How Computer Games Influence Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

How Computer Games Influence Violence - Essay Example Several researches have focused on the effects of video games on adolescents and children. This is because children belong to an age whereby they are vulnerable to deceptions (Signorielli 2006, p. 36). This means that they can barely separate illusions from reality. Children easily develop emotions that make them vulnerable to script of their play. It is essential to note that video games are proven to have positive effects as well. For instance, video games could be responsible for improving manual dexterity. This is useful in handling things such as bicycles, vehicles and other machines. Additionally, video games could improve computer literacy of children. This is attributable to employment of various control keys and manipulations in creating a game. Technology improves to accord these games better graphics for real three dimensional experiences in playing. Such quality heralds video games as a distinct force in children’s lives. However, research and real life experiences show that video games increase aggression in teens. Video games have notably transformed to become increasingly popular with teenagers. An example concerns the studies, of Kaiser Family Foundation, that reported of most children homes’ ownership of video games. ... This mostly concerns shooting games in which other characters are depicted to have died. Video games necessitate a critical concern because children are active users of such medium. It is notable that video games demand significant attention that children gullibly accord. This gives greater credibility to the images that appear on the devices’ screens. Since parents rarely involve themselves in video games, they are unaware of the images. Some studies indicate that children who play martial games would possess the tendency towards aggression (Aboujaoude & Koran, p. 184). This would be different from motorcycle racing games whereby children are not likely to develop aggression out of playing. This affects children players in two dimensions. To begin with, it deceives players of their strength in case they win such games. It is vital to note that children become increasingly proficient with more games that they play. This proficiency enables players to easily win games by depict ions of shooting and murdering other characters. It creates a sense of self misconception whereby the children players feel that they can operate in the real world through violence. This means that such children would feel that they can get away with violence in the practical world. On the other hand, violence is attributable to frustrations of failing in games. This mostly occurs in cases whereby children are less proficient in manipulating video games. In certain instances, other characters end up shooting and killing the main character in terms of video depiction. This triggers anger and frustration in children players. In turn, they can fight with their peers in order that they convince of their strength. In addition, children could turn violent

Us Womens History Essay Example for Free

Us Womens History Essay The Native American women were trained to work hard in the fields and in the house. They were held responsible for over 75% of food production and the gathering of the fruits in the community. These women were responsible for making clothes for themselves and their families from the skin of rabbit and dear. The Native American women were allowed to dress in long dresses and leggings. The Native American women mostly practice agriculture when civilization of Europeans arrived and because of all their lives depends agriculture their economy grows with their own hard work spiritual role. As the women are the backbone of the community, they are given right to own land and in this they use for farming and inherit it to their descendants. In America native communities in 1600 century, women are given to have much power than European women, this is because Native American women are very hard working and they also have good feelings and near to their husbands, thus they are given equal opportunity to rest of the community. Status of Women in the Southern and Northern colonies In the southern colonies women were legally subordinate to men, politically and nonetheless improved economically in the colonial period. Southern colonies the women were view less than the men, where they took advantage for their right in the society of inheriting the land of their late husbands. The southern colonies focus was on profit while northern colonies focus on religion. The northern colonies are better in status than southern colonies because northern women are married earlier, they had larger families and they live longer than their cousins on the other side of the ocean. Living conditions in the early Northern and southern colonies Living condition in early 1600 in north and south, colonies used Americans as slaves and servants for their plantations, but in late 1600 the African slaves became the primary source of American slaves. Southern plantation used to give huge profit to the northern merchants. Colonies came to America for religion and looking for job as most of them escape war. Although they got a lot of resources, but they started colonizing Americans living condition of Americans was too poor and white colonizes took these advantage and started employing some of the Americans and some of Americans bought as servant with 25- 50 dollars. The servants were given a small grubstake and if she or he was lucky, a few acres of land. Thus, some of the servants were treated fairly. Servants or slaves who are living at southern were treated as slaves without any payment. (Kramarde, Cheris. and Spender, Dale. 107) Work cited Kramarde, Cheris and Spender, Dale. Routledge International Encyclopedia of women. Routledge. (2000).

Severe Mercy in King Lear :: King Lear essays

Severe Mercy in King Lear      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The best thing about King Lear is that the deeper you dig, the more meat you find. It seems straightforward enough, except that every now and then something leaps out of the dialogue that severs the veil of coherent reality to strike sharp blows at the eternal Within. Even with a minimum of thought, few, I think, when considering King Lear, could emerge unshaken. There are shining archetypes of pain and grace and mercy and redemption. And like all truth, Lear abounds with paradox: we love him, we hate him; he is as King, deity; as father, a child. His beginning is noble yet immature, his end is destitute yet sublime. His subjects, all, are antonyms and mirrors. The messages come to us disguised as both story and image. The two are hopelessly bound up with one another, but we shall consider them a little separated in hopes of making some progress through such mvstic mire. The images come as flashes of recognition and intuition. We needn't understand something to be affected by it, for intuition is recognition on the sub-conscious level, which is equally, if not more, important. But unlike the "jolts of glory" that images may bear, the story is gradually grasped, perhaps even long after the performance, when the mind may consolidate and review the witnessed events. On the surface, King Lear is a pagan play, as it is set pre-Christian England. But it has, for all that, no shortage of appeals to deity and interesting speculation. This is, after all, a play set on the brink of eternity and it must make us wonder on the universe in relationship to the characters and ourselves. The first tragedy is that Lear's world is void of revelation. It is simply Man and the awesome silence of the Dead. They are a people with no assurence. We who watch the play with the benefit of a Christian worldview have got to displace ourselves and push our assurances and belief aside, if possible, to let inan inkling of the dispair and horror which must meet each man with no hope. It is not easy to do, and extremely discouraging when we succeed. Asin Beowulf, one of our language's oldest pieces of mythic literature, a man's only assurance of afterlife was living on in the memory of those who remained alive, and the greatest end would be a heroic ballad, a song through which a man may live forever, if forever it were sung.

Environmental Ethics Essay -- Ethics Philosophy Global Warming Climate

Our modern industrial society provides us with great physical and psychological comfort. We live not with a fear for our lives, we are politically stable and dominant; even the terrorist attacks against us cannot strip us of our safety bubble. We live with the luxury of convenience provided by our technologies, such as household appliances, personal computers, indoor heating and plumbing, personal automobiles with â€Å"endless fuel† the list is infinite. We live in a disposable society, where it is not commonplace to have material goods fixed, but rather replaced. We have disposable everything, diapers, water bottles, contacts, paintbrushes†¦ again, our convenience is never-ending. This convenient lifestyle coupled with our massive desire for material goods has created immense devastation to the Earth. As time progresses we learn of more tragic outcomes of our lifestyles. I will discuss the major environmental tragedies that are facing our planet and possible solut ions to the disasters. I will also give comparative thoughts by a handful of philosophers and dispute our moral obligations to the environment and for those whom occupy it. I feel that we need to do something soon to stop the destruction before it is too late. First off, the biggest argument for preserving the environment would be; we have an obligation to future generations. Singer discusses these thoughts in his chapter on environmental ethics in his book, Practical Ethics. He begins with the assumption that people are self-interested, and while current philosophy and economics fail to present answers to the problem of obligations to future generations, we still have them. He recognizes that we do not know exactly what future people will cherish; will they cho... ...e need to come together and work towards a common goal: a cleaner America. Don’t think with tunnel vision, think long term, and consider how quickly humans have made an impact on the environment. Earth has been surviving with out us for millions of years and it took us a couple hundred to wreck havoc. There are small things that we can do everyday to help right here in Alma; recycle, walk to 7-11, bike to the baseball games, and etc. All great things start with an idea and starting is the hardest part. Sources * Flavin, Christopher. The Heat is On: The Greenhouse Effect. * Gross, Rita. Toward a Buddhist Environmental Ethic. * Pajman, Louis. Environmental Ethics: Reading in Theory and Application. Wadsworth Publishing Co. March 2002. * Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Elderly Homelessness Essay

Although the elderly are homeless for all sorts of reasons, there are some common causes of homelessness for everyone. The causes of elderly homelessness are mostly financial. The most common cause of homelessness is income. The elderly retire and do not make the same income as they did while working. Because their income is low, they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to live off of. However, SSI is usually very low and not even above the poverty line. The maximum SSI monthly benefit in Washington D. C. s $850 for an individual, which is well below the poverty line (NLIHC, 2007). These monthly benefits have to be used to pay bills, buy food, and pay for housing. SSI benefits do not last very long because they are so small and the cost of housing usually diminishes the benefit before it can go any further. The cost of housing is the second most common cause of homelessness among the elderly. It is hard to find affordable housing in many areas, especially in busy cities. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in Washington D. C. was $1,134 (NLIHC, 2007). Many of the elderly have a hard time paying for housing because SSI will only pay housing if the cost is thirty percent of their SSI benefit. Many of the elderly who are having issues paying for the cost of housing can apply for section 8 vouchers, but there is an ironic twist to this option. In order to receive section 8 vouchers to avoid homelessness, the person applying has to already be homeless. Once the person is homeless, it will be very difficult to apply for section 8 because they don’t have a permanent address or a way to keep in contact with any agencies. Some of the other causes of elderly homelessness include physical and mental health. The problem with the health of the elderly is that most of them have some sort of illness that prevents them from being able to take care of themselves and their home. The elderly are more likely to experience a disruption in their ability to care or provide for themselves and their homes because they are not physically or mentally able to. Their health causes them to stop working and ultimately leads to receiving the low SSI benefits, like a vicious circle. One of the causes of homelessness is the lack of social support from family and friends. Many elderly people become homes because they do not have anyone to help them, whether financially or emotionally. They do not ask for help because their family and friends may also be having financial issues and do not have space in their home for the elderly person to live with them. Because of this many elderly people feel like a burden and are too ashamed to ask their friends and family for help and they are left to fend for themselves, which leads to homelessness. The last common cause of elderly homelessness is the â€Å"knowledge deficit† that exists about available services. Many elderly people admit that they do not know which programs and services are available to them and which they are eligible for. Sometimes there are services and support that they are eligible for that they are unaware of and they feel like there is nothing they can do. This usually leads to becoming homeless because they ran out of time to apply for services and get help to prevent homelessness. Many of the elderly people who are homeless did not think they were eligible for services and many other elderly people were unaware of services that might be available to them. This is a huge problem because the elderly do not have the information they need to prevent being homeless and they are not receiving the support and services that they are eligible for. These elderly people are falling into situations that they don’t know how to get out of.

Controlled Variable Definition

Controlled Variable Definition A controlled variable is one which the researcher holds constant (controls) during an experiment. It is also known as a constant variable or simply as a control. The control variable is not part of an experiment (not the independent or dependent variable), but it is important because it can have an effect on the results. It is not the same thing as a control group. Any given experiment has numerous control variables. Its important for a scientist to try to hold all variables constant except for the independent variable. If a control variable changes during an experiment, it may invalidate the correlation between the dependent and independent variable. When possible, control variables should be identified, measured, and recorded. Examples of Controlled Variables Temperature is a common  type of  controlled variable. If a temperature is held constant during an experiment it is controlled. Other examples of controlled variables could be the  amount of light, always using the same type of glassware, constant humidity, or duration of an experiment. Common Mis-Spelling: controlled variable Importance of the Control Variables Although control variables may not be measured (although they are often recorded), they can have a significant effect on the outcome of an experiment. Lack of awareness of control variables can lead to faulty results or what are called confounding variables. Noting control variables makes it easier to reproduce an experiment and to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. For example, say you are trying to determine whether a particular fertilizer has an effect on plant growth. The independent variable is the presence or absence of the fertilizer, while the dependent variable is the height of the plant or rate of growth. If you dont control the amount of light (e.g., you perform part of the experiment in the summer and part during the winter), you may skew your results.

Essay on Ecommer Revolution

Essay on Ecommer Revolution Essay on Ecommer Revolution 4) Describe at least twelve major intermediate objectives the company set. Try to include objectives for most business functions, including marketing, human resources, finance, and operations. 1) Grab a chunk of the ecommerce revolution Obstacles: They needed to build their brand and market them self to the global market. 2) Buyer, seller, and banking relations during the transaction Obstacles: Smooth buyer, seller, and delivery process. Also they had to find a way to coordinate global banking between institutions. How other companies overcame this: Other companies do this by creating a notification system for both the buyer and supplier. An example of this is Amazon. When a person posts an item and a buyer is found a notification is sent to the supplier. The supplier than can cancel the order, purchase shipping or print a label on their own. Before, any money is exchanged shipping must be confirmed by the supplier and additional information must be given about the shipping. The site also allows for communication between the buyer and seller through a generic automated email system provided by Amazon so not personal information is given out. 3) Help develop and promote e-commerce payments platform Obstacles: Find banking institutions to work with them. Make global banking easier so there is not a delay between the buy and seller, especially in the Chinese market. 4) Move beyond fee-free service while retaining membership Obstacles: find a suitable price range to keep members. Offering enough so the customer is getting more than what they pay for. 5) Personnel retention Obstacles: Employees leaving to find better work. Becoming a short-term employment opportunity. How other companies overcame this: I know that companies like Dow Chemical and Dow Corning offer their employees lucrative stock options within the company. They also offer their employees great benefit packages. Also companies like Dow and most places of employment offer to pay for school but you have to sign a contract to work for the company longer. 6) Marketing push in China Obstacles: Branding themselves in the vast Chinese market. Setting themselves apart from the competitors that are already in the market. How other companies overcame this: Other companies do this by doing an extensive ad campaign before any product is sold in the market they want to join. They also become familiar with the business laws, practices and customs of the area. An example of this Sonic, the fast food company started to air television ads before they actually opened a restaurant in this area. This got people to start to talk about and look for the restaurant in the area. Also companies sign famous people to the market to promote their brand. More specifically companies such as Nike use famous people in the market to help them promote their brand, For example Yao Ming. 7) Generating more income Obstacles: Pricing of services and membership and finding additional financial backers to help them develop and expand their company. 8) Give a platform for SME to promote themselves broadly Obstacles:, SME’s generally cannot compete with the bigger companies How other companies overcame this: Other companies do this by offering advertisement space or web space for other companies to post information and products. They also allow for a â€Å"let a friend know feature† so someone can share the business to another person. A company like Facebook offers advertisement space for companies to post their information. It also allows for companies to construct a web page so other people can view it or find a link that takes them directly to their official site. It also allows for a person to see

Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools Essays

Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools Essays Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools Essay Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools Essay Sex education is what makes young children and young adults aware of the sexual dangers that lives in the real world. Statistics show, â€Å" one-quarter of 15 year old females and less than 30% of 15 year old males have had sex, compared with 66% of 18 year old females, and 68% of 18 year old males who have had sexual intercourse,† representing the sexual activities already present in young teens lives (par4, Statistical Portrait). With sexual education present in public schools, young students are able to benefit from educational sexual information and to learn about safe sex and then the prevention of pregnancies. Sex education that is present in public schools help, to educate students about the problems and responsibilities that may come along with the practice of sex. Young people are unaware when they are put in the risky situation where they may not think before they act. With sex education, teachers are able to prevent pregnancies by teaching students about birth control which will prevent pregnancies. Along with assisting students to become responsible young adults, educating them about reproductive organs, and the functions of the human body. Sex education already present in public schools has been very beneficial. According to Wilma Mankiller, â€Å"Sex education ideally would encompass sexual knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors In addition, moral and ethical concerns, group and cultural diversity, and social change,† which represents all the factors that will be addressed to young minds in schools (par 1, Mankiller). Researchers at the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that, â€Å"Sex education also increased the likelihood that teen boys would use contraceptives the first time they had sex,† showing that sex education has had an positive impact on young men by helping them realize the importance of contraceptives and therefore already helping the prevention of pregnancy before students become sexually active (par. 2 Reuters). A major topic under sex education is the practice of not just â€Å"sex† but SAFE sex. Young children and even adults may not realize the risks of unsafe sex. Sex education helps students to realize that STDs can possibly be transmitted or pregnancy may result with the use of condoms or other birth contraceptives such as birth pills. Some sexual transmitted disease can be present in the body without the host being aware of it, and for some, he or she is unaware of both sexually transmitted disease and if they are present in the body. Not knowing that it is present, safe sex would help prevent the spread of these STDs in society. Early pregnancies are life changing. According to the advice of Michelle Mitchell, an early teen mother, â€Å"Use all the birth controls you can and listen to what the people are saying: Protect yourself, dont have sex, use abstinence, because having babies young is not easy† (par. 6, Glazer). Michelle Mitchell cannot go back in time but does not hesitate to warn others before it is too late for other young teens. However, due to religious reasons and family values that stress on marriage before intercourse, many parents may be against sex education in schools. However, it is better to have children be aware of sex, the risks, the changes, and the benefits, rather than keeping all knowledge away from young minds. It will give children a better chance to understand the right facts rather than having them stealthily and dangerously discover sex on their own. The more parents try to prevent something, the more their children will go against what their parents want, so it is better to play it safe, and to keep children aware of sex and all its topics. Whether a child is religious or not, morals or no morals, ethics or no ethics they are bound to become curious and exposed to sex. Patrick Collins, a 17-year old student believes, â€Å"When hormones start kicking in, [students] want to experiment. Having sex is a natural thing; its a matter of when you have sex, and I believe making love should be in the confines of marriage† (par. 28, Natale). Sooner or later, whether or not religious parents have family values or if there is sex education in schools, the curiosities of sex will take its course in the minds of their children. Sex education is what develops the minds of young children and alerts them to what the future will bring. Even though there are some who are against sex education, sex education is beneficial in numerous ways than its negatives. Sex educations purpose is to educate young students minds of the risks of sex and how it may impact their lives if taken through the wrong course. With sex education, young adults will be able to use contraceptives, be aware of STDs, pregnancies, and the unknown functions of the body. It has changed the rate of pregnancies positively, it has changed the perspectives of the sexually active to practice safe sex, and to leave them attentive for the future challenges to come, and therefore should be present in all public schools. Work Cited Page Internet Web Site: Fox, Maggie Briand, Xavier. â€Å"Sex Education Found to Help Teenagers Delay Sex†. Reuters. n. d. December 19, 2007. Web n. p. â€Å"A Statistical Portrait of Adolescent Sex, Contraception, and Childbearing. National Campaign. 1996. n. p. Sound Vision. Web. n. p. Database: Glazer, Sarah. â€Å"Preventing Teen Pregnancy. † CQ Researcher. 14 May 1993:411+SIRS Researcher. Web. 27 Oct 2010 Book Reference: Mankiller, Wilma, and others. â€Å"Sex Education. † The Readers Companion to U. S. History. December 1, 1998: n. p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 27 Oct 2010 Magazine: Natale, Jo Anne. â€Å"The Hot New World in Sex Ed. † American School Board Journal. June 1995: 18-26. SIRS Researcher. Web. 27 October 2010

White paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

White paper - Essay Example The worth and value of stakeholders was not too high, before 21st century. However, it should be noted that stakeholders was a known terminology in legal concept, since long. The origin of the concept of stakeholders, in business or management field, had initially come into existence in 1963. At that time, the terminology of stakeholders appeared in the international memorandum of Stanford Research Institute. Stakeholders, then, were defined as â€Å"those guys without whose support the organization would cease to exist† (Friedman & Miles, 2006). In the 19th century, the concept of stakeholders referred to the respective owners of business organizations, who had invested money in it as well as possessed full power to enjoy all upcoming benefits of the organization. The author named Freeman had first emphasized on the importance of the term, â€Å"stakeholders†, in 1984, in his book, Strategic Management Stakeholders Approach. Long before 21st century, the business corpo rations were assumed to be artificial legal entities and the value of the so-called stakeholders, like, customers, suppliers, shareholders, government and employees, were assumed to be neutral. Thus, in that particular period, stakeholders of an organization were referred to as only those individuals in the market who could provide economic support to the corporation’s activities. Prior to 21st century, it was found that business corporations used to give importance and value to only those individuals who could support the concerned firm with some financial support. At that point of time, the owners of organizations were considered to be extensively powerful. According to the views of Lord Edward Coke, â€Å"corporations cannot commit treason, nor be outlawed nor excommunicated, for they have no souls† (Friedman & Miles, 2006). The interactions of stakeholders with the soulless organizations were extensively poor in the period before 21st century. The firms almost did not react or

The fall of the aztec empire Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The fall of the aztec empire - Research Paper Example At first, there was an earthquake in the city of Tenochtitlan, which was later followed by a flood in Lake Texcoco nearby. Both these events caused considerable damage to the Empire. Lives were lost, and resources were used up that could not be replenished quickly. What is more, there was an effect on the morale of the Aztecs as well. They held the belief that these natural disasters, along with some paranormal phenomena supposedly observed by some, foretold the fall of their empire. The Aztec Empire employed, as written before, a combination of trade and military tactics to expand their territory. This entailed that they were constantly involved in military conflicts. These military conflicts took their toll, not only on the resources of the Empire, but also on the Aztec warriors. These warriors, or soldiers, had constant warring on their hand, as they had to keep the rebellious tribes in check. Another factor that took its toll on the Aztec population was their practice of human sa crifice. Although it was not a unique phenomenon, however, the Aztec Empire was accustomed to sacrificing humans on a very large scale. They sacrificed thousands of their own people at the altars of their gods under one pretext or another. This not only decreased their population, thus decreasing the number of possible young men to be recruited as warriors or soldiers, but it also caused a deep resentment and hatred in the hearts and minds of non-Aztec against the Empire. This caused many a war (as above discussed) and, moreover, it was one of the reasons why the Tlaxcalans sided with the Conquistadores against the Empire. Moreover the Conquistadores decided to conquer the Empire, perhaps, because of the latter’s human sacrifice and end the evil practice. Coming to the Tlaxcalans, they consisted of people occupying more than 150 towns. They were constantly under threat of the Aztec Empire, with the Empire blockade a constant reality that had left the people poor and hungry. T he Empire already having conquered most of the land around their main city of Tlaxcala, also used Tlaxcalans as sacrifices to their gods. The rulers, therefore, welcomed Cortes’ expedition and saw in him their way of getting rid of the dangers posed by the Aztec Empire once and for all. Though it is uncertain whether they embraced Christianity, as was Cortes’ main mission, however, the chieftains did agree to form an alliance with Cortes and his Conquistadores. Furthermore, the Spaniards brought with them, as Europeans in other parts of America brought with them, diseases that were new to the indigenous population of the Americas. In the case of the Aztecs it was smallpox. Transmitted by someone in the Spanish army, smallpox spread quickly in the Aztec Empire. The Aztec casualty rate was high, with some historians saying that around 40 percent of the population fell victim to the disease. Though more conservative estimates put the number close to 20 to 25 percent, howe ver, a large portion of the population died after contracting smallpox. However, there is debate among the historians regarding this. Some surmise that it was actually a disease known as Cocolitzili in the local language that caused the population to diminish in such large numbers. Carried by the rodents, the virus, which was similar to the modern day Birdflu or Swineflu

Chapter seven Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter seven - Essay Example The discussions about inflation actually impacted on my thoughts. First, now I know that inflation results from the increase in the costs of production which compels producers/sellers to increase the prices of their commodities. In addition, I learnt about the negative impacts of inflation in an economy (Baumol, W.J. & A.S. Blinder, 2007). As these authors examine, inflation is not a good experience since it can lead to an increase the costs of living, unemployment and abandonment of a country’s currency. These are very important lessons that not only enlighten me, but prepare me as an economist. The knowledge about inflation can help me in making important decisions regarding finances. Since inflation destructive, it should be adequately controlled. If I become a policy maker, I would apply these scholars’ ideas on inflation control. In case it occurs, I can advocate for feasible monetary policies such as credit squeeze, increased interests rates and initiate projects that can stimulate economic growth. This can help in saving the economy from

Academic Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Academic Argument - Essay Example tes need to enforce teachers to teach their cultural and social values to children so that they can reflect the signs of a strong local community when they grow up. Dewey discussed that the distinction between progressive and traditional education is not particularly meaningful: what really matters is the vision of society for action that an education embodies (Kaplan, 1997). Teachers need protection of the states even when they teach what the states want them to teach in order to perform required social development based on objectives learning. Based on a clear contract between a state or local schools and teachers, no one would criticize what the teachers teach. Moreover, increased job opportunities and a better job environment for teachers would also play a significant role in making this profession attractive for teachers. Parents have a strong concern about what teachers teach to their kids in local schools. States’ role in the development of curriculum is very important for parents to determine whether they should put their kids in public schools to learn particular curriculum of science, religion, or moral values or not. Obviously, parents play an important role of involvement and participation in terms of creating successful education endeavors. Curriculums help in determining what students need to achieve or do in any particular academic year (Perkins-Gough, 2003). Parents always expect schools to provide the best education to their children to help them in marking their educational achievements (Seginer, 1983). Performance appraisal helps in determining whether an employee is meeting the standards set by the company or not. In case of teachers, this appraisal will help in knowing whether teachers are doing their jobs in accordance with the standards or not. If a teacher is found negligent in following the standards, proper actions can be taken against him/her, whereas certain rewards and incentives can be given to the obeying teachers as

World Trade Organization and tariffs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World Trade Organization and tariffs - Assignment Example Tariffs also have been used in providing additional revenue for the government and to domestic producers at the expenses of foreign producers and customers (Alexander and Andenà ¦s, 38). This is used as one of the tools to shape policies of trade. Types of barriers imposed by Saudi Arabia for exports and importsThere are different trade barriers that are used in Saudi Arabia. The first strategy that has been used is tariffs. Saudi Arabia implies the GCC common external tariffs of five percent of most of the products used in the nation with limited number of expectation. Saudi Arabia implies twelve percent on the local products in some cases to protect the industries of the nations. Textile products are among the products that implies the 12 per cent import tariffs. Higher rates of the tariffs implies to smaller group. There is also implication of 15 per cent for other products such as aluminum and furniture. Majority of food products are subjected to five percent import duty. The le vel of imports duties ties to the level of local production of similar goods. Import prohibitions and licensing either is used in Saudi Arabia where the importation of certain articles is the prohibition of some goods or require approval from other appropriate authority. In the country, there is prohibition of goods such as pork products, used clothing, firearms, and automobiles (Alexander and Andenà ¦s, 33). Importation of some products requires special approval such as agricultural feeds, books, visual or audio media and religious materials.

Academic Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Academic Argument - Essay Example tes need to enforce teachers to teach their cultural and social values to children so that they can reflect the signs of a strong local community when they grow up. Dewey discussed that the distinction between progressive and traditional education is not particularly meaningful: what really matters is the vision of society for action that an education embodies (Kaplan, 1997). Teachers need protection of the states even when they teach what the states want them to teach in order to perform required social development based on objectives learning. Based on a clear contract between a state or local schools and teachers, no one would criticize what the teachers teach. Moreover, increased job opportunities and a better job environment for teachers would also play a significant role in making this profession attractive for teachers. Parents have a strong concern about what teachers teach to their kids in local schools. States’ role in the development of curriculum is very important for parents to determine whether they should put their kids in public schools to learn particular curriculum of science, religion, or moral values or not. Obviously, parents play an important role of involvement and participation in terms of creating successful education endeavors. Curriculums help in determining what students need to achieve or do in any particular academic year (Perkins-Gough, 2003). Parents always expect schools to provide the best education to their children to help them in marking their educational achievements (Seginer, 1983). Performance appraisal helps in determining whether an employee is meeting the standards set by the company or not. In case of teachers, this appraisal will help in knowing whether teachers are doing their jobs in accordance with the standards or not. If a teacher is found negligent in following the standards, proper actions can be taken against him/her, whereas certain rewards and incentives can be given to the obeying teachers as

Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research Proposal Example Knowing any potential impact would further lead to the investigation on how creditors would create any important accounting-related adjustments just to be able to ensure survival of their business. Thus, the following questions will be answered at the end of the study. This study will employ both quantitative and qualitative method of research through a survey questionnaire and personal interview. In the end, this study will lead to understanding the micro-level impact of DRO on lending and banking institution, and increasing the knowledge on the specific probable moves of banks and lenders to maximise their revenue on short-term loans amidst the implementation of DRO. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether the perceptions on Debt Relief Order (DRO) have significant impacts on the revenue of creditors especially those who have potential profit in offering short-term loans with high interest rates. Knowing any potential impact would further lead to the investigation on how creditors would create any important accounting-related adjustments just to be able to ensure survival of their business. One of the ways in order to protect an individual or a company from exact financial obligation from creditors is to file bankruptcy (Elias, 2011). This is a way of doing something to secure any form of financial obligations that could no longer be handled accordingly. However, in any way this is also a remarkable opportunity to actually create a fresh start when it comes to financial concern of an individual or organization. On the other hand, this also has a remarkable impact on the part of the creditors. Although, individuals who are in financial trouble may actually find it hard to secure financial support in the future for not being able to pay any accounts payable, insolvency on their part could create at some

Mla Template for Dummies Essay Example for Free

Mla Template for Dummies Essay Got a paper to write? Here’s a tip: don’t worry about the formatting, just write. Besides, this MLA template for Word has the formatting down for you. Just replace everything in brackets with your information (remember the heading!) and you’re good to go. And, of course, replace this stuff with your content. But read this first! There’s some really important info here. Do yourself a favor and save this template to your computer in a place where you’ll remember it. There are bunch of little nuances in MLA that are really easy to miss – the heading, the spacing, the date format, and those random rules that seem to exist only to annoy you†¦ stop re-writing it each time you go to write a paper, and just whip out this handy template! Wasn’t that easy? By the way, here’s a look at some of the stuff people get wrong a lot. First, the heading at the top right corner of each page. Remove the entire thing if your paper is just one page long; some teachers, though, tell you to just remove the page number. Next come inline citations. You want to â€Å"write them in this format, with the period way at the end, assuming you got this from the 5th page of someone’s essay† (Someone 5). Also, if someone includes some random tangent in their quote, you can cut out the junk using ellipses. â€Å"I’ve got logorrhea, meaning I tend to ramble on incoherently a lot . . . Now back to the main topic.† Notice that there are spaces in between each ellipsis (yes, that’s the singular form), before the ellipses, and after them. Strange, I know. But it gets weirder. What if you want to cite a really long bit of text (4 lines or more)? Take a look. Welcome to long-quote land! Notice that the formatting here is the same as it is everywhere else – except every paragraph is indented twice as much (one inch) as usual paragraphs. What I’d recommend you do is type your long quote normally (like a normal paragraph), then highlight the whole thing and hit â€Å"tab† to indent it all properly. Also, remember that there are no quotation marks surrounding this block of text! None! Nada! Zilch! And as if there weren’t enough twists already, citing a long quote is different than citing a normal quote: the citation goes in parentheses after the final punctuation, like this. (Someone 5) Also, make sure you include a Works Cited page below this page (I’ve even included the page break!) I’d highly recommend using a web service such as easybib.com, which does all your formatting for you – just input the information you know. What’s more, you can export it to a Word document, complete with all the formatting! You can copy the contents of the exported document, insert a page break (Insert → Page Break; fancy that) after your body, then paste the contents in. Feel free to share this template with your friends at is.gd/mlatemplate (or, if for some reason that doesn’t work, is.gd/MLAtemplate), but remember that this template is copyrighted, meaning you can’t claim it as your own. Enjoy and good luck! –Neel

Equity and trusts problem question answers

Equity and trusts problem question answers Equity and trusts problem question (1500 words) This scenario relates to the purported creation of a trust. We are told that Michael has said to his daughter that â€Å"I promise to transfer to you within the year certain property†. The first issue to determine is whether this is sufficient to create a trust. One of the principal requirements for the successful establishment of a trust is certainty, and in this instance, certainty of intention is relevant. Knight v Knight (1840) established that the â€Å"three certainties† must be present; certainty of intention, of subject matter, and of object. Also of relevance here is the equitable maxim that â€Å"equity look to intent, not form†. This means that it is not necessary for the declaration explicitly to include reference to the word â€Å"trust†. The fact that Michael does not refer to a â€Å"trust† does not, therefore, defeat the attempt to establish a trust. By way of example, in Paul v Constance (1977) the words â€Å"the money is as much yours as mine† in reference to deposits in a bank account were sufficient to create a trust. There is no requirement that the declaration be in writing either, unless the trust property is land. The second â€Å"certainty† that is required is certainty of subject matter. What is the trust property? In this instance, Michael has sought to create a trust over â€Å"certain property†. This will fail for evidential uncertainty; there is no clear specification of what the trust property is. Lord Hailsham indicated in his judgment in IRC v McMullen (1981) that the courts are generally reluctant to invalidate a trust for uncertainty of subject matter and will, where possible, apply a reasonable construction to the wording of the trust in order to make them valid. In this instance, however, there is no reasonable construction that could make this vague declaration sufficiently certain. Michael goes on, however, to specify this property as being his Cartier watch, his shares in ABC plc, the legacy he expected to receive from his uncle’s will, and Tranquil View, a freehold house. This, then, will meet the evidential certainty criteria. The next issue to consider is who the trustee is over each of the trust properties. Michael’s watch is a chattel. A trust only becomes fully constituted once the property is in the hands of the person properly bound to be the trustee. In this instance, the bank is holding his watch. The bank, then, becomes the trustee as soon as the declaration is made. In Milroy v Lord (1862), Turner LJ set out his famous three modes of making a gift; an outright transfer of the legal title to the property, a transfer of legal title of the property to a trustee to hold on trust, and a self-declaration of trust. As we have seen, Michael has transferred, by his declaration, the legal title to the watch to the bank. There is no delivery requirement as it is already in the bank’s possession. In relation to Michael’s shares in the public company, the Re Rose (1952) case is relevant. Another equitable maxim is that equity will not assist a volunteer, meaning that in order successfully to create the trust, Michael must have done everything possible to transfer the legal title to the trust property. In Re Rose, the Court of Appeal upheld a trust where the donor had done everything he was obliged to do to make the trust valid. In relation to the shares, Michael will have to execute a stock transfer form in order to create the trust. This principle was extended by Pennington v Waine (2002), although this still required the execution of a stock transfer form. Michael has also sought to create a trust over future property, his expected legacy from his uncle. This is a mere â€Å"expectancy† rather than a trust. Equity will only enforce this as a trust if some consideration was given for it, which does not appear to have been the case in this instance. It is a gratuitous assignment and is not therefore legally enforceable. Tailby v Official Receiver (1888) is authority for equity enforcing an imperfect transaction where consideration was given. In relation to the freehold house, a trust over real property can only be fully created in writing (unlike trusts over personalty). There will not be a properly constituted trust, then, over the property. Michael has also verbally promised to his mistress that she will have the freehold house. This is a case of donationes mortis cause, or deathbed gifts, which are made inter vivos. What distinguishes this from a deathbed gift, however, is that it is not conditional upon Michael’s death, as he says â€Å"whether I die or not†. Cain v Moon (1869) is authority for the fact that deathbed gifts must be in contemplation of death. He also gives his mistress the keys to the safe which contain the title deeds, and thus he has delivered to her the legal title, in essence. This is sufficient to create the trust although as mentioned this is not a donationes mortis causa. We come to Michael’s will which was validly created, and which takes effect upon his death. The  £200,000 trust to create a sports ground for the employees will be successful as it is sufficiently certain as to the trust objects (i.e. the beneficiaries). This is a trust for a purpose, and pure purpose trusts will be invalid, however. Equity will not recognise a trust to carry out a purpose as the benefits of carrying out a purpose cannot be localised to specific individuals (see Morice v Bishop of Durham (1804)). The trust for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a monument will be invalid following Re Endacott (1960) in which a gift of some  £20,000 was made â€Å"for the purpose of providing some useful memorial to myself†. This was invalid. The trust for the purpose of looking after his pet tortoise will be valid as an exception to the no purpose rule, following Pettingall v Pettingall (1842), in which a trust was valid for the purpose of looking after a horse . The gift for the purpose of educating his children is obviously no longer relevant so the trust property will revert to Michael’s estate. Finally, he leaves a legacy for the purpose of building a new clubhouse. Gifts to unincorporated associations were discussed in Conservative and Unionist Central Office v Burrell (1982), and the lacrosse club meets the criteria for an unincorporated association. Once the association is dissolved, the property which is held by the members of the association is not bona vacantia but there is no resulting trust because the property was held under a bare trust. The members can therefore distribute the property among themselves as they see fit. Precatory words are words of prayer or request in wills. The gift of Michael’s jewellery to Nileema is an example of this, and the case law suggests that these words are sufficient to create a trust, although in Lamb v Eames (1871) the Court of Appeal did not allow similar words to create a trust. The gift of the majority of his model soldiers may fail for conceptual uncertainty of subject matter following Palmer v Simmonds (1854). The cy pres doctrine preserves charitable trusts from failure, and strives to make the trust â€Å"as near as possible†. It is likely that the gift to the museum which has closed will be transferred to the Museum of Childhood which now holds the collection. The fund for charitable or benevolent works is a general charitable intention, following Buckley J’s analysis in Re Lysaght (1966). This is wholly charitable and will be valid under the provisions of the Charities Act 2006. The gift to his trustees is a power rather than a trust and will be valid following Re Douglas (1887). The gift of half his shares in ABC plc will be valid, as it is sufficiently certain to determine the property following Hunter v Moss (1994) provided it can be discerned which shares Michael was referring to. BIBLIOGRAPHY Statutes Charities Act 2006 Cases Cain v Moon [1896] 2 QB 283 Conservative and Unionist Central Office v Burrell [1982] 2 All ER 1 Hunter v Moss [1994] 3 All ER 215 IRC v McMullen [1981] AC 1 Knight v Knight (1840) 3 Beav 148 Lambe v Eames (1871) 6 Ch App 597 Milroy v Lord (1862) 4 De GF J 264 Morice v Bishop of Durham (1805) 10 Ves 522 Palmer v Simmonds (1854) 2 Drew 221 Paul v Constance [1977] 1 All ER 195 Pennington v Waine [2002] EWCA Civ 227 Pettingall v Pettingall (1842) 11 LJ Ch 176 Re Douglas (1887) 35 Ch D 472 Re Endacott [1960] Ch 232 Re Lysaght[1966] Ch 191 Re Rose [1952] Ch 499 Tailby v Official Receiver (1888) 13 App Cas 523 Secondary sources Martin, J.E. (2001) Modern Equity, 16th Edition (London: Sweet Maxwell) Pearce, R. and Stevens, J. (2006) The Law of Trusts and Equitable Obligations, 4th Edition (Oxford: OUP) Penner, J.E. (2004) The Law of Trusts, 4th Edition (London: LexisNexis)

Reading Recovery Essay -- Research Papers Learning Education Papers

Reading Recovery The ability to read is vital to a child's success in school and throughout life. However, reading achievement in the U. S. is low. In fact, according to the most recent national assessment of educational progress, 44% of U.S. students read below the "basic" level, meaning they exhibit little or no mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to perform work at grade level (Collins, 79). These statistics have driven school districts, parents, and students scrambling to find something to turn the tide of reading failure. They are searching for a solution that will have a lasting impact on a child's reading ability. Many have adopted the Reading Recovery Program as a viable solution to the problem. The issue to be addressed now is; Does this program provide an effective solution to the reading problem that is plaguing students of the US? I was particularly interested in this question because my eight year old daughter, Brooke, successfully completed the Reading Recovery program when she was in first grade. However, despite our efforts, her reading skills stagnated during second grade. By the beginning of third grade her teacher approached me to say something is wrong. The teacher pointed out that if Brooke successfully completed the Reading Recovery Program, then she should not be struggling like she is with reading. This was my catalyst to finding out about the effectiveness of the Reading Recovery Program. I wanted to find out if the program really produced long term results or if it was just a nice bit of one on one attention from a devoted teacher. To fairly analyze these questions, it is essential to take a glimpse into the reading problem that pervades across the US. As stated, ... ...Recovery Program is effective in raising potentially poor readers to grade level. Most of these children are able to maintain an average reading level as they progress through school. This program appears to be a viable solution. Bibliography Clay, Marie M. 1993. Reading Recovery. Reed Publishing Co. Auckland, New Zealand. Collins, James. "How Johnny Should Read." Time Magazine. October 27, 1997 Mc Guinness, Diane. "Why Our Children Can't Read." (photo copy with out the rest of the information). Personal interview: Brown, Wayne. Feb. 18, 1998 Personal interview: McMahan, Taffy. Feb. 20, 1997 Personal interview: Howard, Gwen. Feb. 20, 1997 Office of Research, Consumer Guide. December 1992. Number 3 Masters Program, Curriculum and Instruction. Reading Recovery, Illinois State University. Fax 309-438-8699

ebonics Essay example -- essays research papers

Ebonics means 'black speech' (a blend of the words ebony 'black' and phonics 'sounds'). The phrase was created in 1973 by a group of black scholars who disliked the negative connotations of terms like 'Nonstandard Negro English' that had been coined in the 1960s when the first modern large-scale linguistic studies of African American speech communities began. However, the term Ebonics never caught on amongst linguists, much less among the general public. That all changed with the 'Ebonics' controversy of December 1996 when the Oakland (CA) School Board recognized it as the 'primary' language of its majority African American students and resolved to take it into account in teaching them standard or academic English. Clearly there is a problem with these children that may be addressed by looking at language. The role that Ebonics may play in changing the above statistics is a practical question. Only the completion of a program including Ebonics, and time, will reveal the answer. Whatever the basic agenda in Oakland California, it is important to look at the question of Ebonics from the point of view of doing what is best for children. Acknowledging the strength of Ebonics in no way suggests teaching Ebonics in place of Standard English. Acknowledging the strength of Ebonics can and should serve to ease the teaching of Standard English. Many people see Ebonics as "gutter language", and "slang", and are quite outspoken about it. These beliefs are deeply rooted in society. Resistance to the acknowledgment that Blacks who use Ebonics may be speaking a unique language is very strong, but I believe it is important to challenge the belief that Ebonics is "slang". Some peop le have stated that the movement to recognize Ebonics is Afro-Centrism at its worst. I would argue that the attempts to squelch Ebonics are Euro-Centrism at its worst and most intense. Ebonics includes non-slang words like ashy (referring to the appearance of dry skin, especially in winter), which have been around for a while, and are used by people of all age groups. These distinctive Ebonics pronunciations are all logical. For example, Ebonics speakers often create sentences without present tense is and are, as in " They allright or "They allright". But they don't leave out present tense am. Instead of the ungrammatical *"Ah walkin", Eboni... ...uite different and that the conditions necessary for the emergence of a fully-fledged creole language were never met in the US. These scholars have shown on a number of occasions that what look like distinctive features of AAVE today actually have a precedent in various varieties of English spoken in Great Britain and the Southern United States. It seems reasonable to suggest that both views are partially correct and that AAVE developed to some extent through restructuring while it also inherited many of its today distinctive features from older varieties of English, which were once widely spoken. While the situation in this case is made more extreme by the context of racial and ethnic conflict, inequality and prejudice in the United States, it is not unique. Such undecided attitudes towards abnormal varieties of a language have been documented for many communities around the world and in the United States. References: Smitherman, G. (1991). Talking and testifyin: Black English and the Black experience. In Reginald Jones (Ed.) Black Psychology.(3rd ed., pp. 249-268). Berkeley, CA: Cobb & Henry Spears, A. K. (1984). Towards a new view of Black English. The Journal, 1, 94-103.

Independence Day Speech

Good morning respected principal, Father John, teachers and all the students present here. I am truly grateful to Father Ajit Kumar Xess for thinking me worthy of addressing this august gathering. Let me begin by congratulating all of you at the golden Jubilee of your school and also wishing each and every one of u a very Happy Independence Day. For over half a century our nation has sprung, stumbled, run, followed, rolled over, gotten up and dusted herself. As students, we must always be reminded of this constant perseverance that has always been the backbone of success of our nation today.We live in a country whose faith in success is far greater than her fear of failure. We no longer boycott foreign goods but buy the companies that produce them instead. At this juncture we must also think of our freedom fighters who laid down their lives for our country’s independence. When they began with their struggle, they were young, just like you and me. Their struggle, dedication and unrelenting zeal transformed us into a free nation. They dreamt big, stayed focused, and fought against all odds to achieve their goal.As we stand here, at the threshold of a new phase in our lives, we must take valuable lessons from them and incorporated these into our lives. We must also think of the India today and compare it with the India that the people who fought for our independence, had in their minds. They fought for a free country where everyone would be regarded as equal, every Indian would have equal opportunities. But the India that we see today is not quite as it was imagined to be. We still have a long way to go.Even though, as Indians, we have a lot to be proud of: we are the citizens of a country which has given birth to scholars like Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Scientists like Jagdish Chandra Bose, C. V. Raman, visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Sportspersons like Kapil Dev, Saina Nehwal, who have represented our country and brought respect to our nation, worldwide. We must draw inspiration from these extraordinary Indians and do something which will not only benefit us, but will also make our fellow Indians proud.In about an years’ time, most of you will be enrolled in engineering colleges, or medical colleges, or might as well go abroad for further studies. Let the thought of the Indian freedom fighters, scholars and scientist make you reach for the stars. At the same time, don’t forget your motherland. We are yet to achieve a â€Å"free† and fair India. We have the third largest pool of doctors, engineers and scientists. Yet, 25 % of our population is illiterate. That is 300,000,000 (a huge chunk of the population) people who cannot read or write. We are ranked the 2nd largest country in the world suffering from mal nutrition. 5 million people are suffering from AIDs. There exists a huge divide between one India and another India. One India says give me a chance and I’ll prove myself, to the other India , we say prove yourself first and then u will have your chance. One India wants, the other India hopes; one India leads and the other India follows. Our responsibility as citizens of this country is to converge this divide and forge one India and thereby create a country that our freedom fighters envisaged. Do not let anything stop you from realising your potential.I would to leave you to mull over the following words given by the father of our nation: â€Å"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubt s and yourself melt away. Independence Day Speech â€Å"Filipinos are worth dying for. † this is the famous line of the late senator Noynoy Aquino. Maybe our fellow Filipino who fought for the freedom of the Filipinos from the invaders of our country will also agree with what Noynoy Aquino has said. An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood, usually after ceasing to be a colony or part of another state, more rarely after the end of a military occupation. Most countries honor their respective independence day as a national holiday and some countries or nations’ independence-date honors’ are contested. Independence Day is the day to commemorate all the works of certain people or individuals who contributed much for the liberty of their country. More that celebrating the freedom of the country from slavery, dictatorship and tyrant rule, it is also the day to acknowledge all the sufferings and hardships of these people we called heroes. We recognize their bravery and thank them for all the things they contributed for the freedom of their country and countrymen. June 12, 1898, is a glorious date in the history of the Filipino people. On this day, President Emilio F. Aguinaldo proclaimed the freedom of the Filipino people. The Philippine national flag was hoisted and the country’s national anthem was played. President Aguinaldo’s proclamation of Philippine Independence not only heralded the birth of a new nation. It also brought glad tidings to the colonial subjects of Asia. It inspired the colonial subjects to struggle to be free. May I ask you this, if our heroes who fought for the freedom can see the current status of our country today, do you think they will be happy? Do think they will be glad that they sacrifice they lives for the sake of our country? . But if you have notice, and based on my opinion some Filipinos doesn’t even know the word peace now. Yes it’s true that we are now free from any invaders and free from the colonization of other country but in our own native land there is still war, a war against each Filipinos who doesn’t know how to mingle with other Filipinos.. And as we all see our country is currently facing an extreme poverty. There is a very high rate of unemployed Filipinos. There are many Filipinos who are hardly to eat 3 times a day. The continuous oil price hike which has been affecting the prices of all products in the market and industry that also making our life harder. And the continuous growth of population which is caused of unemployment. People often say that education will be your key to success. But how will you be successful if unemployment is a big problem in our society today. Newly graduates are having a hard time seeking for a job suitable to their taken profession that’s why sometimes they have no choice but to work in a job that is not related to their course only to say that they are employed. We are aware that our native land was blessed with many tourist destination and tourism brought us big contribution in the progression of our country. But what had happened lately at Quirino Grandstand has changed everything. We are having a hard time convincing tourist to visit our country because of that tragedy. And this affected our country so much. And the never ending issue of terrorism in Mindanao that is always been a subject in peace and order in our country. There is so called government in such country to lead the nation. But what’s happening on our country today is a lot far from this. Our government itself is the one who is putting our economy status miserable because of the word corruption. Instead of handling the nations fund wisely, they are putting it on their personal interest that’s why no projects were been successfully founded. Yes we are free, free from the manipulation of other country ,but in our country I can say that we are definitely not free. Because we are chained into these different problems. It seems like we are in a battle towards our country problems for us to be totally called free. If only everyone of us were doing our duties and responsibilities as a responsible citizen of our country, and if everything were all in places, can you imagine how beautiful our country is? And through this everyone of us can proudly say that â€Å"Filipino’s are really worth dying for â€Å"

Disadvantage of This Method of Observing of Childeren

Assignment task: The whole task must be completed in order to achieve the unit. You must show an understanding of diversity and inclusive practice throughout the assignment. You work in an early years setting with children aged 4 years. A meeting is to be held to discuss the children’s social development. The children in this group will soon be moving to a different setting. 1. Describe the expected stage of social development of children aged 4 years and children aged 5 years The expected stage of social development of children aged 4 years| |The expected stage of social development of children aged 5 years| | 2. Consider how and why practitioners observe children in the setting: Describe ONE suitable method of observing and recording the social development of children aged 5 years| | Explain ONE advantage of this method of observing children| | Explain ONE disadvantage of this method of observing children| | Explain how observations can be used to support the development of children| | Explain why it is important to understand the pattern of development of children from birth to 16 years| | 3.Identify the main influences that may affect the social development of children| | 4. Describe how snack and meal times can support the social development of development| | 5. Write about how children’s development may be affected when they experience transitions and ways the practitioner can support children through transitions Write about how children’s development may be affected when they experience transitions| | Write about ways the practitioner can support children through transitions| | 6. Reflects on the reasons why everyday care routines are important in early years group settings| |

Obstacles to Sexuality Faced by Adults with Developmental Disabilities Dissertation

Obstacles to Sexuality Faced by Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Community Based - Dissertation Example The simple fact of the matter is that many adults with developmental disabilities reside in community-based facilities, but their own sexuality and issues associated with it are often stifled. In essence, there are numerous obstacles to sexuality face by adults with development disabilities in community-based facilities. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand and analyze the current obstacle to sexuality facing adults with developmental disabilities in community based facilities. The intent will be to describe current societal perceptions towards individuals that have developmental disabilities when it comes to issues of sexuality. The qualitative phenomenological approach is designed to enable the investigation of specific social phenomenon, thus enabling the researcher to validate inferences to be made based upon the data collected (Neuman 2006). Current research does suggest that adults who are developmentally disabled h ave various emotional, social, and physical needs that larger society does not always understand, nor are they quick to adapt to (Giulio 53). From an early age, many individuals with developmental disabilities are now fully aware of their own sexuality, sexual needs, or the notion of ‘true love’. As such, upon entering adulthood, they are considered a vulnerable and marginalized group when it comes to issues of sexuality, particularly in community based facilities. As such, they need to be protected. One way to do this is through educating stakeholders and larger society about developmental disabilities, its various forms, and the areas of sexuality as they relate to this group. The research... The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand and analyze the current obstacle to sexuality facing adults with developmental disabilities in community based facilities. The intent will be to describe current societal perceptions towards individuals that have developmental disabilities when it comes to issues of sexuality. The qualitative phenomenological approach is designed to enable the investigation of specific social phenomenon, thus enabling the researcher to validate inferences to be made based upon the data collected (Neuman 2006). Current research does suggest that adults who are developmentally disabled have various emotional, social, and physical needs that larger society does not always understand, nor are they quick to adapt to (Giulio 53). From an early age, many individuals with developmental disabilities are now fully aware of their own sexuality, sexual needs, or the notion of ‘true love’. As such, upon entering adulthood, they are considered a vulnerable and marginalized group when it comes to issues of sexuality, particularly in community based facilities. As such, they need to be protected. One way to do this is through educating stakeholders and larger society about developmental disabilities, its various forms, and the areas of sexuality as they relate to this group. The research methods that are implemented into the study serve to identify and validate certain general and unifying qualities that exist amongst community based facilities that service the developmentally disabled community. This will occur by analyzing currently available academic information, and digesting that with field experience designed to enhance the scholarly knowledge available in this field.

Response Memo Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Response Memo - Case Study Example However, the governors are full time employed in the Corporate secretary. The C.E.O is the senior most corporative Officer in the organization. Generally, he is in charge of managing organizational activities. In this organization, the C.E.O reports directly to the board of Governors (p.33). Additionally, he is charged with the responsibility of maximizing the entity value. He is also the director and the lead decision maker in the organization. On the other hand, he is represents the organization in the outside world. The Chief Finance Officer also a corporate officer directly reports under the C.E.O. His main responsibility in the organization is managing the organization’s financial risks. Additionally, he is responsible for record-keeping and financial planning. Alternatively, he deals with financial reporting especially to higher management. As a chief Operating Officer, I have different responsibilities for my organization and I ensure that I carry out these tasks to the maximum ability so that to have quality output and consequently increase the profit margin for the organization. ID Security develops software used by different organizations and I always make sure that the people operating subordinate to me understand the importance of carrying out their responsibilities effectively to the pleasure of our clients. The advance system that the organization with ensures that the clients not only receive the various biometric systems that we manufacture, but also ensure that we carry out follow up procedures and installations to ensure the effective working of these systems. It is critical to go through the responsibilities of my subordinates for it allows for the understanding of their operations, review their character and abilities and also advise on the best manners through which they can improve in their roles. Salary and the compensation package is however much lower as compared to the C.E.O and the C.O.O. Averagely, a yearly salary stands at

Choose two theorists of Consciousness who write from different Essay - 1

Choose two theorists of Consciousness who write from different perspectives; explore and evaluate their respective contributions to the discipline of Psychonautics and Somanautics - Essay Example It should also fully explain the phenomena that are related to consciousness elements (Wilber, 2000). Although it is as old as human existence itself, consciousness has been a major unresolved problem in the world of science (Lancaster, 2004). However, there are some researchers who are willing to tackle this mystery. The term psychonautics is derived from two Greek terminologies: psyche (mind, spirit, soul) and nautes (sailor, navigator). It refers to the methodology used in the explanation and description of the subjective effects of consciousness states that have been altered (Surhone, Tipledon and Marseken, 2010). These alterations of the mind can be caused by many things including the use of mind-altering substances and spiritualism. Psychonautics can also be used to refer to a certain research concept whereby an individual explores human existence and experience by immersing himself into a state of altered consciousness (Eccles, 1994). Psychonautics can also be defined as the methodology sued in the study and exploration of consciousness and altered forms of consciousness. This definition rests with the idea that for one to study consciousness, he has to transform it first. Somanautics, a derivation of the Greek words soma (body) and nautes (Salilor, navigator), is a term used to refer to the exploration of the consciousness of the body. Therefore, the field of psychonautics and somanutics deals with the study and exploration of the body, mind and soul. The person who immerses himself into altered states for research purposes is referred to as a psychonaut (Blom, 2009). Surhone, Tipledon and Marseken (2010) add that the term psychonautics can be applied on a diversity of activities including those in which the altered states are â€Å"induced and utilized for spiritual purposes or the exploration of the human condition† (3). Some of the examples of altered state

Business Skills & Employability Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Business Skills & Employability - Case Study Example The company has been effective in the market as a complete company with diversified products leading to positive rating in the FTSE market. Sainsbury offers online platform for the sale of the various product and services. Its clothing brand is the seventh largest in the TU clothing sector with over 3000 products sold in its stores country wide and internationally (Daugherty, et al., 2009, p. 69). SWOT analysis involves the evaluation of the performance of the company in relation to the prevailing market. The analysis of the strength, opportunities, weakness and threats of the organization will help the manager to establish the position of the company. The understanding of the position of the company ensures that the marketing and communication strategy is developed to improve the performance of the business. For instance, if the competitors have ventured on the elderly population, the company may resort to developing products for the youths thus increasing organization performance. SWOT analysis of the company reveals strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the current and future status of the company (Crawford, 2000, p. 53). For Sainsbury, it is vital to understand the weakness of the business and develop strategies to counter the weaknesses and threats associated with the company. ... it is successful because of the strengths associated with is as a brand which are diverse because of the diverse nature of the company. It has diversified its operation to cover various sectors of the business environment. The strengths of the company are as follows; Diversified investments The company has diversified its operations of the individual business units that are not related. The diversification of the business platform ensures reduced risks. In case of business unit failure, the different sector can support the other area. However, diversification alone cannot minimize risks and thus must be conducted carefully (Hollensen, 2007, p. 56). Over diversification leads to increased capital expenditure leading losses. The organization approach has ensured they invest in areas with the potential of success. The diversification approach has facilitated the development of the different units of the business organization. IT infrastructure The company uses the online platform simila r to the Amazon.com, but the focus of the organization is on sports and other sports related accessory. The competitive edge offered by the company includes offering variety in the sports sector, direct linkage with the manufacturing companies thereby developing brand loyalty (Preston, 2012, p. 12). The reduced focus for specific sport equipment and regime makes the company unique giving it an edge over the all-purpose online services offered by Amazon and other platforms. However, the challenge is on developing a market niche and retention of customers. The major competitive factors in the whole process are dependent on the situation analysis of the organization. The current situation indicates brand visibility, loyalty,

How the The Great Wall reflects Chinese culture Essay

How the The Great Wall reflects Chinese culture - Essay Example From the Ming Dynasty, these great walls have continued to face renovations, rebuilding, maintenance, and enhancing the cultural purposes it served in the first place (DuTemple, 2002). Most notably, the Great Wall constructions have become one of the world wonders hence strengthening the cultural reflections of this country. A country’s culture has much to do with that country’s history. The Great Wall of China reflects the mindset of defence that runs across the country even to this date. Many of the traditional buildings and homes in China architectural designs keep defence in mind (DuTemple, 2002). The Chinese people wanted to keep invaders out of their country and especially away from the emperor. Two prime examples of this are the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is the same idea, which this great wall construction incubating the dynasties symbolizes. The purpose was to shield maraud warriors and tribes from unprecedented incursions. The culture of China reflects eras of social unrest, which came from the intruders (DuTemple, 2002). As a result, the wall serves the Chinese well for it protects this country’s culture, as the great construction has waded away-unwanted visitors. One of the notable reflections in this Great Wall construction is to restore w hat the country terms as the renewed perspective. Back in the past, the country has faced many degrading seasons. The availability of this wall has reminded the day-to-day strategic planners of the country of the need to rebuild it. The wall surrounds the once ripped off histories of the Chinese dynasty and the permanent enclose is symbolic of a country that does not want more interferences with its roots (DuTemple, 2002). For several reasons now, the country has periodically come back alive and more resilient than its former self. Therefore, it is notable for one to suggest that ‘The Great Wall’ encloses the culture of defence and the spirit of renovation, away from

Emancipation Proclamation Prliminary Events Essay Example for Free

Emancipation Proclamation Prliminary Events Essay Abraham Lincoln was elected the President of the United States in 1860 with an anti-slavery agenda, and this gave the impression to the Southern States that they no longer belonged in the Union. South Carolina became the first state to secede the Union on December 20, 1860. In the following few months six more states, whose agriculture based economy was dependent on the free labor slavery provided, followed South Carolina’s lead and followed suit. The seven states, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas formed the Confederate States of America and chose the Mississippi senator, Jefferson Davis as their interim president (PBS). Lincoln claimed in his inaugural address in March 1861that it was his responsibility to keep the Union intact. He went on to state that he would not end slavery where it existed, or take back the Fugitive Slave Law (a 1850 law requiring all runaway slaves to the Northern states where slavery did not exist, to be returned to their masters in the South). It was understandable why this position of Mr. Lincoln’s did not sit well with the African Americans or the white Americans against slavery, but what was surprising was that it did not do anything to satisfy the Confederacy. Hence, on April 12, 1861 the Confederates attacked Fort Summer and the Civil Started had started. Immediately following the attacks another four states, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee joined the Confederacy. Even though President Lincoln made it abundantly clear that he was fighting to keep the Union intact and not for slavery or for the rights of the blacks, from the very start the free African Americans rushed to enlist in the army. Their services were refused and laws refusing blacks the right to enlist in the army were maintained because Lincoln wanted to prove to the whites in the Northern states that their privileges as the superior race were not in any danger. The Confederacy on the other hand was using the enslaved labor for efforts to win the war. Slave labor was being used as nurses, laundresses, blacksmiths and they were working in factories and armories (PBS). As the Northern army managed to penetrate into the Southern territory, there was a large influx of refugees. The slave fugitives were labeled â€Å"contraband of war† and if it could be proven that their labor was used to help the Confederacy they were given their freedom. Despite declaring the black fugitives free, Lincoln still firmly held on to the idea that this war was not about setting the slaves free but holding the Union together. By early 1862 Lincoln was beginning to think that some kind of an emancipation order was needed if North was to win. The Proclamation As the war drew on, a number of governments in Europe started to think about recognizing the Confederacy and interceding against the Union. Also at home the Congressional and public opinion grew more towards the fact that slavery was not right and it needed to be abolished as a policy of war. Faced with such mounting pressure from all sides Lincoln felt that if a declaration was made to free the slaves, then European opinion would be with the North, and he would get the support needed for his own administration and the war effort, that he decided to draft the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 (Emancipation Proclamation). On July 13, 1862, Lincoln read out the prelude proclamation to his Secretaries William H. Seward and Gideon Wells and both were left at a loss for words, and Lincoln did not discuss the matter further. On July 22 Lincoln read the Proclamation at his Cabinet meeting and got a mixed reaction. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, deciphered the measure as a method of taking the slave labor away from the Confederacy while allowing more men into the Union Army and supported its release as soon as possible, the Postmaster General Montgomery Blair predicted doom in the fall elections, while the Attorney General Edward Bates was against equality in the political and civil arena for the Blacks. Since the President was not concerned about his Cabinet’s view of the substance of the Proclamation only its style, the direction on future action was set (www. memory. loc. gov). To show that the proclamation was being issued out of strength and not a sign of weakness, Secretary of State Seward recommended that Lincoln not issue it until there was some significant Union victory. The opportunity presented itself when there was a Union victory at Antietam on September 22, 1862 and five days after that Lincoln issued the Proclamation which became effective on January 1, 1863. The chief function of the proclamation was to bring peace back and restore Union control, and was perceived as a firm commitment to abolish slavery. Proclamation also turned around the strengths of the warring parties by taking away the slave labor from the confederates, whose backbone in war efforts was formed by the slaves and gave this advantage to the Union (Borade). England and France were dependent upon the cotton they got from the South, and the Confederacy was hopeful that these countries would enter the war on their side. By turning the war into a fight against slavery, England and France sided with the Union because their citizens were against slavery (Emancipation Proclamation Prliminary Events, 2009). The purpose of limiting the proclamation to a few states was because Lincoln had the authority to take such an action on his own, a proclamation like this would not have Constitutional power over Union states since they had certain rights (The Emancipation Proclamation). In reality the proclamation freed very few slaves, because the border states fighting for the Union were not affected by it, nor were the southern areas already under Union control, and the rebellious states ignored the order. The Emancipation Proclamation is made up of two executive orders; the first order stated that if the breakaway did not put an end to the war and return to the Union by 1 January 1863, then all the slaves in the Confederate States would be set free. The second order listed the specific states to which the order applied. The Proclamation also had clauses which focused on rebellion and how to do away with it. It was stated that any individual starting a rebellion would be incarcerated for ten years and would be fined ten thousand dollars. If on the other hand, the individual freed his slaves, the court would not punish them (Borade). The proclamation also said that freed slaves who met with the necessary requirements would be allowed into the armed services of the Union, which was a major shift from the previous policy. The original Emancipation Proclamation is housed in the National Archives in Washington D. C. , and covers five pages of text. It was held together with thin red and blue ribbons which were stuck to the page that has signatures by the seal of the United States. The emancipation document was transferred from the Department of State to the National Archives in 1936 (Emancipation Proclamation). Works Cited Borade, G. (n. d. ). Purpose and Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation. Retrieved August 3, 2010, from www. buzzle. com: http:/www. buzzle. com/articles/purpose-and-effects-of-the-emancipation-proclamation. html Emancipation Proclamation. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from www. archives. gov: http://www. archives. gov/exhibits/featured_documents/emancipation_proclamation/ Emancipation Proclamation. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 2, 2010, from www. Encyclopaedia Britannica: http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/185468/Emancipation-Proclamation Emancipation Proclamation Prliminary Events. (2009, January 01). Retrieved August 03, 2010, from www. robinsonlibrary. com: http://robinsonlibrary. com/america/unitedstates/1783/slavery/emancipation. htm PBS. (n. d. ). www. pbs. org. Retrieved August 2, 2010, from http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2967. html The Emancipation Proclamation. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from www. usconstitution. net: http://www. usconstitution. net/eman. html www. memory. loc. gov. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 2, 2010, from http://memory. loc. gov/ammem/alhtml/almintr. html

Participation Of Lac In Decision Making Social Work Essay

Participation Of Lac In Decision Making Social Work Essay Introduction This essay aims to critically evaluate service user involvement specifically for looked after children (LAC). It explores evidence and research that considers the value of listening to the views of children who are looked after; regarding decisions about the care and support they receive. It considers how Leicester City councils procedures enable young people to contribute in decision-making about their care and support, whilst considering any barriers which may hinder effective participation. It also looks at how my work can support this view, whilst considering local and national legislative policies and theoretical frameworks to enhance participation of children and young people to develop care services. Evidence-based social care is a conscientious, explicit and judicious use of evidence in making decisions about the care of children, which is based on skills which allow a social worker to evaluate personal experience and external evidence in a systematic and objective manner (Sackett et al 1997, cited in Smith, 2004:8). Evidence-based approach to decision-making needs to be transparent, accountable and based on consideration of the most compelling evidence. This means adopting an ethical obligation to justify claims to expertise, being transparency with service users about decision-making and how these are formulated. By placing the childrens interests first, an evidence-based social worker may adopt a lifelong learning that involves continually posing specific questions (hypothesis) whilst, searching objectively and efficiently for the current best practice (Gibbs, 2003). Evidence-based approach implies, among other things, the application of the best current evidence, the value of empirically based research findings, the requirement of critical approach for assessment and theories which support evidence informed practice. Therefore, the use of research and evidence to enhance transparency for service users and stakeholders may increase objectivity and fairness in decision-making process. This may increase confidence in the quality of debate around decisions, and lead to effective outcomes for service uses, thereby increasing credibility of services as well as supporting professional development for social workers. Evidence and research finding in participation of LAC in decision-making and developing care services The term participation is a broad and multi-layered concept used to describe many different processes. It covers the level, focus and content of decision-making as well as the nature of the participatory activity, frequency and duration of participation and children participation (Kirby et al., 2003). The level and nature of participation may vary. It may mean merely taking part, being present, being involved or consulted in decision-making or a transfer of power in order for the views of participants to have an influence on decisions (Boyden and Ennew, 1997). The focus of childrens participation also varies, with the participation of children and young people in matters which affect them as individuals and as a group (Franklin and Sloper, 2004:4). The participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them as individuals means taking into account their wishes, feelings and their perspectives. Procedures such as, assessment, care planning and LAC review meetings, child protection conferences or complaints are there to achieve this. The Children Act 1989 provides assessment for greater involvement of children and young people in decision-making. The participation of children in matters relating to them as a group can be through local and national identification, development, provision, monitoring or evaluation of services and policies (Franklin and Sloper, 2004:5). This may be achieved through consultation exercises and research, involvement of children and young people in management committees, advisory groups, youth forums, partnerships and community initiatives or in the delivery of community services by acting as mentors, counsellors, volunteers or workers (Sinclair and Franklin, 2000). Research and evidence suggest that children and young people should be involved in making decisions that affect them. This is reflected in law, government guidance as well as in various regulations and policies. Increasingly, children are identified as a group in their own right. In 1991, the UK ratified the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (Child Convention), which grants children and young people the rights to participate in decision-making. Article 12 of the Child Convention provides that Children have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account. This may not necessarily mean that children and young people should directly make those decisions, rather that adults involve them in the decision-making process. The Care Standards Act 2000 highlights the importance of childrens participation in decision-making. Looked after children are entitled and should be encouraged to participate in the decision making-process. Policy documents and research relating to services for LAC and young people indicate the importance of their participation in decision-making both in policy-making as well as in practice. Research studies have emphasised the value of engaging with the perspectives of LAC (Thomas and Beckford, 1999; OQuigley, 2000). New initiatives from the Government such as the LAC Materials, Quality Protects, the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, the Common Assessment Framework as well as other associated practice guides and non-governmental organisations have carried the same message (Jackson and Kilroe, 1996; Department of Health et al, 2000; Department of Health, 2002; Department for Education and Skills, 2004; Jenkins and Tudor, 1999; Horwath, 2000; British Association of Social Workers, 2003). Standard textbooks on social work with children and families as well as specialist texts on particular areas of practice have emphasised not only the desirability of listening to LAC but also in many cases their right to inclusion (Brandon et al, 1998; Butler and Roberts, 1997, Gilligan, 2001; Wheal, 2002). Evidence and research are implemented in practice, particularly in the agencies that actually look after children and young people, the decision-making processes involving looked after children and in interactions between those children and adults. However, some indication may also be gained from social workers directly involved in interpreting evidence and research findings and applying them into their practice (Thomas, 2005). This can be evaluated in terms of looking at the organisations policies and procedures for looked after children in decision-making process, involving LAC to give advice of how to include them with planning and review meetings and service planning, such as supporting them to access independent advocacy, and give them opportunities to meet together, meet with their friends, and support their voice, for example to make complaints and to include their views when writing and recording decisions about them. However, social worker may be described as making significant efforts to listen to children and young people, but the children and young people may necessarily feel that their voices are being heard. A study has found that whereas adults see listening in terms of paying respectful attention to what children and young people have to say, children and young people feel that listening is demonstrated by the delivery of services that accord with their expressed wishes (McLeod, 2006). Also, whilst adults regard the role of social worker as providing emotional support and therapeutic intervention, many children and young people regard their role as providing practical support combined with promotion of their self-determination (McLeod, 2006). These findings have implications for childcare social work. Participation of LAC in decision-making in Leicester City Council Leicester City Councils policy and guidance emphasise on the importance to involve children in the decision-making process in line with their age and understanding. Staff, carers, parents and children are informed about this policy through handbooks, workshops and interagency training events. Parents are informed by social workers, either formal, informal or both. The Leicester City Council Young Peoples Charter states that young people have the right to be listened to, have their view taken seriously and to be involved in decisions that affect them. Leicester City Council has also a Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership (2007) which is committed to involve and consult as many children, young people and their families as possible. The aim of this participation strategy is to enable children, young people and families to participate in decision-making process, service review and delivery as well as to influence policies and decisions that affect them. Leicester City Council has a policy which actively promotes the involvement of LAC in planning and review meetings. As a department, it has legal responsibilities as corporate parents. The policy encourages LAC to attend any meeting where their Care Plan will be discussed and decision made about their lives. However, some children or young people I have been working with feel that whether or not they attend the LAC planning and review meetings does not really make a difference because they consider those meetings to be merely procedural. A study has found that many children and young people find the review meetings as still alienating, uncomfortable, negative and boring process (Voice for the Child in Care, 2004, 51). The decision-making process may prioritise the best interests of the child, which may not necessarily represent what the child may consider to be his/her best interest on his/her own world. Planning and review meetings for LAC are chaired by an independent person, who has a duty to ensure that the views and feelings of children and young people are taken into account. However decision has to be made procedurally to meet the goals of the local authority, which may not take into account the needs of the child. Leicester City Council promotes the use of independent advocacy services for LAC, and makes provisions with representation when they make complaints. Leicester City Councils Children Rights and Participation Services works independently to ensure that children and young people participate in decision-making that affect them and that they are fully represented in their complaints. However, the independence of this Service may be questionable. The head of the Service is responsible to the head of Safeguarding Services Department who is also responsible to the Director of Children Services, who may influence the Department in performing its functions. Leicester City Council provides opportunities for LAC to meet together. This is done through a Children Forum within the organisation which organises different activities, such as dramas, role plays, and singing to enable them to express their feelings. The Children Forum also has a looked after children football team led by a youth worker who is attached to the LAC Services. Leicester City Council has policy guidance which requires prior permission from children to stay with friends overnight. However, there can be conflicts of interests when considering Frazer/Gillick competence of young peoples voices. Firstly, the process of performing checks may take time as it involves collecting information relating to the host, some of which may not be available before the proposed date of visit. This delay may cause the child or young person to feel that his/her wishes are not being considered and may also raise the childs level of anxiety. Secondly, young persons from another authority without checking requirements may be placed in the same placement with those from Leicester City Council. Those from Leicester City Council might feel not only that there are double standards, but they may also lose their trust to the social worker involved in granting the permission. Children who have taken part in research meetings have resented that their ordinary social contacts were obstructed by requirements to get a special permission, or even police clearance, before they could stay overnight with their friends, and wanted their carers to be able to make these decisions unimpeded (Thomas and OKane, 1998). As a social worker, it therefore, important to be aware of legislative and guidance requirements of participation as well as understand the benefits of participation. As Kirby et al (2003) pointed out the fact that participation is part of the law or a public policy is not enough to convince social workers to engage in the work of children and young people. However, there are obstacles to the inclusion of LAC and young people in decision-making process. These include the lack of staff and time caused by high case loads and other demands such as child protection work, court reports, and core assessments. There is also a lack of a common understanding of participation and this can be confusing for a social worker when working with other agencies with different understandings. Also, it may not cost a penny to listen to children and young people, but it cost money to ensure a development of an effective participation (Kirby, 2003). Organisations rarely dedicate a budget for participation (Cutler and Taylor, 2003). The notion of childrens participation in decision-making pertains to all children as a social group. However, historically, childrens participation has tended to focus on children in need. As a result, childrens participation has often been associated with forms of multiple disadvantage and social exclusion. LAC falls into the category of marginalised groups of children and young people. Young People with difficult life experiences are likely to have less confidence and self-esteem to participate in decision-making. For those who had their views and feelings not taken into account in the past, they are likely to be less motivated to participate in LAC planning and review meetings. If the past difficult experiences resulted from mistreatment by adults, they are likely not to trust the current adults intentions to engage them in participation. LAC may be subject to negative assumptions and stereotypes which may affect their full participation in decisions making (McNeish, 1999). Enhancing the participation of LAC in decision-making It is a good practice for carers to be empowered to make decisions for LAC wanting to stay with friends overnight, provided that they are able to assess the situation and make those decisions as if they were their own biological children. There should be a policy that explicitly allows for delegation to carers. For example, the Welsh Assembly Government has issued a guidance which makes it clear that criminal records checks should not be sought before an overnight stay, that decisions should in most circumstances be delegated to foster parents and residential care staff, and that looked after children should as far as possible be granted the same permissions to take part in such acceptable age appropriate peer activities as would reasonably be granted by the parents of their peers (National Assembly for Wales Circular NAFWC 50/2004). Planning and review meetings should be chaired by a totally independent person, not someone employed by Leicester City council. One may argue that this may cause tension between independence provided by an outside Chair and the risk of alienating the child by having a stranger at their review. However, a chair coming within the organisation may not be fully independent as s/he may also be under a duty to promote the vision and goals of the organisation which may conflict with his/her role. There is a need for an effective definition of participation which encompasses an understanding of participation as an activity and as a process aiming at achieving positive outcomes for LAC, young people and organisations. Establishing a shared definition of participation can be a challenge, but once identified, it can benefit the organisations in terms of being consistence in the participation of children and young people in decision-making. There is a need for participation work to be adequately resourced in a long term basis as this will enable change (Robson, et al, 2003). Alternatively, the current budget should ensure that it is resourced to the participation of children and young people, particularly LAC. Maybe consideration to the times of day for young people should be taking into account, when holding review meetings, and not having as many people attending, which could be intimidating. Perhaps the local authority could consider using text messages or social networks to get real feedback about the views of young people. Perhaps to work in a more child centred way the process of participation may have more meaning to the child or young person, rather than being a process driven exercise. Conclusion There is plenty evidence and research findings on participation of LAC in decision-making and developing care services. They range from legislation, participation guidance, researches to academic works. All these influence social workers in practice. Leicester City Council attaches importance to the participation of LFC in decision-making. Nonetheless, participation of LAC means that children should be actively involved in the decision-making that affects them; and the adults who have the responsibility for these children should ensure that their views and wishes are listened to and represented in decision-making. REFERECES Boyden, J. and Ennew, J. (1997) Children in Focus. A manual for participatory research with children. Stockholm: RÃ ¤dda Barnen Brandon M, Schofield G and Trinder L, (1998) Social Work with Children, Basingstoke: Macmillan Butler I and Roberts G, (1997) Social Work with Children and Families: Getting into practice, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Culter, D. and Taylor, A. (2003) Expanding and Sustaining Involvement: a Snapshot of Participation Infrastructure for Young People Living in England, London: Carnegie Young People Initiative Department for Education and Skills (2004) Integrated Childrens System London: The Stationary Office Department of Health (2002) Listening, Hearing and Responding (Department of Health Action Plan: Core principles for the involvement of children and young people, available at http://www.longtermventilation.nhs.uk/_Rainbow/Documents/Listening,%20Hearing,%20responding%20to%20Children..pdf [accessed on 7/11/2012] Department of Health, et al, (2000) Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, London: The Stationery Office Franklin, A and Sloper, P. (2004) Participation of Disabled Children and Young People in Decision-Making Within Social Services Departments, Quality Protect Research Initiatives, Interim Report York: The University of York Gibbs, L., (2003) Evidence-Based Practice for the Helping Professions: A Practical Guide with Integrated Multimedia, Brooks: Pacific Grove Gilligan R, Promoting Resilience: A resource guide on working with children in the care system, London: BAAF, 2001 Horwath J (ed) (2000), The Childs World: Assessing children in need, London: Jessica Kingsley Kirby, P. and Bryson, S. (2002) Measuring the Magic? Evaluating and Researching Young Peoples Participation in Public Decision-Making London: Carnegie Young People Initiative Kirby, P, et al (2003) Building a Culture of Participation, London: Department for Education and Skills Jackson S and Kilroe S (eds) (1996), Looking After Children: Good parenting, good outcomes, Reader, London: HMSO Jenkins J and Tudor K, (1999) Being Creative with Assessment and Action Records, Tonypandy: Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council Leicester City Council (2007) Leicester City Children ad Young Peoples Strategic Partnership: Participation Strategy Leicester: Leicester City Council McLeod, A., (2006) Respect or Empowerment? Alternative Understandings of Listening in Childcare Social Work Adoption and Fostering, Vol. 30, pp. 43-52 OQuigley A, (2000) Listening to Childrens Views: The findings and recommendations of recent research, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2000 McNeish, D. (1999) From Rhetoric to Reality: Participatory Approaches to health Promotion with Young People, London: Health Education Authority Robson, P., et al (2003) Increasing User Involvement in Voluntary Organisation, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation Sinclair, R. and Franklin, A. (2000) Young Peoples Participation, Quality Protects Research Briefing, No.3. London: Department of Health Smith, D (2004) Social Work and Evidence based Practice: Research Highlights in Social Work, London: Jessica Kingsley Publisher Thomas, N., (2005) Has anything really changed? Managers views of looked after childrens participation in 1997 and 2004 Adopting and Fostering, Vol. 29, pp. 67-77 Thomas C, and Beckford V, (1999) Adopted Children Speaking, London: BAAF Thomas N and OKane C. (1998), What makes me so different? Community Care 1253 Voice for the Child in Care, (2004) Start with the Child, Stay with the Child: A blueprint for a child-centred approach to children and young people in public care, London: Voice for the Child in Care Wheal A (ed.) (2002), The RHP Companion to Leaving Care, Lyme Regis: Russell House Publishing