Alternatives to Affirmative Action

Alternatives to Affirmative Action Free Online Research Papers Affirmative Action is one of the most controversial policies ever enacted by the United States government. Under Affirmative Action, women, African Americans, and other minorities are given preferential treatment when they apply for jobs and/or admission to college. In some cases, this has meant that qualified applicants who are white males have been passed over in favor of less qualified minority or female applicants. Those who support Affirmative Action claim that the policy is necessary to overcome centuries of previous discrimination and other disadvantages that minorities and women have faced. Those who oppose the policy point out that that Affirmative Action is just another form of discrimination, except in this case it is discrimination that is deliberately directed against white males. Opponents of Affirmative Action also claim that the policy lowers academic standards and takes away from the accomplishments of truly qualified women and minorities. Affirmative Action programs have significantly improved diversity on America’s college campuses. However, there have been many legal and legislative challenges to preferential treatment based on race (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2002, Executive Summary). Various alternatives to the quotas and preferential treatment of minorities under Affirmative Action have been proposed, including the alternative of ending Affirmative Action altogether. An acceptable alternative would need to provide opportunities for minority students without discriminating against white males. Californias approach to admissions Schools in California are prohibited by state law from using race, religion, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin as criteria for college admission (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2002, Chapter Two Percentage Plans). California has tried several different admission policies for its University system. Under one plan, no less than 50 percent to 75 percent of students would be admitted based solely on their academic achievements. This plan was phased out and replaced with a plan that provided automatic admission for students who graduated in the top 4 percent of their high school class. This plan was replaced in November 2001 with a plan in which students were considered not just for grades and test scores, but also for evidence of such qualities as motivation, leadership, intellectual curiosity, and initiative (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Chapter Two Percentage Plans). Each of these plans shows promise. Percentage plans provide some guarantee that non-minority students will not be discriminated against on the basis of their race. At the same time, these plans also provide a way for minority students who might not otherwise qualify for admission to be considered. The 4 percent plan rewards the best students for their accomplishments without penalizing other students. Although the percentage plans are not perfect, they are more fair than systems that place more emphasis on race than they do on academic achievement. Texas Top Ten Texas guarantees college admission to the top ten percent of students from every graduating class (Watson Levin, 2004). Like the California plan, the Texas Top Ten plan guarantees that no highly qualified students will be passed over on the basis of race. The plan does not, however, guarantee that lower achieving students will have equal access. Unfortunately, the Texas plan has resulted in some problems. The plan makes no distinction between students from higher achieving schools and students from schools that are less rigorous. Some top ten students are arriving at college to find that they are not prepared. Universal Admissions Another possible alternative to Affirmative Action would be to allow all students who want to attend college to do so. Under the current system, a college education is a privilege, not a right. A universal admission policy would change that and would provide all students with the right to a college education, just as all children in the United States are now entitled to a free education in grades Kindergarten through High School. One of the arguments made for Affirmative Action is that minority students can succeed when they are given the chance. Lower admission standards for minorities are designed to compensate for any lack of educational opportunities these students may have had while they were growing up. The theory is that once these students are provided with the same opportunity, they will be able to catch up. A universal admission policy would eliminate all academic and other criteria for college admissions and allow all students, regardless of their past academic performance, to attend college. Under a universal admission policy, the only criteria that would be applied would be whether the student could afford to pay for classes. This may seem unfair to some. However, students who could not afford tuition could qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans just as they do now. One potential problem with a universal admission plan is the lack of space at colleges. If everyone is allowed to attend for at least one year, then it is possible that there would not be enough teachers and other resources to go around. However, this problem could be solved through the use of Community Colleges, distance learning, and other alternatives. Universal admission is the only truly fair way to provide equal opportunity to all students. It eliminates the bias of Affirmative Action and allows students who may have performed poorly in high school to have at least a chance to prove that they can succeed in college. References U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2002). Chapter Two-Percentage Plans Beyond Percentage Plans: The Challenge of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Retrieved on October 12, 2004, from usccr.gov/pubs/percent2/ch2.htm U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2002). Executive Summary. Beyond Percentage Plans: The Challenge of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Retrieved on October 12, 2004, from usccr.gov/pubs/percent2/summ.htm Watson, B. and Levin, M. (2004) The Texas Top Ten Percent Rule: Bad Policy, Good Politics. Austin Review. July 9, 2004. Retrieved on October 12, 2004, from texastop10.princeton.edu/publicity/AustinReview070904.pdf Research Papers on Alternatives to Affirmative ActionStandardized Testing19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesPETSTEL analysis of IndiaCapital PunishmentHip-Hop is ArtPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyOpen Architechture a white paperWhere Wild and West Meet

Far from Empire - German Colonial History and its Memorials

Far from Empire - German Colonial History and its Memorials Europe’s long and sinister colonial history can still be experienced in many places. Forced-upon European heritage, such as languages or the ominous right to militarily intervene, are found all over the globe. The different colonial narratives of the British Empire, the Spanish Navy or Portuguese traders are well known and often still glorified as a grand national past. Outside of Germany, the country’s colonial history is not referred to often within Germany it is a rather sore topic. Being overshadowed by the two World Wars, it is up to recent historical studies to fully bring it into the light. Even if – in terms of gaining territory, compared to its rivals - Germany’s colonial endeavors weren’t exactly successful, German colonial forces are guilty of terrible crimes against peoples indigenous to their colonies. As are so many European histories of the 17th,18th, 19th and 20th century, the German one is not short of gruesome acts committed in the name of forging a global empire. German East Africa and German-Samoa Even though Germans were part of the European Colonial Expansion right from the beginning, the engagement of Germany as a formal colonial power started its endeavors rather late. One reason was that the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, before that there was no â€Å"Germany† that could, as a nation, colonize anyone. Maybe that is another reason for the pressing necessity to acquire colonies, which seems to have been felt by German officials. From 1884 on, Germany quickly incorporated African colonies such as Togo, Cameroon, Namibia and Tanzania (some under different names) into the Empire. A few Pacific Islands and a Chinese colony followed. The German colonial officers aimed at being very efficient colonizers, which resulted in very ruthless and brutal behavior towards the natives. This, of course, sparked rebellions and uprisings, which the oppressors, in turn, brutally put down. In German South-West Africa (Namibia), the German leaders attempted to segregate all inhabitants by a German upper class and an African working class – following an ideology of deep biologist racism. This kind of segregation was not limited to German colonies. All of European colonialism shows this attribute. But, one can say that German forces were the most efficient as the examples of Namibia and, a Generation later, the occupation of Eastern Europe show. German colonialism was driven by heavy armed conflicts, some of which are rightfully called genocide (e.g. the so-called Herero Wars, which lasted from ca. 1904 until 1907), as German attacks and the following famines were responsible for the death of an estimated 80% of all Herero. The German colonies in the â€Å"South Sea† also fell victim to colonial violence. German battalions were even part of ending the Boxer Rebellion in China. The first period of German colonialism ended after World War I when its protectorates were taken from the Reich, as it was unfit to be a colonial power. But the Third Reich brought a second period of course. A surge of colonial memorials throughout the 1920s, ’30s, and 40s prepared the public for a dawning new colonial age. One, that quickly ended with the victory of the Allied Forces in 1945. Memories and Memorials - Germany’s Colonial Past is Surfacing The last few years of public debate and discourse have made it clear: Germany’s colonial past can no longer be ignored and has to be duly addressed. Local initiatives successfully fought for the recognition of colonial crimes (e.g. through having the designations of streets changed, that bore the name of colonial leaders) and historians emphasized how history and collective memory itself is often a construct rather than an organically grown development. The self-definition of a society or community is created through delimitation on the one hand and the construction of a common past through notions of unifying grandeur, such as military victories, on the other. The composition of the latter is supported by memorials, memorabilia, as well as historic artifacts. In the case of German colonial history, these items are vastly overshadowed the Third Reich and are often only viewed in its context. Recent history and the present show that there is still a long way to go when it comes to processing Germany’s colonial history. Many streets still carry the names of colonial commanders guilty of war crimes, and many memorials still show German colonialism in an exotic, rather romantic light.

Employment Law in UK Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Employment Law in UK - Case Study Example Since, the European law prevails over the domestic law, the domestic courts and tribunals have to apply relevant principles of the European law, which in this context refers to the EC Treaty and directives2. Sometimes, a court or tribunal directly applies the European law and sometimes, where there seems to be a conflict between domestic and European law, the European Court of Justice or the ECJ is asked to decide on the correct interpretation of the law. The ECJ's objective is to ensure the uniform interpretation and effective application of European law. In case of a conflict between domestic legislation and European law, an important consideration is whether the law concerned has direct effect in the UK. Article 141 of the EC Treaty3 has direct effect between private citizens or the horizontal effect and between private citizens and the state or the vertical effect. As per the provisions of the European Communities Act 1972, the European Community law forms part of UK domestic law. ... In respect of appellant claims, Section 2(4) of the 1970 Act is relevant and in order to be admissible in an employment tribunal, these claims have to be filed within the statutory time limit. In such cases the employment tribunal is empowered to grant a successful applicant the right to retrospective access to the scheme, subject to the payment of appropriate contributions, wherever the periods of employment were not earlier than the 8th of April 1976. The significance of this date is that from this date direct effect was given to the judgment of the European Court of Justice in Defrenne v Sabena6 and in this case the court held that article 119 of the EC Treaty7 provided for equal treatment in the right to join an occupational pension scheme. In Alabaster -v- Barclays Bank Plc8 Mrs. Alabaster pleaded that her employer's failure to incorporate her pay rise into her SMP was contrary to the Equal Pay Act 1970 and Article 141 of the EC Treaty. The ECJ ruled in her favour and held that there was a breach of EU law, resulting in the UK Government amending the SMP rules. The Employment Appeal Tribunal or EAT has ruled that the Equal Pay Act 1970 is not infringed by a pay system wherein employees with more service and experience were paid more than those with lesser service and experience even though most of the latter are female and most of the former are male. The argument that the ECJ decision in Nimz v Frie und Hansestadt Hamburg9 is not good law because of Handels- og Kontorfunktionrernes Forbund I Danmark v Dansk Arbejdsgiverforening10, is untenable, because the first case was concerned with part time employees whereas the

Computer Security Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Computer Security - Assignment Example After the user gets the TGT, he or she decrypts the TGT using the KINIT (Kizza 214). The user’s computer usually stores its key automatically but does not transmit it over the wire. The cache stores the TGT received from the KDC by the user for use during the session duration. However, the TGT has expiry duration set on it by the KDC after which the user cannot use it. With the help of TGT, the user can request KDC for a ticket to communicate with certain services within that network (Kizza 214). Kerberos are best applicable in management of highly confidential information within companies and institutions, where only one user can access information using a single entry key. With this authentication protocol, there is relatively reduced password piracy and database stealing. The authentication protocol enables easy implementation on embedded devices due to its one-way channel of authentication. Furthermore, there is mutual authentication of both the client and the server bringing about simplicity in inter-domain trust management (Dong and Chen 193). Storage of the infrastructure login credentials in one central server renders the system vulnerable to data loss and contamination if an attacker found access to the location. Poor password creation of a user can make an attacker guess and find the password details right (Dong and Chen 193). Although Kerberos serves to block unencrypted users from using the internet services, if accessed by malicious users, the whole system may be at risk. Nagamalai, Dhinaharan., Eric, Renault and Murugan, Dhanuskodi. Trends in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology: First International Conference on Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology, Ccseit 2011, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India, September 23-25, 2011, Proceedings. Heidelberg: Springer, 2011.

Nutritional Sciences Research Method class(the effects of physical Proposal

Nutritional Sciences Method class(the effects of physical activity and calcium intake on bone mineral density (BMD) in Saudi women based on DXA measurements) - Research Proposal Example 200, 30-50 years old Saudi women will be recruited within Jeddah or Riyadh and screened to exclude lactating, pregnant mothers and mothers with kidney, skeletal, menstrual dysfunction and any related disorders. Validated food frequency questionnaire specific to calcium will be used to assess consumption of dairy products at baseline and at 9 months. Subjects will record their exercise activities, both weight bearing and none weight bearing that they would have engaged in on a regular basis for at least 2 months. BMD will be assessed by Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data will be analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 6 (SPSS, v.6). A 3-way ANOVA, group-time-calcium intake will be used to determine possible effects of interaction in BMD between training mode and dietary calcium from baseline to 9months while statistical significance will be set at p Low Bone Mass Density is a skeletal disorder that is characterized by reduced strength of an individual bone’s density thus results into reduced strength predisposing an individual to an increased risk of fracture. Reduced bone mass density can be less severe and extreme severe depending on the stage of the disorder and can be classified as osteopaenia which is less severe or osteoporosis which is more severe. Osteoporosis and osteopaenia which are characterized by reduced BMD are an indication of decrease, structural deterioration as well as loss of connectivity within the bone tissue resulting into increased

MTV Arabia Entry Strategy

MTV Arabia Entry Strategy 56 local channels airing Arabian music as well as international numbers by entering into agreements with production houses and other TV networks transformed the Arab culture. One can easily describe Middle East as a region in the process of fast development and cultural change with a rapidly changing political and economic system as stated by Moran, R. T., Harris, P. R. Moran, S. V. (2007). Arabs are Muslims with strong cultural ties with the religion and the holy book, Middle East is way backwards then the west, Arab women wear veils and cover themselves and men wear traditional clothes. Middle East also has politically diverse forms of government, where religion plays the main role in many different ways. Middle East has entirely different cultural ties then the west like shame and honour, family, socialization and trust. Without doubt, Islam is the dominant characteristic of Arab culture and society and is used to define parameters for much of what constitutes the beliefs and actions in Arab Society. Middle East, delineates a number of features of their culture and society with following social characteristics as noted by Leidner, D. L. Kayworth, T. R. (2008): Social Diversity Hierarchical Class Structure Patriarchal relations, particularly in the family Primary group relations Continuing dependency and underdevelopment Some of the salient features of Arab culture: low hypometropia, at least by the standards of developing nations, and very high monumentalism. Arab monumentalism is strongest in the world and comes together with the lowest suicide rates as noted by Minkow, M. (2011). Challenges posed to MTV MTVs worldwide image adds to everything they do special entering a country with strong cultural and conventional ties. As the information provided special projects manager at trends magazine Dubai explains that MTV is known in the market for inclining towards airing controversial program. Also it is an American brand hence carrying Americas liberal cultural values around the world therefore it will be a challenge for the brand to enter a religious and conservative market and air controversial material. Strong anti-American sentiments prevalent among a large section of the population, Issues such as US invasion of Iraq and its support to arch enemy Israel had left many Arabs angry consequently presenting another challenge for an American brand. MTV is a brand of MTV Networks (MTVN) and MTV Arabia launched in 2007 in Middle East was a very challenging step for MTVN, which posed bigger challenges like culturally sensitive environment. The biggest challenge faced was to keep the balance between international quality music and culturally sensitive environment of the region. Also Middle East is a very highly regulated and complex business arena comparing to the western world and companies had to follow more stringent rules and regulations to operate in Middle East. Targeting pan-Arab youth audiences were also another challenge posed to the American brand. Young people represent 65 percent of the population in the Middle East, which was also a challenge for MTVN. This large population of youth attracted other local music channels to start operating in the region, even before MTV Arabias entrance hence these channels had developed a better understanding of the local audiences taste and posed a bigger threat to MTVNs growth in the Middle East. MTV Arabia had to compete with 50 Music Channels operating in Middle East, hence the fierce competition in the market also posed a challenge. Another challenge posed to MTVN while entering Middle East market was its international reputation of airing sexually explicit and provocative programmes. MTVN also had western values attached with the brand and representing an image of open Western culture, opposite to the socially conservative culture of the Middle East was another challenge for MTV to enter Middle East. MTV had to find a balance between explicit music culture and the conservative social culture in the Middle East. Cultural differences among Middle East countries were another challenge posed to MTVN. The cultural ties between the countries in Middles East also differ posing another challenge to MTVN. The American managers interacting with managers from the Middle East might misinterpret the late arrival of a potential business partner as a negotiation play or insult, when it is rather a simple reflection of different views of time and its value in the Middle East as noted by Griffin, R. W. (2011). Also adopting local standards and trying to localize they brand may result in over localization and eventually dilute the brand. Too much localization or personalization can obviously breed logistical chaos and dilute the brand, so customization is usually carried out in clusters using local geographical or lifestyle data as noted by Watson, R. (2010). MTVs strategy in Middle East MTVI had an international strategy of creating joint ventures and contracts with channels already native to a new market. In Middle East MTVN had the same strategy and made a deal with Showtime Arabia as part of the deal Show Time Arabia aired MTV English and Nickelodeon with subtitles in Arabic, which helped introducing the American brand in the market with an already established radio network. After an introduction of the brand, MTVN later on made ties with local partner (Arab Media Group) AMG as part of their strategy to entry the Middle East market. Later on MTV Arabia was launched by the end of year 2006 joint ventured with Arabian Television Network (ATN). According to the information provided MTV Networks (MTVN) launched MTV Arabia on November 17, 2007, in partnership with Arabian Television Network (ATN). The core of the MTV strategy was to provide the region with a platform where Arabs can voice their concerns and it would also be an international music platform. Targeting huge youth populace in Middle East was also one of the main constituent of MTVs strategy to enter Middle East. MTV targeted the youth group of age 12 to 24 and presented itself as a fabric of youth culture. MTV Arabia involved itself in extensive research of the market and data collection which enabled the channel to respond audience diversity and different cultures. Understanding the next generation was also at the heart of MTVN, for which it had to engage itself in continuous market research, which was one of the characters of MTVs strategy in Middle East. MTV also pushed itself as cultural unifying force in a region known for its political tensions. The countries in the Middle East are known for having cross border tensions, MTV Arabia market itself in a way to become unifying force between the Middle Eastern countries with the help of an international platform for music. MTVN had to face competition from approximately fifty music channels operating in Middle East. They had to come up with a strategy to market them self in the market in a way which will help them attract audience. This strategy was being unique and different from the existing music channels choosing differentiation. In differentiation strategies, the emphasis is on creating value through sustainable uniqueness as noted by Harrison, J. S. John, G. H. S. (2010). Even after the launch of MTV Arabia they still carried on conquering the market. MTV-AMG launched Nickelodeon Arabia in 2008, as part of the strategy to build a portfolio of integrated kids businesses across the region. MTV Global Expansion Strategy One of the major steps by MTVN was its first overseas channel in Europe in 1987 and the international arm. International arm MTVI, by the mid-1990s launched a strategy of think globally, act locally and then expanding to MTV Australia, MTV Asia, MTV India, MTV China, MTV Germany and other parts of the world. MTV Arabia was a part of MTVNs global expansion strategy the brands known for its global expansion. The core of the global expansion policy was the same slogan think globally, act locally. This enabled the brand to conquer international markets like China, Australia and Europe, but Middle East posed a bigger challenge. In 2006 MTVI served to an audience of one billion and expanded its operations in 179 countries which included operations in Latin America, Europe and other parts of the world. At one time MTVI operated more than 130 channels, websites along with broadband services in more than 25 languages. By the end of 2007 MTVI had become the major network of Viacom Inc. with more than 140 channels around the world catering to a potential 1.5 billion viewers globally. The following table-1 represents their different websites operated by MTV in different parts of the world: Table MTV Worldwide Websites MTV Worldwide 1 MTV Adria 14 MTV France 27 MTV Malaysia 40 MTV Slovenia 2 MTV Africa 15 MTV Germany 28 MTV MENA 41 MTV Spain 3 MTV Asia 16 MTV Hits UK Ireland 29 MTV Netherlands 42 MTV Sweden 4 MTV Australia 17 MTV Hungry 30 MTV Networks Europe 43 MTV Switzerland 5 MTV Base UK Ireland 18 MTV Idol France 31 MTV New Zealand 44 MTV Taiwan 6 MTV Belgium 19 MTV India 32 MTV Norway 45 MTV Thailand 7 MTV Canada 20 MTV Israel 33 MTV Philippines 46 MTV Turkey 8 MTV Czech Republic 21 MTV Italy 34 MTV Poland 47 MTV UK Ireland 9 MTV China 22 MTV Japan 35 MTV Portugal 48 MTV Ukraine 10 MTV Croatia 23 MTV Korea 36 MTV Romania 49 MTV2 UK 11 MTV Denmark 24 MTV Latin America 37 MTV Russia 12 MTV Europe 25 MTV Latin America Revolution 38 MTV Serbia 13 MTV Finland 26 MTV LIVE 39 MTV Singapore Hence shows the strategic management of MTVN to think globally and act locally, catering their website, TV channel and the music according to the requirements and needs of every market. They take each port of the world locally developing different set of strategies for every country with the same core strategy of think globally and act locally. MTVs localization Strategy A localization strategy could be easily explained as the strategy which emphasizes on increasing profitability by catering the companys products or services so that they provide a product which is catered to the tastes and preferences of the local market as noted by Hill, C. Jones, G. R. (2010). MTV has a different localization strategy for every part of the world, the management at MTV understands the cultural differences across borders and they have a different localization strategy catered to according to the culture of the specific country. The company has different websites for each part of the world they are operating catered to the local culture of the community as shown by table-1. MTVs localization strategy also involved tying up with local channels and learning local culture and differences and then over time acquiring local channels. Like in early 2000s MTV entered Australia and joint ventured with Austereo (commercial radio network in the country and later on acquired Austereo. This strategy is also used in the case of Middle East where MTV used Showtime Arabia before entering the market and aired its reality shows and music with Arabic Subtitle. Later on MTVN joint ventured with AMG to launch MTV Arabia. MTV Arabias localization strategy involves following: English programs with subtitles in the local language Arabic version of International Music and Reality Shows Not to export American Culture Meeting political and government leaders MTVN launched programs with subtitles in Arabic with the help of Showtime Arabia and also used the strategy of meeting political figures and higher authorities as they did in China, Israel and Cuba. This strategy always proved successful for MTVN in all their recent entries to all the different parts of the world. Another major constituent of the localization strategy was not to export American culture helping the brand to fight its American image. To strategically develop products localized to Arab culture MTV Arabia had a decentralized structure with commercial and creative autonomy to the local staff, this enabled MTV Arabia to come up with programs catered to the local culture. MTV Arabias launch team had six members and they were Saudis, Palestinians, Emiratis, Iraqis, and Lebanese. This local mix helped MTV Arabia fight their American image and air globally successful music shows but with a local flavour to suit the Arab mindset. Strategy of providing Mixed Content to the Market MTVs mixed content strategy included airing sixty percent international music and forty percent Arabic music, along with the local version of the channels popular international non-music shows. Producing at least forty five percent of the content locally was at the heart of MTVs mixed content strategy. For the same reason MTV Arabia had a local launch team which produced the local content. MTVN had conducted extensive market research by going to colleges and universities and interviewing higher authorities and parents collecting data vital for the channel to reach its target of producing forty five percent of the content locally. MTV has used providing mixed content strategy in India and China and other parts of the world as well hence the company already had the expertise of producing mixed content. Decentralization provided exactly what was required for the local market and it had all the ingredients for MTV Arabia to be successful in Middle East. MTV and its Success in Middle East MTVs extensive experience in the global market enables them to cater their localization strategy and provide localized material which will certainly help MTV Arabia to be successful in the market as the Middle East market has youth as the major portion of the market. MTV Arabia targeting youth and actively engaging youth by providing them a platform to voice their concerns and to promote Arabian music is all what is required a market like Middle East. Another major reason for MTV Arabias success would be its image in the market, during data collection MTVN discovered that majority of the respondents thought that MTV was an Indian or European brand. Hence brand does not have to work as much as was the gimmick in the market that MTVN is an American brand and it will have to face tough cultural complexities in the market. The local launch team has provided answers to all such questions and now the brand is as localized as it could be. MTVN conducted surveys targeting the 18 to 24 age group and travelling around the Middle East to schools and university campuses for data collection, qualitative data also collected by interviewing figures of authority and elderly people, including speaking to government leaders and parents which will be a major reason for channels success in the Middle East Respecting Arab traditions and showing no disrespect to the local culture also providing a platform for Arab Music and culture is another factor in the success of MTV Arabia. Encouraging education and looking for solutions to problems like unemployment was another factor in the success of MTV Arabia and will help in future. Such initiatives help sending a positive signal about the brand in the market and the audiences starts accepting an relating themselves with the brand, which will be a major factor in success of MTV in the Middle East. All the international programmes which are aired by MTV Arabia are edited to cater cultural needs and requirements, music videos and reality shows are also edited to ensure they are aligned with the cultural ethos prevailing in the Middle East. All these factors helped MTV Arabia to be more localized and exceptive for the Muslim audience in Middle East. Too much localisation can dilute the brand MTV Arabia kept the balance in not to dilute the brand entirely by keeping sixty percent of the content international. This strategy also proved vital and it also incorporated respecting local cultures without diluting the brand. MTV Arabia focused on providing the youth with a platform where they can voice their concerns and also show their music talent was something which will help the brand to be successful in the Middle East Market.

The Progressive Period Essay -- American Government, Roosevelt, Politi

In 1901, America welcomed the youngest president to ever rule, President Theodore Roosevelt. At forty-two years old, the former New York governor dominated the news unlike any previous president had done. His many exploits, such as boxing and horseback riding, led the press to gain interest in him. Known for being very outgoing and likable, Roosevelt used his personality and popularity to advance in his programs. â€Å"His leadership and publicity campaigns helped create the modern presidency, making him a model by which all future presidents would be measured†(524). He felt that the government should take control when states show incompetence in dealing with problems. Roosevelt saw the presidency as a â€Å"bully pulpit.† He believed he could use the media to persuade the public, rather than going to congress. â€Å"By 1900, trusts-legal bodies created to hold stock in many companies-controlled about four-fifths of the industries in the United States†(525). Some trusts used unfair business practices. This gave trusts a bad reputation. There were many trusts that lowered their prices to drive competitors out of the market. These trusts then took advantage of the lack of competition and jacked prices up even higher. Even though Congress passed the Sherman Anti Trust Act in 1890, the act’s indistinct language made enforcement difficult. â€Å"President Roosevelt did not believe that all trusts were harmful, but he sought to curb the actions of those that hurt the public interest†(525). The president’s main focus was filing suits under the Sherman Antitrust Act. Roosevelt made newspaper headlines in 1902 when he ordered the Justice Department to sue the Northern Securities Company, which established a monopoly over northwestern railroads. The Suprem... ...air business practices. The FTC issued over 400 cease and desist orders. Under Taft’s administration, the LaFollette Seamen’s Act was passed in 1915. This law helped improve conditions for sailors in the merchant marine considerably. In 1916 goods manufactured by children were outlawed due to the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act. Child labor was declared unconstitutional in 1918, as was the Chile Labor Act of 1919. Interstate railroads were provided an 8-hour day by the Adamson Act of 1916. The Smith-Lever Act was passed in 1914 during Taft’s presidency. Under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture, this act granted Federal funds to states for farm extension work. Two years later, the Federal Farm Loan Act was passed in 1916, providing farmers with long-term credit facilities similar to those granted business and industry under the Federal Reserve Act.

The Effect of Neurotransmission on Human Behavior

1. 2: Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behavior: Our nervous systems consist of between 10 to 100 billion neurons; each of which making 13 trillion connections with each other through electrochemical messages that allow people to respond to stimuli, from the environment or from internal changes in a person’s body. The neurons send these electrochemical messages through neurotransmission.Electrical impulses traveling down the axon (body) of a neuron, instigates the release of neurotransmitters, which travel over the synapse, which is the gap between two neurons. Once the neurotransmitters cross the synapse, they go into receptor sites on the post-synaptic membrane of a neuron, and after having passed on the message, they are either broken down or reabsorbed by the terminal buttons of the neuron, in a process known as reuptake. Neurotransmission has been shown to affect a large range of human behaviors.Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that effects sleep, arousal levels, and emotion. In a 1999 study at Tokyo University, its effects were seen. Kasamatsu and Hirai conducted this study in order to examine the way that sensory deprivations affects the brain. They studied a group of monks going on a 72-hour pilgrimage without food or water. The monks endured the weather without shelter from the cold, and didn’t speak among themselves. Two thirds of the way through the pilgrimage, the hallucinations began, taking the shape of ancient ancestors, or just a presence at their side.Blood samples, taken immediately after the monks reported their hallucinations, were compared to blood samples taken prior to the pilgrimage, and showed increased serotonin levels. These increased serotonin levels activated the hypothalamus and the frontal cortex, causing the monk’s hallucinations. Kasamatsu and Hirai were able to conclude that sensory deprivation caused increase in serotonin levels, which altered the monks’ perce ption and behavior. Neurotransmitters, like serotonin, can play a large role in human behavior.However, it is considered reductionist to rely solely on them to explain human behavior; they only play a role and can’t be held fully responsible for behavior. Research and increased knowledge of neurotransmission has led to the development of drugs that can either simulate a neurotransmitter in the case of a deficiency, or block a receptor site if there are excessive neurotransmitters. Understanding how neurotransmitters can affect behavior has led to the development of these drugs, which have helped many people.

Learn Interesting Geographic Facts About Texas

Learn Interesting Geographic Facts About Texas Texas is a state located in the United States. It is the second largest of the fifty United States based on both area and population (Alaska and California are first respectively). The largest city in Texas is Houston while its capital is Austin. Texas is bordered by the U.S. states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana but also by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. Texas is also one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. Population:  28.449 million  (2017 estimate)Capital:  AustinBordering States:  New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and LouisianaBordering Country:  MexicoLand Area:  268,820 square miles (696,241 sq km)Highest Point: Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet (2,667 m) Ten Geographic Facts to Know About the State of Texas Throughout its history, Texas was ruled by six different nations. The first of these was Spain, followed by France and then Mexico until 1836 when the territory became an independent republic. In 1845, it became the 28th U.S. state to enter the Union and in 1861, it joined the Confederate States and seceded from the Union during the Civil War.Texas is known as the Lone Star State because it was once an independent republic. The states flag features a lone star to signify this as well as its fight for independence from Mexico.The state constitution of Texas was adopted in 1876.The economy of Texas is known for being based on oil. It was discovered in the state in the early 1900s and the population of the area exploded. Cattle is also a large industry associated with the state and it developed after the Civil War.In addition to its past oil-based economy, Texas has invested strongly in its universities and as a result, today it has a very diverse economy with various high tech industri es including energy, computers, aerospace, and biomedical sciences. Agriculture and petrochemicals are also growing industries in Texas. Because Texas is such a large state, it has a highly varied topography. The state has ten climatic regions and 11 different ecological regions. The topography types vary from mountainous to the forested hill country to coastal plains and prairies in the interior. Texas also has 3,700 streams and 15 major rivers but there are no large natural lakes in the state.Despite its being known for having desert landscapes, less than 10% of Texas is actually considered desert. The desert and mountains of Big Bend are the only areas in the state with this landscape. The rest of the state is coastal swamps, woods, plains, and low rolling hills.Texas also has a varied climate due to its size. The panhandle portion of the state bigger temperature extremes than does the Gulf Coast, which is milder. For example, Dallas which is located in the northern part of the state has a July average high of 96ËšF (35ËšC) and an average January low of 34ËšF (1.2ËšC). Galveston on the other hand, which is located on the Gulf Coast, rarely has summer temperatures over 90ËšF (32ËšC) or winter lows below 50ËšF (5ËšC). The Gulf Coast region of Texas is prone to hurricanes. In 1900, a hurricane hit Galveston and destroyed the entire city and may have killed as many as 12,000 people. It was the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Since then, there have been many more devastating hurricanes that have hit Texas.Most of Texass population is centered around its metropolitan areas and in the eastern part of the state. Texas has a growing population and as of 2012, the state had 4.1 million foreign-born residents. It is estimated however that 1.7 million of those residents are illegal immigrants. To learn more about Texas, visit the states official website.Source: Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Texas: History, Geography, Population and State Facts- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0108277.html

Should Companies Promote Healthy Lifestyles Essays

Should Companies Promote Healthy Lifestyles Essays Should Companies Promote Healthy Lifestyles Essay Should Companies Promote Healthy Lifestyles Essay Companies must condone employees’ healthy lifestyles, in order to increase productivity within the workplace, which will potentially lead to higher profits. By encouraging their employees to lead healthy lifestyles, and partake in regular physical activity, companies will be projecting a positive image to society, improving the lives or their workers, whilst simultaneously reaping the financial benefits. As well as producing financial benefits, a healthy lifestyle can bring physiological and social benefits to companies and their employees. Physical activity has been proven to increase productivity in the workplace. In a recent study of worker performance, Pronk stated that â€Å"higher levels of physical activity related to reduced decrements in quality of work performance and overall job performance. † (2004, p. 19) This increase in productivity and efficiency created by healthier employees will eventually lead to higher profits for companies. A healthier employee will lead to a healthier bottom line, however this is not the only benefit that companies will receive as a result of encouraging regular exercise. As well as being more energetic and productive, a healthier employee is generally happier. A workplace comprised of happy employees will lead to higher worker morale, and will create a more positive, friendlier workplace in general. Although the consequential increase in productivity will lead to higher profits, companies will financially benefit from condoning regular physical activities in more ways than one. U. S. postal company UPS experienced the following benefits after they implemented their †Comprehensive Safety and Health Process† in 1995. On the whole, UPS has seen a decrease in absenteeism, an increase in productivity and morale, and a 60% reduction in on the job injuries since the program was first implemented. † (Bloom, 2008, p. 41) By being more proactive in condoning employees’ healthy lifestyles, companies will potentially save funds spent on sick leave and workers’ compensation payouts, as healthy, fit employees are less likely to fall sick or be injured. Should they sustain injuries within the workplace, it is more likely that their injuries will be less serious than those sustained by an unfit or overweight employee. The financial benefits of condoning employees’ healthy lifestyles were further outlined in a study that observed the outcomes of a health and productivity program implemented within the workplace. â€Å"Financially speaking, an effective, comprehensive, properly executed Hamp;P (health and productivity) program can drive significant business results†¦. employers have implemented successful Hamp;P programs leading to improved health, increased productivity and lower benefits costs – and, in turn, higher levels of performance, returns to shareholders and market premiums. (Wolf, 2008, p. 7) This study successfully reinforced each aspect of the financial benefit for companies of condoning regular physical activities and healthy lifestyles. Although the financial benefits for companies are extensive, the positive influence of employees’ healthy lifestyles extends much further into society. When encouraged by their employers to exercise regularly and lead healthy lifestyles, employees will more than likely continue to live healthily at home. Health is after all, a lifestyle, and it will extend and apply to all aspects of employees’ lives. Given the current rising obesity epidemic, this positive influence will have a considerable impact on society, and eventually encourage other members of the community to adopt healthy lifestyles. An aspect of this issue that may be argued is that of its influence on childhood obesity. Whilst adult obesity is on the rise, childhood obesity is also rapidly increasing. Some members of society may criticise that whilst employers condoning employees’ healthy lifestyles could decrease the prevalence of adult obesity, it will have no effect on the lifestyles of children in the community. Whilst it is true that it will take much more than the encouragement of employers to address the issue of obesity, it is a step in the right direction for all members of society. Although employers may only be encouraging their workers to exercise and lead healthy lifestyles, they are, at the same time, encouraging their employees’ families to do the same. Should an employee decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and take advantage of the incentives offered to them by their employers, it is likely that this will have such a positive effect on their lives that they will then happily condone similar lifestyle changes to other members of their family, including their children. This encouragement may include preparing healthier meals at home, limiting intake of unhealthy convenience foods, and making exercise a regular, family activity. By being more proactive in condoning employees’ healthy lifestyles, and promoting regular exercise, employers will not only be improving their profits, and increasing the health of their employees, they will also have a positive influence on the lifestyles of their workers families, and project a positive image to the community. However small their impact may be, it will help society work toward eliminating obesity, decreasing the occurrence of lifestyle related illnesses such as adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes, and creating a healthier community in general. In order to enable their employees to lead healthy lifestyles and exercise regularly, employers must offer a means, and incentive to their workers, to encourage them to adopt this lifestyle change. This could be done in a number of ways, including offering employees a discount on gymnasium memberships, subsidising or even reimbursing the cost. Companies could also invest in the installation of fitness facilities within the workplace, making exercise and fitness even more accessible to their employees. By offering this benefit to all workers, companies are also increasing the ways in which they can attract new employees. This may be the incentive needed to encourage highly employable workers to apply for positions within their company, as they are offering additional benefits, and creating a more appealing workplace in general. It may be argued that the cost of installing fitness facilities, or subsidising gym memberships would be a waste of company funding. However, this can potentially be viewed as an asset for companies. Companies invest in their employees each day, by paying them wages, benefits and superannuation. However, in order to gain the maximum return on their investment, companies must make sure that their employees are working efficiently and productively, and generating high revenues. The best way of doing this is by ensuring that their employees are physically fit and healthy, making them more productive, and an asset to the company, instead of a potential liability. Therefore, it can be concluded that condoning employees’ healthy lifestyles and encouraging regular exercise is a credible way of increasing worker productivity and efficiency, which will ultimately lead to higher revenue for companies. Whilst companies may incur initial costs when implementing health and productivity programs, they will potentially be saving company funds spent on sick leave payments and workers compensation payouts, which can often be very expensive. In addition to increased profits, companies will be projecting a positive image to the community, and influencing other members of society to adopt healthier lifestyles and helping to cease the rise in obesity. Bibliography Bloom, S. 2008). Employee Wellness Program: How UPS Improved Productivity amp; Reduced Injuries. Professional Safety, p. 41 Pronk, N. P. , et al. (2004). The Association Between Work Performance and Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Fitness and Obesity. Journal of Occupational amp; Environmental Medicine, 46, p. 19-25 Wolf, S. (2008). A Truly Healthy Bottom Line – Improving Financial Results Through Effective Health and Productivity Programs. Benefits Quarterly, 24, p. 7

Final question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final question - Assignment Example This has led to a situation where no one is taking care of the workers because of poor labor standards. In addition, the environment is least cared for. These can be corrected by forming powerful unions that advocate for the rights of workers. In addition, international laws on issues such as environment need to be adopted by all countries to avoid further environmental degradation. Thirdly, globalization has led to the increase in arms trade thereby increasing conflicts. To avoid this, governments need to check their military budgets and allocate more resources to other key sectors of the economy. In addition, enforcing international rules on arms trade can help prevent the excessive movement of arms. Finally, economic globalization gives rise to complex trade rules that limit trade between countries. Such complexities can be avoided if countries formulate rules that enhance equity and fairness. Although globalization promises benefits to all countries, economic inequality is however causing the opposite. Countries that are economically sound continue to exploit the poor countries, thereby creating unbalanced development. Globalization has worsened the issue of inequality in the sense that powerful countries have formulated laws that limit the ability of other countries to predicate in global economic activities. For instance, it has been argued by Jennifer Olmsted (2007) that countries such as Iraq and Palestine have been denied the right to take part in the globalization economy due to sanctions and international policies. Powerful countries continue to exploit poor nations, thereby making the rift bigger. Due to inequality, people from poor nations are engaging less in productive activities; suffer high mortality rates and the rates of illiteracy increase. This in turn shapes globalization by limiting the ability of these people to engage in globalization activities. The solution to this is

Ethics Form Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics Form - Essay Example It was for the need to ensure that respondents had adequate time in reviewing their questions that questionnaire was preferred over interview. With questionnaire, respondents were free to attend to questions at any suitable time for them without rush. 8. Will informed consent will be appropriately documented? (While a consent signature is standard, note that anonymous surveys can obtain implied consent by informing the participant, â€Å"To protect your privacy, no consent signature is requested. Instead, you may indicate your consent by clicking here/returning this survey in the enclosed envelope.†) As far as participants are concerned, conflict of interest was avoided by ensuring that questions were given to respondents in such a way that participants did not deal with questions that bore their direct interest. The central explanation of the PIS was based on the research purpose. The statement of research purpose thus formed the first sentence of the PIS so as to ensure that participants came to appreciate the research purpose. No clearly defined compensations were put in place. It is for this reason that the researcher made personal contact with the participants instead of making participants spend fund to come to researcher. 18. Does the PIS explain how the participant can contact the researcher and the university’s Research Participant Advocate? (USA number 001-612-312-1210) or email address liverpoolethics@ohecampus.com). 21. Are adequate measures in place to adequately protect participants from coercion to participate, distress, loss of work/school time, damage to professional reputation, physical/psychological harm, and loss of privacy? 23. If the researcher happens to also serve in a trusted or authoritative role to the participant (e.g., health care provider, teacher, etc.), do the recruitment procedures