Human resourse management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human resourse management - Essay Example Under theories such as Maslows hierarchy of needs, attempts to generate increased employee motivation to work toward accomplishment of organisational goals is the basis behind pay-for-performance schemes. An organisation sets the firms objectives and similar targets for expected performance levels by employees by appealing to a primary desire: Increased wages. It is a logical assessment to offer that that most of todays employees choose to work for a company in the primary pursuit of generating a quality income. Under Maslows theory, the security offered by increased job-related compensation is a primary element behind employee motivation. In essence, without granting the employee additional incentive pay, while appealing to their motivational needs, generating any measurable increases in performance toward business-related targets is quite difficult. For instance, a company cannot motivate an employee by utilising rigid and controlling management policies, such as management by threat, therefore companies must establish a system by which employees can work toward targets and guarantee a reward for meeting these expectations. This is a significant reason why companies continue to maintain pay-for-performance schemes, as there are very few methods to appeal to the employees personal desires. It is basically implied that many employees cannot be sufficiently motivated without the use of monetary incentives, therefore simply offering additional performance-related compensation gives the employee a strong motivational objective to meet the companys long-term strategic goals. Additionally, to appease the external shareholders, many organisations continue to use pay-for-performance schemes despite their ineffectiveness. Shareholders maintain a significant influence in todays businesses as they are highly invested in, therefore interested in, ensuring that a firm meets its organisational objectives for growth and profitability. Companies issue their

Care for children Essay Example for Free

Care for children Essay ‘’Child care (or childcare, child minding, daycare,or preschool) is the caring for and supervision of a child or children, usually from newborn to age thirteen. Child care is the action or skill of looking after children by a day-care centre, babysitter, or other providers. Child care is a broad topic covering a wide spectrum of contexts, activities, social and cultural conventions, and institutions. The majority of child care institutions that are available require that child care providers have extensive training in first aid and are CPR certified. In addition, background checks, drug testing, and reference verification are normally a requirement Family child care In home care is known as family child care it typically is provided by nannies, au pairs, or friends and family. The child is watched inside their own home or the caregivers home, reducing exposure to outside children and illnesses. Depending on the number of children in the home, the children utilizing in-home care enjoy the greatest amount of interaction with their caregiver, forming a close bond. There are no required licensing or background checks for in-home care, making parental vigilance essential in choosing an appropriate caregiver. Nanny and au pair services provide certified caregivers and the cost of in-home care is the highest of childcare options per child, though a household with many children may find this the most convenient and affordable option. Many nannies study towards childcare qualifications. This means they are trained to create a safe and stimulating environment for your child to enjoy and thrive in. Typically, au pairs or nannies provide more than routine child care, often assisting with daily household activities, including running errands, shopping, doing laundry, fixing meals, and cleaning house. Centre-based care[edit] Commercial care centres also known as daycares are open for set hours, and provide a standardized and regulated system of care for children. Parents may choose from a commercial care centre close to their work, and some companies offer care at their facilities. Active children may thrive in the educational activities provided by a quality commercial care centre, but according to the National Centre for Early Development and Learning, children from low quality centres may be significantly less advanced in terms of vocabulary and reading skills. [1] Classes are usually largest in this type of care, ratios of children to adult caregivers will vary according to state licensing requirements. Some positives of commercial care are children gain independence, academic achievement and socialization. Informal care[edit] Informal childcare is a variation of childcare that utilizes family members as a childcare system, for example grandparents and siblings. Informal childcare is an especially inexpensive form of childcare, and is utilized typically by those who are considered poor. Parents may need to utilize informal care for a variety of reasons. Typically informal childcare is necessary for families who do not have enough funds to finance placing their children in a more expensive child care facility. Those low income families are also more apt to work longer hours on an irregular and inflexible schedule, which ultimately makes using a childcare facility that has regular business hours unlikely’’ Taken from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Child_care#Family_child_care ‘’Childminders are Ofsted registered professional daycarers who look after children in their own homes. They offer a flexible service, caring for children aged from birth to sixteen years. They are only allowed to look after upto six children between the ages birth to eight (including their own). They can have more children if they work in partnership with other childminders or assistants. The service offered is unique to each family’s needs and many childminders provide evening, weekend and school holiday cover. All childminders will have completed a training course including paediatric first aid. Nanny/Home childcarers are carers, which look after children in the family home. They can fit in with unusual hours and working patterns. They can register with Ofsted on the Voluntary register, to allow families to take advantage of tax credits. This however is not compulsory. Day Nurseries can care for children aged from birth to five years and usually offer day care from 8am to 6pm, for most of the year. All day nurseries will be registered with Ofsted and inspected regularly. You can view inspection reports by visiting www. ofsted. gov. uk They can be run by private individuals, community groups, Montessori organisations, commercial businesses or by employers. Private Nursery Schools (aka Private Independent Schools) are owned privately and can offer sessional or full day care to children aged two to five. Some schools can offer a particular educational approach, for example Montessori. They may operate only during term-time or could open all year. They could be registered with Ofsted or the ISI (Independent School Directorate) (LEA) Maintained Nursery Schools offer full and part-time early years education places, typically between school hours. They are attached to primary schools. A child can attend for a full or half day. Nursery schools may also offer childcare after school (see out of school clubs). Pre-schools and playgroups offer care to children in their local community, either as a morning or afternoon session or as extended sessions including lunch. They are often run by voluntary groups but can also be run by private individuals. They care for children aged from two to five years and are usually open during term time. They differ from day nurseries in that they offer sessional based care and admit children from the age of two years old. They can be registered with Ofsted or unregistered. Independent Schools are owned privately and cater for children aged from three to sixteen. The schools are registered with Ofsted or the ISI but make their own arrangements concerning staff numbers qualifications and curriculum. If the school participates in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, it will be inspected by Ofsted. Out of School Clubs (aka Play Centres) provide safe and stimulating play opportunities for school age children at times when schools are not open. They can operate before school in the mornings, from the end of the school day and at the end of the working day, throughout the school holidays, or a combination of all three. They typically cater for children aged four to fifteen but some non-RBKC run clubs might look after younger children.

Can I Be You Dracula? Essay -- essays research papers

Can I Be You Dracula?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you ever caught yourself amidst a fantasy? One where you hold all the power? Where you are the epitome of everything and anything everyone around you want to be? Where these very same people who revere you, feare you because you are what they want to be? In this fantasy, you have no conscious, no morals, no ethics, and no values- you are carefree. You do as you please when you deem it so, and no one will say a word, because you are you, and they all want to be you. Do you recall thinking this†¦ever? Welcome to the wonderful world of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you were to equate the scenario I depicted to the book, you’d be Dracula, Satan’s little protà ©gà ©. In Bram Stoker’s book, all of the protagonists subconsciously yearn to be like the infamous Count Dracula. However, it is a two way street, for Dracula does want something that these men have- a relationship, of any kind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jonathan Harker, the first of the band of protagonists introduced, subconsciously envies Dracula. The Count lives in a massive castle, is known to be the culmination of â€Å"class† in the East, and has a mesmerizing sort of power over Mr. Harker. Ideally, Dracula could provide for a thousand of Jonathan’s Minas, and still have funds to spare- something Jonathan is conscious he doesn’t have, and worries about. Later on, when the women find Jonathan, and begin to seduce him, he wishes he didn’t feel compelled to be disgusted by their forthright sexuality. He yearns to be like the Count, to have the ability to be surrounded by beautiful women, who hold the phallus, and feel no guilt for betraying a loved one, even if it were only a mental betrayal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mina Murray-Harker, Jonathan’s eventual wife, dislikes the Count because he takes Jonathan away from her, nearly forever. She also sees that Dracula is very willing to share the phallus with everyone except her, until the very end, and she never benefits from it, because by then she is too strong willed of a character. She envies Dracula’s constant benefit from the world surrounding him- be it the blood he is sustained from or the fear he produces in humans that he feeds off of.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It makes a lot of sense that Lucy Westerna was the Count’s first victim in the book of which we are fu... ...forced stay at the castle Dracula. The Count takes away Lucy from Arthur, Dr. Seward, and Quincy, and towards the end of the book almost manages to take away Mina from all of them, but is unsuccessful. Dracula is a lonely immortal, who reminds me to a certain extent of Lenny from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. He yearns for companionship, but destroys everything he picks for a companion, turning it into something dark and evil. Dracula’s ultimate demise is momentous for all characters involved. To the protagonist band, it restores Mina to them, as well as gives them a sense of closure. It also puts Satan’s little protà ©gà © out of his eternal (or not so eternal) misery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Next time you catch yourself fantasizing about being an immoral, unethical, valueless, careless fool, who people revere and fear, remember the pain and horror of Dracula’s tale, and think about whether you really want that life, or if you’d be willing to settle for a human existence, filled with painful decisions, love, loss, and the rest of whatever we come in contact with in our lives. Seriously contemplate that the next time you ask, â€Å"Can I be you Dracula?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Netflix Study Case

As we all know Netflix is known as one of the largest online providers of movie rentals today with a wide array of selections and almost 7 million subscribers and has become very successful in the movie rental industry over the years. 1. As stated in the case study because of the U. S copyright law requires streaming rights to be purchased from TV and movie studios before being downloaded. Netflix needs to find a way that can benefit both them and the studios in order to better suite their needs financially.Netflix can generate cash that the company needs to pay off the studios by deciding that instead of offering the streaming service for free, they should incorporate their streaming videos with their current DVD rental plans allowing their customers to have the option to do as they please. For e. g. Netflix should charge their customers an extra $4-$6 on the current plans like the cable companies would normally do. 2. Netflix can convince the studios that they’re not competi tors so they will agree to license their content by starting a partnership with them.Netflix along with the studios can partner together and grow a friendly business relationship so that their business can run and operate smoothly and be successful. For example Netflix can partner with Universal Pictures in which both of the companies can profit. Netflix can also have the advantage of having Universal Pictures provide them with the license, that way they can still generate profits and can put it towards other company’ goals. 3. Netflix should address their organizational challenges wisely because businesses tend to grow and a company can either benefit or not by hiring more employees.If Netflix decides to hire more employees it is up to the executive team to manage them well and make sure the company can afford the amount of workers they want to hire. Hence, they will not have to layoff or fire as many staff when they have yet to reach their particular goals. 4. Netflix is a rapidly growing company, the CEO Reed Hastings and his executive team should devote a lot of time into hiring. The role of the managers is to be responsible for overall direction of the organization.Therefore, it is their duty to set out a plan for Netflix that includes the company’s organizational goals and how they want to achieve them. They have to make a decision on what jobs and tasks will be made to help benefit the company and who will be recruited to work for Netflix. 5. Being located near the Silicon Valley, which is near to eye capturing companies that may attract top talent, ideas Netflix can come up with to inspire and motivate future employees are as follows. A well paying salary is what mainly captures the attention of persons willing to work for a company.Therefore Netflix should provide competitive salary structures for its employees. In order to provide great organizational culture Netflix should view their employees as a great value to their business and sho uld make sure their comfortable in their working environment. Employee’s performance can be based on their work surroundings so it is important for them to feel welcome. Netflix can provide perks for their staff such as in door gyms, on site massage therapy, free food, and great vacation packages, just to name a few.

Critical Thinking in Homeland Security Essay

Critical Thinking in Homeland Security Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Homeland Security is an essential part of the security organs that are very crucial in ensuring the protection of the country’s sovereignty. Just as other nations in the world, United States faces significant threats from the external and internal factors. The US established Homeland Security Department in 2003, in an effort to address the external threats and aggression like the September 11 terrorist attacks (Pruitt, 2003, â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). Therefore, the main objective of the department is to prevent terrorist attacks in the US. Additionally, the department has to minimize the exposure of the nation to terrorism and minimizing the injuries that results from the attacks, if attacks occur.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To achieve its mandate the department applies several skills. These skills are aimed at determining the likelihood of a threat and establishing the credibility of the threat as per the information provided. Among the skills used is the critical thinking. By definition, critical thinking refers to the ability by the department personnel to make clear, rational judgments (Paul & Elder, 2009). This means that the decisions regarding security should be arrived through a well thought out processes (Pruitt, 2003). Critical thinking under homeland security focuses on crucial elements of thought and asking the relevant questions. This means that the department has to evaluate every piece of evidence at their disposal in order to develop appropriate security solutions to the country. The discussion put forward below will aim at establishing what critical thinking method model is appropriate for the decision-making within the structures of homeland security (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). The reason behind this inquiry is highly dependent on the fact that there are different critical thinking models. These models are very useful in the since they help to find the best and effective solution in homeland parameter. However, different models offer different results. Discussion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The September 11 attack brought about unprecedented need for good, efficient and effective security apparatus. With the introduction of the Homeland Security Department, the country was placed at a position to deal with the terrorism threats. The terrorism activities are currently very dynamic and in return there is a need for the solutions that might meet these challenges (Pruitt, 2003). As a consequence, the homeland security personnel is require to meet the ever rising need for increased demand of the security services as well as meeting the high placed accountability standards. To achieve these requirements they have to learn to become highly skilled in their level of thinking, as well as reasoning abilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The fundamental reason for the need to improve skills is that the employees have to analyze all the massive information, understand it, identify the problems and offer solution (Paul & Elder, 2009). However, the processing of this massive information comes against the race of time. Homeland security department has to make timely decision that would help to preempt any threats that may arise or control the already existing threats (Pruitt, 2003). Additionally, the strategies employed by the terrorist are changing day in day out, and as well these changes must be encompassed in the decision which the department is undertaking. For instance, before the September 11 attack, the defense apparatus restricted themselves to biological and chemical threats. Moreover, the use of airplane as a tool to carry out terrorism strikes was covered by defense agencies like the Pentagon (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). On the other hand, the threat of airplane strike was not addressed as the security agencies believed this would result to giving the terrorist an additional tool to their disposal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The example about the use of airplane as a tool of terrorism indicates an ineffective manner of using the available information to mitigate the terrorist attacks. In this regard, critical thinking is very essential in manner in which the homeland security handles the information they acquire to handle security issues or threats (Paul & Elder, 2009). This is mainly, because critical thinking offers the prediction and diagnosis analysis for security issues. Prediction depends chiefly on the ability of the security organs to be able to think ahead. Thinking ahead, as part of critical thinking, dictates that the security organs are able to establish the likely causes of terrorism and probable outcomes (Kiltz, 2009). Diagnosis means the analysis of previous threats which in turn helps to extrapolate the likely future events. In this regard, security organs are able to identify their past failures and in turn making amendments. Additionally, the organs are able to replicate past successes to the future. Best Critical Thinking Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While understanding the importance of the critical thinking skills, there are several critical thinking models at the disposal of security organs to address any homeland security issues. It is very crucial to put a lot of emphasis on the fact that critical thinking is basic requirement for security decisions facing the country (Paul & Elder, 2009). Therefore, to identify the best critical thinking model it would be prudent to learn the two factors that will play a very major role in determining the best model. Critical thinking in the context of homeland security is fundamentally dependent on the most important factor for good decision-making and the nature of the homeland security context (Browne & Keeley, 2007). 1. Decision making   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Critical thinking is fundamentally aimed at arriving at appropriate decision. Every decision made or arrived at should be able to offer solution in the context of homeland security. In this light, the decision of the security apparatus should be able to effectively prevent the threats that arise as well as minimize the damages is events occur (Kiltz, 2009). Thus, critical thinking plays a pivotal role in decision-making process. On the same note, the best decision-making model is exceedingly reliant on the right questions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The right question are said to be the main factor that enable effective decisions to be made in all the fields of the society, security being inclusive (Kiltz, 2009). Questions are a good guiding factor while looking for the appropriate results. One, right questions create a structure that our thinking relies upon, that is to say, right questions are essential in finding the suitable materials or information that are essential to the decision or solutions. Secondly, right questions play a vital role of determining the course of our thinking. In this regard, the right questions are crucial element of individual thinking (Kiltz, 2009). This indicates that the right questions part of the homeland security parameters, in that they would help the decision makers in this context will arrive the best solutions possible to the various security challenges. 2. The nature of homeland security   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The processes and the activities surrounding decision making in the parameters or the context of the homeland security are substantially complex. The complexity comes in two levels: one, there amount of data or information being processed is extremely large and second, there are a lot of dynamics and variables in homeland security decisions (Paul & Elder, 2009). Therefore, the decision-making process has a higher requirement of exhaustive scrutiny of all the probable accompanying implications of any decision made. In addition, the scrutiny extends other available options prior or before the enforcing any decision passed. A good example relates to diversion tactics that are highly employed by terrorist (Davis, 2012). This is where a threat is identified in a particular location while in reality the actual threat is in another place. Without appropriate critical thinking capabilities, the security apparatus are expected to put enough emphasi s on areas which are reported to have the threat while leaving the other places vulnerable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Understanding the nature of homeland security is pegged on homeland security operations and the past failure. Past failures help to understand what part of the process failed and how efficiently and effectively did homeland rise from their falls. For instance from the example above, if the severity of a homeland security event was increased by the misjudgment stated above, in future homeland security would put all efforts at protecting all places equally while still putting emphasis on any information gathered (Paul & Elder, 2009). That fact encompasses a crucial part of the critical thinking in such a security decision-making process.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In effect, the most effective critical thinking model should be all-inclusive. Inclusivity means that all the available alternatives should be taken into account while simultaneously evaluating the possible outcomes associated with each likely action. The module applied is similar to a game theory model (Davis, 2012). In such a model, the homeland security is supposed to establish every strategy available to them as well as those available to the opponents, the terrorists. This would help to preempt most, if not all, of the threats posed by various terrorists groups. Therefore, every strategy has probable action, which in turn will deliver results. It would be the aim of homeland to select the most applicable strategy and take an action that would offer the best-expected outcome (Paul & Elder, 2009).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For example, through information and intelligence gathering, the security organs in the United States had all the necessary, adequate and relevant information to indicate that an attack was eminent. This information was prior to the September 11 attack, which detailed the Al Qaeda plans to attack the US. This shows that the security organs had the available strategies of the opponents. However, the organs failed to select the best strategy and their actions failed to meet the required results (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The time constraints also play a critical part in undertaking any security decision. The reason behind this is that despite the large volumes of information that need to processed, the uncertainty of when a homeland security event is likely to occur needs timely decision-making. Using the September 11 example, it can be observed that the security organs failed to meet the timely decision requirement (Kiltz, 2009). Although all the information processed indicated the likelihood of a terrorism incident in United States, no timely action was taken to preempt the threats due to the argument that the decision process was at its preliminary stage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Additionally, homeland security should be in a position to predict the opponents’ likely cause of action and also putting a lot of effort towards preventing the threats preempting the homeland actions. This is attached to diversion tactics, where the threats mature to events in places other than those indicated in the threats information. This was the strategy that was employed by the Al Qaeda to beat homeland security at their game in September 11 (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). Prior to the attack, the information gathered indicated that the threats were highly in United States departments and agencies that were beyond borders. The fact that overseas parts of homeland security were threatened, the homeland skewed its efforts towards the external offices and agencies. Consequently, the Al Qaeda anticipated the moves of homeland security and they counteracted by attacking the internal departments (â€Å"The 9/11 Commissi on,† 2005). Critical thinking should help to homeland security to fill all the available loopholes that may expose their operations and the country was vast. 3. Right Questions Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As stated earlier there are several models at the disposal of the homeland security, but among them asking the right questions takes the reign. There are several factors that have heavily tilted the odds towards the right questions model of critical thinking (Browne & Keeley, 2007). First, the model plays a pivotal role in addressing the various loopholes found under the nature of homeland security. For instance the failures that were capitalized by the Al Qaeda in the September 11 attack (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). The right questions model aims at querying all the information available. The inquisitive nature of the model allows the various security issues to be determined as well as determining the necessary conclusions. The conclusions are highly dependent on the reasoning, assumptions, and clarity of words.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are numerous benefits that accompany this essential model of right questions. To begin with the model is highly useful in offering a well detailed analysis of the decision made as well as the cause of actions undertaken. When comparing this model with the other models such as the elements of thought thinking model, right questions model outranks them all in enabling homeland to meet its objectives or targets (Browne & Keeley, 2007). Furthermore, it is established that the model has other models easily inbuilt. Mainly, homeland security establishes the positive elements of the other models and encompasses them in the right questions model. As a consequence, the models offer comprehensive and well-contained solutions out of all the available alternatives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition, the said model is highly interactive as it offers an all rounded analysis of the various situations. The analysis is crucial in timely and effective decision-making as well as in actualization of the actions set. Additionally, the model allows homeland to identify the instances of fallacies in reasoning (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). Well thought out decision should not be guided by a belief, myth of misconceptions. This allows homeland security process of verification and validation of evidence to be thorough and unbiased. If some essential information is missed, the model would results to different alternatives. Right questions model bases its success on availability of possible alternatives. Therefore, the model puts a lot emphasis on the available information which helps decision makers to arrive at the best possible alternative. On the other hand, the other models have some constraints in their operations (Bro wne & Keeley, 2007). For instance, the Element of Thought thinking model success is highly dependent on the emphasis given to some four aspects of decision-making. Using the Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Several failures have been seen under the dome of homeland security. These failures are highly attributed as the indirect contributors of past events like the September 11 attacks. The right questions model can easily address these past challenges (Browne & Keeley, 2007). Moreover, the model is the key to providing support to the homeland security decision-making process as well as creating and enhancing the credibility of the actions undertaken by homeland security.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The right questions model is dependent on an extensive spectral analysis. This analysis is the foundation of critical thinking. As a consequence, the right questions model helps to evaluate all the possible alternatives and their accompanying actions; which aim at getting the best possible solution. The model has been extensively used under the homeland security context to eradicate and lessen threats like the September 11 attacks. For example, prior to September 11 attacks the United States intelligence had gathered that there were several threats directed towards the United States institutions outside the country (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). Lack of a wider spectral analysis, the homeland security failed in its job (Browne & Keeley, 2007). In dependence to the information, the homeland security strengthened the security agencies beyond borders and failed to do so with the domestic agencies. As a consequence, the Al Qaeda us ed this loophole to carry out the attacks in the US soil (The 9/11 Commission, 2005). Under right questions model, an in-depth analysis would have taken place prompting homeland security to reinforce all the security agencies across the board. Such analysis would have enabled homeland security to alleviate the September 11 attacks. The alleviation would have been achieved through the fact that the homeland security would have easily identify and eliminated all the security exposures that faced the United states at large without overemphasis on the overseas institutions (Browne & Keeley, 2007). The fallacies of logic resulted to this misguided conclusions. While combating the Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, there was a belief that the US turf was safe from the Al Qaeda actions. This resulted to homeland security ignoring the domestic security need for dealing with terrorism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Additionally, there were not efforts to fill the information gaps that were there before the attacks. There poor statistics since there limited activities that were undertaken by security agencies in the United States (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). The model selected put emphasis on identifying the missing information which in turns increases the chances of obtaining the best strategy and the appropriate cause of action to be employed. For instance, the evidence provided that an attack was imminent, but there were no prompt actions that were undertaken to mitigate these threats. Also, despite the availability of evidence that indicated that there were terrorist threats facing the US, no security actions were undertaken in time (Browne & Keeley, 2007). The claims behind the lack of actions were that the decision process was still at preliminary stages, indicating the rigidity of the security operations. The selected model offers flexible and dynamic solutions to challenges. Through the right questions model, appropriate decisions would have been arrive at early enough to mitigate the threats. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Critical thinking is crucial for the undertakings of the homeland security department. This is because there are significant complexities of the decisions and accompanying actions. The critical thinking models are several but one outranks the others; the right questions model is very essential in establishing the right decisions and cause of actions. The model employs a wider spectral analysis strategy with an aim of achieving efficient, effective and timely solutions. Looking at the applicability of the model against the events of September 11 attacks the model would achieve better-desired results (â€Å"The 9/11 Commission,† 2005). References Browne, M., & Keeley, S. (2007). Asking the right questions. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall. Davis, V. (2012). Use Critical Thinking to Overcome Personal Biases. IN Homeland Security. Retrieved 22 January 2015, from http://inhomelandsecurity.com/use-critical-thinking-to-overcome-personal-biases/ Kiltz, L. (2009). Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Courses. Journal Of Homeland Security And Emergency Management, 6(1), 1-20. Retrieved from http://www.innovative-analytics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DevelopingCriticalThinking.pdf Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2009). The miniature guide to critical thinking. Dillon Beach, Calif.: Foundation for Critical Thinking. Pruitt, K. (2003). Modeling Homeland Security: A Value Focused Thinking Approach (1st ed., pp. 1-236). Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: Department of the Air Force, Air University. Retrieved from http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/afit/pruitt_vft_hls.pdf The 9/11 Commission,. (2005). The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (1st ed., pp. 1-400). Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/GPO-911REPORT/pdf/GPO-911REPORT.pdf Source document

The Moche Culture, Guide to the History and Archaeology

The Moche Culture, Guide to the History and Archaeology The Moche culture (ca. AD 100-750) was a South American society, with cities, temples, canals, and farmsteads located along the arid coast in a narrow strip between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains of Peru. The Moche or Mochica are perhaps best known for their ceramic art: their pots include life-sized portrait heads of individuals and three-dimensional representations of animals and people. Many of these pots, looted long ago from Moche sites, can be found in museums throughout the world: not much more about the context from where they were stolen is known. Moche art is also reflected in polychrome and/or three-dimensional murals made of plastered clay on their public buildings, some of which are open to visitors. These murals depict a wide range of figures and themes, including warriors and their prisoners, priests and supernatural beings. Studied in detail, the murals and decorated ceramics reveal much about the ritual behaviors of the Moche, such as the Warrior Narrative. Moche Chronology Scholars have come to recognize two autonomous geographic regions for the Moche, separated by the Paijan desert in Peru. They had separate rulers  with the capital of the Northern Moche at Sipn, and that of the Southern Moche at the Huacas de Moche. The two regions have slightly different chronologies and have some variations in material culture. Early Intermediate (AD 100-550) North: Early and Middle Moche; South: Moche Phase I-IIIMiddle Horizon (AD 550-950) N: Late Moche A, B, and C; S: Moche Phase IV-V, Pre-Chimu or CasmaLate Intermediate (AD 950-1200) N: Sican; S: Chimu Moche Politics and Economy The Moche were a stratified society with a powerful elite and an elaborate, well-codified ritual process. The political economy was based on the presence of large civic-ceremonial centers that produced a wide range of goods which were marketed to rural agrarian villages. The villages, in turn, supported the city centers by producing a wide range of cultivated crops. Prestige goods created in the urban centers were distributed to rural leaders to support their power and control over those parts of society. During the Middle Moche period (ca AD 300-400), the Moche polity was split into two autonomous spheres divided by the Paijan Desert. The Northern Moche capital was at Sipan; the southern at the Huacas de Moche, where the Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol are the anchor pyramids. The ability to control water, particularly in the face of droughts and extreme rainfall and flooding resulting from the El Nià ±o Southern Oscillation drove much of the Moche economics and political strategies. The Moche built an extensive network of canals to increase agricultural productivity in their regions. Corn, beans, squash, avocado, guavas, chili peppers, and beans were grown by the Moche people; they domesticated llamas, guinea pigs, and ducks. They also fished and hunted plants and animals in the region, and traded lapis lazuli and spondylus shell objects from long distances. The Moche were expert weavers, and metallurgists used lost wax casting and cold hammering techniques to work gold, silver, and copper. While the Moche did not leave a written record (they may have used the quipu recording technique that we have yet to decipher), the Moche ritual contexts and their daily lives are known because of excavations and detailed study of their ceramic, sculptural and mural art. Moche Architecture In addition to the canals and aqueducts, architectural elements of Moche society included large monumental pyramid-shaped architecture called huacas  which were apparently partly temples, palaces, administrative centers, and ritual meeting places. The huacas were large platform mounds, built of thousands of adobe bricks, and some of them towered hundreds of feet above the valley floor. On top of the tallest platforms were large patios, rooms and corridors, and a high bench for the seat of the ruler. Most of the Moche centers had two huacas, one larger than the other. Between the two huacas could be found the Moche cities, including cemeteries, residential compounds, storage facilities and craft workshops. Some planning of the centers is evident, since the layout of the Moche centers are very similar, and organized along streets. Ordinary people at Moche sites lived in rectangular adobe-brick compounds, where several families resided. Within the compounds were rooms used for living and sleeping, craft workshops, and storage facilities. Houses at Moche sites are generally made of well-standardized adobe brick. Some case of shaped stone foundations are known in hill slope locations: these shaped stone structures  may be of higher status individuals, although more work needs to be completed. Moche Burials A wide range of burial types are evidenced in Moche society, roughly based on the social rank of the deceased.  Several elite burials  have been found at  Moche sites, such as  Sipn, San Josà © de Moro, Dos Cabezas, La Mina and Ucupe in the Zana Valley. These elaborate burials include a considerable quantity of grave goods  and are often highly stylized. Often copper artifacts are found in the mouth, hands and under the feet of the interred individual. Generally, the corpse was prepared and placed in a coffin made of canes. The body is buried lying on its back in a fully-extended position, head to the south, upper limbs extended. Burial chambers range from an underground room made of adobe brick, a simple pit burial or a boot tomb.  Grave goods  are always present, including personal artifacts. Other mortuary practices include delayed burials, grave reopenings and secondary offerings of human remains. Moche Violence Evidence that violence was a significant part of Moche society was first identified in ceramic and mural art. Images of warriors in battle, ​decapitations, and sacrifices were originally believed to have been ritual enactments, at least in part, but recent archaeological investigations have revealed that some of the scenes were realistic portrayals of events in Moche society. In particular, bodies of victims have been found at  Huaca de la Luna, some of which were dismembered or decapitated and some were clearly sacrificed during episodes of torrential rains. Genetic data support the identification of these individuals as enemy combatants. History of Moche Archaeology The Moche were first recognized as a distinct cultural phenomenon by archaeologist  Max Uhle, who studied the site of Moche in the early decades of the 20th century. The  Moche civilization  is also associated with Rafael Larco Hoyle, the father of  Moche archaeology who proposed the first relative chronology based on ceramics. Sources A photo essay on the  recent excavations at Sipan  has been constructed, which includes some detail concerning the ritual sacrifices and burials undertaken by the Moche. Chapdelaine, Claude. Recent Advances in Moche Archaeology. Journal of Archaeological Research, Volume 19, Issue 2, SpringerLink, June 2011. Donnan CB. 2010. Moche State Religion: A Unifying Force in Moche Political Organization. In: Quilter J, and Castillo LJ, editors.  New Perspectives on Moche Political Organization. Washington DC: Dumbarton Oaks. p 47-49. Donnan CB. 2004.  Moche Portraits from Ancient Peru. University of Texas Press: Austin. Huchet JB, and Greenberg B. 2010.  Flies, Mochicas and burial practices: a case study from Huaca de la Luna, Peru.  Journal of Archaeological Science  37(11):2846-2856. Jackson MA. 2004. The Chimà º Sculptures of Huacas Tacaynamo and El Dragon, Moche Valley, Peru.  Latin American Antiquity  15(3):298-322. Sutter RC, and Cortez RJ. 2005. The Nature of Moche Human Sacrifice: A Bio-Archaeological Perspective.  Current Anthropology  46(4):521-550. Sutter RC, and Verano JW. 2007.  Biodistance analysis of the Moche sacrificial victims from Huaca de la Luna plaza 3C: Matrix method test of their origins.  American Journal of Physical Anthropology  132(2):193-206. Swenson E. 2011.  Stagecraft and the Politics of Spectacle in Ancient Peru.  Cambridge Archaeological Journal  21(02):283-313. Weismantel M. 2004. Moche sex pots: Reproduction and temporality in ancient South America.  American Anthropologist  106(3):495-505.

Business Organization CheckPoint Essays - Types Of Business Entity

Business Organization CheckPoint Essays - Types Of Business Entity Business Organization CheckPoint BUS/210 February 27, 2014 Business Organization CheckPoint Valeria Wallace opens her own restaurant called Valerias Cuisine. To raise the $150,000 in capital she needs, Valeria chooses to form a joint-stock company in which she sells stock to Tom Parker, Bill Carpenter, and Susan Moore. Each investor contributes $50,000 and will share 60% of this venture with Valeria retaining 40%. Since this is a joint-stock company, all will be personally liable if the business fails (University of Phoenix, 2007). This means that Valeria, Tom, Bill, and Susan could be sued by the creditors for outstanding invoices (University of Phoenix, 2007). Timothy Pearson wants to open a car wash called Sparkle Car Wash. He needs $50,000 in capital in order to start and chooses a limited liability company in which he sells stock to Jim Burton and Jane Ashmore. Each of these investors contributes $25,000 and will share 70% of this venture with Timothy retaining 30%. If Timothys business fails, Jim and Jane will only lose their investment of $25,000 since this is a limited liability company (University of Phoenix, 2007). Karen Willingham and Justin Duncan, both lawyers, decide to form a partnership. Karen has been practicing law for 25 years and contributes $75,000. Justin has only been practicing for 10 years and contributes $35,000. They agree that the profits will be split 60% and 40% respectively. As their law firm grows, they add another partner, Joe Sutton. Joe has been practicing for 5 years and contributes $10,000. With another partner, they agree that the profits will be split 55%, 35%, and 10% respectively. John Reed opens a pet store called Johns Little Furry Friends as a sole proprietorship. Since this is a sole proprietorship, John raises all the capital, makes all the decisions, and assumes all the risks (University of Phoenix, 2007). REFERENCES University of Phoenix. (2007). Jones: Introduction to business: How companies create value for people. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, BUS 210 - Foundations of Business website.

Aporia Definition and Examples

Aporia Definition and Examples Aporia is a  figure of speech in which the speaker expresses real or simulated doubt or perplexity. The adjective is  aporetic. In classical rhetoric, aporia means placing a claim in doubt by developing arguments on both sides of an issue. In the terminology of deconstruction, aporia is a final impasse or paradoxthe site at which the text most obviously undermines its own rhetorical structure, dismantles, or deconstructs itself. Etymology: From the Greek, without passagePronunciation: eh-POR-ee-eh Examples and Observations David MikicsScholars have described as aporetic early Socratic dialogues like the Protagoras (ca. 380 BCE), which end in puzzlement rather than resolution, and which fail to supply convincing definitions of sought-after concepts like truth and virtue. At the end of the Protagoras, wrote the philosopher Sà ¸ren Kierkegaard, Socrates and Protagoras resemble two bald men searching for a comb.Peter FalkI dont think its proving anything, Doc. As a matter of fact, I dont even know what it means. Its just one of those things that gets in my head and keeps rolling around in there like a marble.William WordsworthIf living sympathy be theirsAnd leaves and airs,The piping breeze and dancing treeAre all alive and glad as we:Whether this be truth or noI cannot tell, I do not know;Naywhether now I reason well,I do not know, I cannot tell.Ford Maddox FordAm I no better than a eunuch or is the proper manthe man with the right to existencea raging stallion forever neighing after his neighbor’ s womankind? Or are we meant to act on impulse alone? It is all a darkness. Julian WolfreysA particularly striking example of the experience of the aporetic appears in Karl Marxs consideration of the commodity fetish, where he finds it logically impossible to explain, within the limits of his discourse, what transforms material into its mystified form as desired commodity, and what invests the commodity object with its commodified mystique.David LodgeRobin wrote the word with a coloured felt-tip marker on the whiteboard screwed to the wall of her office. Aporia. In classical rhetoric it means real or pretended uncertainty about the subject under discussion. Deconstructionists today use it to refer to more radical kinds of contradiction or subversion of logic or defeat of the readers expectation in a text. You could say that its deconstructions favourite trope. Hillis Miller compares it to following a mountain path and then finding that it gives out, leaving you stranded on a ledge, unable to go back or forwards. It actually derives from a Greek word meaning a pathless path.

Kindergarten Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Kindergarten Scenario - Essay Example According to Ormond (2008) there should be application of behaviorist principles in order to manage the classroom effectively. Thus, as a teacher I would utilize positive reinforcement through the use of social rein forcers such as giving attention, praise and appreciation to the child with school phobia. As a result, the child receives positive attitude that assists him to feel more appreciated in the new environment and further begins forgetting about their mother leading to the end of crying and clinging. Moreover, as a teacher I should ensure that the child is motivated toward intrinsic reinforcement which dictates that the child become proud of attending school without paying more attention to their mother, but rather understanding the importance of school attendance. In a general sense, the positive reinforcement has a huge impact the development of child behavior especially with right reinforce. In fact, the end result of such reinforcement must ensure that it has more positivity than negative reaction. Nevertheless, positive reinforcement is only recommended for particular period of time, as its continuous use might compel the other children to take on bad behavior in case they are not appreciated like the

Employment Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Employment Law - Essay Example This paper seeks to discuss the employment law. Based on a case, the paper will explore relevant legal principles in employment law with the aim of advising a party over possible claims. Facts of the case Kareen has been employed at Coombes & Partners architect firm for six years, a period in which she has served as a receptionist and has been offering exemplary services. Her mother is currently ill, having suffered from a stroke, and has for this reason moved to stay with her, forcing Kareen to double up as a care giver at home and an employee. As a result, Kareen wrote to her manager to request for a variation in working conditions that include change in reporting time and departure time. Besides request for fewer daily working hours, she also requested her working days to be reduced from five days a week to four. Her request was however rejected by her manager on grounds that her line of duty is normally busy during morning hours and that a late reporting time could not therefore be granted. The manager further noted that the organization’s policy does not allow receptionists to work on part time schedules. A male trainee, Audio, at the firm has also been making verbal suggestive advances towards Kareen. The trainee has also reportedly patted Kareen on her bottom, an act that offended her. Though she reported the issue to her manager, no action was taken. The trainee, then in a separate incident, tried to kiss her by force. In reaction, Kareen hit him forcing him to fall on a desk. Adio reported Kareen’s reaction and the manager summoned her for a hearing. In the hearing, that Kareen describes as intimidating, Adio accused her of hitting him without a reason and denied any sexual advancement towards her. The manager then gave her a dismissal letter to which she did not appeal due to her anger. Issue One of the issues to be determined in the case is existence of an employee’s right to a flexible working condition and the circumstances und er which the employer can violate such a right. Another issue to be determined is existence of sexual harassment and the nature of liability that is induced by acts of sexual violence. Termination of an employment contract is also an issue for determination. Rules and application Kareen, as an employee, is legally entitled to flexible working conditions as provided for by the law and based on the facts that she has worked for the organization for a period of six years. Based on the provisions of the Employment Rights Act1, Kareen has a right to apply, to her employer, for an option to work under conditions that are more flexible. Such conditions may include shorter working hours or rescheduled timetable with respect to reporting times as well as the times at which she may leave work. Chandler explains that such a right would be extended to Kareen if she were a parent or a guardian who is responsible for the care of a child who is younger than six years or a minor who has been identi fied with a disability. Based on a written application, Coombes & Partners is therefore legally obliged to grant such request unless there are serious negative consequences that the enterprise may suffer for granting the flexible condition. Such reasons, however, must be communicated.2 Lewis and Thornbory however categorically specify that all employees are entitled to the right to flexible working condition if reason for application is for care of a relative. According to the authors, an

Continuity in film making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Continuity in film making - Essay Example Continuity is a task for all the production team as it has to be maintained at all levels of the production team. From the script supervisor, film director to the most important touch in postproduction - the editor, continuity is important. By identifying the connections that form continuity among the production team members, it can minimize the number of errors that usually occur in the production of a film. There are too many production team members to describe each and every connection in detail. In this thesis, the focus is on the director and the editor. This will allow us to go through the preproduction process, the postproduction process, and most importantly the understanding and the ability to identify the responsibilities, of each team member at each stage of production. Although not including many of the individual pieces, to get a better understanding of the basic cinematographic process I have included a basic description of the overall process. Visuals are pictures and sequences of motion pictures is a film, which captures the motion or action, so the camera by recording these events, does its job. The person who controls the camera is the cameraman. This person is in charge of moving the camera in predetermined directions which can serve the purpose of achieving the best shot is taken. The director provides the direction, how the camera moves or what should be shown in the frame gate, based on their interpretation of the script of the story, provided by the script writer. After completing the shots and sequences, the editor gathers the footage and compiles them in a way that they match and gives the feel for the entire footage. The editor is also responsible for matching the sequences shot, which gives the illusion of continuity. Justification of the Research To create a motion picture, regardless of expertise of the crew, there is a requirement to achieve continuity. Continuity requires more attention and especially during a large film productio n as it requires script, budget, and equipment. All of these processes have to be combined together to make a film. It is a complex process and can involve a large number of people to work together in a film project. One fact is that, no matter how easy it is to see the movie or a motion picture, it is a much more complicated process especially when it gets to the structure of making it. Historically films have been made by three main countries; Great Britain, France, and the United States. It hasn’t been until the last couple of decades that other countries such as India have joined in the cinema field with successes. Not only have other countries joined in the film making business, but so have amateur filmmakers with low budgets and fresh ideas. The growth of the motion picture making around the world is expanding and most of the developers are young which means the future of filmmaking is bright. The growth of video making is exponential, especially with the advent of Yout ube.com and the fact that at any time in 2012 most people have at least one camera at their house. Many of those individuals would like to tell a story, so to tell a story visually the fact of continuity has to be present. As the visual creation needs to be in the right composition angle and camera movement, all of data collected has to gather to tell a cohesive story. Methodology and Case Study A focused theoretical

Explain the growth in the concentration of media ownership around the Assignment

Explain the growth in the concentration of media ownership around the world - Assignment Example Founded and headquartered in Australia, the company now boasts of being the number one newspaper publisher in the world, with a cumulative daily readership of 14 million in these three countries alone. Murdoch has a near monopoly in the media space in Australia, owning two-thirds of all newspaper circulation in the country. Across the Tasman Sea, in New Zealand, he owns nearly half. Further, he is the owner of two fifths of the Australian Associated Press. (Knowlton & Parsons, 2005, p. 200) These holdings are notwithstanding his considerable market share in Britain and the United States. These statistics bear testimony to the Murdoch’s media monopoly. Between the lines one can read the dangers posed by monopoly in an industry that is crucial to socio-cultural discourse. One of the negative consequences of media concentration is that it nullifies ethical standards of journalism. News Corp’s official Standards of Business Conduct (SBC) document makes some bold claims. But the company’s actual behaviour is contradictory to these claims. For example, in the area of building trust with business partners and customers, it claims that trust and integrity are of utmost importance. The manner in which the company actually functions makes a mockery of these ethical concerns. There are several instances where News Corp had colluded with political organizations to attain favourable deals. One of the first instances of News Corp’s opportunistic use of political connections came to light in1995. Murdoch struck a book deal with the then House Speaker of the United States Congress Newt Gingrich for a substantial sum of $4.5 million. The ethical problem was obvious in this case. Murdoch, who was even at that time an influential and trans-global media personality, owned a newspaper chain and several television stations. He stood to gain enormously through the relationship with the Speaker. It was only after severe public

Be able to make financial decisions based on financial information Assignment

Be able to make financial decisions based on financial information - Assignment Example Competitors may have offered new products having more superior quality that attract more number of customers. Another reason may be that the company might have changed the product price that may, in turn, result in a variance in the unit sales volume. The direct material price variance (Â £7,500) is the variation between actual material cost (Â £22,500) and budgeted material cost (Â £ 15,000). Here, the material price variance shows an unfavorable trend, as the actual cost is higher than the material. The other reason for the price variance may be due to the non accessibility of cash discounts that are actually expected at the time of deciding the price standards and also may be due to changes in transportation costs, careless purchasing and changes in the material standard. The total direct labor variance is found by evaluating actual cost of direct labor to the budgeted direct labor cost. If the actual cost is in excess of the budgeted cost, the resultant variances become unfavorable. This may be due to the usage of more labor hours as there is shortage of adequate experienced labors in the concerned cutlery manufacturing. The other reasons are the higher payment of labor rate per hour. The sum of unfavorable direct labor variance (1,875) is the combination of adverse direct labor efficiency variance of (5,625) + adverse direct labor rate variance of 3,750. The adverse variance in the material usage amounting (Â £ 3,000) are due to the imperfect material, unnecessary waste of material, and stricter quality control. The labor rate variance has shown an adverse trend. This unfavorable variance is due to the increase in the wage rate of laborers. The labor efficiency rate is also showing an unfavorable trend of (Â £ 5,625). This is mainly due to the usage of poor quality material. The company lacks the supply of steel material of adequate quality. The other reason may be the lost of time over and above

Explain the growth in the concentration of media ownership around the Assignment

Explain the growth in the concentration of media ownership around the world - Assignment Example Founded and headquartered in Australia, the company now boasts of being the number one newspaper publisher in the world, with a cumulative daily readership of 14 million in these three countries alone. Murdoch has a near monopoly in the media space in Australia, owning two-thirds of all newspaper circulation in the country. Across the Tasman Sea, in New Zealand, he owns nearly half. Further, he is the owner of two fifths of the Australian Associated Press. (Knowlton & Parsons, 2005, p. 200) These holdings are notwithstanding his considerable market share in Britain and the United States. These statistics bear testimony to the Murdoch’s media monopoly. Between the lines one can read the dangers posed by monopoly in an industry that is crucial to socio-cultural discourse. One of the negative consequences of media concentration is that it nullifies ethical standards of journalism. News Corp’s official Standards of Business Conduct (SBC) document makes some bold claims. But the company’s actual behaviour is contradictory to these claims. For example, in the area of building trust with business partners and customers, it claims that trust and integrity are of utmost importance. The manner in which the company actually functions makes a mockery of these ethical concerns. There are several instances where News Corp had colluded with political organizations to attain favourable deals. One of the first instances of News Corp’s opportunistic use of political connections came to light in1995. Murdoch struck a book deal with the then House Speaker of the United States Congress Newt Gingrich for a substantial sum of $4.5 million. The ethical problem was obvious in this case. Murdoch, who was even at that time an influential and trans-global media personality, owned a newspaper chain and several television stations. He stood to gain enormously through the relationship with the Speaker. It was only after severe public

To what extent has globalization influenced one or more aspects of the Essay

To what extent has globalization influenced one or more aspects of the culture in your country illustrate your answer with examples - Essay Example But likewise, as economies become more intertwined, we find that they can also become more vulnerable to unexpected shifts and new forms of opaqueness. This isn’t a reason to turn away from globalization, but it is a reason to be vigilant. This essay will look at the way Russia has become more dependent on other countries through the process of globalization and it will suggest that this has mostly been for the best. Although the exact moment of globalization occurring in Russia is a debatable question considering the length of Russia’s history and its extensive involvement in world affairs, it could be send that most of the post-Soviet period has been marked by the rapid acceleration of Russia’s integration into the world economy. Boris Yeltsin, Russia’s first post-Soviet leader, led the country through a kind of economic shock therapy that involved deregulating markets, selling off state assets, and making Russia a better place to do business. It took awhile for these changes to help make Russia into a stable place to do business, but this began to happen under the premiership of Vladimir Putin. He was helped of course by rising world demand for Russia’s energy and other commodities. Prices for have been increasing a lot in recent years (before collapsing recently), and this helped Russia look to the rest of the world as a good place to do business. Britain decided to go full steam ahead with economic global integration. Of course, with current economic events shaking the world economy, we begin to see some of the potential negative effects of globalization for Russia. The problems point to one of the serious drawbacks of globalization: when you open your economy up to the other economies of the world you can get very rich as long as they do well—but you also become very vulnerable to their problems too. But in the course of this important debate it is vital to remember the benefits that have come with globalization. These changes have not

No Child Left Behind Essay Example for Free

No Child Left Behind Essay The education policy that I chose is on education today and the influence of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. In 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act. The NCBL is a United States Act of Congress, which includes Title 1 (program for disadvantaged students offered by the government). This Act requires states to develop assessments in basic skills. Each state is required to give these assessments to all students to receive federal school funding. This Act does not set the standards nationwide; each individual state sets the standards. Diane Ravitch, an education philosopher was a supporter of this Act when it was being passed. She believed that every child had the right to a proper education. As the years passed she acquired more experience and knowledge on the Act, and is now completely opposed to the NCLB Act. Ravitch believes that the states dumb down the standards in light of the NCLB. The question now is: is the No Child Left Behind Act seeking to repair the problem, or is it the cause? Under NCLB, the accountability of a childs education is examined by the Federal government and turned into the hands of the state. This was the first time an American president has set a goal of universal proficiency in reading and mathematics for all children. The federal emphasis on literacy, reading, and mathematics emphasizes teacher and school accountability, with negative consequences when schools do not meet established improvement goals (U.S. Department of Education, 2002). Under NCLB the state must have accountability provisions that include how they will close the achievement gap. According to the Department of Education the achievement gap is defined as such; The difference between how well low-income and minority children perform on standardized tests as compared with their peers. For many years, low-income and minority children have fallen behind their white peers in terms of academic achievement (Department of Education, 2002). States must also monitor that every student not excluding the disadvantaged achieve academic proficiency. Yearly assessments must be produced to inform parents of the progress of both the state and the  community. Schools that do not meet the academic proficiency standards must offer supplemental services and take corrective action. If within five years the school is still not making yearly progress, than dramatic changes in the schools academic direction must be made. Dramatic changes according to the Department of Education are defined as follows; †¦additional changes to ensure improvement. The definition raises the question of whether there is a plan for failure at all. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, in its National Report Card shows that these goals may be falling short. Students in fourth grade show temporary improvement in math right after No Child Left Behind became a law, but returned to pre-reform growth rate. The NAEP estimates that by 2014 less than 25% of financially challenged and African American students will achieve NAEP proficiency in reading. Using the same time frame less than half the financially challenged and African American students will obtain proficiency in math. With so much pressure on the states to perform well, a trend is becoming apparent that they are inflating proficiency levels of students. This causes discrepancies between the NAEP and state assessments especially among the financially challenged, African American, and Hispanic students. With no sufficient evidence shown on that NCLB is working, the question is as follows; is the federal government capable of running our school systems? There are undoubtedly dangers in the public school system teaching a federally mandated curriculum. When one controls peoples perception of history, one controls the present. There is, of course, a point to be made that if the nations children are kept in watered down public schools, positions of power will be opened to the children of the aristocracy, who without fail, are being sent to private schools. So many of those Politicians who stand in the way of allowing poor children to escape failing schools, send their own children to private schools (sic). In New York City, where I have spent most of my professional life, both the current and the past chancellor of schools sent their children to private schools. Six of the seven members of the now-defunct Board of Education had  also sent their children to private schools at one time or another. One might add to the list other notables in New York-the governor, the mayor, the leaders of both houses of the legislature, and the junior U.S. senator (and former first lady). In fact, I cannot remember a mayor of the city who sent his children to public school (Viteritti, 2003). The reports of success of NCLB are encouraging to those who support the project. There have been schools in Sterling, Virginia and New York City that have received No Child Left Behind blue ribbons for their success in closing the achievement gap. Other schools have earned national praise for instituting such curriculum as Fit for the Future, a standards-based health and fitness curriculum for grades 1-10; and an anti-bullying intervention program in York, Pennsylvania (Department of Education, 2005). These programs are used to show the benefits of NCLB but are they academic necessities? The curriculum in a kindergarten class in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin included a lesson entitled The Little Convincer. In which a state trooper came into the classroom with a mechanism designed to simulate a car accident. In a discussion about car seat laws, a topic critics of the curriculum call too heady for kindergarteners, the students, ages five to six years old, were asked repeatedly which one of them were actively using car seats, and whether their parents wore seat belts as well. One child who innocently told the officer that his daddy did not wear his seatbelt was told by the trooper that his daddy could go through the windshield and the glass would cut his face and arms like ribbons, and once he hit the road, the car would roll on top of him. The dramatic lesson ended with each of the students taking a turn in the mechanism that simulated the car crash. The officer would speak softly to the child asking them questions about their class or the clothes that they were wearing and when the child began to speak would jerk them forward violently to teach them that an accident could happen at anytime. The question is, are these academic lessons that parents assume that their children are attending school for? Is placing the curriculum in the hands of legislators going to further our childrens grasp of the three Rs as most parents hope, or are they going to be taught how to become complacent law abiding citizens? The problem in purposing that the public school system is flawed beyond repair is offering an alternative that people are comfortable with. When a conversation about privatizing the school system begins many questions must be answered to abate the fears of the public. Would privatizing schools be affordable to all families? Many debates have waged on the validity of a voucher program, allowing families to choose any school they desire whether it is parochial, private, public, or chartered. Without public schools, there are no taxes necessary to support the program, and that money can be returned to the families of school aged children, creating extra funds for private education. In a system of free market education the individual and specialized institutions of learning would have to compete for students, because the money would be linked to the students themselves. Never in the history of the free market have advances been made without competition. When the monopoly on our childrens future ends, a true marketplace of ideas will be born. In an interview with US News, Ravitch was asked What needs to happen to make the law more effective for school? she responded I think the main thing to change is . . . to get rid of the remedies and the sanctions because the remedies dont work and the sanctions dont work. What No Child Left Behind has given the United States is an atmosphere of punitiveness. The word accountability has come to be a synonym for punish. If students dont learn, its the teachers fault. Fire the teachers. Close the schools. Were now on a wrecking mission to destroy American public education. Ravitch has completely rejected this Act, and believes we should do something to make our education system stronger. I questioned? Is the No Child Left Behind Act seeking to repair the problem, or is it the cause? I now have the answer. The NCLB Act sounded very tempting as it was passed by congress, and many like Diane Ravitch had hopes in such a great project for our education system, but everything is not perfect. The NCBL offers great support to schools, although standardized testing is not the correct way of determining the amount of financial support each school deserves or requires. After long hours of research I believe that the No Child Left Behind Act has taken a part in the cause of our problem in our education system today. Schools will not improve if the value is set only on what is tested. The tests we have now provide useful information about students progress in reading and mathematics, but they cannot measure what matters most in education. (Ravitch. The Death and Life of The Great American School System, pg. 226) In order to improve our public school system we must start by focusing on our schools, offering them an authentic and sincere education that encourages our students to learn.

Changing Nutritional Requirements for Children

Changing Nutritional Requirements for Children HEALTH PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT Ubah A adan 1. The food for babies in the United Kingdom is normally set on particular guidelines, which must be followed in order for the babies to develop in a normal and healthy way. The First six months. Infant normally feed on breast milk or infant formula. For the first six months breast milk is most nutritious and highly recommended. It contains a unique mix of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, lactose, amino acid, enzymes and others. Important factors that combine they make perfect food for babies, its nutritious and easy for digestion. It has every thing baby needs, Brain development, healthy growth and protection from illnesses. If the mother chooses not breastfeed the baby, best option available is infant formula. Introducing solid food to the baby should only start after six months. It’s recommended by health practitioners and also the government policy in the UK, but if the baby feels hungry so often weaning can start before six months but only with foods recommended by an infant nutritionist. There are foods which must be avoided at all cost for example: shellfish eggs fish liver nuts wheat and gluten seeds unpasteurised and soft cheese salt sugar honey and whole nuts 6 to 9 months When the weaning is started a baby’s diet should include the following types of foods: milk and dairy fruit and vegetables meat and fish egg and beans pasta and rice starchy foods There are many types of prepared baby foods and cereals that have been specially designed for babies, but these foods can also be easily prepared and pureed at home with the use of a food blender, frozen individually into ice cube trays and used as needed. 9 months + The recommended guidelines for servings of solid food portions at this age are: 2 servings per day of meat, fish, eggs or pulses 3-4 servings per day of fruits and vegetables 3-4 servings per day of potatoes, bread and rice Formula or breast milk can still be given along with healthy fruit and cereal snacks. VITAMINS The Department of Health advises that although children should get the required amount of vitamins from their food, they may be lacking in vitamin A, C and D which can be supplemented in the form of vitamin drops. Vitamin A: helps children to see in dim light, supports and strengthens the immune system, and ensures healthy skin is maintained. Vitamin C: helps with the absorption of iron, and supports the immune system. Vitamin D: helps to strengthen bones, and assists with the absorption of calcium. 2. TYPES OF FOOD THAT SHUOLD BE AVOIDED BY YOUNG CHILDREN There are many different food types which are considered to be unsuitable for babies and young children. Parents and childcare providers must be very careful the food that is cooked for the children, and the once that is ready made. SALT Babies don’t need salt. Their kidneys are too immature to cope with any added salt; even the small amount of salt can damage their kidneys. Therefore salt should never be added to any food that is cooked for a baby. The guidelines provided by the food standards Agency for salt consumption for children are: HONEY Honey contains bacteria which can produce toxin in a baby’s intestine leading to infant botulism which is a very serious illness. It’s best not to give babies honey until they over 1 year old. Honey is a sugar so avoiding it will also help to prevent tooth decay. SUGAR Baby doesn’t need sugar by avoiding it you will prevent tooth delay and unnecessary weight gain. Sugar causes tooth decay in young children and can be easily prevented. By avoiding sugary drinks and snakes you will help to prevent tooth decay. Children should be encouraged to drink milk and water. NUTS Whole nuts including peanuts should not be given to the children under the age of five, as they can choke on them. As long as there is no history of food allergies or other allergies in the baby’s family they can consume peanuts once they are six months old as long as they are crushed or grounded. LOW FAT FOODS Fat is an important source of calories and some vitamins for babies and young children. It’s better for babies and young children under 2 to have full fat milk, yogurts and cheeses. After the age of two; amount of fat in diet can be gradually decreased. EGGS Eggs can be given to children over the age of 6 months, yolks and whites should be well cooked to reduce the risk of salmonella infection. RAW SHELLFISH Raw shellfish can increase the risk of food poisoning and are considered to be potentially allergenic foods it also harbours salmonella bacteria. So it’s best to avoid it. SWORDFISH, SHARK AND MARLIN It is best to avoid these foods as the amount of mercury in these fish can affect a baby’s growing nervous system. 3. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMEN AND CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS When children come together at meal or snack time everyone should be eating the same foods. However, there are some circumstances in which some children cannot eat the same foods. For example of some special dietary needs including: Sugar in all forms may be limited for a diabetic child. Fats and cholesterol may be limited for overweight children. Specific foods or additive may cause allergic reactions in some children. Cultural or religious preference may restrict specific foods. Any dietary needs should be identified and documented and it’s important that staffs are trained in the importance of sticking to these needs or restrictions. Some food allergies can be life threatening all staff should know the specific food or ingredient restrictions, possible consequences and symptoms of food reactions and recommended first aid. Any dietary requirements should be gained from parents and recorded and any food allergies documentation should be request from the child’s doctor. Some children in child care have cultural and religious food preferences the child care provider and the parents need to work together in order to make sure that children with especial dietary needs receive appreciate foods. Examples of some cultural and religion practice: When recording special dietary requirements, there are many types of information that should be documented for example: child’s name parents name and address emergency contact emergency instructions should ingestion of an allergic food occur necessary medication doctor or health professionals name address, telephone number parental and childcare provider signature In the case of emergency medication being required the childcare provider should have this information documented on a separate medical form and keep the medication in a locked container. A Child record form for a new child joining a home at child care setting with specific dietary requirement may look as followed: 4. CHILDHOOD CHRONIC DISEASES There are many health problems during infant and childhood, but mostly they are mild and they do not interfere with their daily life and development. For some children however chronic health conditions affect everyday life throughout their childhood, Including asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy. 1. ASTHMA Asthma is a long term condition that can cause a cough, wheezing and breathlessness. The severity of the symptoms is different from person to person. Approximately 1 in 10 children being affected asthma in the UK. The cause of asthma is not fully understood, however trigger can bring symptoms of asthma, and anything that irritates the airways brings on symptoms of asthma. These are different from person to person and people with asthma may have several triggers. Triggers include house dust, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke and others. Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways these are the small tubes called bronchi which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma the bronchi will be flamed and will be more sensitive than normal. Asthma may also affect children emotionally as the attacks may be frightening them. 2. DIABETES Diabetes is life long conditions that cause persons blood sugar level to become too high. In the UK approximately 2.8million people are affected by diabetes. There are two types of diabetes type 1 and type 2. *Type1 is usually diagnosed in adolescence and is controlled insulin injections. * Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood and is controlled by diet and tablets. Symptoms common to both types of diabetes are weight loss, feeling very tired and feeling very thirsty and urinating frequency. 3. CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition in which lungs and digestive system become clogged with the thick sticky mucus. Symptoms start in early childhood and include cough, chest infections and poor weight. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis so the aim of the treatment is to ease the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with. Treatments include therapies, diet, medication, exercise and physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs. 4. CEREBRAL PALSY Cerebral palsy is a general term covering a number of neurological conditions that effect a child’s movements and coordination. Neurological conditions affect the brain and nervous system. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain which normally occurs before, during or soon after birth. It is estimated that 1 in every 400 children in UK is effected by Cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can put a great deal of strain on the body which can cause problems in later life. There is no cure cerebral palsy but the many of treatment can help relieve symptoms and increase child’s independent and self-esteem. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medications. GUIDED ACTIVITY https://osclinks.com/84 https://osclinks.com/85 https://osclinks.com/86 https://osclinks.com/87 https://osclinks.com/88 https://osclinks.com/89 https://osclinks.com/90 https://osclinks.com/91 https://osclinks.com/92 https://osclinks.com/93 https://osclinks.com/94

The Human Genome Revolution in the Rio Grande Valley :: Genes Biology Argumentative Essays Papers

The Human Genome Revolution in the Rio Grande Valley Most, if not all, of the technological and scientific advances throughout history, were influenced by the burning desire to discover, to know, and to be in control. The ambition to acquire knowledge has led mankind to embark on controversial and risk full, yet promising and intriguing fields, such as genetic research and study. In our modern day world, genetic research, or what we know as the genome revolution, has caused unceasing turmoil and controversy; however, behind all the ethical and religious opinions lies the hope for a brighter future for humanity. Whether we realize it or not, genome research brings with it many benefits, as well as new subjects of debate closer to us, in our community- the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande Valley is populated with a vast majority of Hispanic people. A Hispanic myself, I know that our people are passionate lovers of our culture and faithful followers of our faith. Many Hispanics do not favor genome research, (human cloning in specific), because it is an insult to the Christian faith, which holds God as the one and only creator of life. The knowledge of the human genome structure, equips man to become "architects" of life. Beyond the concern of man creating man, lays the uncertainty of the spiritual being and integrity of the newly created human clones. In an area where Hispanics are the dominating ethnic group, conflicts are definitely sure to arise between those who oppose and support cloning. The Rio Grande Valley is also an agricultural area, and genome research provides new and more perfected techniques for farming and cultivating. These modern processes, are far more perfected than latter day techniques, and result in higher quality products, in much larger quantities. Greater and faultless productivity will promote and generate better business opportunities for agricultural companies in the valley. In return, employees of these companies will receive better salaries. It is important to keep in mind that many Hispanics do not only support their immediate family but also those that are away from them, like elderly parents. In this way, the Rio Grande Valley's inhabitants will be greatly benefited. Hispanics are prone to many diseases already inscribed in our DNA, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, as well as many others.

Types of Facebook Users

Wael Alhathal Dustin Hopkins English A100 13 December 2012 What type of Facebook-er are you? Living in the 21st century, Facebook has pretty much taking over our world. We have reached a point where we believe that if you do not have a Facebook, then you do not have a life. About hundreds of people join Facebook every day, making it one of the most visited websites in the world, with about 585 million active members. 585 million!You might think that this is too much, but in fact, there are actually four main categories of Facebook users in the world—â€Å"annoying-Facebook-girl,† the â€Å"Simon-Cowell,† the â€Å"attention-seeking-whore,† and the â€Å"I’m-too-cool-for-Facebook. † Each and every user in these categories specializes in a particular way of participating on Facebook: a way of updating their statuses, how they comment, how many pictures they upload every day, and how often they spend their time on Facebook. If you have an  "annoying-Facebook-girl† on your friends list, deactivate your account right now!The main feature of the â€Å"annoying-Facebook-girl,† other than being just plain obnoxious, is the gift to update her status every few hours with crap no one really cares about. Her name will blow up on your news feed in a matter of seconds. The most common words used in their statuses are â€Å"OMG! † or â€Å"OH EM GEE! † They tend to upload not just a single photo, but albums of crappy pictures in a day. A typical â€Å"annoying-facebook-girl† would upload an album with 200 or more pictures titled â€Å"Mcdonaldz wd my Bff’z

Small-Scale I.T. Infrastracture

This paper entitled I.T. Infrastracture for Andrea Stevens Cosmetics is a pre-formal draft for the proposed network design for the Stevens Cosmetics Information Technology system.This paper discusses the fundamental technical specifications needed to develop and implement the procedures needed to upgrade the hardware, software and procedures currently used by the company in the manufacturing and sales of the company's merchandise.This paper is limited as a draft and not intended as a complete project specification and technical reference for the project. Further verification and research is advised.In order to guarantee continuous usability of computer terminals and adaptability to emerging technologies for at least five (5) years in the future, it is advised that all terminals be upgraded to the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors with at least 1 Gigabyte of memory. Video, sound and network cards are not mandatory. A wireless network adapter or two (2) USB 2 ports, however, are requi red in order to accommodate the network requirements to be discussed on the next points.Instead of individually shared printers, multi-functional network printers with the feature to set its own IP address is recommended. This will eliminate the dependency of the printers in having a host computer to necessitate its operation.

Knowledge and Attitude About Testicular Examination

ARA S TIRM A / ORIGINAL ARTICL E Gulhane T? p Derg 2011; 53: 17-25  © Gulhane Askeri T? p Akademisi 2011 Investigation of the frequency of testicular self examination performance in young adult males Ercan Gocgeldi (*), Necmettin Kocak (**), Serdar Ulus (**), Cenk Yeginer (**), Seref Basal (***) SUMMARY Testicular tumors are the second most frequently observed malignancy after leukemia in the age group of 20-35 in men. The rate of a 5-year survey is 99. 9% with early diagnosis. Awareness of the individuals and performing a testicular self examination by themselves are important in the early diagnosis.Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to determine the performance frequency of testicular self examination and the factors affecting this among young adults. Of all the participants, 23. 3%, 6. 8% and 4. 7% declared that they had heard about testicular cancer and about testicular self examination, and that they had performed testicular self examination at least once in their life, respectively. The rates of hearing about and performing testicular self examination were found low in the present study, however these rates were higher among those who had heard of testicular cancer from population.Well planned campaigns and educational organizations may be conducted in the country-wide in order to increase the awareness about testicular cancer and the frequency of testicular self examination. Key words: Soldier, testicular cancer, testicular self-examination, young adult man OZET Genc eriskin erkeklerde kendi kendine testis muayenesi yapma s? kl? g? n? n arast? r? lmas? Testis tumorleri 20-35 yas grubu erkeklerde losemiden sonra en s? k rastlanan 2. malignitedir. Erken tan? ile 5 y? ll? k yasam oran? %99. 9’dur. Bireylerin fark? ndal? g? ve kendi kendilerine testis muayenesi yapmalar? erken tan? icin onemlidir.Bu kesitsel cal? smadaki amac? m? z, genc eriskin erkeklerde kendi kendisine testis muayenesi uygulama duzeyi ve buna etki eden faktorleri saptamakt ? r. Kat? l? mc? lar? n %23. 3’u testis kanserini duyduklar? n? , %6. 8’i kendi kendisine testis muayenesini duyduklar? n? , %4. 7’si hayatlar? boyunca en az bir kez kendi kendisine testis muayenesi yapt? klar? n? belirtmislerdir. Cal? smam? z? n yap? ld? g? populasyonda kendi kendisine testis muayenesini duyma s? kl? g? ve kendi kendisine testis muayenesi yapma durumlar? dusuk bulunmustur, ancak bu oranlar testis kanserini populasyondan duyanlarda daha yuksek olarak bulunmustur.Testis kanserinin fark? ndal? g? n? n ve kendi kendisine testis muayenesinin s? kl? g? n? n art? r? lmas? icin ulke genelinde iyi planlanm? s kampanyalar ve egitim organizasyonlar? duzenlenebilir. Anahtar kelimeler: Asker, testis kanseri, kendi kendine testis muayenesi, genc eriskin erkek * Department of Plan and Programming, Commandership of Health, Turkish Military Forces ** Department of Public Health, Gulhane Military Medical Faculty *** Department of Urology, Gulhane Military Medica l Faculty This study was presented at the 12th National Congress of Public Health (Ankara, October 21-25, 2008) Reprint request: Dr.Ercan Gocgeldi, Department of Plan and Programming, Commandership of Health, Turkish Military Forces, Bakanl? klar, Ankara, Turkey E-mail: [email  protected] com Date submitted: July 15, 2010 †¢ Date accepted: November 01, 2010 Introduction Testicular cancer is one of the health problems, frequency of which continuously increases. Testicular tumors are the second most frequent malignancy after leukemia in males at the age group of 20-35 (1). The incidence of testicular cancer shows variations between countries, races and socio-economic classes. The rate is 6. 7% and 0. in Scandinavian countries and Japan, respectively. In the USA 2-3 new cases are reported per 100. 000 males per year (2). The risk of a development of testicular cancer in white males in the USA during the whole life is at a level of 0. 2%. The incidence in people of higher socio-e conomic classes is half of the lower socio-economic classes (2). Although the reason for testicular cancer is not known exactly, there is knowledge regarding that both congenital as well as some acquired factors are responsible in tumor development. The strongest relationship is with an â€Å"undescended testis†.Approximately 7-10% of testicular cancers develop with cryptorchidism history. The cryptorchidism prevalence is 9. 2-30. 0% in premature births and 3. 55. 8% in mature births. Cryptorchidism frequency is 0. 8-1. 0% during the first age and remains unchanged with a ratio of 0. 7% until puberty (3). Five to 10% of testicular tumors occur on the opposite side, in the normal descended testis. The highest relative malignancy risk (1 of 20) is met in intra-abdominal testis. Placement of the cryptorchid testis into the scrotum (orchidopexy) reduces the malignancy potential of the cryptorchid testis (2).The frequency of testicular cancer cases met on the right side is 52. 3%, on the left side 47. 7%, and the frequency of being bilateral is 2-3% (4). In general the patients consult the physician due to a painless single side bulge and mass in the scrotum. The growth of the testis in general develops slowly and a feeling of testicular pain is experienced. The common accepted opinion is that until the opposite 17 is approved, a determined asperity in the testis needs to be deemed as a malign tumor (3). Other symptoms are gynecomasty, pigmentation on the scrotum, and pain in the abdomen and the groin.Scrotal pain develops at the late period of the tumor as a result of tunica albuginea or epididymis invasion (4). The time between the first discovery of the lesion in the testis and start of the definite treatment (orchidectomy) is 3-6 months in average. The time of the delay shows a correlation with the incidence of the metastasis. Approximately 10% of the patients are asymptomatic and can be detected upon trauma or by the sexual partner of the patient (3). T estis tumor often mimics epididymitis and epididymorchidis. Ten per cent of testis tumors mimics orchiepididymitis.Their diagnosis can easily be made with ultrasound and anamnesis. Other diseases to be considered during the diagnosis are spermatocele, traumatic hematocele, granulomatous orchitis, varicocele and epidermoid cysts (3). Testicular cancer can be treated completely when they are detected in early stages. The chance for a 5-year life is 99. 9% with early diagnosis (5). Among the basic diagnostic methods, ultrasound, transillumination and computed tomography can be mentioned (1,3). Individuals’ awareness and their performing a testicular self examination (TSE) by themselves is important regarding an early diagnosis (3).Routine testicular self examination (R-TSE) is an examination performed by the person himself at least once a month and regularly, which is made by using both hands, while holding the testis with one hand and examining the testis on masses during bathi ng or after bathing in front of a mirror (1,6). Along with the advantages that R-TSE is easy to learn and to apply, safe, non-invasive, economic, and does not need any special tools and devices, take time. When it is performed regularly each month, it provides that changes are detected early because the testis structure is known.There are some studies examining testicular cancer and TSE performance frequencies. In these studies, TSE performance frequency varies according to the attributes of the group with which the study is realized. The frequencies of hearing about testicular cancer and TSE and performance of TSE in these studies are summarized in Table I. In the study performed by Ercan et. al. among 867 male university students between the ages of 18-30 years, it is determined that 8. 9% of the participants have heard about TSE, and 5. 1% perform TSE (6). In the study performed by Lechner et. l. among 274 students between the ages of 15-19 years, it is determi18 †¢ March 20 11 †¢ Gulhane Med J ned that 3. 0% of the participants have heard about TSE and 2. 0% performed TSE (5). The TSE performance frequency of the participants of the study realized by Khadra et. al. among 202 persons of the ages of 18-50 years who consulted a polyclinic providing first stage health services is determined as 22. 0% (7). In the study performed by Moore et. al. among 203 people who are university students or graduates between the ages of 20-45 years, it is determined that 32. % of the participants have heard about TSE and 22. 0% performed TSE (8). In the study by Rudberg et. al. performed among university students in Sweden, it is determined that many of the students have not heard anything about TSE (9). In the study of Tichler et. al. among 717 soldiers and 200 military physicians in the Israeli army, 2. 0% of the soldiers and 73% of the physicians have stated that they have performed TSE (10). In the study of Vaz et. al. among 1364 adolescent males, 28. 0% of the p articipants stated that they had heard about testicular cancer (11).In this study of Wardle et. al. among 7304 young male adults, it is stated that 13. 0% of the participants have performed TSE (12). In the study by Neef et. al. among 404 male college students, it is stated that 42. 0% of the participants heard about TSE, 22% performed TSE before (13). In the study by Cummings et. al. among 266 university students and male graduates, it is determined that 16. 0% of the participants have heard about TSE (14). In the study of Christine et. al. among 191 young adult males between the ages of 18-35 years, it is stated that 36. % of the participants have performed TSE (15). It is rather important that the male become more aware on testicular cancer, of which the frequency of incurrence has raised during the last years, they learn and apply TSE as an early diagnostic method. The aim of this study was to determine the testicular self examination performance frequency in young adult males. Material and Methods The universe of this study, planned in cross section type, was constituted by 5033 persons, who joined the Etimesgut Armoured Units Education Center Commandership in the recruitment period in November 2007.There is no sample selection made for the study, it is targeted to reach the whole universe in a term of one week upon the start of the arrival of the soldiers to the unit. As some soldiers joined the unit except for working hours and that some rejected to participate in the study, not the whole of the universe could be reached, the study was performed with 3645 (72. 4%) persons. The data were collected by the researchers using the question form, developed by the researchers after a liGocgeldi et al. Table I.Brief findings of studies regarding the performance of a testicular self examination Researchers Research type Age group Group attribute Hearing of Hearing (n) testicular of TSE cancer Ercan et. al. (6) Lechner et. al. (5) Khadra et. al. (7) Cross sectiona l Descriptive Descriptive 18-30 15-19 18-50 University students (867) High-school students (274) People consulting polyclinic providing a first stage health services (202) University students and graduates (203) High-school students (727) Male soldiers (717) Military physicians (200) Vaz et. al. (11) Wardle et. al. (12) Neef et. al. 13) Cummings et. al. (14) Descriptive Cross sectional Descriptive Descriptive Adolescent Young adult male (1364) 16486 students College students (404) University students and graduates (266) People living in industry complex (191) 42% 16% 28% 42. 9% 26. 0% 91. 0% 8. 9% 3. 0% 28% At least one performance of TSE in life 5. 1% 2. 0% 22% At least once a month performance of TSE Country Turkey Holland England Moore et. al. (8) Rudberg et. al. (9) Tichler et. al. (10) Descriptive Cross sectional Descriptive 20-45 15-21 90. 6% 11. 3% 32. 0% 5. 6% 22. 0% 11. 5% 2% 73% 5. 06% 1. 2% England Sweden IsraelUSA 13% 22% 8% England USA USA Christine et. al. (15) Descrip tive 18-35 36% USA terature hatch. On the question form, there are 7 questions regarding their socio-demographic attributes, 3 questions regarding the stories of the participants regarding cancer and testicular cancer, 10 questions regarding testicular self examination in order to determine their behavior and 15 questions regarding testicular cancer, symptoms and TSE were included into the knowledge test. The pre-test of the question form, prepared by the researchers was made with 20 soldiers of the Gulhane Military Medical Academy.Support Troops Command, failures regarding the application and easiness to understand and observed failures regarding data entrance are amended. It was approved by the ethic commission. Groups of 20 persons of the soldiers who joined the Etimesgut Armoured Units Education Center Commandership in November 2007 were interviewed, the study and its aim were explained, if they should want to participate (those who orally accepted to) necessary information rega rding some definitions in the inquiry (testis, undescended testis, testicular self examination) is provided orally such that Volume 53 †¢ Issue 1 he participants can understand these and provided that they answer the questions under observation. The recruitment age in Turkey is 20 and those, who are not hindered join the Armed Forces in general at the age of 21 years. But only at a little part the recruitment age is later due to several reasons. Thus, in general male perform their military services at the age of 20-21. For that, the ages are grouped as 20-21, 2224, 25 years and above.The occupational information of the participants is obtained as open end and afterwards a grouping regarding being or not-being related to healthcare is performed. The demographic distribution of the participants is grouped by the regionalization system of five of the Turkish Statistic Institute by respecting their provinces of birth. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS 10. 0 package statistic software. The descriptive statistics were given as frequencies and percent.The TSE performance frequencies and completeness of some sociodemographic with descriptive attributes, the completeness of giving correct answers to each question of the knowledge test with the TSE performance freTesticular self examination †¢ 19 quency, of which it was thought that they may have an effect on this, was compared with the chi-square, and the comparison of the average of the participants giving correct answers at the knowledge test according to their socio-demographic and descriptive attributes was compared with the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U test. A p value of