive is not only the channel of motivating workers. The sense of belonging and appreciation of workers contribution to the organization goes a long way to motivating workers. To be effective, managers need to understand what motivates employees within the context of the roles they perform. Of all the functions a manager performs, motivating employees is arguably the most complex. This is due, in part, to the fact that what motivates employee changes constantly†. The CPU management should adapt different ways for motivating employees who serve long hours and permanent from short- term workers. Motivating short-term worker, this should be done differently from those workers who are overworked or who put in lengthy work performance in the organization (University of Chicago Newsletter for Supervisor and Managers, 2004). In motivating a short-term worker the management of CPU, need to adopt the following strategic approach: Reinforce the significance of short-term employees’ work by explaining their importance and how they contribute to the organization’s growth. Introduce short-term employees to the people who use their work to demonstrate the effect the quality of their work has on others. Counter assumptions that someone else will do the work if short-term employees do not come through. Discuss the role short-terms workers play in the CPU manufacturing and working process. They should be made to understand that their work is as important as that of other employees. The Management of CPU should demonstrate interest in their long-term plans for HRM for short –term workers. Plans should be devised to identify those areas where skilled short-term workers may have value elsewhere in the organization. The management should help short-term workers to identify other opportunities before their assignment in your department is over. On the other hand, to motivate those workers who have work lengthy period and over work for the organization, the CPU management can motivate this group by adopting a strategy that follows the sequence of: The CPU management should let the lengthy period and over worked employees know that the company value their stay in the organization and appreciate their contribution to the growth of the organization. They should be made to know they stand to be adequately rewarded. The management of CPU should display the quality of a team player by requesting from this category of workers what they require to made them comfortable and keep the work going. The management of CPU should provide a feedback to workers that put in lengthy work hours, stay, and make them fell appreciated for their contribution in the organization. ADOPTING A MUTUAL EXCHANGE MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGY Mutual exchange is another strategy the management of CPU can adopt in motivating their workers. Here, where a worker has accomplish an assigned task he or she should be given something in return based on   earlier promise made by the supervisor; this may come in form of   a day off, or early closure for the   day’s work etc. According the Moore (1991), the negative effect of this appraoch is that it is not the most effective approach for motivating   workers; as the workers and supervisor may not reach a balance on what should be exchanged for the accomplishment of an assigned task.   RECRUITING MORE MALE WORKER The management of CPU should engage in recruiting more males than females. The environment where the company is situated is not conducive for female worker to work adequately. There is absence of day care for nursing mothers and those women with little children; the vicinity is not safe enough for night female worker. Considering these facts, the male worker will do more to cope in the environment than their female counterparts will. STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FORMATION WITH OTHER INTENSIVE CARE AND FACILITY PROVIDING ORGANIZATION The major reason for the workers leaving the CPU Company within short period is adduced to the lack of amenities to contribute to workers convenience in working for the company. The locality where the company is situated lacks these basic amenities. The management of CPU can enter into strategic alliance by inviting and forming strategic partners with small organizations to provide basic services that the workers lack, such as children day-care services, security, inter-alia. REFERENCES Ferrazzi, Keith & Gatti, Lisa (2007), â€Å"The Human Element of Successful Training† June Volume 61, 6c ABI/ INFORM Global P. 68 Hussey, D. (1995), â€Å"Human Resources: Strategic Audit† In International Review of Strategic Management Vol. 6 Pp 157-195. Lindner, James R. (1998), â€Å"Understanding Employee Motivation† in Journal of Extension. June 1998 Volume 36 Number 3 Matanmi, Segun (2001) Strategic Management of the Human Resources in Nigeria for the next Millennium: some notes   (unpublished article) Lagos State University. Moore, Dianne-Jo (1991), â€Å"7 Motivational Strategies – Manager’s Motivation Of Workers† Modern Machine Shop http://findarticles.com/p/search?tb=art&qt=%22Dianne-Jo+Moore%22 (2/11/06) Rowden, R.W (1999), â€Å"Potential Roles of the Human Resource Management Professional in the Strategic Planning Process† in SAM Advanced Management Journal. Vol. 64, Issue 3. Pp 22 Sims, Ronald R. (2002), Organisational Success Through Effective Human Resources Management West Port, CT: Quorum Books. Pp. 1-5, 8, 9, 20, 23. University of Chicago Newsletter for Supervisor and Managers’ (2004), â€Å"Strategies and Tactics Methods to Manage Your Work, Your Staff, and Your Results† Volume VI Issue 9 September http://hr.uchicago.edu/newsletter/itk–20040901/toc.html (1/11/06). Wilson, John P. (1999), Human Resource Development: Learning and Training for Individuals and Organizations London: Kagan Page   

Political Science 1, w question paper on the president and congress of Essay

Political Science 1, w question paper on the president and congress of the US - Essay Example This brief, yet concise, essay now turns to an overview of the history of the Presidency of the United States. From George Washington to Barack Obama, the Presidency of the United States of America remains the highest office in the land. As head of state as well as head of government, the President of the United States of America leads the federal government as well as the Executive branch of government. Although the election of the President is indirect in the United States and is accomplished through the Electoral College, the democratic election of the President is a traditional which dates back to the establishment of a free republic on the shores of the Americas. The Second Continental Congress following the American Revolution established a confederation system of government in which the office of a President as well as the body of Congress were created. Following the Constitutional Convention in the wake of revolution, the executive branch as created and established a series of checks and balances on the authority of the executive. Accordingly, the American system of political governa nce is predicated on the belief that there is a balance of power between the three major branches of government. Thus, in an effort to ensure that each branch is counterbalanced by the others, the Executive, Congress and the Judiciary work to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative process in the United States. The multitude of roles played by the President have evolved and developed in tandem with the history of the United States. As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the United States plays the important role commanding the most important army in the history of the world. As commander-in-chief, the President can direct the armed forces but cannot declare war without the authorization of Congress. This is an important

Constitutional Challenges Associated With Investigating Cybercrimes Term Paper

Constitutional Challenges Associated With Investigating Cybercrimes - Term Paper Example However, these developments have presented the world with new types of threats that can potentially compromise security, privacy, and safety of the internet users. As a result, there have emerged modern systems of law enforcement that are aimed at providing security and order and at the same time maintaining liberty and freedom in an open society. Rapid technological developments have called for intense policing of cyberspace as these developments have threatened to cyber security not just in individual countries, but has also transcended individual countries boundaries (Walden, 2005). Cyber security has been threatened by the new methods of communications and increasing freedom and anonymity in communications. There has been increasing need to balance between providing order and security in the cyberspace and maintaining freedom and liberty in the society. Cybercrime is the term that is being in describing security challenges and threats that the cyberspace is facing in the face of rapid technological developments. In simple terms, cybercrimes are defined as any criminal acts which deal with computer networks and computers. Also, cybercrimes are defined as the criminal acts or offences which are committed against groups of individuals or individuals with a criminal intentions aimed at harming the reputation and status of the victims or to cause mental or physical harm to the victim either indirectly or directly, through the use of modern networks of telecommunications such as the mobile phones and the internet. Cybercrimes not only threatens individuals’ security, but also threatens national and international security. Issues that surround cybercrimes include copyright infringement, child grooming, financial theft, privacy, cracking, espionage, cyber terrorism and child pornography among others (Hinde, 2003). It is agreeable tha t cybercrimes is one of the most serious crimes that the world is facing currently as it threatens not only individuals’ security but also national and international security. The serious nature of these crimes is evident by the intense measures that have been put in place to counter them both at the national and international levels (Taylor and Morgan, 2002). There are concerted efforts among all the telecommunications players, national governments, and the international community to counter cybercrimes and the threats that such crimes present. However, whereas there is the desire to counter cyber crimes at all levels, this desire and efforts are hampered by the various challenges associated with investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes. One of the main challenges that face efforts to counter cybercrimes is constitutional challenges. In particular, constitutional challenges greatly hamper the efforts to investigate cybercrimes (Walden, 2005). In order to have a deeper un derstanding of how constitutional challenges affect cybercrimes investigation, this paper will seek to analyze the constitutional challenges and how they are associated with investigating cybercrimes. In the United States, just like in most countries of the world, all the laws and procedures and practices such as investigation and prosecution should be consistent with the constitutio

Caffe Nero - 5 year Marketing Plan Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Caffe Nero - 5 year Marketing Plan - Coursework Example Today, millions of people across the globe enjoy a wide range of coffee products offered by Caffe Nero. The core value is to offer the customers with highest quality services and products to keep them staying again and again. Caffe Nero promoted a culture of progression and innovation and has generated around ?165.6 million GBP in 2011 (Caffe Nero website: Performance page). The company intends to grow its operations by setting up new outlets throughout the United Kingdom during next five years. Our vision is to entice locals from around the areas to come and try all the unique and delicious coffee and related food our shops have to offer. We want the atmosphere to be a family friendly environment in our coffee shops where people feel comfortable, hanging out, and having a good time, while having an up-class feel with different coffees and food available for customers to enjoy. This marketing plan has been prepared after analyzing various issues regarding the coffee industry in Unite d Kingdom. The main objective of this marketing plan is to highlight the critical issues for successful launching of new outlets of Caffe Nero in UK during next five years and to attain a competitive edge against well-established rivalries in the market. We believe that by getting crucial financial support through the sale within first two years, Caffe Nero will be able to capture 17-23% of the coffee shop industry in UK. The project has estimated that it will enjoy a 25 to 30% market share by the end of 2017. Market Analysis United Kingdom is going to be a new growing country of coffee drinkers as its coffee industry is one of the most competitive coffee industries in the world. The industry had done a business of around ?5.8 billion in the market which was an increment of 7.5% to the preceding year. The role of UK coffee industry is quite substantial in the overall economic growth of United Kingdom as the coffee chains support the strength of shopping malls as well as attract the customers towards other surrounding businesses. The UK coffee market consists of independent coffee outlets, branded chains, and non-specialized operators, making a combined total of about 15,723 coffee outlets in UK (companiesandmarkets.com). The competition is quite severe between different competitors especially Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero are the three leading chains in the industry. Costa Coffee is leading the industry having a market share of 40.4% while Starbucks stands two with a share of 30.7%. Caffe Nero has a market share of 14% and is facing great competition from the other two rivals. Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero have 1552, 757, and 530 outlets respectively and thus have more than 80% combined share of coffee market (Peach Report, July 2012). The competition is getting stronger day by day because the products are of similar nature; therefore, customers have numbers of choices to switch over from one brand or taste to the other. It is estimated tha t UK coffee market will exceed 20,000 outlets mark by the end of

RECONSTRUCTION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

RECONSTRUCTION - Essay Example ecause the radical Republicans did not agree with President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson on softer terms of bringing back the South to the Union. The Liberal Republicans were of the opinion that those whites who had not held onto the ideologies of the union should not have had their rights restored. It was still during the civil war that President Abraham Lincoln made plans to reconstruct the Union. The president first made sure that the union armies conquered the large sections of Tennessee and that this state was under the control of the national government. After this is when he moved to put his plan into action. From his second inaugural address, it was clear that Abraham Lincoln thought it better to approach the matter soberly and not punish the south. His plan focused on all including the South that had born the battle. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln appointed Andrew Johnson to govern the state of Tennessee to serve as a model state for the south. The president then asked the voters of Tennessee to at least have 10% of them taking an oath to uphold the constitution. When this oath was taken, all persons save for the highest officers in the confederate army would be pardoned for their contribution to the war. The rights of the citizens would also be restored except for the slaves. The president also required that the states that would be reconstructed to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment. This amendment abolished slavery. This, the president called it the ‘new birth of freedom.’ He was however worried that this would not be received well by the whites in the south. He was of the opinion that, just like the white people, the black people were American citizens (Murrin 463) Due to the differences in ideology between Lincoln and the congress, in July 1864, there was the first direct clash. The congress passed the Wade-Davis bill and adjourned shortly after passing the bill. For Lincoln to continue with his reconstruction plan, he vetoed it by failing to

Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Company - Assignment Example The company operates in countries that average 37 and employs 28,400 workers directly as of mid-2013. 65% of these are in Europe, 26% is based in Asia, while 95 is based in the Americas (Düblin 8). Most employees in Europe work in Germany, France, and Switzerland. Richemont reported revenues of â‚ ¬10.150 billion in 2013, which was up from â‚ ¬8.868 billion the previous year (Düblin 10). Some strengths of the company include its high position of 6th in the Swiss Market Index, being the 2nd largest luxury goods company, and its large employee base, while it also encompasses several world-renown luxury brands like Piaget and Cartier among others. Its biggest weakness is that it has limited presence in emerging economies. Richemont’s HR brand is one of the most respected in the world, especially with regards to its highly trained staff, highly competitive remuneration packages, and its family culture. The main responsibilities of their group HR function are to develop processes, establish policies, and offer strategic direction to constituent brands’ HR functions with regards to best practices in HR management (Düblin 22). The main clients for the group HR are its brand HR teams. The HR’s plans, strategies, and direction were influenced by the 2009 financial crisis, especially with regards to restrictions on recruitment. This led them to focus on effectiveness and quality, while also shifting their focus from an approach solely based on skills to one also based on personality with regards to ambition, attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to learn (Düblin 23). This was to ensure that employees could fit into the Richemont family culture. Fitting employees into this culture also requires that Richemont find a balance between locals and expats for its overseas offices. This also ensures that their HR function embraces diversity in their work culture. This fit into

Arnott's biscuit Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Arnott's biscuit Australia - Essay Example to a market analysis for South Africa and suggest a suitable expansion strategy for Arnott’s biscuits as it moves into the market, based on their operation al strategy and strengths. The proposed expansion should roll out in several stages; the first of these could be establishment of packaging and distribution facilities in the region with the original products exported to South Arica from company bakeries in Australia. This will allow them to continue with minimal risk of jeopardizing the quality or essence of their product while forming connections with the local industry and community and capturing a suitable market base before the product can be manufactured directly from sources in the region. Arnott’s is known for its strict policies on the standard of raw material they use and their efficient modern production facilities. For the first stage they will require physical assets in form of packaging and storage facilities; distribution and transport vehicles and a labor force which can be comprised mainly of unskilled workers. A well developed infrastructure would be one of their requirements to be provided by the governing and civil bodies. Otherwise Arnotts will not need any special resources (equipment or raw material) to start their expansion process in South Africa. In order to be fully aware of the any challenges or opportunities they will find during the implementation of the expansion strategy, organizations have to do in depth analysis of the region or country they are considering as a viable option. PESTL analysis is a macroeconomic tool which helps organizations in making strategic management decisions; these decisions should be made after considering the internal factors which are in play for the organization. A PESTL analysis and SWOT analysis of the organization are presented in the paper to show the feasibility of the expansion strategy for Arnott’s biscuits. South Africa is a multiparty parliamentary democracy in which constitutional

Fiscal Policy Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fiscal Policy Paper - Essay Example The huge deficits and debts the US is experiencing are attributable to the increased unbudgeted spending in diverse sectors that include Social security and insurance scheme for the disabled. The increased expenses in the sectors have made the nation face serious financial challenges due to the increasing deficits and debts with minimal surpluses (Whitehouse, 2010). The extreme economic conditions explain why the future social security and Medicare users should embrace themselves to challenging times ahead. Indeed, taxpayers in US that include Medicare and social security users have been feeling the pinch of the US economic situation. The increase in overspending has created an imbalance in the economy that in turn is leading to the utilization of the available resources in the sectors in financing other activities. The use of the resources has reduced the amount of money available to facilitate effective service delivery. The unfolding events have resulted in inferior service delivery in the sectors, lack of medical equipments in hospitals, unemployment, and reduced social cover (Whitehouse, 2010). In particular, the taxpayers no longer receive standardized services as before in a timely manner. The level of responsiveness to their issues is also worrying lately. Variably, the meltdown has forced job cuts in various institutions providing Medicare and social security services thereby compromising service delivery. Is because there is limited finance that can be used in sustaining qual ity service delivery as expected in the sectors. The surplus amount obtained can be used to support the ailing sectors in a bid to bridge the gap created by the deficit, as the government may deem necessary. The move can help in correcting the financial imbalance that may lead to the economic recession if not

Benjamin Marquez Essay Example for Free

Benjamin Marquez Essay Benjamin Marquez works to define identity as being beneficial but mostly keeps minorities in check socially, economically, and politically.   Mexican Americans created identities in response to this discrimination and economic deprivation by aligning with four organizations: The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA).   The Mexican-American organizations in this study are each seeking to advance its own concept of racial politics. The minority group status depicts exclusion based on race or culture and lower socioeconomic status; however, these are not the only defining features.   Historically, they represent the most continual points of conflict between Mexican and Anglo Americans.   The Racial discrimination had put Anglo Americans higher on the social ladder, not to mention skin color and being a majority.   To build on the disadvantages faced by Mexican Americans they battle poverty, low wages, and unemployment.   These concerns have been the basis of demands made by Mexican American activists for equal treatment before the law, nondiscrimination in hiring, access to higher education, and so son. The Author’s Thesis Benjamin Marquez argues that the political organizations formed are in response to social discrimination and economic deprivation.   The four organizations broken down in his novel, he asserts, have completely different procedures and plan to battle a common cause of suppression of Mexican American people. Data/Evidence Offered The author, Benjamin Marquez, uses in-person and telephone interview to reveal how each of the four political organizations operated.   The four political organizations focused on are The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA).   There are hundreds of Mexican American organizations but Marquez narrowed his selection down because all four mentioned are well known in southwestern political, have a long record of successful organizing, and are supported by a large membership base.   The four organizations chosen for this study are good examples of the regionally based organizations at work in Mexican-American communities.   Benjamin Marquez made trips to each of the network’s headquarters to examine each organization’s records and materials.   Unfort unately, a paper trail on each Mexican American organization was hard to come by because of a lack of record-keeping. Conclusion The argument Marquez gets across to his readers is that the reason for the hundreds of Mexican American organizations is to aid the uphill climb for Mexican Americans in the Anglo-dominated society; essentially, to counter racial discrimination that plagues the group from the beginning.   Marquez makes it certain that discrimination is still felt among Mexican Americans and continues to be a significant problem.   How these problems take shape in a political atmosphere is the focus of the book. The four political organizations the comprise the book are very different: The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA). While, within the organizations, there is at times political dissent the mission statement the members do not waiver from the mission statement.   TAMACC’s long-standing demand for equal opportunity is a declaration that they are the Anglos equal and are determined to prove it.   Still, the members make a point that they place important on the individual.   Their intention is to acquire property and build large business enterprises.   However, it is important to note, TAMACC activists are critics of racial, not economic, hierarchies.   Simply, they believe that Mexican Americans will prosper if the business world is purged of racism. SNEEJ is the only group in Marquez’s study to issue a fully challenging identity on race, class, and culture.   SNEEJ activists believe they have been exploited on a race, economic, and cultural level.   They know that respect and recognition will come through land claims, political autonomy, and control over natural resources.   In contrast, the Southwest IAF activists feel that bridging gaps between group boundaries will ultimately eliminate racism.   IAF use commonalities between people of different groups such as religion as a gap-filler, where both parties can connect.   Even poor racial minorities, if they really wanted to, could change political thought where they can get more recognition for their group.   For IAF, cooperation, reconciliation, and compromise are articles of faith (117).   Both groups, SNEEJ and Southwest IAF, see Mexican Americans as poor and deprived, organize in Mexican American neighborhoods, and strive for a better economic share of p ower and resources.   Yet, as noted, they have radically different premises, values, and goals. They all agree Mexican-American people face profound socioeconomic problems but disagree on the appropriate remedy. Summary Criticism An Issue that sparked an interest and had relevance to my life was the perception of migrants in a foreign country and the perception of returning migrants to their countries of origin (17).   The perception of migrants from two differing points of view is one that could be seen as discriminatory no matter how one looks at it.   I noticed examples of this in two separate sections of the book.   On page 17, Pà ©rez states migrants who have settled in a foreign country will experience discrimination, so will their children.   People on the mainland still consider American-born Puerto Ricans foreign.   So not only do parents feel alienated but so does the whole family. What is even more interesting is that first generation Americans from Puerto Rican families are not to identify as Puerto Rican (29).   Gina Pà ©rez makes it clear through her personal experience with residents in San Sebastian as they questioned her about her identity.   â€Å"Do you consider yourself Puerto Rican?† When she was taken by surprise at the question she was told, â€Å"That’s right, you are not Puerto Rican but of Puerto Rican descent† (29).   The reasoning behind this, I assume, is because when one lives their life outside their cultural scene, they no longer can fully identify with the day-to-day life in the state of origin.   They experience cultural mixing and now practice a blend of cultures; a hybrid culture. I can completely understand where this ideology comes from because I too have experienced similar encounters.   Since I am first generation born in the U.S., I overcame the same barriers.   My parents are from India.   The popular term used when referring to all people from India is Desi.   When I take summer trips to India, I know my identity as an Indian is questioned because I am so immersed in the American culture and more often, that not, I am referred to as ABCD (American-Born Confused Desi).   This is a term that implies that I am confused as to who I am and where I come from. A word I hear thrown around a little too much is progress.   What does progress mean to the people of the United States and what does it mean to other countries?   Gina Pà ©rez starts the second chapter off with the idea of progress that the people of Puerto Rico hold.   When she drove into Pepino she was informed that there was so much change and Pepino was finally progressing in the twenty-first century.   A familiar phrase she had heard in her field work three years ago. The change Pà ©rez was expecting does not seem to be there; at least, one that does not do justice to the word progress.   I guess most of us who have chosen to live in such a changing and progress-driven country have a different way of evaluating progress.   We do not see the small changes that make a big impact on the lives of people in different countries because most of the luxuries they strive for, we already hold.   Coming across this dialogue exchange in the book makes we wonder if the rest of the world is playing catch-up with the United States; or whether they are pushing modernization when there is still a need to battle poverty and non-employment. Some of the aspects that come with progress are not even favorable to the people of small towns in Puerto Rico but they still move forward with this idea because it symbolizes the island’s modernity.   Progress is marked by strip malls with mega stores, fast food chains, bigger roads and parking lots.   I believe that building infrastructures does not address the bigger issues of poverty and discrimination.   On top of that, I do not see a point in having a more material-based economy if the people cannot afford the prices.

Stem Cell Research Advantages and Disadvantages

Stem Cell Research Advantages and Disadvantages JOSHUA REED ‘Do the potential benefits of stem cell research outweigh the risks and negative ethical implications associated with it?’ 1.  INTRODUCTION Stem cell research is currently one of the biggest fields in modern day science. It has numerous benefits currently, and it is only the beginning. The possibilities are endless, but there are many ethical implications associated with it, as well as many risks. Do the potential benefits outweigh these risks and negative ethical implications? 2. OVERVIEW OF STEM CELLS 2.1  DEFINITION OF STEM CELLS Stem cells are unspecialised cells which are able to become any type of cell in the body. They have the ability to divide and renew themselves for very long periods before they are specialised. The process in which they are changed into a specific type of cell is called differentiation. They can become cells of the heart, bones, muscles, brain, blood, skin, or any other type of cell. There are different types and sources of stem cells, but they all have the ability to develop into different types of cells. 2.2  TYPES OF STEM CELLS 2.2.1  EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS Embryonic stem cells are cells found in embryos during the blastocyst stage. They are obtained from the eggs of an infertile couple, that are fertilised in vitro, rather than in the woman’s body. 2.2.2  ADULT STEM CELLS Adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, are found in certain tissue of fully developed humans. They can produce only certain types of cells. In the body they maintain and repair tissue. They can be found in bone marrow. They can also be found in the brain, skin, liver, skeletal muscle and in blood vessels, but in small amounts. 2.2.3  AMNIOTIC STEM CELLS Amniotic stem cells are found within the amniotic fluid. They are extremely active and can multiply without a food source. They have a limited number of cells into which they can form, but, unlike embryonic stem cells, they are unable to cause tumours. 2.2.4  INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEMS CELLS These stem cells are formed by genetically programming adult skin cells to become stem cells. (i) 2.3 HARVESTING OF STEM CELLS There are different procedures followed to collect and harvest the different types of stem cells from their different sources. Embryonic stems cells are found in embryos. Specifically, they are obtained from eggs cells from an infertile couple, that have been fertilised in vitro, rather than within the woman’s body. The embryo is in the stage of blastocyst when they are able to produce embryonic stem cells. Usually about 30 stem cells can be taken from the blastocyst. These cells are then grown in laboratories by a process known as cell culture. The inner cell mass of the cells are removed and placed into a laboratory culture dish that contains a broth or nutrient medium, off which the stem cells will survive. The dish is often coated in mouse embryonic skin cells, known as a feeder layer, which allows the human stem cells to have a sticky surface to which they can attach. They also release nutrients into the medium within the culture dish. The dish is stored at a suitable temperature and humidity level which allows the cells to divide. The cells divide and fill the dish over several days. They are then removed and placed into several new culture dishes. This is repeated numerous times over several months and is known as subculturing. After several months, millions of stem cells can be formed from the first 30. They are then frozen in batches and sent to other laboratories for further experimentation. Another type of stem cell harvest procedure is the removal of peripheral blood stem cells. Typically, the donor is given large doses of chemotherapy, which causes a lot of white blood cells to die. The bone marrow is then forced to try and replace it. There is not enough space in your bones for all the extra blood, so the bone marrow forces large amounts of stem cells into the blood where they are able to mature. The donor, if they do not require chemotherapy, could be given a white blood cell growth factor known as G-CSF, which has the same effect. If the donor is the same person as the patient, they will use both methods to increase the harvest. When the stem cells are being harvested, the donor has an IV in both arms. The one extracts blood which contains the stem cells. The stem cells are extracted from the blood, and the blood is returned to the donor through the other IV. This can be used in the treatment of leukaemia. In a study involving around 38000 people, people who received treatment showed an increase survival rate from 48 to 63 percent one year after treatment. (ii) 2.4 HOW STEM CELLS WORK Stem cells have the ability to become any type of cell in the body. They can be used in treating several types of diseases. Stem cells work by being a source of new cells to replace defective, damaged or diseased cells. Stem cells are unspecialised cells, which form into specialised cells during a process called differentiation. Internal as well as external signals can cause stem cell differentiation. Internal signals come from within the nucleus, while external signals are caused by things such as contact with chemicals or other cells, as well as the presence of certain things in the environment. Stem cells in culture dishes are stimulated to differentiate into differentiated cells by changing the culture broth or medium, as well as the coating of the dish. Genes are also inserted. The differentiated cells can then be used as they are needed, or used for experimental purposes. 2.5 BENEFITS OF STEM CELLS 2.5.1  USE OF STEM CELLS AT PRESENT TRANSPLANTING BONE MARROW TO TREAT LEUKAEMIA HEALING BURNS WITH SKIN GRAFTS REPLACING DAMAGED CELLS AND TREATING DISEASES TO STUDY THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANISMS AND DISEASES TESTING NEW MEDICAL TREATMENTS MAKING INSULIN FOR DIABETICS TO INJECT 2.5.2  USE OF STEM CELLS IN THE FUTURE TO TREAT THINGS SUCH AS: DIABETES PARKINSONS LIVER FAILURE HEART DAMAGE CANCER BRAIN DAMAGE DEAFNESS BLINDNESS HAIRLOSS MISSING TEETH INFERTILITY 2.6 ETHICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE USE OF STEM CELLS There are several ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells and their research. The biggest issue is the use of an embryo. Although the embryo is fertilised in vitro and come from willing couples, there are still issues regarding the debate of whether the embryo is human or not, and whether it has rights. Some people believe that human life begins at conception, or even before this, so the embryos are human and deserve rights and protection; while others believe that life begins when you are born, when your heart first beats, or a few months after development. Some groups see the use of embryos as a form of abortion. The debate depends on one’s own personal view as to whether the embryo is human or not. Another ethical issue many people have regards the use and creation of Human-Animal Chimeras. Chimeras are organisms that contain cells or tissues from multiple organisms. Some believe that it is ethically wrong to combine human and animal stem cells to form chimeras. They are separate organisms which should not be combined. Despite these issues, chimeras are important in forming actual therapeutic methods. Law prohibits the breeding of human-animal chimeras. The debate between preventing and reducing human suffering versus respecting the value of human life is another issue. Stem cells have the ability to cure numerous issues, and have the potential to prevent and treat several other things; but if embryonic stem cells are used, it can be seen as destroying one human life to save another. There are also several risks involved in stem cell research and use. It is relatively new, so the long term side effects of its use in humans is so far unknown, but they could be horrific. In tests done with rats, 20% that were injected with embryonic stem cells died of some form of tumour. (chem445stemcell, 2011) 3. MY PERSONAL VIEW Stem cell research is one of the most important fields of science in modern times. It is able to, and has the potential to cure numerous diseases, illnesses and problems found in humans. Despite this many people see it as unethical and full of risks. I believe that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and negative ethical implications associated with it. Stem cells are unspecialised cells which are able to become any type of cell in the body. They have many current uses, and they have the potential for numerous future uses. Scientists and doctors are able to do stem cell transplants from bone marrow to treat leukaemia. Thousands of patients over the globe have successfully received this treatment which has prolonged their lives. Stem cells are also able to heal burns through skin grafts, as well as replace damaged cells and treat diseases. Stem cells allow scientists to study the growth and development patterns of both organisms and diseases, as well as provide new ways of treating the diseases. Another important feature of stem cells is their use in the production of insulin for diabetics. The insulin produced is indistinguishable from human insulin. It is not only the current uses of stem cells that are important, but also the potential that they have. Scientists are experimenting and finding ways to use stem cells to cure diseases that were once seen as incurable, such as diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. They believe that they can find ways to cure liver failure, heart damage, cancer, brain damage, deafness, blindness, hair loss, missing teeth, and even infertility. Scientist believe that they will be able to use a patient’s own stem cells to grow new organs for transplant, which would be guaranteed to not be rejected. The possibilities are endless. Despite their potential, stem cells raise many ethical issues, and have many risks that surround them. The use of an embryo is questioned by many people. It is believed by many that human life begins at conception, or even before this. They believe that the use of an embryo is a form of abortion, or an exploitation of their human rights. Others believe that life only begins later in pregnancy, or at birth, so they disagree with this viewpoint. The embryos are donated willingly by couples, and are fertilised in vitro. Another issue that people have is that human tissue is combined with animal tissue to form chimeras. They are separate organisms and should not be combined to create new creatures. Additional, there is an ethical issue raised on the debate between preventing and reducing human suffering versus respecting the value of human life. Stem cells have the ability to cure numerous issues, and have the potential to prevent and treat several other things; but if embryonic stem cells are used, it can be seen as destroying one human life to save another. Some of the risks involved in stem cell research and use include that it is relatively new, so the long term side effects of its use in humans is so far unknown, but they could be horrific. In tests done with rats, 20% that were injected with embryonic stem cells died of some form of tumour. There are numerous ethical issues raised through stem cell research, but the potential that it has in curing and preventing diseases and issues in humans greatly outweighs them. Scientists must continue researching stem cells, and finding exciting ways in which they can be used. 4. EVALUATION AS TO WHAT INFLUENCED MY DECISION I visited numerous sources with different viewpoints to allow myself to make an informed decision as to where I stand regarding stem cell research. Regarding the use of embryonic stem cells, I believe that human life begins at conception, but the fact that the couples who donate the embryos are sterile and already have children, and that the embryos are fertilised in vitro, influenced me to believe that the use of embryonic stem cells is acceptable. In 2005, guidelines regarding the use of embryonic stem cells were laid. They urge scientists to work ethically, responsibly and sensitive in their work. They are not laws, yet they still lay the basis on which most laboratories work. There is more than one source of stem cells, so not all stem cell related topics are surrounded by numerous ethical issues. The numerous benefits and the potential that stem cells have also influenced my decision into supporting the study and research of stem cells. Stem cell research has the potential to save thousands of lives, and through research scientists will be able to discover and test the ways in which they can be used. 5. CONCLUSION Although there are many ethical issues surrounding the use of them cells, the potential benefits of their research greatly outweighs these issues. They have the potential to save the lives of those who thought they were unsaveable, as well as treat the untreatable. Through the right research and funding, the possibilities regarding stem cell research are endless. 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES REFERENCES Manda, D. A. (2014). Stem Cell Types. Retrieved from News Medical: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Types.aspx [23-02-2014] Institute, R. P. (2013, May 28). Significantly improved survival rates for stem cell transplant recipients. Retrieved from ScienceDaily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130528180857.htm [05-03-2014] chem445stemcell. (2011). Risks and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from Stem Cell Research: http://chem445stemcell.webs.com/risksanddisadvantages.htm [10-03-2014] BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS: Goldstein, L Schneider, M. 2010. Stem Cells for Dummies. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley Publishing Inc. WEBSITES: Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.What are Stem Cells? [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Stem-Cells.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Properties. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Properties.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.What are Embryonic Stem Cells? [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Embryonic-Stem-Cells.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Lineage. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Lineage.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Dr Ananya Mandal. 2014.Stem Cell Controversy. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Stem-Cell-Controversy.aspx. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Jon Entine. 11 March 2013. Should the government loosen ethical oversight of stem cell research? Genetic Literacy Project. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2013/03/11/should-the-government-loosen-ethical-oversight-of-stem-cell-research/#.UvNVv_mSwSk [Accessed 02 March 2014] Kristina Hug  23 Mar 2011.Embryonic stem cell research: an ethical dilemma | Europes stem cell hub | EuroStemCell. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/embryonic-stem-cell-research-ethical-dilemma. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Lawrence S.B. Goldstein  and  Meg Schneider. 2014.Explore Current Stem Cell Treatments For Dummies. [ONLINE] Available at:  http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/explore-current-stem-cell-treatments.html. [Accessed 10 March 2014]. Stem Cells for Blood Transfusion? 2014.Stem Cells for Blood Transfusion? [ONLINE] Available at:  http://www.stemcellsforblood.org/useinfuture.htm. [Accessed 10 March 2014]. Stem cell harvest. 2014.Stem cell harvest. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nhlcyberfamily.org/treatments/collection.htm. [Accessed 08 March 2014]. Stem Cell Transplant | Mind Even More. 2012.Stem Cell Transplant | Mind Even More. [ONLINE] Available at:  http://mindevenmore.com/?page_id=22. [Accessed 02 March 2014]. Wikipedia contributors. Stem cell therapy. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 27 February 2014, Available at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stem_cell_therapyoldid=597353183. [Accessed 02 March 2014].