What Are the Statistics on Cooperative Learning

WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS ON COOPERATIVE LEARNING ANYWAY? Cooperative learning has been debated by educators for a long time and continues to be questioned today. Many educators feel that cooperative learning strips students of the benefits of direct instruction. Proponents of homogeneous learning tend to stray from cooperative learning because it seems to deprive gifted students of learning with their gifted peers.Five studies will be summarized that look at different aspects of cooperative learning: effects with the learning disabled, the advantage of helping behaviors, math achievement, strategic reading in groups, social support, and heterogeneous vs. homogeneous grouping. A study was conducted to find out if students with learning difficulties interacted positively in cooperative learning groups. This study also looked at the importance of training students to work together as opposed to just putting them in groups to complete tasks (Gillies & Ashman, 2000). The study looked at 15 2 third grade students from Australia.Twenty-two of those students had learning difficulties (12 boys and 10 girls). The students were randomly placed in cooperative learning groups of five to six students consisting of one high-ability student, two medium-ability students, and one low-ability student. The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test measured learning ability and grade level readiness. An ANOVA test showed no significant difference between the structured groups (those trained to work cooperatively) and the unstructured groups (those not trained to work together) at the onset of the study.During the study period the structured group received the treatment of cooperative learning training before completing a social studies unit (independent variable). The unstructured group was encouraged to work together as a group and given the same time period to complete the social studies unit, but they never received training for such group work. The students were videotaped twice during the study to observe behaviors and interactions, and they were given comprehension and word reading pre- and posttests. The researchers focused their findings on the students with learning difficulties.There was no significant difference in the behaviors of students in the structured or unstructured groups. However, there were significant findings regarding group interactions. Those students in the structured groups interacted and benefited from interactions significantly more than students in the unstructured groups. Students in the structured group also reached greater achievement on the comprehension posttest than those from the unstructured groups. No significant findings resulted in the word reading posttest between the two groups.The authors did find that this study supported that students with learning difficulties do benefit from working in small, structured cooperative groups (Gillies & Ashman, 2000). Nattiv’s study of cooperative learning (1994) focused on four topics: Do helping behaviors found in cooperative groups have a link to achievement gains in third, fourth, and fifth grade math students? Did gender, grade, or ability level within cooperative groups affect achievement? Do all helping behaviors benefit academic achievement? Does gender, grade, or ability level have an effect on the helping behaviors exhibited? Nattiv, 1994)). The subjects included 36 third-grade students, 34 fourth-grade students, and 31 fifth-grade students. Fifty-four of those students were male and the remaining 47 were females. The children were ability grouped from the results of the California Test of Basic Skills and the Southwest Regional Lab (both math assessments). Males and females were separately grouped as high-, medium-, and low-ability. The author states that these pretest results could be seen as achievement rather than ability, but the teachers of the students were consulted about the placement of the students (Nattiv, 1994).All of the students received d irect instruction, modeling, and practice of helping behaviors in cooperative group learning. Teachers also received training in this area. The groups, then, participated in grade-level appropriate math units. Students were further encouraged to work cooperatively because individual improvement on assessments also earned team points. Data was collected by audio and video recordings. The research team hypothesized that helping behaviors would be related to achievement. Achievement gain would be used as the dependent variable and would be measured by an ANCOVA test.The team found that there was a significant relationship to students using helping behaviors in cooperative learning groups to academic achievement gain. The only behaviors that did not show significant growth were the giving and receiving of answers without explanation (Nattiv, 1994). Another study conducted in Southeastern United States focused on a different type of cooperative learning called Collaborative Strategic Rea ding. Klingner, Vaughn, and Schumm (1998) sought to discover if this program would be effective in a heterogeneous classroom.They further wanted to analyze reading comprehension, social studies content, and student interactions in conjunction with this technique (Klingner, Vaughn, & Schumm, 1998). The participants included 141 students. Eighty-five students were split into three classes to represent the treatment group (or intervention condition), and 56 students were split into two classes to represent the control condition. To ensure equal groupings the students were assessed with the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, then paired and randomly assigned to conditions.Both conditions received the same instruction, number of sessions, time periods per session, and homework activities. The intervention condition received instructions on how to use specific reading strategies to read strategically. The strategies were modeled, practiced, used in small groups, and then encouraged wh en students broke off into their cooperative groups of five to six students. The control condition received direct instruction for the same social studies material and participated in all lessons as a whole group.Sessions within the intervention condition were audiotaped to hear student interactions. The Gates-MacGinitie Standardized Reading test and a social studies unit test served as dependent variables to measure student achievement. The researchers of this study did find these strategies to be successful. The strategies caused the students of the intervention condition to participate more and discuss more academic content. The students also received higher achievement gains in reading comprehension, while also finding success on the social studies testing.LD students and LEP students did not show statistically significant growth, but did show some growth. Not all of the strategies proved to be successful for the intervention condition, but most did serve their purpose (Klingner , et al. , 1998). Johnson, Johnson, Buckman, and Richards (2001) were only interested in the social aspects of cooperative learning. â€Å"The purpose of the present study was to determine whether cooperative learning experiences are related to social support in the classroom,† (Johnson, Johnson, Buckman, & Richards, 2001).The researchers used The Classroom Life Instrument to measure their data. It included 59 Likert-type questions rating statements on a five point scale of truthfulness. The measure was taken in November and January of the same school year. The sample included five eighth-grade classes with 45 girls and 46 boys. They were divided by those who reported being in cooperative groups less than half of the time (35 students) and participating half of the time or more (56 students). The hypothesis was that students would feel more social support in classrooms experiencing cooperative learning more often.Between November and January, research found that students did indeed feel more support with more exposure to cooperative learning. Support was felt by teachers and other students. Students felt more comfortable with materials presented and felt less alienated in the classroom. Students felt more responsible for what they were doing and had a better relationship among classmates both academically and personally (Johnson, et al. , 2001). Grouping students heterogeneously is typically a cooperative learning â€Å"must. Watson and Marshall (1995) wanted to test that theory in a study comparing the effectiveness of heterogeneous grouping and homogeneous grouping in cooperative task structures (Watson & Marshall, 1995). Thirty-five undergraduate elementary education students in a life science class were chosen to participate in this study. In this 13 week treatment, the independent variable was in the grouping of students. Six of the groups were arranged heterogeneously and six groups were arranged homogeneously.All groups were exposed to cooperati ve task structures, cooperative incentive structures, and individual accountability. Control was measured by the National Association of Biology Teachers/ National Science Teachers Association test (form A) before the treatment began. The dependent variable was taken from the results of the NABT/NSTA (form B) posttest. A five-item, five-point Liken scale was used to measure student response to the cooperative learning experiences. The authors felt that greater achievement would be gained by students heterogeneously placed in cooperative learning groups. They were rejected.Findings indicated no significant difference in test results from the heterogeneous groups to the homogeneous groups. In fact, in measuring the students’ perceptions of their experiences the homogeneous groups rated their experiences higher than those of the heterogeneous groups. The authors concluded that further studies should be done to find out if heterogeneous grouping is the most beneficial in all coop erative learning tasks (Watson & Marshall, 1995). I am a strong supporter, and user, of cooperative learning. I feel that students best learn from the modeling of those they can relate to most: their peers.After reviewing these studies I have not only gained a better understanding of what might be needed to strengthen cooperative learning in the education of my students, but I also feel validated in my use of cooperative learning as an effective learning tool. While some of the researchers did reject initial hypotheses, all of them showed value in the practice of cooperative learning. It is important to teach students how to work cooperatively, model good helping behaviors, and help students to receive not only strong academic support but strong social support as well.Finally, heterogeneous grouping may not be best in every experience in the classroom. Different group experiences may be needed to enhance the benefits. References Gillies, R. M. & Ashman, A. F. (2000). The effects of cooperative learning on students with learning difficulties in the lower elementary school. Journal of Special Education, 34(1), 19-27. Johnson, D. W. , Johnson, R. T. , Buckman, L. A. , & Richards, P. S. (2001). The effect of prolonged implementation of cooperative learning on social support within the classroom. The Journal of Psychology, 119(5), 405-411.Klingner, J. K. , Vaughn, S. , & Schumm, J. S. (1998). Collaborative strategic reading during social studies in heterogeneous fourth-grade classrooms. The Elementary School Journal, 99(1), 3-22. Nattiv, A. (1994). Helping behaviors and math achievement gain of students using cooperative learning. The Elementary School Journal, 94(3), 285-297. Watson, S. B. & Marshall, J. E. (1995). Heterogeneous grouping as an element of cooperative learning in an elementary education science course. School Science & Mathematics, 95(8), 401-406.

End of Life Issues Essay

Euthanasia means â€Å"good death† but today the term is deemed as a merciful action to rid someone of suffering. In many cases we have seen terminally ill patients euthanized active or passive, yet for the sake of my essay I will discuss active euthanasia. End of life issues is a topic many families are faced with everyday more than one likes to imagine; however, imagine that you were a significant other who has a loved one in the hospital suffering from a terminal illness and their pain is unbearable that your loved one has decided to end his life and the subject of euthanasia comes up. What would you do? The first thought that would come to mind is that this is morally wrong and unacceptable in our society. I will talk about euthanasia and how three ethical theories presented in this course would better help answer your question of euthanasia being morally wrong. The moral theory of Immanuel Kant’s Deontology helps ethically with the views of euthanasia and the stren gths and weakness of egoism and Utilitarianism will also be presented. This is where the deontological approach might help a family understand that it’s morally acceptable to comfort their loved one as he or she accepts active euthanasia as a means to end their life. Deontology argues that an action is right or wrong in itself irrespective of the consequences and it is our duty our good will as Kant puts it to do the right thing. I ask the question what determines that right thing. Might it be religion and the word of god for those that believe in God or might it be for you several universal principles. Kant’s categorical says to Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end and never merely as a means to an end. In other words, all people—including you—deserve respect. It would always be wrong to treat people as objects, or as a way of achieving some goal, or in another way that does not show respect. (Kant 1997, 1998)  that we treat people as ends in themselves and not means to our ends. In other words we must respect the wishes of the patient. The strengths of Deontology as it relates to euthanasia is that the deontology argument is based on rules and an action is good if it follows the rule. The results doesn’t matter the only thing that matters is that we treat others with respect and love for that is something we should want for ourselves. The right to choose euthanasia is a right in its own and to also appeal to some natural laws when you say that a person â€Å"should be able to choose whether they live or die.† These are both rules. Your argument is that euthanasia is consistent with these rules and is therefore ethical. This is a deontological argument. Although, Kant held that if one commits suicide because one believes that the remainder of one’s life will be filled with more discomfort than pleasure, then one fails to treat oneself as an end and so long as one retains the capacities that would make you a person than one should always r espect that life. Critics of deontology stated that the Kantian version seems too sterile and fails to capture some of the complex issues that arise when we confront ethical problems in real life (moser, 2013). The weakness to my argument as it relates to deontology and euthanasia is that taking your own life will not be morally acceptable in today’s society. With that being said, Kant did not believe in the outcome of an action or whether or not it’s ethical. When considering euthanasia, then, Kant will not be interested in the level of suffering of the patient or relatives. He would not agree that we should do the loving thing. He would work out what the right thing to do was. With Kant’s categorical imperative Kant assumes that being a moral person is a requirement and Universalizing the maxim â€Å"I helping a love one to die† would give a universal law that everyone should be helped to die – a self-contradiction. If you took the maxim â€Å"I should help that love one, who is terminally ill, suffering unbearably and desperate to die, to die† you might create a more acceptable universal rule such as â€Å"Anyone who is terminally and incurably ill, suffering greatly and has freely chosen to die, should be helped to die†( rsrevision ). Also, some may say that deontology may require one to act in a way that seems obviously wrong and unethical. The deontologist maintains that some or all actions are right or wrong in themselves because of the type of action they are whether or not they produce the greater good.  This type of view is less easy to systematize than the Consequentiality view. The second ethical theory The Eg oist believes that the right action is always that which has the best consequences for the doer of the action, or agent. As with Utilitarianism, there are different versions of this doctrine according to whether the good consequences are seen in terms of maximum pleasure, minimum pain (Hedonistic Egoism) or in terms of other good consequences for the agent, such as his or her self- development or flourishing. At first sight, Hedonistic Egoism seems to prescribe a life spent trampling on anyone who gets in one’s way, and so to be ruled out as contrary to everything that is normally thought of as right. But ever since Plato philosophers have realized that in general human beings cannot maximize pleasure in that way. Most people are not strong enough to do this with impunity, and in any case most people need friendship and cooperation with others for their own happiness. So Hedonistic Egoism cannot be dismissed quite so hastily. However, occasions would arise where Hedonistic Egoism, like Hedonistic Utilitarianism, demands ruthless action. For example, it would prescribe involuntary euthanasia to a doctor or caregiver who would gain a good deal from someone’s death, did not care enough about the victim to miss him personally and could conceal his deed from anyone who did. Such people, if rational, would not even feel guilty, for they would by their creed have done the right thing. A doctrine which prescribes this, even if on rare occasions, is too much at variance with our ordinary ideas of morality to be persuasive. However, Higher Egoism is another matter. For example, Aristotle’s doctrine is that the right policy in life is not to pursue our own pleasure but to develop our own fl ourishing or foster our best selves. And the best self is a non-egoistic self, who cultivates the kind of friendship in which friends are second selves and possesses all the moral virtues, including other-regarding ones such as generosity and justice. This kind of Egoism, instead of telling us always to pursue our own welfare, in a sense breaks down the distinction between self and others; we could not readily criticize it on the ground that it was obviously at variance with our ordinary moral views. On the other hand, it is not much use as a guide to action. We first need to know what kinds of action are virtuous in order to cultivate the virtues Aristotle speaks of. The appeal of the Aristotelian approach today is not as a guide, but as a general  framework in which one may set the moral life, and indeed all aspects of life. Aristotle thinks we cannot but pursue our own good as we see it, and perhaps he is right. But he aims to win us to a noble view of that good, in which our own true welfare is to be the best we can be. He lays stress on the distinctive nature of man and on the best life as one in which rational faculties are well exercised. The idea of a death with dignity, one in which these values are preserved, fits well with his outlook (Dr. Elizabeth Telfer, 2013). John’s Stuart Mill Utilitarianism is my third ethical theory that will be discussed here in our focus of euthanasia and whether or not it’s morally acceptable. One would consider when making a decision about euthanasia for an ill family member that according to Mill The utilitarian doctrine is, that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable, as an en d; all other things being only desirable as means to that end. My interpretation is that in other words, we are to treat others and ourselves as a means to an end, and it would be immoral to use people and ourselves as a mere means. Happiness is something that can be experienced so far as we understand when we are alive. Mill also states that â€Å"†¦ there is in reality nothing desired except happiness. Whatever is desired otherwise than as a means to some end beyond itself, and ultimately to happiness, is desired as itself a part of happiness, and is not desired for itself until it has become so.†Utilitarianism seeks to find an answer to why people behave the way that they do, and according to Mill our actions derive from the pursuit of happiness. I would argue that according to utilitarianism that one does not commit suicide in order to seek happiness as an end. In conclusion, no one wants to be put in a situation where a loved one who’s terminally ill and is in unthinkable pain and therefore, has to makes up his or her mind to end their life through active euthanasia. I used deontology because the approach is very popular form of problem solving in ethical situations and egoism but Utilitarianism because it would give me comfort to know that I’m making the right decision morally for the patient and for selfish reasons. The three ethical theories are clear and easy to understand and frequently non ambiguous; however, right or wrong whether or not end of life decisions will be debated if not it’s morally accepted. I hope after analyzing these theories that I’m able to give comfort to someone that has to consider euthanasia for a loved one but I’m quite sure the debate will continue until  as a society we come to accept that your life is your life and yours to do what you wish with it.

My Beautiful Place

I think we all have a beautiful place in our mind. I have a wonderful place that made me happy when I was a little girl. But sometimes I think that I am the only person who likes this place and I'm asking myself if this place will be as beautiful as I thought when I will go back to visit it again. Perhaps I made it beautiful in my mind. Located on Ireland’s dramatic coastline that has been carved out by the huge Atlantic waves, lonely lakes and lofty mountains that separate communities.Follow the coast round into the north and you’ll discover the famous stones of the Giant’s Causeway – a magical combination of myths, legends and mystical coastal scenery. My family grew up in Ireland as I wish i had, sadly I went to visit when I was still learning my ABCs. I can’t remember much, but the one place that I’d never forgotten was the Giants causeway. It’s on the battered shore and smells like a public toilet, but the astonishing beauty just takes your breath away.The crashing tides try grab your toes while standing on the edge, and the jelly bean coloured grass waved under that miserable sun. All is left now is crumbled rocks and magical crevices. The myth is that two enemy giants, Benandonner, who lived in Scotland, and Finn MacCool in Ireland. the two giants would shout across the sea to each other challenging a fight of strength. Finn MacCool decided to build a rocky path across the too, but exhausted by the work, he fell asleep on the causeway and was found by his giant wife Oonagh. Suddenly she saw Benandonner approaching, who was a huge giant.Knowing that Finn would be no match for the huge giant, she placed a coat on top of Finn Benandonner demanded to know where Finn was. Oonagh replied, â€Å"Be quiet or you will wake my child. † Seeing this, Benandonner had second thoughts. If that was the size of their child, how big would Finn be? He ran back to Scotland, smashing the causeway in his trail. This plac e is far, far-away in time and space, part of my childhood It means a lot to me because it is beautiful and natural, is a clean and quiet place in a world of noise and dirty air.

Systems Design and Management Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Systems Design and Management Strategy - Essay Example Global business can penetrate the remotest areas of the countryside. We can communicate to anyone whose location maybe in any part of the globe because of technology, mobile communications, the internet, Information Technology, and so on. Technological changes have brought about further innovations and inequalities because of the digital divide in the community setting where there is lack of technological attention from the government. But organizations with their advanced technology and availability of manpower are more benefitted. Global organizations have their websites and most of them conduct business online. People sell and buy products and services through the internet. There is also the emergence of the knowledge economy, a new innovation in business which is performed, conducted and enhanced through the knowledge, talents and capabilities of employees. In this set up, knowledge is both a product and resource. The organization is more concerned with the people and the knowled ge they possess. Firms value people-embodied knowhow. They invest much on labor capital. Organizations like this produce ‘stars’ in the industry. According to Groysberg et al. (2008), stars are among the best in the industry and are far superior than colleagues in performance. They usually do â€Å"estimates, accessibility and responsiveness, service quality, stock selection, industry knowledge and written reports† (Groysberg et al., 2008, p. 5). The knowledge that stars acquire include the knowledge and experience they have inside the organization, and it is not good to hire or pirate stars from other companies because they usually perform not quite well in the new organization. Their expertise was attained in the organization they blossomed and therefore it matches with the organization. In the new environment, the so-called star won’t perform well. 1.1 Trends in management A management trend in the age of globalization is clustering or team working. Thi s requires some skill and talent, and cannot be simply taken for granted. It requires determination to put individual talents into a single force to work for change or introduce ideas that can provide further innovations for the organization. By having clusters and groups, talents and capabilities of members are maximized. The ways in which the workforce gets direct orders from top management – the deeply centralized order – is seldom done any longer. With globalization, the technique is to manage the organization horizontally. The internet can do wonders. Mobile communications also are valuable tools. Communication is fast and effective. Team formation is considered a special feature for improved organizational performance. Introducing the principles of team formation in the workplace is like implementing total quality management. They present a strong foundation for global organizations in the present system, and can be an effective way of providing work and life bal ance for the workforce. (Knights and Willmott, 2007, p. 125) Through team building members become flexible and respond to new challenges or solve problems within (or beyond) their reach. Members are more motivated to work because of the responsibility and power bestowed upon them by management. Allowing individual members to hold responsibilities of problem-solving – even decision-making which is traditionally done by top management –

Communicating about Community Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Communicating about Community - Term Paper Example When a bird lost her way towards her home, her eyes start looking for someone from her community to give her company until she gets the path to her home. Many people have a misconception that community starts with people and ends with people. Is it only the people who form a community? No, it can be anyone and everyone. Starting from the sea waves to the small leaves of a plant, everyone can be a part of the community. Surprisingly, many people are not aware of the fact that the concept of community existed even when humans were not born in the earth. There is a community dedicated to â€Å"Anne Frank†, the brave girl who became popular for her diary which depicts the circumstances of a war. Now, she is no more in the world but still people come to the Anne Frank Centre to show the respect to this lady. So, this is one of the most important features of a community. Even if the leader or the one who has formed the community dies, the community will still exist. When it comes to community, each and every person is responsible to make the community a successful community.

Individual marketing article analysis which happened in 2012 Essay

Individual marketing article analysis which happened in 2012 - Essay Example This is realized from the different point of views as per different analysts of firms with interest in IPOs and general investments. Hersey (1991) argues that there is no much news expected even with companies tying their best within a week. The earliest that this could occur is December 17th with series of meetings so as to interact with potential investors. This has been caused by the new rules, which governs the process of going public. Another hindrance is Christmas, which will come in the middle of marketing and may last for at least one week. The presidential elections also interfered with many companies, which could have had deals before the end of the year. Gaiman (2009) argues, however, not all of the companies had this, there were exemptions who pitched shares just a day after voting due to high levels of confidence in gaining potential customers attention, according to the chief financial officer. It still remains tricky to strike deals before the end of the year. There is a backlog of companies who have signed IPOs initial documents waiting processing but still having the lowest recorded dollar value of IPOs backlog, since the year 2009. Lomborg (2012) argues, however, according to the new laws grading IPOs, companies will have their planning confidentially. Those with an annual revenue less than one billion US dollars will have submissions of prospectus done out of public view. This would remain for at least twenty one days before the company sets off. It has been argued that deals can be underway before the public get a glimpse of the idea (Walter & Howei, 2012). This is not what is reflected by the silence in the markets. Many companies have already put up terms on offer or some have had their deals postponed after pitching to investors. A possibility is that the companies could decide to enter the fray quickly. This may come as a surprise to many who are not aware of what is happening. A typical

Define and analyse the key features of global brands. What strategies Essay

Define and analyse the key features of global brands. What strategies should global brands adopt to be successful internationall - Essay Example The paper comprehensively explores the features of global brands along with the strategies adopted by successful global brands. 2. Features and strategies of successful global brands Various lists of top global brands have been accomplished. Companies such as Coca Cola, Sony, Microsoft, Google and IBM have since long been ranked as the top global firms. Managers are, therefore, confronted with the question of what features distinguish successful global brands from the rest? According to one study, various factors have been identified. Firstly, almost all successful global brands have dominant sales positions in their home market (Quelch, 1999). Even though these companies may be popular internationally, it is the home market sales that form their backbone. Secondly, global brands, by definition, are recognized in almost every part of the world and have at least some sales in these areas (Quelch, 1999). In other words, global brands achieve a â€Å"geographical balance† as far as their sales are concerned. ... Next, global brands must have consistency as far as their brand image and positioning is concerned. In other words, they must be perceived in a similar way by customers and must not have conflicting images in customers’ minds. For instance, Disney connotes identical family values across the globe (Quelch, 1999). Furthermore, most successful global brands have the same brand name as their corporate name. Although exceptions exist, this strategy allows such firms to gain greater awareness and stronger and consistent brand identity across the globe. However, global corporate giants such as Unilever and P&G could practically not use a single brand name owing to the myriad of brands under their umbrella. Next, most global brands are known for making something or being associated with a single product category. For instance, Microsoft is best known for its Windows software, Coca Cola has been associated with the Coke beverage and Phillip Morris has been associated with cigarettes. E ven, companies such as Samsung that have diversified their product offerings may stand holistically for product categories such as electronics. Finally, the country of origin effect plays a crucial role in making brands global (Pharr, 2005). Brands such as Mc Donald’s or Marlboro, for instance, reflect the American lifestyle and customer values of Americans. These values in turn drive greater brand loyalty towards the brand. This is exactly where global brands become recognized by virtue of their association with customers of a particular (home) country. For instance, Japanese electronics, French perfumes and German cars all enjoy country of origin effect (Quelch, 1999). Consistency in brand image of global brands is quintessential to deliver a coherent marketing message across the

Europe Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Europe - Assignment Example This article, about the injury of a Dutch prince, Johan Friso, shows that avalanches can cause great damage to human lives. The accident happened just this past week in the Alps. We must be exceedingly cautious about Europe’s geography: it has the power to startle with its beauty, but also the power to destroy the unwary. I enjoyed this article immensely. It dealt with a painful and difficult subject, but it provided so much context that it gave me a great deal to think about. It was very interesting to consider the fact that European royalty used to have so much power. Now they are reduced to fun-loving glamour. And even that power and glamour is subject to Europe’s awesome geography. The power of the continent gives and it also takes away. One important element this article touches on only briefly is the idea that climate change may be responsible for Europe’s changing geography. It is possible that there are more avalanches on the Alps then in other years. This is difficult to prove, but it certainly is food for

Current Event Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Current Event - Article Example A number of strategic factors have contributed towards Samsung’s increased success and dominance in the technological market. First is that Samsung is an ultimate fast follower. One successful strategy devised by Samsung in achieving success is the ability to learn from the competitors, and making innovations of the products and services. From the competitors’ products, Samsung has understood the market demands of the products and designed improved versions of competitors’ products thereby, capturing new markets (Nisen). The second strategy for Samsung’s success is its spending on research projects. Whenever funds are available, an organization needs to spend such cash on researching on new ideas of improving technology. As such, Samsung currently spends 5.7% of its revenue on research projects as compared to Apples 2.4%, a factor that has contributed towards its speedy success (Nisen). Samsung is not only a smartphone-maker, rather, a manufacturer and world’s largest chipmaker. Such a contribution enables flexibility in products production, and, therefore, making Samsung one of the greatest innovators in the technological

Department of Health and Human Services IT Security Program Research Paper

Department of Health and Human Services IT Security Program - Research Paper Example This policy outlines the framework by which the department ensures that its IT resources are protected when accessed remotely. The resources mentioned include all levels of sensitivity all existing automated information and systems. The policy includes mandatory rules for all organizational units, employees and other stakeholders. The roles and responsibilities are also outlined for the managers, security and IT officers. Building on the fact that pro-active security measures are implemented and maintained effectively, this policy outlines the rules by which malware or malicious computer applications and data are prevented from entering the system, detected and rooted out immediately. This policy is particularly directed at the employees who are tasked to gather, process and transmit HHS information and infrastructure resources such as the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Resources management and Senior Information Systems Security Officer. Through this policy, the Department of Health and Human Services, effectively, created the PII Breach Response Team. Consequently, the policy outlined the responsibilities, tasks, and mandate of the team such as the identification, management, and response to suspected or confirmed security breaches. This policy also created the HHS Information Security and Privacy Program, which was developed to support the Breach Re sponse Team. This is one of the several major policies that came from the office of the Chief Information Officer. It outlines the implementation for machine-readable policy for the agency’s websites. A core component of this policy is the satisfaction of best practices standards in terms of satisfying web privacy security, legal and regulatory requirements as well as the collection and protection of data.  

Thyroid Cancer in Women Essay Example for Free

Thyroid Cancer in Women Essay Introduction Thyroid cancer is admittedly the commonest endocrine malignancy often detected among young patients and frequently among the women. In most populations, the median age of its detection tends to be quite low, actually below 40 in most cases. It is currently the fastest growing cancers among women. Despite the fact that the cancer is still quite rare, it continues to be increasingly on the rise among women across the globe and especially pregnant women. Most experts are not quite certain on the causes despite the fact that they have been able to identify the risk factors at play. Essentially, there are four main types of thyroid cancer: Follicular, papillary, medullary and anaplastic. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are jointly referred to as differentiated thyroid cancer since their prognosis is more favorable relative to the other types. Among most young women, their pregnancy periods are usually accompanied with differentiated thyroid cancer. The management of this type of cancer poses risks due to the concerns of maternal and fetal health. With most women experiencing rises in differentiated thyroid cancer during pregnancy with a prevalence rate of 14 per 100,000, it has become necessary to discern the management of the ailment (Smith, Danielsen, Allen Cress, 2003) Literature review Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a higher incident among women within  their reproductive ages. It has long been speculated that the association between human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), estrogen and DTC exists. Numerous studies have pointed out an association between high parity and the risk of DTC in pregnant women (Kravdal, Glattre, Haldorsen, 1991). However, the data on the association between DTC and estrogen seem to be gravely inconsistent with some studies indicating a pro-proliferative effect on the thyroid cancer cell lines occasioned with estrogen while other studies point at estrogens stimulatory effect on the adenomatous and normal thyroid only (Lee et al., 2005) Clinical data also conflicts; one study revealed a high risk of DTC infection among women exposed to oral contraceptives containing estrogen with another reporting no association between DTC and usage of exogenous hormones Data on the effect of HCG on DTC tends to be very discordant and non confirmatory. Despite the fact that rising levels of HCG during pregnancy tends to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones, there has not been any coherent evidence that links HCG and DTC. On the basis of women cohort using fertility drugs for treatment, there was no association observed between use of HCG and DTC. Simply put, according to available epidemiologic data, high parity and the risk to DTC are associated; but there is still some lack of clarity with regard to outcomes of DTC diagnosed at pregnancy (Mack, Preston-Martin, Bernstein, Qian, Xiang, 1999). As a result of the overt female to male ratio in the incidence of thyroid cancer, particularly the differentiated cancers, within their reproductive years, epidemiological studies have seriously focused on the role of reproductive exposures among women. Most studies have generally come up with findings that concur with the role of reproductive exposures. There is a minimal contribution of reproductive factors in the etiology and development of thyroid cancer among women. In fact, several case control studies have revealed increased risk with abortion or miscarriage, particularly during the first pregnancy (McTiernan Weiss Daling, 1987). Arguably, this is one of the most recognized reproductive risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer among women. There is an elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer among women who use lactation suppressants and this risk seems to increase with the number of pregnancies in which the suppressants are used (McTiernan, Weiss Daling, 1984). Risk factors for thyroid cancer A risk factor refers to anything that plays a role in influencing a person’s chance of contracting a particular disease. Admittedly, there are several risk factors behind any particular cancer. It must however be emphasized that risk factors do not tell everything, rather, they illuminate, to a less degree, the probable cause of the disease. It must also be asserted that the absence of a risk factor does not absolve one from contracting a particular cancer. Experts have also come to the conclusion that having one or several risk factors increases the chances of one contracting the cancer. In the case of thyroid cancer, there are a number of risk factors that have been reported and they will be discussed below. Gender and age have been noted to be among the leading risk factors of thyroid cancer. Globally, women are three times likely to be affected by thyroid cancer compared with their male counterparts. On the issue of age, thyroid cancer can develop at any particular age. However, two thirds of the cancer cases are more prevalent between ages 20 and 55.On the other hand, anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to be diagnosed after 60 year of age (Braunstein, 2011). Exposure to radiation has scientifically been proven to be a risk factor in the development of thyroid cancer. The main sources of the radiations could emanate from medical treatments, nuclear weapons and fallouts from power plant accidents. Moderate levels of exposure to radiations increase the risks of follicular and papillary cancer. Such sources include: †¢ Low to moderate doses of x- ray treatments that were used to treat children with tonsils, acne ad other head and neck pains †¢ Persons who have received radiation therapy for lymphoma in the head and neck are more inclined to develop follicular and papillary cancer. †¢ Early exposure to radioactive iodine especially at childhood increases the risk of contracting follicular and papillary cancers. There are certain types of thyroid cancer that are normally associated with genes. Actually, 20% of patients suffering from medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) tend to possess an abnormal gene that facilitates the development of the disease (Cooper et al, 2009). The gene is usually passed to offspring. The thyroid cancer that emanates from genetic abnormality is referred to as familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. In the case of papillary thyroid cancer, there is some element of heredity but the genetic basis hasn’t been established. Intake of dietary iodine is a leading environmental influence of thyroid cancer prevalence in particular. Follicular thyroid cancers tend to be more prevalent in geographic locations with low iodine in diets. In the United States, there is adequate iodine as it is normally added in diets. Diets low in iodine may increase to incidence of papillary thyroid cancer when the victim is also exposed to some radioactivity. Management of thyroid cancer Approximately 10% of thyroid cancer cases that occur in the reproductive years of most women tend to be detected during pregnancy or early in their post- partum period (Cooper et al, 2009). In the case of a pregnant woman, treatment and subsequent follow-up tend to be similar to the non pregnant women save for the prescription and use of radioactive iodine. There are certain differences in the manner in which differentiated thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer are treated. However, the most important considerations in the treatment of thyroid cancer in pregnant women must entail: †¢ Effect of the cancer on the pregnancy †¢ Effect of the pregnancy on the cancer †¢ Effects of the management modalities on the outcome of the pregnancy Managing DTC during pregnancy will mainly fall between two scenarios: The first entails women diagnosed from the beginning during pregnancy while the other one will include women who had previously been infected who have now become pregnant or are anticipating pregnancy. Each of the groups brings with it peculiar therapeutic challenges that demand for a clinical approach guided by the disease stage, preferences of the patient and the particular stage of the pregnancy. Thyroid surgery at pregnancy There is no objective consensus on the ideal timing of surgery for DTC women in labor. Generally, individualized decisions tend to be based on the wishes of the patient and other risk factors. However, in the event that a surgery has to be performed as a result of a large tumor or even the patient’s concern then it is better performed during the second trimester of the pregnancy to reduce the risk of abortion that is bound to occur if the surgery is performed in the first trimester. In case there is no life threatening risk, then it is recommended that the surgery be done after delivery (Cooper et al, 2009). Radioiodine therapy during pregnancy This therapy is usually contraindicated at pregnancy since it exposes the fetus to highly radioactive elements that may impair its normal development. Therefore, women scheduled for this therapy must exclude their pregnancy phase. Postpartum radioiodine therapy must be deferred for 6-8 weeks after breastfeeding has stopped. Thyroid hormone replacement and pregnancy Such a therapy must commence with some pre- pregnancy counseling on the importance of undertaking frequent thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and of adjusting dosage. Personal refection Admittedly, the numerous incidents of DTC among women and in particular pregnant women have become issues of great concern. Despite the numerous research that has been undertaken on the topic, none has concretely provided the main reason why women continue to be victims of the disease. Nonetheless, if women will be screened early before reaching their prime years, the chances of being treated of the diseases are high and as such the development of the fetus will not be hampered. Additionally, despite the fact that certain risk factors are beyond our control, the ones under human control, such as iodine presence in diets, ought to be addressed and enforced. Conclusion There is no doubt whatsoever that the incidents of thyroid cancer are on the rise and especially among women. The data that has been adopted in the research is indeed suggestive despite the fact that it fails to fully convince. It must be admitted that mankind, despite making several advancements in medical technology, has contributed to enhancement of thyroid malignancy by adopting therapeutic radiations as well as nuclear fission. Hence, the resulting high thyroid cancer prevalence has been buoyed by genetic mutation, environmental carcinogens and autoimmune phenomena. With proper clinical attendance, thyroid cancer can be properly managed with exposing the mother or the fetus to any danger. It is therefore recommended that women should always be screened early in life and regularly to avoid the compromising situations that the find themselves in whenever they are pregnant. References Braunstein, G. (2011).Thyroid Cancer. Boston: Springer. D. S. Cooper, G. M. Doherty, B. R. Haugen et al.(2009).Revised American thyroid association management guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid, 19 (11), 1167–1214, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19860577 M. L. Lee, G. G. Chen, A. C. Vlantis, G. M. K. Tse, B. C. H. Leung, and C. A. Van Hasselt(2005).Induction of thyroid papillary carcinoma cell proliferation by estrogen is associated with an altered expression of Bcl-xL. Cancer Journal, 11(2), 113–121.Retrieved September 24, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Induction%20of%20thyroid%20papillary%20carcinoma%20cell%20proliferation%20by%20estrogen%20is%20associated%20with%20an%20altered%20expression%20of%20Bcl-xL. McTiernan A. M., Weiss N. S., Daling J. R. (1984). Incidence of thyroid cancer in women in relation to reproductive and hormonal factors. Am. J. Epidemiology., 120: 423-435.Retrieved September 24, 2012 from http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/120/3/423 McTiernan A., Weiss N. S., Daling J. R. (1987). Incidence of thyroid cancer in women in relation to known or suspected risk factors for breast cancer. Cancer Res., 47: 292-295.Retrieved on September 24, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3791213 O. Kravdal, E. Glattre, and T. Haldorsen. (1991).Positive correlation between parity and incidence of thyroid cancer: new evidence based on complete Norwegian birth cohorts. International Journal of Cancer, 49(6) 831–836.Retrieved September 24, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1959987 Smith, L., Danielsen, B., Allen, M., Cress, R. (2003). Cancer associated with obstetric delivery: results of linkage with the California cancer registry. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 189(4), 1128-1135. Retrieved September 24, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14586366 W. J. Mack, S. Preston-Martin, L. Bernstein, D. Qian, and M. Xiang (1999).Reproductive and hormonal risk factors for thyroid cancer in Los Angeles County females. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, (8)11, 991–997.Retrieved September 24, 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Reproductive%20and%20hormonal%20risk%20factors%20for%20thyroid%20cancer%20in%20Los%20Angeles%20County%20females

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Freedom of Marriage Essay The reasoning of any just law is meant to be rational and, moreover, fair. However, the government has failed to recognize the rights of many American citizens because they do not conform to society’s stereotypical standards. In a nation founded on freedom, have today’s citizens evolved into narrow-minded drones that bind minorities into what they believe are the â€Å"correct† moral standards? Have the basic freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers been stripped away in order to protect the strict moral codes society has placed upon itself. Same-sex marriage should be legal because it is discriminatory to deny homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. The illegalization of same-sex marriage excludes gay couples from the same financial marital benefits guaranteed to married heterosexuals. The denying of these rights is no longer a decision to be made by the U. S. government as religious beliefs are strongly imbedded in the ceremony of marriage. Contrary to common beliefs, the legalization of same-sex marriage has not degraded the traditional values associated with a marriage. The constitutional right of marriage is currently being denied to many American citizens. The actions of many have contributed to discrimination against a minority who deserve their birthright as American citizens to join in homosexual unions. Exclusion of marital benefits from homosexual couples contributes to the large financial strain of being gay. Taxation relief, family health care benefits, social security spousal benefits, and inheritance rights all lessen the financial burden on married heterosexual couples, but these benefits do not pertain to married homosexuals today. All of these benefits excluding same-sex couples lead to an exponentially higher cost of living. â€Å"In our worst case, the couple’s lifetime cost of being gay was $467,562. But the number fell to $41,196 in the best case for a couple with significantly better health insurance, plus lower taxes and other costs. † (Siegel Bernard, Lieber) The numbers represent the discriminatory effects of illegalizing homosexual marriage. â€Å"Same-sex couples, become â€Å"strangers† to the basic rights of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and re at risk for minority stress and its health consequences. † (Riggle, Thomas, Rostosky) In a country founded on equal rights, American laws pertaining to gay marriage necessitate punishment on individuals only seeking to gain a right heterosexuals already have. Religious beliefs present the most persuasive arguments against the legalization of gay marriage. The majority of religions strictly prohibit the union of homosexual couples as the union supposedly to defile the religious ceremony of marriage. Some may recognize the validity of this argument; however, the U. S. government should not be influenced by this religious defense when considering illegality of homosexual marriage. America was founded on the belief in freedom of religion, which is why 221 years ago the first amendment to the U. S. constitution restricted the government from having any religious affiliations. The amendment stands today as the overpowering counterpoint against illegalization of gay marriage due to religious conflicts. The government does not have the right to illegalize homosexual marriage based solely on religious prohibition of the practice. Many individuals believe that same-sex marriage will increase the already high divorce rates. This belief is propelled by the misconception that the institution of marriage will be weakened by the allowance of homosexual unions thus increasing leniency of divorce. Allowing same-sex marriage will not impair family values, but will instead generate a new family dynamic. This new model of a family will not affect the traditional aspects of a family; it will simply leave the option of same-sex marriage open. The derogatory affects of same-sex marriage in society are so minimal that, â€Å"In Massachusetts, which legalized gay marriage in 2004, the divorce rate has declined by 21 percent and is the lowest in the country by some margin. The state which experienced the highest increase in its divorce rate over the period (Alaska, 17. 2 percent) also happens to be the first one to have altered its constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage in 1998. (Silver) Based on these statistics, same-sex marriage will not be detrimental to society. Those opposing gay marriage often argue that a homosexual couple’s inability to procreate is what makes them ineligible for marriage. It is obvious that is anatomically impossible for homosexual couples to reproduce, leading many to question the purpose of gay marriage if procreation is unfeasible. â€Å"Marriage was created to allow society to support heterosexual couples in procreation and society can choose not to give the same benefits to same-sex couples. (Jacobson) If marriage’s only purpose were to support reproduction, homosexual couples would have essentially no purpose for getting married. However, many successfully married heterosexual couples cannot reproduce because of incurable medical conditions. Without the ability to procreate, they would be fairly denied the right to marriage as well as homosexuals. Therefore, the argument presented is invalid because it does not address all couples without the ability to reproduce. The illegalization of same-sex marriage is to be determined by the value society places on fairness. Economically homosexual couples should receive the same compensations for being married as heterosexual couples are provided with. The resulting reimbursements would diminish financial struggles many homosexual couples encounter over the course of their lifetime. Spiritually gay couples deserve the right to freely exhibit their sexual desires without any discriminatory actions expressed by religious followers. Furthermore, the government should not consider these religious beliefs when determining the laws restricting one’s one right to participate in a homosexual marriage. Although many believe that the allowance of gay marriage will directly result in higher divorce rates, the freedom to be in a gay marriage has shown no direct correlation to divorce rates in state’s granting gay marriage. The illegalization of gay marriage is discriminatory against a minority of American citizens whose only desire is to be given the same rights as heterosexuals. The prejudice opinions opposing gay couples must be set aside in order for homosexuals to receive the benefits they fairly deserve.

Hypothetical Case Study Childhood Sexual Abuse Social Work Essay

Hypothetical Case Study Childhood Sexual Abuse Social Work Essay This presentation analyzes a hypothetical case study of a young girl aged six and a half years who was taken for treatment by her mother, as a result of the girls sexual abuse by her mothers boyfriend. The court has ordered Melissa and her mother Asher to go for treatment after the judge and the social workers dealing with the case established that Melissas claims of being sexually abused were true. When the assessment began, Melissa was 6 years old, and her mother was 27 years old. Asher had been married at 20years but was divorced from Melissas father and had completely distanced herself from him. At the time of the case, Asher had moved in with her boyfriend, Tony, for about year and half. He had started molesting Melissa around seven months earlier. At first Melissa could not open up to her mother because Tony had threatened to kill her if she told anything to her mother. When Melissa decided to break the silence her mother could not initially believe her, and had brushed it off, but she later decided to investigate when she realized that her daughters behavior had really changed and she had become withdrawn and fearful, it was then that she discovered the shocking revelation of what had been happening to her daughter. The therapists also came to learn that Melissas mother also had an abusive childhood, she came from a broken home whereby her mother had divorce with Ashers abusive and alcoholic dad and worse of it had been sexually abused once. The paper discusses that although the girl is the main patient, she is part of larger system that she is connected to; which is very relevant to her case and also course of treatment. Process of the crisis Urie Bronfenbrenner came up with an ecological systems theory explaining how all things in a child and the childs surroundings have an impact on how the child grows. He examined levels of the environment that impact a childs growth, which include the micro system, the immediate surrounding of a child such as the family relationships, the mesosystem, which describes how the various parts of a childs micro system cooperate in order to help the child. The exosystem level consist of the others that the child may not be in contact with her but still affect her in a big way for example parents workplaces, and relationships Bronfenbrenners final level is macro system; its the most remote set of things to a child but still has a great impact on the child. For example freedoms permitted by the government and cultural values. All these affect how a child develops positively or negatively. Using Urie Bronfenbrenners ecological model, I will examine the context of Melissas case, the impact of the sexual abuse in her life, the preferred treatment for both the mother and child and how to avoid future   abuse. Encompassing the mesosystem is exosystem, the broader settings that define Melissas life, and the macrosystem, the cultural values that determine how she and those surrounding her are required to behave. Through the abuse, Tony violated the expected values, and Ashers early refusal to believe what her daughter told her also cut off the girl from the covering that an individual is supposed to be given by the larger society. Nevertheless, the legal system, which is normally a part of the exosystem, has got into a closer circle of Melissas life and attempts to correct the violations of those close to her (Finkelhor, 1986). This has led to an ecological transition, a situation in which an individuals place in ecological environment is changed due to change in the role one plays, setting, or both. Although distressing for Melissa and her mother, the transition is an important, positive move in the healing of both individuals. Interestingly, therapists discovery that Asher was herself sexually abused leads to applicable considerations that will assist in the treatment both of them. These considerations are also important in explaining the current psychopathologies seen in Finkelhor (1986) where he explains that traumas and mal-adaptations during childhood reoccur many times in later generations; children from dysfunctional families mostly create their own dysfunctional families they go with the patterns they learned when growing up. Asher has given Melissa the only kind of childhood she herself knows. Effects When Melissa was taken for treatment the first time she looked afraid, depressed and uncertain. When we look at the effects of sexual abuse can be looked into with the conceptualization of Finkelhor, the traumatogenic impacts of sexual abuse is widely used. The effects are divided into four categories, as explained below; Traumatic sexualization refers to ill disposed feelings about sex, and the sexual identity problems. Stigmatization which is manifested in guilty feelings and feeling responsible for the abuse or of disclosure. The other effect is betrayal, whereby it is downgrading the trust in people who are required to be protectors and nurturers of children. Powerlessness includes a view of being vulnerable and a victim and the behavioral manifestations of anxiety consist of phobias, insomnia, and eating disorders; Management of the case In Melissas case management there are various considerations that need to be made. Hence, coordination is very important. The things that the team are required to put in mind at this stage of intervention are disconnection of the child /or the offender from the family, the part played by the juvenile court and the criminal court and also the plan for treatment of the family Before a treatment plan is developed, it is vital to understand the cause abuse; there are various models as explained by Finkelhor under Sexual Abuse Causal Models. In history there have been two major models namely the family-focused and the offender-focused perspectives. Efforts have been made to integrate the two by Finkelhor who developed a causation model that involves both the family-, and offender-focused perspectives.. Finkelhor explains four preconditions that must be involved for sexual abuse to take place, factors connected to the abusers force to sexually abuse; factors inducing the abuser to overcome internal obstacles; factors inducing the abuser to overcome external inhibitors and factors inducing to overcome the childs resistance Modalities of treatment In treatment modalities, whereby the main goal in sexual abuse treatment is to deal with the impacts of sexual abuse, and decrease the risks of future sexual abuse. Treatment Issues for the Victim that will have to be attended to be are; Trust whereby; there are devastating effects on childrens relationship, especially being able to trust o people. In family sexual abuse, the effect is worse as in the case of Melissa because her stepfather, who should be her protector, exploits and violates the limits of acceptable values. A non- offending parent like Melissas mother who could not believe her initially accelerates this damage. The therapist is required to establish circumstances where the child has positive participation with trusted adults in order to correct the childs ability to trust. Emotional Reactions to Sexual Abuse whereby the child feeling being victimized in that she feels as if she is responsible and starts feeling guilty, having a disorganized sense of self and low self-esteem because of being involved in sexual abuse. The therapist is required to help the child understand and accept that she was not responsible and also make her feel good again about herself. Protection from future victimization Protection from Future Victimization whereby the abused child needs taught future protection strategies. The child should be taught to say no and tell a trustworthy person may be useful. Treatment Issues for the Mother Treatment Issues for the Mother particularly in cases involving the mothers in interfamilial as in Ashers case. Just like the victim Melissa her mother will need to undergo treatment in several areas such as areas connected to Sexual Abuse It is hard for mothers of victims, to comprehend why a grownup may go sexual with a child. This is an issue that the clinician should address with the mother. The therapist can offer professional explanation into the causes of abuse specific to the case. Another issue to be addressed believing the childs disclosure of the sexual abuse. The therapist can explain makes her believe that the child is telling the truth or conclude that children do not make false allegations on such matters. Eventually the therapist will help the mother comprehend her duty in the abuse, if she had one. She is not to blame but in some way may have played a part to prolonged abuse as in the case of Melissa and Asher for not believing her initially Improving the mother-child relationship is also very important because it is an important step in assisting the mother to be protective of her child in future. In the case of intrafamilial abuse like Melissas case, the mother should decide if she wants to cut off her relationship with the abuser or salvage her relationship. Personal issues such as past trauma as having been sexually abused herself which is the case of Melissa. Such an experience has various impacts in on the mothers ability to deal with her childs abuse. The mother may be not being in a position to cope because she has not dealt with her own sexual abuse. Hence her abuse has to be addressed as in the case of Asher. She may not suspect risky situation quickly and her decisions of partners, playing part in moving in with a man who goes sexual with children. Hence in conclusion, childhood sexual abuse is a very sensitive issue that has to be dealt with to avoid future destruction of the childrens lives Reference Finkelhor, D. (1986). The Effects of Sexual Abuse, in D. Finkelhor et al., Eds. Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Constitutionalism: The Tyranny Of The Majority :: essays research papers

In this excerpt from Democracy in America Alexis Tocqueville expresses his sentiments about the United States democratic government. Tocqueville believes the government's nature exists in the absolute supremacy of the majority, meaning that those citizens of the United States who are of legal age control legislation passed by the government. However, the power of the majority can exceed its limits. Tocqueville believed that the United States was a land of equality, liberty, and political wisdom. He considered it be a land where the government only served as the voice of the its citizens. He compares the government of the US to that of European systems. To him, European governments were still constricted by aristocratic privilege, the people had no hand in the formation of their government, let alone, there every day lives. He held up the American system as a successful model of what aristocratic European systems would inevitably become, systems of democracy and social equality. Alth ough he held the American democratic system in high regards, he did have his concerns about the systems shortcomings. Tocqueville feared that the virtues he honored, such as creativity, freedom, civic participation, and taste, would be endangered by "the tyranny of the majority." In the United States the majority rules, but whose their to rule the majority. Tocqueville believed that the majority, with its unlimited power, would unavoidably turn into a tyranny. He felt that the moral beliefs of the majority would interfere with the quality of the elected legislators. The idea was that in a great number of men there was more intelligence, than in one individual, thus lacking quality in legislation. Another disadvantage of the majority was that the interests of the majority always were preferred to that of the minority. Therefore, giving the minority no chance to voice concerns.

Religious Influences on Vietnam :: essays research papers

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES ON VIETNAM   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I understand there to be copious amounts of influential events which triggered trends in Vietnamese culture. The Chinese influence in Vietnam may have likely led to its communist political system. Vietnamese nationalism may have contributed to the difficulties the French faced during its colonization of Vietnam. However, I believe that the most relevant contribution to contemporary Vietnamese culture is the religious diversity and how it contributes to Vietnam’s closed-door economic and political philosophies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Buddhism is the primary religion in Vietnam. Buddhists believe that the way to become â€Å"enlightened† is to understand the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and to follow the Eight-Fold Path. Basically, I understand Buddhism to be a very internal religion based on the spirituality of the self. Various forms of meditation and intense study coupled with the eradication of desire lead to a very defined lifestyle with little or no need for external human interaction. Once a Buddhist has achieved what is considered to be the proper behavior and proper knowledge called for by the Eight Fold Path, and after a Buddhist has spent many years manipulating his or her dharma, Buddhists tend to leave behind all belongings and travel forth into the wilderness trying to achieve nirvana. This religious practice, in my opinion, has had a significant impact on the Vietnamese culture and the way they interact with outsiders. The fact that the Vietnamese are not exceedingly eage r to be invaded by foreign corporations and capitalism makes sense; capitalism is not a prerequisite to Buddhism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Taoism was also introduced to medieval Vietnam and is still noticeably practiced there today. Taoists believe that the way to achieve enlightenment is through chaos. Doing nothing and letting nature take its course without human interference are the methods by which Taoists feel most spiritual. Although I do not feel that there is a strong aroma of Taoism in contemporary Vietnam, I nonetheless deduce that it had a significant impact on Vietnamese trends. Compared to Buddhism and certainly Confucianism, which is discussed below, Taoism was an extremely outlandish concept to the Vietnamese when it was first introduced. The fact that sloth and confusion were being rejoiced in a time of awareness and filial piety must have caused a certain sense of segregation in the Vietnamese community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Confucianism is the last of three relevant religions which were introduced into medieval Vietnam. Confucius preached that filial piety and ancestor warship were critical to attaining enlightenment. Religious Influences on Vietnam :: essays research papers RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES ON VIETNAM   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I understand there to be copious amounts of influential events which triggered trends in Vietnamese culture. The Chinese influence in Vietnam may have likely led to its communist political system. Vietnamese nationalism may have contributed to the difficulties the French faced during its colonization of Vietnam. However, I believe that the most relevant contribution to contemporary Vietnamese culture is the religious diversity and how it contributes to Vietnam’s closed-door economic and political philosophies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Buddhism is the primary religion in Vietnam. Buddhists believe that the way to become â€Å"enlightened† is to understand the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and to follow the Eight-Fold Path. Basically, I understand Buddhism to be a very internal religion based on the spirituality of the self. Various forms of meditation and intense study coupled with the eradication of desire lead to a very defined lifestyle with little or no need for external human interaction. Once a Buddhist has achieved what is considered to be the proper behavior and proper knowledge called for by the Eight Fold Path, and after a Buddhist has spent many years manipulating his or her dharma, Buddhists tend to leave behind all belongings and travel forth into the wilderness trying to achieve nirvana. This religious practice, in my opinion, has had a significant impact on the Vietnamese culture and the way they interact with outsiders. The fact that the Vietnamese are not exceedingly eage r to be invaded by foreign corporations and capitalism makes sense; capitalism is not a prerequisite to Buddhism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Taoism was also introduced to medieval Vietnam and is still noticeably practiced there today. Taoists believe that the way to achieve enlightenment is through chaos. Doing nothing and letting nature take its course without human interference are the methods by which Taoists feel most spiritual. Although I do not feel that there is a strong aroma of Taoism in contemporary Vietnam, I nonetheless deduce that it had a significant impact on Vietnamese trends. Compared to Buddhism and certainly Confucianism, which is discussed below, Taoism was an extremely outlandish concept to the Vietnamese when it was first introduced. The fact that sloth and confusion were being rejoiced in a time of awareness and filial piety must have caused a certain sense of segregation in the Vietnamese community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Confucianism is the last of three relevant religions which were introduced into medieval Vietnam. Confucius preached that filial piety and ancestor warship were critical to attaining enlightenment.

Driving Restrictions Essay -- essays research papers

Driving Restrictions There are many accidents everyday that are costing people their lives. My young brothers and most definitely my grandparents would probably kill me for saying so, but there should be some changes made to the laws concerning the age requirements of drivers. If the State of Ohio changed the age requirement of operating a vehicle to between 18-70 years of age, our roads would be much safer to drive on.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you had told me when I turned sixteen that I couldn’t get my license until I turned eighteen, I would have thrown a fit. Now that I am older, I realize that I had no business driving an automobile at 16 years old. I was the typical teenage driver. The cool one, who had the â€Å"Detroit lean,† with the seat tilted so far back that I couldn’t see over the dashboard, and could only reach the pedals with my big toe. There’s no way I could hear emergency sirens with the music being turned up so loud that it caused my mirrors shake. If asked most teens would say that they don’t think of the consequences their driving could bring, because if they had then the statistics of fatalities due to car accidents would not be so high. In 1997, according to the US Department of Transportation, 7,885 teens were involved in fatal crashes. They also claim that teen crashes are 4 times the normal rate of accidents. These accidents are occurring because teens tend to take more risks. They drive too fast and usually aren’t paying attention to the r...

Erika Villamante Padiernos Essay

Erika Villamante Padiernos is a second year AB in Language and Literature student from Poblacion Sur, Talavera, Nueva Ecija. She was born on September 2, 1996. She was the eldest among the three daughters of Mr. Ricardo Padiernos, a farmer. And Mrs. Benedicta Padiernos, a public teacher. Erika has always been fond of three things. First, she loves to write. She want to be a part of the league of the most successful writers from the top publishing company here in the Philippines. This has also been her reason why she shifted from CFY AB section to ABLL. She believes that this course could be her stepping stone on her way to her dream of becoming a writer. Second, she loves to read books. She wasn’t picky. She read books from different genre but she enjoyed romance most of the time. And lastly, she loves to watch Korean Dramas. Some of her favorites were Boys Over Flowers, To The Beautiful You, The Winter The Wind Blows and City Hunter. When Erika was asked what particular event she will always remember, she said that it would be her birthday because it was the same day that Nueva Ecija day is celebrated. She finds herself fortunate since her special day turns out to be a holiday every year. It means a lot for her that she could spend it with a complete family at her side. Because for her, family is really important. In fact, she consider it as the most valuable thing she had. When asked why, she simply answered that it was because other people didn’t get a chance to have a complete family. And thinking about that makes her feel very lucky and blessed. Someday, if Erika wouldn’t be a writer that her family would be proud of, she wish to be at least the person that can provide each of their needs. That’s how much she loves them.

The Disadvantages of Smoking in Facilities

The Disadvantages of Smoking in Facilities A decade ago, it wasn’t unusual to see people smoking in public buildings. It seemed that everywhere people went there were countless chain-smokers lighting up cigarettes in public facilities where the smoke consumed anything in its path. Presently, there has been a policy around the nation that has canceled out the bad habit of smoking in public buildings’. This has removed the common issue of an untidy, reeking fire hazard waiting to happen.I couldn’t be happier with the idea of walking into a room and not dealing with the sight of ashtrays piled in every corner, and the walls drenched in brown tar. As a child I remember flinching at the thought of going out to dinner with my family and being seated in the smoking section if the smoke free section was full. I hated sitting down after someone who just finished smoking in the area where I wanted to enjoy my meal. Most times I would wait for my family to finish dinner so I could take my meal home.The inconvenience had me irritated when all I wanted was a stress free night out. But, the appearance of a public place was the least of my problems. From what I can remember, the dreadful part about being a non-smoker in a smoking environment was being trapped in the stench. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to get away from cigarette smoke the odor would follow. In my opinion, the smell of cigarettes comes close in comparison of spoiled eggs left out in the sun. Which caused my eye’s to water and my stomach to become upset.Imagine that smell leaking onto your clothes and having to wear it around for the rest of the day. I never understood why someone wanted to inhaled something that smelled so horrible, and have non-smokers around them to suffer at their caught? Not only is the smell of cigarettes harmful and disgusting to nonsmokers. Allowing people to smoke inside buildings is unsafe. I’ve even witnessed a cigarette to start burning 72 hours after being put out. If someone isn’t careful they can leave a cigarette to re-burn in an astray and cause a fire.I personally don’t want to be put in a situation where my life is in someone else’s hands. It’s scary to think that something as small as a cigarette can burn down a whole forest. Whether someone smokes or not, a policy causing public buildings to become smoke free is a good idea. Smokers might not be able to enjoy a cigarette while inside a public facility, but it wouldn’t limit them from smoking at all instead of doing it in someone else’s expense. It also eliminates the negative feedback that non-smokers would have concerning their health or safety. The Disadvantages of Smoking in Facilities The Disadvantages of Smoking in Facilities A decade ago, it wasn’t unusual to see people smoking in public buildings. It seemed that everywhere people went there were countless chain-smokers lighting up cigarettes in public facilities where the smoke consumed anything in its path. Presently, there has been a policy around the nation that has canceled out the bad habit of smoking in public buildings’. This has removed the common issue of an untidy, reeking fire hazard waiting to happen.I couldn’t be happier with the idea of walking into a room and not dealing with the sight of ashtrays piled in every corner, and the walls drenched in brown tar. As a child I remember flinching at the thought of going out to dinner with my family and being seated in the smoking section if the smoke free section was full. I hated sitting down after someone who just finished smoking in the area where I wanted to enjoy my meal. Most times I would wait for my family to finish dinner so I could take my meal home.The inconvenience had me irritated when all I wanted was a stress free night out. But, the appearance of a public place was the least of my problems. From what I can remember, the dreadful part about being a non-smoker in a smoking environment was being trapped in the stench. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to get away from cigarette smoke the odor would follow. In my opinion, the smell of cigarettes comes close in comparison of spoiled eggs left out in the sun. Which caused my eye’s to water and my stomach to become upset.Imagine that smell leaking onto your clothes and having to wear it around for the rest of the day. I never understood why someone wanted to inhaled something that smelled so horrible, and have non-smokers around them to suffer at their caught? Not only is the smell of cigarettes harmful and disgusting to nonsmokers. Allowing people to smoke inside buildings is unsafe. I’ve even witnessed a cigarette to start burning 72 hours after being put out. If someone isn’t careful they can leave a cigarette to re-burn in an astray and cause a fire.I personally don’t want to be put in a situation where my life is in someone else’s hands. It’s scary to think that something as small as a cigarette can burn down a whole forest. Whether someone smokes or not, a policy causing public buildings to become smoke free is a good idea. Smokers might not be able to enjoy a cigarette while inside a public facility, but it wouldn’t limit them from smoking at all instead of doing it in someone else’s expense. It also eliminates the negative feedback that non-smokers would have concerning their health or safety.

Nonverbal Communication Is Important

Communication is the exchange of information from a person to another or a group of people; this includes a sender transferring information, ideas or feelings to a receiver. There are two ways to communicate: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal is the way that people use to communicate everyday: talking. Nonverbal communication does not use talking but involves body language, posture, gestures, eye contact, touch and physiological responses. Although people use verbal communication everyday, their nonverbal communication is more important than verbal.Nonverbal communication is a big benefit for business, because that is the important key when a business man can express himself; he can be confident when meeting a partner or clients. For example, the handshake is an important way to make a first impression. No matter the basis of the hand shake, it should become a part of repertoire. Handshake is a sign of trust and help build strong relationship. Imagine meeting a well – groomed, well – dress expert for the first time – but when you are shake his/her hand, you feel like you are grabbing an infant’s finger. â€Å"The important of nonverbal communication ten things your handshakes says about you†) When people meet someone with a strong handshake, they usually come up with some hypothesis like: that person is confident, serious and focused. On the contrary, a weak handshake will make people come up with some thinking like the person is weak in personality, uncertain or lacking in determination (â€Å"The important of nonverbal communication ten things your handshake says about you†). When people have a strong handshake, their hands usually have a warm temperature.Temperature is one of many first impressions, too. When people meet someone with a warm hand, they will think that person is kindness and gracious. Handshakes is the most important in business, nobody want their partner to have a bad impression about them. So nonverbal co mmunication is very important in business, without that, the business may not be develop and effect the economy of country. In the other hand, the role of nonverbal communication is very important in school environment.Sentence and Verbal CommunicationIn school, student from everywhere in the world with different cultures would like to hang out with their friend, that is social being and using different nonverbal communication can built or destroy a relationship of misunderstood action. A child first learns to communicate with those around him or her by using his or her nonverbal skills like pointing, clenching his fist, clapping his hands when excited, slapping away objects he does not want, being stubborn when he or she is sleepy, etc.Therefore,  those skills are more highly developed in the beginning than is his speech. By combining non-verbal and verbal when trying to reach the children you have a better chance to make connection (â€Å"the advantages and disadvantages of non verbal communication in school†). With some student lack of ability to explain them, so the teacher can look at their facial expression or their action and can easily understand what they are cannot say through verbal communication.

Hiring Based on Body Art Essay

Why do some employers ban tattoos while other doesn’t mind them? If a person is trying to get a position that interacts with the public or with people from other companies, those other people could be judgmental about tattoos that are visible outside the clothes. There’s probably a variety of reasons but I think a common one is that some companies feel that their employees project their company image and they’d like some say in the image that they have. This is obviously truer when the employees are dealing with the public. Now in some industries, the company image of employees having tattoos is benefit, a but in others, especially in certain more conservative markets, tattoos are viewed as a blemish on the image. Keep in mind, too, that some companies pay marketing and PR firms quite a lot of money to develop and reinforce the chosen image for the company and with those companies, it’s an important thing that they want to project and they want to protect it. Employers tend to cater to their customers. If their customers are more conservative, they probably won’t want to deal with a tattooed and pierced salesperson/clerk, and they may ask someone to remove their piercings and cover their tattoos with long sleeved clothing, for instance. Some employers don’t care, it’s the quality of the person and his/her work that matters. As long as you dress safely (i. e. , sturdy shoes if you’re working around heavy machinery and pull long hair back if you’re around moving equipment) it doesn’t matter. And some employers – those who are trendy and catering to a younger and more edgy crowd may encourage it Because some of us think tattoos are a sign of less than upstanding type of person. Some don’t want to have their customers think that the business is not upstanding, and having employees with tattoos will make their business look bad. I personally associate tattoos with drug use, as many who use drug cover the marks with tattoos, and therefore would not really like to have food served to me by a tattooed server, out of fear of disease associated with intervenes drug use. Tattoos are not a civil right. A company has a right to control the dress, hairstyles, and overall appearance of their employees. A company probably wouldn’t ban a tattoo, but if someone has â€Å"Evil Satan† on their forehead that is probably not going to go over in a job interview!! Because for certain job like those higher up it’s not healthy. Say you’re in the doctor’s office && your doctor has tattoos all over even on his face†¦ would you think he knew what he was doing. To me they give off a bad image in the work place†¦ I love tats don’t get me wrong but getting them in ridicules places seem unprofessional. Sure it doesn’t affect your ability of how you do the job but other pals opinions would not get you any high up job nor business. Should it be illegal to allow tattoos to be a factor at all in the hiring process? I think it should be frowned upon, but not illegal. If you have a company and you have people representing you, then you can choose what kind of image those people have. There’s a lot of stigma related with tattoos culturally (whether founded or unfounded isn’t the point), and if there’s an industry or position where that stigma could affect business, then that’s the boss’s decision. It’s not like people who’ve gotten tattoos didn’t know that it might be an issue later on, you should get them where you can cover them up. They make people take piercings out to work (some little old lady at the supermarket may be offended by a septum piercing etc. ). The issue isn’t whether it should be illegal to not hire because of tattoos, it’s that we should all just get over it as a society. Depends †¦ do they have an Hate Kill tattoo across their knuckles, an tattoo of an Nazi flag on the forehead, or an naked men/women on their skin? Any place where they work at is an professional place. So thus they need to look professional and keep bringing back people. If it’s a very beautiful rtistic tattoo I would allow it, or if it’s a tattoo that means a lot to them, again I would allow it. (What I mean by allowing it is exposing it) As long as its tasteful or able to keep the tattoo hidden. In some jobs I think it should be illegal.. Like when a grocery store won’t hire someone with visible tattoos or piercings, that’s ridiculous. A tattoo doesn’t make you look any l ess presentable in that situation. (I used to have to cover mine up!! ) But for other jobs, where being presentable and demanding respect (a lawyer, a judge, a cop, maybe a doctor†¦ I think it is fine that tattoos are a factor. I wouldn’t want my attorney to have tattoos all over their arms. Yes, many businesses will allow one that can’t be seen, many feel it is not acceptable in the work place. Many do not allow nose piercings to worn at work along with chin, and lip. It is their business and if they feel it makes a bad presentation or statement about employees that should be there choice! No. It’s up to the employer. They don’t have to hire you if you have a tattoo and they shouldn’t be forced to do so. Same as a smoker, drinker, etc. I’m talking private sector now. I’m sure there are some politicians working on government requirements to have a quota of at least 10% people with tattoos. nope. There are only a few illegal categories for discrimination such as sex, age over 40, race, etc. tats are way down the line from those. I have ink but it is on my biceps & hidden most of the time. I know people with full sleeves, skull & even facial tats. One man’s head is mostly green. They knew before they did it that they were making a life decision. Absolutely not! For one thing, having a tat is a risky behavior — one that many employers may not want in an employee. Another is that many people who buy goods think that tats where you can see them is tacky, and may shop elsewhere. No one is ‘entitled’ to work at a place where their personal looks or behavior is to the detriment of the business Is It Legal for Employers to reject job-seekers because they have piercings or tattoos? legal? YES, unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. the tattoos/piercings are related to a bona-fide religion and/or ethnicity and the employment decision was made based on that religion/ethnicity. this is a grey area that the EEOC can assist in but generally it is legal for an employer to have such a policy EDIT: This is taken from the EEOC website and the accommodation for tattoos and piercings COULD fall under this†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. â€Å"Employers must reasonably accommodate employees’ sincerely held religious practices unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer. A reasonable religious accommodation is any adjustment to the work environment that will allow the employee to practice his religion. An employer might accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices by allowing: flexible scheduling, voluntary substitutions or swaps, job reassignments and lateral transfers, Fair or not, it’s life. There are laws about bias for race/gender/religion but nothing about appearance of non-naturally occurring features. Certainly employers can reject an applicant for the reason of appearance – perhaps their customer base would not respond appropriately to piercings or tattoos or unusual hair color. I’m sure there are some positions where it would not be a problem, but I can’t see those being assets in a law firm or accounting office. Some places prohibit visible piercings and tattoos (schools for example). Strictly legal, piercings/tattoos are NOT set out as a special category of people. In Federal discrimination laws, those categories are sex, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, disability, marital or military status. So, since Federal law has not made piercings/tattoos a distinct discrimination basis or category, it would not be illegal under Federal discrimination law to reject an employee due to this. State laws usually follow the same basis on discrimination as the Federal law with few exceptions. So unless you could link piercings/tattoos to an existing discrimination base, fair or not, that is a reasonable reason to reject a person. Employers look at a person’s ability to do the job, and they look at safety issues. For example a person who has only one arm may be rejected for a job where he must lift a certain poundage and throw heavy ropes, such as a long shore man. The person with one arm may feel that is unfair, but if he cannot do the job or must rely on other workers to do his work – the rejection is legal. A person with a piercing may have the potential of a safety problem in a fast moving assembly line where people are not even allowed to wear wedding rings. EDIT: for those who do not understand the law and how discrimination may be perceived this is directly from the EEOC, tattoos fall under the same guidelines as a dress code†¦ so there are instances where not hiring just due to the tattoos COULD be seen as discrimination and could cause the employer problems if nothing more than having to defend their reasoning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"While an employer may require all workers to follow a uniform dress code even if the dress code conflicts with some workers’ ethnic beliefs or practices, a dress code must not treat some employees less favorably because of their national origin.

A research paper on the 3 largest minority groups in the U.S Essay

The top three largest minorities in the United States are the Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The United States 2000 census indicated the total population as 281. 4 million where the 3 minorities represent approximately 30. 1 percent of the population. The purchasing power for the 3 major minority groups in very important n marketing and is provided in this study (Sfm 2008). African Americans African Americans are the second largest group of minorities and heavily contribute in the national politics, social welfares as well as economy. The population has increased in number within the various government and states welfares. This helps the group to advance financially according to the joint center for economic studies survey (Dana 2007). The total population of African American consumers is approximately 36. 4 million which relates to approximately 12. 9 percent of the total population in the country. As a result, targeting these consumers and studying their growth impacts on the multiplication of wealth and properties in the country. A landmark survey conducted in 2008 illustrates increased growth especially in the â€Å"mortgage originations, medium household income, and small businesses entrepreneurs and obtaining of degrees in higher education levels† (Sfm 2008). According to census bureau, African Americans have the second highest purchasing power in the minorities with turn over of $532 billion which translates to 73 percent growth as compared to 1990. In the education sector, the number of degrees offered in higher education is hitting three times as much as that of general market. African Americans have made use of the mortgage system to own house hold houses and around 50% of the household resides in their own homes (Sfm 2008). On entrepreneurship and ownership of small and medium businesses, the rate of expansion is five times as much as white Americans where revenues according to a business study conducted has experienced a 60 percent growth. The average age for African Americans is 30 and around 15 percent earns a household income of more than $50,000. The average house hold income in 2008 was $34,000 (Dana 2007). Availability of income influences the purchasing power of an individual. A study conducted in 2007 indicate that around 300, 000 African American house holds has a house hold income of above $100,000. This indicates that approximately 1 in every 6 households in the group earns this income (Dana 2007). For the medium households, the group is experiencing 60 percent growth in comparison to the whites’ households. This has helped in offering various opportunities for this minority group with a â€Å"mean portfolio size of $115, 000 for each house hold and approximately $57, 500,000 dollars of investment at hand† (Sfm 2008). With the use of statistics for projection, the investment dollars is expected to multiply to $83,375, 000 in duration of five years and attain a mean of $115,920,000 after a decade (MacInnis 2009). African Americans according to the United States population census represent 12. 1 percent of national citizens. This composes of the of all those who have been born in the country and have resided with their families for more than 300 years as well as those who have immigrated from Africa in the recent past. African Americans represent people from the black race (MacInnis 2009). On the regional demographics, African Americans are not clustered in limited areas with respect to other minorities. However, the group is the main driver for the markets in most of the cities in the United States. Report from the United States census Bureau indicates that â€Å"76 percent of the total population in Detroit, 65 percent in Washington and approximately 62 percent in New Orleans† are African Americans (Sfm 2008). Their population is also evident in various other states including â€Å"New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, Baltimore and Memphis. † For the universities in these states, approximately 78 percent of the students are African American (MacInnis 2009). Extensive migration for the African Americans is being experienced mostly to the south. Various states including Atlanta are experiencing massive economic expansion through the group activities. There are also increased employment opportunities mainly in â€Å"Houston, Dallas, Raleigh-Durham and other states from the south† which are attracting the African Americans into the region. The region has also cheap real estate, moderate weather and easily affordable way of live (MacInnis 2009). Successive marketing in the African American society requires clear understanding of their culture. The group according to a survey is discerning shoppers and is very careful on quality and satisfaction. They are loyal customers and remain in the brands they use thus a good relationship is required. Appearance in advertisement is very appreciative for the group in the utilization of their talents (MacInnis 2009). The internet is another media form that is widely used by the African Americans through the on line commerce. In investment, the group mainly engages in real estates business and banking sector as opposed to the bonds and stocks which is popular among the whites (Sfm 2008). Hispanic Americans The Hispanic population in the United States the largest minority group and is increasingly growing and thus affecting various sectors. This might be from political to business view. The population for the Hispanics is currently approximately 35. 3 million, approximately 13% of total population according to census department which translates to a percentage growth of 38 percent in comparison to overall population growth of 9 percent (Dana 2007). The population is projected to reach a high of 96 million by 2050 where they will take a quarter of the total population. Among the Hispanics, approximately 2 million people earn more than $75,000 in every year. The average house hold income in 2008 was $40,800 (Sfm 2008). The population has a huge transactional power of approximately $428 billion. This is expected to reach $600 billion in five years. The Hispanics household income is significant and their mean number of people in every household is 3. 6. This also gives an average age of 26. As a result, there is need to understand the group’s culture for effective marketing (Dana 2007). Majority of the Hispanics originate outside countries. The dominating countries of origin are â€Å"Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rica, the Dominican republic and various countries in south/central America† (Sfm 2008). The group heavily embarks on their family with much priority hoping to offer the best. Respect of culture with marking of various events is also common with the group. The population like watching sports over the television with professional boxing followed by base ball being the favorite according to a study by MDI (Dana 2007). The United States census bureau indicates that majority Hispanics, approximately 80 percent reside mainly in five states. However, around 59 percent reside in ten states including â€Å"Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, McAllen, Dallas, Worth and San Diego† (Sfm 2008). For effective marketing in the group, products relevant to their culture provide a consolidated base and increased number of customers. Products that would address family matters and its importance are also marketable in the Hispanics (Dana 2007). Language is very important for the Hispanics and they prefer the use of mother language thus advertising of products should be done with Spanish speaking media rather than English speaking media (MacInnis 2009). Creation of friendship and one to one contact with the customers is required due to relationship orientation by the group (Dana 2007). This would also call for recruitment of Hispanic personnel. Considering that around 30 percent of Hispanic population is below 18 years of age customization of vehicles is advisable. In the universities, approximately 21 percent of undergraduate students are Hispanic (Sfm 2008). Asian Americans Asians represents various nationalities including â€Å"Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and Asian Indians. † In the United States, Asian Americans total to 11. 9 million which represents 4. 2 percent of the total population. This is projected to get to 35 million by 2050. The Asian Americans have a high purchasing power of approximately $300 billion annually (Louis 2010). Asian Americans have a mean age of 33 years where more than half of population aged 25 and above are married. The population strongly values their family. The Asians have a multi generational type of house holds with mean of 3. 8 per household (Sfm 2008). Majority speaks their mother language and educate their students on language schools mainly Chinese. Majority of the Asians are entrepreneurs with long working hours with reduced leisure shopping. They are ranked as the lowest group in leisure related activities. Due to their increased hard work, they are the highest income earners in the United States. The average household income for the Asians is was $66,900 in 2008 (Louis 2010). In the education sector, Asians household have the highest education level with comparison to the various other groups. It was reported that 38 percent of the Asians Americans have a degree certificate (Sfm 2008). Effective marketing in the Asian American population require intensive knowledge as well as preparation in addition to staffing from the group. In the advertising a number of agencies have already been established that specializes in the Asian American markets. Ethnic group members play the advertising procedure thus one requires understanding of community as well as language for excellence. The strong language preference has led to the growth of Asian media in the United States with increased Asian language television, radio, newspapers, and magazine (Sfm 2008). Asians reside in a few states and this provides n easier communication program for the population. Among the key states where Asian American resides include â€Å"California, New York, and Texas† (Louis 2010). They also reside in Los Angeles and San Francisco but in reduced numbers. Filipinos are more so concentrated in Los Angeles whereas the Chinese are in New York City. For the case of San Francisco, the two are concentrated. The Asian population is also expanding in â€Å"Washington, Seattle, Houston and Dallas. This is as a result of technological expansion and other investment gains (Louis 2010). References Dana, L. P. (2007). Handbook of research on ethnic minority entrepreneurship: a co- evolutionary. Massachusetts. Edward Elgar Publishers Louis E. Boone, David L. Kurtz. (2010). Contemporary Business 2010 Update. New York. John Wiley & Sons MacInnis, D. J. , Park, C. W. , & Priester, J. W. (2009). Handbook of brand relationships. New York. M. E Sharpe publishers. Sfm. 2008. Article accessed from http://www. sifma. org/services/hrdiversity/pdf/African. pdf