Islamic Commodity Market Essay

1.0. Introduction The operations in the general business environment are very dynamic by nature. There is no doubt that the financial markets as well as the commodity markets need to structure their business operations, so as to meet the changing business environment demands as well as the expectations (United States. Congress. Senate. 2004). The main challenge for the main market players is to consistently be at pace with the business environment developments, so as to have in place effective as well as timely establishments of operation standards and regulations. A number of international initiatives have focused on the state of operations of the commodity market in the Islamic market. This has been done so as to establish standards as well as benchmarks, which are set to strengthen the world commodity market. The research study intends to contribute to the need for establishing a regulator commodity market, especially in the Saudi Arabia financial market (The Economist 2006). The Islamic commodity market is one of the major aspects in the world commodity market, which has achieved tremendous growth in the recent past. This is to the extent of being a substantial component within the global commodity market, and has thus gained a lot of interest as the crucial component of the world financial market (Europa Publications Staff, 2002). The increasing demands as well as awareness for establishing investment portfolios to be in line with the shariah principles at the global market, have acted as stimulators towards establishing the Islamic commodity market as the world’s most attractive industry. This is an indicator of the growth of the wealth base as well as the potential of the investors, who could either be Muslim or non Muslim, to find ways and invest in commodities which meet their needs and expectations (El-Gamal, 2006). Research questions The research questions to be answered in this research study provide a basis, for establishing the importance of establishing a form of regulator commodity market in the financial market of Saudi Arabia. The aspect which is being focused on in this research study is the reasons as to why a regulator form of commodity market should be established, especially in Saudi Arabia. The research questions will therefore act as a guide to activities of the research study (Henry and Wilson, 2004). Core research question The main aim of the research study is to assess the need for establishing a regulator form of commodity market in the land of Saudi Arabia, and the effects on the business transactions which take place in the Islamic market (Henry and Wilson, 2004). The other research questions that need to be covered in this research study include: 1. What are some of the factors which influence the conduction of business transactions in the Islamic market? 2. What are the likely effects of establishing a regulator form of commodity market in the .land of Saudi Arabia? 3. Who are the major players in the Islamic market and what role do they play in the business transactions? 4. To what extent are the major players likely to influence the operations of the Islamic commodity market? 5. What potential effects does regulation of the Islamic commodity market have on the Islamic finance and the general business transactions? Research objectives The main intention of this research study is to establish, the importance of establishing a regulator in the Islamic commodity market especially in the suggested location Saudi Arabia. The importance of the regulator is assessed in terms of the effects to the Islamic financial market, as well as the general business transactions. The research study is intended at providing a sound bases upon which conclusive research findings can be made, as to the need for regulating the commodities market. Both the secondary and primary data will be analysed to assess the current state of operations of the Islamic commodities market, and the need for a regulator. Therefore, data will highlight the importance of establishing the current state of operations in the Islamic commodity market, and finally, for the research study to meet its intended research objectives (Taylor & Francis Group and Dean, 2004). 2.0 Literature review Islamic commodity market The establishment of a distinct Islamic commodity market, whereby a number of investments as well as financing activities are established in accordance to the requirements of the Shariah principles, can be described as the outcome of the continued growth of the Islamic financial sector. There have been demands to address the issues of liquidity of the Islamic banks like Altauaruq and Almurabha among others, as well as the takaful operators in the various Islamic countries. There have also been efforts to establish a regulatory framework for the Islamic commodity market, and make clear the Shariah principles on the commodities which should are allowed to be involved in the business transactions at the commodity market (Davis and Azizian, 2006). In general, the Shariah principles that govern the conduction of business transactions at the commodities market states that the non legal transactions are those activities, which involves the use of interest and the commodities that have a certain level of uncertainties attached to them. Gambling is also prohibited as well as food and drinks among many other immoral activities (International Monetary Fund, 2006). Regulatory framework In the commodities market, an effective legal and supervisory as well as a regulatory framework establishes the essential ground for the operations of a modern commodity market. For the dynamic market like the Islamic commodity market, it is crucial that a conducive form of regulatory framework be established. This is to appropriately control the activities of the Islamic commodity market. A number of participants are allowed to address, any of the influences which affect the effective business operations of the market, as well as the innovations or even hinder the participation in the Islamic commodities market (Henry and Wilson, 2004). Considering the levels and number of business activities being carried out at this market, an analysis is being made to determine the need for having a regulator in place within this conventional market. The first hypothesis which can be established in this research study is whether, the establishment of the Islamic commodity market will make any positive influence on the levels of Islamic finance, as the other regulatory frameworks have managed to influence the other Islamic finance markets (Fadzli, 2003). To that extent, the second hypothesis is to assess the extent to which, the regulator of the Islamic commodity market will not make any improvements. Considering that the operations at the Islamic commodities market involve both legal and non legal business transactions, the third hypothesis is made in relation to whether the establishment of the regulator will cut down the levels of occurrence of the illegal business transactions. The fourth hypothesis in that respect is that, th e establishment of the regulator will not cut down the level of the illegal business transactions at the Islamic commodity market. By justifying the above mentioned hypotheses, the research study will have established the importance of having a regulator in the Islamic commodity market, and in this case the proposed regulator is Saudi Arabia (Al-Rifai, 2003). 3.0 Research design and methodology To establish the need for having a regulator Islamic commodity market, especially in the land of Saudi Arabia, the research sample for this research study will be administered with questionnaires. The targeted respondents are the to the top management officers of the major commodity markets and financial institutions in the Islamic commodity market. The sample population shall be 50 companies in the Islamic commodity market. The sample population has been chosen so as to avoid the feasibility problems, associated with the research studies. Qualitative as well as quantitative data will be collected. Quantitative data shall be collected from the primary sources, which shall be analysed by the use of statistical techniques, compiled and presented using tools like graphs and charts among other techniques. Qualitative data shall be collected by the use of open ended questions in the questionnaires, which will be subjective in nature as they will represent the personal opinions of the targ eted respondents. The qualitative data will support the quantitative data, in areas where the quantitative data will be having deviations from the factors under consideration (Al-Rifai, 2003). The survey questionnaires shall be administered, considering the fact that they are easy and simple to use on the part of the researcher and the respondents. The research objectives and questions shall all be encompassed in the information in the research questionnaires. The qualitative approach will involve the answering of questions which relate to the nature of operations of the commodity market markets, with the intention of establishing the need for having a regulator in the commodity market. Thus the survey study has the potential of highlighting the operations of the commodity market, and the mechanisms involved which demands for regulatory measures to be carried out (Henry and Wilson, 2004). Resources In order to meet the identified research questions and objectives, the researcher will use the relevant literature resources. These sources will include books, Journals and the other relevant publications in the areas of Islamic commodity market and regulations. The knowledge as well as the research information which will be encompassed and assessed for validity of the research findings, will include resources from online libraries like EBSCO, Amazon, Blackwell publications, the emerald journals and the other sources like Questia (Henry and Wilson, 2004). Access to the study population One of the challenges that the researcher anticipates to encounter in carrying out the research study is the accessing the targeted respondents. So as to meet this challenge, the below strategies have been devised, so as to have access to the respondents to obtain the crucial information for the research study. The researcher will obtain permission letters, which will be approved by the research department at the university. This letters will then be supplied to the top management officers seeking for permission to include them in the research study, and to use their companies as a sample of the research population. In addition to that, the researcher will assure the respondents that the information obtained from the research study shall be used for academic purposes only, and not for any other purposes unless permission is sought from them (Al-Rifai, 2003).

Gonzales V. Raich

Pace University Michael Khoo LAW 101 Gonzales v. Raich(545 U. S. 1 (U. S. Sup. Ct. 2005)) I. FACTS Angel Raich and Diane Monson (plaintiffs) suffered from serious medical conditions and the only effective treatment was the use of Marijuana which was recommended by the doctors. In 1996, a California statue, under the name of The Compassionate Use Act, was established to legally allow marijuana to be used only for medicinal purposes. Monson cultivated her own Marijuana for her own usage as she relied on it heavily for daily functions.The Drug Enforcement Administration (defendant) came to Monson’s house, discovered the cannabis plants and destroyed all six of them. Raich and Monson sued the DEA to obtain an injunction that would inhibit the enforcement of the federal Control Substance Act (CSA) on Monson. The CSA classifies marijuana as a controlled substance. Raich and Monson claimed that enforcing the CSA would violate the Commerce Clause and the Due Process Clause of the Fift h Amendment. II. JUDGEMENT Angel Raich and Diane Monson (plaintiffs) won the case.The Drug Enforcement Administration (defendant) lost the case. III. LEGAL PRINCIPAL A. ISSUE Whether Congress’ power to regulate interstate markets for medical substances encompasses the portions of those markets that are supplied with drugs produced and consumed locally. B. HOLDING No. IV. REASONING A. GENERAL ANALYSIS In this Constitutional Case, the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) gives Congress and the Federal government the right to confiscate and/ or destroy any discovered controlled substances.Marijuana is considered a schedule 1 controlled substance due to hazards, high potential for abuse and lack of medicinal benefits. The Compassionate Use Act was created in 1996 in California as a statue that legally allows Marijuana to be used only for medicinal and medical purposes. The argument used against the DEA for enforcing the CSA on the plaintiffs is that it would be a violation of the Comme rce Clause which is a major component of the Fifth Amendment.The Commerce Clause establishes that the congress has the authority to oversee, regulate and intervene in interstate commercial activity. B. APPLIED ANALYSIS The Controlled Substance Act’s jurisdiction was used by the DEA to destroy Marijuana in Monson’s house because of the simple fact that Marijuana is categorized as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. However the plaintiffs argue that such action would take away the power of the Commerce Clause of the Fifth Amendment which states that the federal government body has the authority to overlook and regulate interstate activity.Nowhere in that clause does it give the federal body the power to regulate intrastate activity which is the case of the cultivation of marijuana in Monson’s house. In addition to that, the Compassionate Use Act supports the cultivation of marijuana in Monson’s house because Monson is a patient who was severely ill and whose life was dependent on the usage of Marijuana for recovery. According to the circumstances of this case in which the possession of marijuana was due to health, medical and medicinal reason, and for abuse purposes, the Supreme Court has overruled the DEA to execute the CSA on Monson.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Essay The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had Bipolar Disorder Essay. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population (approximately three million people) in the United States. It is presented by both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11). Most commonly, individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression. Symptoms include elated, expansive, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in reckless activities (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Rarest symptoms were periods of loss of all interest and retardation or agitation (Weisman, 1991).As the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has demonstrated, bipolar disorder can create substantial developmental delays, marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters. This devastating disease causes disruptions of families, loss of jobs and millions of dollars in cost to society. Many times bipolar patients report that the depressions are longer and increase in frequency as the individual ages. Many times bipolar states and psychotic states are misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. Speech patterns help distinguish between the two disorders (Lish, 1994).The onset of Bipolar disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, with a second peak in the mid-forties for women. A typical bipolar patient may experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, those who have rapid cycling may experience more episodes of mania and depression that succeed each other without a period of remission (DSM III-R). The three stages of mania begin with hypomania, in which patients report that they are energetic, extroverted and assertive (Hirschfeld, 1995). The hypomania state has led observers to feel that bipolar patients are ;addicted; to their mania. Hypomania progresses into mania and the transition is marked by loss of judgment (Hirschfeld, 1995). Often, euphoric grandiose characteristics are displayed, and paranoid or irritable characteristics begin to manifest. The third stage of mania is evident when the patient experiences delusions with often paranoid themes. Speech is generally rapid and hyperactive behavior manifests sometimes associated with violence (Hirschfeld, 1995). READ: Englands Greatest Poet And Playwright Was Born At Essay When both manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time it is called a mixed episode. Those afflicted are a special risk because there is a combination of hopelessness, agitation, and anxiety that makes them feel like they ;could jump out of their skin;(Hirschfeld, 1995). Up to 50% of all patients with mania have a mixture of depressed moods. Patients report feeling dysphoric, depressed, and unhappy; yet, they exhibit the energy associated with mania. Rapid cycling mania is another presentation of bipolar disorder. Mania may be present with four or .

Analyses Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analyses - Research Paper Example Research is a key part of our heritage at Nestle and an essential element of our future. We know there is still much to discover about health, wellness, and the role of food in our lives, and we continue to search for answers to bring consumers good food for good life† (http://www.blurtit.com/q4289961.html). â€Å"Nestle strives to be a leader in nutrition, health and wellness, with the belief that good food is central to health and wellness. At the Nestle Research Center, nutrition research meets food innovation to bring consumers of all ages and stages of life, foods and beverages that contribute to health and wellness, while offering remarkable taste and convenience† (http://www.blurtit.com/q4289961.html). The more consumers continue to make food or beverage choice, Nestle is always available in such situations to assist in selection for everyone’s taste and lifestyle preferences. At Nestle, research is part of the key elements of the company’s heritage and is an essential component of Company’s future. At Nestle, discoveries resolve to provide wellness, health, and the role of food people’s lives. That is reason we continue to hunt for more answers to bring consumers Good Food for Good Life. Nestle shows recognition of consumer’s sincere and legitimate interests in the Company’s beliefs, behaviors, and actions and as such, Nestle understands that without the customers the Company cannot exist. Nestle believes in general legislation of rule as is the most effective tool for safeguarding responsible conduct (Letmathe, 2004). However, additional staff guidance in form of voluntary business principles is beneficial since it meets the highest stan dards through organization. Nestle maintains a conscious fact that, a corporation’s success reflects management and employee professionalism, responsible attitude, and ethical code of conduct. The corporate values of Nestle display that this Company understands that the lifeblood of

Blackberry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Blackberry - Essay Example The Blackberry cellphone brand as a variety of designs which rage from QWERTY keyboard cellphones to virtual keyboard and multi-touch screens. Blackberry has approximately 3% of the cellphone market share and is ranked number 6 in terms of popularity in the mobile phone market. The Blackberry phone also has numerous other features however, the main target audience are the business sector. It provides people in business with the ultimate package in order to efficiently perform their duties. The paper will further analyze the the mission statement of the company and its vision and goals. It will also give a more detailed description of the products and services that are provided by the company and the financial strategies it implements in order to gain an advantage in the smart-phone market. The goals of the company are centered around the efficient provision of innovative solutions for global communication using mobile phones. This also involves the creation of software that further i mproves other cellphone features such as emailing, media, internet browsing and other applications. The numerous research and development programs that are carried out by the company clearly show the its goals to constantly improve and provide the people with better services. Mission Statement The mission statement continues to be the company's guideline in business. It is similar to that of its founding company RIM, which is to develop integrated software, hardware and services that facilitate for numerous networks and provide solutions and platforms for limitless access to urgent matters using features such as text messaging, internet based applications, phone calls, emails and internet (Daidj, 2013, 20). This mission statement aims to guide the company with its vision to be the leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of innovative wireless solutions for global cellphone communication (Daidj, 2013, 20). Company Overview Research In Motion, one of the leaders in wireless techno logy and innovation changed the mobile industry when it introduced Blackberry in the year 1999. From the time of its release Blackberry has continued to benefit numerous individuals and change the way in which they communicate. The global headquarters of the company is located in Canada, Ontario, Waterloo, and the company has offices in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe. The company was founded by Mike Larzaridis, an its current President and CEO is Thorsten Heins (Daidj, 2013, 20). It recently changed its name in February 2013, and now trades under BBRY on the NASDAQ Stock Market and BB on the Toronto Stock Market (Daidj, 2013, 20). Products and Services Blackberry offers a wide array of products and services that are specifically suited for each customer's needs and requirements. These products consists of smart-phones and tablets (Blackberry, 2013). The company has a wide range of smart-phones that have continued to change in order to suit people's needs in terms of technolo gy and style. The software has also changed in the phones and tablets with the latest operating system being Blackberry 10. The latest cellphone also has 4G LTE network, 4.2† camera, dual core 1.5 processor along with other cellphone features. The latest Blackberry tablet is the Blackberry playbook which runs under Blackberry Playbook OS (Blackberry, 2013). Strategy Blackberry has always been one of the leading providers of mobile phones and enjoyed success and rising share prices over the years. However, the company

History_of_middle_East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

History_of_middle_East - Essay Example The modern Afghanistan owes its beginning at the hands of a Pashtun king, Ahmad Shah Duranni who started ruling the region from 1747. Afghanistan is a country constituted of multiple ethnic and linguistic groups. Pashtun tribes contributing to 42 percent mainly cover the region. The Tajiks who contribute to 27 percent follow the Pashtuns. Following the Tajiks are the Hazaras and Ujbek tribes contributing to 9 percent respectively. The study of Afghanistan’s history has a strong linkage to the Soviet invasion over the region. Russia’s interference over the region of Afghanistan has its inception from the treaty of bilateral friendship made in December 1978. However, the ruler of Afghanistan during 1978, Hafizullah Amin reiterated against on Russia’s growing interference over their political matters, which led to the tarnishing of the relationships between Afghanistan and Russia. Subsequently as an act of revenge, Russia sent troops by air, which invaded Kabul on D ecember 24, 1979. The invasion started with the assassination of Hafizullah Amin and the rise of Babrak Karmal, an exiled Parcham leader. However, Russia’s intention of establishing a Communist government in Afghanistan started facing serious threats from the Afghan communities. The Mujahideens or the Afghan fighters started making life miserable for the Russians, as they were restricted only to the urban centers. These, Afghan fighters backed by American support started gaining grounds to combat the invading Russian troops. By the end of 1985, the Mujahideens formed a guerilla outfit to launch full-blown war against the Russian army. Finally, in May 1986 the Soviet troops were ousted with the fall of Babrak Karmal. The end of the Karmal regime gave rise to the chief of Afghanistan’s secret police, Muhammad Najibullah to become the next Afghan leader. (Background Note: Afghanistan, 2010). The Mujahideen or the Afghan fighters had

Do media images of family or marriage help us or hurt us Essay - 1

Do media images of family or marriage help us or hurt us - Essay Example The first point that supports my view is that what media most of the time provides is an altruistic picture that rarely comes true. For instance, it is rather impossible for most males to become the so-called Mills and Boon hero with a highly masculine body, high cheekbones that indicate intelligence, and a repertoire full of romance. In addition, he is supposed to possess unlimited wealth and influence, that is, the minimum standard set is a James Bond. In the case of female, the picture the media provides is that of an alluring goddess who always smells nothing less than rose, and who is always eager to have her ‘right man’ holding her hand and leading her gently to the most expensive restaurant. As people are fed this picture, they get unsatisfied in their marital life when they come to realize that their partners fall short of their expectations. Thus, for many ladies, a husband who does not look like Tom Cruise is a matter of inferiority complex that they have to su ffer due to bad luck. Thus, evidently, the beautiful picture provided by media on family and marriage is most of the time far from reality and hence highly destructive when taken to heart. Now, a look into the works of various scholars will confirm this opinion as truth. For example, studies have proved that heavy viewers of television tend to perceive being single as negative and believe that families in real life show support and concern for each other. However, the ones who are addicted to soap operas believe that the number of illegitimate children, divorces, extra marital affairs and happy marriages are all higher in number than they really are. Yet another point that goes strongly against media is that it promotes the stereotyping of male and female roles in families and marriages. For example, the general notion that media is interested in promoting is that females are the happiest at home raising

Pinnacle Airlines Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pinnacle Airlines - Research Paper Example A brief history of Pinnacle Airlines would be useful. As mentioned earlier, it was founded in 1985, and was initially named Express Airways I. By the next year, the airline had increased its fleet to 27 Saab turboprops, and had signed a partnership with Northwest Airlines and thus carrying its passengers too (Pinnacle Airlines Corp, n.d). By 1997, Northwest Airlines purchased Express Airways I, and the new CEO set about to retrain Express Airways I’s employees (Pinnacle Airlines Corp, n.d). Throughout this period, Express Airways I had been using turboprops, and only in 2000 did it shift to using small jets when it purchased a Canadair Regional Jet (Pinnacle Airlines Corp, n.d). These CRJs are beneficial in the sense that they are smaller in size than the Saab turboprops that Express Airway I was using, and offered satisfactory â€Å"jet speed, economy and comfort,† and could â€Å"serve cities that cant support the big jets,† (Warren, 1995). In 2002, Express Air ways I changed its named to Pinnacle Airlines, and embarked on a project to change everything about the airline’s public image, culture and so on (Pinnacle Airlines Corp, n.d). By 2004, Pinnacle Airlines was making revenues of more than $630 million, had more than a thousand pilots, and a hundred CRJs; it was also recognized as one of fastest growing regional airline in the US (Pinnacle Airlines Corp, n.d). Additionally, in 2003, Pinnacle Airlines was â€Å"incorporated as a Delaware corporation,† and by 2010 it came to control Mesaba, Pinnacle and Colgan airlines (Pinnacle Airlines Corp 10k, 2010). Pinnacle also signed capacity purchase agreements with Delta, and provided flights to Delta’s main airports in New York City, Atlanta and so on, and by 2010 it was using 126 CRJs to be used as â€Å"connection carriers,† to numerous states in the US as well as cities in Mexico and Canada (Pinnacle Airlines

Generational Diversity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Generational Diversity - Assignment Example Knowing such behavioral and social characteristics of a generation make them feel represented in the system. In my opinion, the K-12 system of educators needs to take note of generational diversity. The teaching methods and learning methods should be streamlined to fit the characteristics of the students’ generation. This will enhance better understanding and a positive attitude towards learning. Educators need to fit in into current generations so as to create bonds between them and the students. The effectiveness of online courses is a key issue in the education sector. Online courses are supposed to attain the same results as face-to-face teaching. To achieve this, some areas require high attention. The educator is required to understand what the learning outcomes should be so that they can come up with the best course design. To come up with the best learning outcomes, all learning materials should be made easily accessible to the learner. Efficient accessibility should be strategic to diversity in that materials are provided through the most appropriate means for a specific student. For example, a student aged 50 would prefer a visiting a library and studying books to read while a 21-year-old student would prefer reading a pdf through their phone. Therefore, generational diversity should be taken into consideration. Online courses should implement current technologies to ease the process of learning. For example, technologies such as Skype can be used to hold a discussion between a student and a teacher.

Castration Essay Example for Free

Castration Essay Sexual assault and child molestation are a constant emergent problem in the United States today, the bigger issue is the fact that the pedophiles are being released from prison early due to overcrowding of the prison system. One such famous pedophile is David Wayne Jones, who was convicted of several different charges involving child molestation against more than 40 boys. Mr. Jones, who served only 15 years due toa plea agreement for those charges, underwent voluntary physical castration in lieu of hemical castration (Schmalleger, 2009). He was previously on medicine that was for chemical castration, or testosterone blocking medicine. This opens up the discussion for castration and if it is a viable option for sexual predators. Castration is best described as removing the reproductive organs of an individual to prevent virility Oennett Blakemore, 2012). While in the past castration was only in the physical for, in todays society there are two types of castration, chemical and physical. Both hysical castration and chemical castration have the prospective to decrease the recidivism rates of sex offenders by lowering testosterone hormone levels, weaken sexual impulses, and making erotic urges more manageable if the sexual urges are encouraged by amplified testosterone hormone levels. Chemical castration is intended to be less invasive and a temporary fix, while physical castration is permanent. In relation to sexual predators, some see castration as an easy answer to an appalling and intricate problem. Given that the current penitentiary systems does not seem to be successfully functioning to decrease the rates of recidivism. It is even failing to be a deterrent to future sexual offenders. As with castration is supposed to lower the different hormones that are needed to become aroused, it is not always 100 percent. I believe that there are some cases where the Judge should have the option of surgical or chemical castration. I strongly believe that surgical and chemical castration should not be an option for first time offenders. If the Judge sentenced castration on a first time offender, how would that give the offender possibilities of rehabilitation. The statics show that majority of all sex offenders was once a victim of the same crime. While this does not mean let the offender get away with a crime because of their history, it basically means give the offender a chance to go through therapy. Also, I believe that all first time sex offenders should be mandated to take a psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation would distinguish a mental illness from a sick ndividual. As for second time offenders, I believe this should most definitely be an option for a Judge. After the first offense and having the resources of rehabilitation, the offender should have learned a lesson. Obviously, if it is a second offense, that shows the offender may not be able to control themselves or not care about the harm he is doing to others or the consequences of his actions. If the second time offender is sentenced to castration, I believe this offender should be eligible for early parole or early release. For the third time offenders, I believe there should be Justice served for this individual. A third time sex offender should be mandated to chemical and surgical castration when at their sentencing hearing. An offender who commits the Instead using castration as a method to release sex offenders because of the problem of overcrowding of the prison system; castration should be used as a punishment. If the prison system wants to reduce any offenders sentence due to overcrowding, it should be those offenders that have committed a non-sexual abuse offense.

The changing role of Human resource management

The changing role of Human resource management Human Resource Management is continuous and never ending process, the main aim of the Human Resource Management is to attain the goals of the organization and individuals. In addition organization goals are survival, growth and development to profitability, productivity, innovation, excellence, where as individual goals of the employee is job satisfaction, job security, high salary, fringe benefits, challenging work, pride, status, recognition, opportunity for the development of the organization and individuals. Earlier day of the business environment everyone is used personnel management, later on due to modernization the importance of the human resource management is increasing day to day and their role in the organization is established in to all other departments. (Corpuz, 2006) The features of the Human Resource Management Human Resource Management is a responsible department of all line managers and it is a function of staff managers in an organization Human Resource Management is managing the human resources at work Human Resource Management is the centric point of the organization and it interacts all types of functional management like production management, marketing management and financial management Human Resource Managements aim is securing employees co- operation in attaining the organizational goals (Corpuz, 2006) Functions of Human Resource Management The functions of Human Resource Management is classified in to two types, they are Managerial Function Planning: planning is most important concept in business management, where as Human resource management participation is also intended in the planning for the effective decision making Organizing: organizing is managerial function of the HRM, which helps the organization in organizing the works properly for the departments and the employee Directing: it is a managerial function of human resource management which leads in directing the work and motivating other for their involvement in the work Controlling: this is the most important concept of human resource management in controlling the work as well as workers (John, 2001) Operative Function Employment: Recruiting effective and efficient individuals with appropriate selection procedure and showing placement with proper induction and orientation Human Resource Development: Human Resource Development can be achieved by proper training with career planning and development and with associating with organizational growth Compensation: providing benefits and security to the individual for those who work in organization the benefits and securities like incentives, fringe benefits , bonus and social security (John, 2001) HRM strategy Strategy is plan of action of any work, where as human resource management strategies is managing the roles of the employee, developing and compensating for creating and developing the relation and effective utilization of the human resource with proper plan of action in achieving the organizational and individual goals and objectives. HRM strategy is classified in two types they are Functional strategy and Organizational Strategy (John, 2001). Human Resource Management Strategies for Modern organizations A employee should be with appropriate human resources for the better results Create corporate culture for individual excellence Rewarding the employee for meeting the organizational goals and objectives Employee development for successful accomplishing the roles Managing the organizational image with absolute usage of the resources Making employee reliable to adapt the change of environment of the business Facilitate management initiatives Managing the cultural transitions like mergers and alliances Replacement of top down interventions with companywide participation in addition of getting profits (Hendry, 1995) HR Value Proposition The Human Resource Value Proposition have some elements, that generates a strategic work design and it going the represent the characteristics of the Human Resources, this HR value proposition have major five elements, which encompass the Human Resources Function with in the organization perfectly. Five Element of HR value Proposition Five Elements of HR value Proposition Knowing External Business Realities Serving External and Internal Stake holders Crafting the Human Resources Practices Building HR Resources Ensuring HR Professionalism It is conceptual work force which drives the responsibilities of HR effectively Knowing external business realities like technologies, globalization, economics and demographics Serving external and internal stake holders like customers, investors, managers and employees Crafting the Human Resources practices, whereas like people, performance, information and work Building Human Resource strategy and organization Ensuring Human Resource Professionalism like as HR roles, competencies and development (David, 2005) LITERATURE REVIEW According to Pulapa Subba Rao, Human Resource Management is managing (planning, organizing, directing and controlling) the functions of employing, developing and compensating human relation and utilization of human resources with a view to contribute proportionate to the organizational, individual and social goals. Strategic Human Resource Management is course of action which is used to enhance the career development of the organization, recently Strategic Human Resource Management importance is increasing day to day due major issues in the organization and performance of the organization too. Here Human Resource manager should exactly match the strategies with the organization policies, usually human resource strategies are developed for what we know about the organization and what is the destination of the organization. Where strategic human resource includes about the recruitment, selection, training and development, compensation, performance appraisal, they major areas where Human Resource should be concentrated. Strategic Human Resource should change according to the environment of the organization. Strategic Human Resources are mainly concentrated on these features Development of the organization Expansion of the organization services Productivity and services of the organization Redirection of the organization Here productivity is leading to the development and expansion of the organization by proper strategic human resource management in the organization with effective and efficient human resource. (Mark, (1988)). Glueck defined the strategy as unified, comprehensive and integrated plan designed to ensure that the basic objectives of the enterprise are achieved. John and Richard define strategic management as the set of decisions and subsequent actions used to formulate and implement strategies that will optimizing the fit between the organization and its environment in an effort to achieve organizational objectives. Strategies of HR are devoted more time to boarder organizational issues, thereby improving its contribution to mission and vision accomplishment. In delegation OPMs 1997 special study, Deregulation and Delegation of Human Resource Management Authority in Federal Government, have not quickly approached to expected level, their obligation is that still most of HR are doing related HR works and they are never been centric of Human resource management activities, that why the organization molded the hr office for the accomplishment of the mission of the organization, while many of line managers are undergone for the interview about the HR activities no one is with proper answer, moreover HR work integrated with stimulated works like Recruitment and Selection, training and development, compensation and many more activities which have to look after by the HR official with proper strategy implementation in fulfilling (US Office of Personnel Management.(1999). In these modern days US adopting the variety performance enhancing or progressive Human Resource Management practices to improve their competitiveness in the global market, this type recommendation created professional in organization for betterment of their performance in their work culture. Here study is describing the HRM system and organizational performance. Many of organization adopting latest HRM system which going to impact the organization performance, with strategically conceptual frame works, these systems are going to enhance the employee skills and ability in work environment of the organization, apart from the employee are hired with highly sophisticated procedure of recruiting eligible candidates. By providing comprehensive training and development for employees after selecting them and also increasing the current employee levels of skills, abilities and motivating them towards the work, because skilled employees are very limited and they are not motivated properly tow ards the work definitely it going to impact on the performance of the organization. Finally HRM are result is measured on the out comes of the organization profits (John T Delaney, (1996). In business management of the world, since from 1980s, the importance of the Human Resource management role as increased dramatically, Human Resource Management Strategy has been achieving promptly because it providing for business firms to enhance the competitiveness and promote managerial efficiency. By effectively managing the human resource their should be efficient employee behavior in addition to reach the mission and objectives of the organization. HRM strategy provides a developed work force for the business competitive strategy, so that organizational goals and objectives are achieved in time. With effective Strategically HRM coordinates all individuals measure and implements them, so which directly influence the employee behavior in way which lead the competitive advantage to company. Recently many of organization adopting innovative procedures in recruiting and selecting individuals with effective and efficient HR strategy, which going to lead the organization with effecti ve work force apart from this there is measurement of organization performance through strategic HR. (Tung Chun Huang, (1999) In these recent years Human Resource Development has been under gone many modifications and changes adopting the changing business environment by allocating appropriate practices and strategies. There are many dimensions in Human Resource Development in business environment Human Resource Development is overall related to the business strategy and competitive advantage Human Resource Development is an investment in Human Resource capability rather than employee cost Human Resource Development is concerned with changes both in organizational level and individual level Human Resource Development is concerned with rectifying and enhancing the required levels to meet the present and future goals and objectives of the organization HRD is going to concentrate on the training and development program of the organization HRD is continuously concerned with organizational and individual learnings (Garavan, (1999)) JOB SATISFACTION ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT Job satisfaction is one of the major HR strategies of any organisation, when an individual satisfied with the job and work environment, then only they can translate successfully their efforts toward work, apart from organisational side HR should promote the promotions and appraisals to boost the performance levels of the individual, many of organisation need to improve the employee attitudes and job satisfaction, more over work culture should be effective and efficient to individuals for effective work for the organisation (Bratton and Gold, 2007). Organisational commitment should be match and coincide with the individual satisfactory level then only both of them are going be profitable, apart from this, the commitments which are going to associated should be achievable by the employees with satisfactory and employee also to be participated in the organisational commitment (Bratton and Gold, 2007). RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCEDURES Recruitment should be done according to organizational needs and requirement through which resource are properly utilized, and recruitment should be done in time with in the low cost and selection is a major process where HR strategy importance is capitalized very because wel fare of the company based on the selection procedures and HR officials responsibility is to select the efficient and effective candidates those who are going help in organization enhancement (Gomez-Mejia, Balkin and Cardy, 2007). PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM CULTURAL INFLUENCES Performance Appraisal management system is most important procedure in HR strategies of all organization, according to performance level of the individuals their appraisal level also been designed for further encouragement in the work culture and culture plays a majority role in influencing the employee toward the work in organization, here HR strategy is going identified because many of HR official face difficult task over here to understand individual mindsets in the organization and cross culture and adopting different life style people at one desk, which is going to influence majority of peoples in work culture because of due globalization cross work culture is going to influence the attitudes and job satisfaction levels of the employee.( Gomez-Mejia, Balkin and Cardy, 2007) . WORK SITUATION INFLUENCES EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE SURVEYS Various HR practices such as pay, promotion, supervision, co workers, nature of the work etc. shows a major impact on the employee attitudes in an organization. Effective work culture, well designed compensation systems, effective supervision, effective coordination of co workers are the major aspects that bring changes in the employee attitudes in a workplace. Therefore the current HR strategies must be designed effectively in order to achieve better results form the employees and this will not only help the organization to improve its output but also will bring a change in the employee attitudes towards job performance and the organizational HR strategies Employee Attitude Survey is the most difficult task of the HR strategy, because HR official is to identify and to understand the various employeesà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ attitudes and their behaviors in the work culture. Many of times many of higher officials are failed in indentifying the attitudes and behaviors of the individuals because individual mind set is going to vary according to influence of the work, work culture and the satisfactory levels, here HR officials importance is identified by the organization. .( Gomez-Mejia, Balkin and Cardy, 2007)

Religion is a Vital Part of Life :: Religion Religious Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Does religion really affect the way people live their daily lives? People believe that religion makes a better family and makes the world a better place to live. Many people follow religion so strongly that the future generations follow religion just as hard. Some people seem to change religion for their own recognition. There seem to be those people who go to church for the recognition, then those that who go and actually live by the word of God. So many different kinds of religions have sprung up, and with the different religions out there, it becomes hard to know which ones to choose and which ones will actually help with choices that the future generation will overcome. With the variety of religions we have to choose from today, one religion suits everyone, but also will be known to helping change the past customs to fit the society today, help with the children and families, and also help with governments decisions for the future generations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the world changing and growing daily, the key to religious success comes from staying true to yourself through thick and thin. With past rituals and rules, being successful in religion becomes difficult, according to a writer named Gary Wills (Wills). So by worshipping things like camels would not apply today because of the fact that we do not use camels anymore, could be changed to worshipping something along the lines of a car, or clothes, or a model’s body. Also, religious practices, such as abstinence based on today’s religious beliefs, may not have applied back then because of the young marriage age. Also, with the preaching’s done in the past, times have changed, and so have the sermons, in order to keep the people coming. With everything changing so fast, people seem to be changing along with the society, and so the only thing that keeps the church up to date with everything comes from the children. The children in families seem to help with the changing in the church. Since the children live in this generation, they tend to help the congregation change with the society. According to Rhonda Stock religion helps with a family setting. She raises all her children to follow in the Lord’s steps and she hopes that when they grow up and live their own lives, that they will see how well religion has affected their lives.

Following a Trail of Tears Essay -- Government Iraq War Essays Papers

Following a Trail of Tears For yet another third period, I walked through the faded pink door into the fluorescent-lit room. I walked along the back wall, past the poster of the â€Å"Pledge of Allegiance† spelled out with license plates. I sat down in my seat. This would be my first of two periods in a row with Mrs. Sorenson, the quirky history/English teacher who would bring out her fiddle and sing songs based on the unit of U.S. history we were working on. This day, Mrs. Sorenson wasn’t singing any songs. There weren’t many songs she knew about the Trail of Tears. She reminded us about how the American Indians had owned the land before the Europeans came and how the new settlers wanted to keep the natural resources found in the Indians’ homelands. Mrs. Sorenson explained that the Cherokee Indians, a tribe of Native Americans, were forced off their land and marched thousands of miles on foot to be moved to the designated Indian Territory. She mentioned that many died, but more Cherokees cried. To me, this was merely information to be absorbed for the test, and then squeezed out to make room for the next unit. I had bigger problems than mere thousands of people in the past being paraded to some other place. Little did I know that in five years I would study literature extensively on the Trail of Tears for my college English class. The Trail of Tears was the Cherokee removal in 1838 from the southeast states of the United States into Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Remembering back to eighth grade, I vaguely recall the Indians being forced off their land and moved to Indian Territory with the violent assistance of soldiers; however, all the research I have done point out that only a few were moved under sol... ...te. This knowledge could keep Iraqi citizens from dying today. It could keep Iraqi and American soldiers alive. It could feed and house homeless all around the world. I want to be able to make a difference. If getting information is all we as people need to do to make a difference, we should try and stay informed. Information is the key to a healthy and peaceful world, which is why I will make an effort to keep informed. Works Cited Anderson, William L. Cherokee Removal: Before and After. Athens, Georgia: University of Georgia P, 1991. 75-83. Jackson, Andrew. "Andrew Jackson's Second Annual Message." PBS. Comp. James D. Richardson. 4 Apr. 2007 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h3437t.html. Johnston, Carolyn R. Cherokee Women in Crisis: Trail of Tears, Civil War, and Allotment, 1838-1907. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama P, 2003. 56-78.

The Mistreatment of Women in the Works of Zora Neale Hurston :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Mistreatment of Women in the Works of Zora Neale Hurston Society is suffering from a number of serious social problems related to women, and to the interaction between the two sexes. Male domination and patriarchy have been under challenge by feminists and the women's movement. The economic, social and political subjection of women around the world, the violence brought against women and their confinement has been brought to the forefront in recent years. Zora Neale Hurston's stories speak out against the uncivil and unjust treatment of women especially in their marriages. Hurston's stories reveal the disturbing situation for women about mistreatment abuse in the 1930s, when speaking out was unheard of. This was the time period for the setting of Hurston's stories, and her stories reflect violence against women that occurred during that era. "Zora Neale Hurston's works are brilliant glimpses into the mind of a woman who lived life for what it was, who wanted nothing more then to have"...a busy life, a just mind and timely death." "She lived as she wrote, to the fullest, she wasn't just a writer, but also an anthropologist who brought to the light the folklore, and culture of nations that before there had been little study of. She brought new, exciting views of the world through her poetic words, and is a shining example of what it is to be a woman. Intelligent, driven, and confidant" (Walker 8). At only thirteen years old Hurston was thrown out of her father's house because her stepmother didn't approve of her or her siblings. At an early age Huston knew about struggling and making a way for herself (Ford 7-9). In Zora Neale Hurston's autobiography she said, "There is something about poverty that smells like death. Dead dreams dropping off the heart like leaves in a dry season and rotting around the feet, impulses smothered too long in the fetid air of underground caves. The soul lived in a sickly air. People can be slave ships in shoes (Hurston 37). Hurston was mistreated as a child, and in her story "Drenched in Light" it reveals some of her background of child abandonment. She also focused on women's rights and fights in marriages.

Ethics, Morality, and Legality Essay

Ethics are defined as individual perceptions of what is right or wrong, good or bad based on an individuals morals and values and also based on social values. Too often bribery is mistaken for lobbying. Bribery is illegal and short-term while lobbying is legal and a more permanent solution. There exists certain loopholes in law that allow for bribery to take place in the name of lobbying as was the case for the Winter Olympics Scandal where Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) members gave gifts to International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials in a bid to influence them to pick salt lake city as the venue for the winter Olympics. Punishment for violating ethical and legal codes should be punitive as well as rehabilitative. However reforms should not be limited to the affected person to prevent future occurrences. Ethics, Morality, and Legality Bribery and lobbying are two phenomena that are very often misinterpreted such that it easy to confuse bribery for lobbying. According to the Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, lobbying is â€Å"to promote, as a project, or secure the passage of, as legislation, by influencing public officials† (lobbying, n. d. ). Bribery on the other hand is regarded as illegal, but there has been a great debate as to whether bribery should be considered as unethical or illegal. However, most scholars and business people regard bribery as a phenomenon that ought to be regarded as unethical. There is a difference between these two phenomena that should be explored. Harstard and Svensson, argues that through lobbying firms can be able to change the rules to their advantage (Harstard and Svensson, 2005). As an option the firm may prefer to offer a bureaucrat a bribe so that he may bend the rules for them so that they may avoid the cost of complying. While lobbying results in a change, a bribe only bends the rules. However while a change of rules is more permanent the bureaucrat does not commit to not asking for a bribe in future. Based on a simple growth model, firms tend to prefer to bribe when the expected development is low but prefer to lobby when the expected development is high (Harstard and Svensson, 2005). The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U. S. C. sec. 78) stipulates that it is illegal for US firms to give bribes locally or internationally. The act defines a bribe as an illegal payment meant to influence or sway an official to award or maintain a business activity. So there has to be possible profit from any venture for which a firm allegedly bribes in order for it qualify as a bribe. In the case of alleged bribery by members of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) to the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to select Salt Lake City as the 2002 Winter Olympics’ venue the committee could have defended themselves in the following way: the committee could have argued that while it is illegal to give bribes, it was not illegal to give gifts and in fact the IOC rules provided for gift offering so long as the value of the gifts did not exceed 150 dollars. Ethics are defined as the beliefs about what is right or wrong, good and bad and is based on an individual’s values and morals and how the behavior is perceived by society. Legal principles are derived from the society’s or a firm’s ethical principles. Since ethical and legal principles are what drive firms and societies in general, they are therefore important. Violation of ethical and legal principles should be punishable by legal sanctions such as imprisonment (Rawl, 1994). The former Volkswagen personnel director Klaus Volkert who sentenced to two years in prison for involvement in a bribery scandal that financed prostitutes and exotic holidays for union officials in order to get their support in management plans. However punishment should not be the only motive behind legal sanctions, the authorities should also aim at rehabilitating the affected person (Punishment, 2003). The remedies should not be limited to punishment of the affected employee rather there should be reforms in the entire organization in order to avert future scandals and to create a better business culture. Ethics drive organizations and societies. Each organization has its own code of ethics which must be followed by its personnel. Often bribery is mistaken for lobbying and might be used by organizations in a bid to achieve its goals. However bribery is illegal and goes against ethics and law. Those who engage in bribery should be punished. References Harstad, B. , Svensson, J. (2005). Bribe or Lobby: It’s a Matter of Development. Retrieved July 18 2010, from, http://www. kellogg. northwestern. edu/base/papers/harstad. pdf Lobbying. (n. d. ) Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved July 18 2010, from, http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/lobbying Punishment. (2003). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved July 18 2010, from, http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/punishment/ Rawls, J. (1994). Punishment. Retrieved July 18 2010, from, http://ethics. sandiego. edu/Applied/deathpenalty/Rawls. html

Apple Price Cut Essay

To what extent the iPhone pricing strategy is similar to the iPod pricing strategy? How do you explain that the iPod price cut did not lead to such a level of customers’ protest? Answer: Both iPhone and iPod have experienced a large amount of price cut in their product lifecycle. In this document, we can find that iPod was launched in October 2001. Tough relatively high priced for an MP3 player, it was hugely demanded and remains popular till date though there was a price slash in 2005. Similar to the price cut of the iPod, two months after the launch of the iPhone, Apple lowered the price by 200 USD. However, regarding the price strategy, a big difference between two products is the timing of price cut. iPod adjusted its price after experiencing a 4-year success from its launch in 2001, whereas iPhone drop in price in only 2 month, which is the main explanation of why the iPod price cut did not lead to such a serious level of customers’ protest. Although both price adjustments were designed for the aim to further expand in the mass market and improve the sales, we can find that the main reason for price cut of iPod is to sell more products in its declining period of product lifecycle. By contrast, the objective of price cut of iPhone is to rapidly monopoly the smart phone market in its growing period of product lifecycle, which resulted a part of Apple fans’ profits since they bought the product in a high price. 2. â€Å"Market analysts pointed out that Apple had created a strong brand and customer loyalty which it capitalized on by adopting a skimming strategy in pricing. They also felt that customers accept its highly priced products with equanimity. To go a step further, they consciously expect it to be so.What does this tell you about the value of iPhone own-price elasticity, cross-price elasticity and income elasticity? Answer: The practice of ‘price skimming’ involves charging a relatively high price for a short time where a new, innovative, or much-improved product is launched onto a market. Obviously, due to the reason that Apple had created a strong brand image by its innovation of technology and creativity of design, and loyalty of c ustomers, particularly those Apple crazy fans, the price skimming strategy was able to work extremely well when iPhone was launched onto the market. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone entered the highly volatile cell phone market combining telephony, MP3, Web surfing and video watching, which completely revolutionized the tech-savvy market and was most awaited by both the technology enthusiasts and mainstream media. Therefore, the success of this strategy was largely dependent on those first adopters’ inelasticity of demand for the product either by the market as a whole. However, in the cell phone industry, where the product lifecycle is relatively short and the market is highly competitive. Before some other competing products or substitutes emerging on the market, iPhone could enjoy its high price and benefit from its â€Å"monopoly profits† in a short term where demand is relatively inelastic. Whereas in the cell phone industry, the demand from mass market is price elastic, which is the main reason that Apple needs to drop its price to increase its sales according to its mass-market strategy. In terms of cross-price elasticity, we can think about this question from two aspects: complements and substitutes. Firstly, due the reason that the demand of iPhone is price elastic in mass market, price of iPhone decrease, quantity demanded of components increases, which leads Apple to get a lower price of components from its supplier and further guarantee its gross margin of iPhone. In addition, the increase of sales also means the increase number of customer buying and renting apps from Apple’s online store. Secondly, considering substitutes, price of iPhone decrease, and quantity of competing products demanded decrease. Since the demand is price elastic, the lower production cost and increase revenue from Apple softer ware are able to recuperate the loss from cost cut. We can make the conclusion that regarding to the income elasticity, a decrease of price of iPhone has a positive impact on its total revenue. 3. Based on the information provided in the case would you say that the market for smartphone is closer to monopoly or to monopolistic competition? Justify. Answer: Yes, base on the information provided in the case, I regard the smartphone industry as a monopolistic competition. Monopolistic competition  is a form of imperfect competition  where many competing producers sell products that are  differentiated  from one another. Smartphone industry has following characteristics:* There are several producers like Apple, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola etc. , and many consumers in the market, but no company can total control over the market price. * Consumers perceive that there are non-price differences among the competitors’ products. * There are few barriers to entry and exit.Producers have a degree of control over price. 4. Is the price cut decided by Apple two months after iPhone initial launch consistent with the smartphone market structure described above? Answer: Yes, the performance of iPhone is consistent with the smartphone market structure. Firstly, the MC firms sell products that have real or perceived non-price differences. However, the differences are not so great as to eliminate other goods as substitutes. Technically, the cross price elasticity of demand between goods in such a market is positive. In this case, iPhone perform the same basic functions but have differences in qualities such as design, style, reputation and appearance. Secondly, independent decision-making is another characteristic of monopolistic competition. The firm gives no consideration to what effect its decision may have on competitors. In other words each firm feels free to set prices as if it were a monopoly. Lastly, Apple has some degree of market power. Market power means that the firm has control over the terms and conditions of exchange. An MC firm can raise it prices without losing all its customers. The firm can also lower prices without triggering a potentially ruinous price war with competitors, which is the reason why iPhone was able to largely cut its price in two months. 5. Knowing the price cut affected negatively Apple reputation, do you believe Apple adopted an opportunistic pricing strategy initially selling the iPhone at a high price to take advantage of holiday season high spending habits and then dropping the price to stimulate market growth? Is this consistent with Apple pricing strategy in its other product lines like computers and iPod? Answer: I don’t entirely believe that iPhone lunched at a high price was due to it attempted to take the advantage of â€Å"holiday season high spending habits†. From my point of view, there are two main reasons why iPhone priced high at the beginning: Firstly, the core consumer groups of iPhone are enthusiastic fans of high-tech gadgets; and some of them are loyalty customers of Apple. These parts of people are not sensitive for iPhone’s price. What attract them are its quality, design and innovation. The first adopters’ inelasticity of demand is a good opportunity for using the price skimming strategy. Secondly, high price strategy is an effective method to build a high-end brand image. It’s much easier that a high brand image product cuts its price for promotion than a low brand image one raises it. For the tech-savvy market, the product lifecycle is short. We can often find on the market that a product of Apple or other brands cuts its price when it has been launched for a period of time. But iPhone dropped its price only 2 months after it had been introduced onto the market. This strategy is quite different from other products of Apple. For instance, iPod depreciated 2 years after it came into the market. Seeing the price of iPhone must be in line with iPod Touch, this strategy is â€Å"special† for Apple, comparing with other products. 6. â€Å"According to Apple executives the move had been planned long ago and felt that the pricing strategy was conceived in part to keep the iPhone’s pricing in line with its new iPod touch. † Explain to what extent a high-priced iPhone could be an obstacle to the success of the new iPod Touch. Based on what you know about Apple late development do you find that explanation convincing? Answer: In terms of the features of these two types of products, iPod Touch is like a simplified version of iPhone, without the function of a â€Å"phone†. This determines that the prices of these two types of products must be â€Å"in a line†, which means, for a reasonable consideration, the price of iPod Touch must be lower than iPhone but not too far away. If iPhone had not cut its price, iPod Touch must have had been priced at a higher level than the realistic one. We assume that, if iPhone 4 GB continued being sold at 499USD, iPod Touch may be sold at 400 or 450USD. As an mp3 player, it would be much more expensive than its competing brands. On the contrary, if iPhone had kept a high price level but iPod Touch had been set at a low one, the customers would have had been confused for â€Å"why a simplified version of iPhone is so much ‘cheaper’ than iPhone? † That would have had a negative impacts on the sales of both iPhone and iPod Touch, even would have had impaired Apple’s brand image. Combining with what I know about the late development of these two types of products, I found although the price cutting had a temporary harm on customer’s trust, iPhone and iPod Touch both performed well on the market. It proved the importance of keeping the price of iPhone and iPod Touch in a line. 7. â€Å"But the sharp price cut suggested that even Apple, which has long lived in a pricing bubble insulated from other personal computer makers, is not immune from the brutal pressures of the cellular phone business. † Does this statement mean that the personal computers market is different from the cellular phone business in other words, the cellular phone market is more competitive than the personal computer market? Why? Do you share this view? Justify. Answer: From this statement, I can’t make the conclusion that the cell phone market is more competitive than the personal computer market. Apple is one of the earliest personal computer manufacturers in the world. Its personal computer products are behalf of the most advanced PC technology of the world. Especially its graphics processing technology and operating system have high reputation. Thus, Apple’s PC products long lived in a pricing bubble insulated from other personal computer makers. That means Apple has definitely strong market power on PC market. Its high price doesn’t mean there is less competition. Furthermore, the technical innovation, appearance design, and function combination of cell phone products are updating so fast. So the lifecycle of a handset product is shorter than a computer. The price cutting often occurs when a mobile phone has come onto market for a period of time. The objective usually is for making price room for a new generation of product, which isn’t caused by competing activities. In conclusion, I don’t share this view. 8. â€Å"Keeping in mind Apple’s range of high priced products which gives it an â€Å"aura† of exclusivity, was Jobs decision to reduce the price a right one?†¦ With a 50% gross margin, Apple is setting itself up for aggressive price declines going forward†. Do you believe that Apple move is a sign that it is ready to enter a price war? Would this mean that Apple is leaving the niche market position it held for decades to go after mass market? What would be the pros and cons of that strategy? Do you believe it? Answer: The characteristics of Apple’s products are novel design, fashionable appearance and the combination of music, game, music, web surfing and other functions. It determines the positioning of iPhone must be high, and the main target consumer group is high income, music ; digital amateurs. This segment of consumer has low sensitive for price. Pure price war will not yield more market shares for iPhone. So, the price cutting strategy doesn’t mean Apple is ready for the price war. The product’s features determine Apple’s niche market strategy. But a cell phone product innovates relatively faster than other cargos. When a product successfully attracted some first adopters, how to sell them to more followers should be the core problem. Cutting the price and going in to the mass market is a universal method. Apple also adopted this strategy on iPhone. Pros of going to mass market: * iPhone can attract more followers. Some of them are sensitive to the price, their demands are elastic. Before the price cutting and entry of the mass market, some of the non-owners didn’t buy it just because of the high price. * iPhone can expand its market share quicker, and establish the competitive barriers. Its market power will be stronger. * The expanded customers would have had bought more online products, which would have had a big growth of income.By this strategy, iPhone can consolidate their customer-friendly brand image, and increase the loyalty of the customers. * The cooperation with AT;T can get a synergy between these two brands, and can receive a sum of bonus revenue from the carrier. Cons of going to mass market: * It made the brand image be lower than before. * Decreased the gross margin of iPhone. * Hurt some d ie-hards’ loyalty. * Increased the degree of monopoly, made the competition imperfect, and harmed the balance of the benign competition with its rivals. But a cellular phone product such as iPhone goes into the mass market is usually a temporary strategy when the product comes into the mature or declining period in its lifecycle, or when the company wants to make some price room for a new product. Apple cut iPhone’s price was just for keeping the iPhone’s price being in a line with iPod Touch’s. It didn’t mean Apple changed its main branding strategy to go into the mass market. For that time, I assume that it was a reasonable strategy for Apple to cut iPhone’s price.

Legal, Safety and Regulatory Requirements Essay

This paper examines the impact of legal, safety and the regulatory requirements of the human resources development in an organization. This aspects look at the rights of the employee and the employer and how they are secured. This human resources process affects the lawful, well-being, and governing guidelines inside a business while the privileges of those employers and workers are protected by the U. S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Department of Homeland Security. The employee-related regulations are to guard the privileges of a company and worker. The U. S. Department of Labor gives organization an excellent effective setting and reduces employment ratios by offering development within the organization. The human resources areas have to commit to having current rules and guidelines for salaries and times worked. And human resources management has to guarantee all personnel whether United States residents or non-United States mindful of any material may possibly be related (United States Department of Labor, 2011). According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states it is unlawful to differentiate a capable individual with a disability. The law states it is prohibited to react against an individual since the individual complained about injustice, filed an allegation of discrimination, or take part in discrimination complaint. It expects that employers fairly provide the known physical or mental restrictions of an otherwise capable individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would force an undue difficulty on the process of the employer’s business. The employees of Department of Homeland Security work diligently to preserve the well-being and safety of the United States. They work with municipalities, people, and countries to support them plan for and pull through from emergencies. They evaluate dozens of virtual security statements, and portions of intelligence, continuing continuous communication with specialists all through the country to defend the United States most important buildings and resources. With the legislation of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Department Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge made a commitment that the new human resources system would be the result of a cooperative and comprehensive process involving supervisors, employees, labor organizations, and a expansive group of participants and specialists from the Federal division and private organization in order to deliver the greatest procedures possible for the employees of Homeland Security. The final guidelines administer to the new human resources for Department Homeland Security is evidence to that commitment The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defends all employees working inside a corporation against discrimination regarding age, disability, sex, national origin, color or race. The human resources organization has to stay in agreement by making sure that all supervisors are extremely capable to properly relate with employees in the process of hiring, training, advancing, and dismissing. This law is enforced by a federal agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This law is laid out into three segments that consist of e sexual harassment, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. These three different segments have a huge influence on the human resources division, and the employment process and this department must follow the law. These equal opportunity regulations will guarantee an employee is given an equal opportunity while submitting an application or resume for a position at an organization regardless of race, age, or gender. When looking at affirmative action this process allows an organization to hire individuals which fit in to a certain group of individuals. The sexual harassment process is put into the work environment to guarantee employees both women and men are secured under both federal and state law, sexual harassment can be verbal, physical or both, this type of harassment cannot only affect an employee’s work environment, but more importantly that person emotional well-being. Sexual harassment can make an employee feel uncomfortable coming to work, prevents them from focusing on their tasks work, and they can take that emotional stress home with them. The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 law makes it unlawful to discriminate against any individual basis on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. It also makes it unlawful to react hostile to an individual because the individual protested about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in a discrimination lawsuit (â€Å"U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission†, 2011). This law also states that supervisors reasonably provide candidates’ and employees’ time to hold religious customs, except if doing so would inflict an unnecessary stress on the owner’s organization. This also goes for the federal government and employment services, and labor establishments, also need to acknowledge the law. The majority of discrimination lawsuits claim a violation of this law. In regards to the statement that, â€Å"Common sense and compassion in the workplace has been replaced by litigation. † I look up the definition and it stated that Common sense is sound practical judgment derived from experience rather than study. And compassion is sympathy for the suffering of others, often including a desire to help (Encarta 1999). Guidelines and procedures are put in place to defend employees and employers. Nevertheless, not all procedures and guideline are for every employee or employer. Every situation is different and has to be approach differently; no two people are the same. A human resources manager has to be able to look at these different situations and make a choice that’s good for the organization employees. Making the right decisions protect the organization from lawsuits. The distress of upsetting employees or possible ligation has caused human resources departments to outline guidelines and procedures.

Political Efficacy Essay

FACT: No Black person has ever been elected as president of the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   United States of America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FACT: In spite of Blacks’ considerable population in America, very   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   few Black Representatives are elected; if elected, they still   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   remain in low positions in the government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These concepts remain to be unsolved puzzles that need deeper attention. These lead me to do a research regarding the present situation of Blacks in their political system and their way of thinking and behaving with regards to political matters that concerns them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper focuses mainly on how the issue on political efficacy among Blacks largely affects the views of people around the world. The paper aims to answer the major question: What major factors affect trends and even inconsistency in political efficacy among Blacks?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on my research, there are six major causes on why Blacks have very low political efficacy compared to non-Blacks, namely: segregation, political cynicism, socio-economic status, and awareness of inequality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These issues among Blacks concern us all. We can recall that Blacks have been a great part of world history and have major contributions on the world’s culture. The Blacks are the representation of almost all the other races in the world. My point is, in our world today, the mirror of reality shows us the two divisions of the world: the Whites, and the rest of the world. What is happening to the Blacks in almost all terms of their lives is happening to the ‘rest of the world’. Despite of their great number compared to Whites, the Whites still out-numbered them in terms of political, economical, educational, social, and all other rights. This research on political efficacy can fill or clear the gap primarily between the Whites and the Blacks. This paper will present the effects of the factors of political efficacy (segregation, socio-economic status, etc.) on the Blacks so that when there comes a time that the government will make policies, they know how these policies may affect the Blacks. The paper will also focus on the involvement and behavior of non-Blacks that might affect or is already affecting Blacks’ behavior and concerns in politics. LITERATURE REVIEW   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Scholars even from the past have been interested in studying political behaviors of the Blacks. One of the primary reasons of their interest might be the paradox on the large population but low political efficacy among Blacks. â€Å"Sense of political efficacy, according to Campbell, is the feeling that individual political action does have, or can have an impact upon political process.† Political efficacy as a whole is about â€Å"the impact of the individual citizen: the citizen affects political and social processes through elections, lobbying and other way of influencing political actors who in turn are expected to be responsive to the citizens’ interests and implement policy through their work and decisions effectively.† (Schneider 2006, p.1) Scholars construct several theories regarding political efficacy and conduct vast number of researches such as interviews, surveys, and observations. They even consult differ ent books, magazines and journal publications about political efficacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Scholars present theories and go deeper to finding about the patterns, cause, behavioral conditions, internal and external factors that might be the key to explaining the issues on political efficacy among Blacks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ananat and Washington pointed that segregation has a negative impact on Black political efficacy. The more segregated the metro areas are, the less likely that its residents are represented in the United States House by an individual who is from the Democratic Party or who votes in accordance with the desires of Black residents on civil rights and other issues. â€Å"We do however find evidence that in more segregated areas, non-Blacks are more likely to hold negative views of Blacks and of the policies that aid Blacks†¦. As Blacks are a minority of the population, in all metro areas, this polarization could explain the finding that Black civic efficacy is decreasing in segregation.† (Ananat and Washington 2006, p.4)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Poverty and resultant environment of deprivation were the driving factors in low levels of political efficacy (Woodly p.2). Ananat and Washington also agree when they stated that lower income subgroups are less likely to vote. They even mention that Blacks in more segregated metropolitan areas are fare worse than their counterparts in less segregated areas on a variety of economic outcomes (2006 p.20 & 26).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Schley, R. Lyons, political cynicism is the belief that the government officials and authorities cannot be trusted. At all political levels of education, Black youth felt less politically efficacious and were more cynical than white youth. This has been remarkably constant across time and region.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Woodly argues that because of Blacks’ awareness of inequality, they are both less politically trusting and less politically efficacious. (Woodly p.27) The Clark tests found that Black children were more ambivalent about the racial identities than White and they identify themselves more closely with Whites. (Woodly p.11) This statement alone will show that Blacks tend to lose trust in the government on whether they will be given equal rights like the Whites as they give out their votes. These doubts will prove the unwillingness of the Blacks to vote. In this era of globalization, the media takes part in almost all the events that concerns the people’s view on everyday news and issues. Robinson (1976) argues that increase viewing of television programs increases the frustration with the political system and cynicism. Similarly, media use might also reduce the feeling of control held by the political institutions over the world. (Schneider 2006 p. 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From all these sources that I have gathered, I have observed one inconsistency in the work of Ananat and Washington. They stated that the more segregated Blacks are the more contact they have with other Blacks and the more likely they are to be able to influence Black political behavior. However, they also mention a contradicting statement that segregation decreases Black voter turnout and/or increases non-Black voter turnout resulting in a decrease in Black civic efficacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The problem with some writers is they did not consider the other factors that may have an effect on political efficacy of Blacks such as history, religious beliefs and family or tribes traditions. There are also statements and even researches that are not very much relevant to the topic. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the points of the authors in the different works related to my topic for us to view the bigger picture. THEORIES AND HYPOTHESES Factors of Political Efficacy in Blacks   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the effort of explaining the present situation and behavior of political efficacy among Blacks, we first explain some concepts that I have crossed referenced from a number of literatures and arguments that tackles the same concept of political efficacy (as given in the review of literature). And from these sources, I have derived these following certain points and factors wherein I believe political efficacy among Blacks can be further explained and in these factors I have given closer attention and consideration. Racial Segregation. In this study of political efficacy in Blacks, it is impossible not to consider the status and limitations of interactions of Blacks with other races; which gives the concept of segregation or racial segregation. Racial segregation is quite different from racial discrimination; the latter being ranging from individual actions to enforced discriminatory behavior. Racial segregation is typically the spatial and institutional separation of races; as exemplified by separate neighborhoods, attending different schools and receiving different social services (Wikipedia). Economic Status. Although economic status have numerous meanings and measures, its use and meaning will be in accordance with the context of income. In this study, we use poverty rates as the general measure of economic status; a measure that can be easily quantified and compared in the process of analysis. Political Cynicism. Literally, cynicism is the belief of using self-interest as the main motive of behavior (Wikipedia). In the political context, political cynicism can be defined as the belief that government officials and authorities can not be trusted (Woodly, p. 2). From this definition, we can plainly use political cynicism as a measure of external political inefficacy as suggested by opposition of the government and its policies. Self-esteem. In its common term, can literally and plainly mean trust to one’s self. In the context of this study, self-esteem will be constantly interrelated with self-efficacy and political efficacy as well. However, this does not mean that self efficacy and self-esteem are the same; it may even mean the opposite at times. Woody even supports the difference between the two and limited self-efficacy as the sense of competence or personal control of one’s self (Woody, p. 13). Institutional Inequality. Because this study is about the behavior of a certain race or identity, it can not be helped that certain clashes and conflicts are met in between this race and the environment. As we study the behavior of Blacks, we will also consider their interactions with the non-Blacks. Institutional inequality can be referred to as the dominance of non-Blacks over Blacks considering the imbalance in number of representations and policies in the government and other institutions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Black Political Efficacy as a Whole   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the comparative works done in understanding the political efficacy on blacks in its current context, this paper addresses the matter as a byproduct and interrelation of numerous factors and events and not just a simple cause and effect phenomena.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although rigorous studies and measures were made in trying to explain black political efficacy as a whole, we now try to get a bigger picture by compiling these works and adding new factors into the matter such as the social events that may have affected the present situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As earlier discussed in this study, numerous inconsistencies and non-correlation of factors have been observed and given much attention. This includes the inconsistencies on segregation (of Blacks and Whites) and the matter itself of political efficacy in the work of Ananat and Washington(2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the work of Ananat and Washington (2006), it has been stated that the more blacks have contact with each other, the more likely they will influence political behavior (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 3). But then again, she then deduced that segregation or groupings of Blacks causes political inefficacy as prescribed by their voter-turnout (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). Judging these statements, we now turn on the assumption that there is a different driving factor that correlates segregation and political efficacy among Blacks. Having these views, we now look at another concept – political cynicism among Blacks. Although there may be relations between political cynicism and segregation, the relation is very vague. In another study (Woodly), political efficacy among Blacks was found to be quite varied among communities, may it be segregated from Whites or not. Having established the contrast between the two (segregation and political cynicism), political cynicism and Black political efficacy can now be correlated independent of segregation. Just form the definition itself of political cynicism; it is no longer a question that cynicism significantly correlates with low political efficacy; more particularly with external political efficacy. We can now eliminate segregation and p[political efficacy and take a much closer look at cynicism in further understanding this subject.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although segregation’s direct link with political efficacy has been disproven, we now look upon how it indirectly affects efficacy by being a variable in other considerable factors. In the same study between segregation and efficacy (Ananat and Washington 2006), economic status; as measured by rates of poverty; was tackled as it varies in segregated and non-segregated areas. To see the point of comparisons between segregation and economic status, we must first see how economic status and political efficacy relates to each other. Through additional studies, it was significantly concluded that political efficacy among Blacks decreases in communities of high poverty rates. These are supported by reports that lower income sub-groups are less likely to vote (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). This exemplifies that Blacks loses trust and hope in the political issues, government policies, and even in the government itself when they are in low income status. We now establish the trend that as economic status increase, political efficacy increases as well. We now go back to the comparisons between segregation and economic status among Blacks. The trend exhibits a very high correlation between being segregated and being of low economic status among Blacks, and vice versa (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). The opposite goes to Whites, the more they are in less contact with Blacks, the higher their economic status is (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). From here, we may deduce that in non-segregated areas where Whites interact more with Blacks, it seems that Whites are less productive or work-oriented. Intuitively, we can sense the concept of power-play between Blacks and Whites. And based on these assumptions, we can now introduce another factor into the matter of political efficacy among Blacks – the concept of institutional inequality. In this matter of institutional inequality, we may find that non-Blacks has the need to be segregated from and dominant over Blacks for social and economic efficiency, as supported by Ananat and Washington’s study. In the point of view of Black’s, this is very apparent and the effect to their economic actions has been proven. In metro areas where there are more job and income opportunities, it has been found that these are also the places where Blacks are the minority of the population (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 4). This play of domination is not just in the context of the working office. In further studies, it seems that these trends have rooted from the pillars of the social community; more specifically from the childhood environment. In the findings of Kardiner and Ovesey (1951), it is significantly seen that Black children have negative evaluation of themselves, thus giving room for the concept of inequality. The more alarming idea in this study is that these children tend to start having cynicism tendencies at these young ages (Lyons 1970, p. 290). At these stages, studies have concluded that Black children derive their self-esteem by blaming the system or the government itself (McCarthy and Yancey 1971). These statements are supported by Hughes’ tests wherein the self-efficacy of these children; which is defined as competence and self-control; significantly scores lower than non-Black children. Relating this to political efficacy, we may find that this institutional inequality really does exist in the community. This then causes economic drops in the status of Black adults, and at the same time, develops the tendencies of children for political cynicism. Having laid all these factors into the way, this leads nowhere else but to the decreased political efficacy among Blacks. CONCLUSION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Political efficacy among Blacks is not simply a matter of societal chance and thinking; it has a more complicated nature wherein a number of factors constantly defy and support each other. Although there are already numerous studies concerning the political efficacy in Blacks, it is found that there may be points and arguments that need more detail and attention; and some may even be misinterpreted and incorrect. The interrelation between segregation and political efficacy, though thoroughly studied and measured, in the end is found to have no direct link after all. However, having a direct effect on economic status (segregated areas have lower economic use for Blacks), segregation is still a factor in this matter. Economic downfall (measured by poverty rates), turns out to be a good reason and explanation of being less efficacious. On the other hand, the concept of political cynicism has; no doubt; the most understandable direct relation with political efficacy in Blacks. Simply from its definition of opposition to the government, political inefficacy increase along with levels of cynicism. Institutional inequality, by being present in a number of ways, has a lot of bearing in the status of Blacks. Its evident effect in economic status is proven by giving more financial advantage to the dominating race or group. And in turn, having deflected economic outcomes, affects political efficacy of Blacks. Not only that, these imbalance in equality is a basis of varying self-esteem. obviously, those of the dominating class will have higher self-esteem than the â€Å"lower class†, which in this case are the Blacks. The status of Blacks in the community; though it may be ignored and jeopardized; is still should be of concern to each and everyone. Although this study of literature and points of different authors about political efficacy is not a substitute in solving the problem stated, I hope to lighten and broaden the points by trying to look in different perspectives in the hopes of clearing out conflicts that may be or is already there. Having scanned and analyzed the articles concerning political efficacy among Blacks, I also have done my part in further strengthening their arguments; and if needed; also try to clarify and correct some inconsistencies and conflicts for intellectual purposes. But most of all, this paper is intended for readers to understand the situation and thinking of fellow Blacks, so that in the future we may have a deeper knowledge and consideration in our actions as to how it may affect each and every one of us.   References Ananat, Elizabeth O. and Washington, Ebonya. 2006. â€Å"Segregation and Black Political Efficacy.† New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. Hughes, M. a. D. H. D. 1989. Self-Perceptions of Black Americans: Self-Esteem and Personal Efficacy. The American Journal of Sociology 95(1):132–159. Kardiner, A., and Ovesey, L. 1951. The Mark of Oppression. New York: Norton. Lyons, S. 1970. â€Å"The Political Socialization of Ghetto Children: Efficacy and cynicism.† Journal of Politics 32: 288-304. McCarthy, J. and W. L. Yancey. 1971. Reply to Washington by McCarthy and Yancey. American Journal of Sociology. 77: 590. Schneider, Daniel. â€Å"Extending Political Efficacy: Voters Perceptions of Efficacy of Elected Officials.† June 2006. http://www.stanford.edu/~danielsc/prop_nes_pilot_2006.pdf (November 30, 2007). Wikipedia. â€Å"Racial segregation.† December 3, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_segregation (December 3, 2007). Wikipedia. â€Å"Cynicism.† November 30, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism (December 3, 2007). Woodly, Deva. â€Å"Black Youth Book Project: Political Efficacy Literature Review.† http://blackyouthproject.uchicago.edu/primers/reviews/efficacy.pdf (November 30, 2007).