make or buy decision Essay

Introduction The debate to buy or make has taken many dimensions, with wit economists, citizens, politicians, and businesses pulling the debate to suit their intentions. When the public is dependent on the rational consumption process amid constraints, the politician is obligated to safeguard the interests of their representatives. In the same breath, the concerns of economists and academicians are overinforming on the implications of each action and businesses have a moral responsibility to remain afloat. The decision to buy or make to some extent is obvious as no company would survive by making all what it uses in its operations and complete buying of the company’s products may make the company lose identity. To some extent, this is true but on the flipside, the decision to buy or make can be a tough managerial dilemma. The buy or make decision is centered on issues that may be situational or strategic. Issues that influence this decision are competitive advantage, flexibility in the fac e of technological changes, and potential coordination inefficiencies. Small firms may not have choices when called upon to produce through a manufacturing plant whose laying down would require a substantial capital. It is common knowledge that firms remain afloat by engaging continuously in decisions that ensure profitability and outsourcing has over the years given small firms competitive advantages in the manufacturing sector. Established firms have internalized and perfected their production schedules and regimes and efficiency of their production schedules gives them the competitive advantage. How to Make Choices Making this choice as Fine and Whitney (2002. p.25) posit is based on the restrictions unique to every firm. The product itself determines how the firm goes round it to make it happen; it is an undertaking that relates to the skill set required to make the product, manufacturing issues, and designing issues. To make it happen, each firm relies on its unique characteristics that determine its competitiveness. The engineering process and management commitment toward a product ought to be harmonized for the prosperity of the company. Because of this, a company must understand its core competencies, the product development process, the engineering process and systems, its architecture, supply chain modalities and other relevant characteristics (Fine and Whitney 2002 p.1). Taking the example of an automobile industry, varying degrees of outsourcing is apparent. The two big players in US markets GM and Chrysler are the ideal examples of this diversity. GM buys over 70% of its products whereas Chrysler buys only 30% (Fine and Whitney 2002, p.3). This disparity, to some extent, could be attributable to strategic, but also due to GM’s contractual obligations to UAW and the fast-growing corporate changes (Fine and Whitney 1996, p.5). While cost may look like it is the underlying factor, but as Harvard research group posits if this decision to buy or to make is given a one dimension of cost it may be a bad idea as strategic business concerns for example supply chain and keeping up with customer demands could overshadow the gains in cost cutting if they are not favorable (HRG, 2005: 3). To-buy decision, according to Chan et al. (2006, p.98) can prove costly due to the high turnover of experts in the field and costs related to training and retraining of these experts to remain relevant to the rapidly changing IT sector. Cost-cutting alone would not be reflective of strategic decision as Leiblein et al. (2002)posit that companies that have some capital intensive production phases may adopt buying option on grounds that changes to the production needs may require further capital outlay and this would threaten the firm’s profitability (817). On this basis, firms are seen to have more flexible production capacities that customer reviews can incorporate in phases and not necessarily continuing to sell the product as it was originally produced. The decision to buy also comes with the disincentive of developing further the company’s capabilities as it limits the scope of imagination and self-sustenance due to the contracted firm dependence. Some buy-options ha ve in some ways weakened competitive edge of firms, as its buying option could be a competitor and quality can only be close to what the product was intended to be (Leiblein et al. 2002, p.818). Advantages of buying It this backdrop, this study looks into the merits of buying at the expense of making. Flexibility tops the list, as cost cutting cannot be particularly observed by the buying company. Flexibility in terms of production changes and technological alterations to incorporate features that were previously not present increases customer needs responsiveness. For manufacturing designs and products that require reengineering, buying makes more sense for firms that have small capital outlay. Some firms require adopting services different from what they currently pursue, which may demand the employment of specialized skills. Through buying, firms do not have to hire such services as the services can be offered from outside the firm. Firms can supplement their skill set without overstretching their social security obligations and other employment limitations (Ordoobadi 2005, p.1). Production and manufacturing plants come with risks as regards safety of machines and chemicals that characterize production plants. Through outsourcing manufactured goods, a company can escape the possibility of such an occurrence. A key reason why many companies go into buying option is to reduce their factor inputs in terms of labor and capital, which in return reduces the potential of increased capital risks and the possibility for increased ability to use innovative and up-to-date developments without paying large amounts of outlay. Firms that opt to buy have the incentive of focusing on their strengths and core business (Ordoobadi 2005. p.1). Disadvantages of Buying at the Expense of Making When firms make their products, there is the application and use of quality control within the production process. Firms can change the production design halfway and can alter the perceived flaws to fit their intended prototype. In the case of outsourcing, firms contract out their production process and have no control over the other firm’s production plant and hence cannot change the process midway or change design. In case of a changing design, the contracting-out- firm is likely to pay more, which was the reason for opting to buy. When making product, firms can keep up with supply fluctuations without having to put up with contractual rigidity of outsourcing. In this regard, a firm whose demand suddenly surges is bound to experience problems, as the making firm capacity may not handle its production. Such issues arise and can threaten not only the profitability of the firm but its customer base satisfaction, which may affect long-term projects of the firm. When competitors outsource from the same firm, problems are bound to arise as regards supply capabilities and any sleight hand may lead to reduced competitive edge that was sought initially. Notably, outsourcing can be a disincentive to the morale of employees as they may feel that they are used within their capabilities. For instance, a trained structural engineer contracted by the company outsourcing designs may make them feel underutilized. The process of continual contracting out may make such skills underutilized and underdeveloped. Some firms may never experience their optimal capacities when buying skills that can be developed locally (Ordoobadi, 2005. p.1). It is at this backdrop that the decision to buy or make can neither be straightforward nor structured, but must be critically evaluated, consultative, and well scrutinized so that the best can be achieved in a company. The Decision-Making Process The pioneer of this debate proposed one of the oldest methods of making this decision. The Transaction Method proposed by Coase in 1937. As it was observed in IBM stance on outsourcing IT products, IBM is motivated by the desire to increase revenues against the wave of the quest for flexibility, modularity and the needs of the customer (IBM 2005 p.2). All these factors may or may not fit in the transaction method (Nikolakakos and Georgopoulos 2001, p.161). An attempt to consider cost incurred by the company to buy that would otherwise have not been spent had the firm made its products requires an even greater evaluation and a time factor that may not be at the firm’s disposal. Consequently, the firm must consider its identity and core properties and mission. A company whose mission is to become a market leader in its line of specialization may consider having its production schedules within its business model as buying may expose its unique competitive and product advantage (M erl and Husa 2006 p.17). The Problem of Misalignment Bidwell (2009) took alignment concerns among contracting-out-firms and observed that firms require a balanced approach to multiple goals to achieve alignment to its core business and the nature of this decision is multilevel and unsubstantiated in most firms. Consequently, contracting out can cause a lapse of any of this decisions and as a result problems of uncoordinated functions may arise to hurt the firms independence (5). In purpose, Bidwell (2009) posits that structural components inherent to the firm and decision to outsource or not go hand in hand (12). Things to Consider In Decision-Making If a firm chooses to contract out, three aspects come into the play: whether there are possibilities of easy exit, or entry if consumer preferences change; the probability that customer responsiveness can be enhanced as feedback is acquired from consumers; and the chances that the relationship is bound to lead to improve relations and not foiled and endurance rather than mutual and loyal working progress (Preker et al. 2000. p.779). Consequently, buying is considered a continuum that ought to have benefits and rarely sacrifices (Sena and Sena, 2010. p.41). Minh (2011.p.647) looks into the Analytic hierarchy Process AHP while modeling relations of buy or make for Japanese automobile that is dominated by buy options and identifies that this continuum requires that firms to focus on specialized core business areas and not aim to control production model. For example, Toyota buys about two thirds of its products and its unique profitability and growth plan is unmatched. Taylor looks at the economists’ view of contracting out especially overseas as seen in evident in IBM. The economy looses the potential to employ its populace when business operations are moved to low-cost production areas, for example, India and China. This premise is countered by the fact that these businesses are morally obligated to ensure sustenance and their collapse would spell doom to the same economy. Furthermore, as this firms move abroad, notably IBM stance to move abroad, they are able to use the advantage attained to offer lower costs for consumers (IBM 2005. p.371). Mohamed et al. (2009 p.144) presents a similar outlook to that of Walker and Weber (1984. p.373) regarding choices. Although they differ on reasons for decisions, they pose that firms require understanding choices available to them and tradeoffs regarding decisions influence on long-term and short term company objectives. Walker and Weber opine that decisions about transactions today are governed by the uncertainty associated with decision and uniqueness or specifity; hence, high-specialized goods may better be bought than made. Concerning manufacturing firms they have â€Å"technologically constrained systems, with inherent limitations in equipment, space, process technology, and other resources such as labor and capital. All of these limitations make trade-offs in the decision-making process inevitable.† The key difference between firms buying and those making is in their individual and unique capabilities. Some firms after trade off are forced to use the focused factory with objectives ranked on priority basis and dealt with in the same order (Dabhilkar 2011. p.60). IBM uses the focused system with priority being to enhance flexibility of their product designs. Based on the nature of technology p roducts and consistency of its competitive priorities, its decisions are warranted. However, just like Dell their persistent use of buy-option makes their products lack the appeal that brands like Apple command. The Consequences of Decisions Even with modularity playing a pivotal role in IBM’s decision to consistently buy Arya et al. (2013. p.24), have reservations over such decisions. They argue that the transaction costs lack the accuracy, and the decision to buy or make may be based on a false premise. The difficulty is when computing in-house production estimates with those of external buyers are offering ( IBM 2013 p.24). Consequently, McIvor and Humphreys (2000. p.306) devised a five-stage decision process. In manufacturing decisions, the first stage incorporates the identification of options and categories related to the firm’s performance. In this stage, IBM poses that setting a plant would enhance the appeal of their core business, yet at a cost higher than its projected growths. Step two involves a detailed analysis of the firm’s abilities. The limitation of keeping up with technology boom becomes a headache that ought to be eliminated in their books. What follows is the comparison stage be tween available options, and in this case, IBM figures that only rigorous training is avoided, as its producers require that its IT department remain updated with current technology. It also figures that it saves on flexibility and customer responsiveness better by simple design alterations, and not plant overhaul, as would be the case had they decided to make. Just like Japanese companies that focus on their strengths, IBM does study suppliers to level that it strategically aligns itself with firms that complements its weaknesses. In short, step one is about defining company motive and objectives, step two evaluates options against the fulfillment of goals, step three analyzes the evaluated options on merit and strategic purpose with costs and suitability concerns, and lastly selection (Bajec and Jakomin 2010 p.288). A follow-up of these procedures as posed by Klein (2005:441) ensures that misalignment and mal-adaptation of methods are avoided at an earlier stage. This method of evolution assumes that firms are aware of their business environment, which is not usually the case as some firms thrive on the basis that their competitors are ineffective. IBM may be buying over two thirds of its product components to enhance its chances of profitability, but firms its age have larger asset bases owing to their ability to have and maintain production plants unlike it, which focuses on the rapidly changing designs to respond to a market, which compromises customer loyalty eventually. Evidently, firms with production plants take time to develop and research a product well before production since they realize that the cost associated with mid production changes to the plants design unlike firms that buy and can rely on changing products midway to respond to customer reviews. Conclusion In this regard, firms are compelled to make, and in doing so, they must ensure that they consider all the drivers of their markets and products. A blind look at technology change may overshadow the less urgent concern of long-term ambitions, the core business concerns, and capabilities, and participatory decision with stakeholders to ensure that decision achieves flexibility, modularity and gives the firm a competitive edge or strategic gain over an otherwise decision. The decision to buy or make rests on the management of each firm upon careful consideration of all the factors including costs, flexibility, technology, long-term ambitions, core business and competencies and relative advantage of the decision over the foregone. Reference List Arya, A., Mittendorf, B., & Yoon D.H., 2013. Revisiting the make-or-buy decision: Conveying information by outsourcing to rivals. The Accounting Review, pp.1-37. Bajec, P., & Jakomin, I., 2010. A Make-or-buy Decision Process for Outsourcing† PROMET-Traffic&Transportation, 22(4), pp.285-291. Bidwell, M., 2010. Problems deciding: How the structure of make-or-buy decisions leads to transaction misalignment. Organization Science, 21(2), pp.362-379. Chan, PS., Pollard, D., & Park, S., 2011. IT Outsourcing: Strategic implications. Review of Business Information Systems (RBIS), 10(1), pp.97-104. Dabhilkar, M., 2011. Trade-offs in make-buy decisions. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 17(3), pp.158-166. Fine, CH., & Whitney, D.E., 2002. Is the make-buy decision process a core competence?† MIT Center for Technology, Policy, and Industrial Development, pp.1-31. HRG. 2005. HRG Insight: Making Successful Sourcing Decisions. [Online] Available at: http://www.hrgresearch.com/ pdf/HRG%20Sourcing%20Paper%20Final.pdf. [Accessed 26 Oct. 2013]. IBM. 2005. Aligning relationships: Optimizing the value of strategic outsourcing. [Online] Available at: http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/so/pdf/aligning_relationships.pdf. [Accessed 26 Oct. 2013]. Leiblein, MJ., Reuer, JJ., & Dalsace, F., 2002. Do make or buy decisions matter? The influence of organizational governance on technological performance. Strategic management journal, 23(9), pp.817-833. McIvor, R.T., & Humphreys, P.K., 2000. A case-based reasoning approach to the make or buy decision. Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 11(5), pp. 295-310. Merl, A., & Husa, M., 2006. Make or Buy decision: Outsourcing-A successful method to reduce costs in business processes of international companies? Munich: GRIN Verlag. Minh, N.D., 2011. Empirical make-or-buy decision making model in the Japanese Automobile industry, S. Jain, R.R. Creasey, J. Himmelspach, K.P. White, and M. Fu, eds, 2011 Winter Simulation Conference. pp. 6 47-658. Mohamed, Z.A., Abdullah, H.H., Othman, R., & Uli, J., 2009. Make or Buy Strategy and Origin of Sourcing Materials and Their Relationship with Firm Performance† International Review of Business Research Papers, 5(3), pp. 142-155. Nikolarakos, C & Georgopoulos, N 2001. Sourcing: Issues to be considered for the make-or-buy decisionsl. Operational Research, 1(2), pp. 161-179. Ordoobadi, S., 2005. Development of a decision model for strategic outsourcing. Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 5(2), pp.7-24. Preker, AS, Harding, A., & Travis, P., 2000. Make or buy decisions in the production of health care goods and services: new insights from institutional economics and organizational theory. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 78(6), pp.779-790. Sena, M., & Sena, J., 2011. Make or Buy: A comparative assessment of organizations that develop software internally versus those that purchase software. Journal of Information Systems Applied Research, 4(2), pp.38-52. Taylor, T., 2005. In defense of outsourcing. Cato journal, 25(5), pp.367-377. Walker, G & Weber, D 1998. A transaction cost approach to make-or-buy decisions† Administrative science quarterly, pp.373-391.

Jose Rizal and his Nationalism Essay

Jose Rizal was idealistic, who wants to free his countrymen from ignorance, exploitation and discrimination. With the use of his works and writings especially his novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, he reveals to his people their experiences and sufferings, sufferings which he brought to light in an effort to awaken his countrymen to the truths that had long remained unspoken, although not totally unheard of. He showed to his people their sufferings friars and civil authorities, how the friars whom were guilty of bribery and corruption had made of the Catholic religion an instrument of domination and had prostituted it with exterior practices which foster the appearance of worship. The friars also enriched themselves not only by exhorting excessive fees for church services, but also by unjust acquisition of land estates. They made themselves feared by civil officials. They enjoy priorities over high government officials whose tenure of office they can control. The government itself sees nothing, hears nothing, and decides nothing except what the parish priests makes it see, hear, and decide. And the civil guards do not protect the citizens like they supposed to but protect the interests of the friars and the Spaniards only. The priests controlled also the acts of the ignorant natives and threatened the indios’ heads with excommunication for the slightest sign of disrespect and disobedience. Many Filipinos had become victims of human indignities. They were deprived of their right. They had no right to question authority – they were born only to serve. But Rizal did not put the blame entirely on the religious and civil authorities; he also honestly showed the weaknesses and defects of the Filipinos. The people themselves, by their timidity, fear, and cowardice had shackled their minds and debased their souls. Contaminated by the airs of superiority of the Spaniards, despise their own countrymen and make themselves ridiculous with their pretensions at false imitation. Rizal criticized this, the unspoken embarrassments of the natives for their own ancestry, and aspires to become a Spaniard to leave behind any trace of Filipino in them and then boasts to everyone. With that they gradually allowed the Spaniards to enslave them. As Rizal often said, â€Å"there are no tyrants where there are no slaves†. And that Rizal wanted to vindicate his race from the insults and prejudices upon the Filipinos, and that his people were not an anthropoid race, as the Spaniard asserted. Although Filipinos have some vices and defects, the same with other people in the world, they are not those which the Spanish writers attribute them – that there is no stimulus to worth or to merit. On the contrary, when Filipinos rise above heap they are ridiculed and made the object of mockery unless they serve the friars. Many Filipinos are persecuted in false conspiracies or exiled from their towns for standing up for their rights. Rizal wanted to bring back the pride in Filipino ancestors, a necessary component in the formation of national consciousness, and answer criticisms against Filipinos and their culture. He disproved the Spaniards and showed that the past of the Philippines already had a developed culture. Rizal in all effort tried to convince the Spanish government that there was an urgent need for reforms in the society in the government, and in the Catholic church of the Philippines. And that violence is not the preferred solution and it should come about peacefully and sensibly and that one great solution is education. He tried to show that there was no rebellion or revolution in the Philippines, but there would be, if the abuses and excesses of the friars and the administration push the Filipinos to their limit.

The NYU scholarship on public health graduate program

I am pleased to apply for the NYU scholarship on public health graduate program. Since learning is a continuous lifetime process, I always wanted to gain knowledge of something innovative that will make me a better, rational and worthy person.To complement with the dynamic changes of society and provide the high-end demands of daily life, every individual who thirsts for knowledge of information needs further studies in order to sustain such changes and demands. I deem that I will learn about the world’s philosophies and applications in adaptation of its very nature and its elements in connection to International Business and Management geared towards health care.My career objectives in taking up advance study in this field are to become a competent and knowledgeable person when it comes to governance and to learn more for the purpose of service. With the learning experiences that I will acquire in the University, I will be able to materialize all my intentions in serving othe r people especially those who are in need.I believe that my training and experiences have prepared me for this kind of task since I consider myself result-oriented with a strong entrepreneurship background. My passion for healthcare management has led me towards the publication of a self-motivational weight-loss book called, â€Å"Kimchi Diet.†Together with these skills, I have further honed my knowledge in the area of driving business process, qualitative and quantitative market research and customer service improvements. As a Hospital Strategic Planner, I have achieved significant results related to promoting the growth of the group to where I belong, developing innovative curriculum for effective new staff training thereby increasing overall client volume.In the same vein, I have incorporated my skills in designing and implementing E-commerce sites and web portals in HR communication when I worked at The Gillette Company in Boston Massachusetts. While there, I developed Co ntent Management System for various web projects within the company.I am positive that the innate leadership and powerful drive for service within me will be developed while I am in the institution. I bequeath my humblest leadership, dedication and school spirit for the quest of knowledge. With the acquired knowledge I will have, I am certain to elevate and make better changes in human life not only in the campus but in the community where I belong and intend to serve. My optimism will help bring understanding and wisdom to the all people who need my assistance and service.I want to extend my help to other students in integrating their interests in global, regional and current issues. Through my own dealings of life over the years and a handful of experiences in and out of the four-corners of the classroom, I have grown to be a more responsible and mature person.Indeed, acquiring training in Public Heath Graduate Program will be the first step that I need to take to be able to accom plish my goals. I believe this program will help eager and zealous students like me with its curriculum possessing local and international focus and commitment for excellence. The program is what I need to develop a fuller understanding about the dynamic nature of public health.

The British Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

The British Economy - Essay Example Eichengreen, B. (1995) stated that Britain's sterling devaluations in 1949 were a continuation of the effect of World War-II. After the war both Britain and Germany imposed exchange control. In 1949 Britain joined the NATO1, when it was a founding member of the UN. The most important significance of the year in world politics was rise of the CPG2 in China. Chinese Communist Leader Mao Zedong and Soviet President Joseph Stalin signed a Sino-Soviet Treaty that endow with economic and military aid from the Soviet Union to the new state of communist. Simultaneously the Chinese Nationalists established a new regime in the island of Taiwan after defeated on mainland by the military forces of Communists. Britain was concerned in this region foe colonial economic interest with Hong Kong. 3 Clement, P. (2006) mentioned that the Labour Government was in the power at the period of devaluations in 1949 and endorsed a political agenda entrenched in collectivism such as nationalisation of industries and state tracked economy. Both wars had learnt the lesson of the potential benefits of greater state attachment. The post war economy emphasise the future direction and was by the Conservatives. Nevertheless, the initiatives of nationalisation were not successes due to lack of more degree of understandings the economic management emerged. The economy practiced theories of Keynes and sustained state involvement such as state direction rather than state ownership. Reason of 1949 Devaluation Kaplan, J. J. and Schleiminger, G. (1989) added that both the world wars had serious effect on the British Empire. The Indian independence in 1947 has introduced decolonisation and the wave of independence followed in many countries of the British Empire. Colonies helped the British Empire in the wars with commitment of independence. British power was failed to resist the tide of independence that began within the Labour Government4 and sustained up to the Conservatives.5 With the exclusion of Suez Crisis, the Conservative government introduced a central feature of foreign policy expression with wind of change. Raghuram, G. R. and Zingales, L., (2003) and Schenk, C. R., (1994) agued that the breakdown of Empire, war expenditures and the material losses incurred in the both world wars had seriously injured the Britain economy. The prime effect was that British long-established markets were altering as Commonwealth states and finished mutual trade measures with regional countries other then Britain. Secondly the preliminary growths made by Britain in the world economy were relatively turn down to repairing some of countries infrastructure was gravely damaged in war. As well as they reclaimed a stake in world markets.6 Thirdly the British economy had shifted its structure to a service sector economy other then its industrial origins that caused some regions economically depressed. Finally part of political consensus supported

Hr Case Study Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hr Case Study - Coursework Example To begin with, there are mainly three types of training program development theories such as identical elements, stimulus generalization, and cognitive theory each of which emphasizes on specific areas. Therefore, it is advisable for the Backwoods to follow most appropriate theories by taking the most attention needed areas into account. Previously, it was identified that effective delivery of customers’ orders is the main objective of the proposed training program. As discussed earlier, employees in the customer orders division need adequate technical skills because they are to deal with customer calls through a computer network system. The identical elements theory suggests that â€Å"training environment is identical to work environment† (Table 5.1). Under predictable and stable work environment features, this strategy works efficiently. It is obvious that the work performed by customer order division is predictable and of stable nature. Since there are no chances fo r future changes in work nature, the organization can effectively train its employees once this method gets implemented. Therefore, it is advisable for the Backwoods Company to follow identical elements theory to improve the technical efficiency of customer order department.

Darwin's Dangerous Idea Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Darwin's Dangerous Idea Discussion - Essay Example Darwin’s evolution theory paved way for the science technology to adopt new approaches to evaluate his ideas. The close match between the human DNA and the DNA of the chimps is a scientific finding that was originally approached as an idea by Darwin. In this sense, Darwin was ahead of his time. Nevertheless, I am skeptical of the idea that things really evolve into something different. I identify the change in the HUV gene with the introduction of medicine in the patient with adaptation rather than evolution since evolution has to induce permanent changes to differ from adaptation. Overall, the video was very informative and educative. I agree that survival in the ever changing environment necessitates evolution for things with DNA. Even human beings have seen this evolution in terms of the variety of races, and features. Likewise, different varieties of the same animal living in different conditions suggest that the bodies have evolved so as to adjust to their environments. For example, same animals in the colder regions are furry whereas those in the warmer areas are not. However, I differ with you on your consideration of the theories of Darwin about the relationship of all living this leading up to this breakthrough as original and unmatched; nearly 50 years before him, Jean-Baptist Lamarck who was a French naturalist had already proposed the idea of occurrence of evolution and had proceeded it according to the laws of nature. Nevertheless, I do acknowledge that his proposal of the natural selection’s idea as a means of working for the evolution was original. Yes, the scientists over the passage of time did feel empowered by Darwin’s theory since it suggested something so inherently attractive to science with complete obliviousness, if not refutation, to what is beyond the reach of the scientific eye. You have captured Darwin’s nervousness and the underlying reasons for it

Preliminary Investigations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Preliminary Investigations - Assignment Example His arrest however, provides a good platform in assessing the preliminary protocols in the U.S criminal justice system. The first consideration relates to the facts behind Johnson’s arrest that according to the charges that the ABC officers relied on. The incident leading to the arrest of Johnson started when he was denied entry into a bar the day that marked St. Patrick’s celebrations (Yarn and Ford,  2015). Johnson, currently aged twenty years falls under the U.’S legal drinking age of twenty one years that is equally upheld in the state of Virginia. The National Minim Drinking Age Act of 1984 sets the drinking standards within the U.S as for individuals above the age of twenty-one years through either public possession or purchase. The allegations against Johnson indicate that during his time of arrest, he was intoxicated and equally resisted arrest. The arrest of Johnson falls under two counts, first, he contravenes the 1984 Act of minimum age drinking and secondly, he obstructs justice. The second aspect under consideration relates to the actions taken by the investigating officers where Johnson was taken to custody for further questioning and assessment as to his level of intoxication (Yarn and Ford,  2015). Further actions relates to inquiring information from both the offender and the bar operators where the incident begun once Johnson was held back. From the information provided, those who turned Johnson back argue on the basis of his age while Johnson through his attorney present a different story. After the investigations, the requirement of every suspect is to adhere to the next step in the criminal justice system. Failure of sufficient evidence linking the suspect with the crimes may cause a stop to the case. Consequently, the suspect may be detained where he fails to adhere to the requirements of the criminal justice

Creating A Social Program Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Creating A Social Program - Coursework Example The causes of Fibromyalgia are not clear, but it is clear that it is a disorder with a number of possible causes. It seems sufferers have all experienced stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, repetitive injuries, illness, and certain diseases that can accompany the discomfort. These may include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitus (spinal arthritis) (National Institute of Health 2007). Scientists believe there maybe a genetic factor involved in the disorder and women who have a family member with the disorder are more likely to have it themselves. Researchers once believed the debilitating pain reported by Fibromyalgia sufferers was the result of the accompanying depression they experience, however, recent brain scan research has shown an increase in blood flow to the areas of the brain that detect pain intensity (Anderson 2008). Common limitations of patients suffering from Fibromyalgia include exertion and mobility limitatio ns (pushing, pulling, lifting, etc.), extremely reduced energy and stamina levels, cognitive deficits, and the need for a restricted environment due to sensitivities to cold, light, noise and changes in air pressure (Contreras 2003). Fibromyalgia can be very difficult to diagnose and presently there are no specific tests that can be used to determine a clear diagnosis. For this reason, some patients may require several doctor visits and tests to be performed prior to receiving a correct diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology currently presents the standards for diagnosing Fibromyalgia after other factors have been ruled out. This diagnostic standard includes checking for a certain number (11-18) of tender points on the patients body. Because the complaints and symptoms of Fibromyalgia can be vague and vary between patients, physicians tend to put patients through repeated evaluations prior to diagnosis (Elrod 1997). This extensive diagnostic

CORPORATE OWNERSHIP, GOALS, and GOVERNANCE Research Paper

CORPORATE OWNERSHIP, GOALS, and GOVERNANCE - Research Paper Example Blair looks at the rights of owners and concludes that shareholders do not have sufficient rights to be called the corporate owners. The article details the rights that owners have such as the right to acquire and dispose off assets and a right to get profits generated by the asset and its sale. The article claims that shareholders do not possess all these rights instead it is distributed to various stakeholders. The article argues that since these rights are not possessed by shareholders, it cannot be said that they are the owners of companies. The author also says that calling shareholders the owners of companies cannot guarantee them the rights of owners. However, the author in conclusion advocates for not distributing these rights because they may discourage investment. The distribution of rights between the shareholders and managers is also discussed. The shareholders, given that they contribute capital, have a right to elect the directors. Directors are the ones who make invest ment decisions on behalf of the shareholders. The shareholders do not possess the ultimate right to control the decision making of managers. The author says that this is because in large corporations the shareholders may be so many that even the managers may not know some of them. Shareholders also have limited liability and so cannot be responsible for the debts of firms. This author says this denies them the ultimate right to say that they are the owners of the firms. To support his argument, the author looks at how corporations create wealth. She says that wealth creation in a firm is not just because of the share capital of shareholders, but other stakeholders such as customers, employees and suppliers also make special investment contributions that are important to the company. The authors say that all stakeholders in the firm are investors. She gives an example of employees who dedicate their time and human resource to serve the firm. Even though they are compensated, they nee d to be recognized in the ownership of the firm. In conclusion the article discourages the view of looking at ownership of firms in terms of assets invested. It argues that the employees also create wealth for firms and their contribution must be respected. The article puts up a strong defense for inclusion of other parties, especially the employees in the ownership of firms. This view is good, but it fails to state what level of ownership can these stakeholders posses. Inclusion of employees as owners of firms just by virtue that they help in wealth creation would present a complex scenario in the ownership and management of firms. The only recommendation would be that the employees should be encouraged to buy shares in the firm so that they can be part of owners. â€Å"Corporate Ownership and Governance† by Connelly Brian et al The aim of this article is to demonstrate that corporate governance is not a reserve of the board of directors but also owners participate in the go vernance of firms. They do this by looking at the different forms of corporate ownership and how they influence decision making in the firm. They divide this in two categories, outside ownership and inside ownership. Inside Ownership This is when stock is held by the insiders. These insiders tend to make decisions that favor the

Gender, Culture, and Globalization Essay Example for Free

Gender, Culture, and Globalization Essay In the Western world, the cause of feminism enabled women to obtain higher education and participate in the economic sector as the equals of men. However, one question that continues to be of interest to modern scholars is: how far have women truly come globally? Not only in Western democracies, but in developing nations located in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. For example, in the Philippines, many women support their families by working abroad as domestics and health care providers, which allegedly fracture family dynamics of many Filipino homes. While migrant fathers supporting families is seen as par for the course, migrant mothers are blamed for the destruction of Filipino society in the media. â€Å"These reports tend to vilify migrant mothers, suggesting that their children face more profound problems than do those of migrant fathers† (Ehrenreich Hochschild, 40). In the Middle East and North Africa, the economic opportunities of women are even more restricted. Many of the popular interpretations of Islam prohibit women from working altogether, but in Egypt, women are allowed to seek employment. However, it is usually restricted to the largely unskilled service sector considered to be below the dignity of men. â€Å"This is reflected in the very low rates of wage employment in the private sector, continued high unemployment rates for educated females, and a large gender wage gap in the private sector† (Doumato Posusney, 121). In the United States, racism is still a potent force preventing the economic advancement of minority women, especially with the dismantling of affirmative action in many states. Still, those making the hiring decisions tend to be overwhelmingly white, and even though many claim to not carry racist/sexist sentiments, research has shown that they have made decisions deleterious to minority women because of stereotypes (Mutari Figart, 183). Works Cited Doumato, Eleanor Abdella and Marsha Pripstein Posusney. Women and Globalization in the Arab Middle East: Gender, Economy and Society. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003 Ehrenreich, Barbara and Arlie Russell Hochschild. Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2003 Mutari, Ellen and Deborah M. Figart. Woman and the Economy: A Reader. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, Inc. , 2003

Examine Malaysias Inflation Rate Economics Essay

Examine Malaysias Inflation Rate Economics Essay Based on the topic given, we are ordered to examine the Malaysias inflation rate over the past 10 years by knowing the factors that contribute the inflation and the measures taken by the Malaysias government to overcome or combat the inflation. In general, inflation  is a rise in the general  level of prices  of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. When the price level increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. Meanwhile, inflation rate is the annually increase of percentage in the price of goods and services. When the price level rises rapidly, the inflation rate is high, and when the price level ri Examine Malaysias inflation rate over the past 10 years and discuss its trends. Inflation can be defined as one of the phenomena of general price level rises steadily in the long run and no limitations. For the past 10 years of Malaysias inflation, we decided to analyze from the year 2003 until year 2012. The graph shows the inflation rate in Malaysia from the year 2003 to 2012. It can clearly be seen that there has been a highest rate in year 2008 by 5.4 percent while the lowest rate by 0.6 percent in year 2009 then Malaysias inflation rate became normalized to the 3.2 percent in year 2011. According to The Department of Statistic Malaysia, which is one of the department that responsible to analyze the inflation rate in Malaysia was recorded the average 1.70 percent in October 2012. While, in year 2003 indicates the inflation rate was 1.1 percent. After that, the slow growth shows the difference between year 2003 and 2004 was 0.3 percent. It is mean that in year 2004, the rate of inflation increase to 1.4 percent. Then, it rises considerably over year 2005 by 3.0 percent. It is shows that starting in year 2005, the inflation rate increased rapidly from year 2004 which is the difference was about 1.6 percent. Continually in year 2006, it has been a steady increased, with around 3.6 percent rate of inflation. Suddenly, the rate falls by 2.0 percent in year 2007 because of the certain factors that can affect the rate of inflation. Next, the rate rose dramatically by 5.4 percent in 2008 due of the increasing in fuel prices on that time. The rate does not longer because in 2009 it decreased by 0.6 percent. Malaysias inflation rate starts continuously slightly increased to 1.7 percent in year 2010. The rate slowly goes up in 2011 by 3.2 percent. However, the inflation rate in Malaysia was recorded at 1.30 percent in September of 2012. To sum up, the overall years from 2003 to 2012, it shows that the trend for inflation rate over the past 10 years is fluctuated trend. From starting year at year 2003 to 2006, the graph shows slowly increased and achieved the highest rate between these four years in year 2006. After that, the graph drops in year 2007 and rise largely in year 2008. In year 2009, the rate of inflation falls dramatically and starts increased back in 2010 and 2011. But the rate still decreased in September 2012. As a conclusion, the lowest rate was 0.6 percent in year 2009 while the highest rate was showed as much 5.4 percent in 2008. In whatever way, the government has decided to decrease the inflation rate and became normalized in 2011. What may be some of the factors that contribute to the inflation rate trend? In Malaysia, inflation rate shows the fluctuated of the inflation rate trend. It was indicated that the highest inflation rate between years 2003 to 2012 was 5.4 percent in 2008. By the way, during year 2009, the rate was dramatically goes to 0.6 percent and the trend was normalised back to the 3.2 percent in year 2011. By referring the Keynesian theory, the three type of inflation which is demand-pull inflation, cost-pull inflation, and built-in inflation. Based on the inflation rate trend between 2003 to 2012 in Malaysia, there are may be some of the factors that contribute to this inflation trend, such as the factor that can affected the aggregate demand and aggregate supply that nearly can affect the inflation in many ways. For example, quantity of money that government print, the interest rate, the government expenditure, the tax cut, the increasing of Purchase Power Parity and an increase in money prices of raw material and wage rate. In this country, the inflation rate measures a board rise or fall in prices that consumers pay for a standard basket of goods. The highest inflation rate was at 5.4 percent in 2008 because of the increasing in raw material such as fuel prices. When the fuel prices increased, then the firms will decrease their supply of goods and services. This will lead to the increase in price of other goods and services that will contribute to the inflation in the country. This situation proved when the world price of fuel was increase, the price of goods such as household goods will also increase. In addition, the fuel price is decided by the government, however, government must take it seriously when decide to increase the fuel price. This may cause two negative effects towards the consumers. Firstly, for instance, as a big population of Malaysian society owns a car, the increase in a fuel price, will increase the cost of the car users. Secondly, the overall operating cost of doing business in Ma laysia will also increase due to the higher cost of fuel. The quantity of money that the government print will increase the money supply which one of the major factors that contribute to the inflation. This is because the higher the money supplied, the higher the inflation rate. For example, if the government cuts the interest rate, this will cause the quantity of money increase. Since a lot of money in the market, the production of goods will decrease because the demand of the products is higher. Most of government today control their money supply. As more money offered in the market, the highest the inflation especially through printing more bills. The printing of new money allows goods to be purchased without the real exchange. On the other hand, when the money supplied is higher in the economy, this make the consumption and investment also increase and there are more job opportunities and this will encourage the growth of economy in the country. An increasing in money wage rate also contributed to the inflation. As many of labour work in the country, then the higher the wage for one unit of force. Therefore, to increase the output of the country, the more of labour will be used and the higher the marginal cost of labour, the price had to be raised. As the wages are high, aggregate supply in the economy will decrease and this will contributed to the inflation occurs. In addition, the increasing of purchase power parity (PPP) is also one of the factors that contribute to the inflation rate trend. Purchase power parity means the equal value of money. When there were increasing in purchase power parity, consumers demand of the goods and services is also increase. However, the goods and services offers in the market become less. Moreover, the other factors are the increasing in the government expenditure and the tax cut from the government. Firstly, an increasing in government expenditure. Government expenditure can be divided into two, which are operating expenditure and development expenditure. An increasing in the government expenditure can encourage the increasing in the aggregate demand and at this time, the price level will continually increase. Secondly, the tax cut. If the government cut the tax, then demand will increase due to the cut in price of goods and services, the continuous increase in aggregate demand in the economy and have reached full employment will impact, the price level will increase. Hence, any factor that increases aggregate demand can cause inflation. However, in the long run, the government can overcome this problem by increasing the quantity of money in circulation faster than real growth rate of the economy. All of all, it can be said that, all the factors stated above can contribute to the inflation occurs. Based on the inflation trend between the last ten years, the trend shows fluctuated trend over the ten years. Generally, during the past ten years, the inflation is already become lower and moderate inflation after our country faced the high rate of inflation, called hyperinflation during the economic crisis. Hyperinflation is caused by an excessive growth of the money supply and refers to the growth of higher price level and the growth is continuously increased. The rate of inflation in Malaysia may at low or moderate inflation that contribute the fluctuation trend during the last ten years. This trend occur when the money supply growing faster than the rate of economic growth. Measures undertaken There are some measures are undertaken by our government in order to combat inflation in Malaysia. One of the actions taken by our government is supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the market. Small and medium enterprises are important for every country because they can help to boost up a countrys economic growth. As we know one of the factors that cause inflation is demand-pull inflation which means a demand of a good or service increases in the market, but the supply of the particular good and service remain the same due to the number of supplier is limited in producing the product and service. Therefore the price of the product or service will rise as the demand is higher than supply and this will cause the consumers need to pay more in order to satisfy their needs. Hence inflation occurred. In order to solve this problem, our Malaysia government is implementing Special Government Funds for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main purpose of these funds which provided by our government is to develop and nurturing more small and medium enterprises in our country in order to increase the productivity of products and services in Malaysia. In year 2007, Malaysia has provided 105 Special Government Funds for small and medium enterprises with a total amount of RM31.8 billion. For example, our central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia has allocated a total of RM 6.75 billion is small and medium industries 2, RM 2.85 billion in new entrepreneurs and also RM 1.30 billion in food industries. Besides that, Micro Enterprise Fund (MEF) has launched by our central bank in year 2008 and this is to help those enterprises which started up with a small capital and less employers able to operate their business in the business market. Bank Negara Malaysia has approved to use RM4.2 million to help mirco enterprises and there are 241 micro enterprises get benefits from Micro Enterprise Fund (MEF) in year 2008. Through these fund provided by our government, there are more mirco, small and medium enterprises producing products and services in the market. Therefore, productivity of Malaysia will increase and it solved the problems of demand-pull inflation. Moreover, our central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia applied monetary policy to combat inflation. Deposit interest rate is also one of the ways to combat the inflation in our country, Bank Negara Malaysia is responsible to set a most suitable interest rate on a specific time for money saver. For example, when there is high inflation rate in our country, Bank Negara Malaysia will need to adjust the deposit interest rate to higher rate in order to encourage people to save more their money in the bank and indirectly to reduce the quantity amount of money in the market which can prevent the value of our money to become less value. Besides that, since the interest rate has increased, this will discourage investors and firms to borrow money from the banks. Therefore, it will reduce the investment and consumption in the market and consequently the inflation rate will decrease. Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average interest rate 2.69 2.84 3.51 3.50 3.51 2.11 2.56 2.88 Based on the graph and table above, we can see that as our countrys inflation rate increases, the interest rate offered by the bank increases as well in order to encourage people to save money in the bank to reduce the quantity of money in the market in order reduce the inflation rate. Due to the economic Stimulus Package, the interest rate is still high even though the inflation rate in year 2007 has decrease from year 2006. Conclusion

Looking At Different Aspects Of Foster Care Social Work Essay

Looking At Different Aspects Of Foster Care Social Work Essay A kinship care arrangement is an agreement that is commonly made between the parent of the child, the local authority and a close relative such as a grandparent or aunt on a short or long term basis, the kinship carer must be approved by Warwickshire Fostering Panel. Where the child is accommodated by the local authority that is often subject to an Interim Care Order the kinship agreement is reviewed under the Child in Need procedure s (Warwickshire County Council 2009). There is a six week timescale to complete the kinship assessment. The fostering team has the responsibility for completing this within the timescale set out in line with the Fostering Regulations 2002. A Viability Assessment which is Schedule 3 of the fostering regulation 2002 requires that there is a detailed report complete with references be submitted to the Fostering Panel for approval (Warwickshire Fostering Services 2002). As part of this assessment I had to complete a two part Health Safety Checklist Part One during initial visit and Part Two during the actual assessment, which is updated annually as part of the Foster Carer review. I was required to complete the initial 6 week Kinship Assessment on Arthur and Joan to be submitted to Warwickshire Fostering Panel approval, followed by submission to a Finding of Fact meeting in court. Jane is a 6 year old dual heritage female who lived close to Nuneaton centre with mother, Ruth 28 white female unemployed recovering heroin addict and her current partner Jason 35 year old unemployed white male with offending history for violence. The local authority have been involved with Ruth and her child since 2008 the police contacting social services to advise them that Ruths partner had been arrested for having indecent images of children on his computer and serious abuse of babies. Ruth was advised of this but did not appear to recognise the risk he presented to Jane. The courts ordered that Ruth should only have supervised contact due to this. Warwickshire Council convened a child protection conference which concluded that Jane be made subject of a child protection plan. Whilst the investigation into the neglect was ongoing, Jane stayed with her maternal grandfather Arthur and Joan his partner. Arthur is 58 year old football coach and Joan is a 62 year old retired book keeper and they live in a 3 bedroom house close to Ruth. A kinship referral was received by the Fostering Team to complete a viability assess Arthur and Joans ability to meet Janes needs as temporary carers. Jane is still subject of a child protection plan, as well as Looked After Child procedures and is subject of an Interim Care Order made in December 2009. The responsibility for completing the kinship assessment was given to the fostering team that I am on placement with and I was then asked to complete the assessment under supervision. This is the type of assessment that is completed when a child is looked after and placed on a statutory order. Jane is currently experiencing problems at school with bullying because of her skin colour and is in a minority. Jane is being teased because her hair is not the same as other children. I feel that Jane has not recognized that her mother is white and her father black. Arthur has stated that although she is not white she is his granddaughter and he doubts whether Jane even recognises her skin colour as significant. It is important for the Fostering Social Worker to have access to all case files relating to the child when completing the viability assessment so that the assessment demonstrates the level of commitment the grandfather and his partner have and have had to the child (BAAF, 2009). Farmer and Moyers (2005) suggest: Kinship care occupies an uneasy position on the boundary between the public and private spheres of caring and this leads to a situation where some kin carers struggle to care for needy children with low levels of support and financial help. Janes maternal grandfather has shown incredible commitment including being willing to give up his fulltime job to be able to meet Janes needs. This is causing tension in the relationship between Arthur and Joan as this will significantly reduce their income. She has also expressed concerns at not always being able to cope with the high demands of Jane and how this has brought her relationship with Arthur to breaking point at times. When childs behaviour is causing a disruption, kinship carers (as opposed to foster carers) tend to be more willing to persevere with the difficulties faced by the child (Broad and Skinner, 2005, Colton et al, 2008: 38). It is important that when examining Kinship Care that the outcome for the child is measurable, this could be in terms of regular contact with the birth parent with less supervision. Legislation has a propensity towards securing long term placements, children who were placed with their grandparents were the least likely to experience disruption when compared with other family or friends (Hunt et al, 2008). Some placements continued with little monitoring or supervision from the social worker. In other instances social workers had allowed professional standards to fall well below what would have been acceptable to another child. This can cause the child rights to be compromised as they will not receive a service that they are entitled to (Farmer Moyers, 2005). An assessment involves assembling full and accurate facts about a service users circumstances and it is essential during the assessment process that person being assessed is fully engaged with the assessment and as the assessor I am in continuous consultation with my supervisor. The information collected must be recorded in a systematic way to give a clear and accurate understanding of needs and a possible plan of action (Smale Tuson, 1993). The viability assessment must pay close attention to the circumstances around the reason why the kinship arrangement is needed. Arthur and Joan realise that if they do not take on the role of carers then Jane is likely to be placed with unrelated foster carers. The assessment includes the family to look at creating a kinship arrangement that will at best be acceptable to the child, the local authority should consider the childs extended family as an alternative to the mainstream fostering system when completing the assessment. The Childrens Act 1989 directs that where the child is looked after by the local authority the child should be placed with a relative, friend or significant other (www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk accessed 16/01/2011) if this is a viable option. The Adoption and Children Act 2002 directs that relatives must be considered in care proceedings and in line with Public Law Outline which emphasizes the importance of robust judicial case management. The Children and Young Persons Act 2008 has led to developments that promote the childs welfare and are likely to increase the use of placements with family members. Over a 15 year period from 1989 to 2005 there has been a gradual increase in the numbers of children in care that are fostered with family and significant others, from 6 per cent to 12 per cent of looked after children in England (Department of Health, 2006; DfES, 2004). If a child is looked after by the Local Authority and is placed with a family member or significant other for a p eriod exceeding 6 weeks then the carer should be approved as a foster carer by the Local Authorities Fostering Panel (Warwickshire Council 2009). The Local Authority must have a clearly defined role in enabling the parent of the child to have some input in the care arrangements of their child in accordance with section 20 of the Childrens Act 1989. Where the local authority places children in kinship care arrangements they also must assess the kinship carer(s) in line with existing legislation that applies to unrelated foster carers therefore have responsibilities to ensure that the kinship carers receive financial support in line with boarding out regulations (Warren-Adamson, 2009). The Munby judgement in 2002 set a precedent that local authorities must treat kinship carers in the same way as non related foster carers. This means that Warwickshire County Council must assess Arthur and Joan as kinship carers even though they may well already be looking after the child at the point the assessment starts. The difficulties I experienced as the Fostering Social Worker completing the assessment was mainly around the support, training and payment of Kinship Carers. The research also found that Kinship Carers are unlikely to challenge parents legally for the kinship of the child because it can have a negative impact on the parents relationship with the Kinship Carers. One of the implications highlighted by the research document was that Kinship Carers are unlikely to go for Special Guardianship Orders due to the reduced payments and support. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) research found that kinship carers may resent the intrusion the assessment process will entail into their lives by statutory services and feel they are being monitored and placed under surveillance (JRF, 2002). The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that unsatisfactory placements with family and friend lasted significantly longer than with unrelated carers (Farmer Moyers, 2008). Local Authorities are required under the Childrens Act 1989 to operate a policy of less intrusive intervention when intervening with families. Argent (2009) draws attention to the assumption that social workers from non ethnic backgrounds tend to assume that families from Black Minority and Ethnic groups would rather manage the kinship without outside help or they do not understand the process. Argent highlights that some minority groups have a strong sense of kinship without any legal or statutory intervention. There are four types of kinship care these are determined by the legal status of the child that is being accommodated Fostered with a family or friend; Residence Order; Living with family and friends and a Special guardianship order. The viability assessment I undertook was to assess whether Arthur and Joan were suitable to go on to the next stage of the assessment, the Special Guardianship Order. Special Guardianship Orders were introduced in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to encourage flexibility with regards to the length of the placement. This order recognizes that long term fostering or adoption might not be an option and that this type of order gives parental responsibility until the child is 18. At present there is not a legal requirement for Warwickshire Council to explore Kinship but the legal framework implies that it is a preferred option to private fostering. A family group conference is called with a view to exploring the potential of a family member becoming a kinsh ip carer (Hunt et al, 2008). The aim of the Viability Assessment is to make certain that Janes needs remain central to the assessment (Hunt et al, 2008). Milner and OByrne (2002) suggest that assessments can be divided into a number of stages: Preparation: I gathered information from case notes and other reports that have previously been written, in consultation with the Janes social worker we agreed on who to interview with regards to people that are a part of the extended family or wider support network and would be in contact with Jane. Preparing for the interview I ensured that I had the essential questions and an explanation of the interview purpose along with timescales for the viability process. Collecting data: I checked on sources of written information for factual accuracy. Weighing the data: I identified gaps, consulted colleagues and began to identify any key facts or themes. Analysing the data: I considered relevant research evidence and theory. Using the data: I analysed the data and formed an opinion as to whether Janes needs would be met by Arthur and Joan. The outcome of the above process was to make a recommendation to the court. Along with the viability assessment was the health and safety of the property that the child will be living in also had to be assessed. . I had to think about how the separate pieces of information interlink and about their impact on the grandfather. It has been suggested it is important to avoid subjectivity and not to dismiss information that does not fit with preconceived assumptions: Taking information for granted and not checking. Getting stuck with one perspective, and failing to recognise alternative explanations. Stereotyping situations and solutions to them. Making assumptions about age, culture, disability or any aspect of a service users life. The way its done here approach fitting service users into the routine response of the agency instead of focusing on the client. Using the assessment process to ration resources or disguising their absence, in other words, assessment becomes resource-led rather than needs-led (Milner and OByrne, 2002). Smale and Tuson (1993) propose three models of assessment: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The questioning model: where the worker is seen as expert and follows a set format of questions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The procedural model: in which the worker gathers information in order to see if agency criteria are met à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The exchange model: in which the service user is seen as expert in his or her own situation and the worker helps to provide resources and seeks to maximise potential. In conclusion, I realise that people change and as a social worker I need to be aware that new information may emerge that causes situations change, so I have to consider the impact it has on the assessment. Although the assessment is often viewed as a separate stage to the intervention, it is also a continuous process and there is a need to constantly re-assess throughout the intervention (Milner and OByrne, 2002). I used a Task Centered Model for completing the Viability Assessment as it was a short term (6 weeks) problem solving approach with a clear beginning, middle and end, and has a specific timeframe to complete the assessesment and submit it to the court. I adopted a Solution Focused approach in my intervention as it worked with Arthur and Joan to help them to look at their strengths and to find their own solutions to challenges they may face. A Solution Focused approach enables people to see better futures, it can be used to focus on the positives whilst also accepting that their strengths which are Arthur and Joans commitment to meeting Janes needs for as long as she needs them and fact that this can be used as a platform for future long term planning. In practice I found it difficult to choose a single model as I realized I would be using all three in this case. Firstly, the Viability Assessment for kinship involved me in the role of expert with a set format of questions, and secondly, I was conscious of the criteria for kinship to enable me to ask appropriate supplementary questions but lastly, I feel that the exchange model reflects the values of anti-oppressive practice in that Arthur is placed in a position of control and so that the process meets his expectations as well as mine as the assessing social worker. However, as social workers operating within a statutory setting we must recognize that there are pressures to conform to questioning or procedural models. To work in an anti-oppressive manner is to incorporate necessary questioning, schedules and scales into an assessment that respects Arthurs expertise in caring for Jane (Smale and Tuson, 1993).

John Quincy Adams :: Biography Biographies Essays

John Quincy Adams Hello, I'm John Quincy Adams. I grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts, and when I became an adult I traveled with my father on his diplomatic missions until I became interested in political journalism at Harvard and eventually became he sixth president of the United States. During my lifetime, from 1767 to 1848, the United States was desperately trying to make allies, as the country was in it's infancy. I followed my father's footsteps, as I was working in foreign relations before I became President. I have experienced many great events, such as when I was appointed as minister to the Netherlands, a mere three days later I witnessed the French invade the country and overthrow the Dutch Republic. This was thought of by many as an attempt for the French to show the United States how strong it was, without exerting any force on them at all. On a different occasion, when I was appointed minister to Russia, I was the leading negotiator for the Treaty of Ghent with the British, which ended the War of 1812. These negotiations gained respect for the United States and me as a diplomat. I am a likable person wherever I go. When I was a kid, our family was very closely knit, as we all helped manage the farm, except for my dad, who was usually away in foreign countries. This didn't affect me very much since I joined up with him when I was 11 on his operations after my persistent asking. As President, I worked scrupulously to work out problems and provide leadership for the country. This was acknowledged by my fellow officials in office and by the country, as I'm thought of as a person with integrity and honesty. Louisa Catherine Adams, my wife, holds a special place in my heart. She has always been trustworthy and nice. As a child she had to deal with ill health frequently, (which often recurs), and as First Lady she held brilliant parties for my Cabinet and friends. Louisa and I had four children, but sadly they all died before they could have children of their own, all for various reasons. My only real enemy to speak of is Andrew Jackson. Before my administration, Jackson and his followers accused me of promising Henry Clay a cabinet post in return for his support. After I was elected, and I appointed Clay Secretary of State, Jackson's strong followers in Congress called it a 'corrupt bargain'.

Strikes of the 70s and 80s: The Invisible Role of Women Essay

Strikes of the 70's and 80's: The Invisible Role of Women Throughout history women have slowly moved from the role of mother and housewife into the labor force. In the middle of this rise in stature is a relatively unknown set of events that helped women gain the self-respect and individual attitude needed to move up in the work force. Women's participation in strikes during the 1970's and 80's is relatively unknown in U.S. history. Although the women involved in these strikes made a big impact on the strike and its outcome, they go widely unrecognized and uncredited for their roles. This paper will focus on three strikes: the Brookside Coal Strike, the Phelps-Dodge Copper Strike, and the Pittston Coal Strike. Each of these strikes has its own individual history and story, but they have many things in common as well. Most importantly, each strike had women participants who greatly impacted the strike and did a small part to help women move towards a place in the labor force. Each of the three strikes will be examined from the standpoint of five main factors. First, what were the roles of women in the strike? What kind of work were they involved in? Second, what interest did the women have in the strike? Third, what kind of relationship did the union have with the women? Did it impair their efforts or support them? Fourth, how did the women ultimately impact the strike? Were they seen as a positive influence? In addition, were they seen as positive by the media or ignored by them? And lastly, what happened after the strike? Did the women continue their new, politically active roles or did they go back to the lives they lived before the strike? Each of these questions will be addressed for each of the three strikes discussed... ...rt of something much bigger that would eventually lead to women as an integral part of the labor force. Works Cited Aulette, Judy and Mills, Trudy. "Something Old, Something New: Auxiliary Work in the 1983-1986 Copper Strike." Feminist Studies 14.2 (1988): 251-268. Beckwith, Karen. "Collective Identities of Class and Gender: Working-Class Women in the Pittston Coal Strike." Political Psychology 19.1 (1998): 147-167. Birecree, Adrienne M. "The Importance and Implications of Women's Participation in the 1989-90 Pittston Coal Strike." Journal of Economic Issues March 1996: 187-210. Lasky, Marjorie Penn. Women, Work and Protest: A Century of U.S. Women's Labor History. Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1985. Maggard, Sally Ward. "Women's Participation in the Brookside Coal Strike: Militance, Class, and Gender in Appalachia." Frontiers 3 (1987): 16-21.

King George Vi: the Real Kings Speech

Kimberly Wooten Professor Kathy Kile Speech 1010 November 6, 2012 The Real King’s Speech One man in history who gave a speech when the public’s faith was at an all-time low was King George VI. He had to step up and take the spot as king when it was not what he originally thought would happen. He suffered through hardship and troubles through his rein which some affected the way he was able to talk to his people. The speech he gave was not just given to a small audience but to his entire country. King George VI’s life was very interesting life which gave him the opportunity to give a very famous speech that affected the entire world.King George was born on December 14, 1895 in Norfolk, England. His full name is Albert Frederick Arthur Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. King George VI was often called Bertie or Albert by his family. He was the second son of King George V and the Duchess of York, Victoria May. King George VI did not have an easy childhood because of his mother†™s lack of affection and his father’s criticism. He developed a stammer at age 8 and also had to wear leg braces because of his knocked knees when he was young. He was a very shy and easily frighten child which also affected the rest of his life.He graduated from the Royal Naval Academy and went on to be a midshipman in the Royal Navy. After fighting in WWI he joined the Royal air force and became a pilot. He then went on to Trinity College but only stayed for one year because he then needed to fulfill his duties as the Duke of York. In 1923 he went on to marry Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, which had been a family friend since they were young. They had two children, Elizabeth, the oldest, and Margaret, the youngest. They were a close and happy family. His wife saw that he needed help with his stammer and found a great Australian therapist for him to see, Lionel Logue.After being with him and doing his exercises the king began to speak without a stammer. He was not supposed to be the one taking the throne after his father passed away, but it was supposed to be his brother. His brother wanted to marry his mistress and could not marry her if he took the throne so Albert took the throne. This was not the plan he wanted but he was crowned the king of the United Kingdoms and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth in 1937. King George VI was a supporter of the British Prime Minister who signed an agreement with Hitler, which was hoped to make sure there was no war with the Nazi Germany.Hitler then ignored the agreement and took aggressive action that made King George travel and make friends with the President at the time which was Franklin D. Roosevelt. On September 1939 Germany violated the agreement that was made with the Prime Minister and a war was declared. King George made a successful speech that declared the war in 1939. He announced the role that Britain would play in the act of war. After the war started, he and his wife stayed in London at the Buc kingham Palace even though the Germans were bombing (George). The government tried to relocate them to Canada.Queen Elizabeth had stated â€Å"I’m glad we’ve been bombed, now we can look the East End in the face. † (Farndale). King George and Queen Elizabeth went around to the cities that were bombed, visiting the troops and the survivors of the bombs. After the victory of the war the stress caught up with him and he had an arterial blockage which made Princess Elizabeth take on her royal duties. He was then diagnosed with lung cancer and had his left lung removed then he found out he also had arteriosclerosis. King George VI died on February 6, 1952 when he was 56 years old. His daughter then became Queen Elizabeth II.King George VI faced many problems in his life and one that made a very large impact on people was the speech he had to make declaring was with Germany (George). The King had to give a devastating speech on September 3, 1939. Hitler had gone again st an agreement that was made and Germany invaded Poland. After this, it was time to declare war. He had a hard time with his stammer throughout his life so his therapist helped him with it so he could complete this speech. His therapist was the only one in the room with the King while he gave his speech that was broadcasted live on the radio.The picture that shows him sitting at a desk giving the speech was actually staged and he really gave his speech in an anteroom standing (Farndale). His speech sounded great although there are many pauses he had to take to prevent him from stammering. Other than the pauses, he completed a great speech and spoke clear and with confidence. He was delivering a devastating speech and the devastation is able to be heard in his voice. While there is much devastation, he still helps give hope as he is giving his speech. The speech’s effect much more than just his country, it also affected the entire world(Crrisstobal).The speech had affected al l of Great Britain and it also affected the rest of the world. He was declaring war, which meant that his allies had to be with him in this time of devastation. The king told his people to embrace for hard times to come, for his country was at war. The speech gave his people a reason to come together and unite in this time of war. It also inspired them because it showed that they now have a leader they can look upon. The speech had a great effect on the rest of the world as well. As they went into war, the allies of Britain also had to help.As he completed this speech it showed he was a great leader to look upon but it also gave much terror to many people as he said they were going into war. All in all, King George VI went through hard times all his life. From when he was a young stammering boy with an unloving family, to a king leading his people through WWII. Although he gave many speeches being a king, the speech that had the most effect was the one he gave declaring war. He had no stammer and went through it great and ended strong. King George VI was a wonderful leader and did a great job delivering the real king’s speech.Works Cited Crrisstobal. â€Å"The Real King's Speech – King George VI – September 3, 1939. †Ã‚  YouTube. YouTube, 05 Feb. 2011. Web. 07 Nov. 2012. â€Å"Enchanted Serenity of Period Films: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – a Peek into the past. †Ã‚  Enchanted Serenity of Period Films: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – a Peek into the past. N. p. , 16 Jan. 2010. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. Farndale, Nigel. â€Å"The King's Speech: The Real Story. †Ã‚  Telegraph. co. uk. N. p. , 5 Jan. 2011. Web. â€Å"George VI Biography. †Ã‚  Bio. com. A&E Networks Television, 20`1. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. .

Mutation flow chart

Mark Hidden creates, between Christopher and his world moves his audience to a deeper understanding of autistic people. Mark Headers novel â€Å"The curious incident of the dog in the night-time† portrays the importance of truth In challenging world. Though features show throughout the novel. Christopher adventure to find out how killed the neighborhood dog Wellington creates the crime and detection genre of the novel.His relationship with society and family alters thought the novel giving us a clear picture of the struggles autistic people encounter. This moves us to a deeper understanding of Chorister's condition. Mark Haddam significantly portrays the concept of Chorister's relation to his world through the use of interesting narrative features and combination. The value of truth shines light on the world Christopher lives in and changes our understanding of autistic people. In Chorister's world, lying is not an option.The closest he has ever come to lying is a white lie â €Å"l said â€Å"l was out† this is called a white lie this is where you tell the truth but not the whole truth† though Chorister's monotone voice, the audience can see that lying Is not an option. This Is portrayed when Christopher says â€Å"l was out† flatly. Christopher relationship with the truth Is strong, but when Christopher get lied to he won't trust the liar anymore â€Å"l killed Wellington†¦ I thought well†¦ Sit† thought the use of colloquial language and ellipses Christopher father reveals the truth of the murder.This impacted on the relationship between Christopher and his father negatively, he began losing his trust in him and eventually he ran away to his mother. The Technique shows that his father was very hesitant because be because he knew that Christopher won't take the information lightly â€Å"My dad killed Wellington which means he might kill me† says Christopher Before he runs away to his mother. Thought the value of truth we are able to see and understand the world autistic people live In. Relationships with society and family plays a very Important role in Chorister's world.Christopher relationship with society and family changes throughout out the novel. For example, Christopher relationship with his father changes for love to fear â€Å"he held up his right hand and spread his fingers† symbolism Is use to show the love aspect between Christopher and his father, Showing the acceptance they fell to one another. This is later changed when Christopher finds out that his father, the one he loved and trusted, has betrayed his trust â€Å"l love you very much Chris, don't ever forget that.I know I lose my rage occasionally, I know I get angry, I know I shout I know I shouldn't† the repetition of â€Å"l know' reveals the idea of Christopher father understanding what he did wrong. When Christopher father apologies it reflects the love he feels towards Christopher. Christopher is kn own for his lack of communication and intolerance towards society he does not like people touching him and if he was to talk to a stranger he would not interact with them. He would ask his question and leave.An example of Chorister's Intolerance to strangers Is ‘When there Is a new member of staff at school I Just watch them until I know they are safe† logical/factual language Is used to show how Christopher fells about people. He only interacts with people he knows, he only interacts with strangers if he really has to. Understand Christopher autism and learn to accept it. The lack of understanding and communication in Chorister's world affects our understanding and response to autistic people. Christopher prevents himself from communicating to strangers because he cannot comprehend metaphors.An example of this would be â€Å"l laughed my socks off' the metaphor used confuses Christopher because he takes it literally. He cannot comprehend how is funny to other people. C ommunication dose not only need to be verbal it can be reflected thought emotions and behavior â€Å"and I pushed her away because she was grabbing me and I didn't like it, and I pushed really hard and I fell over† the repetition of â€Å"and† and the use of tone and mood shows that Christopher does not like to be touched even by his mother who he has not seen for a very long time.Christopher does communicate physically o his parents but in a strange way â€Å"and I was lying on the ground and mother held up her right hand and spread her fingers out in a fan so that I could touch her fingers† the use of symbolism shows that that Christopher communicates to his loved ones but nothing beyond the finger touching which alters and shapes our understanding of Christopher and autistic people. In conclusion Mark Headers novel â€Å"The curious incident of the dog in the night- time† moves us to a different understanding of Christopher and his world and alters our response to it thought the use of language features and techniques.

Education and Poverty Essay

Education of poor is a challenge that has kept American political and academic quarters on a precipitous edge. Although the government spends billions of dollars on various social welfare activities especially directed towards eradicating poverty and bridging up the enormous gap that exists poor have always found education a distant realm, where their access is limited and its longevity is in doubt. The issue takes a very drastic form when even the children of American poor are unable to avail available educational opportunities. Among all the developed countries, United States of America reports highest levels of child poverty where one child in every six children lives below poverty line. According to US Bureau of Census (1998), out of total 36 million poor living in USA, 15 million of them were children and among them, around 25 percent children face extreme poverty. Incidences of poverty among children have extremely negative implications for their academic and educational opportunities, seriously devastating their early formative years, that in turns jeopardize rest of their life. An overwhelming volume of research in the field brings out conclusive relationship between social economic status and educational opportunities. The relationship becomes more proportional with lowering economic status where academic underachievement and discrepancies in educational opportunities are very acute. This paper looks into the social, economic and political implications of under-education of poor children in USA and identify the ways that can prove effective in ensuring compulsory education for every American child, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Education as a social problem The issue of education has become a matter of great public and social concern due to the differential nature of the education policy and the school system, creating and an unbalanced and destabilized social structure. Moreover, as academicians, have indicated, the reason for worry is that while school system has been made elaborate, their deliverable content has been not, negating the purpose of the education and creating a society of literate but uneducated people (Kumar, 1997). Educationists and public policy makers, despite their claims and efforts of creating a world class school system and education model to cater to the needs of future America and meets the purpose of extending education’s benefits to every class of the society, have missed the beat by focusing more on academic parameters while ignoring the socio-economical-cultural aspects that play equally important part in determining the final outcome (Pipho, 1999). A failed socio-economical system, with widespread social evils and depleted living conditions, especially in the semi-urban areas and urban slums creates diversified pockets within the social structure that makes the possibility of any qualified education and school system a difficult proposition under the existing set of circumstances. The vicious cycle Education and poverty share a very deep, although inverse relation, each one determining the eventual impact and influence of other. For example, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress (2000) evaluation, educational outcomes is determined by birth weight, nutrition, housing quality, and access to health care. These factors have important bearing on cognitive functioning of child and quality of parenting, that in turn determines educational achievement. Low quality of educational attainment is a major cause of poverty, and poverty is a key determinant of academic performance. Therefore, poverty establishes a vicious cycle where it reinforces its effect in a continuing cycle to make educational underachievement chronic, inflicting heavy costs on social development. Educational standards are further effected by lower public funding for schools serving low-income group than schools serving higher-SES children. Funding equity is yet largely unimplemented , and a number of discrepancies, including differential state and federal policies in fund allotment comes in question to affect equitable distribution of resources. Need for Early Intervention One of the most important determining factors of effective education is children’s academic interest that has substantial impact on academic achievement ((Wagner, Spiker and Linn, 2002)). Children displaying interest, motivation, engagement, goals, values, and self-efficacy demonstrate higher degree of academic success, highlighting the importance of these factors in educational outcome. According to Chapman et al (2000), quoted by Wagner, Spiker and Linn, (2002) shows that the relation between interests and skills starts to develop in the early formative years, and it has crucial role in predicting future achievement and learning capabilities of children. (Chapman et al. 2000). Research has shown that in the early years of development, children from both lower and higher socio economic groups show comparable degrees of confidence level, learning attitude, grasping ability and concentration(Alexander & Entwisle 1988, Stipek & Ryan 1997). However, as they are denied further opportunities to pursue education in an orderly and timely manner, they lose interest in school within the first years and gradually their competence, self confidence and educational inclination dwindles, bringing instability and disorientation in their approach. (Stipek & Tannatt 1984, Wigfield et al. 1997 as quoted by Wagner, Spiker and Linn, 2002). Skills and interest are reciprocal in nature and their outcome is often influenced by the available exposure and opportunities. Thus children who read more, get to develop better reading habits and children who give more time to mathematics have their numerical skills sharpened. Similarly, children who do not get to read or do not get engaged in mathematical exercises are likely to stay behind others. Children also get discouraged from actively taking up education due to their repeated academic failures, increasing frustration levels, and lack of motivational educational guidance. Failure, distress and teachers’ negative attitude towards children from low socio-economic groups are the key de-motivational factors that severely affect poor children and keeps them at permanent disadvantage against children from higher soci-economic structure((Wagner, Spiker and Linn, 2002)). Lower levels of expectations; parents’ indifference, and ground economic condition are other demotivating factors. These problems take irrevocable form as children get older and form their own peer groups that create substantial barrier in their integration with educational mainstream. ((Wagner, Spiker and Linn, 2002)). Students from lower economic groups form a disadvantaged lot from the very beginning of their life. They have very few books, educational toys and experience with education. Research about poverty and educational facilities have shown that less than half the pre-school children from lower economic groups have access to educational books, while for better off families, almost 98 percent of pre school children have complete set of educational accessories. Children from poor families on average receive only 25 hours of book reading by the time of school entry, while the same figure is 1000 to 1700 hours for middle-class children. Poverty misshapes the entire educational construct and context of children. It substantially alters their emotional and behavioral function, relationships with adults and peers, and family, school, and community; In these key areas of development, low-SES children are placed at risk and disadvantage against their peers from higher income group (Stevenson, 1997) Poverty instigates a range of externalizing problems such as aggression, inattention, impulsivity and rebelliousness- all of these leading to gradual academic underachievement. Children become disruptive and noncompliant and develop behavior problems such as problems in paying attention, relating to others and controlling their emotion. This problem is further compounded by teachers’ reaction to situation, who adopt a stricter code of conduct for children displaying behavioral problems in attempt to bring their focus back on studies. However, more than often, children from lower socio-economic background are knowingly or inadvertently discriminated. It pushes them closer to each other and instigates rule breaking habits, indiscipline, disobedience and finally delinquent behavior-a process that completely sew off their connection with schools and academics ((Wagner, Spiker and Linn, 2002; Stevenson, 1997) Analysis of Academic Influence One of major initiative in bridging up the gap among children from middle and higher income group and children form lower income group is application of technology and science. It is envisaged that computers could play a important role in bringing about a harmonized and equitable educational structure. Although current computer access is very limited for low-income group children, the increasing pace of their expansion in educational framework holds many promises towards its re-design and restructure that could benefit large number of children from lower economic groups (Stevenson, 1997) Researchers have constantly identified need of integrating technology through the earliest phases of education to prepare them to compete with other children when they grown mature. Issues in improving public education to include Poor With huge investment and cash flow, but insignificant results to show for, following are the major issues in improving the American school system to orient them to needs of all the socio-economic group (Barnes, 1997)

‘Journal on Gryphon” by Charles Baxter Essay

The short story Gryphon by Charles Baxter has an unusual character, a new substitute teacher at the rural community of Five Oaks in Michigan. The students meet with the strange lady who brings them strange yet fascinating lectures. Miss Ferenczi could be an exceptional teacher in a suitable environment, with her willingness to break the boundary in teaching method, her lectures on new materials never presented in textbooks, and her influence to help the students explore new things. I wonder if there would be any teacher daring enough to tell the class â€Å"six times eleven could be sixty eight.† Miss Ferenczi accepts the normal mathematical answer, but she also provides a different view and solution to the math problem, because â€Å"it’s more interesting that way.† When the narrator boy could not spell â€Å"balcony† she whispered to him; that the word is ugly and if he does not like a word, he does not have to use it. The students who have the wrong answer and the wrong spelling would always remember the right answers that way; moreover they do not feel ashamed of their wrong reply. They feel better when they are accepted and gently guided toward the right knowledge. Miss Ferenczi hates the way teachers are supposed to follow the rules, timeline, and the material presented readily in textbooks. When she told the children to open the book she herself â€Å"was staring at some object just outside the window.† She refuses to have lunch with other teachers since she wants to stay close with her students. Miss Ferenczi feels comfortable only when she can teach in her own way, not to be directed by any rules or any inflexible method or limit, which makes the students less distracted at the same boring way they have always been taught. The new substitute teacher appeared in the class surprising the students as much as her strange stories. The kids have never heard of the Antipode stone that would blind people, the Hope diamond, or the plant that can eat meat. The things they get to learn in textbooks are boring numbers and parched tiresome text. Miss Ferenczi knows the kids will love her stories, as she exposes them to amazing facts. Whether true, mythic or untrue, the information she provides is wide outside the schoolbook. They are the historical, cultural, social, and scientific lessons of the world that her students have never been told. The knowledge she gives the members of the  class is not only taken from what the school requires, but everything worthwhile to inform them about the universe. Her outstanding, broad collection of matters in different fields reveals a brand new world to the students. Children at fourth grade normally would blow their nose into notebook paper when there is nobody around, sit in class just to watch the teacher’s actions, and go home to play. It is amazing how Miss Ferenczi captures the kids’ interest, make them focus to a point that â€Å"no one even went to the bathroom.† With their old teacher Mr. Hibler, the students would chatter and whisper during the lecture, but with Miss Ferenczi they sit still and are fascinated with her lecturing. They are astounded at a plant that can kill animals, they are eager to discuss whether a half bird and half lion monster is real. They go home excitedly and dig up the dictionary to find out and feel â€Å"fabulous† to discover a new myth. She creates an â€Å"information hunger† in the children to explore, to discover new things that most teachers can hardly ever do. Since Miss Ferenczi’s appearance, the students have changed their view. She brings a fresh perspective of life, a strange way to present her lecture, and makes the students eager to go to class. It is because of her that after she got fired, during the lecture, the students pay close attention to the insects unlike they had ever done before. Miss Ferenczi accomplishes what all teachers are supposed to achieve, she is the most wonderful teacher every kid dreams to have. Works Cited Baxter, Charles. Gryphon.1985. Rpt. in Compact Literature ReadingReacting Writing. By Kirszner and Mandell. 6th ed. 2007. â€Å"Gryphon: Often Asked Questions.† Rev. of Gryphon, by Charles Baxter. CharlesBaxter. 3 June 2009 .