Laissez-Faire Essays (2049 words) - Standard Oil, Ida Tarbell

Laissez-Faire The American Civil War fades away. It now appears that a new social unrest has taken root in America. But the debate was to be fought in the economic world. The question was, how should the government interact with business? The issue splits into two main views, that of Laissez-faire, and that of General Welfare. Laissez-faire is a rather straight-forward philosophy. It can be best described by saying that the government should have absolutely no interaction within the business world. These thinkers trust that the government's sole purpose is to protect life and property, and that the role of government should end there. The tree of Laissez-faire has many branches, two of which are classical economics and Social Darwinism. Believers in classical economics base most of their philosophy on mercantilism and its effects. They have no doubt that government interaction with the business world is inept, and can only hurt economic growth. Social Darwinism was a popular belief. It grew from studies of Charles Darwin, and his publication, The Origin of Species. Charles Darwin argued that species had not been created, but had evolved. But most importantly to the philosophy of Social Darwinism, Darwin theorized that evolution takes place by survival of the fittest. It was that idea in s! urvival of the fittest that became the backbone for Social Darwinists. The Social Darwinists believed that the involvement of government in business interfered with the natural selection of those that were best suited to survive.(Lesson14 74) On the other side of the issue was the general welfare state. The philosophy of the general welfare state, called the Social Gospel, was advocated in part by Christians in the United States. They believed that individuality had gone too far and that it was necessary for government involvement. Increased urbanization and industrialization also led to the belief in the general welfare state. It was the opinion of these thinkers that laissez-faire was not the answer to the problems of economics.(Lesson14 74) Laissez-faire may have been a significant step in the evolution of economics to many people, but there were also many silent threats that it carried. Without government protection, big business can exploit the many people that make it work. Such exploitation could be brought about in low wages and poor working conditions, long working hours, and many others. Many believed that government protection was needed to insure fair competition and high standards of morality. In the 1860s oil became more and more essential as an everyday item. Its demand grew dramatically. The main use at that time for oil was kerosene. Kerosene was used in several ways, although its most popular use was in lamps. Crude oil needs to be refined to produce products such as Kerosene. Pennsylvania was the main location that oil refining was done in the 1860s, but times were changing. The Lake Shore Railroad helped Cleveland become one of the new centers for oil refining. It was obvious that the railroads were invaluable to the oil business. In the new refining city of Cleveland, Ohio, a new refining company was created. This company was the Standard Oil Company, owned primarily by John D. Rockefeller.(Lesson16 95) John D. Rockefeller is a legend of the business world. He started a relatively small oil refinery in Cleveland, Ohio in 1870. In just two years, it grew into an enormous monopoly, producing ninety percent of the nations refined oil (Chapter4 15). His business ethics have been hotly debated because of many apparent rebates and other schemes. The Standard Oil Company's success can be attributed to Rockefeller's business aptitude. Aside from his great business qualities, the Standard Oil Company's success in the oil industry is because of the secret illegal rebates by the railroads. A rebate in the railroad business is a reduction in shipping fares in exchange for promised use of the railroad's services. These rebates were brought about through the South Improvement Company, which was set up in 1872 (Lesson16 96). The South Improvement Company was designed with one mission, to destroy all competition to the Standard Oil Company, and other companies that were part of the South Improvement Company. It was started by several large corporations, including the Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller is reported to have met with other oil businesses and tell them that if they do not join the South Improvement Company, they will be wiped out of business due to the lower shipping rates given to the South Improvement Company (Lesson16 96). Eventually the public

Biodiversity of Varying Organisms in Differential Dirt Samples essays

Biodiversity of Varying Organisms in Differential Dirt Samples essays The hypothesis tested was, Organisms are less biodiverse in non-mulched areas than they are in mulched areas. After comparing richness (S) to the average temperature (C) of the samples collected, it was found that species richness had a value of 8 morphotypes for both Group 1 and Group 2 (mulched regions and a value of 5 morphotypes for Groups 3 and 4 (non-mulched regions) (Figure 1). The average temperature for Group 1 was 18.2 C, 18.4 C for Group 2, 17.5 C for Group 3, and 17.7 C for Group 4 (Figure 1). The average moisture content for both of the mulched regions (Groups 1 and 2) was 2.7, while the average moisture content for the non-mulched regions (Groups 3 and 4) was 3.6 (Figure 2). Furthermore, Shannons Diversity Index for the mulched regions (Groups 1 and 2) was 1.71 (Figure 2). The H value for the non-mulched regions (Groups 3 and 4) was 1.45 (Figure 2). The next index calculated for this data set was Simpsons Index of Diversity. For the mulched regions, (Groups 1 and 2), this value was discovered to be .7695 (Figure 3). For the non-mulched regions, (Groups 3 and 4), Simpsons valu e was found to be .7361 (Figure 3). The last index calculated for the regions was Evenness. In the mulched regions (Groups 1 and 2), Evenness was calculated to be .822 (Figure 4). Evenness was found to be .901 in the non-mulched regions (Figure 4). After calculating several indices of biodiversity (Richness, Shannons, Simpsons, Evenness), the hypothesis was supported. It stated that organisms are less biodiverse in non-mulched areas than in mulched areas. The Richness calculation supported the hypothesis because it visibly showed that the mulched region contained 8 different morphotypes compared to the non-mulched region, which only had 5 different morphotypes. Shannons Index of Diversity supported the hypothesis as well. This is because it ...

Bolman & Deals Four-Frame Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bolman & Deals Four-Frame Model - Essay Example The power to reframe is vital for modern leaders. The ability to see new possibilities and to create new opportunities enables leaders to discover alternatives when options seem severely constrained. It helps them find hope and faith amid fear and despair. Choice is at the heart of freedom, and freedom is essential to achieving the twin goals of commitment and flexibility (Bolman & Deal, 2003, p.433)." In the contemporary times, change within the organizations is an expected and normal phenomenon, though the pace of chance has been manifold accelerated by the IT revolution and the digitization of the economies. Corporate organizations more then often consist of a highly complex framework that can make the task of managing change really challenging and unpredictable. Every organization undergoing a change represents a unique scenario that may have multiple facets such as the popping up technical challenges, existing political framework and the rampant cultural ethos (Tichy, 1983, p.17). The multiple dimensions inherent in the functional efficiency of the organizations call for astute management responses and seasoned administrational efficacy. Also the attitude of the employees towards the inbuilt values and ethical moorings within the organizations more then often gives way to immense resistance from within and without (Lewin, 1947). Thus the complexity involved in managing change may further be aggravated due to a friction between the gamuts of opposing elements within the organizations (Charles, Bastein & Hostages, 1991). In such a scenario, the top leadership within the organizations often gets bifurcated into managers who insist on the relevance of existing maintenance procedures and the managers who aspire to play a leadership role in facilitating the inevitable change (Zaleznick, 1977). Change management undeniably calls for a visionary perspective on the part of a leader and demands an ability to visualize the overall process of change from a vantage point that is seldom distracted by the humdrum of everyday activities (Bums, 1978, p.42). The ability of a leader to visualize change in the context of multiple frames facilitates a linkage of the experiences of the people working within an organization with the requisite transformational behaviour (Avolio, 1994). These intrinsic connections between experience and behaviour yield the stimulating driving f orce that transforms organizations (Schuster, 1994). Hence Bass was not wrong in tracing a direct correlation between the ability of a leader to visualize change from multiple perspectives and team effectiveness (1985). The ability of a leader to dissect the predominant influences within an organization into constituent frames helps in unravelling the vision, beliefs, assumptions and goals that aught to be dealt with on a priority basis to facilitate change (Schein, 2004, p.22).Over the years there has occurred a sea change in the way managers and administrators are expected to visualize change within organizations. From the anachronistic perspective of seeing change as a monolithic phenomenon, managers today are encouraged to

Conversation Topics for business occasions Essay

Conversation Topics for business occasions - Essay Example Awareness of these goals provides the subordinates with a direction so that they can equip themselves with the skills required to be eligible for the opportunities lying ahead. The subordinate should particularly try to ask the boss how he/she would be involved in the project. The subordinate should try to consent with the boss over the basic approach and standards. The subordinate should share with the boss what he/she thinks the ideal approach is and then he/she may ask the boss for input. â€Å"Be sure you understand upfront what the guiding principles are for the work — not just the tactical elements. These principles are what you should be discussing with your boss† (Chatman cited in Gallo, 2011). In addition to that, the chances of subordinates’ consideration for those opportunities by the boss are enhanced because the boss has already discussed the plans with them. A very good and informative topic of discussion is technology. Discussing latest technologic al research and products with a boss not only sets a good impression upon the boss, but also forms a very interesting topic of discussion. These days, with the pace of technological development being so fast, there is a lot to discuss. Subordinates can discuss the innovative features of the latest gadgets, draw comparison between the newest and the old models of gadgets, discuss whether a particular gadget is worth investing money in or not, and most importantly, whether a certain gadget can be used to improve the business they are concerned with in some way. Business meetings are very suitable occasions to discuss innovative ideas in. Subordinates can suggest to a boss how the use of a new gadget can help them in the business operations, and how it can be integrated into the organizational culture. This impresses upon the boss that the subordinates are very knowledgeable, hard working, and can contribute to the development of the organization. Politics might be a good topic of disc ussion with a boss in a business meeting provided that the subordinates can consent with the boss’s opinion and show respect for his/her views. Nevertheless, it is a risky topic to discuss with a boss because many people have emotional connections with their political parties and when they discuss politics, they indulge into a heated argument with the critics. If this happens between a boss and a subordinate, it is not good for the relationship. While discussing politics, it is recommendable for the subordinates to first listen to the boss’s stance, if they can agree with that, they should discuss it; if they cannot, they should either remain silent or try to change the topic articulately. Every topic that is discussed in a business meeting between a boss and the subordinates does not necessarily have to relate to business. Sports is another very interesting and engaging topic to discuss with a boss on a business meeting. Meetings are wonderful occasions for discussing sports because the boss and the subordinates are having a one-to-one discussion, and have sufficient time to discuss such things. This is different from the daily interaction that happens in the office which is constrained by limited time and pressure of work. â€Å"During the frenetic work week, they encounter the boss as the source of discipline, assignments, occasional reprimands and, typically, very little personal chit

Bloom syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Bloom syndrome - Essay Example Bloom disease predisposes individuals to cancer as it causes pro activity in suppressor cells that alters the division of cells to a hyperactive state (Cox, 2009). This disease is common amongst the Jews; the casualties appear short in stature and are sensitive to sunlight. The study of the journal considered purposed to establish the efficacy of BTB complex in Double Holliday Junction dissolution in prevention of crossovers. Indeed the study shows that dissolution of the DHJ using BTB is possible only with the combination of energy provider, ATP that is hydrolyzed by BLM and the complex mixed with a protein complex, Fanconi ammonia. This article I have to admit that the article embraces all the scientific controls and procedures that were well programmed and followed to ensure that the objective and hypothesis of the study is tracked to produce results that satisfies both validity and reliability. Notwithstanding, the article is short of coherency and unequivocal state of the object ives of the study amongst other oversights. Introduction Bloom disease is one of the rarest diseases that are known today, it is a genetically disease that occurs in a homozygous recessive situation. The disease occurs due to the crossing over of the chromosomes during cell division, i.e. meiosis (Modrich, 2006). During this stage of cell division, fragment of the Deoxyribonucleic Acids (DNA) are realized due to the unwinding nature of the DNA at this stage. These fragments later rejoin randomly leading to alteration of the initial genomic structure and one resultant features is the bloom disease (Modrich, 2006). Specifically, bloom disease due to the changes discussed above occurs due to mutations at the BLM gene (Cohen, 2004). The disease is hereditary and can be passed to the offspring by the parents who are carriers. Bloom disease is known to be responsible for a number of misfortunes in human beings; the disease causes cancers as it makes the regulatory genes in the human body to be hyperactive leading to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells causing cancers (Tropp & Freifelder, 2008). The occurrence of cancers in this case is observed even in young children, this has made the disease to be known for causing old age diseases in children. The individuals with this disease also show a short a stature and may prompt acquisition of other medical conditions like diabetes type II, color change of the skin making the individuals to be vulnerable and sensitive to sunlight, and chronic pulmonary disease (Tropp & Freifelder, 2008). The prevalence of the disease is high amongst the Jews and that for every one hundred Jews, there is an individual with the bloom disease (Modrich, 2006). The article critique has revolved around the bloom disease in the capacity of mitigating the cause and finding the most appropriate item to be used in mitigation efforts. The article identifies the disease and looked at how it occurrence and the factors that accelerate its occurrence . The gene responsible for this disease is identified as BLM. BLM is found in the human genome and is one of the human RecQ genes (Waldman, 2004). RecQ genes are important in the maintenance of genetics in both the prokaryotes and the eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, the RecQ genes are important in ensuring that the structure of the genome is maintained despite the gene recombination that takes place in the bacteria (Waldman, 2004). There are about five RecQ genes in human of which all strive to maintain the originality of the genome in order to arrest erratic gene disruption that may cause genetic disorder of bloom’

The Migration and Assimilation of Mexican Americans Essay Example for Free

The Migration and Assimilation of Mexican Americans Essay The migration of Mexican Americans has been a long journey. The road in which most have taken is one of sacrifice and hard-work. A road paved with the dreams and hopes, faith, determination, and the forbearance to achieve all that this land has to offer. The subject to be discussed is how Mexican Americans have migrated and how they were assimilated into â€Å"American† society. The history of Mexican Americans migration dates back to the twentieth century, which are closely associated to the growth of the railroads and irrigated agriculture. Economic conditions in Mexico caused hundreds of thousands of Mexicans to make new beginnings in the United States in the years from 1917 to the outbreak of the Great Depression in 1929 (Compean, n. d. ). Because of the expansion of sugar beets in Idaho, many Mexican migrant workers were recruited to the basin of the Columbia River. An increase in the demand for labor was seen when recruiters for the railroad companies and agriculture started to move out to the southwestern states and the borders cities in northern Mexico because many Mexicans voluntarily enrolled to find employment and a better life in the United States (Compean, n.d. ). On the other hand, many traveled to the areas of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington on their own because they received word about work opportunities. However, The Great Depression drastically slowed Mexican migration to those regions, but it did not fully come to a halt. Agriculture started to increase in volume because of World War II coming into place and so the demand for labor also increased. Recruiters, again, went in search for Mexicans and Mexican Americans to work the fields. Thousands from the regions of northern Mexico and the Southwest responded to this call to engage in hard and unceasingly hard work in the fields and orchards. At this time the federal government also joined in this struggle by coming to an agreement with Mexico to import Mexican contract workers, who became known as braceros, to harvest crops in the Pacific Northwest and other regions of the country (Compean, n. d. ). Many criticized the Bracero program indicating that it was an indentured alien program and a system of cross-border labor exploitation. Many Mexicans and Mexican Americans were not all eligible for the Bracero Program. Only healthy, landless, and surplus male agricultural workers from regions not experiencing a shortage in labor were allowed to be part of the Bracero Program contract (Hernandez, 2009). In the post-World War II years that the agricultural work opportunities continued to increase and attract Mexicans and Mexican Americans to such states as Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. An increase in the Mexican American migrant â€Å"settling out† of the migrant stream to search for year-round employment and to establish roots close to where they worked was becoming more predominated. Many plants were erected providing more employment and education was also provided for their children. It could be clearly seen that an assimilation process was occurring because Mexican Americans were able to establish communities. As a subordinate group, they have taken on many similarities or characteristics of the dominant group. Religion-based celebrations and customs also encouraged ethnic fellowship and the continuity of Mexican culture among Mexican American communities in the Pacific Northwest. Many of the assimilated features among the Mexican American people were that of volunteer, cultural, and political associations, which has played an important role in the building Mexican American communities in the Columbia River Basin (Compean, n. d. ). Before 1970, a small amount of inhabitants with poor levels of education and discrimination prohibited many from any purposeful political participation in the community where they reside. Mexican Americans will continue striving to shape politics and in the Columbia River Basin as they become citizens. As second-generation descendants; Mexican Americans will continue to obtain education to have the opportunity for voting, erecting businesses, and to contribute important factors to the cultural life of the region. The Mexican American subordinate group has had a great deal an impact not just in the past but well into the present regarding the agricultural department here in the United States. Hernandez (2009) stated, â€Å"By the turn of the twenty-first century, over one hundred years of Mexican and Latino immigration had forged a large Hispanic population in the United States, which signified a fundamental shift in U. S. demographics and carried a significant impact upon American society and culture. However, the century of mass migration from Mexico and, more recently from Central America, was dictated by developments that spanned far beyond the borders of the United States. Uneven capitalist development and U. S. foreign policy framed the story of Latino immigration to the United States,† (pp. 28). References Compean, M. (n. d. ). Mexican Americans in the Columbia basin. Retrieved from http://archive. vancouver. wsu. edu/crbeha/ma/ma. htm Hernandez, Kelly Lytle. OAH Magazine of History, Oct2009, Vol. 23 Issue 4, p25-29, 5p Schaefer, R. T. (2006). Understanding Race and Ethnicity (10th ed. ). : Prentice-Hall.

Humans and Nature: Depletion of Natural Resources by Humans Essays

Humans and Nature: Depletion of Natural Resources by Humans Early in human history, people used energy for heating, lighting, and cooking. As humans began to farm larger areas of land, their energy demands changed. Domesticated animals were used for energy sources to pull plows. When the Industrial Revolution occurred, people's energy demands further changed to meet the needs of industry. Work that was done by people and animals were then transferred over to machines. These machines required more natural resources such as iron and coal to produce large amounts of steel for tractors, pipes, and other devices. As the population increased, the demand for more products, such as clothing, shoes, and household items required more energy to be produced. The increased use of machines eventually led to an increased need for power. The needed power could only come from natural resources. The abundance of natural resources used to be generally assumed, but in recent years, questions are beginning to be raised, including the availability of fuel and other minerals. Decreasing supplies of natural resources and increasing world population growth has added pressure to the world's search for energy. Humans have harmed nature by overusing, wasting, and abusing its supply of natural resources. Growth in human population and in material living standards leads to increased production. More production, given the technologies that are currently employed, result in a rapid depletion of many natural resources and to the production of numerous pollutants which are not only dangerous to the environment, but are also, employed on a scale which cannot be absorbed and diluted by the natural environment. Th... ...html (10 March 1999). 4. Bard, Fossil Fuels and Energy Conversion. 14. 5. Talbot, Jeffrey â€Å"The Value of Ecological Resources.† EPRI Journal, July 1998, 8-17. 6. Maret, Susan â€Å"Natural Resources.† Choice, October 1998, 294-295. Works Cited - Bard, Stephen, Fossil Fuels and Energy Conversion. New York: GEM, 1995. - Crites, James. "The War for America's Natural Resources." The American Political Science Review, December 1998, 947-948. - Maret, Susan â€Å"Natural Resources.† Choice, October 1998, 294-295. - Stockett, William R. "The Energy Story" http://www.energy.ca.gov/ education/story/story-html/chapter05.html (10 March 1999). - Talbot, Jeffrey â€Å"The Value of Ecological Resources.† EPRI Journal, July 1998, 8-17.

Business Financing and the Capital Structure Essay

Explain the process of financial planning used to estimate asset investment requirements for a corporation. Explain the concept of working capital management. Identify and briefly describe several financial instruments that are used as marketable securities to park excess cash. As a business owner, it is important to know the value of your assets as they can be used as leverage for obtaining loans and can be used to estimate your ability to repay your debts. Calculate your current assets, long-term investments, fixed assets and intangible assets and add them up to get your total business assets. Pledgeable assets support more borrowing, which allows for further investment in pledgeable assets. The trade-off between liquidation costs and underinvestment costs implies that low-liquidity firms exhibit negative investment sensitivities to liquid funds, whereas high-liquidity firms have positive sensitivities. If real assets are not divisible in liquidation, firms with high financial liquidity optimally avoid external financing and instead cut new investment. If real assets are divisible, firms use external financing, which implies a lower sensitivity. In addition, asset redeployability decreases the investment sensitivity. Financial management includes management of assets and liabilities in the long run and the short run. The management of fixed and current assets, however, differs in three important ways: Firstly, in managing fixed assets, time is very important; consequently discounting and compounding aspects of time element play an important role in capital budgeting and a minor one in the management of current assets. Secondly, the large holdings of current assets, especially cash, strengthen firm’s liquidity position but it also reduces its overall profitability. Thirdly, the level of fixed as well as current assets depends upon the expected sales, but it is only the current assets, which can be adjusted with sales fluctuation in the short run. Marketable securities replenish cash quickly and earn higher returns than cash, but come with risks; maturity, yield, and liquidity should be considered. Marketable securities are the securities that can be easily liquidated without any delay at a reasonable price. Firms will maintain levels of marketable securities to ensure that they are able to quickly replenish cash balances and to obtain higher returns than is possible by maintaining cash. There are four factors that influence the choice of  marketable securities. These include risks, maturity, yield, and liquidity. Assume that you are financial advisor to a business. Describe the advice that you would give to the client for raising business capital using both debt and equity options in today’s economy. Some business owners say ratios are an accountant’s problem. That’s not smart, says Dileep Rao, president of Minneapolis’ InterFinance Corp, a venture-finance consulting firm, and professor at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. â€Å"Running your business without knowing your numbers is like driving a car without being able to see your direction or speed,† says Rao. â€Å"It’s only a matter of time before you crash.†(Rao, 2011) The terms â€Å"debt† and â€Å"equity† get tossed around so casually that it’s worth reviewing their meanings. Debt financing refers to money raised through some sort of loan, usually for a single purpose over a defined period of time, and usually secured by some sort of collateral. Equity financing can be a founder’s money invested in the business or cash from angel investors, venture capital firms, or, rarely, a government-backed community development agency—all in exchange for a portion of ownership, and therefore a share in any profits. Equity typically becomes a source of long-term, general-use funds. The share of any hard assets, such as property and equipment, that you own free and clear also counts as equity. Striking the right balance between debt and equity financing means weighing the costs and benefits of each, making sure you’re not sticking your company with debt you can’t afford to repay and minimizing the cost of capital. Choosing debt forces you to manage for cash flow, while, in a perfect world, taking on equity means you’re placing a priority on growth. But in today’s credit markets, raising equity may simply mean you can’t borrow any more. Until recently, bank credit was a financing mainstay. But experiences like Flipse’s underlie a point made by the Federal Reserve Board’s quarterly Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices, released in November. According to loan officers, small-company borrowers were tapping sources of funding other than banks. They were being driven away for many reasons. Banks â€Å"continued to tighten standards and terms†¦on all major types of loans to businesses,† though fewer were doing so than in late 2008, when tightening was nearly universal. Interest rates on small business loans were on the rise at 40% of the banks surveyed, even as the prime rate reached historic lows. One in five banks had reduced small  companies’ revolving credit lines. One in three had tightened their loan standards, and 40% had tightened collateral requirements. Partly because of the plunging value of the real estate securing many commercial loans, pressure from bank examiners for tighter standards continued to build. Meanwhile, home equity loans, another popular source of small business cash, had evaporated. Many recession-weary business owners knew they had essentially become unbankable: Loan officers surveyed said far fewer firms were seeking to borrow. Those few who could borrow were repelled by higher rates. All of a sudden, equity financing l ooked better. Explain why a business may decide to seek capital from a foreign investor indicating the risk and rewards for such a decision. Provide support for rationale. Many investors choose to place a portion of their portfolios in foreign securities. This decision involves an analysis of various mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETF), or stock and bond offerings. However, investors often neglect an important first step in the process of international investing. When done properly, the decision to invest overseas begins with a determination of the riskiness of the investment climate in the country under consideration. Country risk refers to the economic, political and business risks that are unique to a specific country, and that might result in unexpected investment losses. This article will examine the concept of country risk and how it can be analyzed by investors. There are many excellent sources of information on the economic and political climate of foreign countries. Newspapers, such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times dedicate significant coverage to overseas events. There are also many excellent weekly magazines covering international economics and politics; the Economist is generally considered to be the standard bearer among weekly publications. For those seeking more in-depth coverage of a particular country or region, two excellent sources of objective, comprehensive country information are the Economist Intelligence Unit and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Fact Book. Either of these resources provides an investor with a broad overview of the economic, political, demographic and social climate of a country. The Economist Intelligence Unit also provides ratings for most of the world’s countries. These ratings can be used to supplement those issued by Moody’s,  S&P, and the other â€Å"traditional† ratings agencies. Finally, the internet provides access to a host of information, including international editions of many foreign newspapers and magazines. Reviewing locally produced news sources can sometimes provide a different perspective on the attractiveness of a country under consideration for investment. It is important to remember that diversification, which is a fundamental principle of domestic investing, is even more important when investing internationally. Choosing to invest an entire portfolio in a single country is not prudent. In a broadly diversified global portfolio, investments should be allocated among developed, emerging and perhaps frontier markets. Even in a more concentrated portfolio, investments should still be spread among several countries in order to maximize diversification and minimize risk. After the decision on where to invest has been made, an investor has to decide what investment vehicles he or she wishes to invest in. Investment options include sovereign debt, stocks or bonds of companies domiciled in the country(s) chosen, stocks or bonds of a U.S.-based company that derives a significant portion of its revenues from the country(s) selected, or an internationally focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) or mutual fund. The choice of investment vehicle is dependent upon each investor’s individual knowledge, experience, risk profile and return objectives. When in doubt, it may make sense to start out by taking less risk; more risk can always be added to the portfolio at a later date. In addition to thoroughly researching prospective investments, an international investor also needs to monitor his or her portfolio and adjust holdings as conditions dictate. As in the U.S., economic conditions overseas are constantly evolving, and political situations abroad can change quickly, particularly in emerging or frontier markets (Forbes, 2011). Situations that once seemed promising may no longer be so, and countries that once seemed too risky might now be viable investment candidates. Explain the historical relationships between risk and return for common stocks versus corporate bonds. Explain how diversification helps in risk reduction in a portfolio. Support response with actual data and concepts learned in this course. Portfolio diversification is the means by which investors minimize or eliminate their exposure to company-specific risk, minimize or reduce  systematic risk and moderate the short-term effects of individual asset class performance on portfolio value. In a well-conceived portfolio, this can be accomplished at a minimal cost in terms of expected return. Such a portfolio would be considered to be a well-diversified. Although the concepts relevant to portfolio diversification are customarily explained with respect to the stock markets, the same underlying principals apply to all types of investments. For example, corporate bonds have specific risk that can be diversified away in the same manner as that of stocks. Bonds issued by companies represent the largest of the bond markets, bigger than U.S. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, or securities offered by federal agencies (Worldbank, 2013). The risk associated with corporate bonds depends on the financial stability and performance of the company issuing the bonds, because if the company goes bankrupt it may not be able to repay the value of the bond, or any return on investment. Assess the risk by checking the company’s credit rating with ratings agencies such as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Good ratings are not guarantees, however, as a company may show an excellent credit record until the day before filing for bankruptcy. When you purchase stock in a company during a public offering, you become a shareholder in the company. Some companies pay dividends to shareholders based on the number of shares held, and this is one form of return on investment. Another is the profit realized by trading on the stock exchange, provided you sell the shares at a higher price than you paid for them. The risks of owning common stock include the possible loss of any projected profit, as well as the money paid for the shares, if the share price drops below the original price. Corporate bonds hold the lowest risk of the three types of investments, provided you choose the right company in which to invest. The main reason for this is that in the event of bankruptcy, corporate bond holders have a stronger claim to payment than holders of common or preferred stocks. Bonds carry the risk of a lower return on investment, as the performance of stocks is generally better. Common stocks carry the highest risk, because holders are last to be paid in the event of bankruptcy. Preferred stocks generally have higher yields than corporate bonds, lower risk than common stocks, and a better claim to payment in the event of bankruptcy. References Dileep Rao. 2011, â€Å"InterFinance † Cambridge, Massachusetts, The MIT Press. Forbes. 2011, † Small Business Loans: A Great Option â€Å". Retrieved on 6/19/2013 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryancaldbeck/2012/11/14/small-business-loans-a-great-option-unless-you-actually-need-money/ â€Å"Foreign direct investment, net inflows (BoP, current US$) | Data | Table† . Data.worldbank.org. Retrieved 6/19/2013 from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/BX.KLT.DINV

Person Centred approaches Essay

Understand the application of person centred approaches in health and social care. Person centred values must influence all aspects of health and social care, to maintain their individual rights, to give them choice, promote their independence and to keep their dignity and respect. When we are planning a care plan it should reflect the needs and wishes of the client keeping and maintaining their independence and maintain their rights and choices remembering that their needs and wishes change from time to time. Never make assumptions about a person, find out their likes and dislikes. Each person is entitled to make their own choice to have their say and a right to respect and dignity. Outcome 3 Be able to establish consent when providing care or support 3.1 Analyse factors that influence the capacity of an individual to express consent Our mental capacity is the ability to think and reason, to be able to understand how our choices affect what can happen. There fore a person who has had a stroke can not always understand the simplest of questions, someone who has dementia or has mental health problems may not be make the right choices for themselves. Evan someone who has poor communication skills with English not being their first language can lead to misunderstanding. 3.3 Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be readily established If consent cannot be gained you need to inform your line manager and record that consent could be achieved in their notes. Your line manager can consult with other professionals to help. In some circumstances people are assessed as being unable to give consent. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlines the circumstances in which another person can make decisions on behalf to the person who lacks capacity. In many circumstances it is useful to ask family members about the person’s preferences and wishes Outcome 4 Be able to implement and promote active participation 1.1 Describe different ways of applying active participation to meet individual needs Active participation is a way of working with a person that recognises the person’s rights to participate in activities of everyday life as independently as possible it focuses on their wishes and abilities designed to maintain their impendence making them an active partner in their care or support. By working this way we are involving the person in all aspects of their care and needs meeting their wishes and giving them choice e.g. what clothes would they like to wear, would they like a shower or a wash, what would they like for their lunch. The person then feels more valued and involved with their care it also helps to build the persons confidence. Outcome 5 Be able to support the individuals’ right to make choices 5.4 Describe how to support an individual to question or challenge decisions concerning them that are made by others People have a right to challenge a decision that has been made about them. First make sure that the person fully understands what has been decided and by whom and what will happen making sure they fully understand what affect it will have on them. If the person doses not agree with this decision I would advise them on what steps to take to complain. Outcome 6 Be able to promote individuals well-being 6.1 Explain the links between identity, self image and self esteem Self image is the way we look at ourselves – Fat, thin, smart, untidy Self-esteem is about having confidence in ourselves Identity, self-image, self-esteem are all closely linked good self-esteem means a positive out look on life with good self imagine and good confidence in ourselves, having goals which are realistic to obtain. Someone who has low self-esteem will struggle with their sense of identity. Our identity, self-esteem and self-image are influenced by family up bring our friends, life experiences and feed back we get from others. Someone who was abused as a child will grow up with very little self-image can lead to behaviour pattern which leads to self destruct. Having a good level of education, a job involved in a relationship increases someone’s self value. 6.2 Analyse factors that contribute to the well being of individuals A lack of self-worth will lower motivation and reduce the person’s ability to full fill their potential. Always praise the person no matter how small their achievement is as this will improve their confidence and promote their self-worth. Approach everything with a positive aptitude, encourage them, listen to them be non judgemental show understanding and consideration this will boost the persons well being. Outcome 7 Understand the role of the risk assessment in enabling a person centred approach Risk assessments are used for various reasons. They can be used to assess the risk of the environment, risk of the action, risk to the client or member so staff, risk of a new piece of equipment, risk of dangers to others. Risks are a part of daily living for everyone it is part of the job to  minimise the risk to the client and to ourselves, this is why risk assements are carried out and revised regularly. Clients change they go down hill therefore the risks are constantly changing they become greater to the client and the carer so more actions need to be t to take implemented to protect the client and the carer.

How to get a job without applying for it

How to get a job without applying for it What could be better than getting a new job with minimal effort on your part? Yes, it sounds impossible, but you can land a great new job without ever having to apply for it. Sure, the typical path to the next job in your career journey often requires some hard work and dedicated job hunting- searching out open positions that fit your skill set and requirements, leveraging your network to uncover opportunities, carefully crafting targeted cover letters and resumes, diligently completing applications and sending out emails, interviewing, following up, and waiting- and most of us have gone through this process several times. However, there is an alternate path, and it’s usually a much more direct and easier one to your next job. According to a recent Business Insider article, those who possess an array of valuable and marketable skills that their respective industries prize will have companies and recruiters seeking them out, regardless of whether or not they’re seeking a new job. It pays to at least be open minded when this happens: â€Å"In today’s economic environment, people with valuable skills in leadership roles are likely to be receiving more and more  calls from recruiters. You never know if the opportunity that will be presented will be more attractive than your current role. And, you can gain a boost of 15 percent or more in your compensation by being willing to make a change, likely far outpacing the raise you can expect in your current role.†It’s true- even if you’re not looking for a new job, with the right mix of experience and skills you just might be a passive job candidate- an attribute prized by recruiters- without even knowing it.According to  Business Insider,  recruiters seek out people who are open to new opportunities  but not actively seeking them. The logic is that if someone is a talented candidate and is currently unemployed or is actively seeking out a job while currently employed, the re might be some sort of issue. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it’s an assumption recruiters can often make. On the other hand, even if there isn’t an issue, chances are that the well-qualified person is applying to many companies at once. Recruiters don’t want to waste time courting someone who can easily decide to take an offer from another company.However, if recruiters seek out candidates who aren’t actively looking, those risk elements disappear.It’s clear that being a passive candidate can open up a world of new professional opportunities to you. So how can you become one? Business Insider offers up some ideas about how you can do to help subtly set yourself up as a passive candidate in your field.Recognize and build key skills.The key to becoming a prized passive candidate is to possess the skills in your field that companies are eager to have on their teams. Learn what skills leaders in your industry possess and what comp anies are looking for, and then make sure your skill set fits the bill.Join appropriate professional organizations.Most professions have industry recognized associations and organizations, and it’s in your best interest to become a member of as many as possible. Not only will it help you build your network and provide an array of social opportunities, it can also get you on the radars of recruiters when they’re looking to source talent. Make an effort to get involved and attend events whenever possible.Don’t neglect social media.The truth is, many recruiters scour social media when on the hunt for passive candidates. They’re looking for industry leaders, mavericks, and disrupters whose social media pages reflect their passion, dedication, and accomplishments. If you want to be viewed as a viable passive candidate, make sure your social media brands you as a serious professional with plenty to offer potential employers.Join LinkedIn groups.Building on the two previous tips, make sure you take full advantage of professional groups on LinkedIn. It is among the most widely used sites by recruiters looking for passive candidates, and for many of them, their first stop just might be looking at members of professional groups in their respective fields. If you’re not using LinkedIn to its fullest potential, you just might be doing yourself and your career a disservice.   Keep your certifications, skills, and awards up to date.This advice is not only good for growth in your current job, it’ll help impress and attract recruiters. The more distinctions and honors you have under your belt, the more desirable you’ll be.Here’s the bottom line- if you want to have a future where potential jobs come looking for you, and not vice versa, you should work to set yourself up as a valuable passive candidate. Use the strategies and advice provided here and you’ll be on your way to making future job hunts much easier!

Personal Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal Development - Essay Example In addition, some level of qualitative research will be conducted to determine real-life attitudes of currently-practicing nurses and administration (where appropriate) to determine what credentials or habits would be best-suited to an administrative nursing role. I believe these practices will enhance my knowledge of the nursing profession by being able to link theoretical nursing theory with tangible practice dynamics. As part of my vision for excellence in holistic nursing practice, servant leadership and transformational leadership will be critical to becoming a well-rounded nursing professional able to take a solid leadership position in a dynamic health environment. Servant leadership demands having a focus on others, providing empathetic and benevolence toward others while still developing my own professional competencies (Farazmand et al., 2010). Servant leadership demands being altruistic in virtually dimensions of practice, creating a global perspective that recognizes dive rsity of culture and non-biased servitude for a variety of different patients and professionals. Transformational leadership is also critical for becoming a Chief Nursing Officer as this requires the ability to establish followership, team performance and loyalty from subordinates. Fairholm (2009) describes transformational leadership as being inspirational, while setting a vision for team practice, and then routinely conveying this vision through role modeling and constant communication with team members. Transformational leadership requires the nurse to be a teacher and coach, helping others to develop their own competencies and, ultimately, self-actualization at the psychological level. Transformational leadership provides local-level leadership within the microeconomic health care environment. I must also be considerate of my own personal needs as a professional in this field. I have conducted several self-analyses regarding my preferred learning styles, personality type and lea dership characteristics. These assessments and evaluations have returned very consistent results that indicate I am well-suited for a servant leadership role, maintaining considerable empathetic characteristics and high emotional intelligence. An effective leader in a highly-visible nursing role in administration must be able to gauge the emotional states and needs of their followers and patients in order to provide effective care. At the same time, I must be equipped to regulate my own emotional responses in professional meeting environments, when dealing with disheartening patient scenarios, and when working with diverse cultural representatives. Personal satisfaction will come by finally being self-actualized in relation to my very legitimate desire to assist others in need. Personal satisfaction will also be achieved by having a dominant role in the organization, which tends to suit many of my personality characteristics. Based on honest self-assessment and the results of many d ifferent evaluation tests, I have many dominant characteristics when it comes to leadership, both socially and professionally. I am very self-confident about my abilities and my problem-solving competencies and therefore I trust in my

In defense of El Salvador Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

In defense of El Salvador - Essay Example However, rather than understand the situation in El Salvador in the same way that it is represented to the individual via the news media, it is instead important to realize that the situation that exists within the country is quite different from the horrific and grizzly reports that are so often the topic of cautionary tales on late night news shows. Further, even though it is true that nations such as Afghanistan may have a lower â€Å"murder rate†, the security of a traveler in such places can be reduced to a question of how foreigners are viewed and treated.   Accordingly, the level of interaction that violence has with the average tourist or foreigner within El Salvador is extraordinarily small; due in part to the fact that almost all of the violence is predicated upon gang related activity and the quest to control narcotic distribution networks.   This is invariably something that the simple tourist has little knowledge of or interest in; thereby partially shielding them from the eventuality of being caught upon the internecine struggle that has recently defined this otherwise pristine nation within Central America (Olate 384). Firstly, although it is true that El Salvador has a very high murder rate and this causes the would-be tourist or business visitor to be concerned, the reality of the fact is that the violence towards foreigners is relatively on par with any other Central American or Caribbean nation.   Although this does not mean that the stakeholder in society should simply be unconcerned about the rate of violence.