Balanced Scorecard Essay

Introduction Performance management systems are often designed to enable organizations to plan, measure and control their performance, so that decisions, resources and activities can be better aligned with business strategies to achieve desired results and create shareholder value. The Balanced Scorecard is a performance tool using financial and nonfinancial measures. It provides an organization with ways to develop and evaluate strategic objectives and goals. For the past two decades, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) has been proposed as an integrated framework for the implementation of financial and nonfinancial performance measures that helps organizations align their initiatives with the organization’s strategy (Kaplan ; Norton, 1992). The United States Postal Service delivers more mail to more addresses in a larger geographical area than any other post in the world. The Postal Service delivers to more than152 million homes, businesses and Post Office boxes in every state, city, town and borough in this country. Everyone living in the United States and its territories has access to postal products and services and pays the same postage regardless of their location (USPS, 2014). This paper will examine the effectiveness of the implementation of the balanced score card approach. Key Issues for Discussion Explain how the Voice of the Employee supports improved internal processes (Voice of the Business), and how the Voice of the Business supports customer satisfaction (Voice of the Customer). Employees have a huge impact on their organization’s financial results. When employees are empowered to make decisions they share information relating to the strategic processes and direction of that organization. When it comes to carrying out the message and mission of the organization the voice of the employee is very crucial. Through empowerment, the employees are able to create an opportunity to show management how they will apply the company vision to their daily task. The voice of the business relates to information derived from financial data. This data can be used to indentify weakness in certain market areas and the status of the research and development process. In order to move the organization forward or closer to its overall objectives, analyst must understand the relevance of the balanced scorecard process. The voice of the customer indentifies the needs of the customer which are keys to the strategy to defining which processes can be viewed as value added products or services. The customers are a continuous source of feedback both good and bad. Customer feedback can also provide new opportunities to identify and develop new products. Kaplan and Norton advocated a well-connected map ping that leads from an organization’s main strategy to the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard: Financial, Customer Satisfaction, Internal Process, and Learning and Growth. Each element works to support the strategic objectives in a linked process. Customer satisfaction leads to the desired financial outcome, which in the case of the Postal Service is sufficient revenue to support the universal delivery service mission (Evans, Lindsay, 2011). While Figure 8. 14 shows only representative measures associated with the balanced scorecard, suggest some other measures that might be included using your knowledge of postal operations. Based on my personal experience and knowledge of the United States Postal Service, I would suggest that the organization add some additional measures to it balanced scorecard. The organization should measure customer complaints relating to package handling and damaged goods. Damaged packages generally lead to claims brought forward by customers which is certainly a value associated with it that should be tracked and measured. The organization should also measure and analyze the effects of the employee turnover rate. Employee replacement cost can have a huge affect on the financial element. Cost associated with the orientation and training of a new employee as well as the cost associated with employee separation can have an effect on the bottom-line. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Balanced Scorecard Some organizations have a difficult time establishing a process that can translate its strategic vision into concrete goals and actions. There are clearly some beneficial advantages to applying the balanced scorecard approach. Some of these benefits include gaining a cross organizational team that will open channels of communications. The company will have enthusiastic people who are focused on carrying out the organization’s mission and commitment to quality. Also, the company will gain a unique competitive advantage relating to reduce time frames, improved decisions and better solutions. Most importantly, initiatives are continually measured and evaluated against industry standards. There can be some disadvantages as well. The balanced scorecard takes a lot of planning and forethought. Defining clearly stated objectives and setting goals are crucial to the process. There can be resistance from employees or even management. Some individuals may see the implementation as a threat or indication of a lack of performance on their part. While the balanced scorecard gives an extensive overview of the organization’s performance, it does not give recommendations regarding how to resolve discovered problem performance areas. Conclusion The case study involving the United States Postal Service presents evidence that the balanced scorecard approach can have a positive effect on an organizations overall performance. If integrated successfully, the balance scorecard will be a tool that ensures clarity and consistency across all departments or individuals involved. Solving quality management issues rely on the right approach and planning. Understanding the importance of the linkage among all four of the balanced scorecard is crucial to its success. Special attention should be given to the proper implementation and cultivation of intangible assets relating to learning and growth. The USPS has improved its service and has increased customer satisfaction. First-class mail performance has improved to over 95 percent of overnight mail being delivered on time, with improvements in other categories of first-class mail (Evans, Lindsay, 2011).

Business process management Case Study Essay

1.How would you define â€Å"business process management†based on this video and text reading? How would you compare it to business process re-engineering, continuous improvement, and total quality management approaches? Answer: -Business Process Management is most often associated with the life cycle of a business process. The process life cycle spans identifying and improving processes that deliver business capability to deploying and managing the process when it is operational. 2.What are the major objectives of BPM? Answer: After a business process is deployed, it   must be managed, and, to manage the business process, you must have visibility into process performance. When a process is no longer meeting its performance goals, it is time to jump back in the life cycle to assess the root cause of the performance problem and to look for additional improvement opportunities. –  3. what is the significant of a â€Å"service oriented architecture?† What differences does this make for implementation,cost, and flexibility of the BPM tools? Answer: -solution to enable reuse of services across systems to eliminate data inaccuracy problems, enhance existing applications and deploy new ones 4.Why is it important that the BPM software products a Business Process Exucution Language (BPEL) Model for the IT department? Answer: using business process modeling and the IBM WebSphere Business Modeler tool to describe flows and interactions within different areas,† says Nay. â€Å"WebSphere Business Modeler can then export into Business Process Execution Language (BPEL); BPEL can be pulled into the WebSphere integration tools, becoming part of the creation of integrated processes. This helps us focus on process issues across silos, instead of having to look at issues within siloed areas.† Nay believes that by reusing services, logic previously usable in only one place can now be exploited wherever needed.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"For example, we can create a service that performs a grade lookup for the Distance Education project,† he says. â€Å"We can reuse that service repeatedly across different systems to solve different problems, saving time and money. By adopting the SOA approach using WebSphere Business Modeler, IBM Process Server and IBM WebSphere Integration Developer, 5.what is the utility of â€Å"key performance indicators â€Å"(KPI)? Answer: Business activity monitoring provides visibility over operational performance. IBM WebSphere Business Monitor is a comprehensive business activity monitoring software product that provides users with a real-time, end-to-end view of busi- ness processes and operations. WebSphere Business Monitor provides customizable business dashboards that calculate and display key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics derived from business processes, business activity data and business events from a wide range of information sources. 6.why is it important for managers to be able to â€Å"drill down† into the data and system? Answer: In order to identify the patterns that may lead to catalog errors—and quickly and appropriately act upon the detection of these patterns—IBM needed to capture, evaluate and correlate multiple events from the various systems and organizations that are involved across the enterprise. The type of processing needed for this problem is called business event processing (BEP). Business Process Management (BPM) software and services from IBM help organizations optimize business performance by discovering, documenting, automating, and continuously improving business processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. And to easily manage their business with out worrieng about any problems – 1.What are some features of Antivia Desktop that remind you og web 2.0 technologies Answer: Antivia subscribe to the view that ideas and concepts realized through the advent of web 2.0 are Transforming the way in w/c the world expects to access and use information. 2.What is the importance of communities in the antivia Desktop? Answer: They have invested significant amounts of time,effort and money to achieve  this. Antivia desktop incorporates some web 2.0 techniques and technology to Avhieve a richer collaboration environment. 3.Why is it important that discussions are closely linked to resources (documents)? Would you find this feature a distraction, or useful? Why ? Answer: in business , in all aspect of business you should have a resources like document to manipulate you transaction even you far away to your busiiness 5.For what types of business is Antivia Desktop well suited? Answer: Any business that have a link o or connection to other, like networking company, 6.What are some drawbacks or weaknesses of the antivia system? 1.What is the ‘8 second rule’ of the internet and why is it important to m-commerce technology? Answer: The 8 second rule: it is the average maximum length of time an Internet user will wait for downloading a webpage, before he or she shuts the Internet page and goes to another website. 2.why might it be useful to m-commerce providers to have records of theirs’ purchase histories? Answer: If m-commerce is to spread, the network used has to be successful enough, otherwise consumers won’t use their smartphones as a mode of payment. 3.what is the biggest concern most cell phone users have about using m-commerce service? What are some other concerns? Answer: With records of their users’ purchase histories, m-commerce providers â€Å"get(†¦) the visibility into consumer habits that enable them to develop new products and services that are more tailored to what consumers really desire† 4.How would the widespread use of m-commerce technologies affect you life? Answer: 1.Using Porter’s competitive forces model,analyze the NBA’s market situation.How does te use of akamai help the NBA compete in this market? 2.Using Porters generic strategies model,what do you think is the NBA’s overall stategy or strategies? 3.Why is it important that all fans in the world have the same experience? 4.why is it important that individual franchising owners can build,manage, and distribute on the NBA platform their own content? 5.The word â€Å"partnership†appears several times in the video.Who are the NBA’s partners?How does the concept of strategic apply to the NBA’s partnership strategie? 1.What kinds of limitations do you see for users of telepresence?Is it really a substitute for face-to-face meeting?make a list of features of face-to-face meetings. Then consider a range of business situations as anemployee,from initial hire,to working with a team,to understanding what your boss wants,and even a termination meeting.How would telepresence work for you in these situations? 2.What are the business benefits of telepresence described in these videos? What is the benefits of a hologram? 3.In the past,work was organized into central buildings located in central locations (like cities) in order to facilitate face-to-face interactions.What impacts might telepresence have on the organization of work? How could you use tools to organize work on global scale with actually building physical facilities in remote locations? 4. Why is it important that the remote locations using telepresence have the same lighting,seating,and style? 5.What applications of telepresence would be useful for marketing to customers?

Linguistics and the Analysis of Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Linguistics and the Analysis of Poetry - Essay Example Having conducted a solid literature review on the aspect of linguistics, the essay section will focus on subjecting theoretical provisions of the review in analyzing a real poem. In order to foster objective directionality, a thesis statement will be adopted in appraising the depth and breadth of linguistic methods in integrating the aspects of clarity and artistic interpretation within poetry. Introduction On the context of artistic interpretation, a piece of art like a poem or even a painting should elicit or invoke a desired response on the audience. Lieberman (1969) says that poetry as an art acts as a bridge between target audience and the artist. It is through appropriate employment of artistic techniques that a poet can convey his or her thoughts, feelings and emotions to the audience. Techniques used must be appropriate in order to deliver intended meaning to audience. In certain cases, inappropriate use of linguistic methods may fail to create the desired expression of an ar tist’s work. Consequently, audiences will end up interpreting the underlying piece of art in a relative rather than an absolute manner. On the contrary, use of suitable linguistic methods in poetry enables poets to impress readers through elucidating process of expression. At this juncture, the thesis for the essay asserts that both formal and informal linguistic methods does not only help in elucidating poetry for average readers but also allows these readers to apply artistic interpretation. Based on the literature review section, it is undeniable that poetry as an art employs considerable use of sound, wording sequence and wording stress in giving meaning to their work. According to Frank (1970), expression of thoughts, feelings and emotions by poets is in direct relation to the manner in which sound intensity and stress elevation are used in writings. In addition, word ordering facilitates development of themes and philosophical construct behind a poem. In most cases, a p oet may not employ all the three techniques of stress, sound and word sequence variation at every point of their work. It is common to encounter an instance where a poet only uses sound variation in creating rhyme while compromising on contextual meaning of his work. In other circumstances, a poet may employ elaborate use of contextual vocabulary as a means of enhancing thematic clarity while compromising on the aesthetic values of rhyme. According to Fowler (1967), it means that linguistic methodology allows poets to vary writing styles in order to create themes and aesthetical attributes of poems. In most cases, stylistic variation derived from suitable linguistic methods allows poets to flaunt their knowledge in the process of artistic expression while still impressing readers through clear expression of intended message. Analysis of â€Å"Paradise Lost† In order to fully understand the use of sound and vocabulary variation, we will analyze a few lines from the poem  "Paradise Lost† by John Milton. Throughout the poem, John employs substantial alteration of sound patterns in creating the indented rhyme. On the other hand, variation in vocabulary enhances development of intended message, which in this case is disobedience of man towards God. In line 14 of book 1 of the poem, Milton (2010) says,

Computer Crime & Identity Theft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Computer Crime & Identity Theft - Essay Example For the purposes of this paper, the particular computer crime will be concentrated in the area of identity theft and the impact it has both personally and economically on the individual and society. What is Identity Theft? The encyclopedic definition of identity theft is the use of another person’s identity, i.e. financial, personal, geographic or another source, to commit fraud or other types of misrepresentation. By using another person's social security number, drivers license number, date of birth, address, online information one may open bank accounts, apply for loans and credit cards, get a cell phone and so on. In addition to financial loss that can result from identity theft, by using another’s identity the credit history and even the legal history of the victim can be damaged in the extreme. ("Identity Theft," 2007) According to the Identity Theft and Assumption Act of 1998, identity theft (ID theft), occurs when someone is "knowingly transferring or using, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, in the unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law." It is a federal crime. (Alt, 2007, p. 67) Until recently all Computer Crime was difficult to prosecute for a number of reasons. One of the biggest problems is that large companies often refuse to publicize their involvement when someone has hacked into their system and stolen data or damaged programs and information. By revealing that their systems have been compromised a company may subject itself to a loss of consumer confidence and potentially lose many clients, depending on the product or service they offer.   The company may also be subjected to lawsuits from clients who claim that there was no due diligence performed as regards the security of their information. It is estimated that between twenty-five and fifty percent of all business have experienced some sort of intrusion or breach of security of their computer networks.

Democratic Republican National Convention 2003 Essay

Democratic Republican National Convention 2003 - Essay Example Miami-Dade has had a extensive record of hosting large scale exceptional events such as Super Bowls (1999, 2007, and 2011), Presidential Debates (2004), the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Conference in 2003, and the Summit of the Americas in 1994. In addition to that, Miami-Dade had the essential infrastructure in position (including lodge accommodation, international airport and seaport amenities, sports grounds with large space capacities), and a verified expertise in the setting up and implementation of large-scale special events that would meet the DRNC expectations. Additionally, the area’s temperate climate makes it a favored site for conventioneers from various different organizations. Getting the DRNC Convention is well thought-out to be a major coop for local officials owing to the expected positive impact that it will have on the area economy. Precedent political conventions such as this one are anticipated to have brought anywhere from $150 - $160 million to the home economies of the host city. In comparison, the 2007 Super Bowl is likely to have brought over $463 million to the local economy of the tri-county area consisting of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties (Kan, 2006). Regardless of the economic payback, there is a negative aspect connected with these large-scale particular events. For instance, the expenditure for security arrangement and planning for the FTAA Conference in Miami in 2003 was anticipated to scale up to $23.9 million. The 2000 World Trade Organization (WTO) Conference in Seattle, Washington is approximated to have incurred cost of around $9.3 million indirect security expenditure. Further affected areas like King County and Washington State Patrol, accounted for an additional $6 million in security costs for that occasion. The figure above does not put into consideration for â€Å"indirect† costs connected with break

Sony attacked by cyber criminals Research Paper

Sony attacked by cyber criminals - Research Paper Example Once such attack is the one that was experienced by Sony Corporation, a division of Sony that deals with electronics in the United States of America with headquarters in San Francisco. This paper will look into details that case of cyber attack into the company’s website, Sony corporation, the American division of the multinational Sony organization are one of the organizations that have been affected by the computer hackers into its system and compromising data that belong to its clients. The attack, which is credited to a hacking group called collective anonymous (Amoroso, 2007). It will also dwell on the process that the hackers used in order to gain access to the Sony website and how the attack was handled by Sony, in addition the various ways I which to avoid such incidents from happening again will be discussed. Threat actors Anonymous collective or ‘Anons’ as it is referred to which is the short form for its full name is a group that was formed in 2004 that is against any form of censorship of online interactions, any type of censorship by governments or organizations where they respond by hacking websites belonging to church organizations, government agencies or departments, or organizations. In the recent past attacks have been launched to websites that belong to US, Israel and Uganda governments and in organizations like MasterCard, Visa PayPal and Sony among others. Anonymous collective, which is the group, that is suspected to have been behind the hacking of the website of Sony, is a group that is largely decentralized in its command structure without any rules that govern it rather it is governed by ideas. What sort of people would go after this type of information and why? This group, was created for entertainment purposes and the information they get which is mainly user names and passwords of subscribers is used to threaten the company to stop the directives on tinkering of play station 3. The information that they stole woul d be important on online hackers since credit card information and passwords got from the website can be used to access bank accounts of the users, therefore, the likelihood of making money transfers to their accounts (Pankaj, 2005). Investigations into the attack by anonymous collective group on Sony are going on, and it is estimated to cost the firm a total of $170 million, in the investigation. The company discovered that the data of about 8500 users’ data had been accessed. The attack did not happen as a surprise to Sony as there were some warnings that had been sent to the company. The group, which was on a revenge mission, attacked MasterCard’s website in December and was after Sony corporation had arrested a young boy of 21 years for allegedly posting information on how to modify play station 3 gaming console on the internet. The group had also announced that it was on a revenge mission that it called ‘operation payback’ on its website anonnews.org, However, in May, the group, announced the group announced that it was not responsible for the attack, but its members, operating individually may have been behind the breach on the Sony site. How did they get it? The process, which the group may have used in the hacking of th

Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Planning Used in Classroom Essay

Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Planning Used in Classroom - Essay Example Charlene`s house has a lot of books for adults and children, and she is read stories frequently during the day. Items to play with like slides, swings, toys, and art supplies are in Spenser`s house all at Charlene`s disposal. The children are only allowed to watch television at night under supervision. Charlene has a stroller that helps her to walk at least once every day around her home and her neighborhood. Furthermore, she has developed needed skills of her age like noticing most sights and color or bright things including an understanding of some gestures being made to her. She also uses actions to bring her points across. On social development, Charlene enjoys the sense of touch and likes dancing, swinging, and lifting of objects around her. She looks at sights that interest her and makes sounds or faces when people play or talk to her. She also enjoys smiling and can also get upset when her family is not around her. Currently, Charlene can walk on her own, eat solid foods and say small words. She explores everything around her and likes communicating with her family through smiles and screams. To further on the approach of this study, I would probably need to know more on how Charlene`s parents discipline her when they want to correct her actions and how she responds to different types of punishments. Punishment could involve injecting physical pain, humiliating the child or withdrawing affection from the child (Atkin, 2005). The data in the study also indicates Charlene`s demonstration of manipulative abilities by reaching for and releasing objects and use of her hands, eyes, and mouth to explore the surroundings. She also shows interest in different activities which indicates that she has a positive learning approach as she pays attention to sounds and sights and uses her senses to explore the environment.  

Important Symbols in the play Trifles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Important Symbols in the play Trifles - Essay Example Generally, the setting of the play is somewhat focused in the kitchen and the staff. The kitchen stuff is irritably prescribed by men as worthless. Furthermore, there are other things in the kitchen including sewing box, shawl, apron and quilt. These paraphernalia then wonder whether Mrs. Wright is going to not or quilt her half-finished quilt. Susan Glaspell uses symbolism as device to highlight certain issues that afflict women. Additionally, Glaspell ingeniously uses this symbolic feature to bring to the limelight the view and perceptions that men have toward women (Glanspell 45). This point, therefore, brings to us how careful Glaspell was in choosing her characters. Her female characters make us see that men assume that women more often than not, worry unnecessarily about worthless and or unimportant issues. This kind cynicism concludes that it’s only men who associate themselves with important matters that will never across the minds of women, or slip out of their mouths while they are discussing. Come to think of it, the male characters spend in the whole play searching for solutions to solve a murder case. Ironically, however, it is the two female characters, Mrs. Hale and Peters, that is, who finally get the evidence and solve resolutely the murder case, not the two men. Canary bird in the cage is one of symbol that Glaspell brilliantly uses in his play. For one thing, this canary bird represents Mrs. Wright herself and her heart. The bad is capable of singing sonorously, as Mrs. Wright singed in the church before getting married to her husband Mr. Wright. Come to think of it, she is the bird, caged and confined like a prisoners to woes. Mr. Wright is perfect character who represents the cynicism of men who believe that they rightly own women, and that they have well full control over women. Additionally, Mr. Wright represents the notions of men who think that women have no brains at all, to think correctly. For, instance, the manner in which th e name â€Å"Wright† is written connotes that men always think that they are always right, and that they always think wisely (Glanspell 68). Mr. Wright, sardonic act of killing Canary symbolizes that it is right to murder his wife, Minnie’s personality and freedom. Ideally, the bird before it was killed was associated with peace and freedom. Conversely, after Minnie was married to Mr. Wright, she is hardly seen getting out of the house, and stopped singing in the church. Furthermore, she was no longer known as Minnie, but as Mrs. Wright. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters eventually find out that the real killer of Mr. Wright is his wife. It is at this point that the two women understood Minnie humiliation over staying in place where there is no freedom. For one thing, Minnie wanted a child, but her husband could not allow it to happen. The killing of Mr. Wright symbolizes that women can stay independently without men. The dirty kitchen is also symbolic. To be true, the dirty k itchen offers a symbolic explanation of the messiness of the kitchen. Ideally, the dirtiness of the kitchen also offers a symbolic interpretation of something. It represents that Mrs. Wright Minnie was now liberal. She was not going ever to wait for anyone. She too was no going to ever fear anyone. We also see that the two women, Mrs. Hale, and Mrs. Peters being protective of Mrs. Wright. The two women rose up for Mrs. Wright when she was point blankly criticized for having a dirty kitchen. The two women bravely affirmed that men fail to keep their hands as

Establishing Legitimate Business in the UK Essay

Establishing Legitimate Business in the UK - Essay Example Table of Contents Content Page Title Page 1 Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 2. Establishing a Legitimate Business Enterprise in the UK 5 a. Considerations to Make 5 b. Requirements for Business Enterprise Establishments 6 c. Advantages of Establishing a Legitimate Business 8 d. Ascertaining Legitimacy of a Business Enterprise 10 3. Conclusions 10 References List 12 Establishing a Legitimate Business Enterprise in the UK 1. Introduction The United Kingdom has of late become a core trading destination and trading partner for quite a number of countries across the globe, as well as individual business entities. The economy of the United Kingdom is depicted to have evolved from a state of being a base of predominance manufacturing to one which is aligned to new developments as far as biosciences and technology are concerned (Luff 2011:24). The country has been in the forefront with a number of investors seeking business opportunities from within following these and many other reasons which are beneficial for business initiatives. ... This fact has also been attributed to a number of illegitimate businesses coming up in the country. This calls for establishment of systems to verify legitimacy of a business in the country before one chooses to associate any given business. This paper attempts to look into establishment of business enterprises in the United Kingdom with focus placed on legitimacy (Doornkamp 1995:76). The paper also seeks to look into factors and requirements that are attached to establishment of business enterprises in the United Kingdom, as well as implications for the same. 2. Establishing a Legitimate Business Enterprise in the UK When there is a company seeking for business with the United Kingdom, there are normally implications based on fiscal aspects. These are not complex or so cumbersome to engage. However, there are a number of practical provisions which investors need to know so as to ease their prospects for undertaking business establishments in the country (Syrett and North 2008:165). This follows the fact that there is need for verification whether a there is legitimacy as regards the so referred to business or not. a. Considerations to Make When one intends to start a business in the United Kingdom, there are a number of factors that s/he has to consider. One of the factors that need to be looked into is the fact that every business has to fill a need which has to be definite at the same time. This implies that if at all a business does not appear to demonstrate any form of service which would make people to pay for, then that means that there is lack of reasons for investing in the country (Morris 2011:139). This is due to the fact that a business which fails to have this in mind has

U.S involvement in Colombia Drug War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

U.S involvement in Colombia Drug War - Essay Example In that direction, the US authorities starting from 1980s focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the US from South America, particularly Columbia. Although, the US authorities initiated covert measures earlier, it was in the late 1990s, the US and the Columbian government officially formalized their anti-drug strategy under the term called Plan Columbia. So, the US’ involvement in Colombia under War on Drugs will be focused here, starting with the discussion of Columbia’s drug background and the early US strategy, followed by military and other actions taken by the US and Columbia as part of Plan Columbia, and finally the results of that plan. Drugs abuse is one of the serious social problems that has affected and is still affecting many societies of the world. Apart from social impacts, it is manifesting into political and even military issue, particularly when the activity of drug trafficking is focused. Drugs that are cultivated and processed in South American countries are mainly trafficked into the United States. Among those countries, Columbia is one of the prominent ones from where there is an increased flow of drugs, further accentuated by internal conflicts. That is, Colombia has long been considered to be one of the most active markets for illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and others and that illegal drug trade has contributed to it becoming a hotspot for rebel wars, social unrest, and other political, social, and economic problems. â€Å"The Colombian drug trade is estimated at $10 billion and presently accounts for 43 percent of global coca supply (as well as smaller amounts of marijuana and heroin poppy) .

Investigating Effect Essay Example for Free

Investigating Effect Essay Plan Aim: The aim of the experiment is to find out what effect temperature has on the action of a protease enzyme on exposed developed film. Enzymes are biological catalysts. They are made in livings things built up by amino acids to make protein. Enzymes are able to speed up reactions and can repeat reactions. There are various factors that affect the activity of enzymes they are: Y Temperature Y pH Y Specificity Y Concentration of enzyme or substrate Enzymes are specific, this means that they only work on one substrate molecule. A substrate molecule is what the enzyme actually works on. The factors I have chosen to investigate are temperature. This therefore means that the temperature will be the independent variable. In the experiment there will be a transparent plastic backing of developed film, which will have a black gelatine coat on it. The gelatine coat is protein, which is the substrate molecule. I will put the film into protease solution, which is the enzyme. By having the gelatine coat I am able to see what happens to the gelatine coat when the temperature increases. I can find out if temperature affects the action of a protease enzyme. Prediction: Enzymes have an optimum temperature, which is generally below 400C. The optimum temperature is when enzymes works best and fastest at. When the temperature rises the rate increases. This is because the substrate and enzyme molecules are moving faster because the temperature has increased. This means that the molecules have more energy. They therefore are likely to collide more often with each other and a reaction will take place. However if the temperature goes over the optimum temperature the reaction slows down and the enzyme denatures. This means that it has changed shape and therefore the substrate can no longer fit into the enzyme. The diagram below shows how the substrate molecules which is protein fits into the enzyme, which is a protease molecule. This type of mechanism is called the lock and key hypothesis. If the active site, which is the enzyme, is heated too much it will change shape and no longer fit the substrate. The substrate therefore no longer is able to react if there is no active enzyme. I predict that when the temperature increases the time taken for the gelatine to be broken down will decrease. This is because temperature is a catalyst, which helps to speed up the enzymes, which are biological catalysts. When the temperature is 300C I predict that it will take longer for the film to become transparent than when the film is in a temperature of 600C. However at a certain temperature in the experiment I predict that there will be an optimum temperature. This is when the enzyme works best at. After this point the enzymes start to slow down and eventually denature which means it is harder for the substrate molecules to fit into the enzyme molecules. As I predict that when the temperature increases the time taken for the gelatine to be broken down decreases until it reaches the optimum temperature I therefore predict that the rate of reaction will increase when the temperature increases until it reaches the point when the enzymes start to denature. When the temperature is increased the enzyme molecules will break down the black gelatine coat quicker and therefore the developed film will become transparent faster. When temperature is increased the substrate molecules of protein will collide more frequently with the enzyme molecules. So if the temperature is increased from 300C to 600C the enzyme molecule will break the black gelatine down faster to leave the transparent plastic backing. The two diagrams show the effect of temperature between substrate molecules and enzyme molecules. They are only rough diagrams of what will happen between the two molecules. Y Substrate molecule- Y Enzyme molecule- Method: Apparatus: The apparatus that I am going to use for the experiment will be a test tube, developed film with a gelatine coat, splint, syringe, stopwatch, thermometer and electric water baths. This equipment is suitable for this experiment because it is easily available, it is easy to set up and use and it is easy to collect results with. This is how the experiment will be set up I will firstly measure the volume of protease solution by using a syringe, which will be 10cm3 and then put it into a test tube. I will then get two developed films and hook wire onto each so I am able to get them out of the tube easily. The wire will be labelled so it is easy to see which film is which. I will then put the test tube into an electric water bath, which is at a specific temperature for example 300C. I will leave it in the bath for three minutes and then put the two films into the test tube. Every 30 seconds I will check to see if the film has become transparent. When the two films have become transparent I take them out of the test tube. I then check  the pH of the protease solution by getting a glass rod and dipping it into the solution and then put the solution onto pH paper. Preliminary experiment: For my preliminary experiment I set up the apparatus as above. As it was only preliminary I used one film. I chose two temperatures to put two test tubes of protease into, they were 600C and 300C. I put the two test tubes into the two different electric water baths and then after three minutes put film in each. This is how the results turned out: Temperature of water bath/0CTest tube in water bath with no developed film/secsTime taken for film to become transparent/secsRate of reaction/ 1/secs (S-1) 301808000.0013 601803000.0033 This table of results indicates that when the temperature increases the time taken for the film to become transparent is less. It also shows that when the temperature increases that rate of reaction also increases until it reaches the optimum temperature. This is what I expect will happen to the results in my final experiment. Variables: In this experiment the independent variable will be the temperature, the dependent variable will be the time it takes for the films to become transparent and the controls are: Y Concentration of protease Y Volume of Protease Y Film size The experiment should be carried out the same for each test tube and the pH should stay the same for all test tubes. The concentration of the protease solution will be 0.5% and the volume of each protease solution will be 10cm3. Range: The range of temperatures that I am going to use will be 300C, 400C, 500C, 600C, 700C. If I have a temperature any higher than 700C the enzyme would most probably denature. I havent got a temperature any lower than 300C because it would take too long for the gelatine to break down in the time given. Reliability: In my final experiment I am going to use a syringe to measure out the volume of protease needed. A syringe is accurate enough for this experiment. I will put two developed films into each test tube to improve reliability of my results. I will also use a stopwatch to time when I put the films into the test tube and when to check the films. The electric water baths are really easy to use and they control the variables very precisely unlike heating the test tube with a bunsen burner, as the temperature can go slightly up and down. Safety: Whilst doing the experiment I will have my hair tied back, I will wear a lab coat and I will also wear safety goggles throughout as I am using protease which if gets into your eyes it can be dangerous.

Measure of Contentment Essay Example for Free

Measure of Contentment Essay Down to that moment I had vainly supposed that my creditor had withdrawn or suspended proceedings until I should be quite recovered. I had never dreamed of Joes having paid the money; but Joe had paid it, and the receipt was in his name. What remained of me now, but to follow him to the dear old forge, and there to have out my disclosure with him, and my penitent remonstrance with him, (Page 463) This shows how only Joe can rescue Pip and his identity; Joe represents who Pip should have become. Respect and admiration for Joe is once again won for Pip, as I had never dreamed of Joe paying the money; but Joe had paid it, and the receipt was in his name shows. As a result of this act of Joes, Pip continues to reform into someone with a better identity, an example of which is shown in the passage: What remained of me now, but to follow him to the dear old forge, and there to have out my disclosure with him, and my penitent remonstrance with him, as this shows how Pip is willing to be humble toward Joe, and ask for his forgiveness. By seeking after someone elses pleasure before his own, Pip displays qualities of selflessness, Once Pip has discovered his true identity, he can begin to become someone he is happy and content with, because he cares less about his own problems and so they dont loom as great and as terrible, and he becomes more content. A further lesson Pip must learn in his struggle to find contentment is to control his fantasies, phobias and delusions. A phobia is something psychological, that you fear and therefore try to shut out. Pips phobia that he wont be able to obtain Estella controls him so much that he subconsciously creates fantasies to counter-act his phobias. A fantasy is when you dream of something irrational, or a surreal delusion of something that is exaggerated to fit your expectations of what you want that thing to be. Pip gets trapped by many fantasies in the novel, which prevent him living in reality and achieving contentment. A major fantasy in the novel is that Estella is meant for him, and that Miss Havisham is his benefactress, and this fantasy drives Pip into becoming a gentleman: The beautiful young lady at Miss Havishams, and shes more beautiful than anyone ever was, and I admire her dreadfully, and I want to be a gentleman on her account. (Page 125) This passage is when Pip confides in Biddy why he yearns after being a gentleman, and it shows how Pip has the fantasy that as soon as he is a gentleman, Estella will be his. Later, when he comes into his Great Expectations, he fantasises that Miss Havisham is his benefactress so that he can be fit for Estella, and the fantasy is so strong that he makes himself believe that it is true. A passage that displays this is found on Page 177, when Pip is getting acquainted with Herbert: And as to the condition which you hold your advancement in life-namely that you are not to inquire or discuss to whom you owe it- you may be very sure that it will never be encroached upon, or even approached by me, or anyone belonging to me. In truth, he said this with so much delicacy, that I felt the subject done with, even though I should be under his fathers roof for years and years to come. Yet e said it with so much meaning, too, that I felt he as perfectly understood Miss Havisham to be my benefactress, as I understood the fact myself. This passage shows how Pip has let his fantasy that Miss Havisham is his benefactress delude him, and how he will manipulate things that may not necessarily mean what Pip wants them to mean, to suit him and his fantasies. In order for Pip to progress in life and achieve contentment, he must learn to let go of these fantasies. However, it is apparent that Pip is unable to let go of his fantasies, because he is afraid of what the reality might be. For example, Pip makes himself believe that Miss Havisham is his benefactress and that Estella is intended for him, because if Miss Havisham is not his benefactor, who is, and is Estella still for him? To Pip, the answer to these questions are too daunting to recognize, so he fantasises about the answer that he wants it to be. Therefore, when Pip discovers that in reality, his benefactor is an escaped convict, he is in absolute shock and repulsion. The abhorrence in which I held the man, the dread I had of him, the repugnance with which I shrank from him, could not have been exceeded if he had been some terrible beast. (Page 313) Dickenss cleverly uses language in this passage by repeating the same thing three times in different ways, as each of the parts of the passage that Pip describes Magwitch with all tell of his hatred and revulsion of him, but the build up of these things adds drama to the scene, emphasising Pips shock at the reality instead of his fantasy. Once Pip understands that Magwitch is his benefactor, a reformation begins in Pip, and he becomes a better, happier, more altruistic person. Where I might go, what I might do, or when I might return were questions utterly unknown to me; nor did I vex my mind with them, for it was wholly set on Proviss safety. I only wondered for the passing moment, as I stopped at the door and looked back, under what altered circumstances I should next see those rooms, if ever. (Page 425) This passage depicts how Pip has controlled his phobia of lower class status, because he is willing to help Magwitch and develops a self-sacrificing love for him, because, as it says in this passage, Pip is willing to give up everything that he has ever consciously wanted, which is being an eligible gentleman, for Magwitchs (Proviss) safety. As a result of his self-centred fantasies, phobias and delusions, Pip becomes very selfish and self-concerned whilst he is in London, but when he begins to seek humble forgiveness from Joe and Miss Havisham because his fantasies have been ruined by reality, he becomes less selfish. Selflessness contributes to Pips happiness at the end of the novel, which is part of Pip learning to become like Joe, who demonstrates selflessness throughout the novel. When Pip seeks after others happiness before his own, he becomes more able to grow and develop into a better person: Giving of self makes you unselfish, which in turn makes you happy as you make others happy. This consequences in you being outward looking because you want to look for more opportunities to help others, creating less focus on your own faults and more contentment and satisfaction with yourself. For example, when Pip saves Miss Havisham from the fire, or lends Herbert money for his business, Pip forgets about his own needs and safety. The injury Pip gets as a result of the fire at Satis House does not prevent Pip from wanting to save Magwitch by helping him escape the law and Compeyson by fleeing the country, instead, he wishes he could do more: I felt mortified to be of such little use in the boat,; but there were few better oarsman than my two friends. (Page 426) This shows how instead of dwelling on his own unfortunate circumstances, and the fact that he felt mortified, Pip thinks in a complimentary manner about his two friends: but there were few better oarsman than my two friends. Pip learning how to become less self-centred and dispel his fantasies and phobias partly leads to the level his contentment at the end of the novel. An additional lesson that Pip must learn before he can achieve some level of contentment, and a fundamental lesson for anyone growing up, is learning to listen and take advice from others. There are many points in the novel where Pip is offered good advice, usually by someone of trust or worth to Pip, and he doesnt take it. Once Pip learns to take the advice given to him by those superior to him in experience, he can begin to make better and more informed decisions, which consequences in his being happier, more satisfied and more content. The first major turning point in the novel, of Pip desiring to be and becoming a gentleman, could have been avoided if Pip had listened to this advice given to him by Biddy: Biddy, said I, after binding her to secrecy, I want to be a gentleman. Oh, I wouldnt, if I were you! she returned. I dont think it would answer. Biddy, I said with some severity, I have particular reasons for wanting to be a gentleman. You know best Pip, but dont you think that you are happier as you are? (Page 124) This passage shows how Pip thinks that he knows best, as he speaks to Biddy with severity at not being able to understand why he wants to be a gentleman. When Biddy questions Pip, if he is not happier now, it shows that Pip is striving for contentment, although he attempts to find it in the wrong way, as Biddy cleverly picks up on: Do you want to be a gentleman to spite her, or to gain her over? Biddy quietly asked, after a pause. I dont know, I moodily answered. Because if it is to spite her, Biddy pursued, I should think -but you know best- that might be better and more independently done by caring nothing, for her words. And if it is to gain her over- I should think- but you know best -she is not worth gaining over. (Page 125) Here, Biddy is offering Pip very good advice; that Estella really isnt worth it. However, Pip thinks that he knows best, as Biddy says, and continues to follow the prospect of becoming a gentleman for Estella. If Pip had taken Biddys advice, he would have been able to achieve contentment in his life quicker than he does as he pursues the life of a gentleman, because he would have learned to forget Estella, become apprenticed to Joe, and lived the life of Joe, who is content with his life. However, once Pip is in London, it is a whole new world to him, one that he struggles to cope with at first because of the spectral difference between London and his marsh country home. As a result of this, Pip needs to be taught how to survive in London and he is now willing to learn and listen to the advice of others, which in turn helps him to achieve a degree of contentment. I believe that this is one of the most important lessons that readers today can get from Great Expectations; that in order to achieve contentment, you need to be able to listen to the advice of those that are older, more experienced and more knowledgeable that you are, because they are more likely to know how to best achieve it. The readers can learn from Pips ignorance not to make the same mistakes themselves. Dickens cleverly uses setting throughout the novel to depict different qualities of life, or levels of contentment. The marsh country Pip originates from represents a humble lifestyle, but those that live there, such as Joe and Biddy, and Pip at the beginning of the novel, seem to be more content with their lives than those that live in London, which represents the wealthy, extravagant lifestyle. Dickens uses this irony to show how money and wealth do not necessarily bring contentment, which is a further essential lesson that Pip must learn. Miss Havisham lives in Satis House, which comes from the Latin meaning enough or satisfaction. This is ironic because from the outside, the house represents a life of wealth and grandeur, which people often assume to bring satisfaction, but on the inside, the residents of the house lead a bitter, frozen lifestyle, and Miss Havisham is so unsatisfied with her life that she lives it to wreak revenge on all men. These circumstances are used by Dickens to show how wreaking revenge does not equate to contentment; Pip must learn that if he is to be happy, he must not seek revenge from anyone, even those that have especially offended him. Nobodys life works out perfectly, and Pips is evidently no exception. An example of a situation where Pip would need to learn to forgive and forget is when Mrs Joe, his sister dies. On contemplation, Pip reflects: Whatever my fortunes might have been, I could scarcely have recalled my sister with much tenderness. But I suppose there is a shock of regret which may exist without much tenderness. Under its influence (and perhaps to make up for the want of the softer feeling) I was seized by a violent indignation against the assailant from whom she had suffered so much; and I felt that on sufficient proof I could have revengefully perused Orlick, or anyone else, to the last extremity. (Page 272) This passage discloses Pips thoughts as he moves from feeling bitter toward his sister: I could scarcely recall her with much tenderness, to seeking revenge upon the person that caused his sister anguish: I felt that on sufficient proof I could have revengefully perused Orlick, or anyone else, to the last extremity. It is a successful piece of writing as Dickenss uses pairs of effective adjectives such as shock of regret and violent indignation, which creates more impact on the reader and helps them to empathise with the way Pip is feeling. This then results in the reader feeling more of a connection to Pip as he strives to achieve contentment, and so helps them to learn more from the novel. In conclusion, it believe that Dickens rite-of-passage novel Great Expectations is successful at presenting useful lessons to its readers as to how they themselves can achieve contentment, despite being written in the 19th century. These are portrayed through Pips own struggle to achieve contentment, many of the struggles relating to Dickens own life, such as the issues like overcoming debt, unrequited love, family problems and poor education. Dickens shows in the novel how these things can be overcome, and contentment and satisfaction achieved, through the realisation of moral values, the dispelling of delusions and fantasies, and learning how to respond to people around you. However, despite this, the most important lesson, that comes through the novel, in learning how to achieve contentment in life is living it. Pip says that he was happy at the forge before he went to London, but he was not content (Page 315). Therefore, this suggests that the novel recommends that the best way to gain contentment is to live your life and learn through the experience of it; otherwise you would feel unsatisfied with your experience of life.

Relationship between corporate social performance and firm financial performance

Relationship between corporate social performance and firm financial performance There have been many theoretical and empirical debates about the relationship between corporate social performance and firm financial performance. The debate on the relationship between CSP and CFP involves two important issues: direction and causality of the relationship (Preston OBannon, 1997). Based upon the literature review, the relationship between CSP and CFP could be positive, neutral, and negative. Preston and OBannon (1997) have distinguished between the direction of the CSP-FP relationship (positive, negative or neutral) and the causal sequence: does CSP in ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uence FP, does FP in ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡uence CSP, or is there a synergistic relationship between the two? They have developed six possible causal and directional hypotheses: social impact hypothesis, slack resources hypothesis, trade-off hypothesis, managerial opportunism hypothesis, positive synergy hypothesis and negative synergy hypothesis. The social impact hypothesis is based on the stakeholder theory which suggests that meeting the needs of various corporate stakeholders will lead to favourable FP (Freeman, 1984). According to this hypothesis, serving the implicit claims of stakeholders enhances a companys reputation in a way that has a positive impact on its FP. Conversely, disappointing these groups of stakeholders may have a negative  ¬Ã‚ nancial impact (Preston and OBannon, 1997). The results also supported good management theory that states that good management practice resulting from engagement in social domains enhances the relationship with stakeholders causing better financial performance (Freeman, 1984). Preston and OBannon (1997) was one of the surveys that used the Fortune reputation index. In particular, this survey assessed CSP according to three variables: (1) rating of community and environmental responsibility, (2) ability to select and retain good people, and (3) quality of products and services. They found that a positive relationship existed between these variables and ROA. Preston, L. E. and D. P. OBannon (1997). The corporate social-financial performance relationship: a typology and analysis, Business and Society ,vol.36, no.4 419-429. The slack resource hypothesis predicts that better FP potentially results in the availability of slack resources that may increase a  ¬Ã‚ rms ability to invest in socially responsible domains such as community and society, employee relations or environment (Waddock and Graves, 1997). One of the essential aspects of CSR and financial performance is the direction of causality. Waddock and Graves (1997) studied the empirical linkage between financial and social performance and found out that CSR was positively associated with prior financial performance. The results were in line with the slack resource theory that supports that the existence of slack resources resulting from better financial performance made companies invest in areas that are related to social domains. The results also supported good management theory that states that good management practice resulting from engagement in social domains enhances the relationship with stakeholders causing better financial performance (Freeman, 1984). Waddock and Graves (1997) reported that CSP was positively associated with prior and future CFP. They concluded that these findings indicated that not only does CSP follow CFP but also CSP drives CFP. It is notable that they measured CSP by a constructed index based on five factors related to the stakeholder and three factors with responsiveness to significant external pressure. This index is provided by a rating firm-Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini Co., Inc (KLD). Waddock, S.A. and S.B. Graves (1997). The corporate social performance-financial performance link, Strategic Management Journal, vol.18, no.4. 303-319. Waddock Graves (1997) and Dean (1998) put forward two theories to answer the question: slack resource theory and good management theory. Under the slack resource theory, a company should focus on its financial position, allowing it to contribute to the CSP. Conducting good social performance requires funds that might result from the success of fi-nancial performance. According to this theory, financial performance comes first. A good management theory holds that social performance comes first. Based on this theory, a company perceived by its stakeholders as having a good reputation will result in a stronger financial position (through market mechanism). The trade-off hypothesis supposes a negative impact of CSP on FP. This hypothesis deals with the neo classical economists position which holds that socially responsible behavior will net few economic bene ¬Ã‚ ts while its numerous costs will reduce pro ¬Ã‚ ts and shareholder wealth (Waddock and Graves,1997).This hypothesis re ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ects the classic Friedman position and is supported by the well-know nearly  ¬Ã‚ nding of Vance (1975) that corporations displaying strong social credentials experience declining stock prices relative to the market average(Preston and OBannon, 1997,p.421). Studies using measures of return based on the stock market also indicate diverse results. Vance (1975) refutes previous research by Moskowitz by extending the time period for analysis from 6 months to 3 years, thereby producing results which contradict Moskowitz and which indicate a negative CSP/CFP relationship. However, Alexander and Buchholz (1978) improved on Vances analysis by evaluating stock market performance of an identical group of stocks on a risk adjusted basis, yielding an inconclusive result. Alexander, G. J., and Rogene A. Buchholz (1978) Corporate social responsibility and stock market performance. Academy of Management Journal, 21 (3): 479-486. Vance, S. C.(1975) Are socially responsible corporations good investment risks? Management Review, 64: 18-24. According to the managerial opportunism hypothesis, corporate managers may pursue their own private objectives to the detriment of both shareholders and other stakeholders ( Weidenbaum and Sheldon, 1987;Williamson, 1967, 1985).In fact, when FP is strong, managers may reduce social expenditures in order to maximize their own short-term private gains. Conversely, when FP weakens, managers may engage in conspicuous social programs in order to offset their disappointing results (Preston and OBannon, 1997). The positive synergy hypothesis supposes that higher levels of CSP lead to an improvement of FP, which offers the possibility of reinvestment in socially responsible actions (Allouche and Laroche, 2005a). Indeed, favourable CSP leads to a surplus of available funds (social impact hypothesis) which is reallocated, in part, to the different stakeholders (slack resources hypothesis). There may then be a simultaneous and interactive positive relation between CSP and FP, forming a virtuous circle (Waddock and Graves, 1997). However, according to the negative synergy hypothesis, higher levels of CSP lead to decreased FP, which in turn limits the socially responsible investments. There may then be a simultaneous and interactive negative relation between CSP and FP, forming a vicious circle. While empirical results concerning the nature of the relationship between CSP and FP continue to be mixed, the largest number of investigations found a positive relationship. This tendency towards the positivism of the CSP-FP link is supported by subsequent Meta analysis (Allouche and Laroche, 2005b; Orlitzky et al., 2003; Wu, 2006). Another study was conducted by Orlitzky HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1741-0401volume=59issue=3articleid=1846089show=html#idb45et al.HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1741-0401volume=59issue=3articleid=1846089show=html#idb45 (2003) who found a strong correlation between corporate financial performance and corporate social/environmental performance. This relationship is more strongly pronounced for theaccounting based measures of performance than the market-based measures of performance (Orlitzky HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1741-0401volume=59issue=3articleid=1846089show=html#idb45et al.HYPERLINK http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1741-0401volume=59issue=3articleid=1846089show=html#idb45, 2003). Another vein of research focused on the causal relationship between CSP and FP. For instance, using traditional statistical techniques, Waddock and Graves (1997) and Hillman and Keim (2001)  ¬Ã‚ nd a positive synergistic relationship between CSP and FP showing the existence of a virtuous circle between the two constructs .McGuire et al.(1988)  ¬Ã‚ nd that lagged FP measures lead to improved current CSP measures, but the latter does not affect FP. In a more recent study, Nelling and Webb (2006) examine the causal relationship between CSP and FP by introducing a new econometric technique, the Granger causality approach. Their  ¬Ã‚ ndings suggest that, using ordinary least square (OLS) regression models, CSP and FP are related. In disagreement with prior empirical research, they  ¬Ã‚ nd a lower relationship between CSP and FP when employing a time series  ¬Ã‚ xed effects approach. The same result is found when introducing Granger causality models. Furthermore, by focusing on individual measures of CSP, they  ¬Ã‚ nd causality running from stock market performance to CSP ratings regarding employees relationships. In addition to those large-scale American empirical studies, Mahoney and Roberts (2007) have examined the relationship between CSP and FP in the Canadian context. This study has examined the relationship between these constructs using the CSID measure of CSP.1 Contrary to Waddock and Graves (1997), Mahoney and Roberts (2007) found no signi ¬Ã‚ cant relationship between a composite measure of a  ¬Ã‚ rms CSP and FP. However, using a one-year lag, their  ¬Ã‚ ndings indicate as igni ¬Ã‚ cant positive relationship between individual measures of a  ¬Ã‚ rms CSP regarding environmental and international activities and FP. This study has examined only one direction of causality: from CSP to FP. The latest study of corporate social and financial performance was done by Mahoney and Roberts (2007). They performed empirical analyses on a large-sample of publicly held Canadian companies. Based on tests utilizing four years of panel data they found no significant relationship between a composite measure of companies social and financial performance. However, they found significant relationships between individual measures of companies social performance regarding environmental and international activities and financial performance. Mahoney, L., Roberts, R.W., 2007. Corporate social performance, and financial performance and institutional ownership in Canadian firms. Accounting Forum 31, 233- 253. Rim Makni, Claude Francoeur Franà §ois Bellavance (2009). Causality Between Corporate Social Performance and Financial Performance: Evidence From Canadian Firms. Journal of Business Ethics 89 (3). This study assesses the causal relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and financial performance (FP). We perform our empirical analyses on a sample of 179 publicly held Canadian firms and use the measures of CSP provided by Canadian Social Investment Database for the years 2004 and 2005. Using the Granger causality approach, we find no significant relationship between a composite measure of a firms CSP and FP, except for market returns. However, using individual measures of CSP, we find a robust significant negative impact of the environmental dimension of CSP and three measures of FP, namely return on assets, return on equity, and market returns. This latter finding is consistent, at least in the short run, with the trade-off hypothesis and, in part, with the negative synergy hypothesis which states that socially responsible firms experience lower profits and reduced shareholder wealth, which in turn limits the socially responsible investments

Neil Postman and The Great Debate of Televised Religion Essay -- Paper

Neil Postman and The Great Debate of Televised Religion Neil Postman states that religion on television is expressed purely as entertainment. He believes that by making religion more entertaining, sacred rituals and traditions are replaced and lost. In his chapter titled â€Å"Shuffle Off to Bethlehem,† Postman describes what he believes to be a fraudulent religious tactic and loss of spirituality through television. Postman also makes a good point when he states that all televised religious matter has been geared purely towards entertainment rather than achieving a real spiritual connection with people. He says it best when he comments, â€Å" Everything that makes religion an historic, profound and sacred human activity is stripped away; there is no ritual, no dogma, no tradition, no theology, and above all, no sense of spiritual transcendence.† I agree with most of his points on this loss of the spiritual connection. Participating in spiritual rituals and traditions, as well as feeling a sense of community, are necessary for worship and cannot be replaced on the T.V. screen. I also agree with Postman that rituals and traditions are lost through television. I know that when I attend church, communion is a very important part of our Sunday. In the Church of Christ, communion is taken every week. I cherish that sacred time and find that I need that tradition to make me feel a spiritual connection. It is not just bread and juice, it is a reminder of a sacrifice that was made for me. Baptism is another ritual that I feel is a sacred event to symbolize your commitment to the Lord. I feel that once you make the commitment to become a Christian, the next step is baptism. I don’t think it is something mandatory for salvation but it jus... ...ide more than a visual image of support and does not come close to providing the emotional support that is needed to get through the trials and tribulations of religion and life. All the sacred rituals and spiritual connections to God and community are aspects of religion that cannot be found on television. In his chapter, â€Å"Shuffle off to Bethlehem,† Postman creates an excellent argument against the secular traditions displayed in televised religion. I agree with his views and feel that religion is something much more demanding and spiritual. It almost seems a responsibility as a Christian to remember that although it is hard to attend all services, God has done more than you could ever repay him for. Attending a real service and worshipping him in person is one small thing you can do to make a big difference in your spiritual connection to the one who created you.

nato and the united states :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The United States had an isolationist outlook on international policies during its early history. But that has changed, starting in the 20th century. The United States is now involved in many international organizations, including The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. â€Å"The North Atlantic Alliance was founded on the basis of a Treaty between member states entered into freely by each of them after public debate and due parliamentary process. The Treaty upholds their individual rights as well as their international obligations in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. It commits each member country to sharing the risks and responsibilities as well as the benefits of collective security and requires of each of them the undertaking not to enter into any other international commitment which might conflict the Treaty†1. There is a now a debate in the United States over whether or not we have a place in the international community. Many say that the United States is only making things worse by interfering with other countries such as Iraq, but in reality the U.S. is helping throughout the world. How is it possible for people to live without freedoms and at least a small sense of peace? It’s not possible and that’s one of the main reasons that the United States plays and important role in the international community; the United States is bringing newfound freedoms to countries that have not previously known of them. We are also bringing a sense of peace and well being to those countries. The United States is meant to be involved in the international community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a regional defense alliance that was created by the North Atlantic Treaty. It original signatories include: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United States. Other countries were admitted later, including, Greece and Turkey, in 1952;West Germany, in 1955; Spain, in 1982; the newly unified Germany, in 1990; and Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, in 1999. Today 19 nations are full members of the alliance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the years between 1939 and 1945, many western leaders believed the policies of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) threatened international stability and peace. Their forcible installation of Communist governments throughout Eastern Europe, territorial demands by the soviets, and their support of guerrilla war in Greece and regional separatism in Iran appeared to many as the first steps of World War III.