Saturday, November 30, 2019

The Journey To Independence For The Americans Was A Long Road Traveled

The journey to independence for the Americans was a long road traveled and it also was a road of luck and coincidence for the Americans and for the French. But in the end the Americans got just about everything they wanted out of the war and the French got almost everything they wanted, but for the most part they both got what they initially wanted and that was independence for the Americans and revenge for the French. At the beginning the French and the British came to the new world because of religious persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nates in 1685. With both the French and British in the new world, the British was waiting for a fight to break out. In the past , the British and the French always had little fights here and there no matter where they were. Because of this fear of the French, the colonists never explored no farther than the Alleghenies because they didn't have the protection of the British navy. When it came to the French exploration, the French explored as far as Lake Michigan. By 1750, France claimed the St. Lawrence River Valley, the Great Lakes and the entire Mississippi basin from present day Minnesota to the gulf, and from western Pennsylvania to Nebraska. Some of the reason that the French had such success at exploration is because they had good relations with the Indians and they were rarely threatened to displace the Indians from their hunting grounds to make room for settlers. As long as the French kept good relations with the Indians and kep t claiming vast territories, then the British could only go as far as the Atlantic coast. But in 1763, the Treaty of Paris changed everything, the French had been defeated in all parts of the world and they gave up the land west of the Alleghenies and the Mississippi in return for the sugar island. France gave Spain the entire Louisiana territory west to the Mississippi and the town of New Orleans. France was no longer a rival to the British in North America. The French were troubled by the Treaty of Paris and thought that the lands of the west Indies were better than all of North America, so they gave it up. But they all agreed that the Treaty of Paris had to be avenged. The thought of the revenge by the French came into plat only 12 years later when the colonists revolted against Britain and coincidental the only reason the colonists got the chance to revolt to get independence is because the British pushed them out of North America. Also what help the revolt came about is the imperial policies that the British put on the colonists. The seven years' war depleted the British treasury and they figured that the colonists could help pay for it. "Out of all the policy the British made the most aggravating was those over territories, as the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited settlement west of the Alleghenies in order to assure peace with the Indians , the Quebec Act of 1774, which made all the area north of the Ohio River part of the province of Quebec and restored French civil there."(France and the American War for Independence) These acts want against everything the Americans wanted to do mainly because they wanted those lands and they wanted to explore. Many Americans saw taxes as an ingratitude toward them and their rights. Over the years the colonist started to think of themselves, not as British colonists but as separate and equal interest or the North American continent. After April of 1775, things began to fall in place even the efforts from both sides of reconciliation. But the Americans knew that if they were to go against the British, which had the world biggest navy and army, then they would need some help from somebody, but who? "Of course the French , a country that just suffered a humiliating defeat by the British and a country who wants some of the European power back seems like the perfect ally fro the Americans, and so they made the French "Connection"."(France and the American War for Independence) When Great Britain found out

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Free Market Definition Economics Essay

Free Market Definition Economics Essay Market Definition The level to which it is important to carry out analysis of market definition in retail sector will depend upon the competition being analysed. In particular, if the focus of a competition is a monopoly situation, the main reason for analysing the market structure at the retail level will be to observe whether the retailers are likely to enter upstream themselves or bargain away any monopoly rents. For this case comprehensive definition retailer market is unlikely to be needed. There are two ways of defining market. Supply side substantiality and demand side substantiality. The supply side substantiality looks at the expected behaviour of suppliers in response to price rise. For example, if suppliers of product A can easily move to a relevant market for B when Bs prices rises, then the suppliers are in relevant market for A, because the monopolist seller will not be able to sustain a rise in price, meaning that As price constrained by these suppliers. The other market definition is b ased on consumer response to price rise. For example, if consumers are willing to substitute product F for product G when product G price rises, then F is in relevant market for G, because the market dominant of product G would not be able to sustain a rise in price meaning that G price is sustained by product F. United Kingdom is dominated by large multiple supermarket chains Their size, visibility and influence have made them the focus of much attention. Below is a summary of the market structure; Sales of drinks and food account for 65% of the total. Non- food grocery and non-grocery sales are becoming increasingly every passing financial year. Non- groceries account for of sales that are made in superstores and supermarkets. The large part of the remainder is accounted for by convenience retailing, with 7% of that being accounted by the traditional retailers. Sales through UK grocery outlets generates a revenue of up to 120 billion pounds which represent half of all the sales valued at 240 billion Euros which includes 13% of total household expenditure. Profit margins of the main supermarkets ranged between 2-4 % in the year 2004/5. In UK Tesco is currently the leading grocery store with commanding and market share of 30% share of the non convenience UK grocery market. During the late 20th century, Tesco and Sainsbury enjoyed similar market shares of between 20-25%, nut since then Sainsbury have lost to Tesco. Most of the multiple growths have been organic, with the excepti on Morrisons after attaining acquisition back in 2003. In 1999, Wal-Mart acquired ASDA, the world largest retailer. In recent studies shows that Tesco has the largest market share in majority of Britains districts and in the rest is usually the second. Tesco largest market share are in Inverness holding 51% and in Milton Keynes with a share of 50%. Consequently in areas that Tesco dominates its second rival is up close showing stiff competition. Convenience retailing is consolidating The large supermarkets and stores have began to compete strongly in this market share. For example, (Sainsbury, Tesco)have merged with existing stores and chains. While doing so, they are increasing market share by opening new stores and providing better service within those newly opened branches. The merging have resulted from the need to develop economies of scale, opportunities to reduce costs and increase sales by applying best practise to these new supermarkets and finally the need to acquire best quality supermarkets. The supermarkets are well sited, well stoked and attractive which are ideally placed to meet consumer needs for on the move shopping and for top ups. The imbalance of bargaining power that exists between supermarkets and their suppliers fosters abusive practises. The abuses are financial in nature and they tend to create uncertainty for suppliers. The main abuses which the suppliers face are enlisted below. The supermarkets require the suppliers to be on the list of suppliers which add extra costs to the supplier and the risk of stocking new products are passed to the suppliers. The suppliers are faced with the threat of de-listing if they deny honouring the reduction of prices or making other payments and concessions. These types of threats create uncertainty, inhibit their ability to plan and weaken their bargaining power of their products. The supermarkets charge slotting fees which add extra costs to the supplier and consequently the risk of stocking is passed to the supplier. The supermarkets are practising unethical business practises by demanding extra discounts or payments from the suppliers, which the supermarkets argue that the extra charges are for packaging, remodelling and retailer initiated promotions, this has got impacts to the supplier for the unexpected expenditure. The supermarkets do not only stop there but they proceed by demanding retrospective payments or after sale rebates which result in deducting a particular percentage of the total sales of a particular supplier for that year, compensating for profit margins being less than expected. Failure of sales of the products the supermarkets return the unsold goods to the suppliers, these results to the forecasting errors passed back to the supplier. The supermarkets and chain stores make late payments to the suppliers which have already been delivered and sold, adversely affecting suppliers cash flow therefore leading to additional costs and uncertainty over how many the suppliers will be pa id. Retrospective discounts on agreed terms and prices, changes to quantity, unscheduled promotions or to outsell rivals puts the suppliers profits under pressure, or distorting consumers perceptions of product value and may result to demands for lower prices from other customers. Prices of goods in supermarkets are lower than the prices of the same goods in non supermarket outlets, and the completion authorities see consumers ability to obtain lower prices, at least in shorter as beneficial. If the consumer prices are lowered to unsustainable levels, then for shorter supplies will go down so that buying prices and later retail prices will have to increase. Lowering of prices on the long run may have negative impacts on the retail prices. If the suppliers prices are lowered by the supermarkets, will cause the suppliers to be less viable but in the short run the retail prices will drop, but when it is a long term practise there will be reduced supply resulting to buying prices to hike leading to retail prices to increase and having impacts on the quantity and range. These impacts the consumers in that they will have to adjust to their normal buying habits and shift their consumption quantity or spend more on the same product. This affects the choice they make a nd their perceptions of what might constitute detriment. On April 1999, Stephen Byers published the completion commission report on the supply of grocery from multiple stores. From my review of the competition commission I can say that taking all matters into consideration, the commissioner are satisfied that the industry will undergo broadly competitive and that no excessive profits are earned or overall excessive prices are not being charged. The general profitability of the supermarkets had been decreasing before the publishing of the competition commission whilst to its publication and enforcement the profitability has been increasing since then. Since its enactment, there have tremendous changes in the industry, the competition commission has resulted to entry of Wal-Matt which is a notable remark and a number of price cuts which have boosted the general saving of the consumers and have saved them a proximate of 1 billion Euros. From my own opinion I believe that for a perfect market share, competitive market is the best way of securi ng a good deal of customers. From recent observations, the grocery industry is broadly competitive and i recommend the competition commission to be enacted as a law of the land. Since the commission was passed, the relationship between supermarket chains and their suppliers have changed since they are guided by the code practise which puts the suppliers and the supermarket on clearer and more predictable terms. Since then the voluntary code has been abolished that was in adequate and did not bind by the law. The competition commission has also resolved a different problem which was persistent selling of the supermarkets of products below the costs or price flexing. The commission did so by proposing that the supermarkets need not to take actions on the price flexing because the options available would have negative impacts to the consumer buying habits and would be a disproportionate problem to the supermarkets. The following changes have occurred in that retailers should ensure that the standards of terms are documented in which they do business. The supermarkets are required to give prior notice to the suppliers if the terms of conditions need to change. The suppliers are paid on time (specified time) this has saved most suppliers any unwanted expense and cost and created an assurance that they are paid. The supermarkets and stores should give suppliers practical notice of any intentions to change the price that had been previously agreed upon and that the supermarkets have abolished the unethical practise of requesting retrospective discounts or over rider. The repackaging, designing costs are now a burden to the chain stores and should not be transferred to the suppliers. After the commission was passed supermarkets are required to notify the suppliers of any changes in volume order, changes in any of supply chain procedures, changes in the specification of the products and the chain sho uld compensate the suppliers for any loss acquired due to lack of notifications.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Plan an awesome office holiday party

Plan an awesome office holiday party If you’re the one tasked with planning this year’s work holiday shindig, this is not a task to be taken lightly. After all, you’ve got a full year to go until the next one, and everyone always remembers how awesome (or how terrible) the last big party was. It’s a lot of pressure! Its also a bit of a social and professional minefield, so we’ve got the tips to help you plan the party that will keep everyone smiling until next year’s.Know your budget.Some companies go all out for their holiday parties, renting big venues and setting up ritzy food. Other companies go for a more modest affair, having it in the office or opting for a cash bar. It’s important to know up front what kind of budget you’re working with- is it a hot wings budget or a caviar budget? And this may depend on what kind of year your company had. If it wasn’t a great year and this year’s party budget is more streamlined than years past, then the idea of hiring a huge venue might be unrealistic, and the chocolate fountain may have to wait for another occasion. The important thing to remember is that you can have a fun, well-planned party no matter how much money you’re working with. It’s just a matter of setting realistic expectations.Pick the right time.On TV and in movies, holiday parties all seem to be on Christmas Eve, or shortly before. In real life, the Dance of the Out of Office Messages can often start well before the holidays start. So to maximize your holiday party crowd, pick a date earlier in December. This has the benefit of catching people before they’re holiday cheer-ed out and also feels more inclusive for whatever winter holidays people happen to celebrate.The timing on the day of the party is just as important- do you want to have it during work hours or is it more of an after-hours affair? More and more, companies are hosting their parties during the work day to make sure that employees ca n make it and don’t have conflicts. Plus it can be very difficult to book venues and catering on weekends during the holiday season, so having a party at, say, 3 p.m. on a Thursday or Friday might give you more options (and cost flexibility).Send out invites as early as you can.As soon as you’ve got a date, time, and place nailed down, send out the invite. Most company parties involve all employees, but if you’re working with a more select group (like a departmental holiday party), make sure you’re targeting your specific invite list as soon as you can. And be clear about who’s included on the invite. If it’s just employees, say so. If spouses or families are welcome, be clear about that as well.Choose your team wisely.Call it #HolidayPartySquadGoals. Make sure you have people lined up to help you, whether it’s backing you up on making venue or catering arrangements or acting as an extra pair of hands to set up on the day of. After al l, you should get to enjoy the festivities too, and you don’t need the stress of trying to do everything perfectly all by yourself.Make sure everyone’s clear on the party expectations and boundaries.Never forget that this is, above all, a work party, and everyone should still be mindful of the professional setting. If there’s going to be alcohol flowing, send out a reminder about any alcohol policies- and maybe a few links to your local rideshare companies to help make sure people get home safely. If you want to limit things like drinking up front, consider doing a cash bar or offering drink tickets (limit 2) to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves- but not too much- while celebrating with bosses and colleagues.Come up with something fun to do.Sure, â€Å"let’s eat, drink, and celebrate the end of the year† is a fine and time-honored holiday party activity. But consider having some fun or goofy activities if you’re going for a lig hthearted or less formal party. Ugly holiday sweaters are still having a moment, so why not have a contest for the most cringe-inducing sweater? Or maybe go for a holiday cookie bake-off, letting people bring in their finest holiday treats. (It’s a win-win, because free cookies!)Set aside some time for recognition.Just about every workplace has someone who feels comfortable getting up in front of a crowd and giving a toast or quick, heartfelt speech, so this would be a good time to schedule someone to give some year-end remarks. A bit of employee appreciation goes a long way, and even if your company doesn’t do gifts or bonus checks, a few words about everyone’s hard work throughout the year is always a welcome addition to the festivities.Whether your party will be at the Plaza or in the conference room, being prepared will help ensure that you maintain your sanity and that you and your colleagues have a great time being together and celebrating another producti ve year. Happy holidays, and happy planning!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Legal memoranda Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legal memoranda - Research Proposal Example The episode has also attracted class action for damages under ss 82 of the Trade Practices Act by a number of customers, led by the Pharmacists Association of Australia. Can any agreed statement of facts between DIARCOR and the ACCC be used as evidence against DIARCOR in any subsequent civil damages proceedings that its former clients may be seeking to bring against it Any agreed statement of facts between DIARCOR and the ACCC is bound to cover issues that the former clients of DIARCOR may be seeking to bring against the latter. It is difficult to predict with certainty whether the statement of fact could be used as evidence by aggrieved clients. It depends on the nature and extent of punitive measures ACCC metes out to DIARCOR. It also depends on the contents of the statement of facts and the court's verdict. As statutory authority, ACCC is in the right position to consider damages under ss 45, 45A and 82 of the Trade Practices Act and submit a proposal to the court that must assuage the grievances of the clients besides settling with a deterrent fine for DIARCOR. (Focus on Competition Law July 2001) The statement of facts is not a single format. It comes in various forms. Ideally, statement of facts must leave no scope for dispute. However, this is not possible all the time. In some cases, there may be certain points of dispute or contention where the two parties have agreed to disagree for the time being, or which a statutory authority like ACCC has allowed to be left pending due to insufficient time or data with an undertaking to wrap up the pending issues within a certain time limit. (Preparation for Hearing) There is also the issue that DIARCOR cannot be tried two or more times for the same offence. The relevant factors that the Court will take into account when assessing the quantum of the pecuniary penalty The main charge against DIARCOR, DISY and CALENDEX is that they have been involved in the nefarious activity of price fixing for quite some time. The managing director of DIARCOR has informed that they have been involved in the price fixing cartel for about five years. The price fixing arrangements were done verbally in secret rendezvous so that they do not leave any paper trial. The court will rely on circumstantial evidence in the absence of material proof. The court will also go into the enormity of the contraventions under ss 45, 45A and 82 of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Under these subsections, the court will examine the extent of gains made by unfair means by the price fixing cartel under ss 45, evidence of the price fixing charges regardless of any loss to competition under ss 45A, and losses and/or damages suffered by competition due to the cartel and the quantum of penalties to be imposed on the cartel as fines under ss 45 and 45A (Local Government and the Trade Practices Act), and recoveries for loss suffered on behalf of the competition

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Job interview questions and answer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job interview questions and answer - Essay Example I’m proven to be a fast learner, have an extremely outgoing personality and ability to work under situations of pressure. I have well proven communication skills. My professional achievements would be a driving force encouraging me all through my career. I have proved my leadership skills and have the aptitude to train. Another added strength of mine is the ability to work efficiently in both self driven and team environments. I need more training in research processes. As my experience had been more into the managerial aspects, I could hardly get any chance to get trained in the area. However, if given a chance to get trained in the area, I am quite sure to acquire expertise in research as well. With regard to the experience I hold in the field, I am confident to be fit for a number of career options. However, considering the success I have had as a leader, I would fit in best into the slot of a leader who is assigned to lead the team towards newer heights of success. If given the opportunity to work in your prestigious organization, I shall endeavor to fulfill the requirements of the position to the best of my ability and to the satisfaction of the management. Moreover, I can contribute largely towards the cause of the company with the expertise I have acquired. I am confident to lead the team towards the vision of the

Saturday, November 16, 2019

50 First Dates Essay Example for Free

50 First Dates Essay The movie 50 First Dates is a romantic comedy film directed by Peter Segal. The movie is a notion of a day that keeps repeating itself. However, in this movie the recycling takes place entirely inside the mind of Lucy Whitmore played by Drew Barrymore. Barrymore plays a young woman who was in an accident that caused her to suffer from Goldfield Syndrome, a fictional form of anterograde amnesia in which each day’s events disappear from her memory overnight. This is caused by damage to the hippocampus, inside the temporal lobe, as the hippocampus controls memory functions. Furthermore,she also innocently believes every day to be the birthday of her father which happens to be the day of the accident. In order to shield her from the pain of repeatedly learning about the accident, Marlin and Lucy’s brother, re-enact the activities of Marlin’s birthday every day. The character Oola is a friend of Sandler, whom helps come up with clever ideas to help Lucy fall in love with Henry everyday. Oola is affecting his neurotransmitters by the daily use of marijuana. Marijuana works as an agonist, in this movie. Adam Sandler, a womanizing marine life veterinian whom cares for animals in an aquatic amusement park has too many sexual conquests until he realizes that he is falling in love with Lucy. Sandler, sheds his philandering ways and devises new ways to meet her again every day, hoping that one day she will retain her memories and feelings for him. He eventually convinces Marlin that hiding the truth from Lucy is worse than explaining it to her each day, so they begin to leave video tapes for her to watch each morning, explaining her situation and her relationship with Henry. Lucy also writes notes to herself in a diary. Over time, she begins to reciprocate Henry’s feelings, even accepting his marriage proposal. Lucy is surrounded by a great deal of support and love throughout her dilemma. Lucy also receives deception from her brother and father and the basically the whole town because they protect her from knowing the truth. Personal Reflection: The results of this movie provide evidence that people suffer with anterograde amnesia which can effectively evaluate aspects of their quality of life and that the quality of communication life style. This movie also provides evidence that people with Amnesia also refers to an inability to recall information that is stored in memory. The causes of amnesia may be organic or functional. Organic causes may include brain damage through injury, or the use of specific drugs but usually sedative drugs. Amnesia may be one of the symptoms of some degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Functional causes are psychological factors, such as defense mechanisms. People with amnesia also find it hard to imagine the future, because our constructions of future scenarios are closely linked to our recollections of past experiences. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis used advanced brain imaging techniques to show that remembering the past and envisioning the future may go hand in hand with each process sparking strikingly similar patterns of activity within precisely the same broad network of brain regions. Fortunately, in the majority of cases amnesia resolves itself without treatment. However, if an underlying physical or mental disorder is present, it should be treated. Psychotherapy may sometimes be effective for some patients. Hypnosis can be an effective way of recalling memories that have been forgotten. Family support is crucial in helping a patient with amnesia get better. Psychologists and psychiatrists say that reality orientation aids may help to nudge patients back into their environment if they are surrounded with familiar objects, photographs, smells, and sounds. Personal Implications: In 50 First dates, it was designed to tell the story of Lucy a woman whom suffers from a severe memory loss and can not remembered anything that is happening but remembers the past. Goldfield’s syndrome is a fictive name for a specific form of Anterograde amnesia used in the romantic comedy. The condition causes Lucy to lose of all her memories of the day, save the memories prior to the accident, due to that she is unable to convert her short-term memories to her long-term memories during her sleep. This results in her waking up every day believing it is the day of the accident, October 13, 2002. So, while the name is fiction, it is based upon a real condition. The neurological condition that Lucy suffers from, Goldfield Syndrome, is entirely fictional. True anterograde amnesia affects either short-term memory, which can last minutes or seconds, or intermediate-term memory, which can last days or weeks. Although, falling asleep has nothing to do with the condition, and sleep actually intensifies many chemical effects which help memory.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Oedipus Complex in Oedipus Rex Essay -- Sophocles Psychology Paper

The Oedipus Complex in Oedipus Rex Thousands of years after Sophocles wrote the story of Oedipus Rex; psychologists named a complex after the behavioral characteristics of Oedipus. For many years psychologists have called a son having a sexual attraction toward his mother the Oedipus Complex. It is common belief that Oedipus Rex did not actually suffer from the Oedipus Complex. The basic support for this theory can be found through Oedipus' inherent fear of the prophecy placed upon him, by the Oracle, actually coming true. Oedipus is told, by a member of the royal court, of the prophecy of the Oracle. The love for his mother and father, and the mere thought of the prophecy drives Oedipus into retreat. He fears that if he stays in Corinth, that the prophecy may come true. This is clearly one sign that Oedipus did not suffer from the Oedipus complex. The thought alone of doing such a thing as having sexual relations with his own mother drives Oedipus from Corinth, away from royalty, and the only life he has ever known. If Oedipus really did suffer from the complex, he w...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Night Analogies Essay

This book invoked a lot of empathic and sympathetic emotions in my senses. I loved the symbolism, imagery, and allegory of this text, although painful, it portrayed the life of Jews and their torture. â€Å"Night† is used throughout the book to symbolize death, darkness of the soul, and loss of faith. As an image, it comes up repeatedly. Even when the scene is literally set during the day, night may be invoked. Consider all the terrible things that happen at night: Mrs. Schachter has her visions of fire, hell, and death; (Wiesel 24-27) Elie and his father arrive at Auschwitz and see the smokestacks and wait in line all night long with the smell of death in their noses; there is the night the soup tastes like corpses(67); they march through long nights and, stacked on top of each other, smother each other to death in the night; Elie’s father dies during the night (110-112). As Elie says himself, â€Å"The days were like nights, and the nights left the dregs of their darkness in our souls† (100). Night is thus a metaphor for the way the soul was submerged in suffering and hopelessness. It represented the endless torture and death of these HUMAN.I empathize the word humans because if one reads this book, you would think the Jews were in human. All the pain and misery leads one to believe that Jews were not even worthy enough to be called a human, but the question that arises all the time for me is†¦.WOULD A DOG BE TREATED IN SUCH A MANNER? The fact that fire and flames were used to symbolize death was quite disturbing at times throughout the scenes of this book. In Chapter two, as the train full of Jews from Sighet approaches Auschwitz, Mrs. Schachter has a vision of fire and flames. (24-27) She screeches about the fire through the long night and then again the following night. When they at last arrive at Auschwitz, the inhabitants of the car understand what she was talking about: the crematoria, where bodies of prisoners are burned. â€Å"My soul had been invaded– and devoured—by a black flame. Fire is an ever-present threat of death; the view and the smell of the crematoria permeate all aspects of life in the concentration camps, reminding the prisoners of their closeness to death. It was never a moment that peace dwell ed with them while in the confines of the German empire. Lastly the image of corpses is used not only to describe literal death, but  also to symbolize spiritual death. After liberation, when Elie looks at himself for the first time in many months, since the Ghetto, he sees a corpse in the mirror. (115) The look in his eyes as he stares at himself never leaves him. It speaks of the horror he has experienced and seen, which stole his childhood innocence and his faith in God’s mercy and justice. This was the hard pill to swallow. Not only does he feel and look dead, but he is far from dead. There comes a time when you have been beaten and town down so much and so long to the point that you actually become dead. This scene illustrates the dying of humanistic characteristics while still living, (THE WALKING/LIVING DEAD!) Who could ever be okay with living like this

Saturday, November 9, 2019

American Government Agencies Post 9/11

According to Timothy Manning, Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, significant and measurable strides have taken place to improve preparedness for the hazards faced by all levels of government and all segments of society (DHS, 2012). FEMA is now part of the DHS's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. FEMA is tasked with advising on building codes and flood plain management; teaching people how to get through a disaster; helping equip local and state emergency preparedness teams; coordinating the federal response to a disaster; making disaster assistance available to states, communities, businesses, and individuals; training emergency managers; supporting the nation's fire service; and administering the national flood and crime insurance programs.Listed below are some of the improvements that have taken place post 9/11 (DHS, 2012). In the four years between 2006 and 2010, the proportion of states and urban areas that were confident in the effectiveness of their emergency operations plans increased from 40 percent to more than 75 percent; commercial radio broadcasters, in partnership with FEMA, today can deliver public warning messages to more than 84 percent of the U.S. population, up from 67 percent in 2009. By the end of 2013, coverage is expected to expand to more than 90 percent of the population; Since 2001, federal, state and local governments have built a network of specialized teams capable of interdicting and disrupting a variety of imminent threats. That network includes 1,100 Hazardous Materials Response Teams, 5,400 SWAT teams, and 469 FBI-trained and accredited bomb squads; Prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, major population centers in many parts of the country lacked structural collapse and urban search and rescue capabilities. Today, 97 percent of the nation is within a 4-hour drive of an urban search and rescue team; and Government agencies at all levels have improved their strategic and tactical communications planning and coordination. In 2006, only 42 percent of the nation's urban areas had a strategic plan in place to guide interoperable communications. Today, 100 percent of the nation's highest-risk urban areas are capable of establishing response-level interoperable communications within one hour of an event involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. According to Factsheet: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Actions Taken Since 9/11,U.S. Customs and Border Protection are addressing the terrorist threat 24-hours a day. There is a multi-layered approach that encompasses working with our foreign counterparts, employing intelligence, technology, advanced information in the field and the most professional workforce worldwide. CBP uses various strategies and employs the latest in technology to accomplish its goals. We have extended our zone of security beyond our physical borders through the use of bilateral and private-sector partnerships, targeting and scrutinizing advance information on people and products coming into this country. CBP has achieved much since its creation in March 2003. Some of the most significant accomplishments are as follows: Improved anti-terrorism training for all CBP personnel. CBP has implemented anti-terrorism training for all personnel with a special focus on training related to weapons of mass effect. This includes identifying and intercepting potential instruments of terrorism using non-intrusive inspection technology and radiation detection equipment. The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) were implemented in August 2003. It is an Internet/Intranet based system operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that electronically captures, maintains, and monitors information relevant to each foreign student, exchange visitor, and their dependents. SEVIS provides CBP with a mechanism to facilitate the entry of bonafide students and exchange visitors and quickly identify possible status violators. Augmented Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS), that uses remotely monitored night-day camera and sensing systems to better detect, monitor, and respond to illegal crossings, on both the Northern and Southern borders. Deployed radiation detection technology including Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) to more than 10,400 CBP officers and agents, and Radiation Isotope Identification Detection System (RIIDS) to over 60 Border Patrol field locations. Increased the amount of Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) which are pole mounted cameras that provide coverage 24 hours a day/7 days a week to detect illegal crossings, on both our Northern and Southern borders. Implemented a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Southwest border initiative, which tracks illegal migration patterns to better deploy personnel and resources to establish control of our border. Overall these agencies have impressed me the most. In recent light of the Boston Marathon Bombing, the emergency response was remarkable which shows that there has been much training and procedures put into place since 9/11 and that we as a nation are prepared and capable of handling any situation that might come our way.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

How the Myers Briggs Test Can Help You Find a Career

How the Myers Briggs Test Can Help You Find a Career You might know exactly which field you’d most like to work in, but not exactly which sort of position. To be really successful in your job searching, it is important to know your strengths, but also to know exactly how those strengths could best be employed- to the benefit of your potential company and yourself. Here’s how to use myers briggs test  to help you figure out exactly which direction to push yourself in for the best and most productive job search.What is the Myers-Briggs?The most widely popular test is the U.S. is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The test assesses different aspects of your personality through a series of multiple choice questions, with the aim of classifying you as introverted, extroverted, or some blend of both.What the letters tell youThe Myers-Briggs test gives you one letter for each of four categories. Each can tell you a lot about yourself, but here’s an outline for what these letters can tell you about your ideal career:Your w orld: Extroverted vs. Introverted (E or I). This can tell you a lot about the work environment or culture that would suit you best. Are you better at a desk in your own space and working at your own pace? Or in a big crush of people, chatting and constantly exchanging ideasYour process: Sensing vs. Intuitive (S or I). This tells you how you take in information, whether that is through your physical senses, or whether you prefer to take in information, interpret it, then figure things out by more emotional means.Your method: Thinking vs. Feeling (T or F). This tells you how you make decisions. If you’re a data-based hyper rational thinker, then you’re probably a T. And if you take all possible ends and different people’s needs and circumstances into account whenever you make decisions, then you’re more likely an F.Your mode: Judging vs. Perceiving (J or P). Whether you think quickly, make decisions quickly, etc. Or whether you like to take your time and ge t the full picture before making your move.How to use your scoreYou’ll get a four letter â€Å"score† with some combination from the above categories. Depending on your particular combination, you’ll be able to figure out which careers and positions will suit you best.For example:PragmatismIf you’re an ST, someone who likes to take in facts and make decisions based almost entirely on those facts, then you’ll want to focus on jobs that privilege that kind of logical thinking. ES could look for client-oriented positions in banking or insurance. IS could focus on behind the scenes administration or law enforcement. Same use of data, different work environment- with each requiring different kinds of interaction with clients and/or coworkers.CaretakingIf you’re an SF (or even a PF), you might be best suited to be able to use your people-based decision-making for a purpose. ES could work in nutrition or cosmetology, talking to people all day and h elping them to be their best. IS could do more one-on-one jobs like social work or veterinary work. Same people skills, fewer people to interact with.TheoryIf you’re both intuitive and data-oriented (NT), you’ll want to work with data where you take in the information, interpret it theoretically, then apply it. ES could make great managers, salespeople, or real estate agents. IS could do very well in software, engineering, and other technology jobs.EmpathyYou’re a people person. More oriented towards your intuition and your sense of what is going on than hard data or judgments (NF). ES will do great in health care or the service industries. IS could work in library science or design- working more with objects and spaces and ideas than directly with people, but using the same traits.Whatever you turn out to be, it’s always best to know thyself- thoroughly and honestly- in hopes of determining which careers would bring out the best in you.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Book Summary

The book I chose to read was â€Å"When I Say No, I Feel Guilty† by Manuel J. Smith. The first thing to stand out to me in this book was it seemed a little outdated. Even though the writing style and the examples appeared to be from a different era, I was still able to see how different points were relevant today and to me personally. This title screamed my name when I was browsing the list of choices because no matter what I am saying no to, I always feel guilty. From the first moment that we can feel and translate emotions, we have been manipulated by others. We have grown up under the sense that we should feel certain ways about particular actions. We forget to a chore when we are young, we should feel guilty. We bring a bad grade home on out report card, we should be scared of getting in trouble. Many activities are labeled either good or bad and we should portray emotions to match. As a manager, you should try to keep commands or statements neutral. A neutral statement is one that doesn’t assign the label of good or bad to a behavior so the recipient will not feel manipulated. Everyday, people try to manipulate you into doing what they want by making you feel nervous, uninformed, or blameworthy. If you let them push you around you will feel frustrated, angry or depressed. When you permit others to control your actions, you renounce your sense of personal responsibility. Smith states that the first step in fixing the situation is to know that â€Å"no one can manipulate your emotions or behavior if you don’t allow it to happen. † Also, following the Bill of Assertive Rights will help lead to non-manipulative relationships in all situations. The rights are the basis for all healthy relationships and are listed as: You have the right to judge your own behavior, thoughts and emotions, and to take the responsibility for their initiation and consequences upon yourself. You have the right to offer no reasons or excuses for justifying your behavior. You have the right to judge if you are responsible for finding solutions to other people’s problems. You have the right to change your mind. You have the right to make mistakes and be responsible for them. You have the right to say, â€Å"I don’t know†. You have the right to be independent of the goodwill of others before coping with them. You have the right to be illogical in making decisions. You have the right to say, â€Å"I don’t understand†. You have the right to say, â€Å"I don’t care†. The first right is the foundation of all of the remaining rights. When you become your own judge, you help to build a barrier against manipulation. Judgements should be based on your values and not external systems of what is right or wrong. People base their manipulative actions on the belief that you should live up to their rules. If you are accepting of this situation, you open yourself up to a limitless variety of manipulation. Criticism is a common tool people use to get someone to behave according to their standards. Reactions to criticism can be negative with anxiety, denial, and defensiveness. Learning to take criticism in a constructive manner helps to avoid manipulation. Verbal coping methods to help accept criticism effectively are fogging, negative assertion, and negative inquiry. Fogging is when you only agree to the truths in a statement and respond to what someone has specifically stated rather than what is implied. A negative assertion is statement that takes responsibility for something you have done wrong. It takes courage to make a negative assertion and say, I’m sorry. Last, using negative inquiry encourages the critic to reply assertively instead of manipulatively. This tactic is typically used to ask for additional information about a critique. There are also different types of relationships that fall into three categories, commercial, authority, and equality. Basic verbal skills used to minimize manipulation do not change as problems are handled throughout these different relationships. Commercial relationships are clearly defined with a contract. Since this type of relationship follows a defined structure an assertive verbal skill works most effectively. In an authority relationship there is one person in charge while the other is not. Authority based relationships emphasize finding compromises that grow on existing interpersonal dynamic. Both parties are equal in an equality relationship. This relationship is the most informal and tends to have everything open for discussion. Thoughtful open communication reassures people that you will not hinder their decision making, even if you may disagree. The main concept I took away from this book is, it’s my life and what happens in it is completely up to me! I will not cower when I face manipulation. My reactions to particular situations can pave the way for a disaster or a triumph. We must always be in touch with reality to promote our own well-being and happiness. We also have to accept the possibility that changing our mind is completely normal and healthy. Keeping the Assertive Bill of Rights in mind will help to stand up against manipulation and keep our dignity, self-respect, and control over our own behavior.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

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

Arbitration - Essay Example Arbitration is the submission of a complainant to an intended respondent for a settlement of a dispute. The result of the settlement will be final, binding and executive in nature between the two parties. Mediation is done before arbitration or litigation. Through mediation, both parties are tried to reconcile with each other. Mediation is done through communication between parties to settle the dispute on their own by coming up with a solution agreeable to both parties. (Arbitration & Mediation, 2008) Arbitration and mediation, according to Newhall (2008), is more private in nature rather than a court proceeding. The importance to the confidentiality of the issue is also addressed more positively through the said methods. Moreover, through arbitration and mediation, a dispute can be settled faster as compared to going through court litigation, in which cases are scheduled to be settled many days, even months, after. There are numerous arbitration and mediation associations in America with each providing its own set of rules or policies. One arbitration and mediation agency in the US is the United States Arbitration and Mediation (USA&M). USA&M has a general guideline that once its services are sought, both parties are required to comply with the requirements of the said agency such as submitting documents for evidence, appearance during investigation, testify on the credibility of evidence gathered, and others. However, rules and guidelines differ on a case-to-case basis. (USA&M Rules of Arbitration, 2008) Carmen worked for her mother for several years in their restaurant business, her mother as the restaurant manager. Despite being treated abusively by her mother, Carmen endured such treatment and worked faithfully for the restaurant. When both of her parents died, she thought that she will be made manager in exchange for her faithful service. However, her parents’ last will and testament gave the managerial position to