Marketing Strategy Final Case Study P&G Term Paper

Marketing Strategy Final Case Study P&G - Term Paper Example The most important concern is the deliberation about utilizing the new opportunity of an emerging market for pre-brushing rinse, which other Scope’s rivals are touting to their customers (P & G 258). Other basic problems include but are not restricted to what appropriate marketing strategy to adopt—should Scope be positioned as a â€Å"better tasting pre-brushing dental rinse† against its previous recognitions as a â€Å"better tasting and breath freshener† (P& G 259); manufacturing issue concerning how to produce product that will match the standardizations required by 2 Canadian Health Protection Branch, The Canadian Dental Association and Saccharin/Cyclamate Sweeteners requirements (P& G 257-258); finding alternatives to funding the marketing of Scope since the product has so far received its highest finances in years, and that funding another line of product might be helpful to reduce cost competitively (P& G 260); recognizing the significance of spend ing more on advertising another line of product to shore up customers’ interest in Scope (P & G 260); and discovering the best approach as far as Procter and Gamble’s operations and purchasing are concerned ( & G 260). Step 2: Justification for Problem Definition & Analyzing the Case Data: The cause of this important analysis of Procter and Gamble’s operations in Canada is based on the fact that other rivals in the same niche of health care product like Plax, Colgate, Listerine, Listermint and Cepacol which brandish their comparative quality of pre-brushing rinse has captured the market from Scope. This is because these other products offer consumers the opportunity to fight their plaque—â€Å"which is the soft, sticky film that coats teeth hours after brushing them† (P& G 253; P& G 262). The Canadian Mouthwash Market Shares below justifies the fact that Plax has made significant gain against Scope, having started with a mere 1% of the market share in 1988 to commanding an appreciable 10% of the same market in 1990; while Scope’s grasp of the market slipped considerably from 33% to 32.3% within the same periods. 3 Figure 1: The Canadian Mouthwash Market Shares 1988 (Units) 1989 (Units) 1990 (Units) Scope 33.0% 33.0% 32.3% Listerine 15.2 16.1 16.6 Listermint 15.2 9.8 10.6 Cepacol 13.6 10.6 10.3 Colgate Oral Rinse 1.4 1.2 0.5 Plax 1.0 10.0 10.0 Store Brands 16.0 15.4 16.0 Miscellaneous Others 4.6 15.4 16.0 Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The data demonstrates that other mouthwash products like Plax, Listerine and Store Brands make significant improvements against Scope, which sales began to dwindle towards its sales peak in 1990 (P & G 250). It is believable that strategic marketing may have helped other brands to outperform Scope in the amount of market size they command; their marketing proposition has largely 4 concentrated on the abilities of their brands to help users fight their plaque, a slogan that Procter and Gamble has not adopted because of its current product which lacks the plaque-fighting ingredients (P & G 253). What Procter and Gamble thinks appropriate is to re-position Scope in a way that it would keep the product’s loyal consumers and cut back the lead Plax is currently enjoying in the market (P & G 260). This plan is achievable within the three-year period the company hopes to revamp its operational activities. Comparing the expenditures

History of forensic medicine Essay Example for Free

History of forensic medicine Essay The necessity of understanding the reasons why a loved one suddenly becomes missing, his/her whereabouts difficult to trace and the difficulty of establishing the probability of that person’s survival is one of the many realities of families today. Should threats actually pose on a person’s life or the missing member left traces of his/her whereabouts are stuffs that not only fill the minds of those who are after detective stories; these are matters that provide meaning and hope for those families and individuals with real, missing loved ones. The popularity of shows on television such as CSI and police crime stories in a weekly slot has virtually lined almost all of networks around the globe. Films and theaters make sure they profit and usually they do whenever they strike the old formula of suspense and crime. Embedded in these formats is the dependable work of forensic medicine and the people behind it. It is no wonder that many children and adolescents today list the job of a forensic specialist as one of their ambitions. Purpose of the Paper Forensic medicine is a distinct discipline dedicated to accomplish the ultimate which is to solve crimes and prevent, limit or reduce its occurrence with the application of a wide-ranging field of sciences in response to inquiries in relation to the legal set-up. It utilizes scientific methods and the application of pharmacology and other related schemes in the pursuit of justice. Basically derived from the time of the Romans when both the accused and the accuser are given their day in â€Å"court† to present their speeches to persuade the court of the issues of their cases; today, an intricate system of a combination of knowledge from different sectors is used to achieve the purposes of the legal system. It uses modern technology and the expertise of behavioral sciences in law enforcement. Myths have been built around notorious serial killers and rightly so, because many of those who perpetrate such heinous activities manage to cause people to tremble just by hearing stories about their â€Å"exploits. Many were astounded by such names or tags as â€Å"BTK† and others like him who tried to carve their names in history though rather infamously. More modern types in the likes of Ted Bundy for instance and the â€Å"happy face† killer still evoke fear as well amazement that such people do exist. What was more amazing though is that they had been caught and that the breakthrough of forensic medicine in the early years to its modern developments had made the capture more successful and a credit to the science. In the case of jack the Ripper, he was popularized in London many years ago, around 1880, when this man started to murder prostitutes in the East End portion of this metropolis. He was never caught and his identity remained clouded in mystery. But the details as to the methods of his killing (or ripping) and whether he reaped them or not (his victims) became known only when the developments that had brought forensic medicine to the forefront started to become available (Barbee, 2006). The paper is written to explain, enlighten where forensic medicine is today and where it started. With the view that many of high profiled cases were solved due to the advances in the field which includes computer and digital forensics, use of forensic analysis tools of all kinds i. e. , sampling techniques, and a host of other manners of gathering evidence, the author seeks to establish the history of forensic medicine in precis. Problem Statement The literature today is rich to provide an enthusiast and serious student of the field with sufficient information concerning the issue on how this particular discipline emerged. It therefore seeks to answer the following question: What is forensic medicine and what are the major developments that helped established its place in the legal system? Basing on that primary inquiry, the following are the paper’s sub-problem statements: o How is forensic medicine defined? o What are the developmental milestones significant in the understanding of the discipline? o What are the current medical and scientific breakthroughs that are being employed in the application of forensic medicine? o What are its successes in terms of accomplishments as solving such high profiled crimes as BTK and insights into the legendary Jack the Ripper? What are its failures and the deficiencies in the system that needs to be improved and addressed? Definition of Terms Forensic medicine is a distinct science that â€Å"involves the principles and techniques that identify evidence at a crime scene† (UKTV people, 2007). Crime scene investigation refers to the protocol that peopl e in the uniform employs whenever a crime occurs such as the incidence of murder that brings the trained to examine the scene of the crime. The intention is to find traces or clues that might lead to the solution of the crime (UKTV people, 2007). DNA which represents the chemical Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the â€Å"chemical found in virtually every cell in the body and which carries genetic information from one generation to the next. When translated, this information determines our physical characteristics and directs all the chemical processes in the body† (UKTV people, 2007). Fingerprint evidence. â€Å"Fingerprint evidence rests on two basic principles: A persons friction ridge patterns the swirled skin on their fingertips never change and no two people have the same pattern of friction ridges. † (UKTV people, 2007). Ballistics.  The science of ballistics is often a highly important element in finding out who did the â€Å"killing. † It deals with the motion, behavior and effects of bullets. Theoretical Framework ~On criminality: Factors contributing to the incidence This refers to the body of knowledge that provides a basis to the current understanding of the different facets of the field. There are various scientific viewpoints where criminality is concerned and its reduction and prevention as goals. The author attempts to discuss various theoretical perspectives as knowledge base for the strength of its proposition. Sociologists, in an attempt to explain and point out the reasons behind delinquency, have concluded that there are connections between specific youth behaviors with the home environment, family background, the neighborhood, associations, and many other aspects that together, or separately affect the formative years of young people’s social environment. Delinquent children usually come from a background of difficult circumstances. Parental alcoholism, poverty, breakdown of family, abusive conditions in the home, death of parents during armed conflicts or drug overdose, and the HIV/AIDS scourge, and etc. re some of the various reasons that can leave children virtually orphaned. One or both parents may be physically present, but because of irresponsibility on their part (if even one of them is addicted to drugs or alcoholic), a child may grow developing certain ways and attitudes that are directly/indirectly caused by the parent/s addiction or drug-related behavior. In this case, true delinquency lies on the parents; and the children are, in a way, orphaned or unaccompanied, and without any means of subsistence which, in the first place, the parents’ fundamental responsibility to provide. Generally, and increasingly, these children are born and/or raised without a father. They are first in the line of those who are at greatest risk of falling into juvenile delinquency. Without noticing it as it is typical of any youth to be lacking in prudence, with newly embraced group, the gang, a corresponding subculture starts to assimilate them, and before long, they start to engage in activities of adult criminal groups. It is usually after being engaged in criminal activities for an extended period of time with its accompanying consequences (such as ending up in prison or rehabilitation institutions for drug addicts) that delinquents realize they are into a very dangerous zone. A large portion of all juvenile violations (between two-thirds and three-quarters) are perpetrated by youths who are members of certain gangs (Venkatesh, 1997). Unlike in school and their family, these have no strict rules to be followed except loyalty to the group. It gives young people esteem when they somehow feel they are the â€Å"rule† in themselves. This is the lure of gangs. It gives the promise of fulfillment to would be delinquents. Popularity, access to the powerful figures on the streets, freedom to express one’s self, as well as easy flow of money (if the gang is also involved in some illegal activities such as drug dealings, which is common in most gangs) are seemingly within grasp of anybody who just have the guts to dare (OJJDP, Mar. 2003).

Animal Farm, by George Orwell Essay -- Animal Farm Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This novel takes place at a farm, which its name is Manor Farm, who’s owned by Mr. Jones. He a drunk that never really took care of his animals. There was a Boar that lived on the farm his name was Old Major. He is twelve years old, had lately grown rather stout, majestic- looking pig, tushes never been cut, and wise and benevolent appearance. He sets up a meeting to discuss an important matter that happened to him the night before.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The discussion to place at night after Mr. Jones was asleep. In a barn is where all the animals had gather to listen to Old Major speech. Three dogs, a cat, pigeons, hens, pigs, cows, sheep’s, two horses named Clover, mother that never got her figure back after her fourth foal, the other named boxer, enormous beast, strong as two horses put together, white stripe down his nose, not very intelligent, respected for steadiness of character and tremendous powers of work, Muriel the goat, and Benjamin the donkey, the oldest animal on the farm and also the worst tempered. Topics of the meeting were that they do all the labor and get nothing back. Also says men are evil and that the animals should never adjust to their lifestyle. That is live in a house, sleep in bed, were clothes, drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, touch money, or engage in trade. An animal must not kill another animal. Last one was all animal are equal. All the animals agreed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This was his dream and the men were vanished. There was a song that he had forgot in from when he was little, but the dream reminded him the song. He sang the song that is called Beast of England. Eventually everyone knew the song. Then they went to sleep.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Three nights later Old Major pasted away. It’s now early March and a lot of secret activity has been happening for the past three months. They would have meetings after Mr. Jones was a sleep and ended the meeting with the song Beast of England.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There were three pigs that elaborated Old Majors theory. They also called it Animalism. Out of the three pigs two of them were boars, first one named Napoleon, large, fierce- looking, and not much of a talker, but got everything his own way. The other boar was named Snowball, a vivacious pig, quicker in speech, and more inventive. Third one is a porker nam... ...ars has passed and most of the animals past away. The windmill was used for milling corn. One day all the pigs come out walking on to feet. Clover, she was old, stout mare now, stiff in the joints, and tendency to rheumy eyes was shocked. So was Benjamin, he just got a little grayer. Then the pigs went back in the farmhouse. One the got close to see what was happening in the dinning room. There were pigs and Pilkington and Frederick was also there. Napoleon told them his story of how he gave less food to the animals. He also mentioned that this farm is no longer called Animal Farm, it is called The Manor Farm. They had their toast, sat down, and continue the card game. The animals were wondering what they were talking about, but they left after the pigs and men sat down. Then a loud noise was herd and the animals ran back to see what happened. Napoleon and Pilkington had an ace of spade. The entire animals saw were men and pigs. Then even truly couldn’t tell the difference .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story I enjoyed very much. It had a twist in the end I did not suspect. Totally threw me off. I think if you were a person who likes twists this would be a good book to read.

Shakespeare in the Bush

What problems did Bohannan encounter as she told the story of Hamlet to the Tiv? The problem she encountered when she was telling the story was the comments of the elders. As she was trying to formulate her thoughts/ analyses on the story, the elders kept on commenting what they thought was right, and what they think as the truth about the story. Therefore, she had a hard time explaining the story in the way she wanted and liked. â€Å"There was a murmur of applause. Hamlet was again a good story to them, but it no longer seemed quite the same story to me. As I thought over the coming complications of plot and motive, I lost courage and decided to skim over dangerous ground quickly.We could say that in this part of the story, she had a hard time explaining the book the way she wanted it. That is why she had to avoid those hard-to-explain parts so she wouldn’t be questioned more. Another problem she encountered while reading and telling the text was her opposing interpretation of the book, as compared to that of the elders. For her, the interpretation of the piece is universal—that there could only be one real and acceptable interpretation for it.But, as she was telling the story, the elders kept on voicing out their opinions, causing the author to take down notes and eventually question her own interpretation of the book. â€Å"I stopped being a storyteller, took out my notebook and demanded to be told more about these two causes of madness. Even while they spoke and I jotted notes, I tried to calculate the effect of this new factor of the plot.†In this part we could see that, because of the bothering comments of the elders, she started to question her knowledge of the book, that is why she took down notes and analyzed those new factors on the plot said by the Tiv. To sum up, she had a hard time explaining the book to the Tiv because of two  reasons: the annoying comments of the elders, and her opposing interpretation of the book.Is the Tiv’s interpretation of Hamlet incorrect? Why or why not? Substantiate your answer with evidence from the text (observe the rules on citation). Include also what you know and have experienced. Should we worry about being correct? Why or why not? The Tiv’s interpretation of Hamlet is neither correct nor incorrect—because no one really does know the correct interpretation of the text, for it is the author (William Shakepeare) who knows what the real interpretation of the novel is.Also, as supposed to what Laura Bohannan had said that the interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is universal, I believe that its interpretation is varying in different types of people, taking the Tiv for example. The Tiv are also known as the Mitshi, Munchi or Munshi. They are also located in the northern provinces of Nigeria, with the majority of them living in the Tiv Division of Benue Province (Bohannan and Bohannan 1953:9). Knowing the life of these people are just or dinary, everyone wouldn’t expect that such people could be able to give their insights/knowledge about the text—yet, they were able to give their own interpretation of it.How? By applying their knowledge and experiences in life. They were able to apply these things so that they will be able to understand the next happenings more accurately, and to comprehend a text which is very hard to understand. â€Å"Listen,† said the elder, â€Å"and I will tell you how it was and how your story will go, then you may tell me if I am right. Polonius knew his son would get into trouble, so he did. He had many fines to pay for fighting, and debts from gambling.But he had only two ways of getting money quickly. One was to marry off to his sister at once, but it is difficult to find a man who will marry a woman desired by the son of the chief. For if the chief’s heir commits adultery with your wife, what can you do? Only a fool calls a case against a man who will someday be his judge. Therefore Laertes had to take the second way: he killed his sister by witchcraft, drowning her so he could secretly sell her body to the witches.†In this part of the story, the Tiv used their knowledge and experiences to interpret the plot accurately and effectively. That is why they were able to predict precisely what Laertes did to his sister Ophelia, and so as the next happenings in the story. â€Å"Sometime,† concluded the old man, gathering his ragged toga about him, â€Å"you must tell us some more stories of your country. We, who are elders, will instruct you in their true meaning, so that when you return to your own land your elders will see that you have not been sitting in the bush, but among those who know things and who have taught you wisdom.†In that part of the story, we could really see that these people, the Tiv, really have experiences that they were able to use in interpreting Hamlet. We could also see in this excerpt from the tex t that, even though they are just people sitting around the bush, they are more knowledgeable than we are, because they have these experiences that helped shape their perspectives in the different aspects of life. And, to answer the question of whether we should worry or not worry if our interpretation of a text is correct or incorrect, I think we shouldn’t. What is important is that we are able to understand the text, and finally, learn something from it.

Summation of the Virgin and the Dynamo

Ben McAllister English 190 10/4/2010 In Henry Adam’s â€Å"The Dynamo and the Virgin,† he starts to speculate about Christianity’s strength during the medieval times and how it can be related to the twentieth century energy, using the dynamos, that produced electricity. He says when he relates religion and energy,† As he grew accustomed to the gallery of machines, he began to feel the forty-foot dynamos as a moral force, much as the early Christians felt the Cross. By doing this he is explaining he believes the relation between the machines and their parts are just like the Christians being part of the Cathedral and their faith. Therefore, after his relation is given between faith and science, decides he is going to combine the two in his studies, and everything that is considered irrational, he would say it takes faith to believe. He goes on to say how there could never be an American Virgin, since we relate that to sin. As he gets older, continues to sear ch for reasons why the Virgin is still lost in our culture, and he explains it has always been there.He says the Virgin is a force that shaped our Western Civilization, but we had to find her. Word count: 199 Grade: 17/20. Overall, pretty solid here, Ben – the first half of the summation works very well, as you’ve got a clear opening sentence and a pretty clear link to what Adams sees the connection between the two symbols. But, one thing to think about adding here would be less about how Americans see the Virgin, and how of how Adams sees the dynamo – how does he see that symbol as power

Cross-Cultural Negotiations essays

Cross-Cultural Negotiations essays Cross-cultural negotiations is the interactions, typically in business, that occur between various cultures. These negotiations are typically viewed as occurring between various nations, but cross-cultural studies can also occur between different cultures within the same nation, such as between European-Americans and Native Americans. As the world becomes more and more interdependent as a result in the expansion of globalization and international business relations, cross-cultural negotiations are becoming a common feature in business and political transactions. This being the case, understanding how cross-cultural negotiations occur is an important skill to have. Thus, there has been an abundance of research and literature conducted and written on the topic. What follows is a brief review of the current literature available on the topic of cross-cultural negotiations. I.Hendon, Donald W., Herbig, Paul and Rebecca Angeles Hendon. (1999). Cross-Cultural Business Negotiations. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. This book focuses on cross-cultural negotiations as they apply to international business. Its premise is that many business opportunities have been lost due to cultural misunderstandings. To prevent this problem from occurring, special emphasis needs to be placed on adequate attention to details and a better understanding of the cultural heritage of the other negotiating team. What is most beneficial of this book is that it is written by international business practitioners and comes with a country-by-country profile containing relevant cultural advice. II.Magala, Slawomir. (2005). Cross-Cultural Competence. New York: Taylor This work focuses on successful cross-cultural management as being the key to international business. At the most basic level of cross-cultural negotiations is cultural competency, or a cultural literacy. In other words, the first step to successful cross-cultur...

12 Analytical Essay Topics on Cost #038; Management Accounting Reporting Systems

12 Analytical Essay Topics on Cost #038; Management Accounting Reporting Systems If you need some facts to use in your next writing assignment on cost and management accounting reporting systems, consider the twelve facts below: Managerial accounting caters for the requirements of managers to internal reporting and related decision-making. Managers have to plan, organize and control the matters of entity. For this, managerial accounting helps the managers to come to sound business decisions. Management may have their own way dealing with matters internally, but GAAP requirements are to be followed. There is, however, a choice to account for a certain event. For example, either product development cost can be capitalized or it can be deduced from income. Once a choice has been made, it should be the basis of decision for any future reference. Well-established information system is needed in case of both financial as well as managerial accounting. Information technology has changed the working methodologies for business entities. Nowadays, accountant’s work is beyond the common book-keeping principles. The quality information system plays a key role in that regard. Accounting data is not always absolute in nature. There are certain judgment to be done while reporting any event. Certain accounting treatments require of you to make judgments which are important for business. Along with judgments, estimations are also a part and parcel of the working. Many limitations are there in connection to the estimation of certain event or transaction. Present values of future incomes are calculated to estimate the current financial position of the entity. Provisions require estimations of the cost to be included in expenses and what amount to be charged or written off. Making estimates is a routine activity in connection to financial reporting. Two cost methods, historical and fair value are used alternatively. Value of land does not fluctuate much according to accounting estimates, so it follows a historical cost method. In this method, cost related to an event or transaction done in the past. The purchase price of land is accounted for in the financial information of the company. A fair value cost method is also applied by entities. Assets are reported in the financial statements at a price which they can fetch in the open market. Valuations are made at regular intervals to come to a standard price prevalent in the open market. The fair market is the price that can be fetched in the open market in the transaction between parties that are not related. Fair value is best suited to assets whose price fluctuates on a regular basis. There is no set rule as to the usage of either historical or fair value cost method. Standards provide for illustrations that should be looked into. Best accounting practices are those that are coherent with accounting standards and apply standards prudently. It also depends on the nature of certain events to decide which cost method to go for. An accountant has to deal with many complex issues. Relevance related to the fair value cost method and reliability factor of historical cost method is to be traded off. Choice has to be made between the two keeping in mind the standards and normal business practices. An accountant has to be skilled enough to decide on the correct valuation method. The job of an accountant is not restricted to a set pattern of methodology. Many areas of specialty are there. Accountants that prefer public accounting provide tax and consultancy services. These services have to be licensed. In the US, each state issues a license to individuals known as CPA, Certified Chartered Accountant. Auditing is the examination of accounts of companies and investigating whether the accounts are in coherence with the rules and regulations set by standards. An auditor concerned with the accounts of a company prepares independent and appropriate report. Tax services provided by an accountant include filling of returns and legal provisions related thereof. Consultancy services do not have a set work plan as these vary according to the requirements of the client. Many accountants enjoy private employment in various industries. Various profit and non-profit entities require services of accountants dealing with certain areas of expertise. Accountants hold areas related to costing, budgeting, investment and pricing. Internal auditors are given the responsibility of internal controls, and they work according to the policies defined by managers. These auditors check for relevancy of every account and are responsible for internal controls. Such auditors can enjoy the occupation of tax accountants, managers etc. Many accountants work in public sector as well. They serve in public departments in the area of their expertise. Government offices such as SECP, FBI, Internal Revenue Offices and many more take the services of professional accountants. Financial information has to be accurate owing to the fact that investors and creditors make decisions to grant loans by looking at the financial information. Reliability and accurateness of financial reports, which forms the basis of ethics of accounting and reporting, are important. Financial reports should depict true and fair view of the scenario and proceedings of the business. Certain code of ethics is to be followed by auditors for both internal and external auditors. Such ethics is to be followed during the process of audit. People intending to pursue the field of accountancy should be able to apply ethics, code of manner and integrity. Accountants are respected, and they are expected to prepare financial reports in accordance with the set rules and procedure defined by accounting bodies. Managers have a key role towards the development of the business. They keep an eye on financial information that helps them to make conclusive decisions. Investors are interested to know the dividends, which are, of course, the appropriation and distribution of profits. Shareholders are entitled to dividends, which are mostly declared annually. Creditors look at the financial position of the entity before granting loan. This is to satisfy themselves if the entity would be able to repay the loan or not. This is done by considering the entity’s position in the short run by means of estimation. Analysts, on the other hand, use financial data to make crucial financial decisions. Employees also check the financial information of the company, so that they can have a peace of mind in connection to their job, as profitable company or business can make the career grow. Tax departments need to have access to accurate financial information so that they can tax the company or business acc ordingly. Financial information caters the requirements of all parties that have an interest in the business. These facts are meant for you to make use of them: they will assist you in your writing and the analytical essay won’t seem so complicated anymore. For more information you may also have a look at 20 topics on cost and management accounting reporting systems and our writing guide on analytical essays. References: Atrill, Peter, E. J McLaney, and Peter Atrill.  Management Accounting For Decision Makers. New York: Prentice Hall/Financial Times, 2005. Print. Atrill, Peter.  Financial Management For Decision Makers. Harlow, England: FT Prentice Hall, 2006. Print. Banker, Rajiv D., and Dmitri Byzalov. Asymmetric Cost Behavior.  Journal of Management Accounting Research  26.2 (2014): 43-79. Web. Datar, S. M., Rajan, M. V., Horngren, C. T. (2013).  Managerial Accounting: Decision Making and Motivating Performance. Pearson Higher Ed. Davila, Antonio (Tony), and Marc Wouters. Designing Cost†Competitive Technology Products Through Cost Management.  Accounting Horizons  18.1 (2004): 13-26. Web. Drury, Colin.  Management And Cost Accounting. London: Chapman Hall, 1992. Print. Horngren, Charles T.  Cost Accounting. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1982. Print. Horngren, Charles T.  Management And Cost Accounting. London: Prentice Hall Europe, 1999. Print.

High GPA but Low ACT Score What Do You Do

High GPA but Low ACT Score What Do You Do SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You do great in school, but you just can’t get that score you want on the ACT. If you're a great student but not as great a standardized test taker, don't worry: you aren't alone. In this post,I'll let you know what ACT scores qualify as low, what message those scores send to admissions officers, andwhat you can do to improve your chances of getting into a good school. What Is a Low ACT Score? Before we even discusswhat to do with a high GPA and low ACT score, are you certain your ACT score is low? You should not simply compare your ACT scores to your friend's score or classmates' scores. The ACT score you want should depend on which university you hope to attend.If your ACT score is already in the ACT score range for your target school, then your ACT score is not low. Search for â€Å"[College Name] ACT† to find out the 25th/75th percentile foryour target schools. The 25th percentile score means that 25% of the students attending have a score at or below that number (this is below the average for admitted students). The 75th percentile means that 75% of students have a score at or below that number (this is above average for admitted students). The 25th/75th percentile reveals the scores of the middle 50% of applicants admitted to the college. If you score at the 75th percentile for a college and have a high GPA, you have an excellent chance of being accepted. However, if you're at the 25th percentile, you will need to have a strong application to increase your chances of being accepted. As an example, NYU has a 25th/75th for the ACT of 28 to 32, and Harvard has a 25th/75th of 32 to 35. You may think, why won’t I be accepted to Harvard with a 32 when 25% of Harvard freshman scored below that? In actuality, the 25% below a 32 were most likely admitted because they are a unique applicant such as an athlete (or a student with some other special talent such as being a world-class flute player), a legacy, or thechild of a significant donor. "Hi, I'd like to donate a building or three?" In writing this article, I am assuming you are a â€Å"normal applicant†(not one of the types listed above).To have the best shot of getting in, you want to get a high ACT score to go along with you high GPA, and a high ACT score is one that is at or above the 75th percentile for the colleges you hope to attend. If your score is below the 25th percentile for the school you hope to attend, you may still have a chance of getting in. Do you know that some colleges â€Å"superscore† the ACT? This means they will combine your highest individual section scores from each ACT and recombine it into a new superscored composite ACT score. For example, if you took the ACT 3 times and your best English score was on your 1st test date (33), your best Math score was on your 2nd test date (31), and your best Critical Reading and Science scores were from your 3rd test date (36, 36), you can combine those 4 best section scores into a brand new composite score (34). Your superscored composite ACT score may end putting you in the 25th/75th percentile range for your target college!For further explanation of superscore and for a list of the college that superscore the ACT, see our other article: Colleges that Superscore ACT: Complete List If your ACT score does not meet the 25th/75th percentile for your target school even with superscoring, there is good news and bad news: The Good News: Your GPA Matters More Than Your ACT Score Your transcript is the most important part of your college application because it shows that you have worked hard during all four years of high school.I considera high GPA to be between 3.5 and 4.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale for the reasons stated in our other article. However, highly competitive universities such as Harvard and Yale will want you to have an even higher GPA, in the 3.85 to 4.0 range. I am using unweighted GPArather thanweighted GPAsince unweighted GPA is the more commonway to measure academic achievement in high school. While your GPA is important, it is even more important that you took challenging classes in high school and still got a high GPA. If you don’t believe me, here it is from Stanford’s admissions office, â€Å"We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well. The most important credential that enables us to evaluate your academic record is the high school transcript.† An admissions officer will only consider your high GPA impressive if you took the hardest classes (AP or IB) offered at your school.Easy classes and a high GPA will not impress an admissions officer. I will explain this more in-depth below. The Bad News: A Low ACT Score WillHurt You Admissions offices require applicants to take the ACT because they see this test as an equalizer among applicants (click here for further explanation of why students take the ACT). Each applicant had a different high school education. Even students applying from the same high school may have taken different classes or had different instructors. The one thing all applicants have in common is that they took the SAT or ACT.Every student took the â€Å"same† standardized test (or at least, similar enough tests to be compared even though each testing date technically has a different test) While your GPA and transcript are very important, your low ACT score may make an admissions officer question if your grades were â€Å"inflated† (which some teachers do) or ask if you took easy classes. They may think that your low ACT score is a better signifier of how prepared you are for higher education. What Will the Admissions Officer’s FirstImpression of Your High GPA/Low ACT Score Be? To be perfectly frank, an admissions officer will probably, at first, think that your teacher inflated your grades or that you chose to take easy high school classes, and they may wonder if your low ACT score is a more accurate indicator of your academic potential. But don’t worry! Admissions officers will dig deeper. Most admissions officers know the high schools in the US very well. At the majority of colleges, each admissions officer is assigned a state or region, and he or she is responsible for reading all of the applications from students in that area and for visiting the high schools in that area (so, if your high school had a visitor talk about admissions at a specific college - that person will most likely be reading your application for that college). Since the admissions officers visit these high schools and read the applications from students at these high schools, they know the academic reputations of these high schools.The admissions officers will know if your high school is considered very academically rigorous or if your school has a reputation for being easy and inflating grades. When reading your transcript, an admissions officer will be able to tell if you chose to take the easier classes and avoided the AP or IB classes that your school offered (if your school offers AP or IB). If you did take the easier classes, the admissions officer will likely then think your low ACT is a more accurate depiction of your academic potential than your GPA. If you did enroll in very rigorous courses throughout high school (tons of AP or IB classes, if offered at your high school) and you have a high GPA, then the admissions officer will know that and may excuse your low ACT score. Still, your chances of getting in will be higher if you can get a higher ACT score to match your high GPA. What Can You Do to Raise Your Low ACT Score? Raising your score on your low ACT score will give you your best chance of getting into your target school. If you are applying right now and don't have time to retest, skip below for advice on what you can do to boost your chance of admission. If you do have time to retest, I will try to help you diagnose the issue thatcaused the low score onyour last test(s). Did You Practice? If you never practiced for the ACT, that is probably the issue. The ACT is a very fast test. You need to know the ACT test format before taking the ACT so that the format will not slow you down. Learn about ACT scoring, the length of the ACT test, and the ACT test instructions. I would recommend taking a minimum of four full-length, timed practice tests to ensure you have the pacing down.If you need help finding practice tests, check outComplete Official ACT Practice Tests, Free Links. When you sit for multiple practice ACTs, you will start to feel comfortable with the format and will learn how to pace yourself. Note: Do not just take the practice ACTs and forget about them. You should be reviewing the questions you got wrong and learning from thosemistakes. For a guide to how to review your practice tests, check outThe Best Way to Review Your Mistakes for the SAT/ACT. What Was Your Practice Approach? If you practice by yourself, what tests are you using for your practice? You need to practice with official past ACT tests. Because the ACT is very different from other tests, you have to use actual ACTs to get the actual feel of the test. If you need help finding practice material here are Complete Official ACT Practice Tests, Free Links.If you still want more material, check out The 10 Best ACT Books Recommended for ACT Prep. If you are using old ACTs for your solo study, are you checking your wrong answers? This is the key to success on the ACT: you need to determine where you went wrong and learn from it.If you do not, you will not learn anything from the tests and you will continue making the same mistakes. If you want guidance on reviewing your tests, check outThe Best Way to Review Your Mistakes for the SAT/ACT. Do You Have One of the Following Issues? Issue #1: You have not learned the strategies for the ACT or gotten the timing down. To help solve this issue, you should check out the other free guides offered here at PrepScholar. Issue #2: You aren't familiar with the math and English concepts needed to succeed ACT. You do not have the geometry formulas memorized, or you do not know the grammar rules. Not knowing contentis a less common issue but a very important one to address. Take the time to learn this content because masteringit will have a huge impact on your score. Issue #3: If you feel like you know the strategies and content and are still not improving, you may be having trouble focusing. To help solve this issue, you probably need more personalized prep and should consider hiring a tutor or using an online resource such as PrepScholar. If You PreppedWith a Tutor/Class/Online Program and Are Not Seeing Improvements, You May Be Having One of the Following Issues: Issue #1: Your help is not personalized to your needs. It/he/she is not trying to fix your unique weaknesses, but rather is just using the same material for everyone. Try to find a more personalized tutor/class/program. Consider trying our PrepScholar ACT prep program. We do the heavy lifting for you, by splitting up our prep material into specific skills. We'll detect your weaknesses automatically and give you focused lessons and quizzes to improve those skills. Issue #2: The tutor/class/ online program is not working you hard enough (not making you do ACT practice tests or not making you stick to the timing). You should be using a prep person/program that will force you to take timed practice ACTs and stick to a study schedule. You should try PrepScholar’s ACT prep program;our program keeps track of your time spent studying each week, times you during all practice tests, and asks you to commit to a study schedule. Issue #3: You may have test anxiety. As a tutor, I saw this in some students. If you are scoring high in your practice, but on the actual ACT not achieving the same score because you are anxious or can’t keep your pacing and can’t finish. This isn’t a simple issue to fix. While all of the studying (learning the test format and pacing) should help reduce your worry, it may not solve the problem entirely. You should know the ACT is just a test and will not determine your future as shown by these celebrity ACT scores. Also, maybe meditate to try to relax you before the ACT. If You're Applying to College Right Now and CannotRetake the ACT, What Can You Do? You have some options if you need to submit your applications and think you do not have time to retest: Option #1: You can strengthen the rest of your college application. Focus on the positives! You have an awesome transcript, so try to make the rest of your application as awesome. Read our other article for advice on how to build the most versatile college application, including advice on writing your essay, getting letters of recommendation, and more. Option #2: You can check outtest optional schoolsor schools thathave guaranteed admission based on GPA or class rank. Many colleges out there no longer require the SAT or ACT to be considered for admission. Consider applying to some of those schools, at least as backups. Option #3: Check out schools with late deadlines. A lot of schools accept applications later in the year and will give you time to study andretest for the ACT. Some schools take applications as late as September for that fall semester. Consider retesting and applying to some of these schools. What’s Next? Need help raising yourACT score? Check out guides to the ACT Reading, Math, English, and Science sections.Taking the ACT very soon? Read our guide to cramming for the test. Not sure where you want to go to college? Check out our guide to finding your target school.Also, figure out yourtarget ACT score. Thinking about getting a job while in high school? Check out our guide to the 8 best jobs for teensand learn how to find yours! Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by ACT experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today:

Should cell phones be allowed on airplanes Essay - 1

Should cell phones be allowed on airplanes - Essay Example Federal Aviation Administration looked at thousands of flight records and failed to find a single instance in which equipment was affected by a wireless phone. The study was conducted by RTCA Inc., a nonprofit organization that sets industry standards for airplane electronics.†(Airlines ban†¦.) Plane makers Boeing Co. and Airbus Industries have bombarded their aircraft with cell-phone frequencies and discovered no interference with communication, navigation or other systems. One likely reason that no problems were found: cellular phones dont operate on any of the frequencies used by airplane systems. "The airlines are misleading the traveling public," says John Sheehan, who headed the RTCA study and says he has often used his own cell phone in the sky. There is no real connection between cell-phone frequencies and the frequencies of the navigation or communications systems.† (Airlines ban†¦.)These evidences notwithstanding, use of cell phones on private and commercial aircrafts is banned by the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission. The benefit of doubt is given to its potentiality to interfere with ground-to-ground cellular transmission. There are other technical aspects. The electrical charge from the batteries in majority of the handsets is in excess of the standards of the plane makers. In theory, this is a problem. The devise has the potentiality to cause interference with the electrical systems of the airplane. The aspect of economic incentive is not ruled out. The carriers get a part of the revenue earned from the telephones. The charge is about $6 for a one-minute call, and this works out to more than 20 times of the normal cell-phone rates. The in-flight telephones also work on cellular technology. In the meanwhile, the ban is enforced strictly. Neil Whitehouse, a British oil employee, is serving a 12 month’s jail sentence for refusing to switch off his cell phone on a British Airways flight from Spain. Apart from the

Campus (college and university) speech codes and the First Amendment Research Paper

Campus (college and university) speech codes and the First Amendment (topic and - Research Paper Example Because of the growing number of students using online communication and incidents involving students having been disciplined through the use of code of conduct in colleges and universities, it is important that there be an analysis made on the said issue. This paper will focus on public colleges and universities and cite some incidents wherein these institutions have disciplined their students based on a cyberspeech made. A presentation of case laws will then be made as to how the US Supreme Court, federal courts and district courts have ruled on First Amendment challenges on penalizing speeches on the basis of the codes of conduct. An analysis will then be made as to the impact of these rulings and finally will attempt to conclude that there has been minimal guidance on how federal courts have addressed this specific issue (Beckstrom, 2008, p.261). Conduct codes for students are ground rules or guidelines promoted in various institutions â€Å"in an effort to maintain a safe, yet productive, campus environment† (Berenson, 2005, p. 803). The purpose of these conduct codes generally are the following: â€Å"(1) to guide student behavior and (2) to establish procedural mechanisms that safeguard the rights of the students accused of conduct that violates a campus code† (Bach, 2003, p.1). Since public colleges and universities are considered as state entities, they are obliged to follow the US Constitution by providing procedural due process and other rights to its students, (Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975), including the right to free speech provided in the First Amendment of the US Constitution (Beckstrom, 2008, p. 261). However, there have been moves to â€Å"revisit student conduct codes† for the purpose of examining â€Å"whether off-campus conduct by students should be disciplined by the university† (DeJong & Vehige, 2008). This was to address the increasing â€Å"amount of purposeless

BIOGRAPHICAL STUDY Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

BIOGRAPHICAL STUDY - Assignment Example In this process, data from a number of academic sources and bible verses is analyzed in order to determine Jesus’ relationship with his disciples. In particular, the relationship between Jesus and Peter is analyzed to determine its effect on Peter’s life. Ideally, the academic sources and scriptures provide deep insight into the social-religious life of the time, and by extension, how Peter adopted to this life. The paper begins by generally looking at the relationship between Jesus and all his disciples. This information is well written by Foster (2007, pp.1) concerning how makes the disciples feel like they are part of Jesus’ family, although there are times when Jesus refers to God as â€Å"my Father† thus emphasizing a more personal relationship between him and God. Despite showing love to all his disciples, Jesus was particularly fond of Peter as several versus in the bible can reveal. For instance, according to Shepherd (2010, pp. 780) in John 13:33, Jesus insists that the disciples must not go with him but says that later on, Peter will go where Jesus was unable to go. Jesus’ love for Peter is also evident in the Bible, where after Peter identifies Jesus as the son of God and Jesus in return blesses Peter (Matthew 16:17). This blessing is interesting because after all the miracles and good deeds Jesus had performed, any of his disciples would have called him the son of God. However, Jesus chooses to bless Peter instead, saying that such revelation could only come from God. In order to strengthen Peter’s faith in God, Jesus put Peter through several tests. For instance, in John 21 Jesus asks Peter whether he loves Jesus more than he loves all other things (Ramelli 2008, pp. 334). Peter replies in the affirmative but later on in the same evening, Peter denies Jesus three times, denying that he is a disciple of Jesus. In another instance, in Matthew 14: 22-33, Jesus comes to the

Faculty of Business Environment and Society 2 Essay

Faculty of Business Environment and Society 2 - Essay Example based on the principle that managing employees in a multinational environment increases complexities for the managers unless there is a uniform set of policies to govern the diversified workforce. In this regard, Du Plessis and Beaver (2008) mentioned that companies operating in multiple markets across the world should not engage in changing the pay and work conditions of the employees as it may create discrepancies among the employees of various sector. This statement will be analysed in the following sections of the essay in reference to the changes and the challenges in managing the human resource departments of the multinational organisations. Buckley and Monks (2004) noted that previously reward and compensations structures of a company were formed depending on the financial stability and the profit earning ability of companies with short-term focus. However, now as firms are trying to formulate strategies for developing long-term benefits and employee needs and expectations perform an important role in this system. According to the studies of Greer (2010), the role of the human resource management processes is to ensure that an organisation has the necessary resources for achieving their organisational objectives. The primary considerations behind the HRM strategies should be to focus on the requirements of the organisation and align the interests of the employees with the organisational needs. Kozami (2008) stated that in the contemporary scenario, the business processes of the firms include the aspect of sustainable business practices along with improved productivity and performance from the workforce of the firms. He nce, in order to motivate and encourage the employee, compensation and rewards structures are used as a primary method. Considering the approach of work structure of the multinational firms, cultural diversity is an integral part of their work force which also enhances the need for the managers for designing the HRM framework based on the

Description of the Business Report Parts Assignment

Description of the Business Report Parts - Assignment Example This entails the problem that is going to be solved, how the problem will be solved, what exactly will be provided in solving the problem, whether the project can deliver the stipulated promises, the benefits of the project when it will be completed and the cost to be involved in the entire work. The sections that need to be included in a proposal for a student report include the problem identified in the problem, the feasibility, the audience the project targets, topics the project investigates, the method to be utilized, the resources and facilities available, the work schedule of the project and the action plan of the project proposal. Progress reports should essentially tell what you’ve done, why it’s important, and what the next steps are i.e. the chronology, task, and recommendation. They can also be used to enhance your image, float trial balloons and minimize potential problems. Make your progress report as positive as you honestly can. Using capitalization when searching for web pages is a major issue. It is always important to uncapitalize words when searching for information, use quotations marks for exact terms and use root words in finding variations of information. A survey is a study that is conducted on a large group of people referred to as subjects or respondents. A questionnaire is a list of questions that people fill and an interview is a structured conversation with someone who will be able to provide useful information for a study. In a random sample, each person in the population of the study theoretically has an equal chance of being chosen to take part in the study. Inconvenience sample only a group of respondents are targeted and will be easy to get. Judgmental sample entails a group of people whose views seem useful. The mean is the average figure you get when you add up all the numbers and then divide by the number of numbers. The median is the middle value in the list of numbers and

The OJ Simpson Trial Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The OJ Simpson Trial - Research Paper Example Simpson was a retired football player and a resident of California. Simpson is one of the black Americans who surpassed racism and proved success together with Oprah, Wesley, and Spike during the 90’s. Nicole and Ronald who were the victims of double murder were both belong to the white race while Simpson who was the main suspect belongs to the black race. Some of the questions raised in the minds of the Americans and the rest of the people in the world is whether he would be found guilty or not, is he responsible of the crime, is there a manipulation on the part of the cops who has the access on the crime scene, and the last but not least is whether he’s status of being a celebrity would affect the verdict? On the other hand, the verdict about Simpson seem to ignite issues whether Simpson was judge based on evidence, popularity, and race for those who believe that he was guilty and for those who believe that he is not. The DNA evidence against Simpson was weak accordin g to those who stick beside him and was just a product of the discrepancy that the LAPD sponsored because of racism. Who is O.J. Simpson Orenthal James Simpsom was born on July 9, 1947 in San Francisco California. He is a member of the American Black with straight hair. He is an actor and a football player and one of the most important personalities that the America has. Simpson was the son of Jimmie Lee Simpson and Eunice Durden. His first wife was Marguerite Whitly whom he had the son Jason and daughter Arnelle and Aaren. He had a second wife, Nicole Brown Simpson who was murdered. They had a son Justin and a daughter named Paula. Investigation of the incident On June 12, 1994, at Nicole Brown Simpson’s condominium, her neck was slashed and a friend who accidentally dropped by was stabbed around thirty times. It was said that the suspects, male, used the back entrance of the said condominium along with the popular Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The body of the two victims w ere discovered by the neighbour who led to the investigation of the Brown-Simpson and Goldman investigation. Police informed Simpson about the death of his ex-wife and gave no reaction about the details of the death and later claims that he reacted through smashing a glass that made his left hand cut. The investigations about the incidents focused on Simpson, equating the wound on his left hand to the incidents. The series of interviews and investigations done by the officers were incompetent claim by the police. Eventually, after the police accumulated enough evidence that would indicate Simpson’s guilt in the murders, he was issued a warrant of arrest. Simpson Promised to submit himself at the police station but instead, he disappears until he had been hunted down. The prosecution filed the case in the Downtown district and not in the town where the crimes happened. However, the filing of the case is considered a mistake because the case should be filed in the district wher e the crime happened. It was said that one of the reasons why the litigation of the case was continued at the downtown was through the believed that the case against Simpson was strong and the jury of the downtown would have no choice but to convict Simpson. During Simpson arraignment on July 22, 1994, Simpson answered the question â€Å"How do you plead†, and his answer was â€Å"

Description of the Business Report Parts Assignment

Description of the Business Report Parts - Assignment Example This entails the problem that is going to be solved, how the problem will be solved, what exactly will be provided in solving the problem, whether the project can deliver the stipulated promises, the benefits of the project when it will be completed and the cost to be involved in the entire work. The sections that need to be included in a proposal for a student report include the problem identified in the problem, the feasibility, the audience the project targets, topics the project investigates, the method to be utilized, the resources and facilities available, the work schedule of the project and the action plan of the project proposal. Progress reports should essentially tell what you’ve done, why it’s important, and what the next steps are i.e. the chronology, task, and recommendation. They can also be used to enhance your image, float trial balloons and minimize potential problems. Make your progress report as positive as you honestly can. Using capitalization when searching for web pages is a major issue. It is always important to uncapitalize words when searching for information, use quotations marks for exact terms and use root words in finding variations of information. A survey is a study that is conducted on a large group of people referred to as subjects or respondents. A questionnaire is a list of questions that people fill and an interview is a structured conversation with someone who will be able to provide useful information for a study. In a random sample, each person in the population of the study theoretically has an equal chance of being chosen to take part in the study. Inconvenience sample only a group of respondents are targeted and will be easy to get. Judgmental sample entails a group of people whose views seem useful. The mean is the average figure you get when you add up all the numbers and then divide by the number of numbers. The median is the middle value in the list of numbers and

Criminal Justice Bill of 2003 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Criminal Justice Bill of 2003 - Essay Example The proposal says that there are fundamental problems, first in the investigation process and then in subsequent trial. The seriousness of the alleged office and the mentality that leads to such offence should be fathomed by jury because a careless acquittal or a ready acceptance of non-existing innocence could spell abortive justice though it is difficult to achieve unanimity in this matter . As it is establishment of fraud is a highly time consuming procedure warranting diverse evidence and corroborative facts. If judge has to educate jury on all of them it is naturally further waste of Court time. All investigation cannot claim transparency and it is neither easy nor compulsory to have it. Commercial investigation might involve even distant parties and inside knowledge of such parties’ financial dealings might encourage jurors to use it later for their own advantage. There might be juries who had fallen prey to fraudulent financial issues and might have developed bias towar ds fraudulency and such jurors will be prejudiced while dealing with the case . If it is necessary to choose sides, perhaps it is better to have trials without the jury. First of all, it is the right of the Court to decide on the trial and not that of the defendant, as told by Lord Justice Auld . He also recommended for creation of an ‘intermediate’ Court with a bench consisting of a District Judge and two Magistrates and Government rejected this idea, but the Minister agreed that such arrangement could be considered in certain cases . Clause 36 will allow the defendant to opt out of jury trial by making an application and the judge will examine the feasibility. If there is a co-defendant, his views are of paramount importance . There are mixed reactions to this issue and the Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association were rather uncomfortable and opined: â€Å"Rather than trying a cross section of cases and defendants, judges are likely under these proposals to have a diet of unpopular sexual allegations; unattractive middle or upper class fraudsters; and cases where the defence lawyers hope for a technical victory, either in the court of trial, or on appeal following defects in the reasoned judgment" . Roger Smith, Director of Justice said: â€Å"the jury is often presented as something which is to defend the defendant's interest; it is actually wider than that. The jury protects the public's interest in the system. That is not just the defendant; it is a protection for the professional judiciary in the system because they take the decision on guilt or innocence" (Ibid). The Select Committee on Home Affairs supported the view expressed by Lord Judge Auld.

Miranda Lambert Essay Example for Free

Miranda Lambert Essay Although most will probably say someone close to them is inspiring, like their mother, grandmother, sister. In my opinion, they are your family, and you will always love and be inspired by them. Therefore I decided to write this on how a singer is inspiring to me. Her name is Miranda Lambert. Almost none of my friends have even heard of her. I guess because maybe she’s a country singer and they don’t really like country music? Who knows, but she is quite an amazing person. She grew up in a small town in Texas. â€Å"Not having money toughened me up a bit, but Ill always be grateful. Texas people are really strong in their roots. I started writing and playing guitar at 17. Ive always loved music, and my dad is a singer-songwriter. † Miranda once said. She was influenced personally by her father to take an interest in music. Her music is wonderful, and she has a beautiful voice. She writes almost all of her own songs, and they are full of meaning. For example a hit song of hers, ‘Gunpowder and Lead’, is about women and how they should not take any shit from any one, let alone a man who hits them. I’m even sitting here writing this, listening to her music. I mean not all of her songs have such a deep meaning, but they all are certainly songs you can just sit back, and rock out too. I’m in love with it, and such a huge fan. In my eyes, Miranda is unlike any star. She isn’t a skinny, overrated, prissy little bitch who is only popular for one song, or how pretty they are. Miranda isn’t even that main-stream, but still does what she loves. When she was a teen, she was on a show kind of like American Idol that got her career started. She went to Nashville, and came back to Texas almost immediately because she hated the â€Å"pop† sound of music, and wanted to stay original, and straight up country. She’s a country-rock girl, with meat on her bones, a strong head on her shoulders, and doesn’t take shit from anyone, and will speak up if she has too. I mean, I don’t know the woman personally, but she sure comes off as this way, and it rocks! Oh and who wouldn’t be inspired by her! She is only engaged in my opinon, to the best man in country music, Blake Shelton! Ha Ha. Well, anyways, I saw her in concert a few months ago, and it was outstanding. I was so close, and as crazy as it seems, I think she made eye contact with me at one point! I sound so cheesy, but she is a real role model for me. She is so successful in life, and just acts herself at all times. â€Å"There are a million blonde chicks who can sing. Ive always wanted to be different. This quote, straight from Miranda’s mouth, has inspired me a lot. I know I cannot sing what so ever, and I’m not blonde, but I want to be different, and for the most part I am. I am my own person, and I hope I can continue to be true to myself, and not let anyone tell me otherwise. I’m not here to please anyone, or do what they want, I’m here to please myself, and do what I like, and what makes me happy. And Miranda is a great example of this. This is why Country Singer, Miranda Lambert inspires me.

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system This literature review will begins with definitions and the purpose of (AIS) and discussion of the studies of general IT adoption and then reviews studies specifically focused on accounting software adoption. Then it will discuss the Uses,development and the step of AIS. The end of this literature review will discuss the effectiveness of accounting information system. Definition of computer accounting information system (AIS): The computer accounting information system (AIS) was invented by professor Karen Osterheld, It was used as a system of records for business keeps to maintain its accounting system. This includes the purchase, sales, and other financial processes of the business. [1]The purpose of AIS is to accumulate data and provide decision makers (investors, creditors, and managers) with information to make decision, while this was previously a paper-based process, most modern businesses now use accounting software such as UBS, MYOB etc. [1] IT Adoption Factors for computerized accounting: [2] Several studies (Thong 1999; Harrison, Mykytyn and Riemenschneider 1997; Cragg and King 1993; Moore and Benbasat 1991; Treadgold 1990) of IT adoption have identified a variety of motivating factors. Thong (1999) attempted to consolidate the myriad of IT adoption research by developing an integrated model of information systems adoption. This model is a useful framework in reviewing the variables that impact on business owners decision to adopt IT. Thong categorized the variables into four elements: 1. characteristics of the organizational decision makers: 2. characteristics of the technological innovation; 3. characteristics of the organization; and 4. characteristics of the environment in which the organization operates. According to the literature all of the above characteristics influence, to varying degrees, the owner- managers decision to implement IT. Characteristics of the Organizational Decision Makers In large businesses teams are typically involved in the IT decision-making process. This is in contrast to small business where the owner-manager is usually the IT decision maker (Thong 1999). In small business, therefore, the characteristics of the owner-manager are critical in determining the organisations attitude to IT (Rizzoni 1991). The particular owner-manager characteristics important to IT adoption are: innovativeness, computer self-efficacy, level of IT knowledge, education, and IT training experience (Thong 1999). Compeau and Higgins (1995) defined computer self-efficacy as a judgement of ones capability to use a computer. Small businesses that have CEOs (typically the owner) that have undertaken computer training and possess computer self-efficacy are more likely to implement IT (Delone 1988, Raymond 1988). Conversely, owner-managers can inhibit any worthwhile IT achievements through hostility or detachment toward IT (Thatcher and Perrewe 2002). Characteristics of the Technological Innovation The characteristics of the technological innovation itself are also an important determinant in the decision to adopt IT. Applying Rogers (1983) theory to the adoption of accounting software as the innovation, the software must be perceived better than the predecessor system (most likely a manual accounting system); must be consistent with the needs of the adopter, such as capable of handling GST; must be easy to learn and use; the results must be apparent; and the accounting software should be available on a trial basis. Over the past decade, the advent of powerful, low cost micro-computers coupled with user-friendly accounting software, have improved and lifted the barriers to IT innovation adoption. This has led to an increase in the adoption of IT by small business (Thong 1999). Characteristics of the Organization The characteristics of the organization are other variables that influences the decision whether to adopt IT. Organizational characteristics such as: business size, employees level of IT knowledge, industry sector, business location, and information-intensity has been analysed in previous research studies (See for examples: Fink 1999; Burgess 1998; Wenzler 1996; Attewell 1992; Yap 1990; and Delone 1988). Generally, the larger the number of employees, the greater the sales turnover, the more information-intensive the industry the more likely a small business will adopt IT innovation. Moreover, businesses tend to suffer resource poverty (Thong 1999) in terms of financial capacity, available time and IT skilled staff to facilitate innovation adoption. Characteristics of the Environment The characteristics of the environment in which the organisation operates relates to variables such as competition and external agents. For example, Link and Bozeman (2001) established that competition leads to innovative technology adoption. Treadgolds (1990) study indicated that small businesses with high IT adoption rates had been influenced by external agents such as: trade associations, wholesalers, voluntary groups and franchisors. Wenzler (1996) found that small business customers were a significant reason for implementing IT, more so than the influence of competitors. This paper extended the external agent influence to the role of accountants in the decision to adopt accounting software. Many small businesses are impeded by resource poverty, consequently the owner-manager does not have the available time or funds to source, analyze, review and implement software applications. Public Practice Accountants are in a unique position to provide systems analysis, design, implementation and support advice to their clients, thereby spreading the cost of acquiring this expertise among multiple customers. The accountant, therefore, could generally provide this service more efficiently and effectively, than if the small business owner performed the function himself or herself. Furthermore, at the time of this study, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was an external influence on small business owner-managers decisions to adopt a CAS (see for example Lief 2000). Motivating factors for the adoption of Accounting software [2] The advent of powerful, low cost microcomputers, together with user-friendly accounting software, has allowed a greater number of business to implement IT in recent years (Raymond and Bergeron 1992). The need to facilitate financial management is another motivating factor for adopting accounting software (McMahon and Holmes 1991; Gorton 1999). Moreover, some researchers have identified a link between the use of CAS and enhanced business performance (see Gorton 1999; Smith 1999; and Reid and Smith 2002). An alternative view is that a growing SME faces increased financial challenges and consequently there is a greater need for careful attention to financial management and financial reporting (McMahon 2001). The major benefits of implementing a CAS are to increase business efficiency and to facilitate timely information (Burgess 1997). The impediments to implementing a CAS are lack of time (Proudlock et al. 1999), owner-managers view that the CAS is costly (Head 2000), perception that the technology is not suited to the nature of the business (ABS 2000), and lack of IT expertise (ABS 2000; Burgess 1997). Accounting information systems Technology: [3] Input The input devices that needed win Accounting information systems include: standard personal computers or workstations running applications; scanning devices for standardized data entry; electronic communication devices for electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-commerce. Process Basic processing is achieved through computer systems in the personal computers to large-scale enterprise servers. However, processing model is still the double-entry accounting system . Output Output devices used include computer displays, impact and nonimpact printers, electronic communication devices for EDI and e-commerce. The output can be financial reports from budgets and tax reports to multinational financial statements. Uses of AIS [3] AISs cover all business functions from backbone accounting transaction processing systems to sophisticated financial management planning and processing systems. Financial reporting starts by capture important business transactions such as normal production, purchasing, and selling activities then these transactions are classified and summarized for internal decision making and for external financial reporting. Cost accounting systems are used in manufacturing and service company. This accounting system will help these organizations to track (measure) the costs for the production of goods and/or performance of services. In addition,it can provide advanced analyses tracking the cost of product or service. Management accounting systems are used for planning, monitoring, and control for a variety of activities . This allows managerial-level employees to have access to advanced reporting and statistical analysis. The systems can be used to gather information, to develop various scenarios, and to choose an optimal answer among alternative scenarios Development [3] The development of AIS includes five basic phases the time period associated with each of these phases can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. This five phases include: Phase 1 planning : In this phase the entails determination of the scope and objectives of the project, the definition of project responsibilities, control requirements, project phases, project budgets, and project deliverables. Phase 2 analysis :This phase is used to both determine and document the accounting and business processes used by the organization. It include three type of analysis which are: Data analysis is a thorough review of the accounting information that is currently being collected by an organization. Current data are then compared to the data that the organization should be using for managerial purposes. Decision analysis is a thorough review of the decisions a manager is responsible for making. Then models are created to support the manager in gathering financial and related information to develop and design alternatives, and to make actionable choices. Process analysis is a thorough review of the organizations business processes. These processes can then be modified or reengineered to improve the organizations operations in terms of lowering cost, improving service, improving quality, or improving management information. Phase 3: design: The design phase takes the conceptual results of the analysis phase then develops and involves the detailed design of all inputs, processing, storage, and outputs of the proposed accounting system. Inputs may be defined using screen layout tools and application generators. Processing can be shown through the use of flowcharts or business process maps that define the system logic, operations, and work flow. Logical data storage designs are identified by modeling the relationships among the organizations resources, events, and agents through diagrams. Output designs are documented through the use of a variety of reporting tools such as report writers, data extraction tools, query tools, and on-line analytical processing tools. Phase 4 Implementation:The implementation phase consists of two primary parts: construction and delivery. Construction includes the selection of hardware, software and vendors for the implementation;building and testing the network communication systems; building and testing the databases; writing and testing the new program modifications; and installing and testing the total system from a technical standpoint. Delivery is the process of conducting final system and user acceptance testing; preparing the conversion plan; installing the production database; training the users; and converting all operations to the new system. Phase 5 support: This phase has two objectives. The first is to update and maintain the AIS. This includes fixing problems and updating the system for business and environmental changes. For example, changes in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or tax laws might necessitate changes to conversion or reference tables used for financial reporting. The second objective of support is to continue development by continuously improving the business through adjustments to the AIS caused by business and environmental changes. These changes might result in future problems, new opportunities, or management or governmental directives requiring additional system modifications. The Accounting information systems is very useful for companies and businesses in order to make the accounting process easier by spacial computer program or other system . Accounting software, make it easier to accumulate financial data for use in taxes, payroll, and other bookkeeping requirements. The step of the accounting system: [4] Step1: Recording ( recording expenses and profits that are very important to keep on file). Step2: Information processed for use (when processed, it is filed in the areas where it is most important). Sep3: Communication phase (common communications of this data will be used for payroll and tax purposes). In the first step all the data recorded in the accounting system in daily basis or minute by minute as sales, profits, expenses, and many other items will be used for future use in financial reports. Much of this data has to be kept on file for a number of years for example tax purpose. The next step that is taken is processing. In this stage most accounting software or programs, have different files and categories where records can be stored this filing or storage can be done manually by the individual or group of people who work on it and can also be set to do this automatically as information is entered into the system. Certain criteria can be set up in the program to allow the program to place files and data in the places or areas where it is supposed to go. The final step is the process of communicating the data in the area in which it should be communicated. First, and most importantly, tax records that are recorded and processed can be communicated at the time that filing taxes is done. Most corporations communicate there financial information on quarterly basis, other companies especially smaller businesses on an annual basis. In large corporations, like major retailers, there are often several smaller stores or branches of the company that must share information through accounting software or systems This information can help the company forecast sales, profits, loss, and a variety of other things. Many corporations share this information on a daily, weekly, or quarterly basis. The process of communication is probably the most important stage of accounting information systems because this is the point where results are known and records will be put to use. Most of the businesses and corporations now use the accounting system and become big part of them. Using resources available through accounting information systems allows major corporations and small businesses to record transactions and other financial information for use in the future. Moreover that the use of the accounting system by this company can make: the process much smoother, save money for the business, and save a great deal of time. easy to file and send documents to the IRS or other interested individuals. no need to take paperwork or other materials to an accountant for tax and payroll purposes. Taking advantage of this type of system can provide many great benefits to a large or small business. Accounting is a very important part of running and maintaining a business and the success of a company will often heavily rely on the practices and procedures that are used in the bookkeeping efforts of the company. The effectiveness of the computerized accounting [5] (Markus- 1983) shown that successful implementation of accounting systems requires a fit between three factors [17]. A fit must be achieved with dominant view in the organization or perception of the situation. Second, the accounting system must fit when problems are normally solved, i.e. the technology of the organization. Finally, the accounting system must fit with the culture, i.e. Systems will be useful when information provided by them is used effectively in decision-making process by users. (Otley-1980)[20] argues that Accounting Systems are important parts of the fabric of organizational life and need to be evaluated in their wider managerial, organizational and environmental context. Therefore, the effectiveness of accounting information systems not only depends on the purposes of such systems but also depends on contingency factors of each organization. (Ives-1983)Accounting information systems are said to be effective when the information provided by them serves widely the requirements of the system users. Effective systems should systematically provide information which has potential effects on decision-making process [12]. Accounting information usually is categorized under two groups: information that influences decision-making and mainly used for the purpose controlling the organization and information that facilitates decision (Huber-1990) [11] argues that, integration of accounting information systems leads to coordination in organization which, in turn, increases the quality of the decisions. (Cameron-1986 / Delone-1992) show that the effectiveness of accounting information systems depend upon the quality of the output of the information system that can satisfy the users needs [3,8]. Generally, accounting information systems; 1) provide financial reports on a daily and weekly basis and; 2) provide useful information for monitoring decision-making process and performance of the organization. (Simon-1987) [22] in his study used the first part of the above statement as measure of control for management and the second part for evaluating the effectiveness of the accounting information systems via continuous monitoring. Accounting information system is a computer-based system that (Nicoloau-2000) [19] defines as a system that increases the control and enhances the corporation inside the organization. Management is engaged with different types of activities which require good quality and reliable information. They also need non-financial information such as production statistics, quality of production and so on. However,( Essex and Magal -1998 ) said that quality of information generated from AIS is very important for management [10]. (Kim-1989) [13] argues that usage of AIS depends on the perception of the quality of information by the users. Generally the quality of information depends on reliability, form of reporting, timeliness and relevance to the decisions. (Doll and Torkzadeh-1988) [9] for studying the satisfaction of users use some concepts to measure the effectiveness of the accounting information systems. These concepts are information content, accuracy, format, ease of use and timeliness.

culture and conflict :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The culture of conflict is just as important as the conflict itself. The reasons for conflict and the inner agony of pride are all do to culture. The epic poem of Gilgamesh, and The Odyssey, the story of Genesis have many forms of many conflicts. Cultural conflicts have many different forms, but pride is usually at the root of all of them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book of Gilgamesh has many conflicts, and battles. Gilgamesh was a flashy warrior and leader that resolved everything with primitive actions. He was a conflict all his own because the towns people didn’t like his leadership. His acts of womanizing and mistreating the towns people is what caused this hatred towards him. They all wished for an equal to come. Enkido was a forest man that was an equal to Gilgamesh. He came, and at first wasn’t an equal to Gilgamesh, but a rival. Gilgamesh and Enkido battled through the streets of the town. These actions were pride based and human nature must have had an impact. In anything once a leader is challenged he will do anything to keep his leadership and step up to the occasion. In this case, Gilgamesh the leader was challenged. â€Å"Enkido stood, guardian on the threshold of the martial chamber, To block the way of the king, The aura and power of the wild ox, Gilgamesh, Who was coming to the chamber and take his bride.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stormy heart struggled with stormy heart, As Gilgamesh met Enkido in his rage, At the marital threshold they wrestled, bulls contending: The doorposts shook and shattered; the wrestling staggered.† (Gilgamesh_14,15)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Once the battle ended, Gilgamesh knew that they were equal. Being the leader that he was, he decided not to be rivals, but be friends. They decide to travel to the forest of Cedars, where they set to challenge the org Huwawa. Enkido doesn’t want to proceed with this thought but Gigamesh wants to continue. They show up and battle the superhuman guardian, kill him, cut down the forest, cut off Huwana's head as a trophy, build a raft, and head back to Uruk.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The really only cultural experience in this battle isn’t just the battle itself, but after the battle when they cut off Huwawa's head and made it into a trophy. Making his head into a trophy exemplifies their in their great victory. It demonstrates was gained and shows that they had something to remember it by.

Origins of World War 1

September 5, 2011 Origins of World War 1: Compare and Contrast During the twentieth century Europe seemed to enjoy a period of peace and progress. But below the surface several forces were at the work and would lead Europe into the Great War. World War 1 was the mayor conflict that made its appearance in the beginning of the twentieth century. As we read in â€Å"The origins of the first World War† by Ruth Heing and in â€Å"The Iron Dice: World War 1† by John G. Stoessinger, World War 1 began in 1914 it had many countries involved but not all of them entered at the same time. At the beginning of this war there were two sides to choose from. The triple entente that was unified by Great Britain, France and Russia; Later called the Allied Powers and also they included Italy. The other Alliance was the Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungry, and Italy; later on called the Central Powers whom instead of Italy who had join the Allied Powers, Turkey join this alliance. Although both chapters attempt to explain the origins of World War 1 they differ in various aspects. In the Reading â€Å"The origins of the first World War† by Ruth Henig, it is stated that cause of the war was the system. The system that was managed before the war was conformed by MAIN; which stands for, Militarism: Every country in Europe except for Great Britain had conscription, which means that every men over 18 years old should register for the army; The conscription plan resulted because as the time was going by all of the countries in Europe had a great growth in their military power; Also they were working on arms race, which means that they were developing new arms, the country that was the most benefit was Germany. MAIN also stands for Alliances: Alliances were a key concept because the alliances began the conflict in Sarajevo, if it weren’t because they had a close relationship with Germany this conflict would have been local, therefore Russia and Germany and later on France and Great Britain would had not participate. There would not have been a world war. The third letter in MAIN stands for Imperialism early twentieth century saw a great deal of colonization of Asia and Africa by European powers, each trying to colonize this lands. These colonies funded a great part of the ruling countries’ economies and expansion became necessary and desirable to advance the glory and the wealth of each European power. The last concept N stands for Nationalism, which means the identity that the government or the rulers created towards their population so they were proud of their country and wanted to fight for them. Through out the reading of â€Å"The Iron Dice: World War 1† by John G. Stoessinger, we are able to appreciate that it perfectly explains that the causes of world war 1 were attributed to the people in control. It perfectly examples that the lack of self-confidence in the leaders, the wrong perception on their adversary and specially the lack of empathy that was based on personal decisions, not based on facts but fears were the causes of the war. The reading is perfectly stating it in the following quote: â€Å"The Kaiser was indeed to blame. His flaw was both moral and political, for his form of loyalty demanded sacrifice beyond himself. It offered up the German nation, and it emboldened the senile monarchy of Austria-Hungary o take a desperate gamble†¦. What is closer to the truth is that he permitted other to rattle and ultimately use the saber for him†(p. 4-5). The lack of self-confidence is stated in the last sentence, he preferred that other people made decisions; it also states that he offered up the German nation because Archduke Franz-Ferdinand was a close friend. Between these two chapters we can distinguish that both chapters state that the fault of the origins of war was of Germany. In the second reading we can see this in the following quote: â€Å"succumbed to a power he had not reckoned with: the power of Fate; had not been for that, the war would never have started† (p. 4); and it is also clearly shown on the first reading when it is stated that if it weren’t for Germany who intervene in the conflict of Sarajevo, therefore there wouldn’t exist a war. There are not many similarities between these two texts, but different perspectives of presenting the information. In these two chapters it is clearly marked that the contrast between each other relies on the justification they give to the origins of war; the points of view stated in each chapter are related to different points of view. In the first reading â€Å"The origins of the first World War† by Ruth Henig it is clearly marked that the problem was the system failure. And as it is stated in the second reading â€Å"The Iron Dice: World War 1† by John G. Stoessinger, â€Å"Mortals made these decisions. They made them in fear and in trembling, but they made them nonetheless. We can infer that in this reading the ones to blame are the ones that were in control of the country: the leaders. Another difference between these two chapters is how the information is managed in the first reading the type of writing is strictly informative and in the second lecture it is more like a critique as we can see in the quotes that are stated in paragraphs before. In the second reading it is show n the relationship between leaders in a level where they interacted and send telegrams to each other; which it is not shown in the first reading. In conclusion I find more interesting the contrast between these two readings because that is the whole point of history; Specially in the causes (origins) of war can and must be shown from different perspectives. The reading I found more accurate through the reading is â€Å"The Iron Dice: World War 1† by John G. Stoessinger, because in my opinion the ones who have control of the system are the â€Å"mortals†, therefore they had in their hands the power to debilitate the system and stop the war from happening. Even if the system (MAIN) went out of control the ones how had the decisions to stop it in there hands where the leaders.

Malcom X “My First Conk” Essay

Through the years African Americans have been growing their roots in the United States. It wasn’t too long ago that they weren’t accepted as a part of society. Since then the gap between them and the Caucasian community has begun to close. As both populations blend together we start to think of them as one nation with more similarities than differences. What happens when one society bleeds out its culture more than the other? African Americans have increasingly opted to ditch their natural selves and instead take on the task of manipulating themselves in order to appeal to the white man’s idea of beauty. Rather than revolt against the insults thrown at blacks they seem to have adopted them as true. Why is it that instead of defending their natural kinks they cover them up with wigs or chemically alter them? Although some beauty practices are commonplace throughout most African American communities engaging in these activities is the equivalent of validating the notion that blacks aren’t good enough. Malcom X illustrates for us in his piece titled â€Å"My first Conk† how his first conking went. For those unfamiliar with the term conking is a procedure in which black males concoct a gel, using mainly household ingredients, then apply it to the hair in order to straighten it. The incorporation of lye in the gel is what causes the bearer to feel as though the scalp burns. Malcom was at first a devoted conker but through the years has come to regret his old habit. At first he explains how good the conk made him feel, later in his life he mentions that conking was his first step towards self-degradation. He calls out all those who have or still sport a conk and urges them to stop. He even goes as far as saying it makes blacks look foolish. He also concludes that hair unimportant and it’s a shame that so much time has already been wasted on this. A compelling story I stumbled upon tells the drastic measures some are willing to take in order to shed themselves of the image they have come to associate as inferior. A woman around 35 years old willingly admitted that she bleached not only herself but her children. She wet cloths with store-bought Clorox and placed the on her and the kids’ faces for about a couple of minutes. This woman openly acknowledged that she was ashamed of being black. Alongside with her there were other testimonies who felt the same. They all mentioned how they were looked down upon for being black. They told some of the insults they faced on a day to day for being who they were. They felt the measures they took to appeal to the white community was  necessary. It was necessary if they wanted to feel good, if they wanted to be seen as equals, and if they wanted to stop the mental abuse . When I first came upon these people I was shocked. How could someone be so insensible as to literally bleach their skin? What would compel people to undergo such painful procedures as the one mentioned by Malcom? I was shocked but little did I know I too was just as guilty of caving in to society’s ideals of what I should look like. Just last year, my senior year in high school, I would have a morning ritual. At 5:00 a.m. sharp I would stumble out of bed and turn on the coffee machine. The energy from the coffee was to help me stay awake so I could complete the lengthy task of straighten my hair. 2 long hours it took for me to do only my hair! As is probably imaginable I was often late to school. I was late so many times in fact that I nearly didn’t graduate on stage. How then did I dare judge poor lady who bleached herself when in reality I was no different? I too unnecessarily took it upon myself to change the way I was because the pressure I felt to be just a bit sim ilar to white people. Consciously I did not notice this was what I was getting across, as I presume many black people that do things such as perming or wearing wigs are also unaware, but ultimately we have been brainwashed so much that this behavior is reasonable. Many may argue that we have the right to express ourselves any which way we want. This is true but why then are blacks ridiculed when they defy the expectations and take pride in their true selves. Why must wearing their natural selves take courage? We as a blended society should know better than to judge. Oppressing people has to be a thing of the past. The oppressor is not the only one to blame here. The oppressed are guilty of not fighting back. No change will come until we try to change ourselves. Too many have suffered and continue to suffer. Both mentally and physically these people are abused but to no avail. Society will not let up. Instead of conforming to society, as we have done for so long, we must pave a different path. Comparing ag ainst another race is futile. Blacks will never be the same as whites, they shouldn’t try to be. Each a culture rich in its own way. Teach ourselves and our peers to take pride in our appearance once again. Dig back into a culture once covered up and exhume it. Let it breathe for when it does so will we.