Earning Management Essay

â€Å"Earning Management† refers to those accounting practices that may follow the letter of the rules of fundamental rules of accounting practices but unethically misrepresented to the users of accounting information. For the personal interest managers often try to show outstanding performance of the business and use the strategic way to falsify Income, Assets or Liabilities. Earning Management as generally understood refers to systematic misrepresentation of the true income and assets of corporations or other organizations. â€Å"Creative accounting† is at the root of a number of accounting scandals, and many proposals for accounting reform – usually centering on an updated analysis of capital and factors of production that would correctly reflect how value is added. Quality of accounting information is one of the Fundamental Concepts of Accounting Framework. Where it’s mentioned that, accounting information must be Relevant, Reliable, Comparable, and Consistent & Comparable (Intermediate Accounting by Keiso, Weygandt, Warfield, 12th edition). Unless having these qualities a report cannot be treated as qualified. â€Å"Managers that always promise to â€Å"make the numbers† will at some point be tempted to make up the numbers†. – Warren Buffet Definition of Earning Management * Managing earnings is â€Å"the process of taking deliberate steps within the constraints of generally accepted accounting principles to bring about a desired level of reported earnings.† (Davidson, Stickney and Weil (1987), cited in Schipper (1989) p. 92) * Managing earnings is â€Å"a purposeful intervention in the external financial reporting process, with the intent of obtaining some private gain (as opposed to say, merely facilitating the neutral operation of the process).†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"A minor extension of this definition would encompass â€Å"real† earnings management, accomplished by timing investment or financing decisions to alter reported earnings or some subset of it.† (Schipper (1989) p. 92). * â€Å"Earnings management occurs when managers use judgment in financial reporting and in structuring transactions to alter financial reports to either mislead some stakeholders about the underlying economic performanc e of the company or to influence contractual outcomes that depend on reported accounting numbers.† (Healy and Wahlen, 1999, p. 368) Motivators Earning Management * Meet financial analysts’ estimates of earnings that leads to performance-based compensation * Raise the stock price thereby enhancing the value of stock options * Smooth net income making it appear that the earnings are increasing at a steady rate * Make it look as though future earnings are higher than they really are by establishing â€Å"cookie jar reserves† (inflated expenses) in the current year that can be drawn on in future years. (Dr. Steven Mintz, Professor and Area Chair, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting From this figure we’ve indicated that in the level – 2, where bridge between 1&3 creates should be the concerning point of maintaining the qualities of Accounting Information. Qualities are not only help to detect falsification, but also helps users to take decisions. Primary Qualities: * Relevance – It helps users to predict the ultimate outcome of past, present, and future events. It also helps users to predict that, how much loss/profit company can made. * Timeline – Specific timeline of accounting period helps users to trace out the business performance over the years. * Reliability – To assure that the information is verifiable, faithful and reasonably free of error and bias. Secondary Qualities: * Comparability – The reported information should be measured such a way that it can be compared with other company’s reports. * Consistency – Treatment of similar events from period to period must be used by same accounting standards. Standards cannot be changed suddenly, unless it’s proved that new method is better than previous. Perspective of Earning Management There are two perspectives on earnings management. (1) the Opportunistic perspective, states that managers seek to mislead investors by showing attractive & predetermined accounting information, (2) the Information perspective, first enunciated by Holthausen and Leftwich (1983), under which managerial carefulness is a means for managers to reveal to investors their private expectations about the firm’s future cash flows. (Earnings Management: A Perspective by Messod D. Beneish) Accrual vs. Earning Management Plenty of research report shows managers try to use Accrual in financial engineering. Accruals are the difference between net income and cash flows. For example, when companies sell items to others on credit during a growth period, the sale creates an accrual of revenue. When companies engage in earnings management, they can increase or decrease income by creating accruals; these are often referred to as non – discretionary (flexible) accruals. Reasons behind using accrual as the engineering tool are – * Accruals are the principle product of GAAP, so it’s easy to do falsification with camouflage. * Accruals resolve some problems related with the effects choosing various accounting methods. * It will be hard for investors to see effect of unobservable components of accrual. Types of earnings management Theoretically there are two types of earnings management. They are income increasing and income decreasing earnings management (Messod, 2001). a) Income Increasing earnings management: As the name suggests, income increasing earnings management is the process to boost up net income of the company intentionally (to hide the poor performance) so that investors get some wrong signal about the firm’s financial position and performance and make the decision of investing in to company (Messod, 2001). Management are motivated towards increasing earnings management because of getting more debt and equity Financing. b) Income decreasing earnings Management: This process of earnings management is done by decreasing the amount of net earnings. Management is more involved in income decreasing earnings management is to get future compensation like: reducing this month’s earnings by increasing expenses, they ensure the profit from the next month. Also tax avoidance, import tariff rel ief, union negotiations etc. are other reasons for manager’s motivation towards income decreasing earnings management (Messod, 2001). In corporate world these are the types of earning management mostly done by the management: a) Revenue and Expense Recognition Under standard accounting rules, a company must record revenue in its books when it earns that revenue — not when it actually receives payment. Similarly, it must record expenses when it incurs them — not when it actually pays money. These rules leave room for companies to manipulate their numbers for earnings management (www.budgeting.thenest.com). For example, say a company signs a deal on December 1 to buy $1 million worth advertising time on TV over the next two months. The company could recognize the entire expense in December, recognize the whole thing in January or split the difference. If it records it all in December, then that year’s profit will be lower by $1 million — but the company will get a â€Å"head start† on the next year’s profit by not having any advertising expenses in January. Profits have been shifted from one year to the next with an accounting trick. b) Cookie Jar Reserves Companies shift earnings around by creating overly large reserve accounts in good years, then drawing them down in bad years. For example, when a company sells a product with a warranty, it must recognize the estimated expense of honoring that warranty at the same time it books the revenue (www.budgeting.thenest.com). A company might conclude that it incurs warranty costs of $10,000 for every $1 million in sales. If it’s having a particularly profitable year, it might decide to take a $30,000 warranty expense per $1 million in sales. That builds up a big warranty reserve now so that the company doesn’t have to record warranty expenses in the future, thus shifting profits from one period to the other. This tactic goes by the name â€Å"cookie jar accounting,† because it essentially stashes excess profits away to be used when needed. c) The Big Bath There will be times when a company simply can’t avoid a bad year. No matter what it does, it’s going to post a loss because of a sour economy, unfavorable market conditions, and legal trouble, whatever. Some companies, though, deliberately make a bad year even worse by shifting all kinds of expenses, one-time charges and write-offs into that year and shifting revenue out of it. This allows it to inflate profits in future years (www.budgeting.thenest.com). The reasoning behind this strategy is that if the company is going to â€Å"take a bath,† it might as well take a big bath. The company’s stock price was going to suffer anyway, the thinking goes, and the damage probably won’t be that much worse if the company inflates the loss. Indicators of Earnings Management We have find out five factors which can be important indicators of earnings management: a) Political connection and earnings management: Firms with political connection (large number of stockholder, or CEO or board of directors of the company is a parliament member) are more involved in earnings management (Paul, Mara and David, 2010). Mainly the reasons are- political leaders help the particular firm involved in earnings management to avoid penalization by SEC and also political leaders use these companies’ financial performance and position to increase their public image. b) Internal Audit and earnings management: This one is another major indicator of earnings management. If the quality of internal quality is low there are some possibilities of earnings management. According to the research, if a company is having high quality internal audit, they might be less motivated towards earnings management (Douglas, Jason and David, 2008). Main reasons are: these internal auditors are more professional, responsible towards their job and they barely miss the expert’s expectations. c) Financial transparency and earnings management: Many studies have shown that financial transparency and earnings management are related. If a particular financial report is more transparent then the manager are less interested toward earnings management (James, Robert and Cheri, 2004) The main reason behind this situation is detail information about the accounts including: change in depreciation methods, details about each and every account will help investors to find out any manipulation done by the manager.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is propelled by fearless ideas. Our fearlessness generates creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit with which few can compete. What ignites your spark and makes you fearless? There was a time where being your-self was respected and encouraged. From the clothes you wore to the books you read, any chance you had to showcase your individuality was recommended to be taken. It seems nowadays everyone is into the same â€Å"new craze† or the same â€Å"fashion forward† movement. It seems as if no one is truly standing for themselves; my generation is following the same trend of everyone being unique.I do not see any true examples of eccentricity or uniqueness amongst my fellow â€Å"90’s Baby’s.† It is this lack of individuality that drives my fearlessness, and pushes me to set and accomplish anything I put my mind to. To be yourself is to have confidence in who you are as an individual, even though you may not kno w who that is yet. It is the willingness to take risks which can end up hurting you, with the faith that it will all work out.To be yourself also requires dedication and fearlessness. You must be steadfast with your beliefs and not be afraid to stand up for them. These are the beliefs that â€Å"ignite my spark† and motivate me to move forward within all that I do. Being true to who I am and having confidence in myself even though times may seem bleak is what makes me fearless, not only as a student, but as an individual.

Company’s Marketing Strategy

Company's marketing strategy MARKETING MIX FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: Marketing program or plan is required to achieve the company's desired objectives. The four ps of effective marketing min strategy was developed by McCarthy namely the four ps product price, promotion and place. Four ps consist of numerous decisions on the min of marketing tools to USE. International companies like NIVEA FOR MEN must decide how much to adopt their marketing strategy like Four PS to local and international conditions. f numerous decisions on the mix of marketing tools to use. International companies like NIVEA for MEN must decide how much to adopt their marketing strategy like four PS to local and international conditions. At ne extreme are companies that use a globally sundried marketing mix worldwide. In 1993, NIVEA for Men developed a fuller range of male skincare products. The producer like NIVEA FOR MEN adjust the marketing mix, to each jarget market since NIVEA FOR MEN in operating its busines s from 1993 it is well known about the four PS method of marketing mix.After developing four ps NIVEA FOR MEN and other companies are using the four ps as the pillar of marketing strategy. Marketing mix decisions must be made for influencing the trade channels as well as the final consumers. Arranging an appropriate combination of the marketing mix four ps product, price, promotion and place companies, like NIVEA FOR MEN designe plan to meet needs of customers. In maintaining the competitive advantage in the grobal market. NIVEA FOR MEN is doing right duty properly executing and evaluating the marketing programs.Effective marketing mix is integral for the success of the companies such as NIVEA FOR MEN in maintaining competitive advantage. Product : Product is one of the important element of four ps a Product that can be offered to a market to satisfy a want or demand, product is the important element of the marketing mix which coordinated decisions on product mines, product lines br and and packaging and labeling. In the primary stage companies like NIVEA FOR MEN is maintaining competitive advantage would be product development, the company can get advantage by the xpansion of the product range. product may differ local and global area basis. NIVEA FOR MEN can produce a regional version of its product such as a western european virsion and getting a competitive advantage. Through product invention is a costly strategy, the company maintaining competitive advantage by backward and forward invention of product. Backward invention is reintroducing earlier product forms that are well adapted to a foreign country's needs. Forward invention is creating a new product to meet a need in another country.There is enormous need in less developed countries for low cost high proteins foods. NIVEA FOR MEN can offer its consumers a one-stop shop opportunity by providing majority of the products that they are looking for in one area. The individual consumer & will be motivated to purchase. If the quality of the products bought satisfied the needs and preference of the consumer then the NIVEA FOR MEN Will lead to consumer loyalty and retain the customers and repeated consumption.The development of a broader product has ranges increases the possibility that individual consumers will be motivated to purchase, Encouraging higher levels of consumption is not only beneficial on the part of NIVEA FOR MEN but also boosting its revenues and the national economy. Price : Price is the very important element of marketing mix. Price is very sensitive issue on the behalf of the company. Price are the easiest marketing mix element to adjust product features, channels and even promotion take more time. Price also communicates to the company's intend value positioning of its product or brand.Today companies like NIVEA FOR MEN is wrestling with a number of difficult pricing tasks. How o respond to aggressive price cutters How to price the same product when it goes through different channels How to price the same product in different countries. How to price an improved product while still selling the previous version. How to price different component of an offering When the customer wants to make his own choice of components. NIVEA FOR MEN focus on product development and pricing combined with an emphasis on consumer needs is key differentiator for NIVEA FOR MEN.IT is a major reason why in the UK brand is still the market leader in the male facial skincare market. Throughout most of history, price were set by negotiation between buyers and sellers traditionally price has operated as the major determinant of buyer choice. Selling a product price is technical strategy of a company when NIVEA FOR MEN is going to set its price has to consider many factors in setting its pricing policy like pricing of objective determining demand, estimating costs analyzing competitor's costs prices and offers, selecting price meted etc.Appropriate pricing and promotional techniques is a good tool o maintain and achieve competitive advantage especially it competitors do not have the ability to offer a clear pricing hierarchy. It will often of choosing from good better and best among the product range. Each price will lead to a different level of demand and therefore have a different impact on company's marketing objectives. Relation between alternative prices and the resulting current demand is captured. Demand and price are inversely related. NIVEA FOR MEN using four ps as price for determining demand.Price still remains one of the most important elements determining market there and profitability. Consumers and purchasing agents have more access to price information NIVEA FOR MAN use the customer's perception of value is an important determinant of the price charged. Customer's draw their own mental picture of what a product is valued and worth. NIVEA FOR MEN awares too much when using low price as a marketing tool is that the customer may feel tha t quality is being differentiated. Promotion: One of the most important element of the marketing mix is promotion.Promotional tools like advertising, sales promotion, public relations and direct marketing is an role in making marketing strategy for business operating globally. NIVEA FOR MEN examine both traditional and online forms of these tools, NIVEA FOR MEN main marketing strategy to attract customers, fulfill its consumers' wishes and needs with innovations today and its the future. This will give a strong position within the global competitive environment NIVEA FOR MEN's marketing team used research data to forecast market trends over the next three to five years.This helped them set specific targets for increasing sales growing market share improving its brand image. NIVEA FOR MEN wanted greater market penetration for male skin care products. It wanted not just a greater share of the existing market it wanted to expand that market, It wanted more men buying skincare products. It also aimed to sell more skincare products to women, for this purpose NIVEA FOR MEN strengthen its promotion strategy. Global companies that use a large number of ad agencies located in different countries and serving different divisions have suffered from uncoordinated advertising and image diffusion.NIVEA FOR MEN now use only a few agencies or even one that can supply global advertising, public relations, sales promotion and web consulting. The result is integrated and more effective marketing communications and much lower total communication cost. The media planner of NIVEA FOR MEN has to know the capacity of the major media types and select the media which is favorable to the company. Major media types NIVEA FOR MEN to retain the loyal customer are likely newspapers TV direct mail Radio magazines internet. Beside these sales promotion include display center international trade fair country trade fair.This is the way to expanding product market. In maintaining competitive adva ntage NIVEA FOR MEN developing the promotion system. They use media for their product well known and product quality TV Advertising made people aware and press provide more detail about the product. Another way of promotion is sales promotion is a key ingredient in marketing campaigns, consists of diverse collections of incentive tool, mostly short term designed to stimulate greater purchase of particulars products or services by consumers where as advertising offers a reason to buy. Sale promotion offers an incentive to bye.Sale promotion includes *Samples, coupons cash refund offers, price off, premiums prices, free trails warranties. NIVEA sought to build on and develop the approach it had used in the part Since 2000 there has been a greater emphasis on consumer needs and increasing use to experimental marketing is about engaging consumers through two way communications that bring brand personalities to life and add value to the target audience. Place : Another key marketing tool s is place, where the company undertakes to make the product accessible and available to target market.At the very beginning NIVEA strategy its expanded its business activities in all around the world. NIVEA has build a strong marketing channel through which it can meet customer needs economically and conveniently. NIVEA works internationally with the local distributors who lave local knowledge, invest in them and set up performance goals to which they can agree. NIVEA has expanded its marketing channel for some views. These are as follows To gather information about potential and current customer Persuasive communications to stimulate purchasingTo assume the risks corrected with carrying out channel work. For the successive storage and movement of physical products. Many times NIVEA evaluate intermediaries performance against such standards as sales quota attainment, average inventory levels, customer delivery time treatment of damage and lost goods, to achieve the competitive adva ntage NIVEA has given an attention to the sub-urban area is its operating places in the globalization age NIVEA wants to satisfy every customers receiving its service.Conclusion : The marketing plan is a cycle that begins and ends with evaluation. the final stage in the marketing plan is to measure the outcomes of the marketing activities against the original objective and targets. Marketing mix of four ps is an important for marketing decision. This strategy has ability to plan its market strategy will in terms of maintaining good consumer's relations effective use of advertising by capitalizing on its trusted brand image.The male consumer and increasing of the product skincare for men consumers are loyal to the products which are able to carry brand value and satisfied the consumer's needs and demands. NIVEA FOR MEN adopted a range of key performance indicators to assess the success of the NIVEA FOR MEN re launch in the UK it looked at market share, overall sales brand image ratin gs, product innovation. By using proper marketing strategy four ps the companies like NIVEA FOR MEN met its overall target in local and international market.

Basic skills for managerial success Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Basic skills for managerial success - Essay Example The targets focus on the number of consultants that generates revenues for the organisation. His managerial function also involves motivating his team members to perform their work at the highest possible level for the benefit of the team and the organisation. Since the company is a target-driven organisation, the manager's major functions also involve monitoring and correcting the activities of his members through weekly reports and meetings. According to Daft and Marcic (2001), the general definition of management is the achievement of desired organisational goals in a manner that is efficient and effective. In order to achieve these goals, a manager must perform different functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling organisational resources. A manager must know how to learn what is valued, what would be of more value, and what will be valued by customers and users. (Parr, 1992) Planning involves setting goals and deciding how to best achieve these goals. It helps the organisation set its future objectives and map out activities that are necessary to attain these goals. Plans are created as guide for the organisation to obtain and commit the resources needed to reach its goals. This also serves as a framework where members of the organisation carry on activities which are consistent with the chosen objectives and procedures. Plans are necessary in order to measure and monitor the progress towards the achievement of the objective. (Mintzberg, 1994) Organising is assigning responsibilities for the accomplishment of tasks. Organising also includes allocation and arranging of organisational resources so that plans can be carried out successfully. These resources may include financial, physical, informational, technical and human resources. Leading is the manner of influencing other people to work towards the achievement of goals. Influence can be used to motivate people. Controlling is the manager's role of monitoring activities and making corrections. It is also considered as regulating activities to reach the desired goals. (Daft & Marcic, 2008) In association to the general definition of management, it is observed that the middle manager interviewed for this paper has performed the different functions of management. The planning function is demonstrated through his setting of the team's targets for the month and creating work strategies focused on achieving the targets. The manager follows the principles of management by objectives. (Hindle, 2003) The organising function is exhibited through assigning team members to meet with clients and prospects on a daily basis, in order to create business transactions. The leading function of the key account manager is best displayed when the manager motivates his people to perform exceptionally and creates a happy and healthy work environment. The controlling function is shown through weekly monitoring as well as business improvement meetings and brainstorming. The manager monitors the team members through a feedback mechanism and reports. Such reports will be compared with the expected results or targets. Corrective actions are made in order to put the members back on its track of achieving the desired objectives of the month. Effective managers are concerned with accomplishments where they set standards of performance, pursue aggressive goals and work hard to

Effects of Rising Economic Role of China on High Levels of Essay

Effects of Rising Economic Role of China on High Levels of Unemployment in the EU and USA - Essay Example ble effects of China’s economic strength on unemployment rates in the European Union states and the United States can also be explored by understanding the primary causes of unemployment in the two regions because a review of factors into high unemployment rates in the region identifies vulnerability to a foreign economic force. The European Union states regulate their labour market and this influences unemployment rates among the Union’s states. Carbaugh explains that the level of inflexibility in a country’s labour industry is directly proportional to the country’s unemployment rates as employers manage regulatory constraints to ensure their fair share of profit. Laws for protection of employees’ rights and minimum wage laws are legal factors in the region that force employers to resort to alternative cost cutting strategies such as reducing number of employees. Strong labour unions also force pay and initiates similar counter measures into high u nemployment rates as employers struggle to balance their expenses. The relatively cheaper exports from China will however offer a more profitable venture and paralyse the regions’ production industries to increase unemployment rates (Carbaugh 2010, p. 257- 259). The types of unemployment that are significant among the European Union countries further identify microeconomic factors into the region’s high unemployment rates. â€Å"Frictional, structural, and seasonal unemployment† mean that economies are not flexible enough to align their human resource potentials with their dynamic labour markets. Payments for unemployment benefits in the region also accounts for significant rate of unemployment because people do not feel a mandatory need for work and may not make necessary efforts to gain necessary skills for... This essay aims to provide an economic outlook for the level of unemployment in the European Union and the United States, in connection with rising levels of their imports of goods and services from China. Effects of globalization have been significant in different regions of the world, both negative and positive. China has for example emerged to be an economic giant while western countries have continued to suffer from high unemployment rates. The trend in China’s economic growth is one of the indicators of the effects of its economy on unemployment rates in the European Union and the United States. China has continually expanded its economy and its exports, a factor that has undermined manufacturing activities in other countries Possible effects of China’s economic strength on unemployment rates in the European Union states and the United States can be explored by understanding the primary causes of unemployment in two regions. The level of inflexibility in European Union labour industry is directly proportional to the unemployment rates as employers manage regulatory constraints to ensure their fair share of profit. The US is poor in natural resources and heavily relies on imports for its production processes that utilizes natural resources and may also for the nation to import finished products from nations like China. It can only rely on technology and education to enhance its business activities and reduce its unemployment rates but is under significant threat to suffer from unemployment effects of globalization.

Communiction Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Communiction Theories - Essay Example For example, the phrase â€Å"Where are you going†, without the question mark will be read flatly whereas, when written in the form, â€Å"Where are you going?†; there is an indication that the speaker should have a falling pitch. Moreover, the importance of punctuation marks are seen in the meanings relayed in the sentences. For instance, â€Å"They are Grants sisters† and â€Å"They are Grant’s sisters† imply different meanings where the former presents two probable corrections. First, it may be considered that the writer missed a word and can be corrected as â€Å"They are the Grants sisters† meaning, they are the sisters from the Grants family. Secondly, it could be edited to form the second sentence with the apostrophe, distinctly stating that they are the sisters of Grant. It is vital not only to place the punctuation marks on the right places but also to use the correct punctuation mark because they can change the tone of a sentence which consequently will change the meaning of the sentence. â€Å"You are good.†, is a statement. â€Å"You are good!†, indicates an excited feeling towards the person being appreciated. â€Å"You are good?†, poses a challeng ing tone to the person being referred to regarding goodness. These few examples show how punctuation marks affect communication so much that students and professionals alike are drawn to the study of

Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Toyota - Essay Example The company has developed a separate system called Toyota Production System (TPS) in order to manage its production operations. This system gives more focus on avoidance of over production and this strategy may sometimes adversely affect the expansional notions of Toyota. Hence, it is recommendable for the company to engage in more large scale production. Similarly, the Toyota must improve its competitiveness by introducing effective long term promotional strategies as the company economically lags behind Japan’s No.2 Nissan Motor Co Ltd and third ranked Honda Motor Co Ltd. The company must design a well structured employee development program that would establish a balance between an individual’s personal interests and organizational goals. Likewise, it is advisable for the management to make interpersonal relationships with employees so that it can ensure effective information flow between the organization’s top level to bottom level and vice versa. For this pu rpose, the firm may arrange for periodical meetings or appoint unit supervisors.

Comments on readings Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comments on readings - Assignment Example Family emergencies with the children whether they are in school or at home will keep her away from her work responsibilities not to mention seeking maternity leave for over three months in order to go deliver and take care of her child. This is more than a company can handle and is actually a loss to them. People have erroneously taken flexible working arrangement as an arrangement which is only for the people with families or rather young children. This is however only a myth as it is a high potential issue even with those without children as it provides convenience and more growth opportunities for an individual. All these myths about flexible working arrangement needs to be put out in the public and people dissuaded from using them once they learn the truth through research. The fact that everybody or at least most people would like the opportunity to juggle between wok and personal time but still get paid doing so is a reality on the ground for many companies (Beninger and Carter, 2013). There are a lot of myths which for a long time have been thought to be truthful as research indicates. The facts being provided by this article should be made public through proper communication pattern to the people. The human resource manager can be in the best position to do so once an individual is hired. Gender gaps are a reality in society and unless something is done about them, they will always be an issue for everyone and especially the women. Gender gaps are social constructs which means they can not only be filled through the correct channels but they can also be completely eliminated by the society if great efforts are dedicated to it. The gender gaps are most common in the employment industries and especially in regards to wages as explained by the author. This has been allowed to continue even though there are laws stating otherwise. What needs to be done

Stakeholder Letter Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Stakeholder Letter - Article Example For the students, they can have a chart in class with all their names listed down. Then against each name of the student, a star should be put for any positive effort by the students towards learning and understanding English as a foreign language. This will also include either academic or extra-curricular activity. There will be special motivation packages for the ESL students who will have mastered the English language in the shortest time during the time of evaluation. By doing this, each of the students will be motivated to get more stars in order to be ranked the best at the end of the evaluation period. The chart containing the stars should be reviewed at the end of every month, and after undertaking an exam. In addition, for students who will have negative remarks, a demerit star should be indicated against their names as well. Not only will this method help improve the student’s grades, but it will also help them learn the English language in a more interesting and attractive way. The principal will be responsible in overseeing that the rules of giving credit to various students and teachers are followed. Similarly, he or she should make sure that the credit awarded will make other students or teachers work towards getting one. This project is not only going to benefit the students, but also the stakeholders who are the teachers. Once the students get motivated the teacher will have an easy time explaining concepts to them. This is because the students will be willing to understand the concepts so that they can become the best. In addition, the whole school will benefit because of the overall improved performance. Parents will also be proud of their parents as they score higher marks. Everyone loves to be praised after attaining positive results. However, the efforts to work harder may fade if one is not recognized or motivated.  

Precis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Precis - Essay Example Majority of the oil exporting nations are generally sidelined as being no-safe zones for travel and residence but still they serve as major sources of getting oil. The largest share of oil imports done in the world is done by the USA. In order to ensure the continued supply of oil the American government ensures that the regimes within the oil exporting nations stay stabilized. The revenue spent to ensure that stability along with the drawback that it indirectly facilitates non-allies to the country are hard facts that need to be addressed. Severe climatic changes are taking place due to the burning of fossil fuels at an extremely hazardous rate. The revenues being spent in obtaining oil are destabilizing the economies world over. The only solution to this dilemma is the switching over to renewable energy as a means of substituting fossil fuel consumption eventually resulting in stabilization of the entire human race. Lefton, Rebecca, Weiss, J. Daniel. â€Å"Oil Dependence is a Dangerous Habit†. Center for American Progress. January 13, 2010.

A Raisin in the Sun Analysis Essay Example for Free

A Raisin in the Sun Analysis Essay Throughout the play, A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family struggles to come together as a family. One of the main impediments in their unity is their differing views on the world. Each character has their own dream and is unwilling to sacrifice that dream for anything. They are afraid of having their dream deferred. Their dreams, especially Walter Lee’s, break the family apart, and it is only when they unite their dreams together that they unite the family. Most of the members of the Younger family have some kind of individual dream. Beneatha wants to be a doctor; Ruth wants to move into a home that is her own; Mama simply wants to keep the family together; and Walter wants to be able to provide comfortably for his family. All these differing dreams and goals cause rifts in the family from time to time, but none more so than Walter Lee Younger’s dream. Walter is a pivotal character in the play. His actions shape the plot unquestionably, and it is because of his strong will and perseverance towards his dream that the plot progresses as it does. He believes that his way is the best for the family and he will do anything to achieve it. After feeling closer to his dream than ever before he tells Travis, â€Å"Just tell me what it is you want to be- and you’ll be it†¦. Whatever you want to be – Yessir! You just name it, son†¦ and I hand you the world! † (Hansberry, 109). This reinforces the idea that Walter thought that his dream would save his son. In her book, Worlds of Pain, Lillian B. Rubin writes, â€Å"For the child – especially a boy – born into a professional middle class home, the sky’s the limit; his dreams are relatively unfettered by constraints†¦ For most working class boys, the experience is just the reverse† (Rubin, 38). The life of a child in a professional middle class home is exactly what Walter wants for his son, and he would do anything to get it. He thought that once he achieved financial security, he could save his son from a working class life. The main issue for Walter, however, would be that his quest for financial security, and ultimately his dream, would come between him, his family, and his marriage. Ruth senses this and tells Mama, â€Å"Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. I don’t know what it is but he needs something – something I can’t give him anymore. He needs this chance, Lena† (Hansberry, 42). The chance that she refers to was his first step into an investment towards financial security. He put his dreams and ambitions in front of everything because of his strong will. This led to somewhat of an apathy towards any other affairs to the house. Nowhere is this more apparent than when Walter finds out Ruth plans on getting an abortion. After Mama tries to force him to talk things over with his wife, the stage direction states, â€Å"(WALTER picks up his keys and his coat and walks out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hansberry, 75). This all-consuming dream of Walter’s gets in between Walter and his family and causes tension throughout the plot. Walter lives the poem A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes throughout the play. Once Mama has bought a new house with the money he wanted to use for his investment, Walter says to her, â€Å"you butchered up a dream of mine – you – who always talking ‘bout your children’s dreams†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hansberry, 95). Here he feels like his dream has been deferred and his dream begins to â€Å"stink like rotten meat† (Hughes, 6). Even though most of the people around him could not see his dream like he did, his attitude reeked of unfulfilled expectations. His deferred dream â€Å"fester(s) like a sore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hughes, 4) and the pain starts to stretch his sanity. He says himself, â€Å"I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy†¦ Mama – look at me† (Hansberry, 73). It is this madness and this dream that causes the conflict within the household. The true test of unity for the family came with the second arrival of Mr. Lindner. It is then that Walter has to make a decision that will either bring his family together and place him as head of the household or break them all apart. Ultimately, he puts his family first and even Mama remarks, â€Å"He finally come into his manhood today, didn’t he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  That day he put his family before his dreams. He realized that moving into their own home and standing up for themselves would be the best thing for his family. With this single act, he reinforced himself as the head of the household. Once everyone, especially Walter, come together towards Mama’s dream, they come together as a unit. They no longer act individually but act for the good of the household. They see that their future is dangerous and they must stand together if they are to oppose it. There is no longer talk of abortions or money; they speak more often of the family. This dream of owning their own home is exactly what the family needed and once it was achieved, the Youngers became stronger and closer. Though Walter had to sacrifice the most, mainly his dreams and ambitions, once he did, he led the family through to their unity. His selflessness allowed the family to live in harmony. Professors Bahr Bahr of Brigham University wrote in their article, Families and Self-Sacrifice: Alternative Models and Meanings for Family Theory, â€Å"We draw from the disciplines of economics, history, philosophy, literature, sociology, and from life as lived by everyday people in making the case that self-sacrifice is a powerful and a essential part of social life generally, and family life in particular† (Bahr, 1231). Self-sacrifice is essential for the family to work together as a unit. An individualistic approach to family life leads only to discord and disunity. Walter Lee Younger made this revelation, perhaps even subconsciously, when he decided to refuse the money that Mr. Lindner offered that was necessary to realize his aspirations. Only once this was achieved could the Youngers be a cohesive family unit. English historian Thomas Fuller once said, â€Å"The darkest hour is just before the dawn. † This famous quote is thoroughly applicable to A Raisin in the Sun. Though the Youngers had severe familial problems, they pulled through it stronger than ever before, thanks to the unifying dream that lit the way through the night.

The Nine Types of Intelligence Essay Example for Free

The Nine Types of Intelligence Essay 1. Naturalist Intelligence (â€Å"Nature Smart†) Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like. 2. Musical Intelligence (â€Å"Musical Smart†) Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners. Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss. 3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart) Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments. 4. Existential Intelligence Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here. 5. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart†) Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives. 6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (â€Å"Body Smart†) Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence. 7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart) Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles. 8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart†) Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated. 9. Spatial Intelligence (â€Å"Picture Smart†) Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming. Three Aspects of Intelligence According to the triarchic theory, intelligence has three aspects: analytical, creative, and practical. Analytical intelligence. Analytical intelligence is involved when the components of intelligence are applied to analyze, evaluate, judge, or compare and contrast. It typically is involved in dealing with relatively familiar kinds of problems where the judgments to be made are of a fairly abstract nature. In one study, an attempt was made to identify the information-processing components used to solve analogies such as: A is to B as C is to: D1, D2, D3, D4 (e.g., lawyer is to client as doctor is to [a] nurse, [b] medicine, [c] patient, [d] MD). There is an encoding component, which is used to figure out what each word (e.g., lawyer) means, while the inference component is used to figure out the relation between lawyer and client. Research on the components of human intelligence has shown that although children generally become faster in information processing with age, not all components are executed more rapidly with age. The encoding component first shows a decrease in processing time with age, and then an increase. Apparently, older children realize that their best strategy is to spend more time in encoding the terms of a problem so that they later will be able to spend less time in making sense of these encodings. Similarly, better reasoners tend to spend relatively more time than do poorer reasoners in global, up-front metacomponential planning when they solve difficult reasoning problems. Poorer reasoners, on the other hand, tend to spend relatively more time in detailed planning as they proceed through a problem. Presumably, the better reasoners recognize that it is better to invest more time up front so as to be able to process a problem more efficiently later on. Creative intelligence. In work with creativeintelligence problems, Robert Sternberg and Todd Lubart asked sixty-three people to create various kinds of products in the realms of writing, art, advertising, and science. For example, in writing, they would be asked to write very short stories, for which the investigators would give them a choice of titles, such as Beyond the Edge or The Octopuss Sneakers. In art, the participants were asked to produce art compositions with titles such as The Beginning of Time or Earth from an Insects Point of View. Participants created two products in each domain. Sternberg and Lubart found that creativity is relatively, although not wholly, domain-specific. In other words, people are frequently creative in some domains, but not in others. They also found that correlations with conventional ability tests were modest to moderate, demonstrating that tests of creative intelligence measure skills that are largely different from those measured by conventional intelligence tests. Practical intelligence. Practical intelligence involves individuals applying their abilities to the kinds of problems that confront them in daily life, such as on the job or in the home. Much of the work of Sternberg and his colleagues on practical intelligence has centered on the concept of tacit knowledge. They have defined this construct as what one needs to know, which is often not even verbalized, in order to work effectively in an environment one has not been explicitly taught to work in–and that is often not even verbalized. Sternberg and colleagues have measured tacit knowledge using work-related problems one might encounter in a variety of jobs. In a typical tacit-knowledge problem, people are asked to read a story about a problem someone faces, and to then rate, for each statement in a set of statements, how adequate a solution the statement represents. For example, in a measure of tacit knowledge of sales, one of the problems deals with sales of photocopy machines. A relatively inexpensive machine is not moving out of the showroom and has become overstocked. The examinee is asked to rate the quality of various solutions for moving the particular model out of the showroom. Sternberg and his colleagues have found that practical intelligence, as embodied in tacit knowledge, increases with experience, but that it is how one profits, or learns, from experience, rather than experience per se, that results in increases in scores. Some people can work at a job for years and acquire relatively little tacit knowledge. Most importantly, although tests of tacit knowledge typically show no correlation with IQ tests, they predict job performance about as well as, and sometimes better than, IQ tests. In a study in Usenge, Kenya, Sternberg and colleagues were interested in school-age childrens ability to adapt to their indigenous environment. They devised a test of practical intelligence for adaptation to the environment that measured childrens informal tacit knowledge of natural herbal medicines that the villagers used to fight various types of infections. The researchers found generally negative correlations between the test of practical intelligence and tests of academic intelligence and school achievement. In other words, people in this context often emphasize practical knowledge at the expense of academic skills in their childrens development. In another study, analytical, creative, and practical tests were used to predict mental and physical health among Russian adults. Mental health was measured by widely used paper-and-pencil tests of depression and anxiety, while physical health was measured by self-report. The best predictor of mental and physical health was the practical-intelligence measure, with analytical intelligence being the second-best measure and creative intelligence being the third.

Indicators of Motivation | Research Methodology

Indicators of Motivation | Research Methodology 1.1 REASON FOR SELECTING THE TOPIC AND THE ORGANIZATION Motivation among employees in a certain organization has been given immense importance for the success of that organization these days. Especially in the rapidly changing world, without identifying the key indicators in the motivation of employees, their commitment towards the work cannot be achieved. Therefore, while I was going through the various topics suggested in the RAP guidelines provided by Oxford Brookes University, as soon as I came across this topic, I instantly decided to work on it for my research project after having discussed it with my mentor. As far as selection of the company is concerned, I felt that Coca-Cola being an international brand that has gained loyalty among the masses, could actually be of great interest to base my research on. Moreover, I personally knew a relative of mine who is currently an employee at Coca-Cola. He had told me that the companys human resource department since the past few years has been doing a lot to increase employee motivation and commitment towards the organization. According to its official website, the company has a portfolio of over 3,300 products, among which the popular ones are Coca Cola soft drink, Sprite, Fanta, Diet Coke, Minute Maid juice, Aquarius mineral water and POWERADE energy drink. The company is currently striving to research on low calorie products and to substitute sweeteners in place of sugar considering the fact the people have now become more health conscious towards their diet. Moreover, Coca-Cola had revenue generation of $8.7 billion in the year 2010 and has targeted to achieve $500 million annual sales by the end of 2011 (Alazraki, 2010). Other than that, I had studied about different motivational theories in text books during my school life, so applying it to a global organization would actually make me learn how to convert theory into practice. Since I already knew one of the employees working at Coca-Cola, doing analysis on this company was particularly easier as well as accessible for me, which facilitated in increasing the efficiency of my project. 1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The objectives of my research project were as follows: To know about the history of Coca-Cola, how it started and where it stands now, along with the developments that took place in its human resource. To study the key variables that affect motivational level of employees such as promotion, personal growth, status, independence and simulation. To identify what initiatives have been taken by the company to increase its employee motivational level, and relating it to different motivational theories. To compare its initiatives with the techniques used by its competitors. To make a questionnaire based on my research topic and get it filled by the employees at Coca-Cola to find out what variables effect their motivational level and how far are they satisfied with their work. Analyzing the questionnaire, supporting it with graphical representation and also finding out the impact of the key indicators on motivational level of the employees. Commenting on the research findings. Drawing a conclusion from it. Suggesting some realistic recommendations that can be implemented in the future. 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OVERALL RESEARCH APPROACH Before starting with my research, it was extremely important for me to frame reasonable research questions that would help me answer my research project. So, I developed the following questions that could help me answer by research approach: Have I completely understood the topic of my report? What information do I need to have, before I visit the organization? What are they key variables, usually, that help in employee motivation? What will be the sample size of my analysis? Is it large enough? Will I be able to manage such a large sample? Will I be able to apply statistical calculations effectively to analyze the questionnaire? Are my questions relevant enough to match my project objectives? Therefore, after identifying the questions, I tackled with each question one by one to make sure that I am not missing out on anything. I was also referring to the ACCA Project guideline constantly to keep my objectives clear and to strictly go according to what is required from the research project. I then had to decide on what sort of tools to use for carrying out the research and whether I was familiar with those tools or not. Technical tools included use of spreadsheets and using statistical features available on different softwares to calculate the results and facilitate its comparison. A questionnaire was built up based on the research question in which I had posed such questions where I had given appropriate ranges that would not only help employees in answering easily, but would also help me in interpretation and analysis of the data. Moreover, giving ranges had increased the reliability and relevancy of the data. The questionnaire was made to judge the key variables and factors that influence the motivational level of employees at Coca-Cola. The sample size taken to fill in the questionnaire was 200. A large sample size was taken so that more accurate results could be obtained by considering opinions of maximum number of employees. I also made a point to stay constantly in touch with few of the employees of Coca-Cola so that they are aware of how much important this project means to me and how much carefully and accurately they need to fill in the questionnaire. In addition to this, I made a point to compare each result with that of its competitors, so that my research becomes more relevant. I used various websites from the internet as my secondary research to find out information Coca-Colas competitors. Thus, deciding on proper sources of information, making a close-ended questionnaire from where maximum answers to my research can be extracted and analyzing that questionnaire with the help of technical skills and reasonable comparison, were my basic steps in conducting the research. INFORMATION GATHERING AND BUSINESS TECHNIQUES USED 2.1 SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND METHODS USED TO COLLECT IT 2.1.1 Secondary source The basic secondary sources of information used in information gathering were the internet and the text books I had, in which different motivational theories were discussed in great detail. Management by Daft and Business Studies by Peter Stimpson were the two main books I frequently referred to while working on my project. Moreover, for my own understanding of these theories in a better way, I also referred to Psychology in Action written by Karen Huffman. I had also reviewed some sample reports to understand completely, how to interpret results or in what manner people, usually, write interpretations and gave recommendations. Different and very interesting articles were also available online that enriched my knowledge and made it easier for me to understand the whole scenario existing in the organization, thus, helping me in interpreting the results. The official website of Coca-Cola was also a major source to gain information about the history of the company and to access some published articles, which discussed the achievements of Coca-Colas HR department in motivating the employees reach their organizational goals. After referring to these sources, contra-verification was done in order to ensure that the particular website or article is providing the accurate information. 2.1.2 Primary source After building upon the secondary research and gathering sufficient information about the company, I then did the primary research. To conduct my primary research, I designed a questionnaire about which I discussed earlier. Before starting with the survey, I had arranged a meeting with the HR manager of Coca-Cola to have an overview about the workings of their department and to brief him about my research project. The meetings with him also acted as a source of gaining information on the factors they considered important to influence motivation of their employees and how far has the company been able to address those factors. Incase of any incomplete information, I then again referred to the authentic websites to find out the details. Statistical techniques were used to analyze the raw data obtained. 2. 2 LIMITATIONS IN INFORMATION GATHERING The internet: While browsing the net, we usually come across a lot of irrelevant and unauthentic websites; therefore, I had to be very careful in avoiding such websites to ensure authenticity of information. It was also very time-consuming to visit numerous websites and select information that best suited my research. Referencing material from electronic media was also an issue, as the originality of the source was sometimes in doubt. Also, the information gathered had to undergo a lot of editing so that the focus of my topic was not deviated and irrelevant material could be avoided. Questionnaire: Although I tried to put in straight forward questions in the questionnaire, still the information achieved from it cannot be fully reliable as employees sometimes reluctantly do not go for the right option and deliberately go against their actual opinion due to their own psychological reasons. Since the sample size was large I had emailed the questionnaires to the respective employees and to get back the filled questionnaires was again time-consuming as constant reminders had to be sent and great care had to be taken to not bother them much. Interviews: The initial interviews with some employees and the HR manager helped in gaining a lot of information about the company, but still not all the relevant information was provided, such as the drawbacks and the issues being faced by employees. So interviews helped me in knowing about the pros of the company but not the cons. Moreover, some complex questions asked by me to the employees and the manager were either left unanswered or were answered diplomatically in order to prevent disclosure of information that the company considered as confidential. Sample reports: The limitation faced in reviewing sample reports was that every report used different formats according to the requirements of his/her instructor or employer. Moreover, authenticity of the information presented in the report could be questioned. The interpretations made in those reports were according to their subject matter and the same could not be applied here. 2.3 ETHICAL ISSUES FACED AND HOW THEY WERE RESOLVED One of the main ethical issues that I faced during my research was the confidentiality of information. Some of the information that was useful for my project could not be made part of it as the company considered such information as private. Secondly, employees did not actually give the true picture of the organization and only narrated all the good stuff about the company. Moreover, when comparing Coca-Colas statistics with its competitors, it was not ethical to name those competitors weaknesses and leak information without their consent, therefore, I had to be careful when interpreting my results. Also, getting questionnaires filled from such a large size was a tedious task and I had to patiently deal with it in order to give minimum trouble to the employees. Questionnaires had to be made according to the mental capability of the employees and such questions had to be avoided where employees feel that their weaknesses are being judged and portrayed. To overcome such problems, I firstly ensured the employees that they could fill in the questionnaires without mentioning their names. Secondly, I assured them that their opinions will be strictly used for the purpose of analyzing the research project, and would not be exploited by any means. 2.4 BUSINESS AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES USED ALONG WITH THEIR LIMITATION To facilitate my analysis and interpretation, I used some famous motivational theories by renowned psychologists. For instance, Maslows Hierarchy of needs theory by Abraham Maslow states that satisfaction of employees basic physiological needs such as adequate heat, air and a base salary, is the first step to increase his/her motivational level in the hierarchy. Following it are the safety needs such as safe work and job security; the third level comprises of belongingness needs such as relationship with co-workers; the fourth step includes esteem needs such as high status and recognition; and after all these needs are satisfied, the employees look for fulfillment of self-actualization needs such as growth, advancement and creativity. Thus, an employee would first want an adequate salary that could fulfill his physical needs and then he would strive to achieve the top level needs such as achievement and growth. Limitation: The limitation in this theory is that employees not necessarily go through all the levels when satisfying their needs and their might be a possibility that a high-order need might be satisfied before the low-order need; it varies from one person to another. Frederick Hergbergs two-factor theory also identifies the key indicators of motivation and the factors that lead to dissatisfaction of employees. According to this theory, if hygiene factors are poor, employees would be dissatisfied. Limitation: The theory ignores the fact that their might be employees who are adaptable to poor working conditions and the hygiene factor might not be of significant importance to them if other factors such as their pay and position in the company are satisfactory. Moreover, when I was designing my questionnaire, I also kept in mind the acquired needs theory developed by David McClleland and the schedule for reinforcement tools to be used by organizations (Daft, 2003). Acquired needs theory states that needs, such as need for achievement, power and affiliation, are not in born in a person, but are acquired by the person as time passes by. On the other hand, the reinforcement approach links the behavior with its consequences. For instance, if employees are given rewards, a variable-ratio schedule should be used instead of fixed-ratio schedule, because when the number of rewards is not fixed and is dependent upon to what extent employee performed well, employees are motivated more to work harder in order to get a greater reward (Daft, 2003). Statistical techniques used and their limitation The statistical technique used to analyze the data collected was exploratory factor analysis. Some basic tests were carried out to see if the assumptions of the techniques are applicable in our data set or not. Primary Component analysis was done to extract the results and explain variance, and the Eigen values derived from the results were graphically represented using a Scree Plot. The variables were then grouped into components by using Varimax Rotation. Moreover, before starting the analysis, pre-testing was done through reliability analysis. The method used for reliability analysis was Cronbachs alpha. The limitations associated with these techniques there are several ways to implement different techniques, so argument exists over which technique is the most suitable one. Likewise, opinion diversity is there about what amount of components to use or which rotation matrix to apply. Therefore, all such limitations lead to the problem of reliability. ANALYSIS, CONCLUSION AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 ANALYSIS 3.1.1 Pre-testing The instrument was pre-tested by getting filled 5 to 6 samples of questionnaire to discover if there were any issues with the instrument and to find out whether the questions were easily understood and comprehended. By pre-testing, it was concluded that all respondents were at ease in responding and the instrument appealed them. Reliability analysis is done through various methods (Cronbachs alpha being one of them), and the purpose of analysis is to know whether the same set of items would result in same responses if the questions are re-administered or re-casted. The variables are considered as reliable if they are portraying stable results after being repeated a number of times (Santos, 1999). Cronbachs Alpha is the internal consistency model which is based on the average correlation. The data is split into two halves and the correlation coefficient is taken out, and the average of the two values represents Cronbachs Alpha (Field, 2006). Here the value of Cronbachs Alpha is 0.839 which signifies consistency of data. 3.1.2 Respondent Statistics The above diagram displays the total no. of people in terms of gender that have participated in our study. The total no. of sample size is 200 (N=200). Out of the sample size of 200, 128 of the total population is represented by male and 72 respondents are females. Although, the number of females, were less as compared to males, but were enough to understand the behavior of both the genders with respect to the factors that affect the motivation level of the employees. The above diagram displays the total number of people in terms of age that participated in our study. In our analysis the total no of sample size is 200 (N=200). Out of the sample size of 200, people lying in the age bracket of 21-30 is 43; 46 people lie in the bracket of 31-40; 60 are in the age bracket of 41-50; 40 lie in the bracket of 51-60; and only 8 of the respondents lie in the age category of above 61 years. The population division in terms of age is well diversified. The above diagram displays the total number of participants in terms of marital status. In the analysis, the total number of sample size is 200(N=200), out of which, 81 people were single and 116 were married. This indicates that the population division in terms of marital status is almost equal, however, in terms of specific numbers there were more married people as compared to single ones. The above diagram displays the total no. of people in terms of working experience that participated in our study. In our analysis the total no. of sample size is 200 (N=200). Out of this size, 123 people were having a working experience of 1-5 years; 66 had it of 6-10 years; and only 8 people had an experience of 11-15 years. Thus, we conclude that majority of the respondents lied in the category of 1-5 years. The above diagram displays the total number of participants in terms of designation. Out of the sample size of 200, there were 62 Junior Employees, 51 were Supervisors, 64 were working as Managers, and 20 people were working as Senior Managers. In this study, the focus was to collect the data from all the levels of organization, so that a better understanding of the results is prepared. 3.1.3 Description of the factors There are some basic assumptions of every test/technique that need to be fulfilled before their implementation; factor analysis also has its own assumptions. The two basic assumptions of the factor analysis are the KMO value and the Bartletts Test of Sphericity. For the validation of factor analysis, the KMO value should be greater than 0.5 and the significant value of the Bartletts Test of Sphericity should be less than 0.05. In the above table, the value of KMO is greater than 0.5 that is 0.644 and the significant value of Bartletts Test of Sphericity is 0.000 that is less than 0.05. It means that both the basic assumptions of the factor analysis are met; therefore, we can apply factor analysis on our data. Communalities table is one if the primary output of factor analysis, initially it was assumed that all the variables were equally important by assigning them value equal to one. Later on, based on the data, variables that were most important or prominent in the data set were identified. The highest extraction value gave us the idea about the variable that is most important in the analysis. The highest extraction value in the above table is 0.824 for the variable perks. Perks are the facilities granted to employees, such as day care centers, parking space, free car washes, flexible timings and vacations (Mintzer, 2006). It means that perk, available to the employees in Coca-Cola, is the most important variable in terms of enhancing the motivation level of the employees, apart from their salary and other benefits. Granting perks to employees improves the overall work environment of the organization, making it more attractive for its employees to work for the organization. Following per ks, the second most important variable is teamwork; the extraction value of the variable is 0.821. Teamwork fosters a culture that increases unity, equality and collaboration in the organization. Teamwork removes any barriers that exist between departments or divisions (Susan, 2011). Total Variance Explained The Principal Component analysis was used to extract the results for the given data set. The table of total variance explains the different aspect of the analysis. Firstly, it explains the number of factors or groups that are building out of the analysis; the basic criterion behind developing the components is Eigen Value. The components that have Eigen value equal to or greater than one would be included in the final set; here we have also included the factor that has an Eigen value of 0.910 for displaying better results. As it can be observed in the above table that out of a total number of 38 components, 14 components have been formed representing the 72.706% variation of the data set. The minimum requirement of the variation explained by the factors is 60%. The above table shows the variance percentage represented by each group individually as well as collectively. The variance percentage of the first component is the maximum among all other components in the extraction square of sum loadings, but when the Varimax rotation was applied, the variation explained by all the components becomes equal, as it shows that all the formed components are of equal importance. Scree Plot is just a graphical representation of Eigen Values and components. On the x-axis we have components and on the y-axis, there are Eigen values. If we examine the above diagram in detail, it can be observed that same pattern is followed after component thirteen in the graph. Before that, the line is in curve, showing a downward trend, but after component fourteen the line becomes steeper showing a similar pattern. Scree plot, therefore, helps in identifying that what number of components should be used to be formed in the analysis. From the above diagram, maximum thirteen components would be enough to prepare the results. Rotated Component Matrixa Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization. a. Rotation converged in 26 iterations. The above table Rotated component Matrix is been developed by using Varimax rotation. Rotation of the components helps in minimizing the errors as well as biasness in the results. There are total fourteen components that have been formed. As seen in the table, The first component represents the factor equipment, visibility, and variety. The second component represents simplicity, social interaction, clarity, and bonuses. Third component factor is represented by independence, insurance, and flexibility. Fourth component includes regularity, responsibility, and power. Fifth component comprises of Location, intellectuality and organizational image. Sixth component includes teaching, competition, and tranquility. Seventh component includes perks and pays. Eighth component consists of status and simulation. Ninth component includes personal relevance, recognition, and personal growth. Tenth component includes balance and contribution. Eleventh component includes security and benefits. Twelfth component has teamwork and conditions. Thirteenth component comprises of busy and jockey, The last fourteenth component consists of a single factor that is promotion. The variables in each component having highest value are also known as surrogate variables, therefore, all these variables are essential factors in affecting the motivational level of the employees. Surrogate variables also gave the idea that if they are achieved or are on the higher side, the other factors of the component will automatically be achieved or moved towards the higher side too, collectively increasing the motivation level of the employees. For e.g. if teamwork is the surrogate variable for component twelve, it means that if in any organization the teamwork is promoted, and people are joined together to work on a task or a project, it will increase the motivational level of the employees. With this, the person starts to find out good working conditions in his work too and performs much better. 3.1.5 Analysis of the Factors on Gender basis Affecting Motivation The above studied variable is one of the important variables that plays important role in the motivation level of the employees. If we look at the above diagram, we can observe that the behavior of the equipment is same in both the genders. People working in organization either male or female consider availability of equipment equally important. If facilities such as printer, scanner, and photocopy machine, writing pad, files and other such equipments are round the clock available in the organization, it helps in speeding up their work and removes barriers that could exist in increasing their efficiency. Over here, Hergbergs two-factor theory is applicable, which considers work environment an important factor in satisfaction or dissatisfaction of employees. Availability of equipment contributes to a positive work environment that is employee-friendly and affects their level of satisfaction including both, male and female (Daft, 2003). The above studied variable is also one of the important variables affecting the motivation level of the employees. If we look at the above diagram, we can observe that the behavior of promotion differs with respect to Gender. Promotion is the most important factor for males as compared to females. Male motivation highly differs with respect to the promotion they get. Although the median line of both the genders is equal, but the overall box plot of males is on the higher side. There are some outliers also present in the male category, but we have considered them as exceptional. Promotion is a factor that extremely plays a highly essential role in employee motivation, especially among the males. Promotion increases their focus on the work and affects their pay as well as position in the organization, thus employees after a considerable period of time; desperately wait for the organization to promote them to a higher level. Applying the reinforcement approach over here, if promotion instead of at fixed intervals and ratios, is given at variable intervals, it would increase the motivation of employees to work harder and with more focus, since the time of promotion would be unexpected. Secondly, variable ratio means that the amount of reward or the degree of promotion is variable and according to the tasks performed by a certain employee, therefore, if promotion is also given in variable ratios, it would act as a positive reinforcement tool in the organization (Daft, 2003). The above studied variable is one of the important variables that plays role in the motivation level of the employees. If we look at the above diagram, we can observe that the behavior of status is highly important for females as compared to males. Females are highly specific about the respect and status they got in the organization. In addition, this factor has a huge impact on their motivation level, as the median line is upward for the females. However, as compared to males, status is important but relatively less essential when compared with other factors. There are other factors that motivate males, but for females status is highly important and it affects their performance highly in the workplace. If we apply the acquired needs theory over here, it could be seen that women are not status conscious by birth, but this factor has built in them over time and status defines power, affiliation and achievement, which is to be superior above all. So, if their acquired needs are fulfilled by the organization that would be a key variable in increasing their willingness to do work. As far as males are concerned, Maslows hierarchy of needs theory could be applied, since status in Maslows hierarchy could be categorized under self-actualization, it comes after the satisfaction of other basic needs. The graph shows that having a high status is an essential key variable but there are other factors that males consider more important than status. According to this theory, those other factors could include pay, promotion, job security and condition of the work place (Daft, 2003). 3.2 CONCLUSION Coca-Cola is a company that encourages a work environment that satisfies all its stakeholders existing within and outside the organization. Studying these variables helped in understanding the management techniques to be used in the organization to drive employees effectiveness and efficiency in their work. In our analysis, promotion is standing separate among all the other factors, showing that this factor is of prime importance and has a huge impact on the motivation level of the employees. Personal relevance is also one of the most important motivation factors. Employees find themselves highly motivated when they are able to use any of their personal talent, education or training in their jobs. Therefore, Coca-Cola needs to develop programs and design jobs in a way that encourages employees to show their personal talents and skills, which would then help them in performing well and boosting their enthusiasm. The analysis further concludes, that status is also one of the important aspects that directly affects the motivation level of the employees, who feel that their job is of high status and seen as a respectable one in the society. Simulation refers to the personal liking of the job work. If employee finds things to do in a job that is of his/her personal interest it improves his readiness level. If employee finds something in his/her work that he or she loves to do, then this aspect of the job increases his/her willingness to do so. Past researchers have witnessed that material reward and motivation has a direct relationship with each other. Thus, Coca-Cola needs to focus on material rewards and should plan according to the need of the employees. Further it has been witnessed, that independence of doing work is also one of the prime factors that has a huge impact on the motivation level of the employees. If the people are provided the liberty to work with less supervision and perform their job in a way they want to, this will surely develop their motivation in doing work. Apart from this, personal growth is also exceedingly important. Every one wants to develop him/her self with the passage of time, therefore, providing opportunity to employees to develop themselves and grow as an individual has a direct positive impact on their level of keenness. Thus, we conclude that the study has identified that a number of factors have a direct impact on the motivation level of the employees, so if proper working is done on it, it will result in a higher motivational level of the employees. Working on these factors would help Coca-Cola in enhancing their productivity of the work, as well as in improving the job satisfaction of the employees. 3.3 RECOMMENDATIONS After a thorough analysis of my

The Style File: Strunk and White vs. Williams :: Learning Writing Essays

The Style File: Strunk and White vs. Williams What is the definition of style? Is there an exact way of interpreting style individuals create in their writing? What is the importance and function of style in the writing process? Does style really matter? Before encountering books such as William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White’s â€Å"The Elements of Style† and Joesph M. Williams â€Å"Style Toward Clarity and Grace† I had not put much thought into these questions. My main focus was to get my writing assignments completed, turned in, and out of my mind. However, these two books create a whole new outlook on the world of writing for any individual who can open the cover and their mind. â€Å"Style† strives to explain how writers can improve clarity, cohesion, usage, and elegance to become a more effective writer. This book is not meant to be read once, for the full potential can not be achieved unless it is absorbed several times. Packed from cover to cover with real life examples ranging from the worst imaginable to greatly improved, Williams provides a detailed explanation of how to transform any writers work. Charts, graphs, and diagrams may add some confusion but can be helpful for individuals who depend upon visual aids. On the same note, â€Å"The Elements of Style† also entails rules, guidelines, and examples for the purpose of the writer’s improvement. However, the approach is entirely different. This little book entails several important topics including rules of usage, missed used words and expressions, principles of composition, and approaches to style. The advice in â€Å"Elements of Style† is simple, clear, and straight to the point. Rules are short, and boldface so they are easy to quickly look up if the writer is in need of a quick on the spot tutorial. Following the boldface rule are a few statements or paragraphs with an explanation. Examples are only found for some of the rules but the ones given are not as elaborate as in â€Å"Style.† This book allows for a quick read and refreshing of rules and guidelines that have been encountered throughout an individuals writing career. There are several aspects of Strunk and White and Williams books that I had already learned years ago and forgotten or had just discovered for the first time.

Job Study on the Australian Air Force :: essays research papers

JOB STUDY Training and Advancement 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Are there any educational or other qualifications your employer would expect for the job you are doing? Following appointment as an Officer in the Air Force, you'll undergo an Initial Officer Course (IOC) at the Officer Training School, RAAF Base Williams (Point Cook) 20 km south west of Melbourne, Victoria. This course aims to teach you the leadership skills needed to become an Air Force Officer. The course is a combination of theory and practical training. While leadership forms the core of your training, the major elements of the course are designed to introduce you to military life, Air Force values and attitudes, personal development, organisational management, communication skills, general and specific military skills, security, drill and Air Force operations studies. Not only will you be taught Air Force specific subjects, but you'll also take part in a wide variety of subjects such as ground defence training, where you'll be taught weapons handling, field craft, communications, defences, patrolling, various types of warfare and the Rules of Engagement. A reasonable level of fitness is required for entry, however any active person who spends some of their time exercising or playing competitive sport should not have difficulty meeting the standards. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Would you have to do a special course of study? An Australian Defence Force Careers Adviser says that officer applicants must demonstrate excellent leadership, management, organisational and communication skills, and be highly disciplined and fit. Everyone who completes officer training is guaranteed a job in the RAAF. Due to the high level of training that is involved, a minimum service period of 6 to 12 years is required. During training, ADFA first year cadets earn about $16,000, which increases to $25,000 in the fourth year. Once fully qualified, salaries range from $40,270 up to $63,249. Airforce pilots and navigators are entitled to a flying allowance, which is based on years of qualified flying service and is added to the base salary. The starting salary for direct entry officer cadets (non degree qualified) is $23,692 and $25,185 for qualified officers. Options For Potential Officers There are two pathways you can take to become an officer in the RAAF. You can go into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) as a University level entrant, but you must have completed Year 12 and be between the age of 17 and 26. Not only are you paid to study at ADFA, but also you are immediately employed as an officer in the RAAF.

Use of Symbols and Symbolism in Steinbecks Flight :: Steinbeck Flight Essays

Use of Symbolism in Steinbeck's Flight In his classic short story, "Flight," John Steinbeck uses many examples of symbolism to foreshadow the conclusion. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place or thing, used to portray something beyond itself. It is used to represent or foreshadow the ending of the story. Steinbeck uses colors, direction, and nature symbolism to help presage Pepà ©'s tragic death. Let us now more closely examine the ways that Steinbeck uses colors to foreshadow the ending of his short story. Perhaps the most repeatedly used symbol in "Flight," is the color black. In literature many authors use black to represent death. There are numerous examples in this short story. Some of these include the black handle on the long blade, Pepà ©'s black hair and the black jerky. Another example may be found when Pepà © puts on his fathers black coat, which represents death. When Pepà © puts on the coat he is literally covering himself with death. Another fine example is the trail in which Pepà © travels. Steinbeck describes the path as a well-worn black path. By traveling on this path he is in fact taking the road of death. Furthermore Pepà ©'s appearance also helps foreshadow the ending. Steinbeck describes him as having a black hat that covers his black thatched hair. Pepà © is also described as being dark, lean and tall. Another example is Pepà ©'s shack. The shack is described as weathered and very old. It casts a rather large shadow to the North east. The darkness of the shadow symbolizes death in the home. As we can readily see, the authors use of black symbolism in the story tells us that the main character, Pepà ©, is impending death. Another commonly used symbol in the story "Flight," is direction. Direction is used to represent positive or negative effects. North and East are generally "good" directions. Many people feel this came about when the early man saw the sun rise in the East. On the contrary, the directions South and West are generally "bad" directions. Basically this is because the sun sets in the West. Besides compass directions, height is also a very popular way of foreshadowing the conclusion of the story. The direction up, which is also the way to heaven is generally "good," while down, the direction of hell, is considered to be "bad." An example of this form of symbolism can be found when Pepà © is returning home.

Maria Full of Grace

Marà ­a à lvarez, a 17-year-old Colombian girl (played by Catalina Sandino Moreno), works in sweat shop-like conditions at a flower plantation to help support her family. However, after finding herself pregnant by her boyfriend, whom she does not love, and being unjustly treated by her boss, she quits and decides to find another job, despite her family's disapproval. On her way to Bogotà ¡ to find a new job, she gets offered a position as a mule — one who smuggles drugs by swallowing drug-filled pellets.Desperate, she accepts the risky offer and swallows 62 wrapped pellets of cocaine and flies to New York City. After a close call at the US Customs (she was about to be X-rayed, until customs found out she was pregnant), she is set free and sent to a hotel where she is to remove the pellets from her body. The traffickers arrive to take the drugs. To retrieve the pellets from Lucy, a fellow mule who had died when one of the pellets ruptured inside her, the traffickers had cut open her stomach, then disposed of her body.After seeing this ruthless world firsthand, Maria decides to escape the drug-trafficking cartel. Her story becomes one of determination and survival like that of many other immigrants in the United States, although she knows nothing about the country and had originally planned to go back to Colombia. The economic hardships of Colombia and the working environment for illegals in the US are both accurately represented. Eventually realizing that her choices affect other people, she emerges with the grace that will carry her forward into a new life. In the end Maria lives her life in the United States.

Religious and Ethnic Groups Essay

The religious group is chose was Jehovah’s Witnesses. I did some online research and also asked my children’s Foster Mother, Regina Metzger the questions. I wanted to see what the differences of what I found online and what she said the beliefs were. So this is a mixture of what I got from my online sources and what she said. Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from other religious groups because they believe that their entire bible is the inspired word of god, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold to their bible as the standard for all their beliefs. Based on their bible, they believe that Jesus Christ is son of god, the first of god’s creations, that he had a pre-human existence and that his life was transformed from heaven to the womb of a virgin. They believe that god’s kingdom is the only hope for mankind. They are many different nationalities. They have no prejudices against any race or color. Their worship is through prayer, meetings and telling others about their bible. They believe that their bible is the inspired word of God, and instead of adhering to a creed based on human tradition, they hold their bible as the standard. The experience of the Jehovah’s Witnesses that other religious groups do not share is that they are viewed with moral standards that coincide with their bible. They are law abiding citizens that respect authority. They show, what they believe is, genuine Christian love to their neighbors. For example, let’s say there are two girls. One of which is a Jehovah Witness and one that is not. They both were asked to spit on the American Flag. In this situation, the Jehovah’s Witness won’t and the other would. One might ask â€Å"Why don’t you spit on the flag even though you don’t solute it? † The answer from the Johana’s Witness would be simply, â€Å"I don’t pledge my allegiance to the flag, but I wouldn’t disrespect it either. † They are neutral. Jehovah’s Witnesses contribute to the American Culture because they feel they are the advocates of their God’s kingdom. They are not of the political, economic, or social system of any nation of the old world. They did have their modern day start in the United States. They do pay taxes, which means they work regular jobs just like any other person. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies. Like, sharing in the armed forces and joining a political party or even voting. They worship their god only. They believe that if Christians under one nation go to war against another nation they would be fighting against fellow believers. They believe that fighting against the same people who prayed for help to the same god is wrong. That is why they won’t go to war and will serve time in jail or prison to avoid killing their Christian brothers and sisters. However they are not afraid to die for their faith. If they are threatened with death or to renounce their faith, they will die for what they believe in. I know that before my children went into foster care I had limited information on what Jehovah’s Witnesses were all about. I was under the impression that they only went house to house on Saturdays knocking on doors. I thought they were annoying. Feeling like everywhere I went I was approached by one saying that they are the only true word of God, when I thought my god was. I learned quickly that everyone has a different idea of what their God was. Jehovah’s witnesses have been known to not celebrate holidays like birthdays, Christmas, or thanksgiving. I would use their religion as a type of threat toward my children saying â€Å"If you don’t knock it off we will become Jehovah’s Witness and then you won’t get presents during birthdays or holidays. † Since, my children are in a home with this as the main religion and belief system, I feel like I should apologize to them because I must have sounded like a bigot. I think that the discrimination and stereotyping that Jehovah’s Witnesses experience comes from a lack of understanding by anyone of a different belief. I think that what I have learned about this religious group did help me understand it. It helped me to realize that Jehovah’s Witnesses, like any other religion, just want to show everyone that what they believe is not bad. They want to show what their religion means. They want the same as others do, the belief that you can be saved by a god. The racial/ethnic group that I chose is the Pacific Islanders. I chose this group because I don’t know nothing about it. I think getting information on this group will be extremely interesting. Pacific Islanders are from many different places. American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Mariana Islands, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, and the Independent State of Western Samoa. (http://www. pica-org. org/websurf/websurf. html). In 2011 there were approximately 1,371,564 Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders who live within the United States. They significantly reside in California, Washington, Utah, Texas, New York, Texas, and Florida. They make up about . 4% of the U. S. Population (http://minorityhealth. hhs. gov/templates/browse. aspx? lvl=2&lvlID=71) On May 29, 2013 President Obama spoke about AAPI (Asian-American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month. (http://www. whitehouse. gov/administration/eop/aapi/blog) I thought that was very interesting. He talked about his Pacific Islander ethnic background. He said: â€Å"We value these voices because from the very beginning, ours has been a nation of immigrants; a nation challenged and shaped and push ever forward by diverse perspectives and fresh thinking. And in order to keep our edge and stay ahead in the global race, we need to figure out a way to fix our broken immigration system-to welcome that infusion of newness, while still maintaining the enduring strength of our laws. And the service and the leadership of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have proved that point in time and again. † Listening to him give a speech about the greatness of Pacific Islanders made me appreciate that ethnic group even more. Pacific Islanders speak over 100 different languages and come from more than 56 ethnic groups. (http://www. cdc. gov/features/aapiheritagemonth/). They are parts of many different religions. Like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Growing up in my church there were many Pacific Islanders members of our church. I can remember many of them having big families with many children. The Pacific Islanders do many things to contribute to American Culture. They contribute by working jobs. 7. 4 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are employed in the United States. They make up 5. 3% of the total workforce in the United States. About 300,000 workers are Pacific Islanders. (http://www. cepr. net/index. php/publications/reports/diversity-and-change July 2011, Hye Jin Rho, John Schmitt, Nicole Woo, Lucia Lin and Kent Wong) Like many other cultures, they bring their delicious foods. They have a multitude of food from different countries. They bring that all to the table here in the United States. Although some of them have changed their diets to a more of an American way of eating, some still eat the foods of their lands. Throughout history, there has been many instances of racism and sexism toward Pacific Islanders in the United States Pacific Islanders continue to face oppression, racism, and discrimination in the United States. Since Pacific Islanders have a higher rate of diabetes they were charged higher rates for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act Will be a very good change for Pacific Islanders. They are known to suffer from higher rates of all types of circular diseases like, stroke, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. They also have the highest rates of obesity. The Affordable Care Act will change it so that it will be easier to get health care for them. Some states have had an English-only type of initiative. They seem to be for people who only speak English. I had no idea they were even allowed by law. It seems as though that people find ways to discriminate even with the laws that have been put in place. Just because some people cannot speak any other language, besides English. For them everything needs to be in English and no other language. About a century before, European-Americans did not allow people who didn’t speak English to learn English because they were afraid that they would become a minority. They were afraid of being â€Å"out-smarted† by others. They didn’t want to have to compete for fear of losing. I don’t believe this is fair. That is why I am glad there are some many laws coming into effect as well as more to come to make this country an even better place. (http://aspe. hhs. gov/health/reports/2012/ACA&AsianAmericans&PacificIslanders/rb. shtml) Most European Americans have discriminated against Pacific Islanders because they didn’t know English. The European Americans were afraid that if the Pacific Islanders learned English they would exceed them in many ways. They would become the minority. Many of the European Americans were believed to be threatened by this. I think I now have a better understanding of what it is like to be a Pacific Islander. The discrimination they have faced has seemed to make them a stronger people. I am happy to have them as part of my country. In conclusion, both Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Pacific Islander, people have experienced a discrimination that seems to have happened because of people who do not understand what they go through daily. They both seem to succeed in their lives because of the discrimination they have experienced. The Jehovah’s Witnesses hold up to their beliefs like the Pacific Islanders stand strong with their ethnic background. They are different because one is a religion and one is an ethnic group. An ethnic group is a group of people who have the same customs or origin. A religion is a belief in a god or a group of gods. I think that both the Pacific Islanders and the Jehovah’s Witnesses get discriminated against because of a lack of understanding.