Ethical and Legal Issues in the Couseling Profession Research Paper

Ethical and Legal Issues in the Couseling Profession - Research Paper Example All in all, these dilemmas and decisions have made me more prudent and more discerning in my approaches to patient care. This essay will now serve as my reflective ethical autobiography with various sources and theories used to help support and evaluate the choices I have made during my immersion. Discussion One of the main teachings which were drilled to us by our professors was the fact that there were various ethical principles which we had to follow and consider with each patient that we cared for. These main ethical principles include: beneficence, patient autonomy or self-determination, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles helped me develop my sense of right or wrong. Whenever I doubted my actions or did not know whether my actions were right or wrong, I always considered these four ethical principles as a guide or as a foundation for my decisions. Beauchamp and Childress identified these ethical principles which should govern the ethical practice of our profession. T hey discuss that the principle of autonomy is basically about the personal rule of oneself which is apart or free from the influences of others and from the limitations which negate meaningful choice (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994). This autonomous decision making process allows the individual to act in accordance with his plans and his choices. Without such autonomy, an individual is dictated by others and is incapable of acting on his desires or plans (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994). In other words, patient autonomy is about allowing the patient to make his own decisions about his care – without forcing him or influencing him to decide in a particular way. In my practice, I often had to explain to patients the different types of care or interventions which can be implemented in their favor. There were times when I was tempted to influence their choices and to sway them towards making decisions which, I felt, were more favorable to the patients and to me. But noting that I m ight be unjustly and unfairly influencing them to make decisions on their care, I ended up being more restrained and being more balanced in explaining possible choices in their care. By allowing them to make their own choices, I was able to afford more respect to my patients as individuals. Patient autonomy is also about respecting the patient’s decision even if such decision is not the best decision for him. One time, I encountered a patient who refused further care and counseling. I knew that he needed to be in therapy and he needed to undergo intensive rehabilitation. However he wanted to undergo a less structured rehabilitation process and he wanted to do it outside the mental health institution. Even if I knew that his choices may not be effective in rehabilitating him, ethics dictated that I had to respect his choice. And so we released him and allowed him to make his own choices of care. The principle of beneficence is based on doing acts of kindness for others (Beauch amp and Childress, 1994). In essence, this principle â€Å"asserts an obligation to help others further their important and legitimate interests† (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994, p. 260). In applying this principle to my counseling practice, I often encountered situations where I knew that my patients needed more intensive counseling. One time, I encountered a high school student whom I assessed to be depressed. She had significant self-image

Social work Essay Example for Free

Social work Essay Divergence between social work and the law is the shift in the perspective or priority of social work that occurred during the 1930s. Previously social work played an important role in legal processes or in the justice system by supporting investigations and providing vital testimonies in court cases. However, during the 1930s at the onset of the great depression, social work underwent a change in priority so that the direction of efforts was towards humanistic issues and mental health issues so that social workers engaged more in these areas and less in legal aspects. It was only during the early 1990s that an area of social work renewed links with law. This was spurred by the recognition of social workers of the need to succumb to the legal regulation of the profession to make social workers recognized as service providers. (Barker Branson, 2000; Neighbors, 2000) In another sense, divergence between social work and the law also pertains to the conflict or friction between the values of social work and laws such as self-determination highly valued by social work relative to the constraints or control imposed by laws. In mental health care, respect for the person forms part of social work practice but mental health laws allow forms of restraint in certain situations and subject to regulatory standards. (Preston-Shoot, Roberts Vernon, 2001) As social work again renewed its relationship with law, social workers need to know a number of things about law. First is the manner that laws are made and passed since social workers are also advocates of any change or improvements needed in areas of law they are involved in. Second is the manner that legal provisions and jurisprudence are interpreted to be able to apply or use laws in various areas of service delivery. Third is the manner that legal provisions are enforced such as procedures in the courtroom, legal documents, roles of members of the legal profession, and other workings of the legal profession since social workers also take part in these procedures. (Barker Branson, 2000; Neighbors, 2000) 2. Summarize in your own words what forensic social workers do, motivations for forensic social workers, and what are the steps toward forensics becoming a specialty. Forensic social workers apply social work to issues pertaining to the law or legal systems (Brammer, 2006). Specifically, forensic social workers fulfill three primary functions. First is the provision of consultation, education and training to members of the legal profession, law enforcement authorities, correctional system personnel, and the public over areas of social work integrated with the law. Second is rendering diagnosis and recommendations and providing treatment to populations within the correctional system, crime victims, witnesses, and criminal justice staff. Third is engaging in administrative and advocacy functions such as policy development, mediation or arbitration, education and training, and research. These are general functions since social workers engage in these functions in terms of their fields of competence or expertise. (Johns, 2007) The greatest and encompassing motivation for forensic social workers is the personal rewards achieved from altruistic actions. The pay of forensic social workers varies according to specialization and expertise. The work is not necessarily appreciated in the criminal justice system or the public. (Barker Branson, 2000) There are three steps in becoming a forensic social worker. First is to acquire exceptional knowledge on the selected area of expertise. Second is to effectively communicate acquired knowledge and translate this into practice to enhance expertise. Third is to become known as an expert in the field through networking or referrals. (Barker Branson, 2000) 3. After reading these two chapters, would forensic social work be a profession you would be interested in pursuing, why or why not? Yes. Forensic social work is a challenging field that develops the potential of social workers to develop knowledge and skills in a multidimensional field of practice that benefits a wide-range of people, especially those with limited knowledge of the law and legal system. Reference List Barker, R. L. Branson, D. M. (2000). Forensic social work: Legal aspects of professional practice (2nd edn. ). New York: The Haworth Press. Brammer, A. (2006). Social work law (2nd edn). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Longman. Johns, R. (2007). Using the law in social work (3rd edn. ). Devon: Learning Matters Ltd Neighbors, I. A. (2000). Forensic social work: The interface between social work and the law. In K. Van Wormer A. R. Roberts (Eds. ), Teaching forensic social work: Course outlines on criminal and juvenile justice and victimology (pp. 113-117). Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Inc. Preston-Shoot, M. , Roberts, G. Vernon, S. (2001). Values in social work law: Strained relations or sustaining relationships?. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 23(1), 1–22.

Injustice and the Importance of Being a Man in A Lesson Before Dying Es

Injustice and the Importance of Being a Man in A Lesson Before Dying      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Justitia, the goddess of justice, is portrayed with a blindfold holding scales and a sword, but she, in applying her scales and sword, has never been colorblind in the U. S. 1[1] Ernest J. Gaines accuses the legal injustice against the black population through an innocent convict, Jefferson's death in A Lesson Before Dying.   However, Gaines penetrates the fact that the legal injustice is rather a result than a cause.   Behind the unfair legal system, a huge matrix of the cultural injustice, which always already presumes the colored people as criminals, does exist.   Gaines, thus, puts more stress on Jefferson's transformation from a "hog" to a man.   Unbinding himself from the humiliating self-notion, a cultural construction in a white ruling society, and establishing his own humanity, Jefferson exemplifies the potentiality of black empowerment against the prevalent racial injustices.2[2]      Gaines's insight and craftsmanship, which channel the legal injustice into the cultural frame, make the novel an outstanding masterpiece of the century.   First, Jefferson's case provides a great example of the injustice in the American legal system in the antebellum society.   Since "white" America did not count the black population as her citizens, the law was totally on the dominant white people's side.3[3]   Jefferson's trial is just an official gesture or ritual.   No matter what happens during the trial, Jefferson is doomed to death.   The legal system operates just as a means of vengeance.   If a white man is killed, a black man has to die for him.   One of the most striking things about Jefferson's trial is the fact that, even before the conviction, every... ...n justice.   Grant's criticism against the decision making process of the date illuminates the hypocrisy of America as a Christian country.   Nevertheless, Jefferson is described as a Christ-like figure.   On Gaines's skepticism about Christianity, see Critical Reflections on the Fiction of Ernest J. Gaines, David C. Estes ed. (Athens, GA: University of Georgia P, 1994), 77-84 and 257-59.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   6[6]   Herman Beavers, Wrestling Angels into Song: The Fictions of Ernest J. Gaines and James Alan McPherson (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania P, 1995), 174.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7[7] On the relation between the "white" law and cultural discourse that justifies the racism within legal system, Grant says, "They play by the rules their forefathers created hundreds of years ago.   Their forefathers said that we're only three-fifths human - and they believe it to this day" (192).   

Values and Ethics

Values and Ethics: Above All Else AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss my personal values, compare and contrast those values against the NASW Code of Ethics, discuss the selection of a specific values clarification vignette, including reason for choosing, personal feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions, level of comfort regarding the client(s) involved, and actions to be taken to resolve conflicting personal values, and discuss the selection of a particular ethical dilemma, including ethical responsibilities and principles in conflict with dilemma, reasons for choosing, available options to address the concerns, the pros and cons of each option, guidelines and resources available to assist with resolving this dilemma and deciding on appropriate course of action, and what course of action is chosen. Values and Ethics: Above All ElseThree of my personal values include the following: honesty and integrity, never settling for less than one’s best thr ough commitment to improving oneself, and to be accepting of other people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. My family heavily influenced my personal values as they always taught me to be a free-thinker, open-minded, and to try to put myself in other’s shoes. They pushed me to be the best I could be at whatever I was doing, even when I thought I was already doing my best. They encouraged me to have friendships with people from all walks of life. I have friends of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientation. I don’t limit myself to one particular group. My parents set examples for me in these values instead of just stating them. In other words, their words mirrored their actions.My personal values conflict with the NASW Code of Ethics on the following levels: 1) Honest and integrity—As an individual who is devoted to building and maintaining a client’s trust in my professional knowledge and dependability, this value conflicts due to the fact agency policies, legal procedures, etc will inevitably place limitations on how I am able to provide services to my client. The ability to remain dedicated and loyal to my client while adhering to particular agency, state, and federal government laws will be a balancing act. There will be times when I have to choose laws over clients in cases where abiding by the law will betray my client and possibly destroy what trust he/she has placed in me.It is my desire if/when this should ever happen, betraying my client due to requirement to adhere to the law will ultimately benefit the client more than maintaining complete confidentiality. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, â€Å"†¦social workers’ responsibility to the larger society or specific legal obligations may on limited occasions supersede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008, 1. 01 Commitment To Clients). An example of this would be informing the law about child neglect or abuse during a counseling session with a client who tells me her child is being abused.Additionally, â€Å"†¦the client’s right to confidentiality may be less compelling than the rights of other people who could be severely harmed or damaged by actions planned by the client and confided to the practitioner† (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, Gottfriend, & Larsen, 2006). 2) Never settling for less that one’s best: The hardest challenge for me is accepting my clients â€Å"where they are† because I am always wanting my clients to achieve the highest level of functioning and well-being as possible. If the client’s current stage or state in life is â€Å"where they are supposed to be†, then I have to ask the question, â€Å"Why are they being referred to me for assistance? † In my personal life, I both desire and am always encouraging my friends and family to succeed in whatever they are doing.It is difficult to see them struggle when I think there is a better life for them. I have to stop and remind myself what I think is better or best for them is not always appropriate nor what they want. To me, this is the hardest to accept. I have to be very mindful I don’t impose my own wishes and desires on my client while maintaining an encouraging and positive client/worker helping relationship, (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008, 1. 02 Self Determination); 3) Accepting of other people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture: It is difficult for me to work with a client who is unwilling to accept help from someone based on race, gender, or culture: i. e. client refusing to work with an African-American social worker, a female social worker, a homosexual social worker, etc. In dealing with the geriatric population, I have encountered quite a bit of racism from my clients as most of them were raised during the turbulent years of th e Civil Rights Movement. They have the mindset and use terminology that is very offensive to me. I have had clients tell me they don’t like the people who live in their neighborhood simply because they are not Caucasian. I also have clients who have told me they don’t think I can help them, and refer to me as â€Å"that little girl† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 1. 05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity).My personal values compare with the NASW Code of Ethics on the following levels: 1) Honesty and Integrity: I am committed to representing the social work profession in an ethical, professional manner to the best of my ability. I am committed to remaining honest with my clients, my employers, and my colleagues. I embrace integrity by taking responsibility for my actions and providing my clients with the highest level of service available. Integrity, for all people, holds a variety of meanings and is enacted on different levels. For me, integrity means operating in ethical and highly conscientious levels even when no one is watching and no recognition is given. Social work is one of the professions where expectations from both clients and employers are high, financial compensation is low, and gratitude and appreciation is rarely given.The professional must find their own avenue of appreciation through the realization that their actions can ultimately have a positive impact on the lives of those clients and their families long after the social worker has terminated their relationship (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 6. 01 Social Welfare). 2) Never settling for one’s best: As previously stated, I am always wanting better for my friends, family, and especially my clients. This motivates me to carefully examine every avenue for every possible resource available and utilize them to best facilitate my client’s ability to achieve their pre-determined goals. It can be said social workers of ten serve in the creative capacity when it comes to helping their client succeed. As economic times get harder and federal and state budges get tighter, social workers will have the increasingly daunting task of providing maximum services on a minimal budget.I have a strong drive for my clients to succeed which serves as a catalyst in finding avenues of assistance. 3) Accepting of other people: We, as a nation, are known as the â€Å"Melting Pot of the World†. Thus, social workers will have clients from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Having this acceptance and being open-minded towards people whose sexual orientation, lifestyle, religious and ethnic beliefs do not fit one particular mold will be extremely beneficial to me as I continue to grow in my professional career. I will be better able to serve my clients to the best of my ability and limit the possibility of any biases I may have, both realized and unrealized, to effect the working/helping relationship between me and my client.The vignette I chose to examine my personal and professional values against is vignette #1 concerning a home study with gay males that are interested in adoption. My reason behind choosing this vignette is the increase in media coverage of homosexual couples that are interested in adopting and the reactions from the public in regard. As stated by the NASW, â€Å"social workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Social Injustice). I would want to help this couple more than a heterosexual couple due to the discrimination that gay couples experience. I want to help oppressed individuals more and this makes me feel prideful to do so.However, the NASW also states that â€Å"social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful part icipation in decision making for all people† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Social Injustice). Due to this conflict, I would make every effort that every client receives equal service and I perform my job as professionally as I can. I have difficulty understanding other’s prejudices, and for this reason, I feel the need to over-compensate for those that have been discriminated against. I immediately felt sorry for this gay couple even though I had not met them yet.As a human being and in accordance to the NASW Code of Ethics, it is my duty to respect the inherent dignity and worth of this client as a person (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person). This value is further emphasized in Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills with the following passage: â€Å"All human beings deserve access to the resources they need to deal with life’s problems and to develop their potentialities † (Hepworth et. al, 2006). Additionally, the authors seek to advise the social worker to remain vigilant in terms of not allowing his or her personal biases to affect the helping relationship.My preconceived beliefs include the thought that this gay couple had been discriminated against multiple times and would expect me to do the same. I also assumed this gay couple would fit best with a female child, thinking some homosexual males relate well with females. However, they are males, so would they relate better with a male child? These assumptions are just that: assumptions. Social workers should base practice on recognized knowledge, including empirically based knowledge, relevant to social work and social work ethics (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 4. 01c Competence). I am quick to extinguish any assumptions once they have run their course in my mind. I rarely embrace them; they are just merely a notion that passes through my brain.I am uncomfortable with every client when I do the first home visit. I know the correct body language to show, verbal and nonverbal, so I am able to hide my uneasiness and build a rapport quickly. Once a relationship has started to develop with a client, I am more at ease in their presence and able to provide quality level of services for them. After establishing their needs and goals, I would seek any resources that could assist the couple with all needs identified and the process of adoption. Throughout the course of helping this couple, I would remind myself that they are not my only clients, and all of my clients need to be serviced equally.The vignette I chose to discuss my ethical and principle conflicts is ethical dilemma #1 regarding the formation of a youth group in a state correctional facility. I chose this vignette because I have quite a bit of experience with youth and I am most comfortable with younger clients. Working with clients in a correctional facility is very appealing to me so this vi gnette caught my attention before the other ones had a chance. In this situation, I could share all information I learn in the group, share nothing I learn in the group, or disclose in the beginning the nature of confidentiality and decide if any references made in group need to be reported.In deciding if any references in group should be reported, I would use the professional knowledge of my superiors and equals to assist me in this judgment. By sharing all information I learn in the youth group, I would not miss any important information pertaining to my clients. Due to confidentiality concerns, I would only share the information with those the client had consented and those I had to share with. This course of action would demonstrate loyalty to my company as well as profession. The cons of the following options are as follows: 1) Having a meeting between intern and agency supervisor may cause feelings of resentment, confusion, and distrust.The intern may feel the agency superviso r thinks they are inexperienced and incapable of handling the job; 2) Having a meeting between the intern and the field instructor may cause the intern to feel he/she is unsuccessful in conflict resolution and may also cause them to feel the field instructor cannot trust them to perform their job duties; 3) Coordinating a meeting among the field instructor, the student intern, and the agency supervisor may cause to promote feelings of animosity, biases, etc for each party involved. The agency supervisor may feel threatened especially when regarding his/her agency’s policies and their stance on them. The field instructor may feel that the agency is being unrealistic in terms of its expectations and requirements for student interns.The student intern may feel caught in the middle and that he/she is unable to demonstrate their capacity for effective conflict resolution. 4) By requesting a transfer to another department, the student may not be able to experience what the field in structor had originally intended. 5) In the event that the parties are not able to come to a reasonable solution, then the student must find an alternative placement to complete field. This may leave the student intern confused, doubting their professional abilities, and the unwillingness to speak up if similar problems arise at their new location of internship. The resources that exist to help me resolve this ethical dilemma include my field instructor, my agency supervisor, the NASW Code of Ethics, and my own personal convictions.The NASW Code of Ethics states, â€Å"Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are routinely informed when services are being provided by students†. Additionally, the Code of Ethics refers to the fact reasonable accommodations should be taken by each party to ensure that this occurs: â€Å"Social work administrators should take reasonable steps to ensure that the working environment for which they are responsible is consistent with and encourages compliance with the  NASW Code of Ethics† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 3. 02 Education and Training). The responsibility of the student intern being able to operate professionally within an organization and to exhibit their learned skill set belongs to both the administrator of the desired agency as well as the field instructor.The student intern has a responsibility to ensure the agency supervisor is aware of the intern’s obligations to the NASW COE. Furthermore, he/she is responsible for ensuring agency practices do not hinder or interfere with their obligations in accordance to it (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 3. 09 Commitment to Employers). It would be my choice to utilize the Code of Ethics, hold consultations with my agency supervisor and field instructor, and my own professional experience to make an informed decision as to remain w ith the agency or not. It would also be my desire the agency, my field instructor, and I could work to an agreeable solution and avoid having to seek alternative placement elsewhere.If we are unable to achieve this, I would exit the agency on a positive note and seek to apply my skill set and gain additional experience at a different agency. Above all, I would always present and interact on a professional manner as well as remember to always have a second plan in place. Hepworth, D. H, Rooney, R. H. Rooney, G. D, Gottfried-Strom, K. , Larsen, J. A. (2006). Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (7th) Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education. 54,55,57,69. National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Retrieved June 30, 2012 from http://www. socialworkers. org/pubs/Code/code. asp Perry, Dr. Tonya. Values & Ethics In Social Work Practice [PDF document]. Retrieved from Lecture Note Handouts. June 30, 2012.

Financial Analysis Essay

It was Henning Holck-Larsen and Soren Kristian Tuobro, the two promising Danish engineers who were committed to develop the engineering capabilities in order to meet the demand for the necessary industries in India. L&T at first started its business by importing sophisticated machineries for taking up complex engineering and construction assignments which was needed in the Indian market. L&T started its business by importing sophisticated machineries for taking up complex engineering and construction assignments which was needed in the Indian market from Europe. It is now a limited company fully based on engineering, technology, and construction. L&T is India’s one of the largest and know industrial organisations with a reputation for technological excellence, high quality of products and services and strong customer orientation. They value their customers by using customer focused strategy giving them value and a world class quality. It has enabled them to attain a title of the biggest player in their market field. The L&T has attained its international presence by opening its offices in different parts of world which has helped them to attain profits and grow widely. The wide marketing and distribution network not only gives them a strong customer support but also those to attain progress with keeping in mind the protection of the environment. The company is constantly on the move for innovation in their technology which helps them to attract potential shareholders. The company takes a major attention towards the culture when working in different parts of the world, which helps them to meet the satisfaction level of its stakeholders, employees and society. The company believes in their employees by giving them freedom at work which then helps their employees to complete interesting, motivating and challenging tasks with ease. It is open to suggestion and ideas at the workplace. Hence, it has given birth to advancement and the company is at present growing on a high scale with a rapid pace while playing as a major threat to their competitors. Today, the company is therefore huge and owns major Independent companies. It holds positions of independent companies in the field of Hydrocarbon, Heavy engineering, Power, Construction, Electricals and Automations, IT, Shipping, Railway projects and many more. It has created mile stones with successful projects in other countries like Sri Lanka in terms of delivering quality power projects and becoming the largest seller of coal to China. It has also played a major role in India’s maiden moon missions. Capital Structure In terms of finance, capital structure represents the way a corporation finances its assets through the combinations of equity, debt, or hybrid securities. The capital structure of a firm is then the composition or ‘structure’ of its liabilities. It gives the overview and the standing in the market place by putting a bright light on the working style of the company.

A Sociological Understanding of Moral Panic

A Sociological Understanding of Moral Panic A moral panic is a widespread fear, most often an irrational one, that someone or something is a threat to the values, safety, and interests of a community or society at large. Typically, a moral panic is perpetuated by the news media, fueled by politicians, and often results in the passage of new laws or policies that target the source of the panic. In this way, moral panic can foster increased social control. Moral panics are often centered around people who are marginalized in society due to their race or ethnicity, class, sexuality, nationality, or religion. As such, a moral panic often draws on known stereotypes and reinforces them. It can also exacerbate the real and perceived differences and divisions between groups of people. Moral panic is well known in the sociology of deviance and crime and is related to the labeling theory of deviance. Stanley Cohens Theory of Moral Panics The phrase moral panic and the development of the sociological concept is credited to the late South African sociologist Stanley Cohen (1942–2013). Cohen introduced the social theory of moral panic in his 1972 book titled Folk Devils and Moral Panics. In the book, Cohen describes how the British public reacted to the rivalry between the mod and rocker youth subcultures of the 1960s and 70s. Through his study of these youth and the media and public reaction to them, Cohen developed a theory of moral panic that outlines five stages of the process. The Five Stages and Key Players of Moral Panics First, something or someone is perceived and defined as a threat to social norms and the interests of the community or society at large. Second, the news media and community members depict the threat in simplistic, symbolic ways that quickly become recognizable to the greater public. Third, widespread public concern is aroused by the way news media portrays the symbolic representation of the threat. Fourth, the authorities and policymakers respond to the threat, be it real or perceived, with new laws or policies. In the final stage, the moral panic and the subsequent actions of those in power lead to social change in the community. Cohen suggested that there are five key sets of actors involved in the process of moral panic. They are the threat that incites the moral panic, which Cohen referred to as folk devils, and the enforcers of rules or laws, like institutional authority figures, police, or armed forces. The news media plays its role by breaking the news about the threat and continuing to report on it, thereby setting the agenda for how it is discussed and attaching visual symbolic images to it. Enter politicians, who respond to the threat and sometimes fan the flames of the panic, and the public, which develops a focused concern about the threat and demands action in response to it. The Beneficiaries of Social Outrage Many sociologists have observed that those in power ultimately benefit from moral panics, since they lead to increased control of the population and the reinforcement of the authority of those in charge. Others have commented that moral panics offer a mutually beneficial relationship between news media and the state. For the media, reporting on threats that become moral panics increases viewership and makes money for news organizations. For the state, the creation of a moral panic can give it cause to enact legislation and laws that would seem illegitimate without the perceived threat at the center of the moral panic. Examples of Moral Panics There have been many moral panics throughout history, some quite notable.  The Salem witch trials, which took place throughout colonial Massachusetts in 1692, are an oft-mentioned example of this phenomenon. Women who were social outcasts faced accusations of witchcraft after local girls were afflicted with unexplained fits. Following the initial arrests, accusations spread to other women in the community who expressed doubt about the claims or who responded to them in ways deemed improper or inappropriate. This particular moral panic served to reinforce and strengthen the social authority of local religious leaders, since witchcraft was perceived to be a threat to Christian values, laws, and order. More recently, some sociologists have framed the War on Drugs of the 1980s and 90s as an outcome of moral panic. News media attention to drug use, particularly use of crack cocaine among the urban black underclass, focused public attention on drug use and its relationship to delinquency and crime. The public concern generated through news reporting on this topic, including a feature in which then-First Lady Nancy Reagan participated in a drug raid, shored up voter support for drug laws that penalized the poor and working classes while ignoring drug use among the middle and upper classes. Many sociologists attribute the policies, laws, and sentencing guidelines connected to the War on Drugs with increased policing of poor urban neighborhoods and incarceration rates of residents of those communities. Additional moral panics include public attention to welfare queens, the notion that poor black women are abusing the social services system while enjoying lives of luxury. In reality, welfare fraud is not very common, and no one racial group is more likely to commit it. There is also moral panic around a so-called gay agenda that threatens the American way of life when members of the LGBTQ community simply want equal rights. Lastly, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Islamophobia, surveillance laws, and racial and religious profiling grew from the fear that all Muslims, Arabs, or brown people overall are dangerous because the terrorists who targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had that background. In fact, many acts of domestic terrorism have been committed by non-Muslims. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests Naturally youd love to win a prize for your writing. Most writers crave affirmation and reward, and like everyone else, you need money. You proof your work, read the guidelines, and submit Well yes and no. Things arent quite as simple as that, and here are some pitfalls to avoid. Ive made pretty much all of these mistakes over the years and when I stopped doing them, I won 20 writing contests. DONT: 1. Read only How to Enter page but not the Terms and Conditions and FAQs pages. On the How to Enter page youve been told to write a story up to 2,000 words on the theme of Whatever, and email it. Who could blame you if you do just that? Unfortunately vital information often hides on other pages. In the Terms and Conditions, for instance, you may find that entries have to be in a certain font. In the FAQs you may find that stories containing profanity will be disqualified. Check every page on the site that pertains to the competition. Its a pain, but it saves wasting your time. 2. Proof your piece in too short a time. Youve proofread your work. In fact youve read it through six times! Great, but did you read it six times one after the other? If theres time before the deadline, leave the piece for a week or longer so that you can proofread with fresh eyes. Even then theres a danger of seeing what you meant to write rather than what you actually wrote. Ideally youre fixed up with a writing comp buddy, and you proof each others comp entries. 3. Forget to check the time zone. You know the deadline, but make check the time zone. If its GMT and youre on EPT, find out when exactly you need to get your entry in. Its very frustrating to miss out 4. Send your elegant sonnet to a competition that likes heartwarming tales of people who overcome lifes obstacles, or vice versa. If its the inaugural year of the competition you may have no precise theme or detailed instructions to go on. In that case, gauge the tone and style of the website and research the judges. If the competition has run in previous years, read the winners. Youre unlikely to win with a clone of a winning piece from last year, but youll understand the type of writing the judges like. 5. Logic yourself out of entering. Youve written the piece, followed the guidelines, and read the rules and FAQs. Youve proofed your entry. Then you have a thought sequence that goes something like this: There will be thousands of entrants. Is it really worth it? Logically, its a waste of time entering. You dont enter, convinced that youve been sensible. Have you, though? If theres an entry fee and you cant afford it, then yes. If you know of a better home for your piece, then yes. Otherwise, no. Your piece may not win, but you dont know how many entries there will be in even a free competition. One that I won had just 20 entrants. And you never know how you compare to the talent of the other writers. You just might be the cream of the crop!

How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad

How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad Finding money to fund your study abroad program is easier than you might think. From program-specific scholarships to the availability of federal funding, heres what you should know about earning study abroad scholarships. Quick Tip Meet with the experts at your university’s study abroad office to learn more about the best scholarship options for your program, and submit your applications as early as possible to maximize your funding. Finding Study Abroad Funding The first place to go after you’ve decided to study abroad is your university’s study abroad office, sometimes called an international learning office. There, youll meet experts who can answer any questions you might have about funding and help you understand the costs of your program. They’ll also be able to direct you toward the funding opportunities that best suit your situation and provide support during the application process. Study abroad funding options change every year. In order to get the most up-to-date information, utilize one of these regularly updated databases that list grants and scholarships to fund your study abroad experience. (Note that some organizations also provide low-interest student loans specifically for study abroad participants.) AIFSFastWebThe College BoardIIE Passport   Diversity Abroad   Ã‚  Scholarships.com  SmartScholar Applying Federal Aid to Study Abroad  Programs If you receive federal aid to pay your regular tuition, those funds can often be applied to your study abroad program, with a couple of conditions. First, you need to be enrolled at least half-time at your host university. Second, the program must advance you toward your degree. Other conditions might also apply, so its essential to communicate with both your home university and your host university throughout the process. If the cost of tuition at your host university exceeds that of your home university, you might be able to secure a temporary increase in your Pell Grant, as long as you meet eligibility requirements. Program-specific Study Abroad Scholarships Programs like USAC, CIEE, Semester at Sea, and National Student Exchange make study abroad as affordable as possible, and in some cases even help students obtain passports.   USAC, CIEE, and AIFS The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), and the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) are three of many study abroad facilitators with programs in six continents and hundreds of cities. These program facilitators operate within massive collegiate networks, allowing them to keep costs as low as possible to help students afford to study abroad. In addition to low tuition costs, program facilitators maintain strong ties within the local communities. These connections allow the facilitators to place students with host families for better language acquisition and lower out of pocket housing costs. The facilitators also offer private scholarships and financial guidance for participating students. Semester at Sea Semester at Sea is a program that uses a ship as its home base and travels to at least ten countries across three or four continents, depending on the route. A semester-long voyage comes with a hefty price tag, but the organization provides scholarship opportunities and external funding assistance to prospective students. In addition to a private scholarship portal, Semester at Sea also offers a Pell Grant match. National Student Exchange National Student Exchange is a network of colleges and universities based in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam that facilitates accessible opportunities for college students to study away from their home university. Student participants in the NSE program enroll at another participating university for a semester or a full academic year, depending on availability and individual preference.  The program recommends choosing an exchange institution that will complement your studies at your home university, helping you reach academic and career goals. NSE is an affordable option for many students that don’t have the funds or the time to study abroad. Though your institution does need to be a member of NSE in order for you to participate, the network of member institutions is large. Because the schools work together to facilitate these exchanges, you will have the option to pay either in-state tuition at your host university or your regular tuition at your home university. Any scholarships or federal aid you receive annually is eligible to be used to pay for your NSE tuition.   Federal, Non-profit, and Corporate Study Abroad Scholarships There are a handful of government-sponsored study abroad scholarships available to undergraduates, particularly those looking to develop language and diplomatic skills in areas of interest to the United States. Sponsored by the National Security Education Program, Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for students to study in countries critical to the U.S. national interest. Students who receive a Boren Scholarship are required to complete at least one year of federal government employment after graduation. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship provides need-based funding for students to study or intern abroad. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year accredited university, and they must be receiving a Pell Grant at the time of application or prove that they will receive a Pell Grant during the course of the study abroad program. If your community has a Rotary club, the Rotary Foundation provides scholarships up to the equivalent of four years of study to high school, undergraduate, graduate students. Since these scholarships are dependent on your local Rotary club, scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements will vary. Contact your local Rotary club for information on the scholarships they offer.   Other nonprofit organization and corporations, including the Fund for Education Abroad, Scott’s Cheap Flights, American Legion (in cooperation with Samsung), and Unigo provide annual scholarship opportunities.

What are your recommendations to Cunard regarding the balance in the Essay

What are your recommendations to Cunard regarding the balance in the focus of marketing communications between the overall Cunard identity and image, and the id - Essay Example Promoting individual ships will benefit the organization by making the customers aware of specific services, and hence translating this awareness into sales. An analysis of the market, customers, and intermediaries, and of the budget allocation reveals that Cunard should make a move towards more tactical communication-mix. While it should use an integrated approach in all its activities, it is also desirable that individual ships should continue to feature prominently. Cunard Line Ltd. has an illustrious heritage of providing travel services worldwide for the past 150 years. Once singled out as an essential means of travel, this shipping line has now re-positioned itself as a luxury vacation service provider. With its fleet of five 5-star luxury ships including the famous QE2, and two 4-star premium ones, Cunard is the market leader in this section of the industry. This success has been rightly attributed to Cunard’s corporate culture that emphasizes upon high quality operations and service, as well as on preserving an elegant corporate image through advertising and direct mail. From spotless on-board services, (that include services of elite valets, personalized accommodation for individual tastes and preferences, and loads of entertainment, shopping and fun), to the high-brow, glossy market communications - everything is streamlined towards creating a quality brand. Till the 90s, Cunard was managing its communications so as to enhance the overall corporate identity, while distancing itself from hard sell approach taken up by its competitors. It was using an array of communications tools, integrated in appeal and look – judiciously developed by Leslie and her team to forward the communication objectives. By 1992 it was realized that more tactical ingredients have to be utilized to ensure sales and lead generation. Leslie was

Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Smoking - Essay Example This paper describes three major facts associated with smoking in order to persuade smokers to get rid of their smoking habit. Amina Khan in her article, â€Å"Joe Paterno has lung cancer: What are the risks?†, published in Los Angeles Times on November 18, 2011, says the reasons for the lung cvancer caused to former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. Joe Paterno has been diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer recently. She has pointed out that Paterno has never been known as a smoker. In her opinion, â€Å"The most common risk factor for lung cancer is a history of smoking -- even if a patient quit decades earlier. Its not uncommon for patients to quit and think theyre no longer at risk† (Khan). Brizer (2003) has also mentioned the association of cancer with smoking. â€Å"German researchers proved the association of cancer with smoking† (Brizer, p.21). Even though smoking can cause different types of physical diseases such as heart attacks, cancers, cough etc, Lung cancer seems to be the most dangerous disease associated with smoking. It is estimated that tobacco contains more than 4,000 chemicals which may cause different types of diseases to the smoker and the secondary smoke breathers. Ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, and benzene are some of the toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke. Out of these 4000 chemicals, 43 can cause cancer disease. In fact 86% of all deaths caused by smoking is due to lung cancer (Smoking Cessation). Seventy-seven percent (482) had a smoking history while 11.3% (71) were current smokers. The length of smoking cessation to cancer diagnosis was

Supply, Demand, & Equilibrium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supply, Demand, & Equilibrium - Essay Example In the first case, it will look at farmers, factory workers, engineers, and teachers. It should be noted that these occupations have generally unlimited supply meaning a lot of people can be employed in these jobs. In the United States alone, factory workers and engineers abound looking for a job. Thus, we can see an upward sloping curve where more workers will be willing to work for a higher income. The demand on the other hand is more or less horizontal as the job market generally has limited slots for teachers, factory workers, engineers, and farmers. The, intersection of demand and supply determines the average wage. It should be noted that this is often fixed and is determined by the demand curve. The workers under consideration often accept what is offered by the companies which hire them. The market of professional sports players are also competitive yet faces a far different situation than what is discussed above. It should be noted that as opposed to the market of typical players, professional sports players supply is limited because their career is often determined by their skills and abilities together with the reception of audiences to them. The length and intensity of training required for a professional player is far from what is undergone by an ordinary farmer or factory worker. It should be noted that the supply curve of professional players is upward sloping yet more leftward than the case of farmer, teachers, engineers, and factory workers as these players require more compensation for their trainings and performance. In the market of professional players, some players are even paid higher than the others. Look at the case of Michael Jordan compared to other basketball players. It is irrefutable that he is paid more than four times what is being paid the a verage player in NBA. In his case, the supply curve is vertical because there is only one Michael Jordan. Because his reservation wage is

To what extent have the fair-trade initiatives increased standard of Research Paper

To what extent have the fair-trade initiatives increased standard of living in West Africa - Research Paper Example The paper tells that since the end of World War II, the industrialized countries of the world have been befitting from consistently increasing world trade patterns. International trade fuels both national economies and the international economy, determining the wellbeing of individual States, and directly affecting the standard of living of the population of every country in the world. In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the overarching economic and political structure, within which unrestricted trade is meant to take place. This structure was set up to promote â€Å"cooperation and integration† leading to an economic union in West Africa â€Å"in order to raise the living standards of its peoples†. A Pan-Africanist slant is also evident in that the intention to promote progress and development on the whole continent is explicitly stated. Thus a common market was an original intention; regional economic reform would have to take pla ce; integration particularly in food, agriculture and natural resources was seen as vital; and the establishment of a common market through liberalization of trade among West African States was envisioned. An important aspect of the ECOWAS initiative is also to ensure a â€Å"common external tariff† and trade policy with regard to third countries. Additionally, a stated intention in the ECOWAS revised treaty is to promote â€Å"balanced development† and a focus on the â€Å"special problems of each Member State particularly those of land-locked and small island Member States†.... This has not happened. The elites – both within countries and within the region continue to be advantaged, while the poor continue to grow in number, and in levels of poverty. Analysis surrounding the economies of West Africa, their political stances, and their trade policies, as well as the world economy, and West Africa’s part in it will be examined in this paper. The information from the analyses is organized in the Findings Section, to show the realities of the situation in West African countries and their economic relationships with particularly the Western, developed world. In the Comments and Recommendations Section of this essay, it is proposed that the exploitative relationship which has existed between African developing or underdeveloped countries (and other developing countries) since slavery and colonialism has not been redressed. Instead, initiatives such as Free Trade agreementsNote that this has been introduced earlier, extensively within associations su ch as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have no chance of success because of the nature of the trade balance which continues to exist between developing countries and the developed world. All that is maintained is the advantage of the Western power blocs over the developing world, in the guise of aiming to stimulate and improve conditions in these countries. The essay concludes with a summary comment on the nature of the economic, political and power relationships between the countries of West Africa, as well as ECOWAS and the world. Analysis There tends to be a bias toward the economic principles, values and norms of the West in much writing about the economics of West Africa

Week 5 Discussion questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 5 Discussion questions - Essay Example Sometimes management is naà ¯ve and they think that the same rules apply to a company in a large scale. With growth come a lot of hidden costs to monitor a larger operation. Enron was the largest energy producer in the world. The company got so big that a lot of lower level managers and accountants could not see that a huge scam was occurring right beneath their feet. I think that companies are more vulnerable to this phenomenon when they are in their early stages of development due to a lack of economic resources to implement proper internal control mechanisms. I think that employee growth is often not managed well as company start growth. For instances when a company has thousands of employees it become harder to implement control mechanisms to maintain a drug free environment because it is too costly to test all the employees. Firms can only implement random testing of a small population of the employees due to cost constraints. Sometimes firm underestimate the importance of experience and they hire too many college recruits at once. Bad management of human resources complicates human resource issues. I believe that one of the biggest changes in the accounting profession is that accountants have become bigger assets of the managerial staff due to their ability to analyze business information. The utilization of accounting information systems provides companies with precise up to date information that can be used to make informed business decisions. Technology has helped managers and accountants a lot. The accounting profession is changing in the United States due to the influence of new regulations that arrived in the 21st century such as the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002. A branch of accounting that will grow a lot in the near future is auditing and forensic accounting. Sometimes when companies begin to growth they don’t pay adequate attention to their inventory numbers. This

To what extent have the fair-trade initiatives increased standard of Research Paper

To what extent have the fair-trade initiatives increased standard of living in West Africa - Research Paper Example The paper tells that since the end of World War II, the industrialized countries of the world have been befitting from consistently increasing world trade patterns. International trade fuels both national economies and the international economy, determining the wellbeing of individual States, and directly affecting the standard of living of the population of every country in the world. In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the overarching economic and political structure, within which unrestricted trade is meant to take place. This structure was set up to promote â€Å"cooperation and integration† leading to an economic union in West Africa â€Å"in order to raise the living standards of its peoples†. A Pan-Africanist slant is also evident in that the intention to promote progress and development on the whole continent is explicitly stated. Thus a common market was an original intention; regional economic reform would have to take pla ce; integration particularly in food, agriculture and natural resources was seen as vital; and the establishment of a common market through liberalization of trade among West African States was envisioned. An important aspect of the ECOWAS initiative is also to ensure a â€Å"common external tariff† and trade policy with regard to third countries. Additionally, a stated intention in the ECOWAS revised treaty is to promote â€Å"balanced development† and a focus on the â€Å"special problems of each Member State particularly those of land-locked and small island Member States†.... This has not happened. The elites – both within countries and within the region continue to be advantaged, while the poor continue to grow in number, and in levels of poverty. Analysis surrounding the economies of West Africa, their political stances, and their trade policies, as well as the world economy, and West Africa’s part in it will be examined in this paper. The information from the analyses is organized in the Findings Section, to show the realities of the situation in West African countries and their economic relationships with particularly the Western, developed world. In the Comments and Recommendations Section of this essay, it is proposed that the exploitative relationship which has existed between African developing or underdeveloped countries (and other developing countries) since slavery and colonialism has not been redressed. Instead, initiatives such as Free Trade agreementsNote that this has been introduced earlier, extensively within associations su ch as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have no chance of success because of the nature of the trade balance which continues to exist between developing countries and the developed world. All that is maintained is the advantage of the Western power blocs over the developing world, in the guise of aiming to stimulate and improve conditions in these countries. The essay concludes with a summary comment on the nature of the economic, political and power relationships between the countries of West Africa, as well as ECOWAS and the world. Analysis There tends to be a bias toward the economic principles, values and norms of the West in much writing about the economics of West Africa

Manufacturing Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Manufacturing Logistics - Essay Example According to West Midlands Regional Assembly (2007), the West Midlands Region is home to more than 5 million people – a major market for buying and selling goods and services and at the heart of the nation’s strategic road and rail network and its Freight Strategy has considered key regional trends and issues for each of the modes of freight transport: Road, Rail, Air, Pipelines and Inland Waterways. The factory of Aston Enterprises is strategically located to take advantage of the transport networking in the region. Manufacturing Logistics Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘logistics‘ as the aspect of military science dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of military material, facilities, and personnel. In the business context manufacturing logistics is concerned with receiving, inspecting, storing, maintaining and transporting or disposing and the host of other activities which includes controls, reporting and other support service s. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), logistics management can be defined as, "that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements." Uncertainties in the supply chain needs to be resolved on priority basis in the logistics perspective to maintain the flow of production and clear the obstacles in the distribution of the products. Li, L. & Schulze, L. (2011) state, â€Å"Along the logistics network, uncertainty can appear anywhere. At the beginning of the network, even the most reliable supplier could have a late delivery. In the middle, a new machine could fail to work; even it’s just been purchased†. Warehousing Material flow and scalability largely depends upon the design of the warehouses, headroom availabl e, overhead crane facilities, entry and exit gateways, etc. Total control of a warehouse should ensure faster traceability, accuracy in identification, easy cargo movement and on-line planning. Handling equipment and storage facilities should be utilized safely, efficiently and optimally. The control of material flow starts with goods reception, storage (include handling for the purpose of storage and delivery) and dispatch. The module of Warehouse Management System should be integrated with the other modules to lend complete support facilities to the warehouse processes and operations with paperless mobile working procedures to ensure cost efficiency, avoidance of congestion and timely delivery. Synchronization of yard management with reference to timings, space, etc. in respect of loading and loading in trucks and trailers and the functions of gate keeping with the warehousing processes is very important in the overall system for effective control of material flow. Tarca, N., Vatu iu, T. & Tarca, I. (2010, p. 351) state â€Å"Logistics planning may include, in addition to transport activities, storage and loading optimizations related to goods or products: stacking, optimizing product placement in relation to the storage†. Material flow in the domestic and international warehouses of the company should be defined with reference to the different interfaces in the system, order management and historical data. Agarwal, G. & Vijayvargy, L. (2011) states â€Å"

Essay Midterm Essay Example for Free

Essay Midterm Essay 1)The subfields of anthropology seem quite diverse in their specific subjects and methods. Why, then, are they all considered parts of the single discipline of anthropology? What ties them together? Anthropology is an extensive discipline. It is so broad it had to be split into four subfields; Archeology, Biological (Physical), Cultural, and Linguistic anthropology. The definition of anthropology is â€Å"the holistic, scientific study of human kind† (Park, 2014). Parks (2014) states, every anthropologist wants to know why we have a tendency as humans to behave as we do, change constantly, have different cultural behaviors and the ability to constantly evolve. Anthropology answers these questions from the different subfields. â€Å"Archaeology examines our past ways of life through the interpretation of material culture, organic remains, written records, and oral traditions, Biological Anthropology deals with the evolution of the human body, mind and behavior as inferred through study of fossils and comparisons with behavior and anatomy of other primate species, Cultural Anthropology explores the diversity of existing human ways of life, how they work, how they change, and how they interrelate in the modern world and Linguistic Anthropology examines the structure and diversity of language and related human communication systems† (Sanoma State University, 2014). Even though the subfields seem quite diverse they do have similarities that tie them together. According to the American Anthropology Association (2014), â€Å"each subfield applies theories, employs systematic research methodologies, formulates and tests hypotheses, and develops extensive sets of data.† References Anthropology: exploring the human in all of us. (December 12, 2012). American Anthropological Association. Retrieved from http://www.thisisanthropology.org/about-anthropology Parks, (2014) Introducing Anthropology an Integrated Approach (6th ed), McGraw Hill education Sonoma State University, (March 5, 2014). Anthropology consist of four (some would say five) subfields. Retrieved from https://www.sonoma.edu/anthropology/home/subfields.html

An Analysis Of The Company Virgin Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of The Company Virgin Marketing Essay Virgin Atlantic, the UKs second largest long haul airline, operates a fleet of 38 aircraft to 30 destinations in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Indian Ocean, North America, the Caribbean and Australia. In a deal which was finalized in 2000, Branson sold 49% stake of Virgin Atlantic to Singapore Airlines for  £600.25 million to form a unique global partnership. Richard Branson is still the controlling authority as he retains 51% stake in the airline. This essay analyses the chief internal and external factors that contribute to the success of the organisation as well as provide a critical assessment on the effectiveness of the strategies employed. It further discusses a couple of strategic options that are available to the Virgin group for the next five years with reference to appropriate academic models and concepts.   (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf)   Internal Analysis Of Virgin Atlantic In order to understand the strategies, it is important to analyse the internal environment of the organisation. Internal analysis is done by means of the value chain of the Virgin Atlantic. Value Chain Analysis Porters (1990) Value chain framework is an interdependent model that helps to analyse specific activities through which an organisation can create value and gain competitive advantage. (Pathania-Jain, 2001). To conduct the value chain analysis, the company is split into primary activities (those that are related with production) and support activities (those that provide the background necessary for effectiveness and efficiency of the firm like human resources management) (Porter, 1985). These activates are discussed below: Primary activities 1. Inbound and Outbound logistics: In Inbound logistics, the key activities are those associated receiving the raw materials from suppliers and managing them within the firm. These activities includes Stock Control (storing and managing fuel, snacks, food and drinks.), passenger service system, facilities planning etc (Fig. 1.1). It provides ample of facilities to its customers, it gives choice of three entrees with main meal, free drinks, an amenity kit for outbound journey, complimentary newspaper of passengers choice. The facilities keeps on increasing if you move from economy to upper class. The upper-class passenger gets limo service to travel to airport where check in formalities are already completed before they check in hotel style lobby area and through a dedicated security area exclusively for virgin airline customers. The upper-class UK passengers gets a complimentary airport transfer in chauffeur driven Volvo or Virgin Limo Bike which makes there outbound logistics quiet impressing to customers. (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) Operations: Virgin Atlantic is the second largest long haul airline in the UK and the third largest European carrier over the North Atlantic. It operates to many of the top destinations around the world including destinations in the Caribbean, US, India, Far east and Africa. It has won many awards almost in most categories that travel industry offers. 3. Marketing and Sales: Virgin Atlantic uses a wide range of marketing techniques. Advertising activity includes magazines, TV, taxi sides press, outdoor posters and direct mail. Also promotional schemes plays vital role during traditionally low seasons. To encourage loyalty, Virgin Atlantic offers flying club membership where in members gets free miles that can be exchanged for free flights and other rewards. In addition, Virgin Atlantic also advertises through travel agents and runs wide range of promotional schemes, offers trade incentive, organises trips and social/educational events. The website (www.virgin.com/atlantic) also plays vital role as it offers full electronic booking, give information on destination, informs mileage balance to members and different promotional schemes. (Source: http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) 3.Service: Virgin Atlantic has won numerous awards for its service and claims to set up new standards of service by pioneering range of innovations. For example, with respect to comfort during journey, its upper-class suite has longest and most comfortable flat bed and seat in airline industry for which alone it won twelve awards. For travelling from airport, virgin Atlantic offers limousine service and Bike service to its customers. Support activities: Firm Infrastructure: It includes planning and control systems, such as corporate strategy, accounting and finance. (Lynch, 2003). Virgin Atlantic expends heavily on technological solutions and infrastructure. The Finance department analyse the expenses due and financial condition of the group and accordingly plans the expenses necessary for growth of organisation. 2. Human Resource Management: Virgin Atlantic recruit people by means of newspaper advertisements and through its website. Existing staff can also recommend and earn incentive through the same. Virgin Atlantic gives world-class training to its employees and develops their employees from time to time by organising educational events. Also they recruit and train people with sign language skill to facilitate to disable passengers 3.Technology Development: Virgin Atlantic not only considers technological developments as vital for growth but also spends a lot on it. It has award winning in-flight entertainment system, travel seats and beds designed to give extra comfort. Also it is continuously working on innovative aircraft design and technological solution to reduce carbon emission 4. Procurement: Virgin Atlantic has an efficient procurement department, which obtains quality goods and services at lowest price so that the passengers can avail these world-class facilities at competitive prices. The department takes benefit of large operations of and thus achieve economies of scale. The department also interacts with a number of organisations that provide handling services at airports, Including baggage handling, refuelling, maintenance, cleaner services and security. These services are offered by a number of companies and can help in reducing costs. (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) External analysis of Virgin Atlantic To have a grasp of the existing market as well as consumer and stakeholder perception, an awareness of external factors is essential. This section will highlight the position that Virgin Atlantic holds with respect to competitors, social perception, etc. PESTEL Analysis An organisations business environment is invariably governed by external factors which can be broadly analysed as Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors. To gain an advantage in the present and future market the organisation needs to reduce inefficiency and retain cost effectiveness (Grant, 2005). As Virgin Atlantic operates within Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, these factors differ to a certain degree and the manner in which competitors, political bodies and social groups react and respond to the brand has to be anticipated with some care. Political and Legal factors As Virgin Atlantic operates across the globe, it has to adapt its practices to suite national and international laws as well as domestic aviation rules and regulations. The manner in which competitors react to new market shares may also involve political influences. When the United Kingdom opened Heathrow Airport to Virgin, thereby abolishing the London Air Traffic Distribution Rules, angered the chairman of British Airways and lead to BAA donations to the Conservative Party being halted. Virgin also incurred the wrath of Lord King when two unused slots held by BAA at Tokyo Narita International Airport were awarded to the airlines (BAA, 2009). Economic factors It must be stated that the brief financial crisis of the early 1990s forced the then Conservative British government to open Heathrow to Virgin despite opposition from BAA. This shows how external economic conditions can sometimes be favourable to a rising organisation in grabbing a hitherto inaccessible monopolised market. One of the main economic factors that affect the airline industry in general is the fuel hike. Conrady (2009) notes that the low cost fuel prices provided to the UK airline industry has greatly assisted in it escaping the fate of many of its European counterparts. Social factors The social perception and acceptance of a brand is of vital importance to any organisation and Virgin Atlantic has managed to do that in a relatively short period. Virgin Atlantic has been vying for the position to instil in the British public the brand image of a national and international organisation. When British Airways announced in 1997 that it will remove the Union Flag from its tailfins in favour of more international images, Virgin was quick to introduce the Union flag prominently in its winglets and noses with the tagline Britains Flag Carrier thereby challenging BAs traditional role as UKs Flag Carrier. The training of its staff is also a major issue and is vital in gaining stakeholders and achieving stakeholder targets (Nadal, 2009). The service staff need to have proper training to meet the high standards of service which is expected of it by the consumers as a hallmark of the airline industry. Technological factors As an industry that heavily relies on technology, the technological factor is the most essential factor in improving efficiency in the longer term. Virgin has managed to introduce more than 700 next generation aeroplanes, which provides a marking contrast to most of its competitors. According to Briggs and Burke (2009) this also minimises maintenance and training costs in the long run. Virgins initiative to focus on providing online service will also have a marked benefit as more and more consumers are being introduced into the World Wide Web on a daily basis. Consumers are thereby allowed to get up-to-date information regarding flight schedules and compare airline prices. Environmental factors Environmental concerns have also been a frequent issue as the airline industry is notorious as a major polluter. Many campaigns have tried to befriend or at least calm the environmental lobbies but more effort must be put into projecting the image of an organisation that is doing its bit for the environment. Virgin has focused on informing consumers about the CO2 pollution before each flight. The duty free bags are now composed of a significant proportion of recyclable material in compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture (Wheeler and Elkington, 2001). Critical assessment of the virgin Atlantics strategies The above-defined analysis conforms the strategy of Virgin Atlantic as being excellent service provider, it makes its path by providing distinct service. The corporate strategy of the organisation is to provide world-class service at a competitive price. The companys strategy is well supported by statement of Porter (1996), which says that executing the same activities in a different way than that of traditional competitors helps in achieving better position in sustainable manner. The company enters oligopoly market where customer usually receives poor deal and there is a scope of acquiring market by giving better services. To raise awareness of their products and services and new routes, Virgin Atlantic advertises through TV, press, magazines etc. Another strategy that organisation use is to make customers loyal by making them member of there flying club . The flying club offers numerous world-class facilities which will not only help in satisfying the customer but also gaining customer loyalty. The more customers travel through them, the more miles they get which can be exchanged with free flight and other rewards. They also get special support service and clubhouse access. Also during traditional low seasons, tactical promotions and price advertising are done to a large extent to maximize the aircraft capacity. In addition to all these, Virgin Atlantic also market through travel agents by offering them familiarisation trips, trade incentives. (Source: https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/index.jsp; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp) Effectiveness of strategies chosen SWOT Analysis According to Johnson (2005) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a useful tool to examine financial accounts and developing healthy work environment of a company. It is a major step towards any strategic planning in a business. It is considered to be very important source of information for judging and understanding any sort of situations in the organisation. Given below is the SWOT analysis for Virgin Atlantic. Strengths Virgin Atlantic is headquartered in country where competition is enhanced and tolerated due to deregulation The virgin Atlantic has the head office in the country where the contest is heightened and tolerated due to the deregulation, which means the business is managed without the aid of following government restriction. The important feature of the Virgin Atlantic is the collaboration with Singapore airlines that made them one of the best airlines in the world. This has proven to be advantageous for virgin in many ways like huge market access, restructuring, converging technology to develop new one, gaining knowledge and extending supply etc. The strength of the Virgin group perhaps, is its importance to best customer service and innovation combined with brand name gives a big advantage to Virgin Atlantic. Virgin believes in creativity, adding its importance to customer service and innovation with the brand name virgin proves out to be the biggest strength of Virgin Atlantic. Its has introduced many firsts in the business like first to launch entertainment systems, onboard bars which increased social activities in-flight, providing complimentary limousines services, beauty treatments in-flight. It further introduced business economy cabin. It also has a website that dedicated to what a customer can expect from the airline and all other conclusive details of interest. Virgin has a powerful e-business structure that makes communications simpler and easier with the customers. They continually measure the performance delivered by each crewmember on flights. An additional feather to their cap is the exceptional service tin providing assistance to disabled/visually-impaired passengers. It not only helped in earning good reputation but also winning EASE award consecutive four years. (Source:http://www.virgin-Atlantic.com/en/gb/whatsonboard/index.jsp;http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jsp) Weaknesses The major drawback Virgin Atlantic faces is limited market reach as unlike other major international airlines. It operates in limited countries only like UK, Caribbean, South Africa, India, Australia, and US The companies reach in code sharing is limited hence it is not able to enjoy the benefits of code sharing which the members of leading Global alliance are able to do such as lack of transferable priority status, lack of seamless travel, lack of enhanced frequent-flier program benefits, limited extended lounge access and lack of greater network access. This is because Virgin Atlantic is not part of any leading global alliances. (Source: http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp)   Opportunities Virgin Atlantic is one of the few airline companies operating successfully in African countries, gradual liberalisation in UK/south African market leading to 53% rise in flights and 62% increase in passengers. The business has increased incredibly. There are few more cities, which can be considered for hospitality service based on the smooth record of the airline. Some of the very well known and large airlines have experienced bankruptcy in recent times providing them a great opportunity. Also the European Union is on their side providing to a be great support. Going forward, Virgin still have a great scope to grow in African market as only the British and African airways in dominating the continent and virgin comes at third position. It should focus on increasing the market share in Africa. Another opportunity available with Virgin Atlantic is attracting customers by aggressively promoting the clubhouse facilities and introduction of its latest Heathrow clubhouse. The number of tourist coming to UK is increasing day by day which is an opportunities available to them but in competitive environment, its quiet tough but strategic and aggressive marketing can make it possible.      Threats The current situation all over the world has lead to increase in competition so there is high possibility of threat due to competitiveness in the market which in turn creates pressure to maintain continuous profit. This would in turn lead to forceful alliances, mergers and acquisitions which might not be in the interest of the company. Other issue of concern is accommodation of passengers on the aircraft. Other threat may be the legislations i.e. changing policies and rules by government in the country where Virgin Atlantic operates. This may slowdown the operations and business of the company. Another major threat is emergence of new airlines, which can increase competition. Also if new airlines or existing competitors adopt Virgin Atlantics concept and structure, it will be a major threat to the company Strategic options for Virgin media: Ansoff Matrix: The Ansoff matrix (Ansoff, 1957) invented by Igor Ansoff who is also known as father of Strategic Management and was first published in Harvard business review in 1957. It presents the product and market choices available to an organization. In this markets may be defined as customers and products as items sold to customers (Lynch, 2003). Main aspects of Ansoff Analysis The Ansoff matrix provides the basis for an organizations objective setting process and sets the foundation of directional policy for its future (Bennett, 1994). The four strategies entailed in the matrix are elaborated below. Ansoff Product-Market Growth Matrix: (Ansoff, 1957) Market Penetration: It occurs when an organisation accesses a market with its recent services products. The market penetration strategy begins with the existing customers of the organization. This strategy is often use by companies in order to increase sales without wandering from the original strategy of product-market. (Ansoff, 1957). Product Development: Firm develops new products catering to the same market. This strategy refers to the significant new development of products not just minor changes to the existing products (Lynch, 2003). Market development In this particular strategy, a company moves beyond its existing customer base in search of new customers for its existing products and services. This strategy involves searching of new segment of a market, searching of new area to attract new customers, different/new use of products and services. (Lynch, 2003). Another good strategy that comes under market development is selling existing products in new international markets. (for example British firms can consider of selling there products in complete European markets). Diversification Levitt (1983) rightly whispered that world these days is becoming common market and people no matter where they live are demanding similar product and lifestyle. There has been a massive raise in international trade because of globalisation and liberalization. Diversification strategy essentially involves movement of current products and services in new markets (Lynch, 2003; Macmillan et al, 2000). All four strategic options defined above in the Ansoffs model bears risk element with them. Although Market penetration is often considered as a low risk strategy but diversification is considered as a high-risk growth strategy as it involves huge investment that increases due to simultaneously movement into new products and new markets. When applied to Virgin Atlantic, this model results in to two vital strategic options available. Product development strategy and the Market development strategy, to become the most successful organization Virgin Atlantic should follow both of them. The product development strategy suggested through Ansoffs matrix can be a very good strategy for Virgin Atlantic because of the type of customer base, the company possess. The company has good customer base of upper class families and corporate tycoons. If the company introduce new products or sub products, they can market it to these existing customers. The company should focus on strengthening the relationship with existing clients often known as Relationship marketing. One of the ways to achieve it is being in contact with them, giving them special offers, and at times offering them concession. If they are given special facilities and excellent services then it will develop brand loyalty in them. Another option available with Virgin Atlantic is market development strategy which involves search of additional geographical regions and additional market segment. If we compare the flights/services offered by Virgin Atlantic with British airlines, there is a large gap. Although Virgin Atlantic is UKs second largest airline but it operates flights to only 26 major destinations whereas against BA has flights to more than 150 odd destinations. Virgin Atlantic should increase the number of destinations, which can be done after carefully analysing the facts and figures about the population, operations, flights of competitors etc. Also Virgin Atlantic group should focus on developing country (Asia Pacific Region) as the growth prospects ate higher than developed countries. China and India are two developing countries with highest population and expected compounded growth rate in this region in 2007-2012 will be 5.2%. The manufacturing cost is comparatively low in these countries making them attractive destination for business. Also it will be a sound decision to outsource operational work to these countries. Virgin Atlantic is famous for luxurious flights as it offers world-class facilities to their passengers but in this competitive environment they are not offering anything price conscious economy class passengers. They should introduce no frills flight with the objective of earning profits on economy of scales. With this strategy they will not only diversify their risk but can potentially capture a new segment using their brand name and service. Conclusion: To conclude, after analysing internal and external factors of the Virgin Atlantic, it has been observed that Virgin group has grown massively and became world-class brand following the path of virgin group but it is still in path as there is a massive scope of growth which can be realised by combination of two strategies. They are product development and market development and market development. If used appropriately, they can help Virgin Atlantic to

Every Child Counts :: Teaching Education Careers Essays

Every Child Counts Growing up I loved being surrounded by children. Looking back on my earlier years, I realize that teaching has always been a desire of mine. As a child I read to my dolls, pretended to be a teacher to my friends, and baby-sat every opportunity that arose. No matter what the situation was, if there were children involved, you could count me in. I love the feeling of being around children; the joy they bring to a room is what makes them so special. Children are wonderful beings that make me laugh and realize how precious life can be. I have chosen to teach elementary age students because these are the most crucial years they will encounter as they are shaping who they will become. I believe I am taking my God-given gift of loving others, especially children, and using it to benefit the people around me. So many students are neglected, ignored, and abused because people fail to see their worth. I know that kids are creative, spontaneous, loving human beings and they have a hunger to learn. I feel I have many gifts to offer these children and hope I can have a true impact on their lives. My hope is to learn about each individual and touch them each in different ways. I know I will have classrooms filled with diversity but it will be a priority to learn something unique of each student. One thing I have noticed that happens a lot in our world is prejudices. Children are so vulnerable to different cultures and are quick to make judgments. It is my job to teach my students about these different cultures so when they see someone unlike themselves they will not make fun of them. Instead I want these children to be curious and willing to understand why people are different because it is what makes our world unique. While I am learning about them, my hope is that they are willing to learn about each other as well. I hope to unite children of all cultures by teaching them to be curious about others, learn about them, and appreciate their differences. In doing this maybe we can stop some of the prejudices they may have and build a loving community of people who think about each other instead of only themselves.

College Pressure

â€Å"What's wrong with the students of today? Back when I was a student we had a better attitude! † Criticisms like this are often heard from parents and teachers, in the newspapers and other media? And it's been that way ever since education began. No matter what society or era you consider, there are always plenty of wise authorities pointing out that â€Å"The students of today† are somehow failing to grasp the true meaning of university education. Or maybe it's the other way around: Are universities failing to grasp the true meaning of students? This text examines different aspects of this question and discusses the many pressures that modern students face. College  Pressures William Zinsser I am master of Branford College at Yale. I live on the campus and know the students well. (We have 485 of them. ) I listen to their hopes and fears — and also to their stereo music and their piercing cries in the dead of night (â€Å"Does anybody care? â€Å"). They come to me to ask how to get through the rest of their lives. Mainly I try to remind them that the road ahead is a long one and that it will have more unexpected turns than they think. There will be plenty of time to change jobs, change careers, change whole attitudes and approaches. They don't want to hear such news. They want a map — right now — that they can follow directly to career security, financial security, social security and, presumably, a prepaid grave. What I wish for all students is some release from the grim grip of the future. I wish them a chance to enjoy each segment of their education as an experience in itself and not as a tiresome requirement in preparation for the next step. I wish them the right to experiment, to trip and fall, to learn that defeat is as educational as victory and is not the end of the world. My wish, of course, is naive. One of the few rights that America does not proclaim is the right to fail. Achievement is the national god, worshipped in our media — the million-dollar athlete, the wealthy executive — and glorified in our praise of possessions. In the presence of such a potent state religion, the young are growing up old. I see four kinds of pressure working on college students today: economic pressure, parental pressure, peer pressure, and self-induced pressure. It's easy to look around for bad guys — to blame the colleges for charging too much money, the professors for assigning too much work, the parents for pushing their children too far, the students for driving themselves too hard. But there are no bad guys, only victims. Today it is not unusual for a student, even one who works part time at college and full time during the summer, to have accumulated $5,000 in loans after four years — loans that the student must start to repay within one year after graduation (and incidentally, not all these loans are low-interest, as many non-students believe). Encouraged at the commencement ceremony to go forth into the world, students are already behind as they go forth. How can they not feel under pressure throughout college to prepare for this day of reckoning? Women at Yale are under even more pressure than men to justify their expensive education to themselves, their parents, and society. For although they leave college superbly equipped to bring fresh leadership to traditionally male jobs, society hasn't yet caught up with this fact. Along with economic pressure goes parental pressure. Inevitably, the two are deeply intertwined. I see students taking premedical courses with joyless determination. They go off to their labs as if they were going to the dentist. It saddens me because I know them in other corners of their life as cheerful people. â€Å"Do you want to go to medical school? † I ask them. â€Å"I guess so,† they say, without conviction, or, â€Å"Not really. †    â€Å"Then why are you going? † â€Å"My parents want me to be a doctor. They're paying all this money and †¦ †   Ã‚   Peer pressure and self-induced pressure are also intertwined, and they begin from the very start of freshman year. I had a freshman student I'll call Linda,† one instructor told me, â€Å"who came in and said she was under terrible pressure because her roommate, Barbara, was much brighter and studied all the time. I couldn't tell her that Barbara had come in two hours earlier to say the same thing about Linda. † The story is almost funny — except that it's not . It's a symptom of all the pressures put together. When every student thinks every other student is working harder and doing better, the only solution is to study harder still. I see students going off to the library every night after dinner and coming back when it closes at midnight. I wish they could sometimes forget about their peers and go to a movie. I hear the rattling of typewriters in the hours before dawn. I see the tension in their eyes when exams are approaching and papers are due: â€Å"Will I get everything done? †   Ã‚  Ã‚   Probably they won't. They will get sick. They will sleep. They will oversleep. They will bug out. I've painted too grim a portrait of today's students, making them seem too solemn. That's only half of their story; the other half is that these students are nice people, and easy to like. They're quick to laugh and to offer friendship. They're more considerate of one another than any student generation I've ever known. If I've described them primarily as driven creatures who largely ignore the joyful side of life, it's because that's where the problem is — not only at Yale but throughout American education. It's why I think we should all be worried about the values that are nurturing a generation so fearful of risk and so goal-obsessed at such an early age. I tell students that there is no one â€Å"right† way to get ahead — that each of them is a different person, starting from a different point and bound for a different destination. I tell them that change is healthy and that people don't have to fit into pre-arranged slots. One of my ways of telling them is to invite men and women who have achieved success outside the academic world to come and talk informally with my students during the year. I invite heads of companies, editors of magazines, politicians, Broadway producers, artists, writers, economists, photographers, scientists, historians — a mixed bag of achievers. I ask them to say a few words about how they got started. The students always assume that they started in their present profession and knew all along that it was what they wanted to do. But in fact, most of them got where they are by a circuitous route, after many side trips. The students are startled. They can hardly conceive of a career that was not preplanned. They can hardly imagine allowing the hand of God or chance to lead them down some unforeseen trail. College Pressures by William Zinsser( , ) , , , Dear Carlos: I desperately need a dean's excuse for my chem midterm which will begin in about 1 hour. All I can say is that I totally blew it this week. I've fallen incredibly, inconceivably behind. Carlos: Help! I'm anxious to hear from you. I'll be in my room and won't leave it until I hear from you. Tomorrow is the last day for †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Carlos: I left town because I started bugging out again. I stayed up all night to finish a take-home make-up exam and am typing it to hand in on the 10th. It was due on the 5th. P. S. I'm going to the dentist. Pain is pretty bad. Carlos: Probably by Friday I'll be able to get back to my studies. Right now I'm going to take a long walk. This whole thing has taken a lot out of me. Carlos: I'm really up the proverbial creek. The problem is I really bombed the history final. Since I need that course for my major I †¦. Carlos: Here follows a tale of woe. I went home this weekend, had to help my Mom, and caught a fever so didn't have much time to study. My professor †¦.. Carlos: Aargh!! Trouble. Nothing original but everything's piling up at once. To be brief, my job interview †¦.. Hey Carlos, good news! I've got mononucleosis. Who are these wretched supplicants, scribbling notes so laden with anxiety, seeking such miracles of postponement and balm? They are men and women who belong to Branford College, one of the twelve residential colleges at Yale University, and the messages are just a few of the hundreds that they left for their dean, Carlos Hortas — often slipped under his door at 4 a. m. — last year. But students like the ones who wrote those notes can also be found on campuses from coast to coast — especially in New England, and at many other private colleges across the country that have high academic standards and highly motivated students. Nobody could doubt that the notes are real. In their urgency and their gallows humor they are authentic voices of a generation that is panicky to succeed. My own connection with the message writers is that I am master of Branford College. I live in its Gothic quadrangle and know the students well. (We have 485 of them. ) I am privy to their hopes and fears — and also to their stereo music and their piercing cries in the dead of night (â€Å"Does anybody ca-a-are? â€Å"). If they went to Carlos to ask how to get through tomorrow, they come to me to ask how to get through the rest of their lives. Mainly I try to remind them that the road ahead is a long one and that it will have more unexpected turns than they think. There will be plenty of time to change jobs, change careers, change whole attitudes and approaches. They don't want to hear such liberating news. They want a map — right now — that they can follow unswervingly to career security, financial security, social security and, presumably, a prepaid grave. What I wish for all students is some release from the clammy grip of the future. I wish them a chance to savor each segment of their education as an experience in itself and not as a grim preparation for the next step. I wish them the right to experiment, to trip and fall, to learn that defeat is as instructive as victory and is not the end of the world. My wish, of course, is naive. One of the few rights that America does not proclaim is the right to fail. Achievement is the national god, venerated in our media — the million dollar athlete, the wealthy executive — and the glorified in our praise of possessions. In the presence of such a potent state religion, the young are growing up old. I see four kinds of pressure working on college students today: economic pressure, parental pressure, peer pressure, and self-induced pressure. It is easy to look around for villians — to blame the colleges for charging too much money, the professors for assigning too much work, the parents for pushing their children too far, the students for driving themselves too hard. But there are are no villians, only victims. â€Å"In the late 1960's,† one dean told me, â€Å"the typical question that I got from students was, ‘Why is there so much suffering in the world? ‘ or ‘How can I make a contribution? ‘ Today it's, ‘Do you think it would look better for getting into law school if I did a double major in history and political science, or just majored in one of them? Many other deans confirmed this pattern. One said, â€Å"They're trying to find an edge — the intangible something that will look better on paper if two students are about equal. † Note the emphasis on looking better. The transcript has become a sacred document, the passport to security. How one appears on pape r is more important than how one appears in person. A is for Admirable and B is for Borderline, even though, in Yale's official system of grading, A means â€Å"excellent† and B means â€Å"very good. † Today, looking very good is no longer enough, especially for students who hope to go on to law school or medical school. They know that entrance into the better schools will be an entrance into the better law firms and better medical practices where they will make a lot of money. They also know that the odds are harsh, Yale Law School, for instance, matriculates 170 students from an applicant pool of 3,700; Harvard enrolls 550 from a pool of 7,000. It's all very well for those of us who write letters of recommendation for our students to stress the qualities of humanity that will make them good lawyers or doctors. And it's nice to think that admission officers are really reading our letters and looking for the extra dimension of commitment or concern. Still, it would be hard for a student not to visualize these officers shuffling so many transcripts studded with A's that they regard a B as positively shameful. The pressure is almost as heavy on students who just want to graduate and get a job. Long gone are the days of the â€Å"gentlemen's C,† when students journeyed through college with a certain relaxation, sampling a wide variety of courses — music, art, philosophy, classics, anthropology, poetry, religion — that would send them out as liberally educated men and women. If I were an employer I would employ graduates who have this range and curiousity rather than those who narrowly purused safe subjects and high grades. I know countless students whose inquiring minds exhilarate me. I like to hear the play of their ideas. I don't know if they are getting A's or C's, and I don't care. I also like them as people. The country needs them, and they will find satisfying jobs. I tell them to relax. They can't. Nor can I blame them. They live in a brutal economy. Tuition, room, and board at most private colleges now comes to at least $7,000, not counting books and fees. This might seem to suggest that the colleges are getting rich. But they are equally battered by inflation. Tuition covers only 60% of what it costs to educate a student, and ordinarily the remainder comes from what colleges receive in endowments, grants, and gifts. Now the remainder keeps being swallowed by the cruel costs higher every year, of just opening the doors. Heating oil is up. Insurance is up. Postage is up. Health premium costs are up. Everything is up. Deficits are up. We are witnessing in America the creation of a brotherhood of paupers — colleges, parents and students, joined by the common bond of debt. Today it is not unusual for a student, even if he works part-time at college and full-time during the summer, to accrue $5,000 in loans after four years — loans that he must start to repay within one year after graduation. Exhorted at commencement to go forth into the world, he is already behind as he goes forth. How could he not feel under pressure throughout college to prepare for this day of reckoning? I have used â€Å"he,† incidentally, only for brevity. Women at Yale are under no less pressure to justify their expensive education to themsleves, their parents, and society. In fact, they are probably under more pressure. For although they leave college superbly equipped to bring fresh leadership to traditionally male jobs, society hasn't yet caught up with that fact. Along with economic pressure goes parental pressure. Inevitably, the two are deeply intertwined. I see many students taking pre-medical courses with joyless tenacity. They go off to their labs as if they were going to the dentist. It saddens me because I know them in other corners of their life as cheerful people. â€Å"Do you want to go to medical school? I ask them. â€Å"I guess so,† they say, without conviction, or â€Å"Not really. † â€Å"Then why are you going? † â€Å"Well, my parents want me to be a doctor. They're paying all this money and †¦ † Poor students, poor parents. They are caught in one of the oldest webs of love and duty and guilt. The parents mean well; they are trying to steer their sons and daughters toward a secure future. But the so ns and daughters want to major in history or classics or philosophy — subjects with no â€Å"practical† value. Where's the payoff on the humanities? It's not easy to persuade such loving parents that the humanities do, indeed, pay off. The intellectual faculties developed by studying subjects like history and classics — an ability to synthesize and relate, to weigh cause and effect, to see events in perspective — are just the faculties that make creative leaders in business or almost any general field. Still, many thaters would rather put their money on courses that point toward a specific profession — courses that are pre-law, pre-medical, pre-business, or as I sometimes put it, â€Å"pre-rich. † But the pressure on students is severe. They are truly torn. One part of them feels obligated to fulfill their parents' expectations; after all, their parents are older and presumably wiser. Another part tells them that the expectations that are right for their parents are not right for them. I know a student who wants to be an artist. She is very obviously an artist and will be a good one — she has already had several modest local exhibits. Meanwhile she is growing as a well-rounded person and taking humanistic subjects that will enrich the inner resources out of which her art will grow. But her father is strongly opposed. He thinks that an artist is a â€Å"dumb† thing to be. The student vacillates and tries to please everybody. She keeps up with her art somewhat furtively and takes some of the â€Å"dumb† courses her father wants her to take — at least they are dumb courses for her. She is a free spirit on a campus of tense students — no small achievement in itself — she deserves to follow her muse. Peer pressure and self-induced pressure are also intertwined, and they begin almost at the beginning of freshman year. I had a freshman student I'll call Linda, † one dean told me, â€Å"who came in and said she was under terrible pressure because her roommate, Barbara, was much brighter and studied all the time. I couldn't tell her that Barabra had come in two hours earlier to say the same thing about Linda. † The story is almost funny — except that it's not. It's symptomatic of all the pressures put together. When every student thinks every other student is working harder and doing better, the only solution is to study harder still. I see students going off to the library every night after dinner and coming back when it closes at midnight. I wish they would sometimes forget about their peers and go to a movie. I hear the clack of typewriters in the hours before dawn. I see the tension in their eyes when exams are approaching and papers are due : â€Å"Will I get everything done? † Probably they won't. They will get sick. They will get â€Å"blocked†. They will sleep. They will oversleep. They will bug out. Hey Carlos, Help! Part of the problem is that they do more than they are expected to do. A professor will assign five-page papers. Several students will start writing ten-page papers, and a few will raise the ante to fifteen. Pity the poor student who is still just doing the assignment. â€Å"Once you have twenty or thirty percent of the student population deliberately overexerting,† one dean points out, â€Å"it's just bad for everybody. When a teacher gets more and more effort from his class, the student who is doing normal work can be perceived as not doing well. The tactic works, psychologically. † Why can't the professor just cut back and not accept longer papers? He can and he probably will. But by then the term will be half over and the damage done. Grade fever is highly contagious and not easily reversed. Besides, the professor's main concern is with his course. He knows his students only in relation to the course and doesn't know that they are also overexerting in their other courses. Nor is it really his business. He didn't sign up for dealing with the student as a whole person and with all the emotional baggage the student brought from home. That's what deans, masters, chaplains, and psychiatrists are for. To some extent this is nothing new: a certain number of professors have always been self-contained islands of scholarship and shyness, more comfortable with books than with people. But the new pauperism has widened the gap still further, for professors who actually like to spend time with students don't have as much time to spend. They also are overexerting. If they are young, they are busy trying to publish in order not to perish, hanging by their fingernails onto a shrinking profession. If they are old and tenured, they are buried under the duties of administering departments — as departmental chairmen or members of committees — that have been thinned out by the budgetary axe. Ultimately it will be the student's own business to break the circles in which they are trapped. They are too young to be prisoners of their parents' dreams and their classmates' fears. They must be jolted into believing in themselves as unique men and women who have the power to shape their own future. â€Å"Violence is being done to the undergraduate experience,† says Carlos Horta. â€Å"College should be open-ended; at the end it should open many, many roads. Instead, students are choosing their goal in advance, and their choices narrow as they go along, it's almost as if they think that the country has been codified in the type of jobs that exist — that they've got to fit into certain slots. Therefore, fit into the best-paying slot. † â€Å"They ought to take chances. Not taking chances will lead to a life of colorless mediocrity. They'll be comfortable. But something in the spirit will be missing. † I have painted too drab a portrait of today's students, making them seem a solemn lot. That is only half of their story: if they were so dreary I wouldn't so thoroughly enjoy their company. The other half is that they are easy to like. They are quick to laugh and to offer friendship. They are not introverts. They are unusually kind and are more considerate of one another than any student generation I have known. Nor are they so obsessed with their studies that they avoid sports and extra-curricular activities. On the contrary, they juggle their crowded hours to play on a variety of teams, peform with musical and dramatic groups, and write for campus publications. But this in turn is one more cause of anxiety. There are too many choices. Academically, they have 1,300 courses to select from; outside class they have to decide how much spare time they can spare and how to spend it. This means that they engage in fewer extracurricular pursuits than their predecessors did. If they want to row on the crew and play in the symphony they will eliminate one; in the '60's they would have done both. They also tend to choose activities that are self-limiting. Drama, for instance, is flourishing in all twelve of Yale's residential colleges as it never has before. Students hurl themselves into these productions — as actors, directors, carpenters, and technicians — with a dedication to create the best possible play, knowing that the day will come when the run will end and they can get back to their studies. They also can't afford to be the willing slave for organizations like the Yale Daily News. Last spring at the one hundredth anniversary banquet of that paper whose past chairmen include such once and future kings as Potter Stewart, Kingman Brewster, and William F. Buckley, Jr. — much was made of the fact that the editorial staff used to be small and totally committed and that â€Å"newsies† routinely worked fifty hours a week. In effect they belonged to a club; Newsies is how they defined themselves at Yale. Today's student will write one or two articles a week, when he can, and he defines himself as a student. I've never heard the word Newsie except at the banquet. If I have described the modern undergraduate primarily as a driven creature who is largely ignoring the blithe spirit inside who keeps trying to come out and play, it's because that's where the crunch is, not only at Yale but throughout American education. It's why I think we should all be worried about the values that are nurturing a generation so fearful of risk and so goal-obsessed at such an early age. I tell students that there is no one â€Å"right† way to get ahead — that each of them is a different person, starting from a different point and bound for a different destination. I tell them that change is a tonic and that all the slots are not codified nor the frontiers closed. One of my ways of telling them is to invite men and women who have achieved success outside the academic world to come and talk informally with my students during the year. They are heads of companies or ad agencies, editors of magazines, politicians, public officials, television magnates, labor leaders, business executives, Broadway producers, artists, writers, economists, photographers, scientists, historians — a mixed bag of achievers. I ask them to say a few words about how they got started. The students assume that they started in their present profession and knew all along that it was what they wanted to do. Luckily for me, most of them got into their field by a circuitious route, to their surprise, after many detours. The students are startled. They can hardly conceive of a career that was not pre-planned. They can hardly imagine allowing the hand of God or chance to nudge them down some unforeseen trail.