Purity Steel Corporation

Harvard Business School 9-197-082 rP os t Rev. February 15, 2000 Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 op yo â€Å"I’m no expert in high finance,† said Larry Hoffman, manager of the Denver branch for the Warehouse Sales Division of Purity Steel Corporation, to Harold Higgins, general manager of the division, â€Å"so it didn't occur to me that I might be better off by leasing my new warehouse instead of owning it. But I was talking to Jack Dorenbush over in Omaha the other day and he said that he's getting a lot better return on the investment in his district because he's in a leased building.I'm sure that the incentive compensation plan you put in last year is fair, but I didn't know whether it adjusted automatically for the difference between owning and leasing and I just thought I'd raise the question. There's still time to try to find someone to take over my construction contract and then lease the building to me when it's finished, if you think that's what I ought to do. † Purity Steel Corporation was an integrated steel producer with annual sales of about $4. 5 billion in 1995. The Warehouse Sales Division was an autonomous unit that operated 21 field warehouses throughout the United States.Total sales of the division were approximately $225 million in 1995, of which roughly half represented steel products (rod, bar, wire, tube, sheet, and plate) purchased from Purity's Mill Products Division. The balance of the Warehouse Sales Division volume was copper, brass, and aluminum products purchased from large producers of those metals. The Warehouse Sales Division competed with other producer-affiliated and independent steel warehousing companies and purchased its steel requirements from the Mill Products Division at the same prices paid by outside purchasers.No tC Harold Higgins was appointed general manager of the Warehouse Sales Division in mid1994, after spending 12 years in the sales function with the Mill Products Division. Subject only to the approval of his annual profit plan and proposed capital expenditures by corporate headquarters, Higgins was given full authority for his division's operations, and was charged with the responsibility to â€Å"make the division grow, both in sales volume and in the rate of return on its investment. † Prior to his arrival at division headquarters in St.Louis, the Warehouse Sales Division had been operated in a centralized manner; all purchase orders had been issued by division headquarters, and most other operating decisions at any particular warehouse had required prior divisional approval. Higgins decided to decentralize the management of his division by making each branch (warehouse) manager responsible for the division's activities in his or her geographic area. In Higgins's opinion, one of the key features of his decentralization policy was an incentive compensation plan announced in late 1994 to become effective January 1, 1995.The description of the plan, as presente d to the branch managers, is reproduced in Exhibits 1, 2, and 3. Monthly operating statements had been prepared for each warehouse for many years; implementing the new plan Do Doctoral Candidate Antonio Davila and Professor Robert Simons prepared this updated case based on an earlier version. Case material of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration is prepared as a basis for class discussion and not to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of administrative problems.Copyright  © 1997 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, call 1-800-545-7685 or write Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, MA 02163. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of Harvard Business School. 1 This docume nt is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013.Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 197-082 Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 rP os t required only the preparation of balance sheets for each warehouse. Two major asset categories, inventories and fixed assets (buildings and equipment), were easy to attribute to specific locations. Accounts receivable were collected directly at Purity's central accounting department, but an investment in receivables equal to 35 days' sales (the average for the Warehouse Sales Division) was charged to each warehouse.Finally, a small cash fund deposited in a local bank was recorded as an asset of each branch. No current or long-term liabilities were recognized in the balance sheets at the division or branch level. At the meeting in December 1994, when the new incentive compensation plan was presented to the branch managers, Higgins had said: tC op yo Howard Percy [division sales manager] and I have spent a lot of time during the last few months working out the details of this plan. Our objective was to devise a fair way to compensate those branch managers who do a superior job of improving the performance in their areas.First, we reviewed our salary structure and made a few adjustments so that branch managers do not have to apologize to their families for the regular pay check they bring home. Next, we worked out a simple growth incentive to recognize that one part of our job is simply to sell steel, although we didn't restrict it to steel alone. But more importantly, we've got to improve the profit performance of this division. We established 5% as the return-on-investment floor representing minimum performance eligible for a bonus.As you know, we don't even do that well for 1994, but our budget for next year anticipates 5% before taxes. Thus, in 1995 we expect about a third of the branches to be below 5%? and e arn no ROI bonus? while the other two-thirds will be the ones who really carry the weight. This plan will pay a bonus to all managers who help the division increase its average rate of return. We also decided on a sliding scale arrangement for those above 5%, trying to recognize that the manager who makes a 5% return on a $10 million investment is doing as good a job as one who makes a 10% return on only a half million dollars.Finally, we put a $50,000 limit on the ROI bonus because we felt that the bonus shouldn't exceed 50% of salary, but we can always make salary adjustments in those cases where the bonus plan doesn't seem to adequately compensate a branch manager for his or her performance. No After the telephone call from Larry Hoffman in May 1996, quoted in the opening paragraph, Harold Higgins called Howard Percy into his office and told him the question that Hoffman had raised. â€Å"We knew that we probably had some bugs to iron out of this system,† Percy responded. Let me review the Denver situation and we'll discuss it this afternoon. † At a meeting later that day, Percy summarized the problem for Higgins: Do As you know, Larry Hoffman is planning a big expansion at Denver. He's been limping along in an old multistory building with an inadequate variety of inventory, and his sales actually declined last year. About a year ago he worked up an RFE [request for expenditure] for a new warehouse which we approved here and sent forward. It was approved at corporate headquarters last fall, the contract was let, and it's to be completed by the end of this year.I pulled out one page of the RFE which summarizes the financial story [Exhibit 4]. Larry forecasts nearly a triple in his sales volume over the next eight years, and the project will pay out in about seven and a half years. Here [Exhibit 5] is a summary of the incentive compensation calculations for Denver that I worked up after I talked to you this morning. Larry had a very high ROI last year, and received one of the biggest bonuses we paid. Against that background, I next worked up a projection of what his bonus will be in 1997 assuming that he moves into his new facility at the end of the year.As you can see, 2 This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 197-082 rP os t his ROI will drop from 17. 3% to only 7. 2%, and even on the bigger investment his bonus in 1997 will go down substantially. Finally, I dug out the file on New Orleans where we're leasing the new warehouse that was completed a few months ago.Our lease there is a so-called operating lease, which means that we pay the insurance, taxes, and maintenance just as if we owned it. The lease runs for 20 years with renewal options at reduced rates for two additional 10-year periods. Assuming that we could get a similar deal for Denver, and adjusting for the difference in the cost of the land and building at the two locations, our lease payments at Denver during the first 20 years would be just under $250,000 per year. Pushing that through the bonus formula for Denver's projected 1997 operations shows an ROI of 7. %, but Larry's bonus would be about 15% less than if he was in an owned building. op yo â€Å"On balance, therefore,† Percy concluded, â€Å"there's not a very big difference in the bonus payment as between owning and leasing, but in either event Larry will be taking a substantial cut in his incentive compensation. † As the discussion continued, Larry Hoffman and Howard Percy revisited the formula for ROI: Net Income Return-on-investment = Investment in Operating Assets Net Income Sales x Sales Investment in Operating Assets = ( Return on Sales) x (Asset Turnover) No tC = DoBoth wondered whether the proposed bonus plan needed further revision or clarification. 3 This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 197-082 Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 I. Branch Managers’ Compensation Plan, Warehouse Sales Division Objectives rP os t Exhibit 1 The Warehouse Sales Division has three major objectives: A. To operate the Division and its branches at a profit. B. To utilize efficiently the assets of the Division. C. To grow.This compensation plan is a combination of base salary and incentive earnings. Incentive earnings will be paid to those managers who contribute to the achievement of these objectives and in proportion to their individual performance. op yo II. Compensation Plan Components There are three components to this plan: A. Base Salary Base salary ranges are determined for the most part on dollar sales volume of the district(s) in the prior year. The higher the sales volume, the higher range to which the manager becomes eligible. The profitability of dollar sales or increases in dollar sales is an important consideration.Actual salaries will be established by the General Manager, Warehouse Sales Division, and the salary ranges will be reviewed periodically in order to keep this Division competitive with companies similar to ours. tC B. Growth Incentive If the district earns a net profit before federal income tax for the calendar year, the manager will earn $1,750 for every $500,000 of increased sales over the prior year. Proportionate amounts will be paid for greater or lesser growth. C. Return-on-Investment Incentive No In this feature of the plan, incentive will be paid in relation to the size of investment and the return-on-investment.The manager will be paid in direct proportion to his effective use of assets placed at his disposal. The main emphasis of this portion of the plan is on increasing the return at any level of investment, hi gh or low. Do III. Limitations on Return-on-Investment Incentive A. No incentive will be paid to a manager whose branch earns less than 5% return-oninvestment before federal taxes. B. No increase in incentive payment will be made for performance in excess of 20% return-on-investment before federal taxes. C. No payment will be made in excess of $50,000 regardless of performance. 4This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 197-082 Exhibit 1 (continued) IV. Calculations on Return-on-Investment Incentive rP os t Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 Exhibit 2 is a graphic presentation of this portion of the incentive. Since all possible levels of investment and return-on-investment cannot be detailed on the chart, exact incentive figures cannot be determined. However, a rough estimate can be made by: A.Finding the approx imate level of investment on the horizontal scale. B. Drawing a line vertically from that point to the approximate return-on-investment percent. op yo C. Drawing a line horizontally from that point to the vertical scale which indicates the approximate incentive payment. The exact amount of incentive can be determined from Exhibit 3 by the following procedure and example. Example: Investment: ROI: Step 1. $8,263,750 7. 3% Subtract 500,000 from the last six digits of investment figures if they are above 500,000. tC EXAMPLE: 263,750 is below 500,000; nothing is subtracted.Step 2. Divide the number from step 1 by 500,000. The result is a percentage. EXAMPLE: 263,750/ 500,000 = . 5275 No Step 3. Do Step 4. In the 1% Column in Exhibit 3, take the difference between the next highest investment and next lowest investment. EXAMPLE: Investment 1% $8,000,000 $2,100 Difference $50 $8,500,000 $2,150 Multiply the result of Step 3 by the result of Step 2 and add to the 1% Column figure for the nex t lowest investment. EXAMPLE: $50 x . 5275 = $26. 37 + $2,100 = $2,126. 37 Step 5. Multiply the result of Step 4 by the actual ROI%. EXAMPLE: $2,126. 37 x 7. = $15,522. 54 Incentive Payment 5 This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 Exhibit 2 Incentive Payments at Various ROI Percentages 50 20% 45 40 15% 35 30 Series1 25 10% 20 15 10 5 0 0. 5 1. 5 2. 5 3. 5 op yo Incentive Payment ($ thousands) rP os t 197-082 4. 5 5. 5 6. 5 7. 5 8. 5 Series2 Series3 Series4 5% 9. 5 10. 5 11. 5 12. 5 13. 5 14. 5 Do No tC Investment ($ millions) This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 Ince ntive Payments at Various Investments and ROI Percentages Investment 5% 10%No incentive will be paid for less than 5% ROI. 7 This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. No (24) Payback period 300,000 2,612,500 1,059,650 100,000 153 Add back depreciation and relocationAnnual return of funds $ 7. 3 years 4,072,150 5,534,549 96 (177) Less 35% tax Net income $ (220) (53) (273) Less depreciation Total return over 8 years (in dollars) Capital expenditures required (in dollars): Land Building Equipment Relocation expenseForecast Additional Sales, Expenses, and After-Tax Profits Due to New Facility (doll ars in thousands) Gross profit dollars Service income Total income Less expenses excluding depreciation Sales dollars Exhibit 4 Do Purity Steel Corporation, 1995 Return-on-investment and Incentive Compensation (in dollars) rP os t Exhibit 5 197-082 Denver Branch 1997 Projected Total Warehouse Sales Division 1995 Investment at Year-end Land $ Buildings (net of depreciation) 5,144,500 $ 13,950,500 Equipment (net of depreciation) 124,500 $ 300,000 $ – 1,010,425 1,010,425 481,000 3,879,385 1,010,425 50,000 1,382,500 ,568,960 32,000 21,817,000 Accounts receivable Building 50,000 50,000 op yo Subtotal Leased Building 324,500 2,722,000 Cash fund Owned Actual 1995 Actual – Total year-end investment Investment at start of year 22,517,500 Less: depreciation Less: lease payments Net pre-tax profit 3,466,250 4,904,500 8,782,135 5,913,175 5,263,500 8,395,650 5,483,150 100,404,000 5,084,000 8,588,895 5,698,150 4,147,310 917,870 710,000 710,000 (40,000) (92,765) (49,225) (648,705) (4 20,565) $ tC Return on investment 1,386,500 3,466,250 99,795,500 Profit before depreciation & taxes 1,386,500 3,132,000 101,012,500Average investment during year 1,241,500 55,295,500 Inventories 3,078,040 – $ 3. 07% 877,870 $ 17. 27% (243,200) 617,235 $ 417,575 7. 19% 7. 33% Incentive Compensation Sales volume increase (decrease) $ Bonus @ $1,750 per $500,000 ROI bonus: $ – 1,565,000 $ 1,565,000 8,500,000 5,500,000 2,150 1,810 60 Difference to next base 5,478 1,750 Value for 1% column, Exhibit 3 5,478 5,000,000 Base investment No (870,000) 50 65 25. 76 Interpolated portion 10. 08 8. 89 Total value per percentage point 1,760 2,159 1,836 30,392 15,515 13,453 ROI bonus Total incentive compensation $ 30,392 $ 20,993 $ 18,931Assumptions used for 1997 projections at Denver: Old facility and equipment sold at the end of 1996, proceeds remitted to corporate headquarters. Depreciation on new facilities in 1997 is $43,540 (60 years, straight line) and $49,225 on equipment (vario us lives, straight line). Year-end investment in receivables and inventory will approximate 1995 relationship: receivables at 10% of annual sales, inventories at 25% of annual sales. Average total investment assumes that new fixed assets are acquired on December 31, 1996, and that other assets at that date are the same as at the end of 1995.Profit taken from RFE (Exhibit 4) as $995,000 less $185,000 first-year decline, less $100,000 relocation expense. Additional mill profit of $65,000 does not reflect on divisional books and was used only at corporate headquarters for capital expenditures evaluation purposes. Do 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9 This document is authorized for use only by Corrado Cuccurullo at Second University of Naples until October 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [email  protected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860.

Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating

Running head: HEALTHY AGING IN THE ELDERLY 1 Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating Healthy Aging and Quality of Life in the Elderly Karen Cauthen Counseling 502-B21 Liberty University Abstract Can morbidity be deterred in the elderly or is disease and illness a fact of life for the aged? Does social support and physical activity play a part in preventing secondary aging processes? This paper will modestly explore and discuss the effects of social interactions and routine activity of the elderly upon healthy aging and quality of life. Successful healthy ageing is impacted by a healthy lifestyle and is positively related to a reduced mortality risk and a delay in health deterioration† (Merrill, Myklebust, Myklebust, Reynolds, & Duthie, 2008). It is not the absence of disease or disability that qualifies healthy aging, but response to the aging process that defines quality of life (Gilbert, Hagerty, & Taggert, 2012). According to Erik Erikson it is the eighth stage of development: integrity vs. espair (Erikson, Erikson, & Kivnick, 1986); the point in life where the reality of death becomes imminent and a review of life determines meaning (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). Social participation and an active lifestyle are good at any age but for the elderly it is the cover over the deep dark hole of despair and loneliness. Keywords: integrity, despair, activity, social, healthy aging, aging process, support Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating Healthy Aging and Quality of Life in the ElderlyAs we grow older our bodies change, our thoughts are more reflective, and our friendships more selective. Growing old is not a cookie cutter process. For each individual it is different. Some stay very busy, while others quit. They gradually halt participation in day-to-day events, or they take up yoga, run a marathon even go back to school. Successful aging is determined more by mental attitude than physical ability; how past life is perceived and future li fe accomplished.It is how change is managed that determines healthy aging and quality of life in the aged. Growing old is a process gerontologist divide in two categories, â€Å"primary aging† and â€Å"secondary aging† (Berger, 2011). Primary aging is defined as the universal changes occurring with age that are not caused by diseases or environmental influences. Secondary aging is defined as changes involving interactions of primary aging processes with environmental influences and disease processes (Masoro & Austad, 2006).According to Berger (Berger, 2011) there are three stages of old: â€Å"young-old,† â€Å"healthy, active, financially secure and independent;† â€Å"old-old,† although still independent suffer from â€Å"reductions in physical or mental ability or social support;† and last, â€Å"oldest-old,† â€Å"infirm, at risk for illness and injury. † Not preferring to use the word old, some gerontologist describe four stages of aging as: â€Å"optimal aging,† â€Å"usual aging,† â€Å"impaired or pathological aging,† and the fourth, â€Å"successful aging,† (Rowe & Kahn, 1998) â€Å"signifying extensive social interaction and activity† (Berger, 2011).The elderly tend to measure functional capacity by â€Å"their ability to carry out, independently, their routine activities, also called the activities of daily living† (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). After years of independent living, dependency on someone to carry out normal everyday functions can be emotionally and socially debilitating, even more so than the illnesses that made them dependent. â€Å"Loss, in instrumental activities of daily living contributes to greater estrangement from one’s social surroundings and consequently to a tendency to be isolated in one’s residence† (Brito & Pavarini, 2012).Erik Erikson provided an in-depth philosophy in his final eighth stage of development: integrity vs. despair. This is a time in which the elderly desire to unite their vast experiences with their ideas of humanity (Erikson, et al, 1986). While despair stands for a complete loss of hope, integrity does not only mean honesty, but also â€Å"a feeling of being whole, not scattered, comfortable with oneself† (Berger, 2011). Yet it is in Erikson’s seventh stage, generativity vs. tagnation, we find that â€Å"in older adults, generativity may be the single most important factor in achieving ego integrity (James & Zarrett, 2006) and positively impacts well-being (Yuen, Huang, Burik, & Smith, 2008)† (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). Therefore, as Erikson (Erikson & Erikson, 1997) put it, â€Å"indeed, old people can and need to maintain a grand-generative function† (p. 63), and that â€Å"vital involvement†¦is necessary for staying really alive (p. 63)† (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). TheoriesPeople are multi-dimensional, multi-faceted creatures. To lump us all under one roof would be a crime. Numerous theories, through research and study, try to describe human behavior but no one such study is sufficient. There are four main theories concerning the activities and social life of the elderly. Each theory holds truth but not the whole truth. The first, activity theory, views â€Å"older people as psychologically unchanged† holding â€Å"social and physical obstacles responsible for declining rates of social interaction† (Carstensen L.L. , 1992). Activity theorists blame age-related health and social burdens for cause of change in social participation and activities (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). The second, disengagement theory, suggest â€Å"that old age instigates a mutual withdrawal between society and aging people† (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). Elaine Cumming and William Earl Henry (Cumming & Henry, 1961) suggest that in preparation for death withdrawal is manifested in a distancing in social relationships.As death creeps ever closer what is important and what is not is more relevant. What we do, where we do it, and whom we do it with are choices that continue the idea of independence. A third theory proposed by Dr. Laura Carstensen (Carstensen L. L. , 1992), socioemotional selective theory, counters the assumption by the other two theories, that these changes in social activity are strictly late-life phenomena, with the proposition that these changes actually start earlier in life. Reduced rates of interaction in late life are viewed as the result of lifelong selection processes by which people strategically and adaptively cultivate their social networks to maximize social and emotional gains and minimize social and emotional risks† (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). Because so much is derived from social interaction; information, assistance, self-identity, selection of a mate, knowledge of culture and history, discriminate and careful examination of social partners is a must (Carstensen L. L. , 1992).The fourth, gerotranscendence theory, was developed by Lars Tornstam to address a â€Å"perpetual mismatch between present theories in social gerontology and existing empirical data† (Tornstam, 2010). Gerotranscendence claims successful aging results from frequent contemplative thought, a decrease in materialism, and transcendence of primary aging processes (Adams & Sanders, 2010). In support of this theory a Change in Activities and Interest Index (CAII) was created to â€Å"examine empirically the perceived changes that occur in the lives of older adults† (Adams & Sanders, 2010).The CAII is a 30-item questioner optimized to examine â€Å"self-perceived change in investment in and attitudes about social and leisure pastimes among older adults† (Adams & Sanders, 2010). As a result of the research by Drs. Kathryn Adams and Sara Sanders (Adams & Sanders, 2010) using the CAII, providers of health care to the elderly can better design ways to elevate direct engagement in valuable, desired activities and social relations as they advance within the aging process. As stated earlier, all four theories hold truth, but none the whole truth.Each theory describes certain individuals but leaves out others. Because we are an ever changing species and constantly growing population more studies are needed in understanding the causes of healthy aging and defining quality of life. Gender Studies have shown that in later life numerous physical benefits, as well as, psychological benefits are a result of participation in social activity, â€Å"such as the promotion of happiness (Menec, 2003), reduction of the risk of depression (Hong, Hasche, & Bowland, 2009), reduction of the decline of motor function (Buchman, et al. 2009), and even reductions in mortality (Lennartsson & Silverstein, 2001)† (Li, Lin, & Chen, 2011). â€Å"Research to date indicates that participation in social activity exerts positive and psychological health effects among th e elderly and that the pattern of activity participation differs by gender† (Li, et al, 2011). Numerous studies and literature report general differences in the social activities of men and women, but only one study â€Å"considered gender issues and social activity among the elderly (Arber, Perren, & Davidson, 2002).When exploring the outcomes of healthy aging and quality of life in regards to social support and physical activity, gender cannot be overlooked. Changes take place throughout the lifespan and gender affects social and cultural relations to these changes. In the expansion of associations and community contacts the distinct social settings that men and women live in lead to dissimilar behaviors (Barer, 1994; Carstensen L. L. , 1991). Dr. Kate Bennett (Bennett K. M. 1998) did an 8-year longitudinal study on physical activity in the elderly. The results showed that women were more likely to occupy themselves with indoor activities (e. g. , housework) and men with ou tdoor activities (e. g. , walking or cycling) (Bennett K. M. , 1998). Involvement in activities, whether readily available or not, is also gender specific. Elderly women are more likely to attend or be involved with religious services and activities than elderly men (Arber, et al, 2002).For men, staying in touch with what is going on through formal and informal associations or engaging in social activities such as volunteer work helps them maintain self-identity within their society (Arber, et al, 2002). Cultural context also plays a part in the construct of gender roles. In most societies, Western and non-Western, the male role is that of bread winner and the female role is that of homemaker (Li, et al, 2011). Western society mindset has changed over the years to the point where these roles are often reversed or completely annihilated.In Asia, however, a study done between 1988 and 1997 of people aged 60 or older found that women were more likely to rely on their family for financi al support and men were more likely to have their own source of income (Ofstedal, Reidy, & Knodel, 2004). However, a study of â€Å"5,294 noninstitutionalized elderly adults†¦concluded that working for a living was associated with high rates of depression among the elderly† (Hong, et al, 2009), most likely due to Asian traditional social value (xiao) which reflects bad on the family of children who cannot support their parents (Li, et al, 2011).Facilitators and Barriers The earth’s populace of 60+ year olds has doubled since 1980 and will achieve the 2 billion mark by 2050 according to the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, n. d. ; Gilbert, et al, 2012). Catherine Gilbert, Debra Hagerty and Helen Taggert generated a study â€Å"to explore the factors associated with healthy ageing through personal interviews†¦giving voice to the elders regarding their impression of facilitators and barriers to healthy ageing† (Gilbert, et al, 2012).T he results found the elderly perceive three main facilitators to healthy ageing: â€Å"taking care of self; meaningful activity; and positive attitude,† and three main barriers to healthy ageing: â€Å"giving up or giving in; environmental limitations; and the ageing process† (Gilbert, et al, 2012). Empathy is a facilitator and plays an important role in healthy ageing and quality of life through social interaction and is a requirement for enduring social commitments (Bailey, Henry, & Von Hippel, 2008). Empathy has been described as the; ‘capacity to understand others and experience their feelings in relation to oneself’ (Decety & Jackson, 2004). Few studies have been done to reveal whether empathic capacity diminishes with age (Bailey, et al, 2008). Phoebe Bailey, Julie Henry and William Von Hippel researched the â€Å"possibility that age-related reductions in social functioning might be mediated by declining cognitive empathy† with results testif ying â€Å"cognitive empathy was significantly reduced related to younger adults,† but â€Å"there were no age-related differences in affective empathy† (Bailey, et al, 2008).Thus empathy as a facilitator to healthy aging and quality of life bares much weight in functional relationships. A social network also facilitates healthy aging and quality of life. Social support, created by relationships, both formal and informal, provides one with emotional, affective and material help, with information, and with positive social interaction (Ostergren, Hanson, Isacsson, & Tejler, 1991). It has been proven by studies that adequate social support is a efensive aspect in functional disability and cognitive compromise in the elderly (Golden, Conroy, & Lawlor, 2009; Bennett, Schneider, Tang, Arnold, & Wilson, 2006; Stuck, Walhert, Nikolaus, Bula, Hohmann, & Beck, 1999). Autonomy and independence within family and social circles is maintained through social supports and is essential to cognitive functions and psychological well-being (Golden, et al, 2009; Bennett, et al, 2006; Stuck, et al, 1999). On the other hand, barriers to healthy ageing and quality of life include physical ability and cognitive alterations.Barriers â€Å"reported by older adults are physical health problems and frailty, resultant injury and falling, lack of motivation, feeling low, time constraints, social barriers, past seentary lifestyle, feeling too tired, and environmental restrictions such as transportation, weather, neighborhood safety, fatigue and having no one to exercise with† (Belza, et al. , 2004; Bird, et al. , 2009; Chen, 2010; Conn, 1998; Lees, Clark, Nigg, & Newman, 2005; Newson & Kemps, 2007; Prohaska, et al. , 2006).Yet fear of disease and becoming dependent is a great motivator to be physically active (Welmer, Morck, & Dahlin-Ivanoff, 2012). Another barrier to healthy ageing and quality of life in the elderly is cognitive alterations. Primary aging results in a s low steady decline of mental functions. Loss of words, ability to understand and perceive, to move efficiently and smoothly, and ability to manage, control, and regulate cognitive processes all deteriorate as we get older, allbeit some faster than others (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). †¦with memory loss standing out most in the population in general.Maintenance of cognition is an important determinant for quality of life and life expectancy in old age, as cognitive decline is associated with personal discomfort, loss of autonomy and increase of social costs (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). Research and Results The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Healthy Ageing Research Network (CDC-HAN) and the European Union Active and Healthy Ageing partnership (ND) all agree healthy ageing is important and pursue educating the public through studies and research (Gilbert, et al, 2012).The mission of the CDC Healthy Ageing Research Network is: â€Å"To better understand the dete rminants of healthy ageing in diverse populations and settings; to identify, develop, and evaluate programs and policies that promote healthy ageing; and to translate and disseminate research into effective and sustainable public health programs and policies throughout the nation (CDC, 2012). By using research from these agencies, communities throughout the world can develop programs that enhance and promote healthy aging and quality of life for the elderly (Gilbert, et al, 2012).The World Health Organization is aware of the challenges in healthcare faced in the 21st century, as well as, the need for the contributions the elderly make (Gilbert, et al, 2012). In support of healthy ageing and quality of life we need â€Å"training for health professionals on old-age care; preventing and managing age-associated chronic diseases; designing sustainable policies on long-term and palliative care; and developing age-friendly services and settings† (WHO, n. d. ) Along with national re search, colligate, institutional, private, and organizational studies continue the quest for positive healthy aging and quality of life.Many studies extol the benefits of social support and physical activity upon the health and well-being, both mentally and physically, of the elderly. A study by Anna-Karin Welmer, Annika Morck, and Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff; â€Å"Physical Activity in People Age 80 Years and Older as a Means to Counteracting Disability, Balanced in Relation to Frailty,† declares: †¦results suggest that physical activity was not seen as a separate activity but rather as a part of activities often rated as more important than the physical activity itself.Thus, when designing physical activity interventions for elderly people, health care providers should consider including time for social interaction and possibilities to be outdoors (Welmer, et al, 2012). In another study exploring â€Å"Empathy and Social Functioning in Late Adulthood,† Bailey, Henry, and Von Hippel report: †¦aging may differentially impact cognitive and affective empathy, and that the former may be of particular importance for social functioning.Given the negative consequences that loneliness and social isolation have for physical and mental well-being (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988), particularly among older adults (for whom reduced social participation has been linked to increased mortality; (Bath & Deeg, 2005; Fry & Debats, 2006), these findings seem a worthwhile topic for further investigation (Bailey, et al, 2008). Yet another study by Gilbert, Hagerty and Taggert, â€Å"Exploring Factors Related to Healthy Ageing,† reveals the importance of environment in facilitating a healthy social and physically active lifestyle.Tom, an interviewee and participant in the study â€Å"was very articulate about the need for environmental modifications that support the lifestyles of the elderly (Gilbert, et al, 2012). â€Å"To be active, means to be able t o travel and do things. Unfortunately, when we travel, the people who claim to have handicap rooms have had the worst advice in the world. Numerous times I have been placed in situations where you can’t sit down in the shower or if you get in the tub, you can’t get out† (Gilbert, et al, 2012).In a study, â€Å"Gender Differences in the Relationship of Social Activity and Quality of Life in Community- Dwelling Taiwanese Elders,† Li, Lin, and Chen find to some degree that gender does play a role in what activities are pursued and measured as resulting in quality of life by the elderly. For the men in this study, engaging in contact with friends, informal group activity, formal group activity, and voluntary work were significantly associated with the total quality of life. Among women, our data show that fewer types of social activity are associated with quality of life domains (Li, et al, 2011).Men seemed to derive quality of life through formal groups where status and title were bestowed, whereas, women found quality of life sustained in religious activities (Li, et al, 2011). A study by Brito and Pavarini, â€Å"The Relationship Between Social Support and Functional Capacity in Elderly Persons with Cognitive Alterations,† corroborates the importance of social support in regards to healthy aging and quality of life, especially among the elderly with cognitive inpairment.Social support may protect individuals from the pathogenic effects of stressing events, as much as it may positively affect people’s health by providing resources (economic and material help and information), better access to health care and regulation of living habits (Ramos, 2002). Research and study in gerontology promote understanding of the needs of the elderly in establishing adequate structuring and implantation of pathways that contribute to social support and physical activities, which in turn corroborates healthy aging and quality of life (Brito & Pavarini, 2012).Conclusion Getting old is a fact of life and with advances in medicine and the world’s population living longer (WHO, n. d. ), coping successfully with getting older requires selective optimization with compensation; setting goals, assessing abilities, and making plans to achieve regardless of hindrances and limitations (Berger, 2011). A positive outlook, family and friends, and an active lifestyle are all deterrents of morbidity (Gilbert, Hagerty, & Taggert, 2012).Influenced by a healthy lifestyle, successful healthy ageing is clearly related to a decreased mortality risk and a postponement in, and in some cases suspension of, health deterioration (Merrill, et al, 2008). Maintaining a social calendar and routine physical activity clearly supports healthy aging and quality of life in the elderly. Bibliography Adams, K. B. , & Sanders, S. (2010). Measurement of developmental change in late life: a validation study of the change in activities and interests in dex. Clinical Gerontologist, 92-108. Arber, S. , Perren, K. , & Davidson, K. (2002).Involvement in social organizations in later life: Variations by gender and class. In L. Andersson (Ed. ), Cultural gerontology (pp. 77-93). Westport, CT: Auborn House. Bailey, P. E. , Henry, J. D. , & Von Hippel, W. (2008, July). Empathy and social functioning in late adulthood. Aging & Mental Health, Vol. 12, No. 4, 499-503. Barer, B. M. (1994). Men and women aging differently. International Journal of Aging and Hua Development, 38(1), 29-40. Bath, P. A. , & Deeg, D. (2005). Social engagement and health outcomes among older people: Introduction to a special section. 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Journal of Women and Aging, 21, 33-47. Brito, T. , ; Pavarini, S. (2012). The relationship between social support and functional capacity in elderly persons with cognitive alterations. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 677-684. Buchman, A. S. , Boyle, P. A. Wilson, R. S. , Fleischman, D. A. , Leurgans, S. , ; Bennett, D. A. (2009). As sociation between late life social activity and motor decline in older adults. Archives of International Medicine, 169(12), 1139-1146. Carstensen, L. L. (1991). Selctivity theory: Social activity in life-span context. Annual Tview of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 11, 195-213. Carstensen, L. L. (1992). Social and Emotional Patterns in Adulthood: Support for Socioemotional Selectivity Theory. Psychology and Aging, 7(3), 331-338. CDC. (2012, April 12). CDC's Prevention Research Centers Healthyy Aging Research Network (CDC-HAN).Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www. cdc. gov/aging/han/ Chen, Y. M. (2010). 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A poisson-like model of sub-clinical signs from the examination of healthy aging subjects. Aging Clinical ; Experimental Research, 20(4), 368-375. Newson, R. S. , ; Kemps, E. B. (2007). Factors that promote and prevent exercise engagement in older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 19, 470-481. Ofstedal, M. B. , Reidy, E. , ; Knodel, J. (2004). Gender differences in economic support and well-being of older Asians. Journal of Cross-Cultur al Gerontology, 19, 165-201. Ostergren, P. O. , Hanson, B. S. , Isacsson, S. O. , ; Tejler, L. (1991).Social network, social support and acute chest complaints among young and middle-aged patients in an emergency department: A case control study. Social Science ; Medicine, 33(3), 257-267. Prohaska, T. , Belansky, E. , Belza, B. , Buchner, D. , Marshall, V. , McTigue, K. , ; Wilcox, S. (2006). Physical activity, public health, and aging: Critical issues and research priorities. The Journals of Gerontology. 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Book Review Of Rich Dad Poor Dad Philosophy Essay

Book Review Of Rich Dad Poor Dad Philosophy Essay Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That The Poor And Middle Class Do Not! Nobody wants to be poor. Everyone wants to be rich. However, no matter how high people reach or how hard people work, still many of us struggle financially, have insufficient funds to meet our expenses, are unprepared for retirement and simply are not able to attain all our wants. And there are only but a few â€Å"lucky ones† who end up being successful, money-wise. And the solutions that we normally come up with are to look for higher paying jobs, get a second or even a third job, acquire more assets and maybe hope to win the lottery. In this book, the author presents that our thoughts and actions have great impact on our lives. Our way of thinking, choices and decisions lead us to become either rich or poor. By presenting two contrasting mentalities, we get to not just accept one but to ponder on both and choose for ourselves how we will live our lives. The centra l and most important point presented here is in order for us to prevent money struggle, as early as we can, we should already be thinking, reflecting and directing our thoughts toward becoming rich. We should teach and use our minds to harness the power of money. This book is a wake up call to all of us to educate ourselves on money matters. Financial education is not being taught in school. We first learn it at home. And since most of us are not financially literate and the advice that we give are from past generations that do not really meet the changes of the present times, we end up teaching the young ones how to become like what most of us already are. A poor man can only teach much and mostly those teachings are what they have applied for themselves, thus continuing the cycle of money struggle. It is alarming to note that a lot of people are on their path to becoming poor each day and only a handful become mindful of their future and the future of nations and the rest of the w orld. I think finishing this book is not the point where we start applying this knowledge. Teaching our children but not changing our ways might just be not so beneficial, and so I suggest that upon learning this new perspective on money, one should realign his thinking, choices and decisions in order to fully reap the bounties. Some of the advice presented in this book are quite scary and risky but they do challenge us to exercise our minds and stretch our thoughts. It was also surprising how Robert Kiyosaki began this book. He was downright challenging the traditional ways of sending our children to school, motivating them to get grades and finish their studies and influencing them to find a good job by telling us that this could be their path to becoming poor. Further, he clearly chose the Rich Dad for his role model, someone who did not even finish the eighth grade.

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Is democracy necessary to protect universal human rights - Essay Example This leads us to the last premise, democracy and human rights are closely interlinked to a point that they strengthen each other and that they are inseparable. Meaning, each is vital to the other. If human rights define democracy, democracy facilitates the realization of human rights. In short, the necessity of democracy for the protection of universal human rights resides on the very principles, process, and nature of democracy. To explain further, each premise is discussed below. Premise 1: Democracy upholds the principles of universal human rights. To explain this premise entails a brief discussion on the concepts of democracy and human rights, because this premise rests its assertion on the very principles that these two concepts uphold. Human rights Donnelly (2003, 10) explains, ‘are literally, the rights that one has simply because one is human’. As such, he characterizes human rights to be equal, inalienable and universal. Meaning human rights are applicable to ev ery human being regardless of color, sex, and creed. It is absolute that it cannot be denied from any one. In fact to him, even those who behave badly are entitled to these rights since no one can stop one from being human. This perhaps is due to the fact that no man is perfect. Every one of us at one time or another in our lives commits mistakes. This however should not be misconstrued as a justification for violating one’s right, because as always said, in every right there is a corresponding responsibility. In other words, one’s exercise and enjoyment of his/her right should not obstruct nor limit another’s exercise of his/her right. A classic example of this is the exercise of one’s right to freedom of speech/expression. As Amnesty International states: your right to freedom of speech is limited by your responsibility not to say untrue things which will degrade another person and abuse their right to dignity and good reputation’ (cited in Sprin g 2000, 70). Meaning, one cannot make use of his/her right to freedom of expression by committing oral defamation or slander. This clearly illustrates that human rights should be exercise with respect for the rights of others. Thus human rights must reside on facts and truths. Therefore, human rights are rights that recognize the dignity which set human beings far above from other forms of animals, that violating any of it is a direct assault to human dignity. However, human rights unless justified and accepted would be useless. In practice today, human rights are justified by a constitution or declaration (Parsons 2004, 32-33). An example of which are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international treatises such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966; the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989; the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocid e, 1948; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of racial Discrimination, 1965; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1984; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979 (United Nations 2003). Notably though, these human rights instruments could only be possible under democracy. Why is it so, necessitates our understanding of democracy. Defining democracy is not simply an academic exercise but

Philosophy of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Philosophy of Education - Essay Example Philosophical reflection informs the manner of instructive practices as well as the point to which instruction should do so. In the republic, Plato termed education as a practice which stands exclusively necessitating direction from the most embracing as well as refined metaphysics (Blake, Smith & Standish 2006). All past and current human societies have had a vested concentration on education and most of the people have claimed that most educational activities or teaching are the second oldest occupation. Almost every society allocates adequate resources in support of educational institutions and activities as they are very important. Learning institutions are one of the agents of socialization in most societies because all children are born innumerate and illiterate. They are also normally ignorant of the cultural achievements and norms of their society or community of which they are part of. However, with the assistance of teachers, the rest of the society and educational resources, they learn to read, write, and act in ways that are culturally appropriate. Most of the people learn these skills with more education facilities than other people. Education equips people with substantive knowledge and skills that enable them to identify and pursue their own aspirations and take part in their community life as independent and full-fledged citizens. In his educational philosophy, Plato argued that a person is served best when he or she is subordinated to a just society. Plato promoted the notion that children should be removed from the care of their mothers and raised as state wards with a lot of care being taken to t ell apart children suitable to the different castes, the highest attaining most education, to ensure that they act as city guardians and care for the less fortunate (Rozema 1998). Plato further argued that education would be holistic including physical discipline, skills, facts, art and music which he took as the utmost form of undertaking. He believed that talents were not distributed genetically and thus they had to be found in any social class. There have been other philosophies of education after Plato. Freire (2002) attacked the ‘banking concept of education’. In this concept, students are viewed like an empty account that should be filled by the teachers. Freire suggested that a deep reciprocity should be inserted into people’s idea of student and teacher. He rejected the teacher –student dichotomy and encouraged the role of participants in the classroom as the student teacher (a student who teaches) and teacher student (a teacher who learns). Freire (2002) kind of classroom was at times criticized because it can disguise the authority of the teacher rather than overcome it. Freirian education philosophy has been extremely important in academic debates over participatory development and overall development. Dewey (1916) argued that the basic ineluctable birth and death facts of every member of a social group make education a necessity because in spite of this genetic inescapability, the community has to continue. The immense societal significance of education is highlighted by the fact that when people are taken aback by a predicament, it is regularly viewed as a sign of fail and teachers and the system of education become scapegoats. On the other McLaren argued that education should bring about social and self empowerment. He criticized the conventional American tradition in which schools try to establish and develop an egalitarian and democratic society, with the conventional humanities curricula informing learners about the ethical standards and human values. McLaren saw modern schools as doing precious little to encourage the Western humanist traditionist. Schools produce economic and social which has to be weighed against a real record of serving the affluent interests. This condition by McLaren has been in latest conservative developments where the curriculum and aims are geared to the worldwide economic

Existentialism According to Two Philosophers Essay

Existentialism According to Two Philosophers - Essay Example   The reader realizes immediately that what is important about this character is not his actions, so much as his thoughts. Actions - if any - are the result of a decision, a choice. Even when he hands ‘the prisoner’ a glass of tea, or takes a pot of ink from a drawer, Daru does so not as a reflexive action, or one taken automatically or without consideration, but as a deliberately thought-out deed over which he seems to have some control. This is a kind of irony that comes from the pen of Albert Camus, an existentialist (although he denied it) writer whose philosophy was one born of the belief that life offers no clarity or meaning (Camus 1991). He places Daru in a spot, literally and metaphorically. From this place, this man cannot emerge unless it is through a deliberate deed. True, he did not ask Balducci to arrive with the prisoner, yet even in the introduction during the blizzard, Camus injects an atmosphere of anticipation and expectation. He seems to tell the reader that life - even if it does take place in a desert; emotional, philosophical, or otherwise - has a habit of presenting one with predicaments and obligations that require accountability (Camus 1991). Daru, in his dead-end job, had to dole out grain to the families of his students, something over which he seemed to have doubts. He is suddenly given the responsibility of taking an Arab prisoner to the prison at Tinguit: a dilemma which is at once perso nal, official and philosophical. Camus does this to illustrate his concept of inescapability: if you are alive, you will encounter this kind of problem that requires some sort of choice. Not making a choice is not an option that life offers. Even doing nothing is a default choice. In his Myth of Sisyphus, he shows this through the absurdity of life’s meaningless tasks, that are repetitive and devoid of meaning, and gives them to Daru to show there are no escaping life’s quandaries.

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Environmental Issues ( Critque) - Article Example One set of risks are specific to the hydraulic fracture process used for shale gas production while the other set of risks apply to all oil and gas production activities where there is much greater operating experience. The last part of the paper shows that the environmental regulations for shale gas drilling vary from state to state and that there are areas of overlap between some of the state regulations and some federal laws. The paper suggests the need for a common set of regulations so that the best practices developed at one drill site can be applied across all projects. 2. Environmental risks specific to shale gas production 2.1 Seismic shocks The major concerns about shale gas production have been around the hydraulic fracture process where the shale rock is caused to fracture by hydraulic pressure. The cracks in the rock propagate 500 to 800 feet in all directions from the casing pipe and the effect is similar to an underground seismic shock. The fracture pressure needs to b e monitored and controlled to prevent the cracks from spreading beyond the shale gas layer (page 4). The general concern with setting off such underground fractures is that the fissures may permit contamination of underground water aquifers that are used for drinking water (page 7). Most shale gas formations are found 4,000 to 8,500 feet below the surface whereas drinking water sources are rarely more than 850 feet deep (page 8). Seismic monitoring is an essential tool to ensure that the underground cracks do not spread beyond the shale gas formation. However, only 3% of around 75,000 hydraulic fractures carried out in 2009 in the US were seismically monitored (page 8). An additional concern is with such underground fracture may lead to earthquakes. The town of Cleburne, Texas has experienced several low intensity earthquakes under 3.3.on the Richter scale in 2008 and 2009 after the start of shale gas exploration in the area when the region has no recorded earthquakes in the previou s 142 years (page 9). Preliminary studies do not find a definite link between shale gas exploration and these earthquakes but the concern remains. The paper does not say whether the hydraulic fractures in the Cleburne area were seismically monitored. 2.2 Fresh water usage and waste water disposal Hydraulic fracturing requires 2 to 8 million gallons of water per well fractured. Though water once used for fracturing can be reused by diluting with fresh water, the Barnett Shale project has used an average of 3 million gallons of fresh water per well and has drilled tens of thousands of such wells (page 12). Apart from the problem of using so much water in competition with other uses, there is the problem of treatment and disposal of contaminated water. The water pumped into the well has chemical additives. When it flows back to the surface it includes any sub-surface water that may have dissolved contaminants such as arsenic, benzene and mercury (page 10). The ‘flow back’ water will happen not just during the hydraulic fracture process but also during the gas production phase of the well. The water is presently being injected into underground saline aquifers but the number of such wells available is too small to handle the volumes of waste water (page 10). Municipal waste water treatment facilities in the area of the shale gas fields cannot handle this volume of water and are not designed for these contaminants. Treated municipal water is also

The thoughts of King Corn Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The thoughts of King Corn - Essay Example The argument is supported by other biologist in the movie. These biologists cover the several issues that have been highlighted in the movie. Actually, the major challenge of obesity in the American population is control of overconsumption of beef and corn products. This challenge can be addressed effectively by researching on the impact of genetically modified corn on the health of humans and animals especially cattle (Cheney and Ellis). Overconsumption of corn in the movie and the inclusion of corn in the diet of both animals and humans are illustrated effectively using the resultant health effects of the action. Genetically modified foods are an issue of great concern for the society today due to the increasing obesity and animal deaths. The movie captures the problem effectively through the agricultural journey of the two friends. In addition, the inclusion of the different perspectives of the interviewed biologist illustrates the impact of corn agriculture in America. Consequently, the increase in obesity among the American population has been linked with the excessive consumption of corn by humans and cattle. Both the direct and indirect overconsumption of the corn is considered the main threat to positive and good

HUM CHECKPOINT WK6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HUM CHECKPOINT WK6 - Essay Example The religion has five pillars that characterize the obligatory concepts of worship. Therefore, this paper will explain on the five pillars of Islam and the central beliefs in the Islamic religion as per the five pillars. It will also highlight the easiest pillar and which will be the most challenging to fulfill. Ideally, the Islamic faith has central beliefs in that there is believe in only one God and that one should pray in order to maintain a healthy relationship with Him. This becomes the most fundamental pillar in Islam, which is Shahadah. The second pillar in the Islamic religion is Salat, which is the prayer schedule that each follower should be adherent. The prayer schedule should be in the early morning, at noon, mid-afternoon, before sunset, and in the evening. Ideally, this makes the number of times to be five in a day. As a mandate, a faithful has to cleanse their bodies before any prayer session and need to bow down as a sign of submission to Allah. Thirdly, Islam religion has Zakat as its other pillar of religion that requires the faithful to give alms to the poor in the society (Natana, 2010). In essence, it is the duty of every Muslim faithful to try to eliminate economic imbalance. This can be through donating part of their money, time, and services to those who are underpr ivileged. Essentially, families and businesses give two and half percent of the total cost of their valuables and savings. In addition, the religion has Sawm as the fourth fundamental pillar, which is the ritual fasting as a sign of repentance. This comes in to pay especially during the Holy month of Ramadhan. During this month, Muslims abscond from eating drinking of having any sexual relations during daytime. The fasting helps the faithful to appreciate Allah for His provision, to repent their sins, and to keep the poor in mind. However, only the young children and those with severe medical conditions may not fast. Lastly, the fifth of

FAA inspections on Boeing 737's and how it relates to Operations Research Paper

FAA inspections on Boeing 737's and how it relates to Operations Management - Research Paper Example It provides employment opportunities to over 170,000 individuals throughout 70 nations. It is also regarded as one of the oldest manufacturers of commercial airlines having its root from the last 40 years. It also manufacturers missiles, defense systems and satellites and is a major service provider to NASA (Boeing, 2013). The main aim of this research paper is to provide a broad description on the main reasons behind the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to order inspections of more than 1,000 Boeing 737 jets and to show appropriate reasons that the inspection of the airline can help the company in ensuring proper management of operations. Operation Management Operations management is considered as one of the most vital parts of an organizational life cycle irrespective of the fact that it is involved in producing goods or services or is functioning in private or public sectors. The main purpose or aim of operations management is to implement steps that may help the organization to operate efficiently. With reference to the article, â€Å"FAA Orders Inspections on Boeing's 737 Aircraft† by Andy Pasztor, it can be apparently viewed that the potential effect of factory defects in the manufacturing process of Boeing 737 has led the company to inspect more than 1000 Boeing 737s, causing an incurrence of total compliance costs of nearly US$10 million (Pasztor, 2013). The main steps which are usually followed in the process of operations management are discussed below: Contact customer: The first step in operations management is to obtain information on the demand, intension and the core customers/potential customers to buy the products’ produced. Moreover, conserving the contact information is also done to measure the market action (Mahadevan, 2009). Contribute a demand: The next step in the process is to propose a demand of service or product to the qualified customers. This can be done by offering a written proposal to potential customers. It is considered that business proposal is often determined to be a step in settling complex business processes. For instance, companies like Boeing usually adopt the policy of providing business proposals to potential airlines in order to offer them a broad description of the services they render and the way in which they differ from their competitors (Mahadevan, 2009; Neely, 1993). Sale: In this step, the contract or sale of the product is done to their potential customers. Establish a written procedure: In this vital step, both the parties agree upon a mutual agreement in keeping with the different aspects such as characteristics and date of supply of the final products among others. The step is recognized to be a vital part as both the parties are benefited from it (Mahadevan, 2009). Required resources: In this step, all the necessary equipments, products and additional resources needed to complete the project are verified. The costs of the entire requirements are measured to impleme nt it in inventory management (Mahadevan, 2009). Execution: In this phase, the written process is applied in the practical form, resulting in the formation of the defined product (Mahadevan, 2009). Effectiveness: The final expectation according to the contract or customer is measured. Delivery: This step involves the process of delivering the final product to the end customer. This step needs

Rizal in Macao Essay Example for Free

Rizal in Macao Essay Hounded by powerful enemies, Rizal was forced to leave his country for a second time in February 1888. He was then a full- grown man of 27 years of age, a practicing physician, and a recognized man-of-letters. The first time he went aboard in June 1882, he was a mere lad of 21, a youthful student in search of wisdom in the Old World, a romantic idealist with beautiful dreams of emancipating his people from bondage by the magic power of his pen. Times had changed. Rizal at 27 was an embittered victim of human iniquities, a disillusioned dreamer, a flustrated reformer. The Trip to Hong Kong. On February 3, 1888, after a short stay of six months in his beloved Calamba, Rizal left Manila for Hong Kong on board the Zafiro. He was sick and sad during the crossing of the choppy China Sea. He did not get off his ship when it made brief stopover at Amoy on February 7. for three reasons: (1) he was not feeling well, (2) it was raining hard, and (3) he heard that the city was dirty. He arrived in Hong Kong on February 8. During his stay in Hong Kong, a British colony, Rizal wrote a letter to Blumentritt, dated February 16, 1888, expressing his bitterness. In Hong Kong, Rizal stayed at Victoria Hotel. He was welcomed by the Filipino residents, including Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio, and Manuel Yriarte, (son of Francisco Yriarte, alcalde mayor of Laguna). A Spaniard, Jose Sainz de Varanda, who was a former secretary of Governor General Terrero, shadowed Rizal’s movement in Hong Kong. It is believed that he was commissioned by the Spanish authorities to spy on Rizal. Hong Kong, wrote Rizal to Blumentritt on February 16, 1888, is a small, but very clean city. Many Portuguese, Hindus, English, Chinese, and Jews live in it. There are some Filipinos, the majority of whom being those who had been exiled to the Marianas Islands in 1872. They are poor, gentle, and timid. Formerly they were rich mechanics, industrialists, and financiers. Visit to Macao. On Feb 18, Rizal, accompanied by Basa, boarded the ferry steamer. Kiu-kiang for Macao. Macao is a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. â€Å"the city of Macao,† wrote Rizal, in his diary, â€Å"is small, low, and gloomy. There are many junks, sampans, but few steamers. It looks sad and is almost dead. † In Macao, Rizal and Basa stayed at the home of Don Juan. Francisco Lecaros, a Filipino gentleman married to a Portuguese lady. He was rich and spent his days cultivating plants and flowers, many of which came from Philippines. During his two-day sojourn in Macao, Rizal visited the theatre, casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas, botanical garden, and bazaars. He also saw the famous Grotto of Camoens, Portugal’s national poet. In the evening of February 19, he witnessed a Catholic, in which the devotees were dressed in blue and purple dresses and were carrying unlighted candles.

High school Essay Example for Free

High school Essay Dear incoming freshmen, coming into 9th grade is the scariest experience one will have. Unless you have an older sibling, you do not know what to expect. These will be some of the best of times, and some of the worst of times. you will meet people you will like, and people you just can not avoid. You will form relationships with people and become really close to them. You will have to overcome many obstacles during these years of high school. There will be subjects you like, and some that you will dislike. The same goes with the teachers. There will be some you will want to have again next year, and others you wish you never had. My advice to you is to stay strong during these four years, so you can move on to bigger and better things. You should focus on getting ready for college starting now, so senior year can be a breeze. Make sure you do not procrastinate and stay ahead of the tasks thrown at you. Do not make little mistakes like not turning in easy daily work. These daily work grades add up and can get you into lots of trouble. Make sure you hang out with the right crowd, because if you do not do so the wrong crowd can take you down with them fairly easily. Do not take any advice you get for granted. Every advice you get will end up helping you in the long run. So enjoy the next four years of your life, they will surely be memorable.

Importance of Internal Communication within an Organisation

Importance of Internal Communication within an Organisation Introduction What is internal communication? Internal communication in simple words is communicating with all the possible way and channels of communication within the organisation, there may be many departments, offices all over the country or globe, which includes ample of mass working, but the focus of this internal communication system should be that every person eligible for any new updates/upgrades or any other kind of change in the organisation which keeps on happening from time to time basis should be well communicated with all these mentioned above. Internal communication does not only mean communicating in some of the official ways such as meetings or conferences or updating through news letters or with putting just a white paper with some prints on a notice board where there are chances of it being neglected/oversight. As mentioned, it is not one way communication, hence here it is not only the top level management who communicates with the other but its the other way where there are constant interactions between all the levels of management with a valid meaning related to the working of the organisation. With all the communication ways such as meetings, memos, telecommunications, etc body language, pleasantries and gossip also play a very important role. How significant is internal communication? Internal communication is significant for building a strong block of the organisational culture. Internal communication system is designed in such a way that it should reach all the possible candidates in the organisation. These days the most priority in the organisation is effective internal communication. The more effective the internal communication within the organisation the more quick it is to communicate any changes happening in the company. Hence it then becomes easy for all the interactions between all the levels of management. Personal interaction is also an important key in the internal communication system. The best thing about this is again that communication flows in all directions rather then up to down or vice versa. Change within the organisation. Change being the only constant in every part of life, has to occur every place and any time in all the sections. Big firms it may be manufacturing based or service industry, all have multiple processes which functions and goes through thousands of transactions and activities every day. Greater the functioning of any organisation the more it tends to change policies and practices of particular process depending on the invention of technology and its implementation in the process from time to time. Development, expansion and diversification of the organisation also have a great impact of change in it. Government laws, change in the method of production, servicing methods, outside environment etc changes the overall functioning of the company. Change is also necessary for the organisations to grow in future. Old Hence the organisation in this perspective should make it a point that all the possible changes happening in the company are conveyed to all the candidates working for that particular part where the change has taken place. Steps involved in change and how communication should be handled at each level Clarity is the message to be delivered: The change is first communicated/known to the top level management or the immediate supervisor who is responsible for that part of work where implementation of the change happened is a necessity and should be conveyed to all related to it. These people who are responsible for sending message across should be clear about the message which is to be transmitted among others. Method: The method chosen for delivering the message should be proper i.e. should be accessible to all the people and by proper channel where all of them can understand its operation. In all it should suit the circumstances. It should be kept in mind that when the message is sent by the sender, after receiving it, the receiver should be open to communicate back in case of any doubts or questions to be raised regarding the same matter. Communication technology systems or other communication materials are available to use throughout the department/process where the message of change has to be conveyed. Complicated way or using hi-fi modern technology for communications may be a problem for some people, hence should be avoided in considering the steps for communication. Communication should be in a simplified, concise and precise form so that all the people can understand and actively take part. ( Ref. http://humanresources.about.com/od/changemanagement/a/change_lessons2.htm ) Effective internal communication Effective internal communication is where all the candidates, they may be the managers, employees or the volunteers who actively participates and are focused on the goals of the organisation and all involved has the same object to be established. Effective internal communications builds a strong bridge to efficient working and growing of the organisation. It also helps the working staff to identify the change properly and accomplish goals and missions, thus making a difference in the overall effort and efficiency of the company. Everyday effective communications reduces conflicts and contradicting ideas which and gives emphasis to what is important for the organisation. All the companies may not get all the benefits of the effective internal communication but its still helps the organisation build a strong culture where people involved are working towards a common goal. Different Communication Supports There are many types of communication supports that can be used within the organisation. They can be classified into many categories. Communication can be verbal, non-verbal, visual, audio and many others. CD-ROM/Pen Drives/Hard Drives/Flash Sticks :- Important or confidential communication are communicated by these devices personally. It can be used to transfer graphics, video, audio, codes, final statements, etc. Letters/memos/reports: this is based fto convey short meaningful message where some feedback is expected and this category can be classified as a interactive one. Meetings: Three or more people meeting personally, for growth of organisation and many other perspective. Manuals: Large volumes of information is reffered by manuals which are paper based documents. Audio tape/CD: Playback used for the training or any other stuff which uses cassette/CDs. Video: Playback of videos for explanation of the product or for a training purpose as well where VCR/DVD and other video players are used. Printed materials: Prints are taken on paper to distribute certain information. Fax: Copying the paper through telephonic systems from one place to another has been one of the important means of communication all over the world. This is one of the fastest means to send and receive documents. Intranet: The use of internet and web technology used within an organisation assumptions are made that audio and video cannot be transferred but is majorly used for business transactions and to send and receive files which convey a business meaning. Radio: Advertising of the organisation can be done through the broadcast of radio voice transmissions. E-mail: One of the best n modern means of communications to receive and send messages instantly all over the world within less than minute. This way of communication is used to also send documents, audio and videos. Video conferencing: Meeting of people with video and audio from a long distance for a business purpose. TV: Television can be used for many purposes of communications. Marketing and Advertising is done on a large scale all over. It is also used for visuals all over the organisation. Video conferencing is also uses TV as a means to see and communicate all over the world. One-to-ones: Face to face, meeting of two people, interviews, group discussions, debates, etc. Phone: Conversations between two or more people within the organisation or outside. ( Ref :- http://www.fastrak-consulting.co.uk/tactix/Tools/commtool/frameset.htm ) Impact of change in the communication process Any changes in the organisation has to be conveyed to all the people who are responsible for the implementation of the change happening. How to communicate this change is a point where the management has to have a proper plan/strategy. Change in this context can be confidential or general. Proper means of communication should be selected to communicate the change. There can be possibilities where the change cannot be communicated with the present communication means/tools in the organisation. Purchases of new communicative products may b necessary. Different means are supposed to be used communicating at each level of management, it is not necessary that all the change taking place is to be conveyed to all the employees. Hence it should be filtered and proper channels should be used accordingly. Example: Bank of America, where in the voice process there happens a lot of changes within short interval of time. It is based on the counselling/customer service/collection to/from the customers who has mortgage with the band. Different rules/programs/fluctuations in the interest rates/refinancing of loans etc used to take place very often. Communication in this context of change is not that easy for the managers as the schedule fixed for the working employees are logged in on the system and are on calls all the time of their shift. In between that they cannot be communicated with any urgent change. Hence the very next day/after the shift there is a briefing arranged for all the teams working under this process. This may lead to irrelevant/old information being conveyed to the customers as of that date and hence for some time being. Therefore, there is a big impact of change on the communication process which leads to passing of wrong information throughout the chain. Impact of change in the organisation makes communication a necessity calling a meeting to discuss as how to communicate this change. Hence this change to be communicated also starts with a communication process as meeting in this case. It starts when one feels uneasy or concerned about the situation of change within the organization or outside the organisation. Then one realises that some action needs to be taken to CHANGE the present situation. Studying the situation in depth and make a plan to convey the CHANGE for betterment . Implementing the plan by suitable action. Reviewing the situation and continuing the process after communicating it with all the employees responsible and give the training if required for the implementation of this change. ( Fenil Shah :- Senior Manager ATLASCOPCO ) Obstacles or challenges that can be met through the different communication supports used in an internal communication system in a context of change. Sender :- When the sender is not able to properly understand the change and still communicates. Either the message communicated is not proper or it has not been put down properly. Medium/channel :- Wrong selection of medium to send the message. Interruption or signal failure or server problems leads to improper internal communication. This regards in delay of message or inaccuracy of message to be communicated. Oversight :- Notices put up on the board may be overlooked by certain employees which gives a negative impact on the work where that particular change is to be implemented. Improper regard :- Management takes lightly to communicate this change on time resulting in delay or sometimes does not communicate due to overload of work and hence forgetting to convey the change. Language :- Language should be easy and in proper context so that everyone understands it. Audio :- Disturbance/Unclear audio may not convey message clearly which leaves a doubt of the listener. Fear :- Small employees who did not understand the change message may have the fear to go to the immediate supervisor and clear the doubts may be because of the fear of being insulted or improper relationship. Poor Listening Poor listening can sabotage any attempt at communication. We all do it: we hear a little and then fill in what we think the rest will be, without really listening to whats actually being said. Information source :- The source of information is the human mind. It is possible that if this source does not want to communicate the message as it has to be. There are chances he may make some alterations in the change which has to be made within the process. There are many other stages where loads of obstacles interrupt the communication process when there is a change. The statges may be lined as follows :- Outgoing message Transmitter Outgoing signal Channel Incoming signal Receiver Incoming message Destination ( Ref :- http://facta.junis.ni.ac.rs/lal/lal99/lal99-05.pdf ) The challenges that can be met when dealing with an international team Language :- Language can be a big challenge when dealing with the international team. Even if the language is the same, accent of speaking may have a huge difference which at once may be difficult to understand. Incase of language being different, it is very difficult then to communicate directly but should rather have a common team who deals with the translation of language and then forwards it to the people concerned. Example :- Bank of America, where in the voice process there is a special Spanish team to deal with the customers who does not know the language English. Culture :- time and space, personal responsibility and fate, face and face-saving, and nonverbal communication are much more complex than it is possible to convey. Each of them influences the course of communications, and can be responsible for conflict or the escalation of conflict when it leads to miscommunication or misinterpretation. A culturally-fluent approach to conflict means working over time to understand these and other ways communication varies across cultures, and applying these understandings in order to enhance relationships across differences. ( Ref:- http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/cross-cultural_communication/ ) Time Difference :- Communication may not be possible at all time when dealing with the team abroad. This is because of the time difference between the countries all over the world. Hence communication then becomes a problem for communicating or discussing some urgent business matter. Also in this case, getting a response for a certain message would take time and wont be quicker in cases urgent. These may bring limitations to the communication process as a whole. Recommendations Communicate consistently, frequently, and through multiple channels, including speaking, writing, video, training, focus groups, bulletin boards, Intranets, and more about the change. Communicate all that is known about the changes, as quickly as the information is available. Make clear that your bias is toward instant communication, so some of the details may change at a later date. Tell people that your other choice is to hold all communication until you are positive about the decisions. Provide significant amounts of time for people to ask questions, request clarification, and provide input. If you have been part of a scenario in which a leader presented changes, on overhead transparencies, to a large group, and then fled, you know what bad news this is for change integration. Clearly communicate the vision, the mission, and the objectives of the change management effort. Help people to understand how these changes will affect them personally. (If you dont help with this process, people will make up their own stories, usually more negative than the truth.) Recognize that true communication is a conversation. It is two-way and real discussion must result. It cannot be just a presentation. The change leaders or sponsors need to spend time conversing one-on-one or in small groups with the people who are expected to make the changes. Communicate the reasons for the changes in such a way that people understand the context, the purpose, and the need. Practitioners have called this: building a memorable, conceptual framework, and creating a theoretical framework to underpin the change. Provide answers to questions only if you know the answer. Leaders destroy their credibility when they provide incorrect information or appear to stumble or back-peddle, when providing an answer. It is much better to say you dont know, and that you will try to find out. Leaders need to listen. Avoid defensiveness, excuse-making, and answers that are given too quickly. Act with thoughtfulness. Make leaders and change sponsors available, daily when possible, to mingle with others in the workplace. . Communication should be proactive. If the rumor mill is already in action, the organization has waited too long to communicate. Provide opportunities for people to network with each other, both formally and informally, to share ideas about change and change management. Publicly review the measurements that are in place to chart progress in the change management and change efforts. Publicize rewards and recognition for positive approaches and accomplishments in the changes and change management. Celebrate each small win publicly. (Ref :- http://humanresources.about.com/od/changemanagement/a/change_lessons2.htm ) References (http://humanresources.about.com/od/changemanagement/a/change_lessons2.htm) (http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/cross-cultural_communication/) (http://facta.junis.ni.ac.rs/lal/lal99/lal99-05.pdf) (http://www.fastrak-consulting.co.uk/tactix/Tools/commtool/frameset.htm )

Microsoft :: essays research papers

Abstract: The following research is designed to provide the reader with an understanding as to how Microsoft and Sony have developed as a company throughout the years. The research will show the combined efforts of two large companies and there mark into the gaming industry. Microsoft and Sony’s environment, company, and leadership styles are what have kept the company on the leading edge of technology. However, where do the companies begin to mark their niche into the market will be interesting to see with the difference in the two companies and their corporate ideas. The research will also focus more on the market issues, design issues, and economic impacts of the corporate wars going on. Thus, the research will provide the user with a better understanding of Microsoft and Sony’s position for market control of the gaming industry. Introduction: Microsoft is arguably the most influential IT company ever, controlling standards in both the corporate and domestic computer marketplace. With their share of the desktop PC software market and a substantial proportion of the server business, Microsoft is now dictating many of the standards on which today's information systems are built, and has achieved an unprecedented level of recognition among business management. Microsoft is following a long-term strategy to dominate four interconnected core markets (the enterprise, the Internet, electronic commerce, and information appliances), and looks set to exert a major influence on every aspect of IT over the next few years. How large enterprises react to these developments will affect their business strategy into the next millennium. Despite the rapid acceptance of Microsoft technology within the enterprise, there are real concerns about the direction the company will take in the future. The company clearly faces stiff competition on several fronts within the business-critical environment. In addition, legal issues and software delays, together with the technical shortcomings of some of Microsoft's key offerings, have raised doubts about the company's long-term success. Sony the Japanese consumer electronics giant has been at the cutting edge of new technological developments since the company's founding by Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka in 1946. Sony is one of the most respected companies world-wide. Its ability to innovate new markets and constant drive for self-improvement earned Sony world-wide sales of $36 billion in 1995. Sony manufactures video equipment, televisions, audio equipment, but is not just a leader in the world of electronics. Its acquisition of CBS Records in 1988 and Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989 have raised its profile as an entertainment company, backed by the recent launch of its own games console, the Sony Playstation.

Karl Marx :: essays papers

Karl Marx One day, I was walking in the forest, yearning for just something that will nourish my body. I had not eaten for days, and in order to survive, I needed food. All of a sudden, I came upon a block of bread laying ten feet in front of me. Running towards it, I was confronted by another man twice my size. He was definitely more than I. Being the smaller man, I lost out on my nourishment and on my survival. I lost my â€Å"struggle for existence†. Throughout this paper, I will expand on why this short story, has to do with a man by the name of Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a failed medical school student, who finally received his B.A. degree in Biology. His schooling was finished up at Cambridge. If anyone is at all familiar with Darwin, they know his beliefs are pretty much the exact opposite of the Christian Theology. What strikes me, as strange, is that Darwin, when younger, was a Clergyman at the Church of England. As I will elaborate later on in this paper, he went from a religious clergyman, to questioning his beliefs, to even stating some of the most non-religious Theories known to man. As an unpaid Naturalist, he traveled on the H.M.S. Beagle, across the coastline of South America. While being dropped off and left on the Galapagos Islands for a number of days, he began to watch the species on the Island. To sum it up, He watched, for many days, Nature run its course. Throughout this time, and even after, he started to develop ideas about how he thought species survived. How they do survive, and how they should survive. This has to do with one of his greatest theories of all, Natural Selection. As I explained earlier about â€Å"the survival for existence†, Darwin developed a theory that explained how the most fit, biggest, and better of all the species have they opportunity to live on and survive. The weak, and less fortunate are able to compete for food, or other survival musts. He coined these thoughts along with a fellow Naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913). Wallace actually gathered his evidence in Indonesia. This theory in which these two men established has been critiqued for years.

Great Expectations: Gods Law Vs. Human Law Essay -- Great Expectations

Great Expectations: God's Law vs. Human Law In his book Great Expectations, the problematic nature of moral judgement and justice that stems from a conflict between God's law and human law is one of several topical themes that Charles Dickens addresses. This paradox regularly surfaces in his treatment of plot and setting, and is more subtlety illustrated in his use of character. To facilitate the reader's awareness of such a conflict, the narrator often uses language that has Christian connotations when relating his thoughts and when giving descriptions of the environment, characters and events that take place. While these things allude to divine and moral law, the story itself revolves around crime and criminals, thereby bringing issues of human law into focus. The climate for this theme is established from the very beginning of the novel. Pip's act of Christian charity towards the convict can also be considered a serious crime. The story opens in a churchyard where the grave, symbolic of eternal judgement can be contrasted with the nearby gallows, symbolizing human punishment. Set on the eve in which we commemorate the birth of Christianity, an institution based on charity and love, Pip feels guilty for bringing food to a starving fellow human. Pip must steal food from his own family to help Magwitch, thereby transforming mercy and compassion into crimes. As Pip is running home, he looks back at the convict and sees him limping towards the gallows "...as if he were the pirate come to life, and come down, and going back up again" (27). This imagery conveys a complicated perception of guilt as something conscious of its own moral accountability, frightening and self-destructive. When Magwitch is caught, he gives a false confession to stealing the food from the Gargery's to protect Pip. Joe replies that he wouldn't want him to starve and that he was welcome to it. Pip highlights the conflict between divine and human law by comparing the Hulk that his convict is returned to as "a wicked Noah's ark" (56). Thus in these first few chapters, the ideals of justice, mercy, law, and punishment are intermingled and confused. This confusion is furthered by Mrs. Joe, who actually transforms charity into punishment. Her beatings, bullying and lectures of how she brought Pip up "by hand" at great personal sacrifice are a constant reminder ... ...er. In one short episode, Pip has described himself as a penitent, a prisoner, and a confessed wrongdoer. The conflict between Pip's own instincts regarding morality and conventional perceptions of justice and punishment is manifested as the guilt he is burdened with throughout his childhood and young adult life. Pip accumulates these feelings and attempts to suppress them throughout most of the story. At one point the narrator takes a moment to reflect on his guilty conscience: As I had grown accustomed to my expectations, I had insensibly begun to notice their effect upon myself and those around me. Their influence on my own character, I disguised from my recognition as much as possible, but I knew very well that it was not all good. I lived in a state of chronic uneasiness respecting my behaviour to Joe. My conscience was not by any means comfortable about Biddy. (256) He goes into great debt in his attempts to distract himself from this guilt, and drags his dear friend Herbert along with him (which he also expresses guilt about). His vain attempt to make reparations with his conscience by sending "a penitential codfish and a barrel of oysters