The Types of Flood Events and Their Causes

Fracking A Better World Essay - 1289 Words

In today’s modern times, we exist in a world of constant change as we seek to achieve greater heights and advance as a society to better the world around us. The vision of a better world differs individual to individual as some view economic growth and the development of a decaying energy sector to be symbols of a better world. To others, a better world is to create a habitat that can sustain our population and basic needs for a healthy lifestyle. One such advancement made in recent years that has brought forth an economic boon was the introduction of hydraulic fracturing – commonly referred to as fracking. With the use of coal being regulated by the US government, regions in the Midwest United States sought a new way to remain prosperous, and fracking was their liberator. Countries around the world seek energy independence as most have become reliant on fossil fuels to power their cities and means of transportation – thus their economies. We live in a world of u ncertainty, and geopolitical affairs can influence the trends and prices of energy resources – of which include coal, oil, and natural gas. With countries heavily contingent on oil imports from unstable provinces of the Middle East, the gas companies of the United States began to utilize fracking to extract natural gas and oil in order to better control their own destiny, and to create a sense of energy freedom for and employ locals. On the surface this all sounds quite beneficial. Energy independence, jobs forShow MoreRelated Hydraulic Fracturing: Fracking for a Better World Essay3559 Words   |  15 Pagesgas produced through a process called hydraulic fracturing, or â€Å"fracking.† But this energy source is highly polarizing, with strong advocates and detractors. While there are many who believe hydraulic fracturing should not be used in the quest for natural resources, the process has a relatively low impact on the environment, and the shale gas that it produces has the potential to change the energy landscape for the better. Contrary to what environmental activists say, hydraulic fracturingRead MoreFracking: Is It Really Damaging the Earth? Essay818 Words   |  4 Pageswhere do we get our energy? Fracking is a method in which entities use in order to obtain natural gas, which furthermore can create heat for our homes and gas for our cars. This is a huge controversial topic that people seem to be very ambiguous about. The questions that arise with fracking are whether or not it’s better than green energy and is it harmful to the Earth. This constant need of energy requires our world to have a primary source for energy, so is fracking appropriate for this primaryRead MoreBusiness, Sustainability And The Natural Environment1617 Words   |  7 Pagestremendously. Non-profit organizations look beyond institutional goals, and instead, try to find a shared vision that works for everyone in the society. Our society needs to stop consuming as if we have an infinite planet; we have to have integrity for the world we live in because the natural resources that have been sustaining us will not last forever. Companies need to evolve with the modern age and changing consumer market. For example, Netflix never thought they would produce their own shows, however,Read MoreHydraulic Fracturing or Fracking1319 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Paper: Fracking â€Å"A man’s errors are his portals of discovery† (Joyce). The question that arises from this quote is, are some errors worth making in hope for future discovery? One presumable error that is being practiced today is Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking). The debate of this issue is very controversial and it is hard to decide which side of the argument is the right side. But before one can plunge into the debate, one must understand Fracking entirely. Fracking is the process of breakingRead MoreShell Fracking1615 Words   |  7 Pageshas Shell s new business strategy of Fracking affected sales growth and how will it affect the profit growth going forward? (not done) Word Count:____ Introduction: Royal Dutch Shell or Shell, which it is commonly called, is a global company which seeks to be the leader in the gas and oil industry. Founded in 1907, Shell’s mission is to deliver the best value to its shareholders, while helping to meet energy demands all around the world. In addition to its role as an energyRead MoreVeronica Kronvall Remembers How Excited She Felt About1504 Words   |  7 Pagesnausea and low, throbbing headaches, there was blood when she blew her nose. The sweet little town of only 1400 had now turned into a nightmare. Fracking has its obvious downsides, yet is it needed in today s economy? In this essay i ll be explaining what fracking is, its benefits, and how it is harming the environment. Since the mid 1800’s, the world has consumed more than a trillion barrels of crude oil. Nearly all of this oil was extracted by conventional drilling. The process by which thisRead MoreThe Effects Of Fracking On The Human Life1436 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 Fracking in Technical Terms†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 Threats to the Ecosystem†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Fatalities Caused by Fracking†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 Dangerous Disposing of Natural Resource†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 Damages due to Fracking†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 Inside Story†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 Unrecoverable Water†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..6 Gaseous Concentration in Air†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 Regulations to Control the Hazards of Fracking†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦7Read MoreNo Fracking in California820 Words   |  3 Pages No Fracking In California How does California get its natural gas? Well California gets its natural gas by a process known as fracking. Fracking is the process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers deep within Earth’s ground. Fracking is also known as hydraulic fracturing which releases high pressured liquid into the ground to withdraw oil or gas. Fracking makes it possible for the Earth’s commercial, residential, and industrial uses to help people live a better life. For Example,Read MoreFracking : Fracking And Fracking851 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Fracking? When you look at the title of this paper you ask yourself, what is fracking, and you probably try to learn the definition so that you’ll actually understand what I am writing about. However, I am going to tell you what fracking is. What is fracking? Fracking is the injection of fluid into the ground in order to get natural fossil fuels to come to the surface, in order to use them for gas and other things (Fracking). How does fracking work? Water and sand are pushed into the groundRead MoreFracking : How Fracking Effects People1222 Words   |  5 Pages How fracking effects people Hydraulic fracturing began in 1947 and still happening until now. People have used fracking to produce more than one million oil and natural gas wells since 1947. Currently fracking accounts for 50% of locally produced natural gas and 33% of local petroleum† (Engelder 274). It proved that fracking is valuable because people can get too much natural gas and petroleum from fracking. There are 2.5 million frac jobs that had

Environmental Factors of Human Growth free essay sample

You often hear the word environment, but do you stop to think what it really means, what it contains, and how it affects you? The actual definition of environment is the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Your environment greatly impacts the way you are as a human being. Each and every one of your life experiences are influenced by your environment. Your environment determines if or how your potential to develop is reached. Family, friends, home, school, etc. re all components of your environment. By reading further, you will witness these factors that affect your personal growth and development being explored and discussed. FAMILY When children are very young, and spend most of their time with their parents and/or other family members family is usually the major human influence in their life. This is also true about most children when they get older and grow into adulthood. We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Factors of Human Growth or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Families provide a nurturing environment in which security, protection, satisfaction, and love are given. Physical needs for food and clothing are met. In this environment family members grow to maturity. In a proper family environment a child has positive surroundings, including positive people. when a child is cared for and loved he/she gets ample nutrition, clothing, shelter, rest, interaction/attention, etc. these things help the child grow physically and mentally. the child is surrounded by positivity, therefore the chances of the child maturing into a positive individual are very high. however if a child is raised in an improper family environment, most likely, the opposite will result. e/she will be deprived of the opportunity to fully develop, and has a higher risk of harboring negativity as they age. In the early years families need to meet a babys physical, emotional, and social needs because they are helpless on their own. Eventually, babies discover they are independent and can do things on their own. Family members can provide an environment that promotes the growth of independence and set tasks for children to do by th emselves. Families can also help children learn how to fit into their surroundings. An environment with well defined limits helps young children learn to control their own behavior. A household with reasonable rules and regulations set by parents/guardians gives children a sense of how to be well behaved. The teen years are years of self discovery for teens as they start to depend less on their families. One way your family can encourage your growth as a teen is to allow opportunities to make personal decisions. Taking more responsibilities helps you develop the capability to make your own choices. An encouraging and supportive family environment can help you develop healthy relationships with others. This is because you get knowledge about the way relationships work from your family. It is very hard to develop relationships with any other person if a strong family relationship isnt established. Family Structure: The way a family is structured affects the way a child is raised. For example, a child may only live with one parent, a step parent, their grandparents; there are many combinations of a family structure. Changes in family structure can often affect the familys ability to provide a stimulating environment and can either be negative or positive. There may be more or less money, time/family members to listen, share, encourage, and guide each child. Siblings: Brothers and sisters can be a source of fun, conflict, or competition. They can also learn from each other. Siblings usually continue to interact with each other into adulthood, which can be beneficial to the both of them. Siblings learn to share and cooperate when they interact which, when learned young, instills these habits so that children can share and cooperate with others throughout life. CULTURAL HERITAGE Your familys guidelines and beliefs are part of your heritage. The holidays, food, and religion your are accustomed to are part of your culture. Families pass on their customs and traditions to their children. Your culture and heritage usually help determine many decisions you make in your future. For example, most of the friends you make and keep will probably be of the same heritage and culture you come from. The places you go, like church, celebrations, festivities, etc. are determined by your cultural background. Multicultural influences can altar your relationships with family members as well as impact your values and expectations for your future family. Odds are, if or when you have children you will transfer those same beliefs and traditions that you are used to to them. SCHOOL A quality school environment provides a setting that encourages students to learn and grow. After school activities can provide chances for students to interact with others in clubs or sports. Class curriculum offers courses that stimulate students intellectual growth. Teachers in a quality school environment encourage students by helping them find areas in which they succeed. Teachers also help students find areas in which they need to improve. By doing so, they help students know what decisions to make regarding how to get the most efficient education for them and how they learn best, especially when they get to college. PEERS By interacting with your peers you can make judgements about how you look because you begin to compare your appearance to theirs; how important you are because you compare how much attention they get with how much you get, and how successful you are. The friends you choose now are likely the kind of friends you will make later in life. Your peers can also influence the plans you make for your future. Good friends usually like to stick together so youll often make similar choices about things like school, clothing, activities, mutual friends, etc. Sometimes your peers make choices that you feel are not right for you. This gives you a sense of things youre comfortable with and things youre uncomfortable with. COMMUNITY There are many different types of communities. Each one has its own influence on the people that live there. The community environment is influenced by resources available. Industries or business provide job opportunities for community members. A low crime rate and pleasant surroundings make residents feel secure and protected. And shopping facilities offer convenience. Also, factors like air quality and cleanliness in general affect the health of community members. Growing up in a community with many resources tends to make a good impression on those that reside there. When that is done, people stay in that community. This prevents constant moving and drifting, so the chance to remain established and comfortable is given. TECHNOLOGY Technology is used in our lives everyday. New technologies influence the items you buy, clothes you wear, and things like that. The biggest way new technology has impacted our society is the fact that it has resulted in a higher standard of living. For example, more goods are cheaper, labor-intense jobs are less popular, and health care has improved. Technology can be a negative thing too. Dependence on technology can cause people to judge their quality of life by material things and money, which can lead to the neglect of the growth of personal relationships. Technology can also cause people to take their intelligence for granted. Technological thinking patterns can cause people to think of quick fixes to real life issues that take thorough thinking. This doesnt usually work out well. MEDIA Television, radio, movies, videos, newspapers, magazines, etc. are sources of entertainment and information that affect peoples lives. Media can influence peoples thoughts, viewpoints and decisions without them even being completely aware of the affect it has on them. For some members of society, the people on television are models for them to imitate. They also provide an image for developing friendships and relationships. These images are often false and unrealistic, which causes people to have superficial personalities and appearances. The effects of advertising include how yous spend your money, and choices you make about the items you purchase. Ads stimulate sales and goods of services from different companies so that they can make a profit and establish a good company name. Advertisers are well aware of what appeals to certain people because they do extensive research on these things. Being aware of how advertisements influence you in your daily life can help you make wiser choices.

Inventec Corporation free essay sample

Despite its growth and size, why is Inventec not very profitable? It can be concluded into 3 main factors : 1. Rivalry existed In the existing ODM industry, there are lots of competitors such as Quanta, Mitac and Compal. Because of the fierce competition, there is increase difficulty for completing differentiation. Moreover, client companies tend to limit ODM use to highly commoditized products commoditized products. There is also inherent risk associated with the need of frequent technology innovation. Low switching costs also weaken the competitive advantage of Inventec since most of the PCs use Intel microprocessors. Moving to China was no longer consider as an advantage for Inventec since other rivalries will have the same cost structure. 2. New entrants threat Taiwan government did not impose high legal barriers to limit firm to invest in China. Consequently, major ODMS choose to open plants in China and new companies easily enter into the industries which increase the supply of quality goods. We will write a custom essay sample on Inventec Corporation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3. Increasing bargaining power Inventec has a high bargaining power due to the limited list of customers. This disadvantage greatly weaken the ability to switch customers and negotiation power. Inventec has to accept clients aggressive pricing strategies with a low profit margin or else facing client switching their business to competitors in a short period of time. Q2 What are the drivers of the average profitability of the ODM industry? The average profitability of the ODM industry is low which only ranging from 1% to 6%. The main reason for this is mainly driven by customer bargain power and high competition. In order to lead the industry, companies need to lower their cost. Consequently, it reduce the reliance on a single partnership as there are 5 leading ODM and client negotiating strength become high. Moreover, china no longer consider as a low cost area which make firms difficult to find way to lower the costs. Q3 What are key factors that a company like Inventec needs to manage above average profits in this industry ? In order maintain the profit, the company should shift their production and production software from hardware production to software development and IT consulting and IT system integration services. For example, Inventec consider its software capability by be a major differentiation. Corporation should also comply with customer requirement by using specialized personnel. Quality assurance and low operating cost is also important. The firm can achieved through using cost leadership and differentiation which enhance its bargaining power. Q4 Why is the Indian software industry, on average, so much more profitable than the Chinese ODM industry? First, India does not rely on cheap operating cost to survive but more focusing on custom application development and maintenance. This help them to create differentiated products which were specialized and high-end. Moreover, India also get many world- class engineers and technicians. The Indian firms are competing through R D rather price war since the industry has a very high growth rate of 30% Q5 What strategic advice will you give Inventec to improve its profitability? I will advise Inventec to move their company resources and expertise to a more software based market. For example, Inventec can start to offer software design with hardware manufacturing since it can help to add more value to OEMS. Hence, Inventec can enjoy high price premium and strong bargaining power. This kind of vertical integration can save a large amount of transaction and labor cost.

Treaties and International Law essays

Treaties and International Law essays As international instruments proliferate, the remedies available to states for breach of international obligations and the number of institutions offering for a granting of such remedies have expanded. Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is no longer alone in providing a forum for the granting of remedies. Different trade, environmental, or law of the sea regimes, for example, has expanded the range of options Yet, with this expansion come new problems, tensions and questions. For example, will a given institutional option actually be effective' Is the proliferation of procedures and mechanisms necessarily a good thing' What happens if different institutions offer diverging jurisprudence' Which factors determine the choice of one forum over another' Evolving out of the papers and presentations given at the Fourth EC/International Law Forum hosted by the Law Department at Bristol University in May 1997, Remedies in International Law is a collection of essays by leading international jurists on the remedies available to states in international law and the issues "flowing from the multiplicity of procedures and mechanisms".[1] Discussions go beyond the examination of traditional institutions such as the ICJ to more recent institutional that under the Convention on the Law of the Sea and to alternative dispute The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) "represents the first world-wide court set up specifically to deal with a major part of international law since the establishment of the International Court of Justice fifty years ago".[2] David Anderson and Robin Churchill examine, in different pieces, new institutional arrangements under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both focus on the ITLOS. However, while Anderson examines the establishment, jurisdiction, rules of procedure and judicial policy of the Tribunal, Churchill ...

Interview with Rushang Shah, Founder of Gramlee

Interview with Rushang Shah, Founder of Gramlee Interview with Rushang Shah, Founder of Gramlee Interview with Rushang Shah, Founder of Gramlee By Daniel Scocco If you have not noticed yet, Gramlee is one of the newest sponsors of Daily Writing Tips. When they contacted me a while ago I was glad to accept them aboard, mainly because I think that they provide a useful service for both individuals and companies that want to make sure their text pieces are grammatically sound and clearly written. A while ago I was exchanging some emails with Rushang, the founder of the service, and we thought about running an interview to explain what they do, and to talk about general writing tips. He agreed to, and below you will find it. 1. What is Gramlee, and why should people use it? Gramlee is a web-based editing and grammar check service that everyone can use. It’s like having a personal copy editor who can magically make your writing technically accurate and professional. Anyone with an Internet connection can tap into the expertise offered by professional editors. Our editors revise documents to better match the specific prose, style, and flow that the writer is trying to portray. We check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure, brevity, and overall readability and professionalism. 2. Can you give us examples of who uses Gramlee and how they’ve benefited from the service? Bloggers are avid Gramlee users.   Many people have amazing ideas that they want spread through their blogs, but they fear that their writing skills aren’t professional enough to show to the world.   Small business owners also rely on Gramlee. They use it to edit everything from marketing, sales, and business documents to internal emails and memos. Job hunters who want to get an edge over other applicants use Gramlee to guarantee their cover letters and resumes are grammatically sound and professional. Having a professional and accurate resume is critical in today’s economic environment where each job can have an overwhelming number of applicants. We also have many users from non-English-speaking countries. They depend on Gramlee to make their writing professional so their businesses can compete. These are just a few of the people who use Gramlee. Short stories, business plans, manuscripts, presentations – we edit them all. Our motto is: if it’s written, we can edit it. 3. Can you share some of the interesting (or funny) Gramlee pieces you’ve received from customers? What types of things do you typically see? Since people use Gramlee for both personal and business writing, we get pieces that span the entire spectrum from serious to outright hilarious. In fact, we just launched a Twitter feed about some of the more interesting topics we get: twitter.com/gramlee One of the most inspiring Gramlees I’ve read was a letter written by a girl to her boyfriend. She was breaking up their relationship because she felt her boyfriend didn’t understand or value the meaning of love. In her letter, she explained what love meant to her and the value it carries in the scheme of life. The letter was so heartfelt and honest that we asked the customer if we could share it with fellow editors as inspiration. Recently, we received a Gramlee where a student was writing a college application letter for medical school. The student was raised in a rural area in a foreign country. He explained how his family found an abandoned baby in a wooden box floating in the river. His family adopted the baby. The student explained how this experience marked the beginning of his passion of attending to the needs of others. 4. Can you give our readers a Top 5 list of the most common grammatical and writing errors that you’ve seen? 1. Punctuation is one of the most misunderstood elements of writing. You’d be surprised how many people are completely in the dark about when to use commas and where to place them. 2. Apostrophes. (It’s vs. its; they’re vs. their vs. there) 3. i.e. in place of e.g. (The abbreviation â€Å"i.e.† officially means â€Å"that is.† The abbreviation â€Å"e.g.† means â€Å"for example.†) 4. Of in place of have. (â€Å"Could of† should be written as â€Å"could have†) 5. Tense confusion. People inadvertently switch from present tense to past tense throughout their writing. Keeping things consistent seems to be a challenge for many. 5. Why do computers fail miserably at proofreading and copy editing? Computers lack the â€Å"human element.† The human element to the editing process involves understanding who the audience is, what tone or purpose the writing serves, and how to best frame and structure the writing. A software-based editing solution just can’t provide this. For example: 1. He come form the kitchen. 2. He came from the kitchen. Try typing Sentence 1 into Microsoft Word and run the spell / grammar check. It fails to find the mistakes. A real editor, however, will instantly catch this error. Now, let’s say you’re writing a horror story. Let’s take the same example and see how a real editor would edit your writing. Original: He came from the kitchen. Revised: He entered quietly through the kitchen. The revised sentence establishes a more descriptive visual for the audience based on the context of the document – in this case, a fictional horror story. 6. How has the conversational style of writing that takes place in social media environments like Twitter and Facebook impacted the overall quality of writing? People rely more on abbreviations and shorthand instead of professional prose. This isn’t really anyone’s fault; today’s digital medium is built around quick and seamless exchange. My only concern is that people are becoming illiterate in the art of writing. Acronyms and emoticons can never replace the impact a well crafted message leaves. 7. What’s the single most important writing tip that you can give people? Two tips: proofread using drafts, and space out the time between your drafts. Never produce just one draft that you submit as a final version. Even the best writers make mistakes. This is because our minds are not really wired to multi-task. We can only accurately do one thing at a time. The first draft of any piece of writing involves getting thoughts and ideas on paper, not ensuring that grammar rules are followed or the writing is completely professional. Make sure to take a break between each draft you work on. The time away from the document will help your mind â€Å"purge and reset.† Once you have a clear mind, you’ll be able to approach your content with an entirely new perspective. You will also find mistakes that you previously overlooked, or come up with better ways to write something. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Capitalize Animal and Plant Names15 Types of DocumentsHow Long Should a Synopsis Be?

Llighting strikes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Llighting strikes - Assignment Example Lightning strikes do not burn the flesh since the contact with charge is too brief to cause such heating. Instead, lightning strikes affect the human body by electropolation – a process in which cells in the human body produce holes in their cell membranes. Consequently, human muscles and nerves are vastly disrupted by lightning strikes (Ritenour, Morton and McManus). In addition, lightning strikes tend to induce electrical surges within the human body particularly in the nervous system leading to cardiac arrest. Moreover, human hearing is directly affected by the thunder shock wave produced by lightning strikes (Ritenour, Morton and McManus). Lightning strikes produce diverse cardiac effects ranging from changes in the electrocardiograph (ECG) patterns to cardiac seizures. The victim of a lightning strike may be suffering from cardiac contusion, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia among other problems (McIntyre, Simpson and Redfearn). Lightning strikes tend to depolarise the myocardium leading to thoracic muscle spasm and respiratory failure as well as asystole (American Heart Association). In case of a lightning strike, the paramedic should take to resuscitation as soon as possible since most lightning strike patients develop respiratory problems. If back injuries are present, it is best to stabilise the victim’s head before proceeding to artificial resuscitation. In addition, it is possible that the victim will have altered levels of consciousness that may lead to ventilator impairment. Often the fundamental cause of ventilator impairment is a blocked pharynx due to a relaxed tongue. The paramedic must check for such blockages immediately after which resuscitation should be continued (Medscape). The first aid team on the scene must initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the earliest since most lightning strike victims die as a result of cardiopulmonary failures. When providing help to a

Business Enterprise and Cultural Enrichment Essay

Business Enterprise and Cultural Enrichment - Essay Example A number of impacts are realized when businesses participate in the championing of beneficial and beneficial cultural practices. Cultural enrichment influences positively on the growth of the business if the business offers its best with regard to the cultures of its surrounding. However, not all cultures practiced in the surrounding of business premises will create an enabling environment. Managers and other senior personnel should investigate and re-evaluate the implications of a single cultural practice before arriving at decisions of determining whether resources of the business are to be used in popularizing and sensitizing clients concerning the culture (Schumacher, 2011). Cultures that communicate information, which dissuades people from consuming certain brands constituting the business’ stock, should be avoided since their effects are counterproductive. If such cultures are popularized, the business will realize loses that may put the enterprises’ future in hig her risks that may lead to closure, relocation, or even retrenchment some of its workers (Schumacher, 2011). A business enterprise can input towards improving and retaining certain cultures in many ways. For instance, through carrying out campaigns geared towards instilling public awareness. This can be done by public address systems mounted on vehicles that go around imparting information into the people. On these vehicles, renowned cultural icons (traditional artists) must be given top priority to talk to the public about the business and the need for culture and its existence (Schumacher, 2011). Additionally, the business can contribute to cultural growth by selling of music enriched with the sounds from cultural, musical instruments. Businesses like those of fashioning designing should sell garments that do not discriminate the culture of the people. For example, a business selling clothing in a region where scarves make the order of the day should include this in their stock. P rojects geared towards improving and enriching the culture of the people should be investigated by the business so as to identify with the achievements brought to the people by such programs. The business should also contribute intensively to the planting of crops that are used to praise and adore the lord almighty for instance. The business can also come up with laws that do not discriminate workers. Such laws should be consistence with the people’s cultural practices, and they should also create a homely working environment by boosting performance and other merits in the duties and assignments to be accomplished (Schumacher, 2011). Performances of the employees are directly influenced by the kind of working environment created by their employers or organizations; hence it is the obligation of the business to meet employees’ needs. Besides other requirements, employees deserve rules that are friendly to their cultural practices in order for them to deliver accordingly . The approach towards work can be compromised if the employee has to sacrifice many of his cultural practices for the sake of work. Society has other ceremonies that call for the participation of every person who is part of it. On such days, the business is compelled to disobeying the demands of the community; otherwise, it might experience a reduction in sales (Schumacher, 2011). Some cultures determine or dictate how a business enterprise within them

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Essay Example for Free

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Essay On December 29, 1970 Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The purpose of this act as quoted from the act itself is: â€Å"To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.† This act requires employers to provide workplaces that are free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with occupational safety and health standards. The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workers. Since 1970 OSHA has grown to over 1,130 inspectors in states under federal OSHA jurisdiction. Personnel also includes investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers and other support personnel spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country (OSHA FAQ) . Since 1970 workplace fatalities have been reduced by half. Even with this decline fourteen Americans are killed on the job every single day of the year. In addition, tens of thousands die every year from workplace disease and over 4.6 million workers are seriously injured on the job (OSHA FAQ). The Department of Labor which conducts the OSHA inspections wants workers to feel safe on the job. Workers have rights that include the right to request an inspection, have a representative present at the inspection, have dangerous substances identified, be informed about exposure to hazards, and have employer violations posted at the worksite (OSH Act). In section 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 there is a set of duties that employers and employees are supposed to follow in order to be best assisted by OSHA. This General Duty Clause states: â€Å"(a) Each employer – (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; (2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act. (b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.† In section 8 of the OSH Act regarding Inspections and Investigations it states: â€Å"(a) In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary, upon appropriate credentials to the owner, operator or agent in charge is authorized- (1) to enter without delay and at reasonable times any factory, plant establishment, construction site or other area, workplace or environment where work is performed by an employee of an employer; and (2) to inspect and investigate during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, any such place of employment and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment, and materials therein, and to question privately any such employer, owner operator, agent or employee.† In Marshall v. Barlows Inc., 436 U.S. 307 (1978), this case involved the constitutionality of a provision in the Occupational Safety and Health Act that permitted inspectors to enter premises without a warrant to inspect for safety hazards and violation of OSHA regulations. The Court held that this provision violated the Fourth Amendment. In The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States, commentary is given on this case. One issue in the case was whether a warrant was required. The Court had previously held that no warrant was required to inspect either the premises of a liquor licensee or a licensed gun dealers storeroom. Distinguishing these earlier cases because each concerned a closely regulated industry, the Court in Barlows concluded that requiring warrants in the OSHA context would not â€Å"impose serious burdens on the inspection system or the courts† (p. 316). As for the grounds to obtain an inspection warrant, Barlows follows the rule in Camara v. M unicipal Court (1967) that traditional probable cause is unnecessary if the authorities can show that the inspection conforms to â€Å"reasonable legislative or administrative standards† (p. 538). So, the Court in Barlows concluded that a warrant â€Å"showing that a specific business has been chosen for an OSHA search on the basis of a general administrative plan for the enforcement of the Act derived from neutral sources† (p. 321) would be sufficient, because it would ensure against arbitrary selection of employers. Marshall v. Barlow did little to change the frequency and effectiveness of OSHA inspections. First, OSHA regulations apply to millions of businesses and are enforced by only 1,130 inspectors. Obvious principles of good management would send these inspectors to businesses that justified to have an inspection based on accident history and the number of employee complaints. OSHAs managers had already been using this type of plan prior to the Barlow inspection since Barlow’s Inc. was selected for an inspection based on its accident history. In the â€Å"AEI Journal on Government and Society†, we are given insight on how the Barlow decision protected business, yet still allowed OSHA inspectors to obtain Ex Parte warrants. Barlow left open the question whether â€Å"judicial orders for inspections routinely sought under the secretarys existing regulations when employers refuse entry are the functional equivalent of warrants and thus satisfy the Fourth Amendment (6)†. When OSHAs inspectors conduct criminal investigations with the assistance of a U.S. attorney, they may â€Å"obtain warrants by telephone pursuant to Rule 41(c) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (7)†. The Barlow decision made the point of saying that if the purpose of an OSHA search is to obtain evidence of crime rather than civil infractions; probable cause that criminal conduct has occurred must be shown to justify a warrant. OSHA Instruction STP 2.18 reiterates that the Supreme Court held that the Fourth Amendment requires a warrant for a nonconsensual OSHA inspection. However, the Court recognized the importance of surprise in the conduct of inspections (as reflected in the Acts general prohibition against advance notice of an inspection), â€Å"in preventing the speedy alteration or disguise of violations so that they escape the inspectors notice†. The instruction goes on to say that: â€Å"The Court explicitly noted the Secretary of Labors authority to promulgate a regulation under which warrants could be sought ex parte; i.e., without the knowledge or participation of the employer. Such warrants might be sought after refusal of an employer to grant entry for an inspection or, in some cases, prior to any attempt to gain entry.† This procedure has helped maximize the effectiveness of criminal enforcement agencies since Barlow did not limit surprise inspections. The only important safeguard that the Barlow decision offered employers was the protection against inspections conducted in bad faith or for purposes of harassment. There are some instances when an inspection requires no warrant. An article titled â€Å"Warrantless OSHA Inspections† by Mark E. Farrell gives an example of how this situation can occur. Farrell summarizes the details in Lakeland Enterprises of Rhinelander, Inc. v. Chao, 402 F.3d 739 (7th Cir. 2005). A sewer and water contractor (Lakeland) in northern Wisconsin was performing excavation work at an industrial park when an OSHA inspector, driving by on the public street, decided to stop and perform an impromptu inspection. After walking past traffic cones that were blocking street traffic from the project site, the inspector observed a Lakeland employee excavating a trench with a backhoe while another employee worked at the bottom of the trench. â€Å"The trench was approximately eighteen feet deep and six feet wide at the bottom and did not contain a ladder or trench box†. When the contractor’s project superintendent began conversing with the OSHA inspector, the worker in the trench climbed up one of the walls to exit, which resulted in loose dirt falling back into the trench. â€Å"The employee performing the excavation work admitted that he knew that the other worker was not supposed to be working in the trench and that he failed to remove him† (Farrell). OSHA ended up issuing three citations and assessed a $49,000 civil penalty against the contractor, including a â€Å"willful violation for permitting an employee to work in an unprotected trench (in violation of 29 CFR  § 1926.652(a)†. During the hearing, the contractor moved to â€Å"suppress the evidence obtained from the inspection† on the basis that the OSHA inspector’s â€Å"warrantless search of the excavation site violated the Fourth Amendment†. The administrative law judge denied the motion, finding that the contractor had no right of privacy at the excavation site because the land was located on a public road. The administrative law judge also concluded that any Fourth Amendment claim was waived because the contractor failed to object to the inspection or ask for a warrant at the site (Farrell). It is important to understand that no advance notice of a worksite inspection needs to be given. Unannounced inspections are an important tool in OSHA’s mission to promote safe and healthful working conditions at all times. OSHA has come a long way since 1970 to help American become a safe place to work especially when compared to some parts of the world. With a good budget and better laws there are fewer injuries every year. OSHA truly is one of the administrative agencies that exist for the bettering of the quality of life for the workers of our country. Works Cited Farrell, Mark E. Warrantless OSHA Inspections Newsletter Article. Lorman Education Services Continuing Education Seminars. Web. 1 Mar. 2011. http://www.lorman.com/newsletters/article.php?article_id=346newsletter_id=73category_id=3. Hall, Kermit L. â€Å"Marshall v. Barlow’s Inc.† The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States. 2005. OSH Act, OSHA Standards, Inspections, Citations and Penalties. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Home. OSHA Office of Training and Education, May 1996. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/introsha.html. OSHA and the Fourth Amendment. AEI JOURNAL ON GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY (1978): 6-7. AEI JOURNAL ON GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. Web. United States of America. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Print United States of America. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Inspections and Investigations: Obtaining Warrants on an Ex Parte Basis and Prior to Attempting Entry. Bruce Hillenbrand Acting Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs, 26 Feb. 1981. Web. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVESp_id=1863. United States of America. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA Frequently Asked Questions. Web. 1 Mar. 2011. http://www.osha.gov/OSHA_FAQs.html.

Erstwhile :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Confessions of an Erstwhile Child is an essay which analyses the concept of the nuclear family. At first the author explains the ideas of Thomas More’s Utopia, but afterwards narrows his content by going into explaining his thoughts on children raised in dysfunctional families. He very cleverly shows the reader part family model’s with current ones, allowing his audience to make the decision for themselves. His tone is a logical philosophical. The reader is told of his depressing childhood growing up in a dysfunctional family, and how it had a profound effect upon his life. The author uses his own personal experience and knowledge to express his opinions on his topic, but really doesn’t use much inference to other cases or factual evidence to back up his argument. All and all, the author wrote an essay which would prove to be thought provoking and well organized.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this first paragraph, the author battles with a commonly held belief that children are the â€Å"property† of their parents for a certain amount of time in their lives. The author constructs upon the topic slowly by disclosing his problem with the idea of children as property, only to bring his own life experiences into count by explaining his adolescence with a dysfunctional family. By bringing in his personal experiences, the author is in some sense considered an authority figure on the topic of a child’s life with a dysfunctional family. He compares the concept of parental custody with apprenticeship, and he puts it all together by creating a practical solution to the problem. His true thesis sentence is seen in the last paragraph where he says, â€Å"We have invested far too heavily in the unproved â€Å"equity† called the nuclear family; that stock is about to crash and we ought to being finding escape options† (p 196). By gradu ally giving the reader background info on the problems of the modern dysfunctional family, and then stating the thesis at the end, he very clearly gets his argument across. The author clearly shows how his childhood effected his adulthood, making in a living example of what he is writing about allowing the audience to more easily trust what he is writing about. Instead of using factually evidence from other dysfunctional family incidences, the author decides to make it more personal, by using his own life and comparing family ideas of the past to the present.

Political Issues Relating to Immigration Essay

Reaction to the immigration problem in the United States is as diverse as the people living in the country. There are common public and political opinions on immigration; there is also factual information, which alters positions. The media plays a major role in how people react to the issue of immigration in the United States of America. There is a lot of news lately with a focus on immigration and undocumented persons in the United States. Illegal immigration has been present in the United States for a long time. The first law that the United States had against persons entering the United States was against convicts or prostitutes to enter the country. From 1892 to 1954 Ellis Island admitted over 12 million legal immigrants. Now the United States has quotas on how many can migrate to the country. Illegal immigration became more of a problem being looked at in the twentieth century. Then End Illegal Immigration group states, â€Å"Today, over one million immigrants enter our country per year, while illegal alien population rows by about five hounded thousand per year† (End Illegal Immigration, April, 2011). In May of 2011, the latest version of the DREAM Act was introduced. The DREAM Act was first introduced in March 2009. This act stands for the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Acts. The Dream act would enact two major changes in current law. The first would permit some immigrant students who grew up in the United States to apply for temporary legal status and eventually obtain permanent legal status and become eligible for U.S. citizenship if they go to college or serve in the U.S. military. The second would eliminate a federal provision that penalizes states that provide in-state tuition without regard to immigration status (National Immigration Law Center, 2011). Immigration has been a constant problem politically for elected officials. There cannot  be mass deportations; we cannot control every inch of the United States borders. Presidents and Congress try their hardest to develop new ideas or to improve old ideas on how to get the border control situation unde r what it should be, under control. One article from US News states, â€Å"Why, then, have we had so many Latin Immigrants, many of the illegal? Because of the apparatus of state has proved weaker that market focus: The old INS (now the CIS) and the understaffed Border Patrol have been among our least competent federal bureaucracies. And because the family unification provisions of the 1965 act allowed legal immigrants to bring in not just young children but also other relatives (â€Å"chain migration†), and because the Fourteenth Amendment makes anyone born in the United States a citizen.† (Barone, 2007). Problems such as these could be avoided in the future. Due to this opinion, I am forced into seeing that America is forcing this problem of undocumented immigrants on itself. Many of the articles found are biased on this view. The subject is sensitive for those that are illegal immigrants as well as American persons. Most articles are biased and the majority is on the American side. An example, one article read called Adverse Impacts of Massive and Illegal immigration on the United States, Blondell states, â₠¬Å"Data has long been collected about the cost to American taxpayers from illegal immigration and the presence of low skilled immigrants (2008)† Statements like this are clearly on the side of the American people. For the most part, the author uses objective means to portray the undocumented immigrants. This article’s biasness does affect the view on how many see the undocumented immigrants. Due to the articles, some look at the immigrants as criminals, sometimes murderers, or as if they are lower than life and not worth our time. It is not fair to judge or be judged for the exact same thing the colonists came to America from England and what this country was founded. There are numerous issues revolving around undocumented immigrants being in the United States. One of the biggest concerns surrounds the fact that of the economic cost. Taxpayers see the cost as unnecessary and unjust and unfair. The many illegal immigrants put a major dent in taxpayer’s accounts when it comes to healthcare and education. The taxpayers put out approximately $15-$20 billion dollars per year to provide for illegal immigrants to have a better life in the United States. Many will argue that having the illegal immigrants pick our fruits,  vegetables and work on the farms are keeping the cost of produce down due to the fact that wages paid are much lower than minimum wage. Blondell states â€Å"For every dollar spent, just 18 cents go to the farmer and one-third of the cost, or 6 cents, goes to the migrant laborer. Even if costs for farm workers increased 40 percent, the total increase in cost per household would be about $8 a year. A $1.80 head of lettuce would increase in price by at most, 10 cents. (2008). Another issue that is felt to stem from immigrants is crime. In reality they are breaking the law by crossing the border without the official papers. There are many other laws they are breaking if one sits back and thinks about it. They are evading taxes, working without permits, and faking identities. By this, using fraudulent identification cards, social security cards or driver’s licenses. There are also environmental issues surrounding this issue. These issues include poverty and language barriers. With the language barriers, it makes it very difficult to educate these people on the way of American people. As a manager, I would want my employees to be comfortable with everything around them. I would ask them if they were comfortable and what could be done to help the situation. I feel it is important for the staff to feel safe and comfortable in the environment that they come to everyday to make a living for themselves. I would also maker sure that no hurtful statements were said and not allow stereotyping. I would want my employees to get to know each other and be open with each other. I would encourage them to respect each other and the differences we all bring to the table. As much as we do not like it, illegal immigration is here and there does not seem to be to much being done to stop it. As a country, we should be open to change, but at some point we have to close the gaits and take care of what we already have here. References Barone, M. (2007). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/usnews/opinion/articles/070527/4barone.htm Blondell, J. (2008). Adverse impacts on massive and illegal immigration in the United States. The Journal of Social, Political, and Economic Studies, 33(3), 328-350. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216799786?accountid=458 End Illegal Immigration. (April, 2011). History of Illegal Immigration in U.S. Retrieved from http://www.endillegalimmigration.com/history_of_Illegal_Immigration_in_US/ National Immigration Law Center. (2011, May). Dream Act: Summary. Retrieved from http://nilc.org/dreamsummary.html

Finanacial Evaluation of Unilever

Table of Contents Table of Content3 List of Tables4 Table 1 6 1. Introduction2 2. Main Body2 3. Management Structure4 4. Ability to Earn Income 5 5. Size of Inventory Held5 6. Relience on Debt Financing5 7. Key Indicators for 2011 and 20126 8. Profitability of var. Product Lines and Geographic Regions 6 Table 28 9. FINANCIAL RATIOS FOR UNILEVER10 9. 1 Operations Analysis10 9. 2 Liquidity Analysis12 9. 3 Debt and Solvency Analysis 14 9. 4 Profitability Analysis15 5. CONCLUSION16 LIST OF REFERENCES17 IntroductionWhen evaluating a company important is to know company’s history, operations and the nature of the business in which it operates. On other hand by reviewing company’s financial statements, operational practices we can evaluate its performance and compare it with the previous years or with the key competitors. By analyzing its financial indicators we can assess how profitable and sound the company is. This research paper will give brief description Unilever, its ma in divisions and products, its managements structure and the financial performance evaluation, with an aim to highlight the best practices and the growth drivers.Main Body 2. 1 Profile of the company, its divisions, products and supply chain Unilever is multinational corporation and is one of the worlds fast moving consumer goods companies with a host of well known brands. The company operates through four segments: Personal Care, Foods, Refreshment, and Home Care. Unilever is a joint venture of two companies that date back from the late nineteen century. It was formed by two Dutch families, Jurgens and Van den Bergh, butter merchants who later started producing margarine and by the British soap producer William Hesketh Lever.Since the early nineteen century the two companies were concentrated on acquisitions and in the early 1929 they signed an agreement to create Unilever (Unilever, 1929 p. 2). Unilever over the last two decades acquired the meat business Zwanenberg's at Oss, Lipt on International, Brooke Bond, Naarden, Calvin Klein and Elizabeth Arden/Faberge, Brayers ice cream, Kibon ice cream, Bestfoods, Slim Fast Foods, Ben & Jerry's and the Amora-Maille. In 1992 Unilever entered the Czech Republic and Hungary, and established UniRus in Russia, also enters in India and other parts of the world. (Unilever, 1995 p. 3) Unilever N.V. operates as a fast-moving consumer goods company in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Europe, and the Americas Unilever possesses a portfolio of more than 400 brands, from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. Their products are sold in more than 190 countries, generating sales of â‚ ¬51 billion in 2012. In the 21st century they launched growth strategies, in order to transform the business, leading to more acquisitions, rationalization of manufacturing and production sites to form centers of excellence.Unilever is responding quickl y to rapid shifts in consumer behavior by investing in Research and Development and changing market conditions. Unilever's sells its product across 170 countries and their procurement teams are purchasing from a network of around 160,000 suppliers worldwide. For the same reason its suppliers' materials and services are an integral part of their commercial operations. Unilever has integrated supply management informational system that helps their local, regional and global supply managers to make appropriate sourcing decisions, allowing them to analyze information quickly and easily.Through this system they can negotiate with their suppliers in a more transparent and efficient way. Unilever's largest international competitors are Procter & Gamble and Nestle. While the competition in local markets or specific product ranges from numerous companies, including Beiersdorf, ConAgra, Danone, Henkel, Mars, Pepsico, and others (Unilever) Management Structure Maintaining good governance is on e of the essentials factors for the long-term success of the company. For the same reason Unilever is engaged in conducting its operations in accordance with internationally accepted principles of good corporate governance.The success of Unilever is due to a combination of structural formality and managerial flexibility. Being a company that is present for more than a century, that operated in changing and transitional environment, is evidence of a flexible management structure that made Unilever successful (Floris 1992,p. 6). Learning through a trial and error Unilever has focused on two reliable and related practices to strengthen all structural changes: recruitment and training of high-quality managers, and the importance of linking decentralized units through a common corporate culture (Annual report 2012 p. 5) Unilever’s companies maintain formal processes to inform, consult and involve employees. They recognize collective bargaining on a number of sites and engage with employees. Their usage of sites tools such as Total Productive Maintenance rely heavily on employee involvement, contribution and commitment (Annual Report 2012 p. 28). The profitable growth that Unilever accomplishes is mainly due and is achieved through the right people working in an organization that is fit to win and with a culture in which performance is aligned with values.Unilever has built an employer brand development tool which leverages best practice, and adapts recruitment models to reach the best people worldwide. The better recruitment, family-friendly working conditions, a culture of accountability, initiatives, and remuneration represent one of the crucial factors for the success which it achieves (Annual Report 2012, p. 66). Ability to earn income Unilever’s ability to earn income has increased due to the increase in revenue. In 2012 their ability to earn income has increased by 8. % compared with 2011, and with no changes from 2010 to 2011 (Annual Report 201 2/11, p. 32 p. 24). Size of inventory held millionsmillionsmillions Inventories 201220112010 Raw materials and consumables1. 5171. 5381. 554 Finished goods and goods for resale2. 9193. 0172. 753 4. 4364. 6014. 307 Source: www. unilever. com The size of inventory during the last three years was moving closely. The raw materials and consumables from 2010 to 2011 decreased by 1% and in 2012 by 1. 3%. On the other hand the finished goods and goods for resale increased by 8. 5 in 2011 and a decrease of 3. 35% in 2012. This change in the finished goods and goods for resale was charged to the income statement for damaged, obsolete and lost inventories (Annual Report 2012/11, p. 113). Reliance on debt financing The net debt position in 2011 was 8. 781 billion or â‚ ¬2. 1 billion higher than the last year, in part due to the acquisition of Alberto Culver (Annual Report 2011, p. 28). In 2012 the net debt was 7. 355 billion, or 1. 4 billion lower than 2011.The cash outflow from acquisitions , dividends, tax, net capital expenditure and interest, and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates exceeded the cash inflow from operating activities and business disposals. The leverage ratio reveals that 32% of the financing its covered by debt (Annual Report 2012, p. 36). Key indicators for 2011 and 2012 The sales growth of Unilever in 2011 increased by 6. 5% and volume growth by 1. 6%. Emerging markets delivered 11. 5% underlying sales growth and turnover of 5% compared to 2010 (Annual Report 2011, p. 9). In 2012 the sale growth increased by 6. % and volume growth increase of 3. 4%. Emerging markets represented 55% of the turnover or 11. 6% of sales and turnover of 10. 5% compared to 2011 (Annual Report 2012, p. 9). Profitability of various product lines and geographical regions The region with the highest turnover, sales and volume growth in 2011 and 2012 is Asia, Africa and Central & Eastern Europe with over â‚ ¬20. 5 billion of turnover in 2012 and â‚ ¬18. 9 in 2 011. Followed by Americas â‚ ¬17. 1 billion in 2012 and â‚ ¬15. 3 in 2011. the last is Western Europe with turnover of â‚ ¬ 13. 9 in 2012 and â‚ ¬12. in 2011 (Annual Report 2012/11, p. 10) Table 2 Formulas for Financial Ratios (Methodology) FormulasNumber 1. Activities (Operating) ratios Inventory Turnover = COGS/average inventory1. 1 Average number days in stock =365 days/inventory turnover1. 1. 1 Receivables Turnover = Net Sales/average receivables 1. 2 Av. Number of days receivables outstanding =365days/receivables turnover 1. 2. 1 Account Payable Turnover =Cost of Sale/Average Acc. Payable 1. 3 Av. N. of days payables outstanding =365days/payable turnover1. 3. 1 Working Capital Turnover =Sales/Average Working Capital . 4 Fixed asset turnover =net sales/av. Net fixed assets1. 5 Asset Turnover Ratio= Net Sales/Average Total Asset1. 6 Liquidity ratios Current Ratio= Current Assets/Current Liabilities2. 1. Quick Ratio= ((Cash + Marketable Securities)+ Acc. Receivables)/C urrent Liabilities2. 2 Cash Ratio =(Cash + Marketable Securities)/Current Liabilities2. 3 Cash Flow From Operations Ratio = CFO/Current Liabilities2. 4 Solvency ratios Debt to Capital Ratio= Total Debt/Total Capital3. 1 Times Interest Earned Ratio= EBIT/Interest Expense3. 2 CFO to Debt Ratio=CFO/Total Debt3. 3Total Debt Ratio=Total Liabilities/Total Assets3. 4 Leverage Ratio= Long term debt/ (Long term debt+ Shareholders equity)3. 5 Profitability ratios Gross Profit Margin= Gross Profit/Net Sales4. 1 Operating Profit Margin = Operating Income/Net Sales4. 2 Pre Tax Margin = EBT/Sales4. 3 Return on Assets= EBIT/Average Total Assets4. 4 Return on Total Capital= (Net Income + Interest Expense)/(Long-Term debt +Equity)4. 5 Return On Total Equity = Net Income/Average Total Equity 4. 6 Authors own sources FINANCIAL RATIOS FOR UNILEVER 9. 1. Operational analysis Formula 1. 1 Formula 1. 1. Average inventory2010 =3942. 5 Average inventory2011 =4454 Average inventory2012=4518. 5 Inventory turn over ratio2010 =6. 57 Average number days in stock2010 =55. 6 days Inventory turnover ratio2011 = 6. 27 Average number days in stock2011 = 58. 2 days Inventory turnover ratio2012 = 6. 53 Average number days in stock2012 = 55days Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has performed better. Higher the ratio, better it is. Which means that in 2012 it required 55 days to turnover(renew its inventory) Formula 1. 2 Formula 1. 2. 1 Average receivebles2010 =2424. 5 Average receivebles2011 = 2719Average receivebles2012 =3666. 5 Receivables Turnover 2010 = 18. 23 Av. Number of days receivables outstanding2010 =20days Receivables Turnover 2011 =17. 09 Av. Number of days receivables outstanding2011 =21. 3days Receivables Turnover 2012 =14 Av. Number of days receivables outstanding2012 =26days Conclusion: In year 2010 UN has performed better. Higher the ratio, better it is. Which means that in 2010 it required 20 days to collect its receivables from customers. Formula 1. 3 Formula 1. 3. 1 Average payables2 010 = 5006 Average payables2011 = 6398. 5 Average payables2012 = 9217Account Payable Turnover 2010 = 5. 1 Av. N. of days payables outstanding 2010 =71. 56days Account Payable Turnover 2011 = 4. 36 Av. N. of days payables outstanding 2011 = 83. 6days Account Payable Turnover 2012 = 3. 2 Av. N. of days payables outstanding 2012 =114days Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has performed better. Lower the ratio, better it is. Which means that in 2012 it required 114 days do pay its liabilities. By extending the period the company enables financing of its operation activities. Formula 1. 4 Average working capital2010 = -931 Average working capital2011 = -2356Average working capital2012 = -3653 Working Capital Turnover2010 = -47. 54 Working Capital Turnover2011 = -19. 72 Working Capital Turnover2012 = -14 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has performed better. Higher the ratio, better it is. Which means that in 2012 UN had more efficient utilization of the working capital, needed for maintaining certai n level of sales, and even though it is negative we can see sharp decrease during the precedent years. Formula 1. 5 Average fix assets2010 = 6218 Average fix assets2011 =7033 Average fix assets2012 =8404 Fixed asset Turnover2010= 7. 11Fixed asset Turnover2011= 6. 6 Fixed asset Turnover2012= 6. 1 Conclusion: In year 2010 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2010 UN had more efficient utilization of the long-term capital investments. Formula 1. 6 Average total assets2010 =39094 Average total assets2011 =44342 Average total assets2012 =46839 Asset Turnover Ratio 2010 = 1. 13 Asset Turnover Ratio 2011 = 1. 048 Asset Turnover Ratio 2012 = 1. 1 Conclusion: In year 2010 and 2012 UN has higher ratio. This means that had higher and more efficient performance of the company. 9. 2 Liquidity analysis Formula 2. 1Current Ratio2010 = 0. 92 Current Ratio2011 = 0. 79 Current Ratio2012 = 0. 76 Conclusion: In year 2010 UN has higher ratio. A commonly acceptable current ratio is 1. 5-2. This level of ratio may show than UN cannot meet its short-term financial obligations. Formula 2. 2 Quick Ratio2010 = 0. 36 Quick Ratio2011 =0. 37 Quick Ratio2012 =0. 46 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2012 UN was more financially secure to meet its short-term financial obligations. Commonly acceptable current ratio is 1, but may vary from industry to industry. Formula 2. 3Cash Ratio2010 =0. 179 Cash Ratio2011 = 0. 21 Cash Ratio2012 = 0. 182 Conclusion: In year 2011 UN has higher ratio. This indicates that in 2011 UN has good level of liquid assets which can be easily used to pay its current obligations. Formula 2. 4 CFO Ratio2010 = 0. 4034 CFO Ratio2011 =0. 3 CFO Ratio2012 =0. 432 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has higher ratio. This indicates that in 2012 UN current liabilities were covered by the cash flow generated from operations. 9. 3 Debt and solvency analysis Formula 3. 1 Debt to Capital Ratio2010 = 1. 18 Debt to Capital Ratio2011 = 1. 44Debt to Capital Ra tio2012 = 1. 308 Conclusion: In year 2011 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2011 UN has low level of capital that is financed through debt. Formula 3. 2 Times interest earned2010 = 6. 46 Times interest earned2011 = 11. 66 Times interest earned2012 = 12. 87 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2012 UN can 13 times make the interest payments on its debt with its EBIT, or this means that it easily can pay interest expenses on outstanding debt. Formula 3. 3 CFO to Debt Ratio 2010 = 0. 21 CFO to Debt Ratio 2011 =0. 16 CFO to Debt Ratio 2012 =0. 25 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2012 UN has higher ability to cover the total debt from the cash flow from operations Formula 3. 4 Total Debt Ratio 2010 =0. 63 Total Debt Ratio 2011 =0. 68 Total Debt Ratio 2012 =0. 66 Conclusion: In year 2010 UN has lower ratio. This means that in 2010 UN risk is lower and the company relies less on debt to finance its assets. Formula 3. 5 Lever age Ratio 2011 =0. 38=38% Leverage Ratio 2012 =0. 32=32% Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has lower ratio. This means that in 2012 Unilever had 32% of its financing covered by debt. . 4 Profitability Analysis Formula 4. 1 Gross Profit Margin 2010 = 0. 41 Gross Profit Margin 2011 = 0. 39 Gross Profit Margin 2012 = 0. 45 Conclusion: In year 2012 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2012 UN has higher earnings taking into consideration the costs that it incurs for producing its products. Formula 4. 2 Operating Profit Margin 2010 = 0. 144 Operating Profit Margin 2011 = 0. 142 Operating Profit Margin 2012 = 0. 137 Conclusion: In year 2010 UN has higher ratio. This means that in 2010 UN profit left after paying its variable costs was higher.Formula 4. 3 Pre-tax Margin 2010 = 0. 06 Pre-tax Margin 2011 = 0. 123 Pre-tax Margin 2012 = 0. 122 Conclusion: In 2011 and 2012 UN has high ratio. This indicates that in 2011 and 2012 UN had greater profitability, comparing it with 2010 when it was two t imes lower. Formula 4. 4 Average Total assets2010 = 39094 Average Total assets2011 =44342 Average Total assets2012 =46839 ROA 2010 = 10. 8% ROA 2011 = 9. 58% ROA 2012 = 9. 56% Conclusion: : In year 2010 UN has higher ratio which suggest that it has earned more money and invested less in assets. Formula 4. 5ROC2010 = 11. 36% ROC2011 = 21. 14% ROC2012 = 22. 3% Conclusion:In 2012 UN has higher ratio which indicates the return that UN is achieving from the capital employed and this return has doubled from 2010 to 2011/12. Formula 4. 6 ROE2010 = 28. 14% ROE2011 = 28. 49% ROE2012 = 29. 25% Conclusion: In 2012 UN has higher ratio which indicates a high level of profit UN earned in comparison to the total amount of shareholder equity. This ratio measures how profitable Unilever is for the owners of the investment, and how profitably the company employs its equity. ConclusionThe purpose of this paper was to reveal the financial performance of Unilever and to make an evaluation and assessment of the firm’s management structure and what contributes to the success they achieve and key figures and ratios. The financial position of Unilever for 2012 was admirable, due to the fact that had increased revenues, sales and volume growth of its divisions worldwide and decreased net debt. The compared data for 2010,2011, and 2012 show continuous improvement and increase of their financial position. List of references Unilever site www. unilever. comAnnual Report 2012, Available at: http://www. unilever. com/images/ir_Unilever_AR12_tcm13-348376. pdf [Accessed date 05/03/2012] Annual Report 2011, Available at: http://www. unilever. com/images/Unilever_AR11_tcm13-282960_tcm13-348380. pdf [Accessed date 07/03/2012} Floris M. (1992), Inside Unilever: The Evolving Transnational Company, Harvard Business Review; Vol. 70 Issue 5, p46-52, EBSCO Host http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/detail? vid=4=8aace911-769a-43f3-9949-b4364f9185cf%40sessionmgr111=124=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db =bth=9301105365 [Accessed date 09/03/2012]

Duty to Accommodate

Duty to Accommodate Introduction The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission created a code designed to protect employees from discrimination at the workplace. According to this legislation, employers have a duty to accommodate, where accommodation refers to reassignment of a worker or modification of his or her duties. The duty to accommodate as well as the return to work policy affects all categories of employees defined as protected; these include persons with disabilities, people with divergent religions, ancestry and family obligations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Duty to Accommodate specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Details of the legislative requirements The Saskatchewan Labour Standards Act, section 44 states that employers have a duty to accommodate workers in order to eliminate discrimination unless undue financial, safety, health and hardship costs will stem from the accommodation (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, 2012). In order to show that a company has followed these regulations, it needs to document the process of considering the accommodation request as well as the actions taken. In this legislation, accommodation should not revolve around employee preferences; instead, it should be done in order to eliminate unreasonable barriers at work. When considering accommodation, an employer needs to keep in mind certain triggers that could necessitate it. If an employee experiences something that changes his or her ability to carry out his duties, then the duty applies. For instance, the person may be a new mother or may have changed religions and these alterations may affect the persons ability to work conventionally. Alternatively, a company may introduce new workplace policies that affect the persons ability to get work done at certain times. The Saskatchewan Code requires managers to accommodate if the return to work policy has led to discrimination against employees from any of the prohibited gr oups. In other scenarios, it could be that the individual has developed a medical condition that requires changes in the way the person works. Management should consider such possibilities prior to accommodation. Employers may also consider performance issues before accommodating. This means that they do not have to wait for requests from employees to do the same. For instance, they may get feedback from other workers that a colleague is having difficulties with work. If an employees performance levels drop or the person behaves erratically, then an employer has the obligation to accommodate him or her.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Managers ought to approach such individuals about the need for accommodation. If the person refuses to pursue the matter, then a business person must document all the steps he or she took into order to abide by the Saskatchewan Labour Act. Therefore, management has the responsibility for identifying barriers and looking for options to eliminate them. Additionally, management should respect the right to privacy or confidentiality. It is not necessary for management to know all about all the details of an employee’s medical problem. All that counts is information about how one’s health condition will affect work. Furthermore, information such as employees’ family situations should not be disclosed. In essence, an accommodation request may not necessarily be written down, but it can be communicated to management clearly. Additionally, managers must familiarise themselves with the needs of employees if accommodation is necessary. Thereafter, management should organise resources and plan for ways in which accommodation can be facilitated. During this process, management will need to buy adaptive equipment or make other adjustments. It is imperative to have a plan if the accommodation will be long term. In such a scenario, parties involved should communicate frequently. Further, management should stay updated on the health status of the employee involved. Employees must play their part in this arrangement. They are expected to formally request for accommodation when something happens to affect their work, or if they become a member of one of the protected groups. They are also expected to work hand in hand with their employers and realise that they may not always get what they demand. Cooperation may be in development of a work plan or in proposing possible solutions for accommodation. Additionally, workers’ unions are obligated to cooperate with employers in the process of accommodation. Employers are must make all the arrangements necessary in order to facilitate a return to work plan. If a worker is to be reasonably accommodated prior to his or her return to work, then an employer can offer him the same job with certain modifications, such as the schedule or duties involved. Alternatively, return to work can come about by offering an employee a different job. Finally, this policy can occur by giving the worker a different job in a modified form (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Duty to Accommodate specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This legislation has its limits regardless of all the things a manager can do. Employees who have been continuously absent from work, and are unlikely to return are not covered in the Code. In this regard, an employer should apply a reasonableness test. The legislation does not apply when management must experience undue hardship in order to accommodate. If accommodation will result in considerable financial costs, then an employer may forfeit this duty. Additionally, if appreciable interruptions to business will occur, then the duty becomes non obligatory. Furthermore, an employer s hould not accommodate one worker at the expense of infringing on other employees rights. If the accommodation will undermine the safety of the concerned worker or others, then it should not be implemented. In the event that an employee claims discrimination due to the failure to accommodate, companies can be exempted if they use the bona fide occupational requirement argument. Certain professions require employees to possess particular health conditions before they can be fit enough to engage in it. For instance, drivers with a poor vision cannot perform well. Therefore, if an employer can prove that the employee lacked the bona fide occupational requirement, then the court will excuse him or her from discrimination. For this defence to apply, a manager must show that the standard (rule) was related to the concerned function, that it was done in good faith, and that lack of the standard would cause undue hardship (MacDonald, 2009). Impact of the legislation on accommodation and on r eturn to work Since the Code recognises ill or injured employees as one of the categories that are entitled to these modifications, employers have had to do as much as they can to accommodate workers. They have given employees leave of absence when illnesses or accidents occur, regardless of where the accidents took place. Additionally, when an employee recovers from an illness, an employer must leave room for a gradual return. This has changed the way things get done at the workplace because now companies must take time to allow a transition back to work. They must also dedicate resources for this process. If an employee has not fully recovered, his manager ought to change work shifts or rearrange job duties for the same to occur. Therefore, this legislation has affected the workplace by encouraging greater flexibility during company time. In certain scenarios, a person may have a permanent physical disability because of their illness. Therefore, a place of work needs to change wor k conditions so as to integrate injured workers. These requirements have altered what managers need to do in order to stay ahead.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Pregnant workers or individuals with family obligations are also entitled to some alterations in work. Employers have brought together work bundles that are in line with the employees needs. Sometimes, it may be necessary to transfer the employee to a new position or alter conditions of work. For example, a pregnant worker should not do a lot of manual work or heavy lifting; an employer may have to give her a seat even when similar workers do their job while standing. Therefore, management needs to lighten their duties at this time. When delivery time approaches they should get maternal leave; fathers should also get paternal leave. If someone has children, he or she must be granted days off to meet those obligations. A child could be graduating, sick or changing schools. Persons with divergent religious backgrounds are also included in the legislation. Companies can give allowances for special festivities or rituals. For instance, a devout Muslim may need time off from work to do h is daily prayers. Alternatively, the person could have a religious holiday that he needs to celebrate. Employers ought to make these considerations before making deadlines or assigning work. Numerous possibilities exist for alternation of work policies, duties, and arrangements. Managers ought to make these decisions in order to ensure that all employees are fully accommodated. When people with a genuine need for accommodation are denied this opportunity, then a unionised worker has the right to file a grievance to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission through a collective agreement. Employees without unions may still file grievance through the Saskatchewan Labour Standards Act. This means that organisations can face huge financial losses if fines are imposed. Alternatively, their company image would be tarnished and this could ruin business. If companies want no business interruptions, then they should meet these obligations. Accommodation and return to work as related to an org anisation’s Integrated Disability Management Program The Saskatchewan Labour Standard Act on the duty accommodate places upon managers a responsibility to have an effective disability management program in which they offer supportive workplace policies. They should also encourage the worker, his or her union, and healthcare professionals to cooperate with management. A conducive disability management program should consist of an element of evaluation. Managers must be educated about their duties and responsibilities in the disability management program (Brooker et al., 2000). The first step in the creation of an integrated disability management program that complies with the return to work law is development of an accommodation and return to work policy. Employers need to cover all the issues that affect an injured or protected worker in a return to work policy. Some of the elements of the policy may include budgetary issues, salary replacement, transitional employment as wel l as accommodation. These policies will assist in getting commitment from top management as well as involvement from employees who need accommodation. A proper disability management program needs to have an offer of modified work. Here, a company should reduce work hours, alter a worker’s original job, transfer the worker, or minimise work load if an employee is injured. Permanent job modifications are sometimes imperative for an employee to return to work fully. This measure will reduce recurrent absenteeism from employees and will also minimise the need for high amounts of benefits. It should be noted that a company has the obligation to alter both physical and psychosocial factors in their disability management program. The latter refers to aspects such a workplace intensity or control at work while physical factors include seating positions or forceful movements. Supervisors and management who are responsible for implementation of the system ought to be educated on the pr ogram. Training should involve telling managers and supervisors about the disability or condition. This will empower them to handle the condition or disability more effectively and assist in gaining empathy from them. Lastly, the disability management program should have an evaluation phase. Here, the effectiveness of the program should be assessed on the basis of its outcomes. One parameter would be the number of workers who returned to work. Cases of workers whose conditions worsened or improved after returning to work should be noted. Even aspects such as severity of pain can also be measured. Conclusion Companies must make reasonable adjustments for employees from protected groups, injured, or ill workers. This ensures that employees are not discriminated against and that companies do not place health risks on workers. Employers have the duty to accommodate by making psychosocial and physical changes to work. This can be done by personal observation or by requests from employees . Workers and unions must also cooperate with employees in order to make it work. A supporting workplace environment ensures that employees stay employed or they can return to work and engage in productive work. References Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (2011). Rehabilitation and return to work. Web. Brooker, A., Sinclair, S., Clarke, J., Pennick, V. Hogg-Johnson, S. (2000). Effective disability management and return to work practices. Web. MacDonald, S. (2009). Employer’s duty to accommodate an employee’s disability: When does it end?. Vancouver: Continuing Legal Education. Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (2012). Saskatchewan Human Rights Law. Web.

How to Raise Your GPA in High School Class Strategies

How to Raise Your GPA in High School Class Strategies SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The road to a good GPA can be paved with setbacks, but if you figure out where your problems lie and put in the effort to get yourself back on track, you can overcome these obstacles. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts that will be helpful to you in combating academic pitfalls (and learning to avoid them in the first place!). Read on to figure out how you can improve your GPA by paying attention to your areas of weakness, taking responsibility, and cultivating better study habits. DO's This list includes my best advice on how to change your behavior to reverse negative trends in your GPA. It's best to start by getting a good handle on the fundamental grading structure of the courses where you're having trouble and work your way up to better study habits and strategies. Understand the Course's Grading Scheme The first step in improving your GPA is understanding how you will be graded and which assignments carry the most weight.In some classes, for example, homework assignments might be worth 30% of your grade.If you consistently forget to do homework assignments, you'll be in for a world of hurt when you see your report card even if you did well on all of the tests. That’s why it’s critical to pay attention to the grading methodology. Read the grading guidelines for each class thoroughly. Your teacher probably handed them out to the class at the very beginning of the year, so if you can't find yours just ask for another copy.The guidelines are there to tell you what the expectations are and where you need to focus your effort in the class.Don’t ignore the emphasis that a teacher places on certain aspects of your work and class conduct.If you’re aware of the expectations, it’s impossible to remain in denial about what’s causing your bad grades, which meansyou can start fixing your bad habits and improve! Focus on the Most Important Areas Once you’ve reviewed the grading guidelines, you'll have a better sense of where you should be focusing most of your efforts.Some classes emphasize tests and little else.Others include lab assignments, homework assignments, or papers that strongly influence your final grade.Whatever the case may be, you should alignyour study schedule with the grading policy. This means you shouldn't spend tons of time on a small project that will have minimal impact on your grade or toilaway at ungraded homework assignments late into the night.Though I always recommend at least trying to do the homework (as you’ll see in the next piece of advice), don’t waste hours of your time trying to figure out a tough problem that has stumped you if homework isn’t a largepart of your grade.Do as much as you can while making time for more important tasks.If you have trouble on a homework assignment, most teachers will go over the answers with you later to help you understand the material. They'll appreciate that you at least made an honest effort to complete it on your own. If a project, paper, or test will comprise a large fraction of your final grade, make sure you put yourself in the best position to do a good job.This means planning out your studying far in advance or setting up a schedule for when you will complete each stage of a project.If you put in the time,your efforts will be reflected in your grades. A disturbing street sign to see if you're actually driving, but an inspiring one for the purposes of this article Always Do the Homework, Especially in Math and Science I had many math classes in high school where it didn’t technically matter if you did the homework problem sets. We would go over them together in class, but the teacher never went around and checked whether each person did the assignment.In such a situation, it’s tempting to skip homework since it doesn’t seem like it will impact your grade.But the fact is that this WILL have an indirect negative impact once you're faced with tests and other large assessments. With math and science in particular, knowledge builds on itself.If you don’t understand one unit in math because you didn’t bother figuring out any problems for yourself in the homework assignments, chances are you’re going to have an even tougher time with the next unit.This is how people end up falling farther and farther behind.By the time they’re faced with a test that covers multiple units that they didn’t understand, they realize too late that they should have put in the work earlier.If this tends to happen to you, you may need to be stricter about forcing yourself to do homework assignments even if they â€Å"don’t matter† in and of themselves. Ask for Help If You Don’t Understand Something If you’re struggling with a concept in any of your classes, speak to your teacher as soon as possible to clear up any confusion. It can be difficult to swallow your pride and admit that you don’t understand something, but it’s much easier than dealing with a failing grade later.Again, this is especially important in math and science classes where knowledge builds on itself.You absolutely need to understand basic concepts at the root of what you’re doing before you can progress.Don’t let these concepts pass you by and hope that you’ll somehow catch on later. If you feel nervous about asking for help and aren't sure what to say, you might start with something like this, "I'm having trouble with [subject] and was hoping you could give me some extra guidance. I'll come up with a list of my questions if you're willing to meet sometime after school this week." If you're really shy and don't want to ask your teacher in person (although I would recommend that you do), you can send an email instead so you have more time to think of what to say. Remember that you shouldn't be worried. Even if you ask the grumpiest teacher for help, you're likely to be met with a positive response. Teachers love to see students who are engaged with their classes and are making an honest effort to understand the material. Push the button. Know What’s Being Tested and How Before any test, ask your teacher what concepts will be tested and which types of questions you’ll see.This will help guide your studying and lead to less stress and anxiety when it comes to actually taking the exam. Some teachers might be willing to show you examples of their old testswith similar formats but different questions. These are very useful study materials.Teachers may also offer extra review sessions for students who are looking for more guidance before the test.If this is the case in any of your classes, take advantage of it. You can also ask the teacher if he or she would be willing to do this for a specific test that makes you especially nervous. There are some teachers out there who don't like to tell you what types of questions will be on the test. Don't panic if this is the case. Even these teachers will at least tell you the gist of what's being covered. Even though you'll have less information, you'll still know which materials to study. Just make sure you're as thorough as possible in your review sessions. Study Smart: Know the Difference Between Reading It Over and â€Å"Getting It† So you have to study for a history test, and your teacher gives you some review sheets of the information you need to know - what do you do now?Some people think â€Å"oh, I’ll just read the review sheets a couple of times, and I’ll pretty much know everything I need for the test†.Unless you have a photographic memory, this isn’t the most effective method.You have no way of knowing what will happen when you're asked tocome up with this information after it’s no longer in front of you.Twenty-fourhours later it might be completely lost. While you’re reviewing information that you need to know for a test, read each section or set of facts in your notes, and then look away from them and test yourself.Restate the information in your mind to yourself and/or come up with a totally ridiculous way to remember it (the more absurd and stupid the more likely it is to stick in your brain).After you’ve done this exercise a few times, have a friend, sibling, or parent help you by asking questions about the information. If you know the test will have open response questions, practice connecting different pieces of information in conjunction with basic memorization.Tell a study partner to ask you questions like â€Å"what were the causes of [historical event]?† This will force you to connect different details and gain a more solid grasp on the knowledge you’ll need for the test. Study Smart 2.0: Practice Responsible Study Habits I mentioned above that getting your peers to help you with studying is a good strategy. However, this only works in moderation. Studying with your friends can be great, but studying shouldn’t always be a group effort.Sometimes the focus gets diverted, or you end up convincing each other that you all understand something when only one person really does. Reserve time afterwards to briefly review the information on your own. Also,turn your phone off or put it away while you're studying. Believe me, I know how hard this is. I sleep with my iPhone under my pillow. But if you're going to get some high quality studying done, you can't allow yourself to be distracted by SnapChats or whatever other examples of popular apps I might give that will soon sound ridiculously outdated. The best thing you can do to make the most of your study sessions is to turn off your phone and block distracting websites from your computer so that you won't be tempted to veer off course. Instead of studying, let's just make fun of the one person who isn't here today. Review Your Mistakes In the process of improving your GPA, you’ll probably face some setbacks.How you react to those setbacks makes a big difference.If you get a bad grade on a test, you might not even want to look at your mistakes, but to improve you need to understand where you went wrong.Reviewing mistakes thoroughly is the only way to ensure that you don’t make them again. Even abstract mistakes, like failing to fully explain your ideas in a paper, are worth reviewing.You might not fully agree with your teacher’s opinion about your writing, but it can provide valuable insight into what he or she expects from you.You can then make an active decision the next time you write something to do it in a way that follows the appropriate standards (I know, this is not very punk rock - I’m sorry). Avoid Procrastination I know people who procrastinate to severe panic attack levels while managing to do very well in school and work.The truth is, however, that these people are in the extreme minority.If you’re already struggling in your classes, resist the allure of waiting until the night before to do a project or cramming for a big test. Procrastination can seem glamorous (we all want to be the cool kid who never does anything until the night before and gets all As), but it’s not a wise strategy for most students. If you have problems with procrastination, plan out a schedule beforehand when your teachers hand out assignments.For a project that’s due in a month, set up informal deadlines for yourself that cover different aspects of the project.You might even be able to ask your teacher to check in with you and hold you accountable.If you have a test coming up and you don’t feel prepared, set up a study schedule a week in advance so you can avoid cramming. What procrastination will do to you DON'Ts This second section is all about the pitfalls to avoid when you're struggling with your grades. Surrendering to these negative attitudes and patterns of behavior will only hurt you in the long run! Blame the Teacher The first thing many students do when they get a bad grade is blame the teacher.It’s understandable - you don’t want to think that yougenuinelyearned a bad grade. It’s easier to shift responsibility away from yourself so you don’t have to make any difficult changes.What you need to understand is that when you do this, you’re ultimately sabotaging yourself (unless your teacher is Dolores Umbridge or something). There are bad teachers out there, but they can’t just decide to give you bad grades if you follow their standards.This goes back to understanding how the course will be graded and how much weight is given to certain assignments.Make sure you ask your teacher exactly what is expected of you.It might feel like you'repandering to someone you don’t respect, but if you end up with a bad grade, you’ll be the one who loses out in the end. Obviously, you should speak up to people in higher authority if your teacher is being grossly unfair.If you’re honest with yourself you should be able to tell the difference between malicious injustice and differing standards. She should have been fired just for this outfit, am I right? Compare Yourself to Others There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing that one casually smart kid in your class say that he didn’t study at all for the test and got an A.When you hear stuff like this, you should keep in mind two things: This person is probably stretching the truth to show off. Everyone has different learning styles, and it’s better to learn good study habits now so you can figure out what works for you. You know what you’re already good at and what you need to work harder to master, and you shouldn’t consider yourself dumber than another person if it takes you a little longer to understand something.Persevering through these challenges will give you the type of mental strength that is critical in college and the real world beyond.Kids who breeze through high school may have trouble dealing with setbacks later on when they have to really stretch themselves to succeed (believe me, I’ve experienced the stress of this first-hand). Remember, regardless of the effort that anyone else is putting in, only you know yourself well enough to judge how much time you need to study for a test or learn a new concept.This type of self-awareness helps build skill sets that will help you later in life! Throw in the Towel If you have a GPA that seems hopelessly low, you may be tempted to stop trying to fix it and just give in to the â€Å"I’m not cut out for school† mentality. Yes, it’s discouraging to have a low GPA, but before you give up, think about whether changing your habits could make a difference. What caused you to end up with a low GPA?It could be anything from struggles in your personal life to irresponsible study habits to misunderstandings about class requirements.Whatever the case, nothing that you’ve done in the past to end up with a low GPA has to define what you do going forward (unless you’re still struggling with personal issues - please get help if so!). You have the ability to turn over a new leaf, especially if it’s still early in your high school career.Also, not everyone HAS to go to a four-year college. You might have a professional field in mind that requires hands-on training but not a bachelor’s degree.No matter what, don’t lose hope for your future! Don't throw me in, you're my beeeest friend Summary Here's a consolidated list of all the tips included in this article: 1. Understand the course's grading scheme2. Focus on the most important areas3. Always do the homework (especially in math and science)4. Ask for help if you don't understand something5. Know what's being tested and how6. Know the difference between reading something over and actually understanding it7. Practice responsible study habits (avoid distractions)8. Review your mistakes9. Avoid procrastination And if you find yourself struggling, try to avoid blaming the teacher, comparing yourself to other students, or giving up entirely. Perseverance is everything! What's Next? Hoping to raise your GPA very quickly? Read my article on how to raise your GPA fast for some helpful strategies. If you're worried about getting into college because of your GPA, check out this list of the best colleges with low GPA requirements. Not sure whether your GPA is too low for college? Learn more about what's considered a high or low GPA in the college admissions process. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: