The impact of family and neighbourhood on the academic achievement among African American teenagers The WritePass Journal

The impact of family and neighbourhood on the academic achievement among African American teenagers 1.0 Introduction The impact of family and neighbourhood on the academic achievement among African American teenagers 1.0 Introduction2.0 Problem Definition3.0 Research Aim and Objectives4.0 Literature Review5.0 Research Plan6.0 General methodologyLiterature ReviewSurveysInterviews6.1 Research Questions7.0 Research Study Stages and Time LinesReferencesRelated 1.0 Introduction Performance in school has for many years been closely attributed to an individuals life chances. As the need for an individual to undergo advanced level of training to be able to sustain basic living become a necessity, the consequence of difficulty in schooling have become imperative (Leventhal Brooks-Gunn, 2000). However, individuals do not attend schools in a vacuum as they come from families, neighbourhoods, and various life events that generally impact on their performance in one way, or another. Currently, almost half of the school going teenagers are coloured. Over 70 percent of residents in large cities in the United States are also coloured (Williams et al., 2002). Based on this statistics it is important to understand the specific aspects of academic development of coloured people in the United States.  Ã‚   According to ecological theory, the environment has a great influence on the development of adolescents (Steinberg, 2001; Ingoldsby Shaw, 2002). As much as the adolescents make their own behavioural choices, societal structures and interpersonal relationships are viewed as imperative aspects that shape the adolescent choices (Leventhal Brooks-Gunn, 2000). Adolescents growing up in the 21st century look beyond their parents and siblings for developmental support. Therefore, the concept of neighbourhood comes in when analysing the development of adolescents. The neighbourhood concept in this context refers to both home and school neighbourhood and how it interacts with the teenager. 2.0 Problem Definition The issue of educational achievement gap has been documented by various studies (Gutman et al., 2002; Rankin Quane, 2002). Unfortunately, most of these studies indicate that African American learners have the lowest educational standards in the United States (Moore Chase†Lansdale, 2001). Empirical evidences indicate that in comparison to their white counterparts, the performance of African American children is below the normal standards (Leventhal Brooks-Gunn, 2000). Many African American learners come from families that are not only economically unstable but also socially underserved. Several reasons have been linked to the poor academic performance of African American teenagers which eventually results to high rates of school dropout. Common issues that these teenagers face include racism, poverty, and violence (Brody et al., 2001). These issues affect their emotional and academic performance. Due to their poverty ridden home settings and surrounding, African American teen agers fail to establish a link between academic excellence and better adult life (Moore Chase†Lansdale, 2001). The teenagers are also aware of the stereotypic approach linked to their race which affects their self-concept and ultimately educational performance (Gutman et al., 2002). Consequently, it is important to establish family and neighbourhood factors and how they impact on the academic performance of African American teenagers. This position is vital in the context that the current understanding on the issue is limited and does not consider the modern-day neighbourhood concept, where the United States has embraced mixed racial neighbourhood settings in most places where African Americans reside. More so, most African Americans live in big cities, which expose them to multiracial settings that may affect academic performance of the teenagers. Specifically, it is important to analyse how parents, peers, close friends, classmates, and teachers influence the performance of the African American teenagers. 3.0 Research Aim and Objectives To fully explore this research issue, the following objectives will guide this study: To investigate the links between family settings and academic achievement of the African American teenagers To examine how school and home neighbourhoods influences academic achievement among African American adolescents To devise a way forward regarding family and neighbourhood in managing the poor academic performance among African American teenagers 4.0 Literature Review Various factors have been linked to poor academic performance among students. A study by Leventhal and Brooks-Gunn, (2000) identified variables within a culture, a family, and the environment to greatly influence the academic achievement of learners as compared to the type of an educational program. The roles of social and individual support in education are influential in the academic achievement outcomes. The school environment communicates to the learners on how the school perceives them (Brody et al., 2001). A school that is known to promote collegiality, respect and values has students that are positively inclined to better performance (Gutman et al., 2002). African American learners record high levels of school drop-outs due to the possibility that the school environment does not support their needs. Consequently, the school setting as a learner’s neighbourhood influences the academic achievement of the learners (Rankin Quane, 2002). Studies have also suggested the existence of other various factors that influence the academic achievement of the learners other than the school curriculum (Ingoldsby Shaw, 2002). It is essential to understand how these other factors affect the African American adolescent especially those that are facing academic hurdles. Peers have been identified to determine the teenagers’ deposition towards their learning institutions (Brody et al., 2001). The fact that African Americans generally have a problem with academic performance the role of peers may in most cases be negative as far as academic performance is concerned. For instance, studies have shown that the mere lack of approval from peers is substantive enough to negatively influence the academic achievement of the adolescents (Williams et al., 2002). Furthermore, numerous studies identify parenting as a central player in academic performance of teenagers (Leventhal Brooks-Gunn, 2000; Gutman et al., 2002). Parents that have supportive association with their teenagers tend to promote a sense of autonomy among the teenagers which allows the teenagers to not only explore their environment but also seek parental emotional support (Steinberg, 2001). Studies have also shown that the role of parent in defining the emotional and academic performance of the teenagers is greater among the minorities in the United States (Moore Chase†Lansdale, 2001). Another issue that was identified in the literature review as an influential factor for academic permanence among teenagers was the social support. Specifically, social support was closely linked to school retention levels for adolescents (Brody et al., 2001). Specifically four social factors are known to influence the academic performance of African American teenagers, namely neighbourhood, peers, parents, and the school (Williams et al., 2002). This clearly indicates that there is a link between the research issues and the academic performance of African American teenagers. This study will try to provide an in-depth analysis of existing information on the research issue in an attempt to establish a gap of knowledge that the study will attempt to seek. Specifically current literature links family and neighbourhood to performance, but it does not provide the exact family and neighbourhood factors that have resulted to poor academic achievement among African American this will be the area of interest for this study. To be able to establish a comprehensive investigation into the research issue, it will be important to provide an overview of the general research plan that will be adopted 5.0 Research Plan 6.0 General methodology To conduct the research successfully, it is vital to develop and abide by a working methodology to ensure the outcomes are worthwhile (Creswell, 2003). This research is an analytic in nature as it will involve the analysis of the existing situation of academic performance of African American teenagers relative to their homes as well as neighbourhoods. This will ultimately allow the investigator to draw conclusions based on these analyses pertaining to how much homes and neighbourhoods influence the academic performance of teenage African Americans. The research methodology that will be used will blend quantitative and qualitative research methods as summarized below: Literature Review The literature review will offer an overview of the research topic at hand using data collected from articles, journals and books. A literature review will be important in the comprehension of the background of the topic (Creswell, 2003). It will also serve as a base in aiding the methods employed in the research. Specifically, this will involve examining articles, books and any other literature that has already been published on the research issue Surveys Since the research issue involves analysing the public opinions, which is vast, survey is an appropriate method for collecting quantitative data (Creswell, 2003). This will be done through creating questionnaires. The questionnaires will then be used for collecting numerical data from the participants.   The questionnaire will also contain a section that will be used for the collection of demographic data from the participants. Interviews To further enhance the effectiveness of the analysis, interviews of a selected few people will be conducted in order to provide qualitative data for analysis. Interviews, unlike surveys require a lot of time but provide more in depth data founded on opinions and hence assist in uncovering specific information relevant to the research issue (Creswell, 2003). Semi structured interviews will be conducted to collective subjective views of the study participants on the research issue. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods will be necessary to provide enough data needed for the analysis to ensure the study arrives at a well informed conclusion.   Consequently, combining all the data uncovered through the above methods, a data analysis will follow. This will be implemented through vigilant assessment of qualitative and quantitative data in order to reach an acceptable conclusion. Specifically, the findings from the qualitative part of the study will be used to enrich the quantitative findings (Creswell, 2003) 6.1 Research Questions The above research methodology will be used in providing responses to the following research questions: What are the links between family settings and academic achievement of the African American teenagers? How does school and home neighbourhoods influences academic achievement among African American adolescents? What is the way forward regarding family and neighbourhood in managing the poor academic performance among African American teenagers? 7.0 Research Study Stages and Time Lines References Brody, G. H., Conger, R., Gibbons, F. X., Ge, X., McBride Murry, V., Gerrard, M., Simons, R. L. (2001). The influence of neighbourhood disadvantage, collective socialization, and parenting on African American childrens affiliation with deviant peers.  Child development,  72(4), 1231-1246. Creswell, J. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Gutman, L. M., Sameroff, A. J., Eccles, J. S. (2002). The academic achievement of African American students during early adolescence: An examination of multiple risk, promotive, and protective factors.  American journal of community psychology,  30(3), 367-399. Ingoldsby, E. M., Shaw, D. S. (2002). Neighborhood contextual factors and early-starting antisocial pathways.  Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review,  5(1), 21-55. Leventhal, T., Brooks-Gunn, J. (2000). The neighbourhoods they live in: the effects of neighbourhood residence on child and adolescent outcomes. Psychological bulletin,  126(2), 309. Moore, M. R., Chase†Lansdale, P. L. (2001). Sexual intercourse and pregnancy among African American girls in high†poverty neighbourhoods: The role of family and perceived community environment.  Journal of Marriage and Family,  63(4), 1146-1157. Rankin, B. H., Quane, J. M. (2002). Social contexts and urban adolescent outcomes: The interrelated effects of neighbourhoods, families, and peers on African-American youth.  Social Problems,  49(1), 79-100. Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent–adolescent relationships in retrospect and prospect.  Journal of research on adolescence,  11(1), 1-19. Williams, T. R., Davis, L. E., Saunders, J., Williams, J. H. (2002). Friends, family, and neighbourhood understanding academic outcomes of African American youth.  Urban Education,  37(3), 408-431.

Biography of Charles Darwin

Biography of Charles Darwin Charles Darwin  (Feb. 12, 1809 to April 19, 1882) holds a unique place in history as the foremost proponent of the theory of evolution. Indeed, to this day, Darwin is the most famous evolution scientist and is credited with developing the theory of evolution through natural selection. While he lived a relatively quiet and studious life, his writings were controversial in their day and still routinely spark controversy. As an educated young man, he embarked on an astounding voyage of discovery aboard a Royal Navy ship. The strange animals and plants he saw in remote places inspired his deep thinking about how life might have developed. When he published his masterpiece, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, he profoundly shook the scientific world. Darwins influence on modern science is impossible to overstate. Fast Facts: Charles Darwin Occupation: Naturalist and BiologistKnown For: Creating the Theory of Evolution, also known as DarwinismBorn: Feb. 12, 1809  in Shrewsbury, United KingdomDied: April 19, 1882 in Downe, United KingdomEducation: Christs College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Bachelor of Arts, 1831; Master of Arts,1836Published Works: On the Origin of the Species, The Descent of Man, The Voyage of the BeagleSpouse: Emma WedgwoodChildren: William Erasmus, Anne Elizabeth, Mary Eleanor, Henrietta Emma (Etty), George Howard, Elizabeth, Francis, Leonard, Horace, Charles Waring   Early Life Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England. His father was a medical doctor, and his mother was the daughter of the famous potter Josiah Wedgwood. Darwin’s mother died when he was 8, and he was essentially raised by older sisters. He was not a brilliant student as a child but went on to study at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, intending to become a doctor. Darwin took a strong dislike to medical education and eventually studied at Cambridge. He planned to become an Anglican minister before becoming intensely interested in botany. He received a degree in 1831. Voyage of the Beagle On the recommendation of a college professor, Darwin was accepted to travel on the second voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle. The ship was embarking on a scientific expedition to South America and islands of the South Pacific, leaving in late December 1831. The Beagle returned to England nearly five years later, in October 1836. Darwins position on the ship was peculiar. A former captain of the vessel had become despondent during a long scientific voyage because, it was assumed, he had no intelligent person to converse with while at sea. The British Admiralty thought that sending an intelligent young gentleman along on a voyage would serve a combined purpose: He could study and make records of discoveries while also providing intelligent companionship for the captain. Darwins famous journey allowed him time to study natural specimens from across the globe and collect some to study back in England. He also read books by Charles Lyell and Thomas Malthus, which influenced his early thoughts on evolution. In all, Darwin spent more than 500 days at sea and about 1,200 days on land during the trip. He studied plants, animals, fossils, and geological formations and wrote his observations in a series of notebooks. During long periods at sea, he organized his notes. Upon returning to England, Darwin married his first cousin Emma Wedgwood and began years of researching and cataloging his specimens. At first, Darwin was reluctant to share his findings and ideas about evolution. It wasnt until 1854 that he collaborated with Alfred Russel Wallace to jointly present the idea of evolution and natural selection. The two men were scheduled to present jointly to the Linnaean Society meeting in 1858. However, Darwin decided to not attend as one of his children was gravely ill. (The child died shortly thereafter.) Wallace also did not attend the meeting due to other conflicts. Their research was nevertheless presented by others at the conference, and the scientific world was intrigued by their findings. Early Writings and Influences Three years after returning to England, Darwin published Journal of Researches, an account of his observations during the expedition aboard the Beagle. The book was an entertaining account of Darwins scientific travels and was popular enough to be published in successive editions. Darwin also edited five volumes titled Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle, which contained contributions by other scientists. Darwin himself wrote sections dealing with the distribution of animal species and geological notes on fossils he had seen. The voyage on the Beagle was, of course, a highly significant event in Darwin’s life, but his observations on the expedition were hardly the only influence on the development of his theory of natural selection. He was also greatly influenced by what he was reading. In 1838 Darwin read an Essay on the Principle of Population, which the British philosopher Thomas Malthus had written 40 years earlier. The ideas of Malthus helped Darwin refine his own notion of survival of the fittest. Malthus had been writing about overpopulation and discussed how some members of society were able to survive difficult living conditions. After reading Malthus, Darwin continued collecting scientific samples and data, eventually spending 20 years refining his own thoughts on natural selection. Publication of His Masterpiece Darwin’s reputation as a naturalist and geologist had grown throughout the 1840s and 1850s, yet he had not revealed his ideas about natural selection widely. Friends urged him to publish them in the late 1850s. And it was the publication of an essay by Wallace expressing similar thoughts that encouraged Darwin to write a book setting out his own ideas. In November 1859, Darwin published the book that secured his place in history, On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection. Darwin knew his views would be controversial, especially with those who believed heavily in religion, as he was somewhat of a spiritual man himself. His first edition of the book did not talk extensively about human evolution but did hypothesize that there was a common ancestor for all life. It wasnt until much later when he published The Descent of Man that Darwin really delved into how humans had evolved. This book was probably the most controversial of all his works. Darwins work instantly became famous and revered by scientists across the globe and his theories had an almost immediate impact upon religion, science, and society at large. Darwin was not the first person to propose that plants and animals adapt to circumstances and evolve over eons of time. But his book put forth his hypothesis in an accessible format and led to controversy. Later Life and Death On the Origin of Species was published in several editions, with Darwin periodically editing and updating material in the book. He also wrote a few more books on the topic in the remaining years of his life. While the scientific and religious communities debated his works, Darwin lived a quiet life in the English countryside, content to conduct botanical experiments. He came to be highly respected, regarded as a grand old man of science. Darwin died on April 19, 1882, and was honored by being buried in Westminster Abbey in London. At the time of his death, Darwin was hailed as a national hero.

Flow chart of the recruitment (top) and selection (bottom) process Assignment

Flow chart of the recruitment (top) and selection (bottom) process - Assignment Example The paper tells that recruitment can be done in two levels i.e. internal recruitment and external recruitment, although they both follow the same generic steps to accomplish the company’s objectives. Internal recruitment involves employment of individuals who have previously worked with the firm and includes processes like transfers, promotions and reinstatement of former employees. On the other hand, external recruitment involves the firm employing individuals who have never worked in the firm again from numerous sources available in the market. Internal recruitment has the advantage of increasing employee productivity since recruits are already aware of internal mechanisms of the firm, and they do not need a long time to readjust after appointment. However, internal recruitments deny the firm the benefits of innovation that come from employing people who are unfamiliar with the firm. Therefore, even firms with robust employee training and development programs should occasion ally do external recruitments to enrich the quality and diversity of its human resources. Selection is the process that follows recruitment and involves the passing of the new recruits through rigorous tests and elimination processes to ensure that the firm employs individuals who are most suited for their jobs. Current and potential requirements of a position must be matched with the candidate that possesses the best knowledge, skill, ability, and other personal characteristics that would enable them to perform one’s duties effectively and efficiently. ... These individuals are more likely to be satisfied with their job, less likely to be absent from duty, and are motivated to do their best for the firm as long as the firm takes care of their welfare (Cooper, Robertson and Tinline, 2003). The selection process takes a considerable period since the firm wants to assess the suitability of the individual; however, it also gives the new employee time to identify the suitability of the firm’s strategic plan to personal objectives. For instance, a suitable candidate would not want to work for a firm that does not reflect their personal values. Therefore, as the firm eliminates recruits who are unsuitable to work in its system, individuals get to choose if they want to work with the firm, ensuring both are sure of the possible consequences of the venture without having to make prior commitments (Cooper, Robertson and Tinline, 2003). Task 2: Catering Manager Job Description Job title: Catering Manager Reporting to: Managing Director Sal ary: ?30,000 per annum Hours: Full time (average 40 hours per week) Location: Greenwich Park, London Purpose of the Position The catering manager will oversee, direct, and organize all the catering functions. They will ensure successful planning and smooth running of events, work with clients to ensure that events are completed successfully, and get feedback from clients for use in future planning processes. Finally, the catering manager will have the duty of ensuring that healthy and productive relationship exists between employees and various product providers. Duties and Responsibilities Responsibility 1: The catering manager should assist clients in arranging their events, and even suggest service providers for other services that the events may

Smoking Ban Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Smoking Ban - Essay Example The public was, however, largely ignorant to this fact the medics became viewed with skepticism. It took a number of long years for people to pay attention to the medics. Medical science has, nevertheless, proved beyond a reasonable doubt that smoking kills (Susman, 2012). A lot of smokers claim that it is by choice that they smoke this might be the case, but what if the person smoking is a female who is pregnant, or what if the smoker sits in a room full of young children and inflicts that choice of hers to the children. Smoking has since the early 1990’s, become antisocial and the voice of the non smokers can largely be heard (European Society of Cardiology, 2012). Smoking ban infringes on human rights to enjoy their freedom. A lot of people believe that putting smoking bans in a number of public areas is a harsh measure and that it will affect them profoundly. There is also the other group that accepts putting bans in all public places is the way to go. The question I ask is, why do people smoke. From my research, I uncovered a couple of that lead people to smoke; First of all young people smoke because it makes them feel mature, look like their friends or even experiment (Susman, 2012). Adults, on the other hand, smoke to reduce stress or pressure (Hinds & First, 2000). Carrying a couple of smokes to work is a reward to all smokers, most of them would not think of carrying them to work if they did not have a reason too. Smoking enables one to kick back, relax and enjoy him or herself for a few minutes. I must acknowledge that sitting with a group of people with a smoke is a terrific way to relax. The other group of people says that smoking is a social thing. For example, if a person is outside having a smoke and spots another person also having a smoke, it is always an easy and  pleasant way of starting a conversation. Especially in social places like bars or clubs, these are the places, to meet people and socialize over a smoke and a drink. Smoking is

The opening of a novel Essay Example for Free

The opening of a novel Essay Charles Dickens was a 19th century writer who is renowned for his fantastically written novels and his knack for story-telling. Originally a journalist, he wrote for the Victorian magazine All the year round which captivated its readers who would purchase it every week just for the next addition to one of Dickens novels. An enthusiastic social campaigner, Charles Dickens liked to explore and challenge the ways of Victorian society and culture in his novels, rarely basing his stories in past times in this way he was like a soap writer of his time. His writing appealed to anyone and everyone who had the ability to read, especially those who were working class as his characters were like them, and could be related to. His novels also allowed audiences of this type to indulge and fantasise in his stories, Dickens took his readers to a place where they could escape, and experience the adventures that his characters did, and this is perhaps why he was so popular. One particular novel that he started in 1860 was called Great expectations a tale about a boy named Pip; in this novel Dickens explores the social barriers of Victorian society. In the Victorian era life was hard, a large percentage of the population were working class people who were considered bottom of the social hierarchy. These people had to work for a living, and as they usually were poorly educated which meant any form of work they endured was laborious and caused both physical and mental strain on them. There was little pay and unfortunately this way of life was a continuous cycle, few rarely breaking free of the social barriers that condemned them to a life of continuous strenuous physical endurance. Those who were born into a family like this often took on the role of their parents, boys would inherit their fathers job and girls would be married off to other families, their life mainly consisting of housework, reproducing and attending to their husbands needs. This was all because of the lack of money. Without a large amount of money coming in from somewhere, educating children was simply unaffordable, and therefore they had no hope of getting a job that would have a much larger pay and wouldnt consist of any hard labour. It is made clear to us that Pip is a child born into a working class family as Dickens explains that most of Pips siblings died in early childhood: five little brothers of mine who gave up trying to get a living, exceedingly early in that universal struggle. This would not have happened if Pips family had the money to cater for their health. In universal struggle Dickens refers to life indicating that life at that time was hard, and reinforcing the points I made earlier. The novel starts with Dickens having Pip tell us that his mother and father are dead, and that he couldnt remember either of them and never knew what they looked like in the form of the words I never saw my father or my mother, and never saw any likeness of either of them. Pip also tells us their days were long before the days of photographs, referring to the historical context and telling the readers that it is set in Victorian times, or rather, when it was written, in the present. The fact that Pips parents and most of his siblings are dead creates an image that Pip is a very lonely little boy, and makes us feel sorry for him. After explaining that most of Pips family are dead, Dickens aquatints us with the current setting marshland, 20 miles from the sea. Dickens says a raw afternoon towards evening which indicates that it is growing darker, and with no-one about this puts Pip in a very vulnerable position. Dickens then goes on to describe the setting in a way that would be frightening, especially to a child, if you were alone in such a place. He uses phrases like bleak place overgrown with nettles, dark flat wilderness and distant savage lair from which the wind was rushing and one would usually associate features like these with fear. Dickens also tells us of Pips realisation that he is alone, at such a time I found out for certain that Phillip Pirrip and also Georgina wife of the above were dead and buried and that his parents arent with him, they were six feet under. He was alone and unprotected. Dickens says all of this in a very long sentence, which would build up tension and the impression that Pip was in a very frightening place. The most effective part of doing this is the way Dickens ends the sentence and that the small bundle of shivers going afraid of it all and beginning to cry, was Pip hed built up this terrifying image of a setting and then in the middle of it all was a frightened little boy who was completely alone and vulnerable a brilliant use of juxtaposition.

Essay examples --

Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data. First we will begin my defining just what qualitative and quantitative data is. Qualitative data is data that can be observed, but not measured. It also deals with descriptions of variables: color, appearance, taste, etc. It is characterized by no numerical values. Quantitative data is data that can be measured. It deals with numbers: length, weight, time, etc. â€Å"While the goals of some data collection may be exclusively qualitative or quantitative, in many cases both are desirable (O’Rourke & O’Rourke, 2000).† For qualitative observations, researchers watch and record whatever seems interesting to them. The people and animals that are observed in these research experiments are called participants and subjects. The locations of the observations are called study sites. Researchers tend to rely on gatekeepers, or informants, in their observations. There are six different types of qualitative observations: participant observations, ethnographic observations, case studies, archaeological data, focus groups, and naturalistic animal studies. â€Å"Qualitative research within development faces particular challenges as it is often conducted by researchers either not socialized in a discipline such as anthropology or sociology, which has clear guidelines for fieldwork and note taking, or so resource constrained as to be unable to follow them (Camfield & Palmer-Jones, 2013).† For quantitative direct observations, they exist in numbers and conditions so that they can be counted. The number may be an actual value, test score, or may reflect an arbitrary value. These observations are conducted by researchers counting the frequency of one or more variables and these observations ar... ...When this takes place, it again reduces the validity of the observation. Even though there are many advantages and disadvantages to self-reporting, no other method would collect the same detailed, in-depth information from participants. References: Camfield, Laura & Palmer-Jones, Richard. Improving the quality of development research: What could archiving qualitative data for reanalysis and revisiting research sites contribute? Progress in Developmental Studies. Oct2013, Vol. 13 Issue 4, p343-338. Ellis, L., Walsh, A., & Hartley, R. D. (2010). Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. O’Rourke, Thomas W. & O’Rourke, Diane P. Bridging the qualitative-quantitative data canyon. American Journal of Health Studies. 2000, Vol.16 Issue 1, p52-54.

Funding the Rising Cost of U.S. Health Care Essay

Give your opinion of the rising cost of health care’s overall impact on the U.S. economy It is more expensive for individuals, families and employers to have health care coverage because of the rising cost. Spending on the use of new technologies, treatment, and high cost for medical services. There has also been a high cost on local, federal and state government which led to high cost on to medical and Medicaid. This spending of health care has affected the economy and now people have to choose between a need for health care of the need to have shelter, food, or not having sufficient funding. Health care spending is moving faster than the economy is growing. High health care rising cost is causing the government to re-examine eligibility for public health and rising taxes on the consumers is leading to reduce investments. The U.S. will not be able to compete in the economic global market. These rising cost in health care will affect business, house wholes, providers, employees, health status, income levels, age, and increase premiums. (Rising Health Care Costs ) http://www.ahip.org/Issues/Rising-Health-Care-Costs.aspx â€Å"Health plans are playing a vital role in reducing the cost of care and improving value†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – Karen Ignagni, President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans Health Plan Innovations in Delivery System Reforms, American Journal of Managed Care Compared and contrasted at least two (2) areas of the economy that the new health care act impacts. Small business and middle class families are two areas that the new health care act will impact. It used to be the economic strength in the U.S. was the small business owner. Small business has been strength to the economic by bring diversified groups opportunities of people to the workforce. Small business bring products have that are innovative to the services market. Small business has been able to create new jobs for the economic. However since the housing bubble in 2007 and 2008 small businesses are struggling very hard from the bank credits. Small businesses are the back bone to job growth and innovation for the economy. Small business owners who offer health care insurance to their workers are facing a hit by heavy taxes and high premiums for the employer. Small business pays up to 18% more per worker for health insurance than larger firms. This is a tax disadvantage for small business. Which cause profits to be eaten  up by higher health insurance cost and workers working for lower wages makes the small business workers, product, and market at a disadvantage. Small business(less than 50 workers) is less likely to provided health insurance. Back in the 50s and 60s a middle class family of three could live off a one person income which was the father. Mothers were house wives and people could purchase a home, car, and have a small savings. Families could go on vacation and own a late model car. The burden for middle class families today is the high cost for health care insurance and premiums. There have been an increase in unemployment and employees are scaling back on wages. Credit card debt gone up and slow job creation. Increase in bankruptcy files, income inequality and out-sourcing of America business has been causing problems for the middle class families. This growth in health care spending has change priorities for middle class life style. With saving money, retirement benefit pension, and 401K plans shifting. Middle class person who have been working all their lives, now rick the chance of not having sufficient funds to maintain middle class life style. Will the middle class be able to retire and live a middle class style? Middle class families are not sure if there will be available income for retirement. (http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/security/impact-of-rising-healthcare-cost-AARP) Debated the main pros and cons of using private insurance versus using the new affordable insurance.  Our population in this country has increase over the last 30 years and because of healthier life style and medical advances people are living longer. This can be a disadvantage to the patients who are using private insurance. This has put a strain on the private health insurance because most companies don’t cover previous medical conditions that cover injuries and short-term illness. Illness is something that happens on its own and worrying whether or not your condition is cover can add stress. After receiving a referral from the internal doctor the patient has to act as its own administrator who calls the insurance company to check, if the cost is cover before they can see a consultant for treatment. If you want more coverage you pay higher premiums. There also a disadvantage of having so  many private health insurance companies to pick from. Each representative only disc usses their company policies and not how their policy compares with others. Leaving the patient not knowing which one is the best offer for you. Private insurance advantages is you can choose where you want to be treated without a long wait. There are specialist teams that will deal with specifically types of conditions. There continuity cares that allows you to be seen by the same consultant until the end of your treatment. The new affordable insurance covers families, small business, and individuals with the cost assistance through the market place program. There are no limits on life time health care which this will cut down on large medical bills for long term illness. This will keep people out of debt. If you make a mistake on your application or if you are sick an insurance company can’t drop you. A person with pre-existing condition can’t be denied care or charge a higher premium. The new affordable insurance allows for parents to keep their children on their plan until the age 26 years old whether they live at home, married, or attend school. The affordable insurance has free preventive care for checkups, well woman visits, mange care to control chronic illness before they become costly to treat or complex. http://obmacarefacts.com/benefitsofobamacare.php) OBMA CARE FACTS dispelling the myths Analyzed the major impact this new health care system may have on different immigrant demographics; Predicted the cost associated with the changing the accommodation to facilities having to review organizational planning in order to actualize these changes

CCOT Analysis Essay

The Indian Ocean was a significant division of water that was bounded primarily by the Indian Subcontinent, the Arabian Peninsula, and eastern Africa. Many changes occurred over time in the area, especially from 500 BCE and 1400 CE. The interaction of Buddhism and Confucianism altered, increased wealth came to new towns and ports, and population increased due to advancements in technology. Though there were many changes, many things stayed constant in the region. The Indian Ocean region continued to keep many economic/religious factors the same, such that Islamic world continued to spread and exotic goods remained as the basis of trade. Buddhism and Confucianism were the main religious views in the Indian Ocean region. They both flourished initially keeping a stable ratio, but Buddhism began to diminish during the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty based their civil service exams on Confucianism, which as a result led to more focus on Confucianism and later to the downfall of Buddhism. Interactions between developing trade routes led to city popularity, wealth and success. Such cities include, Cairo, Quilon, and Melaka, which became major factors in Afro-Eurasian trade. Technology in the region also led to many different changes in the Indian Ocean region. The three-field crop rotation rapidly changed the rise of cities. Since they were now able to grow dissimilar crops in the same area, more food and trade products came about. As urbanization increased, simultaneously, rural areas increased system also played a big role. As cities grew, they began to prosper. Agriculture boomed and therefore more opportunities for merchants were available as trade was excellent in the area. Many significant transitions and alterations occurred in the Indian Ocean region, which encouraged, primarily, economics, religion, and city success. Coming from the changes that occurred, many things also did remain the same in the Indian Ocean region. Islam continued to spread throughout the division. Trade relations have existed between Arabia and the Indian subcontinent, which linked the Indian Subcontinent to the Islamic world. On top of Islam’s prosperous spreading, Indian trade was still and is still based on exotic goods. A good example of this could be how gold, slaves, silk, and spices were traded at around 150 CE, as well as 700-1000 CE. These constants were significant for the foundation of the regions trade, and the rise of a new religion. The Indian Ocean region had many changes and continuities that all occurred over time. Some changes were made including the rise of cities and trade, and the fall of Buddhism. The continuities include the constant spread of the Islamic world, and the same basis of trade; exotic goods. These factors all shaped the region building a stronger base of advancement demographically, culturally, and economically.

What to Do If You Didn’t Get the Promotion

What to Do If You Didn’t Get the Promotion Not getting a promotion you really thought you were in a good position to get is almost as bad as not getting a job you had a really good chance at. It’s disheartening, to say the least. No one likes to think they aren’t doing well enough. And certainly no one likes to go into work after being passed over, only to watch someone else assume the new and fancier role. If you  didn’t get the  promotion, there are a few things you can do to keep from losing hope (and perspective).Strive to improveJust because you were told you’re not going any further at the moment doesn’t mean you should stop trying. You not only have to survive this bump in the road, you need to overcome it and set yourself up to get back on the path to success.Don’t quitYou may feel like quitting and/or burning the office down, but it’s never a good solution. You could take a bad moment and make it much, much worse. Better to have a bit more patience with yourself an d with the situation. Take a moment to mourn the loss of something you wanted, then get back to work with a smile on your face and an eye toward new opportunities- even new jobs.Ask  for feedbackIt may have been out of your control entirely, but there also could have been a few things you might have done differently that in another world would have affected the outcome and turned it in your favor. See if you can’t get the ear of the decision maker. Ask honestly and listen openly, then say thank you and close the conversation. This is not the time to defend yourself or to argue. If you can’t get a straight answer, try finding another source you can trust for information.Don’t just complain, actYou get to wallow for a day or two, and mope, and maybe even grumble. But then you have to stop all that and get back to work building your career. This does not include complaining to HR about the unfairness of it all. If you want to have another crack at advancing at yo ur company in future, try sitting down with HR or your boss instead and ask what you could do in the meantime to make yourself a more attractive candidate for future promotions. They’ll appreciate the initiative. If you’re given any feedback about your performance, take it to heart.Soul searchWhy did you really want this promotion? Are you unsatisfied with the level of challenge you have now? Did you just want a bit of extra money or prestige? Did you really want the extra work and stress, or were you after something else? Once you’ve answered these questions for yourself, you can move forward with a more clear picture of your career goals- and can set about achieving them.NetworkEven if you’re not interested in leaving your company right now, keep your options open by staying engaged with your network. If you’re ready to leave- i.e. you’re unlikely to move any further forward in your current company- it’s time to start opening window s and sending out resumes. Make sure Opportunity can find you when it wants to come and knock.  Often, there is nothing wrong with your actual performance, but the perception of your work is what is getting in your way. It’s always best to know so you can truly prepare for taking your necessary next steps.Just remember: wait to cool off before acting. Ask the hard questions that will help you improve your chances in the future. Keep networking. And don’t, under any circumstances, bad mouth any one you work with or for. Also don’t blow this one disappointment out of proportion. Keep on moving in the right direction, minor or major setbacks be damned.

Palladio, the Architect Who Inspired a Popular Window

Palladio, the Architect Who Inspired a Popular Window Andrea Palladio (born  November 30, 1508 in Padua, Italy) transformed architecture not only during his lifetime, but his reinterpreted Classical stylings were imitated from the 18th century until today. Today Palladios architecture is a model for building with the 3 rules of architecture attributed to Vitruvius- a building should be well-built, useful, and beautiful to look at. Palladios Four Books of Architecture was widely translated, a work that quickly spread Palladios ideas throughout Europe and into the New World of America. Born Andrea Di Pietro della Gondola, he was later named Palladio after the Greek goddess of wisdom. The new name is said to have been given to him by an early employer, supporter, and mentor, the scholar and grammarian Gian Giorgio Trissino (1478-1550). It is said that Palladio married a carpenters daughter but never bought a house. Andrea Palladio died August 19, 1580 in Vicenza, Italy. Early Years As a teenager, the young Gondola became an apprentice stone cutter, soon joining the guild of masons and becoming an assistant in the workshop of Giacomo da Porlezza in Vicenza.  This apprenticeship proved to be the opportunity that brought his work to the attention of the older and well-connected Gian Giorgio Trissino. As a youthful stone cutter in his 20s,  Andrea Palladio (pronounced and-RAY-ah pal-LAY-deeoh) worked on renovating  Villa Trissino in Cricoli. From 1531 to 1538, the young man from Padua learned the principles of Classical architecture when he worked on new additions for the villa. Trissino took the promising builder to Rome with him in 1545, where Palladio studied the symmetry and proportion of the local Roman architecture. Taking his knowledge back with him to Vicenza, Palladio won a commission to rebuild the  Palazzo della Ragione, a defining project for the 40-year-old budding architect. Important Buildings by Palladio Andrea Palladio is often described as the most influential and most copied architect in Western civilization after the Middle Ages. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, Palladio brought decorative columns and pediments to 16th century Europe, creating carefully proportioned buildings that continue to be models for stately homes and government buildings throughout the world of architecture. Palladio window design came about from his first commission- rebuilding the Palazzo della Ragione in Vicenza. Like architects today, Palladio was faced with the task of rejuvenating a crumbling structure. Confronted with the problem of designing a new front to the old regional palace at Vicenza, he solved it by surrounding the old great hall with an arcade in two stories, in which the bays were nearly square and the arches were carried on smaller columns that stood free between the larger engaged columns separating the bays. It was this bay design which gave rise to the term Palladian arch or Palladian motif, and has been used ever since for an arched opening supported on columns and flanked by two narrow square-headed openings of the same height as the columns.- Professor Talbot Hamlin The success of this design not only influenced the elegant Palladian window we use today, but it also established Palladios career during what became known as the High Renaissance. The building itself is now known as theBasilica Palladiana. By the 1540s, Palladio was using classical principles to design a series of country villas and urban palaces for the nobility of Vicenza. One of his most famous is Villa Capra (1571), also known as the Rotunda, which was modeled after the Roman Pantheon (126 A.D.). Palladio also designed Villa Foscari (or La Malcontenta) near Venice. In the 1560s he began work on religious buildings in Venice. The great basilica San Giorgio Maggiore is one of Palladios most elaborate works. 3 Ways Palladio Influenced Western Architecture Palladian Windows: You know youre famous when everyone knows your name. One of the many architectural features inspired by Palladio is the popular Palladian window, readily used and misused in todays upscale suburban neighborhoods. Writing: Using the new technology of movable type, Palladio published a guide to the classical ruins of Rome. In 1570, he published his masterwork: I Quattro Libri dell Architettura, or The Four Books of Architecture. This important book outlined Palladios architectural principles and provided practical advice for builders. Detailed woodcut images of Palladios drawings illustrate the work. Residential Architecture Transformed: American statesman and architect Thomas Jefferson borrowed Palladian ideas from Villa Capra when he designed Monticello (1772), Jeffersons home in Virginia. Palladio brought columns, pediments, and domes to all of our domestic architecture, making our 21st century homes like temples. Author Witold Rybczynski writes: There are lessons here for anyone building a house today: instead of concentrating on increasingly refined details and exotic materials, focus instead on spaciousness. Make things longer, wider, taller, slightly more generous than they have to be. You will be repaid in full.- The Perfect House Palladios architecture has been called timeless. Stand in a room by Palladio- writes  Jonathan Glancey, architecture critic for The Guardian, any formal room will do- and you will experience the feeling, both calming and elevating, of being centred not just in architectural space, but in yourself. This is how architecture should make you feel. Sources Villa Trissino a Cricoli at visitpalladio.com [accessed November 28, 2016]The stonecutter who shook the world by  Jonathan Glancey, The Guardian, January 4, 2009 [accessed August 23, 2017]The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture, Third Edition, Penguin, 1980, pp. 235-236Architecture through the Ages by Talbot Hamlin, Putnam, Revised 1953, p. 353The Perfect House by Witold Rybcznski, Scribner, 2002, p. 221

SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE GULF, 1979-2003 Essay

SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE GULF, 1979-2003 - Essay Example The may come into an agreement with a certain nation to help fight violence among others. For example, in 1990s, United State government, intervened on a number of occasions for humanitarian reasons; sending troops to the Balkans, northern Iraq, and Somalia to succor refugees, feed the hungry, and otherwise alleviate suffering There are many reasons why countries come together to form multinational coalitions, whether it is meant to be on short term, long term, or upcoming dealings, restoring peace and order is basically the main reason. A long term coalition involves formation of an alliance that is not affected by future changes such as leadership takeover and will always exist as long as cases of uncertainty situations arise. For a multinational coalition to be effective there has to be a certain command chain that is clear to both parties. This is important especially in situations where the nations have to involve the army in their efforts of achieving desired peace and order. Decision making should be done by certain known individuals in order for the forces to move in one specific direction (Kahn 430). It might be objected that the betterment of humanity is not the only reason for alliance formation. Some countries may have hidden agendas in their alliances such as extracting of minerals from the d eveloping countries or attacking a certain specific nation. However, it is only few nations which can form alliances for such selfish reasons. Another factor that can stimulate the multinational coalition to achieve its desired aims is by equitable sharing of responsibilities. Responsibilities may include war resources such as tankers and jets, the required human power and technology. In addition, responsibilities may vary depending with the coalition size. A big coalition makes it considerably difficult to manage and maintain clear effective strategies as compared to smaller coalition. The rules