Bipolar Disorder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Bipolar Disorder - Essay Example Experts have been unable to define a specific cure for bipolar disorder. However, certain agents are commonly used in managing the condition. Patients experiencing depression may rely on antidepressants such as Lexapro and Prozac. Usually, antidepressants have the capacity to increase the activity of the brain cells. In other cases, patients may rely on anti-manic agents when experiencing the manic episodes. However, anti-manic drugs are combined with lithium, an agent that prevents the recurrence of the different episodes. Researchers have highlighted that genetic factors contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. Certain factors that trigger the development of bipolar disorder may be inherited by the offspring from parents. Parents with the condition are likely to pass it to their children at a 25% probability. Neurochemical factors also contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. Specifically, neurotransmitters in certain parts of the brain may fail to function in t he normal way. In other cases, psychological factors may alter the functioning of neurotransmitters. Environmental factors such as traumatic events occurring in the early stages of life may also contribute to the development of bipolar disorder (Parachin, 2014). Notably, there are existing barriers to the treatment and management of bipolar disorder. The fact that there is no specific medication for the condition that works in every individual is one of the outstanding barriers.

Television genre Essay Example for Free

Television genre Essay According to the Catalan language dictionary Alberti , culture is a joint space of knowledge from a person; or else the joint space of the human creations in general, or the specific of a country or a society. So everything that creates culture is related to the knowledge that different individuals have. And how can people achieve knowledge? As said by Timo Jarvilehto, psychology professor in the Oulu University: the senses are not transmitters of environmental information; rather, they create a direct connection between the organism and the environment that makes possible a dynamic organism-environment system With the help of efferent effects on receptors, each organism creates its own particular world Therefore, we get knowledge thanks to everything that surrounds us. Basing on the results of an interview (see annex), Catalan people do not know their own culture. The Catalan typical folkloric dances are danced in a cultural association called Esbart. Theoretically, everybody must know at least, which is the name of this association, but when we look to the results we see that this is not true. To the question: Do you know what an Esbart is? No more than a 20% of the interviewed men knew what is it. In women, results are a bit higher, but anyway the tax is very low; only a 40% of them knew the answer. However, the results for another question were very different. After the Catalan culture, I asked for the American one. The question was: Do you know what the Country Dance is? Surprisingly ALL the interviewed women know how the American dances are, even some of them had practice it. Moreover, in the males case only one of the interviewed didnt know what the American dances were, and it was the case of a 72 years old man who almost didnt know what the television was. So we can extract from this example that the actual society knows better foreign cultures that their own traditions. Going back to the first definition of culture, we know that what is around us affect us. Since last 30 or 40 years, media are one of the main stimuli around us. So are the influences that help us most to create culture.

Shaker Communities Essays -- Essays Papers

Shaker Communities During the 1800’s many utopian societies sprouted in the United States. Most of these societies blossomed and faded quite quickly, but one group did not fade away like the others. This society successfully combined their faith with the reasoning of the changing times and kept their communities going strong. They are or known as the Shakers, or more formally as the members of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing. The Shakers were inventors and thinkers who challenged many traditional thoughts and beliefs. Even today, people marvel and wonder at the Shakers and their communities, which have survived for over two hundred and twenty years and whose influences on society still are present today. Originally, the Shakers formed out of a sect of Quakers in England that was known as the "Shaking Quakers" due to their very emotional religious services. Jane and James Wardley led the group who shook, danced, sang and spoke in tongues during services. A woman from Manchester, England, named Ann Lee joined the group in 1758. In 1770 she was arrested and spent time in jail for disturbing the peace during a religious celebration. During this time Ann had her vision of "Adam and Eve having carnal intercourse" which shaped the future of the group.1 Afterwards she came to the realization that sexual intercourse caused humankind’s fall from grace. Following her release from jail, she went forth to tell the members of the Shaking Quakers in Manchester about her vision. At this point, Ann Lee became known as Mother Ann, the leader of the Shaking Quakers. For the next four years, the group remained in England. Due to the persecution they faced during this time, they failed to attract many new members... ...x/soc257/nrms/Shakers.html (5 Mar. 2000). 3. Hillebrand ( Http://www.webzonecom.com/ccn/cults/othr09a.txt). 4. Robley Edward Whitson, The Shakers: Two Centuries of Spiritual Refection (New York: Paulist Press, 1983), 1-2. 5. David R. Lamson, Two Years Experience Among the Shakers (New York: AMS Press Inc., 1971), 10-11. 6. Lawrence Foster, Women, Family, and Utopia (New York: Syracuse University Press, 1991), 30-31. 7. Stephen J. Stein, The Shaker Experience in America (New Haven, CO: Yale University Press, 1992) 133-134. 8. Unknown, "New Release from Storey Books - Shaker Medicinal Herbs" Http://www.storey.com/news/aug0404.htm (5 Mar. 2000). 9. Unknown, "Sabbathday Lake." Http://www.shakerworkshops.com/sdl.htm (5 Mar. 2000). 10. Harlan ( Http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~jkh8x/soc257/nrms/Shakers.html).

Causes of the Revolutionary War :: American America History

Causes of the Revolutionary War The haphazard and disorganized British rule of the American colonies in the decade prior to the outbreak led to the Revolutionary War. The mismanagement of the colonies, the taxation policies that violated the colonist right's, the distractions of foreign wars and politics in England and mercantilist policies that benefited the English to a much greater degree then the colonists all show the British incompetence in their rule over the colonies. These policies and distractions were some of the causes of the Revolutionary War. The interests of England within the colonies were self-centered. The English were exploiting were trying to govern the colonies by using the mercantilist system. Mercantilism is when the state directs all the economic activities within it's borders(Blum 31). England was not attempting to make any changes that would help the colonists. They limited the colonies commerce to internal trade only(Miller 9). The English were exploiting the colonies by demanding that the colonies import more from England then they exported to the colonies. They were importing raw materials from the colonies and making them into exportable goods in England. They would then ship these goods to foreign markets all around the world including the colonies(America Online ). Throughout the seventeenth century the English saw America as a place to get materials they didn't have at home and a market to sell finished products at after the goods had been manufactured. This was detrimental to the colonies because it pr evented them from manufacturing any of the raw materials they produced and made them more dependent upon England. In addition to the unrest caused by their mercantilist policies, domestic political issues distracted them from the activities of the colonies. Throughout the sixteen hundreds, Great Britain was more involved in solving the Constitutional issue of who was to have more power in English government, the king or parliament. When this complex issue was finally resolved in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, England turned its attention back to the colonies and found that colonists had developed their own identity as American. There was no central office in England to control what was happening in the colonies. The executive authority in England was divided among several ministers and commissioners that did not act quickly or in unison. Also, the Board of Trade, the branch of government that knew more about the colonies than any other governing body in England, did not have the power to make decisions or to enforce decrees. Causes of the Revolutionary War :: American America History Causes of the Revolutionary War The haphazard and disorganized British rule of the American colonies in the decade prior to the outbreak led to the Revolutionary War. The mismanagement of the colonies, the taxation policies that violated the colonist right's, the distractions of foreign wars and politics in England and mercantilist policies that benefited the English to a much greater degree then the colonists all show the British incompetence in their rule over the colonies. These policies and distractions were some of the causes of the Revolutionary War. The interests of England within the colonies were self-centered. The English were exploiting were trying to govern the colonies by using the mercantilist system. Mercantilism is when the state directs all the economic activities within it's borders(Blum 31). England was not attempting to make any changes that would help the colonists. They limited the colonies commerce to internal trade only(Miller 9). The English were exploiting the colonies by demanding that the colonies import more from England then they exported to the colonies. They were importing raw materials from the colonies and making them into exportable goods in England. They would then ship these goods to foreign markets all around the world including the colonies(America Online ). Throughout the seventeenth century the English saw America as a place to get materials they didn't have at home and a market to sell finished products at after the goods had been manufactured. This was detrimental to the colonies because it pr evented them from manufacturing any of the raw materials they produced and made them more dependent upon England. In addition to the unrest caused by their mercantilist policies, domestic political issues distracted them from the activities of the colonies. Throughout the sixteen hundreds, Great Britain was more involved in solving the Constitutional issue of who was to have more power in English government, the king or parliament. When this complex issue was finally resolved in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, England turned its attention back to the colonies and found that colonists had developed their own identity as American. There was no central office in England to control what was happening in the colonies. The executive authority in England was divided among several ministers and commissioners that did not act quickly or in unison. Also, the Board of Trade, the branch of government that knew more about the colonies than any other governing body in England, did not have the power to make decisions or to enforce decrees.

Cognitive Development Theory

Jean Piaget was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland on August 9, 1986 to Arthur Piaget and Rebecca Jackson. At a young age, he displayed great fascination for Biology, his intellectual love. Jean Piaget, at the age of 10 published his first article, which described the albino sparrow he observed. Between the ages of 15 and 18, he published several more articles and most of them are mollusks. Jean Piaget was especially drawn to epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with the origins of knowledge. He studied natural sciences in the University of Neuchatel and gained his PH. D there. Piaget then worked for a period of at Bleur’s psychiatric clinic in Zurich where he became interested in psychoanalysis. He studied clinical psychology in the Sorbome University in Paris in the year 1919. In 1930s, he was employed at the Binet Institute where his job was to develop French versions of questions on English intelligence tests. He became intrigued with the reasons children gave for their wrong answers on the questions that required logical thinking. He believed that these incorrect answers revealed important differences between the thinking of adults and children. In 1923, he married, Valentine Chatenay. They had three children, Jacqueline, Lucienne and Laurent whose intellectual development from infancy to language was studied by Piaget. In 1929, he accepted the post of Director of the International Bureau of Education and remained the head of his international organization. In 1955, he created and directed until his death the International Center for Genetic Epistemology. Piaget was productive his entire lifetime, he published 30 books and more than 200 articles. Cognitive Development Theory: Cognitive theory is concerned with the development of a person's thought processes. It also looks at how these thought processes influence how we understand and interact with the world. The foremost cognitive thinker was Jean Piaget, who proposed an idea that seems obvious now, but helped revolutionize how we think about child development: Children think differently than adults. It proposes as a result of biological maturation and environmental experience. It views intelligence as the ability to adapt to all aspects of reality, that within the person’s lifetime, it evolves through a series of qualitatively distinct stages. Organization- involves in the integration of all process into one overall system. It refers to the organism’s innate capability to coordinate particular observations into complex systems of coherent knowledge. Adaptation- it is the organism’s response to the environment in a way it could meet balance. (Equilibrium) Dynamics of Personality: Schema- is the category of knowledge that helps us understand or interpret the world. It is the basic cognitive unit. In this complex concept involves either mental organization, or a child’s conceptualization of a specific situation, and behavior that can be seen. Assimilation- is the â€Å"taking in,† or incorporation of a new object, experience, or concept into an existing set of schemes, that is, to the child’s present cognitive structure. It is the process of taking in new information into our previously existing schemas is known as assimilation. The process is somewhat subjective, because we tend to modify experience or information somewhat to fit in with our preexisting beliefs. In the example above, seeing a dog and labeling it â€Å"dog† is an example of assimilating the animal into the child's dog schema. Accommodation- it is the adaptation of the current knowledge to another new experience. It involves altering existing schemas, or ideas, as a result of new information or new experiences. New schemas may also be developed during this process. It is also the process by which children change their cognitive structures to deal with new objects and situations. Equilibrium- assimilation and accommodation are constantly working together to produce changes in a child’s conceptualization of the world and reaction to it. It gives state of balance to assimilation and accommodation. Growth Development: The Sensorimotor stage it ranges from birth to 2 years. In this stage intelligence is primitive in form. It is the coordination of sensory information and motor activity. in this stage, infants construct an understanding of the world by coordinating experiences (such as seeing and hearing) with physical, motoric actions. Infants gain knowledge of the world from the physical actions they perform on it. The six substages of Piaget’s Sensorimotor stage are Reflex activity from 0-1 month old which builds knowledge through reflexes. Primary Circular Reaction from 1-4 months. It is the infants repeat pleasurable behaviors that first occurred by chance (such as sucking). Secondary Circular Reactions it is from 4 to 8 months. In this stage infants become more interested in the environment and repeat actions that bring interesting results and prolong interesting experiences. Coordination of Secondary Schemes from 8-12 months. In this stage, the behavior is more deliberate and purposeful as infants coordinate previously learned schemes and use previously learned behaviors to attain their goals( such as crawling across the room to get a desired toy). Tertiary Circular Reactions from 12-18 months. In this stage infants show curiosity as they purposefully vary their actions to see results. They use trial and error in this stage. Mental Combinations from 18-24 months. Since toddlers have developed a primitive symbol system. To represent events, they no longer are confirmed to trial and error to solve problems. They represent objects through action already. Preoperational stage ranges from 2-7 years. In this stage the child already begun to speak. Piaget noted that in this stage children do not yet understand concrete logic and cannot mentally manipulate information. There are 3 kinds of techniques Piaget use to study this stage; first is the Egocentrism it is the children’s assurance that the world thinks like they do. The best technique that Piaget uses to this is the 3 dimensional play of mountain scene. Which best describe as â€Å"Three Mountain task† when children are asked to choose a picture that showed the scene they had observed. Most children are able to do this with little difficulty. Next, children are asked to select a picture showing what someone else would have observed when looking at the mountain from a different viewpoint. Invariably, children almost always choose the scene showing their own view of the mountain scene. According to Piaget, children experience this difficulty because they are unable to take on another person's perspective. Next is Animism it is the tendency to attribute life to object that are not biologically alive. It is the belief that inanimate objects are moved through will and spirits. Last is Artificialism it is the belief that things are created by human beings. Concrete Operational Stage from 7-11 years. During this time, children gain a better understanding of mental operations. Children begin thinking logically about concrete events, but have difficulty understanding abstract or hypothetical concepts. Logic Piaget determined that children in the concrete operational stage were fairly good at the use of inductive logic. Inductive logic involves going from a specific experience to a general principle. On the other hand, children at this age have difficulty using deductive logic, which involves using a general principle to determine the outcome of a specific event. Reversibility one of the most important developments in this stage is an understanding of reversibility, or awareness that actions can be reversed. An example of this is being able to reverse the order of relationships between mental categories. For example, a child might be able to recognize that his or her dog is a Labrador, that a Labrador is a dog, and that a dog is an animal. In this stage, children became more objective and less egocentric. Formal Operational Stage from 12 years and above. During this time, people develop the ability to think about abstract concepts. Skills such as logical thought, deductive reasoning, and systematic planning also emerge during this stage. Piaget believed that deductive logic becomes important during the formal operational stage. Deductive logic requires the ability to use a general principle to determine a specific outcome. This type of thinking involves hypothetical situations and is often required in science and mathematics. Abstract thought while children tend to think very concretely and specifically in earlier stages, the ability to think about abstract concepts emerges during the formal operational stage. Instead of relying solely on previous experiences, children begin to consider possible outcomes and consequences of actions. This type of thinking is important in long-term planning. In earlier stages, children used trial-and-error to solve problems. During the formal operational stage, the ability to systematically solve a problem in a logical and methodical way emerges. Children at the formal operational stage of cognitive development are often able to quickly plan an organized approach to solving a problem. Applicability of the Theory: Piaget did not explicitly relate his theory to education, although later researchers have explained how features of Piaget's theory can be applied to teaching and learning. Piaget has been extremely influential in developing educational policy and teaching. For example, a review of primary education by the UK government in 1966 was based strongly on Piaget’s theory. The result of this review led to the publication of the Plowden report (1967). Discovery learning – the idea that children learn best through doing and actively exploring – was seen as central to the transformation of primary school curriculum. ‘The report's recurring themes are individual learning, flexibility in the curriculum, the centrality of play in children's learning, the use of the environment, learning by discovery and the importance of the evaluation of children's progress – teachers should ‘not assume that only what is measurable is valuable. ‘ Because Piaget's theory is based upon biological maturation and stages the notion of ‘readiness' important. Readiness concerns when certain information or concepts should be taught. According to Piaget's theory children should not be taught certain concepts until they have reached the appropriate stage cognitive development. Within the classroom learning should be student centred a accomplished through active discovery learning. The role of the teacher is to facilitate learning, rather than direct tuition. Therefore teachers should encourage the following within the classroom: o Focus on the process of learning, rather than the end product of it. o Using active methods that require rediscovering or reconstructing â€Å"truths†. Using collaborative, as well as individual activities (so children can learn from each other). o Devising situations that present useful problems, and create disequilibrium in the child. o Evaluate the level of the child's development, so suitable tasks can be set. Strengths: * Piaget’s Theory remains a dominant force in developmental psychology. * It has spawned tremendous amount of empirical research and additional discoveries that increased our understanding about cognitive development. * He changed how people viewed the child’s world and their methods of studying children. His ideas have been of practical use in understanding and communicating with children, particularly in the field of education, and are still used in the present age. Weaknesses: * Piaget’s theory underestimated children’s ability and competencies. * Because Piaget concentrated on the universal stages of cognitive development and biological maturation, his theory wasn’t cross-culturally valid, since the social setting and culture has an effect on cognitive development. S ome of his sample in his experiments was biased that it cannot be generalized to children from different cultures.

Forces pf Habit, 2 Essays

Forces pf Habit, 2 Essays Forces pf Habit, 2 Essay Forces pf Habit, 2 Essay Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: : Forces of Habit 2 As people continued using drugs, their purposes for doing so changed. Drugs were no longer something that the physicians controlled, but people began self-administering them and this changed the social approach to drugs. The rich and the powerful in the society were ready to capitalize on this change. They defeated efforts by the government to restrict the sale of some drugs such as tobacco and alcohol despite the negative consequences associated with them. The government benefited from the drug taxes, and to some extent became dependent on them as a main form of revenue. The author observes, â€Å"The clash between opportunities for profit and concerns about health forms the central moral and political conflict running through the history of psychoactive commerce (Courtwright 91) The psychoactive revolution has contributed towards ensuring a global access of the drugs (188). Different governments have often taken advantage of the mind-altering effects of the drugs to control the people. Governments have encouraged the use of the drugs as a way of helping people deal with the harsh life situations. The modern world today is full of confident people who believe that they can accomplish anything they want. It is at the same time a world full of isolated people. People have realized that they no longer need their communities to be an integral part of their lives since they can make it on their own. The drugs have become an important part of people’s lives today because they help them deal with all the mental anguish, depression, and other psychological problems that they may be experiencing. People no longer need other people’s company to relieve their problems, since they can depend on the drugs. As technology advanced, people found new ways of using the psychoactive resources. This resulted to changes in the way that people consumed the resources. For instance, Europeans had always used wine, but the development of the distillation process led to the development of spirits that were highly addictive and had other negative health consequences. The Ethiopians chewed their coffee beans for stimulation but the development of European technology led to the development of modern day coffee, which is also addictive. The changing nature in the use of the drugs has contributed to the definition of modernity. People in the contemporary world are not afraid of trying new things, and they readily change the nature of a commodity to suit their present need. Many people would not have enjoyed the process of chewing coffee beans, but its flexibility and adaptability has led to different flavors and varieties, which many people find suitable. People in the modern world are constantly seeking gratification from the substances they consumer. The changing nature of the drugs from medicinal to recreational forms has continued to define modernity. No longer is alcohol used to treat wounds or ease labor pains, and tobacco is no longer used to fight fatigue. People have found that they benefit from the consumption of the drugs when they take them as a form of recreation. They smoke cigarettes to calm them down and to make them feel good. They take amphetamines and other drugs such as heroin and cocaine for the purposes of feeling that instant gratification. This has limited the medicinal usage of the drugs. It has led to the development and spread of the drug underworld trade. The rich continue getting richer, as they sell the drugs to the users, some of whom are now addicts. Work Cited Courtwright, T. David. Forces of Habit: Drugs and the Making of the Modern World. Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2009. Print

Free Essays on Should The Government Legislate Morality

Should the Government Legislate Morality There are many things to consider when asking the question, â€Å"Should the government legislate morality, or not?†. People seem to have a difficult time agreeing on moral issues. What is morally correct in the minds of some may not be correct in the mind of another. Is it up to our government to distinguish a definite line between the morally acceptable and the unacceptable? David Pendleton believes so. In his article, he states that the government already imposes moral beliefs on its people. He believes that the laws enforced are guides to lead people on a more moral path of life. On the other hand, Charley Reese writes about why the government should not legislate morality. He states it is not the job of the government to direct its people on how to live their life. Reese blames our immoral country on its people, and thinks it is their responsibility to do something about it. One of Pendleton’s main points is that of public and private morality. He tries to blur the line of privacy by stating that everything a person does affects everyone else, be it directly or indirectly. Then he follows up with â€Å"others have good reason to be interested in how I live my life† (193). I could not disagree with his statement more. This is a weak attempt to prove his point about the difference in public and private affairs. Another argument Pendleton makes is that â€Å"it’s hard to have a society when the things people have in common are too few† (192). I find this weak because I believe in a diverse community. He is saying that people who do not have similar beliefs can not live together in society. The only weakness I found in Reese’s article was his aggressive nature. When I read parts of his article, I felt some of my beliefs being attacked. That is no way to persuade opposing readers to change their minds. The main difference between these two authors’ perspectives i... Free Essays on Should The Government Legislate Morality Free Essays on Should The Government Legislate Morality Should the Government Legislate Morality There are many things to consider when asking the question, â€Å"Should the government legislate morality, or not?†. People seem to have a difficult time agreeing on moral issues. What is morally correct in the minds of some may not be correct in the mind of another. Is it up to our government to distinguish a definite line between the morally acceptable and the unacceptable? David Pendleton believes so. In his article, he states that the government already imposes moral beliefs on its people. He believes that the laws enforced are guides to lead people on a more moral path of life. On the other hand, Charley Reese writes about why the government should not legislate morality. He states it is not the job of the government to direct its people on how to live their life. Reese blames our immoral country on its people, and thinks it is their responsibility to do something about it. One of Pendleton’s main points is that of public and private morality. He tries to blur the line of privacy by stating that everything a person does affects everyone else, be it directly or indirectly. Then he follows up with â€Å"others have good reason to be interested in how I live my life† (193). I could not disagree with his statement more. This is a weak attempt to prove his point about the difference in public and private affairs. Another argument Pendleton makes is that â€Å"it’s hard to have a society when the things people have in common are too few† (192). I find this weak because I believe in a diverse community. He is saying that people who do not have similar beliefs can not live together in society. The only weakness I found in Reese’s article was his aggressive nature. When I read parts of his article, I felt some of my beliefs being attacked. That is no way to persuade opposing readers to change their minds. The main difference between these two authors’ perspectives i...

Your First Steps to Making a Career Change

Your First Steps to Making a Career Change A career change is a big and oftentimes overwhelming undertaking. You’re hoping to enter an unknown world, maybe even one wildly different from the professional life you’ve known so far.  Alyssa Gelbard, founder and president of Resume Strategists Inc., offers some tips on how to tackle the challenges that come with switching industries. ResearchWhile you might speak the language of your current field, a new career comes with a whole new set of terminology and practices. You’ll learn the ins and outs as soon as you get a job, but before you do, do your research so you sound well-informed and feel confident when you go out on interviews.Learn how to sell yourselfThere’s a reason you’re taking this new career leap–you feel ready and qualified to work in a new field. Make a list of reasons why you want to make the change and why your specific skills are ideal for such a change. The more you discover exactly how your strengths align with a pote ntial new job, the better you can speak to them in cover letters and interviews.Network†¦ and then network some moreIf you’re shy about networking, start small–get the word out by mentioning your hopes of a career change when among friends or family. You’re not necessarily looking for someone to hand you a job; networking is about making connections and you never know if someone in your circle might be connected to another person who can give you advice and help.Taking the leap into a new career is brave and exciting. Approach your journey with confidence, even when you’re nervous–if you are determined and willing to put in the work, opportunities are sure to arise.

English - Hazard Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

English - Hazard Communication - Essay Example The general public is relatively ignorant when it comes to information on hazardous chemicals. II. Description of the problem Manufacturers Chemical manufacturers and suppliers are at fault for failing to give adequate information to the public concerning the hazardous character of chemicals. This is despite the fact that, each and every chemical manufacturer is required by law to give sufficient information on the hazardous nature of chemicals. As a result, many people have suffered chemical accidents that have scarred their lives. The standard for hazard communication requires that information be made available, through material safety data sheets, training of employees and labeling of chemicals. Therefore, chemical manufacturers are required to document comprehensive literature on the hazardous nature of the chemicals they produce. Each chemical should have its name, synonyms, acronyms, Chemical Abstracts Services, as well as its chemical designation and substance composition. Inf ormation on substance composition should include active ingredients, inactive components, and impurities. In order to ensure that information on the hazardous nature of chemicals is easily comprehensible, manufacturers and exporters should also use texts and symbols. Employers and employees Most affected are employees working in chemical producing companies, who are oblivious of the hazards they are subjected to at the work place. This is the primary group that needs to have access to hazardous communication. This is because they come into contact with these chemicals on a daily basis, thus rendering them vulnerable to danger. Employers need to protect their employees from danger by conducting training programs on how to handle, transport, store, and dispose of hazardous substances. Once employees have access to such kind of information, they become increasingly aware of their rights, as well as how to best protect themselves. General public However, the general public should not be isolated, as they often come into contact with chemicals, and they deserve to know how to handle such chemicals. There have been numerous reports of people going health facilities to seek medical help after mishandling chemicals. Some chemicals have permanent effects on victims, for example carcinogenic chemicals. Public awareness needs to be conducted to prevent people from being harmed by these chemicals. III. Significance of inquiry It is the prerogative of manufacturers and suppliers to give adequate information concerning the hazardous nature of chemicals to target audiences. It is not humanly possible for employers to evaluate and document all the safety hazards a chemical can cause to its employees. Nevertheless, employees have the right to be informed of the dangers they are most likely to face, when they come into contact with these chemicals, as well as how they can protect themselves. However, this information is not always readily available, thus the essence of this pro posal, to champion for the rights of the public to be well-versed of the threats and risks of dealing with these chemicals. More needs to be done to ensure safety management is upheld in all areas concerning chemical handling. This will in turn, lead to a significant reduction in the number of people suffering from chemical related problems. IV. Relevance statement The

Supporting your Claim Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Supporting your Claim - Essay Example Either way it is prudent and sometimes demands of the situation to produce objective and verifiable evidence to bring the point home for the readers. The facts should have permanence and universality and pass the test of time. The assertions you are making, the information, news and opinion you are giving, the facts, data and revelations you are presenting are all your ‘claims’ that needs be properly supported with objective evidence. Maxine C. Hairston says, â€Å"we all use another common thought pattern, that of assertion and support. We do that when we make a claim, and then back it up with reason†. (p57). Backing and supporting is done by citing authorities and studies in a manner to be understood and accepted by to the readers. You are obliged to adapt a tune and style appealing to the readers and entice them to a willing suspension of disbelief as stated by Coleridge in his Biographia Literaria.. Supporting your claim is important because â€Å"Professors are skeptical who expect authors to back their claims with evidence and rational arguments. As you draft your paper, try to anticipate at what points your readers might ask â€Å"How do you know?† or â€Å"What evidence do you have for that statement?† (Hairston, p5). Giving a universal appeal and acceptance to a piece of composition, the â€Å"claims† in an essay must therefore be supported by objective and verifiable evidences, otherwise the essay will turn into fiction or a fairy tale and would not appeal to the reason of the readership. The writer must therefore know his â€Å"claims† and must know the answer to question like â€Å"how do you know?† or â€Å"how can you claim?† An essay should hold the reader’s attention and have sublimity which comes with authentication of the facts narrated in the essay. The facts narrated should be universal and not limited in scope only known and understood in a local culture. They should also pass the test of

Globalization and Racism in Context of Australian Education Assignment

Globalization and Racism in Context of Australian Education - Assignment Example It may be subject to certain restrictions like the will of the host country to accept the foreign student or may be subject to various other privations like visa, passport, and funding for international studies. Globalization, on the other hand, transcends all borders and the concept of nation or state seemingly does not exist. Here the world is a single entity, comprising of a common ‘knowledge society’. Since globalization has been the result of a worldwide economic and commercial integration, (unlike the internationalization of education, that sees knowledge exchange at very high scholarly levels), it has been identified with transnational educational systems that are based on private entrepreneurial market-driven forces and related competition; and a resultant knowledge exchange that is commercial based (Teichler U and YaÄŸcÄ ±Ã‚  , 2009).Observing the current accelerated rate in globalization it is indeed necessary that the colleges and universities worldwide (in cluding Australia) come together and change their present curriculum to form an integrated educational system so that the concept of a singular ‘knowledge society’ becomes a reality. Globalization, an innovation of the 21st century, is a term that has â€Å"come from nowhere to be almost everywhere† (Giddens, 1999, 7). Globalization though mainly associated with the concept of a worldwide economic integration and a borderless market, its effect without any doubt â€Å"extends well beyond the economy...it transforms people, states, societies, cultures and civilizations† (Comeliau, 1997, 30). The effects of globalization are visible in three main areas, in context of any particular country.  

Non verbal communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Non verbal communication - Essay Example Therefore, non-verbal communication will always be a part of our lives whether intentionally or unconsciously. Non-verbal communication helps us unfold what a person has not told us. This is referred to as judging of internal states. Through non-verbal communication, an individual can express his or her feelings, emotions, attitudes and perceptions (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2009, 244). For instance, an individual may not admit that they are shy, but through their nonverbal communication, another person will be able to realize their shyness. It is thus essential in helping us understand people much better. Through non-verbal communication, an individual is also able to know when another is lying or when the information being told through speech is false. Therefore, non-verbal communication helps us understand the inner part of a person. This is also because; unlike verbal speech, which can be falsified, non-verbal communication cannot be faked. Thus, it expresses the true feelings and emotions of a person. Non-verbal information is also beneficial in creating of impressions (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2009, 245). This application is mainly applied during interviews where by an interviewer can judge the interviewee from the impression created even without being told. For instance, a fidgeting interviewee will be judged as timid and shy even if that is not the case. Non-verbal communication is also crucial in helping us to manage our interaction with different cultures. This mainly helps to eradicate misunderstandings among individuals of different cultures since different cultures translate non-verbal signals differently (Wolters, 2010, 1). In addition, with non-verbal translation, individuals from different cultures are able to communicate with each other by use of non-verbal signals. Elements of Public Speaking Public Speaking refers to the addressing of a multitude of persons on a certain topic. Different individuals use different skills to ensure that the ir message is well understood by their audience. However, the major elements of public speaking identified by scholars include: Preparation An individual should be fully prepared before giving a public speech. This includes ensuring that information to be presented is well organization and put in a basic form that will be easily understood by the audience. Preparation also assists the speaker to ensure that the information presented is relevant and useful (Lenny Laskowski, 1997, 1). Staying relaxed Public speaking can only flow smoothly when the speaker is relaxed and composed. Contrary, the speaker is likely to mix up the ideas without giving the required explanation. Scholars also assert that the audience is likely to believe in the speech of a confident person than of person who does not believe in themselves (Evans, 2012, 1). Use of a good sense of humour, correct grammar and proper pronunciation A public speech that is full of grammatical mistakes will usually be rated as poor and of low quality. Good sense of humour in a public speech also ensures that the audience stays alert and is not bored (Gupit, 2011, 13). Audience awareness An important element of public speech is being aware of the audience being addressed. This is because; different types of language will be used for different levels of audience. For instance, an audience composed of young people may entertain some jokes that an aged audience will not entertain (Evans, 2012, 1). Audibility and Clarity It is

Positive Effects Of The Industrial Revolution On The Lives Of People Case Study

Positive Effects Of The Industrial Revolution On The Lives Of People - Case Study Example The standard of living for some had improved and the society was progressing. The industrial revolution is said to have brought many positive effects in the lives of people. Inventions such as the steam locomotives helped transportation and the increase in agricultural yield helped the farmers. There were many more significant inventions which changed the face of the earth and improved the lives of the masses. However, as it is commonly said that a coin has two sides and so this is also visible here. With the many pros which the industrial revolution brought with itself, it also brought some flaws. It is these flaws which are often highlighted when the industrial revolution is discussed. To begin with, it is claimed that the industrial revolution created a huge gap between the other countries and Britain. Also, this did not only lead to a huge technological gap between the countries but this also created a financial gap between them and Britain. The incomes of the average family were increasing and the people were becoming richer. At this point, sociologists like Marxists claim that the businessmen or the ruling class are exploiting the masses by paying them lesser wages. This causes the standard of living of the workers to actually fall rather than improving. However, as statistics show that people were actually well of in the long run. As soon as the technological change set in the conditions started improving and soon the families were spending more on food, clothing and household goods than ever before 1 Overall, the Industrial Revolution had many good effects. It increased the number of goods and services a nation could produce and supplemented to its wealth. It created jobs for workers and overtime assisted they live better lives. It produced better diets, better accommodation, and cheaper, better clothing.

Non verbal communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Non verbal communication - Essay Example Therefore, non-verbal communication will always be a part of our lives whether intentionally or unconsciously. Non-verbal communication helps us unfold what a person has not told us. This is referred to as judging of internal states. Through non-verbal communication, an individual can express his or her feelings, emotions, attitudes and perceptions (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2009, 244). For instance, an individual may not admit that they are shy, but through their nonverbal communication, another person will be able to realize their shyness. It is thus essential in helping us understand people much better. Through non-verbal communication, an individual is also able to know when another is lying or when the information being told through speech is false. Therefore, non-verbal communication helps us understand the inner part of a person. This is also because; unlike verbal speech, which can be falsified, non-verbal communication cannot be faked. Thus, it expresses the true feelings and emotions of a person. Non-verbal information is also beneficial in creating of impressions (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2009, 245). This application is mainly applied during interviews where by an interviewer can judge the interviewee from the impression created even without being told. For instance, a fidgeting interviewee will be judged as timid and shy even if that is not the case. Non-verbal communication is also crucial in helping us to manage our interaction with different cultures. This mainly helps to eradicate misunderstandings among individuals of different cultures since different cultures translate non-verbal signals differently (Wolters, 2010, 1). In addition, with non-verbal translation, individuals from different cultures are able to communicate with each other by use of non-verbal signals. Elements of Public Speaking Public Speaking refers to the addressing of a multitude of persons on a certain topic. Different individuals use different skills to ensure that the ir message is well understood by their audience. However, the major elements of public speaking identified by scholars include: Preparation An individual should be fully prepared before giving a public speech. This includes ensuring that information to be presented is well organization and put in a basic form that will be easily understood by the audience. Preparation also assists the speaker to ensure that the information presented is relevant and useful (Lenny Laskowski, 1997, 1). Staying relaxed Public speaking can only flow smoothly when the speaker is relaxed and composed. Contrary, the speaker is likely to mix up the ideas without giving the required explanation. Scholars also assert that the audience is likely to believe in the speech of a confident person than of person who does not believe in themselves (Evans, 2012, 1). Use of a good sense of humour, correct grammar and proper pronunciation A public speech that is full of grammatical mistakes will usually be rated as poor and of low quality. Good sense of humour in a public speech also ensures that the audience stays alert and is not bored (Gupit, 2011, 13). Audience awareness An important element of public speech is being aware of the audience being addressed. This is because; different types of language will be used for different levels of audience. For instance, an audience composed of young people may entertain some jokes that an aged audience will not entertain (Evans, 2012, 1). Audibility and Clarity It is

World Civilization I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

World Civilization I - Essay Example The Nubians and Egyptians had specific interests in their interaction, something that was to be of great benefit to their political spheres. Despite the pharaonic state aimed at drifting them from the culture of the Niles, Egyptians still held close relations with the Nubians who were powerful, making them feel threatened; also being that their interests were in the gold, precious stones, ivory and ebony that were only available in the southern parts of the Nubian kingdom (Timothy 2010). Nubian equally with the strong interests in Egypt wanted to protect their interests by taking charge of river Nile trade wise and in need of assurance in protection of their independence from Egypt to the north. There also was the Nile River that was a common source of water for their agricultural activities: watering livestock and crops. Due to their broad flood plains and ability to support larger populations, Nubians moved to Egyptian lands for agriculture, something that brought them even closer. In a nut shell, Egypt and Nubian had a lot in common and their interaction in trade and agriculture contributed a lot to their political life. Their interests in each other’s goods and services are what could never have separated them. Egyptians were blessed in terms of productivity and land which brought Nubians close to them also the need to protect their independence; with Egyptians having interest in the gold Nubians had, ivory, ebony and precious stones. This unity was beneficial as it positively impacted on both their political and economic

European Recovery Program Essay Example for Free

European Recovery Program Essay His proposal would become known as the European Recovery Program, better known as the Marshall Plan. In his speech Marshall extended an offer to the Soviets. Certainly all of Europe was included in the proposal. Stalin was interested in the plan. Lenin had spoken of trade with the communist enemy when that enemy was in collapse. Stalin thought that if these were the correct circumstances then the Soviets could use the Marshall Plan as they wished. Such was not the case. American opposition to the Plan included such conservatives as Taft on the Right and Wallace on the Left. This opposition was much weakened by the seizing of the democratic government of Czechoslovakia in February 1948 (Kunz par. 20). Before that, in September, 1947, Andrei Zhdanov of the Politburo spoke before the Cominform for Eastern Europe to assert that the imperialists were trying to support fascist regimes (Zhdanov par. 2). He wanted the imperialist intrigues to be contained. George Kennan also wanted containment- of the communists and, if need be, of the Soviets. Kennan and William Clayton, both of the US State Department, had contributed greatly to the origination of the Marshall Plan. Kennan thought the world was becoming polarized into giant camps of freedom vs. everyone else. The Soviet Union as the centerpiece of concern would come later. Bernard Baruch, an American advisor, had introduced the term Cold War in April, 1947 (Cold War par. 1). Meanwhile, the communists of France and Italy were of immediate threat in Western Europe. These two nations were part of the fifteen nations that the Marshall Plan would aid. The others were Austria, Belgium, Denmark, West Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (Marshall Plan par. 21). President Truman signed the Marshall Plan on April 3, 1948. The major items for the Europeans in 1948 were to be coal, steel, grains, and machinery (Judd par. 9). In the first year, food constituted half of all of the Marshall aid. Over the long haul, sixty percent was spend on food, fertilizer, and industrial goods. One sixth of the total was for fuel. Another one sixth was spent on machinery and vehicles. In sum, thirteen billion dollars of aid passed from the USA to Western Europe from 1948 to 1951 (DeLong and Eichengreen par. 3). The food, feed, and fertilizer consumed a little over three billion dollars of the total. Shortly after the Marshall Plan went into effect, Italys anti-communist and pro-Marshall Plan party won a majority. And then in France, after the communists won a plurality in 1945, they were on their way out in 1951 due to French economic prosperity. This prosperity in France and elsewhere was not of a minor magnitude. After 1948 Western Europe got its greatest economic growth ever recorded. The German part of the recovery became known as the wirtschaftwunder, or economic miracle (Kunz par. 3). Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, the Soviets were determined to see central planning become a reality. To that end, a forced industrialization was started which was to remove Eastern Europe from any influence by the Marshall Plan. Eastern European nations became satellites of the Soviets, as members of the Warsaw Pact, and got little civilian development in exchange for military support and control. The end products of manufacture and the harvests were directed to the Soviets. No financial or economic stability was developed by these countries. The Marshall Plan made the division of Europe definitive. The Plan seriously damaged the Western European communists’ efforts. Furthermore, the Marshall Plan has been termed inconceivable without the Cold War (Cronin 281). Soon enough, not only was the Marshall Plan in place to aid in the restoration of Western Europe, but it became a vital component in the Cold War. In the Cold War in Western Europe, Germany was a key country. It was to be split in two with the former Allies of WWII in Western Germany and the Soviets in Eastern Germany. But an odd development came about with Berlin, also spilt into east and west components, existing deep within Soviet controlled East Germany. This did not sit well with the Soviets and so they began a blockade of highways and roads into West Berlin in June, 1948.

A Financial Analysis Of 3m Finance Essay

A Financial Analysis Of 3m Finance Essay Currently, 3M operates in more than 65 countries. The company produces a large variety of products, such as: adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental products, electronic materials, electronic circuits and optical films. 3M started operating on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Two Harbors, Minnesota in 1902. Five businessmen (Henry S. Bryan, Hermon W. Cable, John Dwan, William A. McGonagle, Dr. J. Danley Budd) came together to mine a mineral deposit used for manufacturing grinding-wheels. As it turned out, the deposit didnt have much of a value, so they opted to concentrate on sandpaper products. In 1914, 3M launched its first exclusive product: Three-M-ite cloth. Few other innovative products followed: waterproof sandpaper, masking tape, and the very well known Scotch brand tape. In 1929, 3M decided to expand its business internationally and started operating in Europe. The same year, the companys stock was first traded over the counter. In 1946 the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MMM). The company is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and of the SP 500.  [1]   1.2 Company Profile 3M Company is an American transnational enterprise based in Maplewood, Minnesota, and represents one of the major players in the conglomerate industry. Below are presented some of the highlights that compose the companys profile: 3M Co.  [2]   3-M Center St Paul, MN  55144-1000 Index Membership: Dow Jones Composite Dow Industrials SP 100 SP 500 SP 1500 Super Comp Sector: Conglomerates Industry: Conglomerates Employees (last reported count): 74,835 1.2.1 Organizational Structure 3Ms general offices and research laboratories are located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Locally, 3M has nine sales offices and operates 74 manufacturing facilities. Outside the United State, 3M has 148 sales offices and 93 manufacturing .3M owns all of its physical properties.  [3]   Key Executive: Bellow, there are presented few of the key people that are currently running this enterprise: Mr. George W. Buckley, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Mr. Patrick D. Campbell, Chief Financial Officer and Senior VP Mr. Inge G. Thulin, Executive VP of International Operations Mr. Brad T. Sauer, Executive VP of Health Care Business Mr. Jean Lobey, Executive VP of Safety Security Protection Services Business.  [4]   2. Major lines of business  [5]   3M serves its customers through six business segments: 1. Consumer and Office (15% of total sales). 3M is providing its customers with a large variety of products such as house cleaning materials and office supplies. Some of the most popular ones are: Post-it ®, Scotch ®, Scotch-Brite ®, Filtreteà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, O-Cel-Oà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, Nexcareà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, and Commandà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ 2. Display and Graphics (13.5%). As a top technological innovator, 3M provides its customers with products such as: display enhancement films; reflective materials, graphics, and projection systems. 3. Electro and Communications (9.8%). Due to its continuous innovative efforts, 3M managed to provide solutions for customers in many fields: electrical, electronics and communications. They contribute to reliable sources of electrical power, high-performance electronic devices, and reliable, high speeds telecommunications network. 4. Health Care (18.6%). 3M is considered a global leader in medical and oral care products, drug delivery and health information systems, providing its customers with innovative and trustful products that help care professionals improve the quality of care services. 5. Industrial and Transportation (30.8%) The company supplies a large variety of innovative products such as tapes, abrasives, adhesives, specialty materials and filtration systems to different markets: from automotive to aerospace to renewable energy to electronics. 6. Safety, Security and Protection Services (13.8%). 3Mproducts-personal protective equipment, safety and security products, substantially contribute to the safety, security and productivity of people, facilities and systems around the world. 1.3 Operating Strategies 1.3.1 Mission Statements and Management Objectives: The main mission statement and management objectives, as presented in the companys annual report are: Demonstrate uncompromised honesty and integrity in all activities and relationships. Promote individual initiative , innovation and leadership, Establish and maintain a culture dominated by fairness and trust, where respect and responsibility, are valued and recognized. Create a safe workplace for 3M employees. Satisfy customers with high quality products and services. Provide investors with an attractive return. Respect the social and physical environment worldwide. 1.3.2 Business model and Strategies 3M business model is based on the ability to not only develop unique products, but also to manufacture them efficiently and consistently around the world (3M).   [6]   3M is a diversified technology enterprise with an international presence in different businesses, such as: industrial and transportation, healthcare, display and graphics, consumer and office, safety, security and protection services, and electro and communications. The industrial and transportation business includes products such as food and beverage, personal care, and automobiles. Industrial products include polyester, foil, and tape. Transportation sector provides the market with different types of insulation components and catalytic converters. The health care segment produces supplies and equipment for medical and dental use. The display and office business supplies stationary products, and home-improvement products. Besides the already mentioned business sections, 3M also manages a safety segment and an electro and communications segment. In order to remain a respected leader in its field, 3M employs a series of strategies. The company is continuously trying to increasing market share and the popularity of their brands. Also they make significant efforts to maintain existing customers and attract new ones. This is a very important issue considering the number of substitute products currently available on the market. Besides the already mentioned strategies that 3M employs in order to run a successful business, they also practice a very interesting hedging strategy .Instead of concentrating on a single industry, 3M operations are spread over a large variety of sectors. So, at any point in time, the effect of a slow growth sector is counteracted by the prosperity of another sector. Due to this hedging strategy, the company stock price manages to maintain relative stability.  [7]   Also, they continue to spend significant amount of funds on RD, which is critical for their image as a leading innovator, pay dividends, buy back stock and raise shareholders equity, the chief aim being the ability to offer a good return to all their investors. This is a solid company, with a very high degree of liquidity in an extremely good financial health. Another strategy that makes 3M well known is there acquisition strategies. On an average, the company performs ten to twenty acquisitions every year. This enables 3M to continuously grow, penetrate new markets and explore new technologies. Other strategies that 3M employs refer to continuous innovation, in order to introduce new products to various markets that company operate in, gaining market share in the existing markets and aiming to become more and more important to the end customers. 1.4 SWOT Analysis SWOT is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a business.  [8]   3M SWOT analysis:  [9]   Strengths: The company operates in a large variety of business sectors: industrial and transportation, healthcare, display and graphics, consumer and office, safety, security and protection service, electro and communication. Strong research and development capabilities. (According to 3M 2009 Annual Report, the company spent more than a billion dollars in RD). Multinational presence. The company operates more than 65 countries. Solid financial condition. (A complete Income Statement and Balance Sheet are presented in the annexes). Weaknesses: Low inventory turnover, which impacts inventories and margins. Some key segments are registering inferior performance. Strong and aggressive competitors. Opportunities: Acquisitions in key operating areas. 3M performs an average of 20 acquisitions every year. Continued global expansion. Healthcare spending levels in the US are increasing. Security concerns caused by a weak US economy, combined with some unfortunate events that are threatening the safety of American people, (9/11/2001, N1H1 virus infection) brings new opportunities for 3M security business. Threats: The fluctuation of commodity and energy prices (increasing).In order to mitigate this risk, the company is engaging in a multitude of forward physical contracts and price agreements. Exchange rates fluctuations. The company operates worldwide, so the exchange rates and any fluctuations of it may negatively impact the companys results. Environmental regulations. People are becoming more and more aware of the importance of respecting the environment. Any new rules and regulation may require additional funds to be invested in order to work green. 1.5 Core competencies A core competence represents the companys collective knowledge about how to coordinate diverse production skills and technologies (C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel).  [10]   3M runs an extremely diversified business, spread over numerous sectors: industrial, transportation, display and graphics, security etc. In order to manage and keep all this different types of businesses together, the company holds competencies in substrate, coating and adhesives. Besides possessing these competencies, the company also created a multitude of ways to share and apply them. The result of such combination of technology, skills and knowledge, allows 3M to participate on a multitude of businesses and markets. The literature points out that the core competencies of any company should benefit the end customer of the product and should be very difficult to copy by the competitors. 3M is aware that the stronger the customer perception in recognizing the superiority of their products, the less likely the threats of substitutes. The company makes continuous efforts to differentiate its products among the multitude of similarities offered by the competitors and their efforts are successful due to the fact that they are supplying high quality, innovative and reliable products at competitive prices. Moreover, it is a companys core competencies that keeps the businesses together. This aspect is crucial for 3M, as the company operates in multiple business sectors, worldwide. It seems that 3M fully understood this concept and its enormous advantages, because they are investing consistently in their core competencies and ability to innovate, the chief aim being to provide the market and the end customers with innovative products that really stand out. 2. Industry analysis 2.1 Industry Definition, Structure and Major Competitors. The Industrial Conglomerate industry consists of large organizations engaged in multiple business lines within the industrial sector, where at least two business lines comprise a substantial portion of the companys total operation (The New York Times, Oct 1, 2010).  [11]  The industrial conglomerate industry contains the following sectors: Basic Materials, Consumer Cyclical, Consumer Non-Cyclical Energy, Health care, Industrials and Transportation, Technology, Telecommunication, Utilities. Exhibit1. Direct Competitor Comparison  [12]   MMM AVY DD JNJ Industry Market Cap: 63.58B 4.02B 42.30B 174.16B 9.47B Employees: 74,835 31,300 58,000 115,500 28.26K Qtrly Rev Growth (yoy): 17.70% 15.40% 21.80% 0.60% 14.50% Revenue (ttm): 25.39B 6.31B 30.43B 62.59B 10.28B Gross Margin (ttm): 48.78% 28.26% 29.94% 69.98% 33.80% EBITDA (ttm): 7.03B 695.10M 5.42B 19.70B 1.63B Operating Margin (ttm): 23.18% 6.96% 13.08% 26.90% 12.29% Net Income (ttm): 3.94B 250.90M 3.13B 13.53B N/A EPS (ttm): 5.48 2.37 3.43 4.84 1.92 P/E (ttm): 16.28 16.04 13.60 13.06 19.15 PEG (5 yr expected): 1.28 1.44 1.61 2.09 1.28 P/S (ttm): 2.50 0.63 1.38 2.78 1.27 AVY = Avery Dennison Corporation produces pressure-sensitive materials, office products, tickets, tags, labels, and other converted products. DD = EI DuPont de Nemours Co. (DuPont) operates as a science and technology company worldwide. JNJ =Johnson Johnson engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. Industry = Conglomerates Exhibit2. Comparison between 3M, the Conglomerate Industry and the direct competitors, benchmarked against DOW and SP 500. Source: http://finance.yahoo.com 2.2 Industry profitability and growth. In order to get an idea about the main characteristics of the players in this industry, I have selected few key statistics. The financial indicators listed bellow shows the fact that this are large companies, highly leveraged (most of them), providing the investors with a small to average return. Market Capitalization: 366B Price / Earnings: 13.5 Price / Book: 4.1 Net Profit Margin: 7.5% Price to Free Cash Flow: 27.4 Return on Equity: 12.5% Total Debt / Equity: 242.3 Dividend Yield: 2.4% Exhibit 3. Comparison between the evolution of 3M common stock and the industry. Source: http://finance.yahoo.com 2.3 PEST Analysis of the External Factors affecting the Industry PEST analysis stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis and describes a framework of macro-environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management.  [13]  Performing such an analysis and applying the findings will give any company a significant competitive advantage. The model identifies four factors that have a major impact on the companys macroeconomic environment:  [14]   Political Economical Social Technological Political Factors: Among the most significant political factors that can affect 3Ms business are: tax policies, employment laws, environmental regulations, trade restrictions and tariffs, and political stability. 3M is making all the necessary investments in order to comply with these laws. In 2009, 3M spent around $15 million for projects regarding the protection of the environment. The mentioned funds have provided among other things, pollution control devices at all its properties. Economical Factors: economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation rate. Due to large geographical presence, and the fact that 63 percent of its revenue is generated from outside the United States, the companys results may be affected by exchange rates and their fluctuation. In order to mitigate this risk, the company engages in a multitude of forward contracts. Also, the Companys business may be negatively affected by other factors, both internal and external that are beyond its control, such as instability and downturns in financial markets or economies in some countries or regions, in which the Company operates. Social Factors: population growth rate, age distribution, health and safety awareness, career attitude. 3M, through its business policies is aiming to create a safe workplace, to encourage individual initiative and innovation in an atmosphere of flexibility, cooperation and trust, promoting a culture where promise keeping, fairness, respect and personal accountability are valued, encouraged and recognized.  [15]   Technological Factors: RD activities, automation, technology incentives, rate of technological change. Research and development activities constitute an important part of 3Ms business and have been a significant contributor to the companys sales growth. Research, development expenses accounted for $1.2 billion in 2009, $1.4 billion in 2008 and $1.3 billion in 2007.  [16]   2.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis of the Industry Competition Porters five forces is a framework for the industry analysis developed by Michael E. Porter of Harvard Business School in 1979 .The model is based on the idea that competitive advantage came from the ability to earn a return on investment that was better than the average for the industry sector(Thurlby,1998). The model identifies five forces which would impact on an organizations behavior in a competitive market: The rivalry between existing sellers in the market. The threat of new entrants on the market. The threat of substitute products available in the market The bargaining power of the suppliers. The power of the customers in the market. Full comprehensions of each of these five forces and the impact they have on the companys business, provide organizations with the necessary information to enable them to choose the right operating strategy in order to be successful in their market.  [17]   2.4.1. The rivalry between existing sellers in the market The conglomerate industry, although very complex, extending over a multitude of business, seems to be dominated by few key players, and 3M Co is one of them. In order to gain competitive advantage, 3M is aiming to stay ahead of the trend by continuously providing the market with new products and technologies. Given its strong balance sheet, the company is able to react fast to any negative changes in the market (lower the price of its products), in order to maintain existing customers and attract new ones. Moreover, in facing competition the company is offering well differentiated products, well known and trustful brands, the chief aim being extra value added products and services for the end customers. 2.4.2. The Threat of new entrants The threat of new entrants is dictated by the market entry barriers. The entry barriers exist whenever it is difficult or not economically feasible for an outsider to replicate the incumbents position (Porter, 1980b; Sanderson, 1998). Such barriers refer to: Cost of entry: In order to enter this industry and compete against the existing firms, the cost of capital required would be extremely high. 3M is a well known company, with an aggressive mergers and acquisition strategy, holding an impressive market share. Distribution channels: 3M products are sold through numerous distribution channels, including wholesalers, retailers, and dealers in many countries around the world. The company has established a large and very well defined distribution network, developed through long association with skilled marketing and sales representatives. Cost advantages not related to the size of the company, like contacts and expertise play a major role in the companys performance. Government legislations: for example, introduction of new laws might weaken companys competitive position; 3M had to improve their environmental performance via new environmental, health and safety policies in order to comply with new government standard and regulations. Many times this requires additional funds, changes into production processes, products, and that some firms may find it difficult to do so without increasing the prices of their products and services. Differentiation: 3M is a well known brand that already gained customer respect and loyalty and the products that represent this company have a high ratio of value to price. 2.4. 3. The Threat of Substitutes Products available on the market Although the threat of substitutes in this sector is high, due to the fact that there is a large number of a substitute product available in the market, 3M products differentiate themselves through superior quality and innovativeness. The firm invests strongly in RD, in order to insure that they deliver extra -added value products, and the existing customers will not be tempted to choose from the many available substitutes. Other aspects that should be considered when trying to mitigate the risk of losing customers to substitute products refer to: relative price performance of substitute, buyer switching costs, ease of substitution, substandard product, and quality depreciation. 2.4.4. The bargaining power of suppliers In the conglomerate industry, the power of supplier is relatively modest, due to the fact that the companies in this industry are very large corporations. This companies act on an international scale, having access to an increase number of suppliers and the buying is done in bulk, immense quantities. There is still some risk regarding the price fluctuation of commodities, like oil, oil derivatives, energy, due to possible shortage. 3M is trying to mitigate this risk engaging in prices agreements and forward physical contracts. 2.4.5. The bargaining power of buyers. When trying to assess the power of buyers, two aspects need to be considered: size and concentration of the customers correlated with the concentration of the competitors. In the conglomerate industry, the bargaining power of the buyers is relatively high due to the fact that all the players in the market are targeting the same customers via similar products. Also, the end customers are more and more informed, and their expectations are continuously growing. Another aspect that should be considered in this case is that the cost of switching between suppliers is relatively low. A buyer has many options; therefore 3M makes a continuous effort to insure that their products are permanently aligned with customer preferences and needs. 2.5 Summary The nature of competition in an industry is strongly affected by the above mentioned forces. As a rule we can state that, whenever buyers and suppliers have high degrees of power, the result translates into a high competitive industry. The industry of conglomerate is moderate to high competitiveness, due to the fact that new entries are difficult (high capital requirements), but this effect is counteracted by the fact that the players in this sector are extremely large and diversified corporations, with solid resources and very aggressive financial strategies. 3. Economic Outlook 3.1 Global Outlook There is no doubt that we are on the path of economical recovery, but the speed of things moving in the right direction is slow, considering the severity of the financial crisis. In advanced economies, such as U.S., small improvements in labor markets, housing markets, and corporate bonds market generated some positive developments in the overall economy. In the emerging and developing economies, (such as China, India, and Brazil) the recovery process seems to be much faster. Even among the advanced economies, the recovery process happens at different speeds, depending of the way that the local government has chosen to deal with the crisis. If we compare The United States with Europe or Japan, we see that the American economy is doing much better than the other two. This phenomenon may have something to do with some of the following: fiscal stimulus was larger in US, the nonfinancial corporate sector is less reliant on bank credit, bond markets have improved which stimulated investments, and many financial and nonfinancial organizations went radical restructuration and improved productivity. In Japan, due to the appreciation of the yen, the countrys exports f eel dramatically, which ultimately impacts the recovery process. Similar situation can be observed in Europe. Some of the economies of this region suffered a major contraction, not only because of the financial crisis, but the real estate too. Overall the economical and financial conditions present themselves as fragile and difficult. There are some signs of recovery, especially in the emerging economies, and is expected that this will help along the recovery process of the advanced economies.  [18]   3.2 Regional outlook Asia is leading the global recovery and the regions contribution to global growth will continue to exceed that of other regions in the next two years, (Source: The International Monetary Fund). China registered 8.4 percent growth last year, and the projections for the next year are similar (9%growth in GDP for 2010). In the region, the GDP has increased 6.8 percent in 2009. The recovery process has been driven by exports combined with low internal demand and ultimately low household consumption. The inflow of capital in the region has increased, stimulating investments and speeding up the recovery process. According to IMF, for the next period of time, Asias main policy challenge will remain to achieve a rebalancing of growth from external to domestic sources. On global level, there is a political and economical issue regarding the Chinese government decision not to appreciate their local currency, and the way this decision is affecting the world trade. Europe, especially the emerging nations, was strongly hit by the financial crisis. In this region the GDP decreased by approximately 4.6 percent in 2009. The projections for 2010 GDP show an increase of 2.3 and 2.2 percent in 2011. The growth rates in most economies in the region will remain slow, due to major contraction in exports and weak capital inflow. Besides the already mentioned factors, other variables such as : high unemployment, real estate crisis, bank restructuring operations, tight credit policies, and high interest rates will also restrain the recovery process. Other regions, such as Latin America and the Caribbean seem to be dealing with the crisis a little bit better than other countries .The last year GDP registered a 2.6 percent drop, and the prognosis for 2010 and 2011 are quite optimistic showing a growth of 3.1 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively. The recovery process is still relatively slow, due to weaker investment and not enough tourism, both important sources of external finances. The lack of tourism may be explained by high unemployment in United States and other high-income countries. The Middle East and North Africa region experienced, an overall GDP growth slowing to 2.9 percent in 2009. The forecasts for 2010 show an increase in GDP of 3.7 percent in 2010 and 4.4 percent by 2011. These projections regarding the recovery process are based on few assumptions such as: the global demand for oil will increase, and oil prices will stabilize. The financial and economical crisis and their effects were not felt as deep in the region of South Asia. In this area, the GDP registered 5.7 percent growth in 2009. This represented a slowing of growth comparing to the boom period, mainly due to a significant decrease in investments, correlated with low domestic demand. The projections for 2010 and 2011 look optimistic: 6.9 and 7.4 percent respectively. 3.4 Local outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the US economy is still growing, but at a slower pace than the first quarter of 2010(2.4% versus 3.7% in the first quarter of 2010). Some of the reasons that will restrain the recovery process are the following: The financial institution will need to recover from losses due to loan defaults. In order to boost the recovery process, the government offered numerous stimulus packages. The housing market registered slight improvements, but failed to meet the expectation. The main disruption in the housing sector was caused by a dramatic drop in house prices, and hou

Kenneth OReillys Racial Matters Essay -- Social Justice Race Essays

Kenneth O'Reilly's Racial Matters In his book Racial Matters, Kenneth O’Reilly presented the facts as he sees them, with little interpretation. He delivered a sharp historical account of the unconstitutional methods the Federal Bureau of Investigation used to weaken and destroy what it labeled to be subversive groups in defense of its ideal of America. O’Reilly saw the role J. Edgar Hoover played to be essential to the manner in which the FBI illegally refused to protect Black lives and persecute Black organizations during the civil rights movement. The events described in Racial Matters, could be prevented in the future, if people became more aware of the involvement their own government had in the systematic destruction of the civil rights movement, and do not let it happen again. People must evaluate who they elect to office with more care, and hold them responsible for their actions. It is nearly unbelievable how easily Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon became pawns for Hoover’s White supremacist agenda. Our elected officials must be held to higher moral standards, and m... Kenneth O'Reilly's Racial Matters Essay -- Social Justice Race Essays Kenneth O'Reilly's Racial Matters In his book Racial Matters, Kenneth O’Reilly presented the facts as he sees them, with little interpretation. He delivered a sharp historical account of the unconstitutional methods the Federal Bureau of Investigation used to weaken and destroy what it labeled to be subversive groups in defense of its ideal of America. O’Reilly saw the role J. Edgar Hoover played to be essential to the manner in which the FBI illegally refused to protect Black lives and persecute Black organizations during the civil rights movement. The events described in Racial Matters, could be prevented in the future, if people became more aware of the involvement their own government had in the systematic destruction of the civil rights movement, and do not let it happen again. People must evaluate who they elect to office with more care, and hold them responsible for their actions. It is nearly unbelievable how easily Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon became pawns for Hoover’s White supremacist agenda. Our elected officials must be held to higher moral standards, and m...

Personal exercise plan For a football player Essay

A defender playing football has to have different requirements, these are as follows: Reaction time- a defender needs a good reaction time because when he receive s he ball he has to immediately take control and find a team player to which he can safely pass to. Flexibility- a defender needs good flexibility so he can reach out as far as possible to take the ball off an opponent. Muscular endurance- a defender needs good muscular endurance because he has to be playing for 90 minutes and cant let his muscles get tiered quickly. Muscular power- a defender needs good muscular strength so when he is one on one with an opponent and they collide he is not fallen of his feet. Speed- a defender needs to have a lot of speed so he can out run opponents and clear the ball out of his area. Agility- a defender needs good agility so when he is running in front of a opponent he can quickly move direction to have more positions to pass the ball to. Coordination- a defender needs good coordination because he has to be able to run and control the ball smoothly. Balance- a defender needs good balance so he is always on his feet when running and performing skills. Why it is important to have a warm up and warm down: Warm up A warm up is a period of gentle exercises preparing the body for a physical activity to follow. A warm up is important because it prepares your cardio vascular system for exercise, increases heart rate/ body temperature and it warms up your muscles. A warm up also loosens joints, prevents injuries [E. g. prevent you pulling a muscle because If u don’t warm up your muscles and you start a phsical activity you can pull a muscle very easly . A warm is done in 3 steps, these steps are a follow: 1. Pulse raiser- it prepares your cardio vascular system for exercise, increases heart rate/ body temperature and it warms up your muscles. 2. Stretching, which loosens joints, prevents injuries [pulling a muscle] 3. Skills, which gets you physiologically prepared Warm down A warm down is a period of light exercise at the end of a training session to insure a successful recovery will take place. A warm down is important because it allows the body to recover and it prevents your muscles from aching that hard. It also shortens recovery time and. It also removes carbon dioxide and lactic acid from your muscles. My circuit My circuit will consist of eight stations working different parts of the body. Each station will be carried out for 50 seconds and then will be followed by a 40 second rest period which will decrease by 5 seconds each week , this reason being I will be more fitter and I would not rest as much. Also by doing this it will be more challenging. I will carry out this circuit once a week for six weeks. My circuit will mainly concentrate on the arm and leg muscles because they are mainly needed for a defender in football. They also need good pectorals because of their power they need to be stronger than the striker. So if they are coming to you running fast and you try to take the ball of them and they are more stronger, then the impact will go on you then you would fall down and they would score. My circuit will begin with a warm up [as in any other sport]. There will be 3 stages to my warm up this reason being when your working on a circuit a lot muscles are being used to prevent injury I will have to do warm up thoroughly. 1. The First stage is to get my heart beat going. This is called a pulse raiser. The pulse raiser I have chosen is to jog for 7 minutes. This will increase my body temperature and get the heart supplying oxygen quickly to all the body parts being used [e. g. muscles]. 2. The Second stage is stretching your muscles after have been warmed up by the pulse raiser. I will hold each stretch for no longer or shorter than 8 seconds. I will do various different stretches as if you look below I will explain all of them in order:My circuit will have 8 stations. I have designed this circuit so that each station will be working on different muscles. The circuit is designed like this so that 1 muscle is no working to hard again and again other wise if it were you would not be putting your best ability in the stations . These are the stations in order: 1. Star jumps: This station works on the legs. The muscles being worked are the hamstring, quadriceps and gastrocnemius which is important for a defender in football because he has to keep moving and defending without his legs getting tiered because he game is 90 minutes and he has to last the whole of a the 90 minute period. 2. Press-ups: This station works on the arms. This includes the bicep, triceps and the pectorals being worked, which is important for a defender because he needs strong arms to help increase speed and to maintain a good balanced position while playing in the game. 3. Sit-ups: This station works on the abdominal which is important for a defender in football because he needs to be able to move side to side as quick as possible so he can doge players while trying to clear the ball. Squats: This station works on the legs, which include all the muscles on the leg that are hamstring, quadriceps and gastrocnemius. This is important for a defender in football because he has stay standing on his feet and keep moving to defend his goal for 90 minutes non stop so he needs strong legs to help him. 5. Pull-ups: This station works on the arms, which include the bicep and trip being worked. This is important for a defender because he needs strong arms to help increase speed and to maintain a good balanced position while playing in the game. 6. Squat thrusts: This station works on the abdominal which is important for a defender in football because he needs to be able to move side ways to make sure the opponent does not get close enough to get the ball from him. 7. Shuttle runs: This station works on arms and legs. The muscles being worked are the bicep, triceps, hamstring, quadriceps and gastrocnemius. Which are the most important for a defender in football. This is because the football depends on them a lot so they must be strong enough to help the player last a whole 90 minute game while he is running, kicking the ball and is always on his feet. My circuit will end with a warm down, which is really important because I have to remove all the lactic acid and carbon dioxide from my body. It also will lower down the heartbeat and reduce the blood tempreture. My warm down witch I have chosen will be o walk for 7 minutes. This will give me enough time to recover. Principles of training S. P. O. R. T Specific Progression Overload Reversibility Tedium Specific: The training I have designed is specific to football. Progression: I will progress my body to build something up. I will train, recover and then train more. Overload: I will make muscles work harder. The training must be raided to a higher level then normal. To do this I will look at Reversibility: is not achieved in circuit training if the above are adhered to Tedium: is overcome in circuit training by ensuring the sequence of exercises are organised to avoid, as far as possible, two consecutive stations stress in the same muscle groups. Due to the variety of exercises providing a balance loading on different body parts.

Child Labour Should Be Banned Essay

For many of us it is hard to imagine what it would be like growing up, having to work from the age of five and not being able to go to school. ‘Child Labour’ is defined by the United States Department of Labour (DOL) as ‘the employment of boys and girls when they are too young to work for hire; or when they are employed at jobs unsuitable or unsafe for children of their ages’ It is not something we are too familiar with ourselves, living in a wealthy country, but the fact is that there are many Third World countries out there where the economy and living conditions are so bad that children have to work in unsuitable and unsafe situations. There are certain charities that help, but that it is. Not enough is being done to stop child labour. It is very wrong and should be banned thought out the world and looked at as a disgrace. Figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) show that 218 million children aged between five and seventeen are involved in child labour worldwide. That means globally one in six children work. This is an extremely large number. Around 150 million of the 218 million are involved in what is know as ‘worst forms’ of child labour, which include work such as forced labour, slavery and sexual exploitation. Many are forced to work without access to the toilet or drinking facilities – this is against human rights. Child labour of course is different through out the world. Financial it may be necessary for a family to send their children to work to then be able to get food. Sometimes it can even be a situation of life and death if a child in a family does not work. Other times it may be in the families’ ethic work where the children have to help. Either way, it is not good enough. Children should not have to work.

Is Marxism Still Relevant Today?

The Industrial Revolution (1750-1850) had brought about significant changes in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, transportation and technology and subsequently established an era of unprecedented economic growth in capitalist economies. It was within this era that Karl Marx had observed the deprivation and inequality experienced by men of the proletariat, the working class, who had laboured excessively for hours under inhumane conditions to earn a minimum wage while the bourgeoisie, the capitalist class, reaped the benefits.For Marx it was this fundamental inequality within the social and economic hierarchy that had enabled capitalist societies to function. While Marx’s theories, in many instances have been falsified and predictions invalid, his ideas about class struggle and conflict being a motivator for change is still relevant in contemporary society. The disparity of wealth between occupations in Australia demonstrates that class stratification is still inherent within society and the recent Qantas airline dispute is a relevant example of this.Marx’s theory of class struggle originates with his belief that â€Å"the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles† (Marx & Engel, 1848). Marx had established that conflict between classes was the key driving force of history and the main determinant of social change. For Marx, conflict originates with the deterioration of a ‘false consciousness’ and the subsequent acquisition of a unified ‘class consciousness’.Marx argued that that proletariat was under the influence of a ‘false consciousness’ brought about with the acceptance of the dominant ideology that freedom and equality could be interpreted as an equal exchange of labour for wages (van Krieken et al. , 2010). Marx however, perceived this as an exploitive relationship because in capitalism, the labourer only receives what is deemed sufficient to meet his basic needs for himself and his family, as opposed to the real value of his labour power.Marx had identified that the difference between the labourer’s wage and the value of the goods in which he produces is taken as profit, of which only the capitalist is the beneficiary (Habibis & Walter, 2009). Marx had theorised that, as a result of this exploitive relationship, alienation would occur. Marx argued that commodification of goods and services produced in conjunction with the lack of control over the end result would mean that workers would no longer recognise a connection with their labour, and hence become alienated from their labour.Only with the recognition of class exploitation and alienation would a class consciousness develop. Marx referred to class consciousness as a ‘class for itself’, denoting a collective self-awareness of the interests shared by members of a social group (van Krieken et al. , 2010). Marx predicted that class consciousness would create a conflict of interest between classes and revolution would eventuate. The bourgeoisie would be overthrown, capitalism would collapse and a classless state would emerge as its successor (van Krieken et al. , 2010). In post-modern times however, it is widely accepted that the opposite occurred.Critics insist that Marxism’s credibility was eradicated with the fall of the communist states within the ‘Eastern Bloc’. While others such as China, although still governed by a communist party, have adopted numerous capitalist policies (van Krieken et al. , 2010). Marxism has also been criticised for its over-concentration on economic relationships and its tendency to overlook other forms of non-economic conflicts (Griffith, 2005). Feminists, for example, argue that the conflicts between male and female relations are not necessarily related to economics, but patriarchal.Furthermore, Marx like other social theorists at the time had ignored the role and contribution of women. Marx had described the proletariat of industrial societies where manual labour was involved; he did not however, take into consideration a woman’s domestic or reproductive labour. Federici (2004) asserts that Marx failed to recognise the importance of reproductive labour because he had adopted the capitalist criteria for what constitutes labour and believed that a wage in exchange for labour would be the paradigm that shapes humanity. Considering that as of 2010, 45. % of the Australian labour force comprised of women it would seem that Marx’s socialist perspective is less so equal or relevant in contemporary society. Marxism is often cited as being irrelevant within contemporary society due to the fact that Marx had critiqued an almost incomparable society. McDonald & Brownlee (2001) argue that contemporary society exists in a post-modern era where westernised societies enjoy the benefits of higher living standards, where the rights of employees are elicited within the Austra lian Constitution and the rights of humans are dictated within Geneva conventions.An era where employees are entitled to government pensions, allowances, superannuation, and employees accrue sick and annual leave (McDonald & Brownlee, 2001). Furthermore employees are able to seek union representation and are legally entitled to industrial action. McDonald and Brownlee (2001) assert that Fair Work Australia, established as an institution responsible for fixating minimum wage and resolving work related disputes, perpetuates the notion that Australia is in transition to become an egalitarian society with minimal class disparity.Critics have also argued that Marxism within western society is no longer relevant due to the increased levels of social mobility. Social mobility refers to movement in an individual’s or group’s social position over time and is often assessed on their change in income over time (Borgatta & Montogomery, 2000). The traditional stratification of clas ses had a tendency to overlook the middle class and analyse the two extremes of rich and poor, bourgeoisie and proletariat (van Krieken et al. 2010). In the context of Marxism, the middle class was ignored due to their perceived limited role within the political revolution that would depose of capitalism. In contemporary society however, the traditional labouring occupations have decreased, leading to a shortage of skilled labourers and tradesman. As a result these occupations often earn a higher income, blurring the line between working class and middle class (Braverman, 1974).In August 2011 the most common occupations were distinctly white collar with the workforce comprising of 22% professionals, 15% Clerical and administrative workers and 14% Technicians and trades workers (Australian Bureau Statistics, 2011). The evident emergence of the white collar-middle class within contemporary society significantly undermines Marx’s theory of class stratification who had predicted an absorption into the working class and the emergence of a classless state. Despite this however, research has suggested that social mobility has not necessarily increased.Graetz and McAllister (1994) identified that while the shift between manual and non-manual occupations has increased since the 1970’s, most of this has been the result of structural changes in light of technological innovations and advancements in modern society, as opposed to mobility in social classes. Moreover, Leigh (2007) argues that the youth of Australia are equally likely to reproduce, or not reproduce, the class of their parents and that social mobility in the context of Australian youth, has not necessarily increased.Argy (2005) reinforces this argument and states that while Australia can be referred to as economically liberated country, there has not necessarily been an increase in equal opportunity and the distribution of wealth within Australia is an evident example of this. The National Centr e for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) was commissioned to conduct a study in relation to the distribution of wealth in Australia. NATSEM analyst Simon Kelly (2002) reported that the richest fifth of households in Australia each have, on average, forty times more wealth than the poorest fifth of the population.The NATSEM data reiterates that wealth within Australia is still concentrated in the hands of the wealthy minority who have ascertained the benefits of the economic growth in recent years by disproportionately increasing their personal wealth (Stillwell & Primrose, 2011). The disparity of wealth between occupations was a key indicator of the inequality between classes. NATSEM data identified that personal wealth is the highest for managers and administrators (men $250,000, women $183,300) and professionals (men $173,800, women $99,700).In contrast to these figures, the lowest personal wealth is held by the production and transport workers ($55,400), labourers (men 39,700 , women $29,300) and trade persons (men 60,000, women 35,000) (Stillwell & Primrose, 2011). From a sociological perspective class inequality is often represented by comparing class personal wealth and income. From a Marxism perspective however, a person’s social class isn’t defined by personal wealth but rather the level of control that a person wields over the means of production.According to Ben Hillier (2012) it is measured in terms of social wealth derived from the â€Å"control of the productive or financial apparatus of society†. This can be interpreted as the bourgeoisie having ownership of the assets that enable modern society to function such as the telecommunications infrastructure, electrical companies, newspaper enterprises, transport facilities and mines etc. The transactional influence of these assets inevitably provides its owner with the power to influence governments of capitalist societies and effects how society functions.The recent Qantas air ways dispute demonstrated how this power is exercised. One recent example of class conflict inherent within Australian society was the Qantas airways dispute. On 29th October 2011, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce issued a press release announcing the immediate grounding and cancellation of all Australian domestic and international flights and the lock-out of all employees without pay. Leading up to the unprecedented grounding, Qantas had been involved in contract negotiations with unions representing employees of the company.The unions were seeking a 3-5% wage increase and better job security for casual staff. (Mulcahy, 2011). Around the same time Qantas had announced its decision to slash 1000 jobs and restructure its fleet to move to Asia under a new airline Jetstar Japan. The traditional international routes within the North Atlantic were operating at a loss with a half year profit of $241 million a year ago, dropping by 83%, to $42 million (Ryan, 2012). Despite the evident decline in prof it the airlines had awarded Alan Joyce with a 71% lift in his total remuneration package to $5. 1 million, after he received $2. million worth of shares (Mulcahy, 2011). After two days the debacle finally ended with the intervention of the Federal government submitting an application to Fair Work Australia (FWA), terminating the industrial dispute and ordering Qantas to resume operations. The verdict stated that those involved had 21 days to finalise a settlement to the dispute and neither party could engage in further action for three years after a settlement had been made. If an agreement could not be reached the Fair Work industrial courts would arbitrate the details of the contracts (Mulcahy, 2011).The economic impact was expected to be profound, Qantas which represents approximately 65% of the aviation industry, contributes $6 billion to the Australian economy and employs 50,000 employees (Squires, 2011). Although Qantas reports that the dispute cost them $120 million, its shar e prices increased by 6% to $1. 61 (Frith, 2011). The controversy attracted much political and economic commentary speculating on who won the dispute and what this would mean for those involved. Alan Joyce explicitly stated that the FWA ruling was a favourable decision for Qantas as â€Å"nobody any more can take industrial action† (Taylor, 2011).This thereby would allow Qantas to restructure its fleet in Asia, ascertaining cheaper wages by outsourcing and offshoring labour, without any internal opposition. The unions established to represent the working class of businesses and corporations would be made obsolete for three years allowing any injustices within the workplace to remain unresolved. From a Marxist perspective this would mean that the bourgeoisie of the company, the CEO and high profile managers, who already have exceeding high salaries, would profit from the new means of production and the proletariat would be further disadvantaged with pay cuts and the isk of red undancy. Karl Marx’s critique of industrial societies developed out of the belief that conflict between stratified classes such as the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, would be the drive needed to perpetuate social change. Marx believed that with the acquisition of a class consciousness the proletariat would revolt against the exploitative capitalist institution, eradicating all class structures and establishing a socialist state. Admittedly, Marx’s critique failed to recognise essential components of society such as the middle class and female representation which has significantly undermined Marx’s theory of class struggle.Furthermore Marx’s predictions have been falsified in light of modern developments which have led to many critics casting doubt on its relevance within contemporary society. The higher living standards, government allowances and union representation enjoyed by citizens within Australia all perpetuate notions of equality and repudiate the potential collapse of capitalism. Despite this however, there are still many instances of class inequality inherent in Australian society.The disparity of wealth between occupations in Australia demonstrates that the minority with extreme wealth have control over the means of production, and have used the power derived from it to influence society’s development. The recent Qantas dispute is a testament of how this power is exercised and demonstrates how the wealthy minority are able to accumulate excess wealth at the expense of the labouring class. Thus attesting to the inherent class inequality that Marx had recognised, and acknowledging its existence within contemporary Australian society. ?