Modern finance assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Modern finance - Assignment Example The formula is structured this way in order to make its analysis easier and more standardized. c. The investor in this case, by applying the model, understands the non feasibility of exercising the call option, since the price of the asset is lower than the strike price of 110. Question 2 a. Re = Ra + D/E(Ra-Rd) Firm A: 14% + 0.4(14%-9%) = 0.16 or 16% Firm B: 14% + 0.5(14%-9%) = 0.165 or 16.5% The return to equity represents the return required by shareholders. In this scenario, with all other factors constant, as the Debt to Equity ratios only differ, the results show that for Firm B, the shareholders require a 0.5% higher return than Firm A shareholders, due to the higher leverage. b. given the data, we also know that Risk = variance = w^2(a)*sigma(a)^2 + w(b)^2*sigma(b)^2 + 2w(a)w(b)*p*sigma(a)*sigma(b) i. 0.52*0.052 + 0.52*0.062 + (2*0.5*0.5*1*0.05*0.06) = 0.00303 Std dev = 5.5% ii. 0.52*0.052 + 0.52*0.062 + (2*0.5*0.5*-1*0.05*0.06) = 0.00003 Std dev = 0.5% iii. 0.52*0.052 + 0.52 *0.062 + (2*0.5*0.5*0.5*0.05*0.06) = 0.00228 Std dev = 4.77% c. ... Risk averse investors will usually never invest in risky assets and will play it safe. This means they will remain on or close to the Y axis of the graph below, taking on minimal or no risk and earning a low return. Investors with higher risk preferences will balance their portfolios with risky and risk free assets to achieve an optimal balanced portfolio which offers a return in line with risks. Their goal will be to reach the efficient frontier as shown below in the graph. Adding a risk free asset to a risk averse investors portfolio will not affect his return much. However, doing the same with a risk taking investor may reduce the return earned by the portfolio. As money used in the risk free asset could otherwise be utilized in higher risky assets to obtain a higher return. References Botkin, S. C. (2007). Lower your taxes-big time! : wealth-building, tax reduction secrets from an IRS insider. New York, McGraw-Hill. Chriss, N. (1997). Black-Scholes and beyond option pricing model s. New York, McGraw-Hill. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=51958. JA?GER, C., & BO?Ckhaus, C. F. (2011). The Black & Scholes formula and resulting advancements derivation and interpretation with special focus on the validity of the underlying assumptions. Aachen, Shaker. Siegel, J. G., Shim, J. K., Hartman, S., & Siegel, J. G. (1998). Schaum's quick guide to business formulas 201 decision-making tools for business, finance, and accounting students. New York, N.Y., McGraw-Hill.

Comparison of Theoretical Approaches Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Comparison of Theoretical Approaches - Essay Example e the essential differences between the four approaches to global governance as depicted in both Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 of Kelly-Kate Pease’s book International Organizations. With all honesty, Realism focuses on the security of countries and power above everything else. Realism, with an objective of enhancing conflict resolutions, establishes an international system that would guarantee maximum security for every country that cooperates with another one. At the same time, any country that declares war should do so based on self-interest, as opposed to idealism. To promote a given society, individuals should learn the policies that govern the behavior of such a society. In this case, Realism should also enhance policies that would mold rational theory that promote objective laws in a given country. Realism exists to monitor the behavior of given countries, interpret the power of countries, and coordinate the principles of the international system. Moreover, Liberalism acts as a mainstream approach that promotes the behavior of country by focusing on its preferences, as opposed to its capabilities. In this case, Liberalism paves a way for the plurality of a country’s actions in the international system. However, such preferences may vary from country to country due to some difference in economic conditions, environmental factors, and nature of governments. Pease (2006, p59) states that Liberalism abolishes anarchic international system by promoting a variety of opportunities for cooperating and other levels of power. Surely, the theory enhances peace between international organizations through organizational interdependence and cooperation. Besides, Marxism rarely focuses on material and economic aspects of the international system. Instead, the theory describes the international system as coordinated capitalist system with an objective of accumulating capital. Believers of the theory suggest that globalized capitalism enriches organizations in developed

Marxism functionalism and feminism theories on crime

Marxism functionalism and feminism theories on crime For this sociology essay I shall be researching and comparing three social perspective theories on crime, Marxism, Functionalism, and Feminism. I will be attempting to write how the three theories compare and conflict with each other. Marxist perspective on crime Karl Heinrich Marx was born the 5th of May 1818 Trier Germany to a comfortable middle class family. A historian, social scientist, revolutionary and philosopher, Karl Marx, was and still is considered the most important socialist thinker that emerged from the 19th century. Karl Marx during his lifetime was for the most part ignored by scholars. But since his death in 1883, Marxs political, social and economic ideas quickly gained acceptance in the socialist movement. Although Karl Marx never wrote at length about crime, he did argue the laws made by the ruling class were mostly put in place to keep the working class under control. Karl Marx had the idea that most people were not even aware they were being exploited. Marxism recognises for a society to function properly, social order is necessary. They state that in all societies apart from communist societies the ruling class always gains far more than any other class. Haralambos Holborn (2004) in discussing Marxist perspectives on deviance states that: the ruling class passes laws that benefits ruling-class interests. Therefore making sure the power stays in ruling class hands so they have a constant control over lower classes. (P353). Marxists have the idea that Capitalist societies emphasise individual gain and the need to win at all costs. They feel greed explains crimes for financial gain. Marxists think the frustrations felt by dehumanising the lower classes can explain the crimes against the individual persons. They think crime in part is the creation of unequal power and inequality, and that it is a natural response to living in poverty. They feel crime is often the result of the ruling class offering the lower classes of society, demeaning work that gives little or no sense of creativity. Although Marxists agree that crime is widespread within all social classes they argue deprived criminals are given harsher sentences than wealthy criminals. Marxists are more likely to emphasise corporate and white collar crime, they note that crimes by the upper classes cost more, and have a greater economic toll on society than lower class crimes. Marxists believe laws are approved to benefit the desires of the ruling class, they say people have unequal access to the law. Powerful people with money can hire a good lawyer this can change the odds of being found guilty or not guilty. Therefore for a Marxist, punishment for a crime could depend and vary with the social status of the criminal. A man named William Chambliss was concerned in the fact of why certain things are made illegal and others are not, he also wondered who decided what issues are made law, and why the unequal distribution of wealth wasnt illegal, William Chambliss also thought the ruling class controlled this power, and it was the ruling class who prevented certain issues from ever being discussed. Dutchman Willem Adriaan Bonger 1876-1940: The 1st Marxist Criminologist wrote that all individuals in capitalist societies are infected by egoism because they are alienated from authentic social relationships with their fellow human beings, and all are thus prone to crime. He thought the root cause of crime was the capitalist mode of production and poverty was the major cause of crime, but the effects of poverty can be traced to the family structure and on parental inability to properly supervise their children. Willem Bonger supported the view that the roots of crime lay in the exploitative and alienating conditions of capitalism. The social sentiments that concerned him were altruism (an active concern for the well being of others) and egoism (a concern only for ones own selfish interests). Willem Adriaan Bonger took his own life in 1940 rather than summiting to the Nazis. Willem Bonger (1969) Criminality and Economic Conditions. In general Marxists believe the law is created by the ruling class, and only acts that grow out of working class life are defined as criminal. They state everyone breaks the law, but biased law enforcement means it is mainly the working class who get caught. Marxism is the only theory that examines the crimes of the powerful. Haralambos Holborn (2004): Marxists have been criticized in the past for thinking that a Communist system maybe the answer to eradicating crime, when in fact Switzerland, a capitalist society has a very low rate of crime. Feminists argue Marxists ignore the role of patriarchy whilst putting far too much emphasis on class inequality. (p355). Functionalism perspective on crime Haralambos Holborn (2004): Functionalists believe that deviance and crime starts with society as a whole. Functionalism looks into society for the source of crime and deviance rather than looking to the individual itself. Functionalism is frequently thought of as the exact opposite to Marxism. Functionalists give emphasis to the positive way crime can affect a social system. Functionalism stems from Emile Durkheim. He believed that crime was to be expected in all societies. (p253). Emile Durkheim was born on April the 15th, 1858 at Epinal, Vosges, in Lorraine, France. Durkheim is considered by most the father of sociology. He is credited for making sociology a science. During Durkheims lifetime he published a number of sociological studies on subjects like suicide, religion and other aspects of society as well as giving a number of lectures. Emile Durkheim (2002). Haralambos Holborn (2004): All Functionalists have the opinion that control mechanisms like courts and police are a necessity to keep crime and deviance in control and protect social order. However many functionalists argue a certain amount of deviance can have positive functions in society, they feel crime can even provide maintenance and the well being of a society. In Emile Durkheims book The Rules of Sociological Method (1938) crime is argued to be inevitable, and a normal part of social life. Emile Durkheim had the notion that crime was present throughout all types of society. He also felt the crime rate would be higher in more highly developed industrialized countries. Durkheim believed that if there was a perfect society of saints, occupied by perfect individuals, a society where no murder or robbery occurred, deviance would still be present because behaviour standards would be set that high the smallest slip would be considered a serious offence. Durkheim felt society would stagnate without deviance. (253). A man named Robert Merton produced a detailed functionalist theory to explain criminal behaviour. Merton stated that all societies set goals to attain, Merton believed that if there was a sensible chance you could reach these goals then society would function, but he felt that if these goals were unobtainable then a situation of anomie occurs (anything goes). Robert Merton stated that there are five anomic responses where individuals cannot achieve Societies goals. 1, Conformity: where individuals struggle for success through accepted channels. 2, Innovation: people will accept society has goals but will reject the socially accepted means, for example organized crime. 3, Ritualism: where people accept the socially approved way, but no longer believe they can achieve success, for example people who stick to the rules no matter what. 4, Retreatism: people who have lost sight of societies goals for example drug users. 5, Rebellion: people who have adopted new goals, and different ways to achieve them, for example revolutionaries, cults. Sociology in Focus: Paul Taylor (1997) In general Functionalists believe crime can play a positive role in society, they feel societies need to produce crime to set the limits of behaviour to show society what will, and wont be tolerated. Functionalists state the working class are more criminal because they have fewer bonds with social institutions and therefore have less to lose. They think of society as a living organism with each function like institutions, organizations, and other mechanisms working together. J.Tattersall: (2010). Functionalist theory has been criticized for ignoring the crimes of the higher social classes, for seeing crime and deviance as a product of society and social background (deterministic), and for ignoring the fact that many young people often choose to be deviant and they often grow out of this behaviour. Functionalism is the only theory that sees crime as having a positive function. Feminist perspective on crime Feminist criminology thinks that crime must be viewed from all perspectives in order to understand and obtain the most complete picture of crime. Feminists see society as male-dominated (patriarchal). Feminists see men benefiting at the womens expense. Feminists also argue that most social institutions, including the state and its policies, help to maintain womens subordinate position and the unequal gender division of labour in the family. According to the Feminist school of criminology, major theories in crime have been developed by male subjects, and they focus on male victimization. They feel that facts about crime tend to be focused on the gender of the criminal and not the crime itself. Feminism is the only theory that examines gender differences when explaining crime. Professor Frances Heidenson (1989) criticises the male dominance of sociology she feels that most academics are male, and therefore criminology reflects male views and interests, she also stated that that most traditional theorists are gender blind, and therefore fail to explain how their theories can be applied to females. J. Tattersall (2010) Haralambos and Holborn (2004): Otto Pollack (1950) claimed to have recognized certain crimes are usually committed by woman, he thought nearly all shoplifting and criminal abortions were carried out by woman, he also argued that many unreported crimes were committed by female servants. He noted many police, magistrates, and other law officials tended to be men. This could therefore make them chivalrous and lenient towards female offenders, he thought because of this woman appear in statistics less. Pollack also stated that females are particularly good at hiding their crimes because of their genetic makeup. He stated that woman learn to mislead men during sex and can use this to fake interest and sexual pleasure. (pp. 382-383). Haralambos and Holborn (2004): Pollack has been brutally criticized for some of these statements, Steven Jones (2001) points out that Pollack gives no real support that servants commit many crimes against employers, or that woman are better at hiding crimes then men. Heidensohn points out that Pollack has an unsubstantiated stereo typical image of woman and he is unwilling to point male crime to a biological predisposition to aggression and violence. (p384). Heidensohn believed that there was double standards in the justice system and that the justice system was loaded against women and not for them, she thought that the justice system is more likely to punish women when they deviate from the norms of female sexuality. It has been suggested that women are being sentenced in terms of being mothers, wives, and daughters rather than examining the seriousness of their crime. It seems that lighter sentences are given to females who meet the traditional roles, whilst women who dont fit these roles are given stronger punishments. J Tattersall (2010): (p5). Feminists can be criticised for being ideological and prejudiced, by focussing on patriarchy they ignore the fact that men are also used for domestic labour. They fail to notice women are becoming increasingly independent, and focus on gender ignoring other important social factors such as class and race. Conclusion- All three theories are structural theories they look at groups in societies rather than the individual. Marxism and Feminism are both conflict theories they see some groups as being less equal than others, functionalist theory is the only theory that sees crime in a positive nature.

Student Roles and Responsibilities for the Master of Counseling Marriag

Student Roles and Responsibilities for the Master of Counseling Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Specialty The student roles and responsibilities of the Masters of Counseling in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy (MCMFCT) at the University of Phoenix are to advance competent and ethical practitioners in family, couple and individual therapy in a variety of settings. By following the program's defined curriculum for professional role development, the successful graduate will be able to provide counseling services "in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards" (Master of Counseling - Program Handbook, p. 7). To achieve this end, the student must adopt and synthesize the professional and ethical standards of the program into his own academic and personal development. He must develop and demonstrate a broad base of theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills combined with his own ethical judgment and counseling expertise. The student is responsible for maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better to indicate a foundation of behavioral and social sciences, developmental theories as well as principles and practices for planning, initiating and evaluating therapeutic roles. In addition, a GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained in all clinical courses to display excellence in standards and competence as a counseling professional. Failure to maintain the...

When Does One Lose Innocence?

How Does One Lose Innocence? As seen in William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies The novel Lord of the Flies contains a story line of young English boys trapped on an island without any adult supervision. The boys soon lose their English manners and become uncivilized. The change is noticeable in each of the boys as they adapt to the uncivilized life on the island, but in the two main characters, Jack and Ralph, the change is most noticeable. In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, the characters transform from innocent schoolboys to savage boys guilty multiple counts of murder.Tragedy causes one to lose innocence and become savage. Jack’s first tragedy occurs after he loses the vote for chief and Ralph is elected for the position. This event is a tragedy to Jack because he thought that he should automatically be the island chief because he was the leader of the choir and when he was not elected chief he broke down. Jack’s raw emotions are shown because â€Å"the freckles on Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortification† (Golding 23).Jack knew that he could not be the leader because, though some thought he would be best suited for the job, Ralph was the one who blew the conch and Jack knew that the conch was the more powerful than any leader can be. Though Jack was the ideal leader because of his experience with the choir, he was unable to take the position because Ralph brought all the boys together and Ralph looked like a leader, â€Å"Jack started to protest but the clamor changed from the general wish for a chief to an election by acclaim of Ralph himself.None of the boys could have found good reason for this; what intelligence had been shown was traceable to Piggy while the most obvious leader was Jack. But there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out: there was his size, and attractive appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch† (Golding 22). Jack ’s embarrassment, rage, and disappointment start Jack’s down ward spiral from a young, civilized choirboy to a savage hunter and murderer. Ralph’s tragedy occurs after he realized that the boys could not stay civilized, which occurs after the death of Simon.Ralph knew that he was the reason for Simon’s death because he could not keep the boys civilized and together as a group though Piggy was unable to grasp the idea of the uncivilized behavior because he is the intellect of the society. The conversation between Piggy and Ralph shows the disappointment and frustration between the two. â€Å"Ralph laughed sharply as he said the word and Piggy frowned. ‘You’re still chief’ Ralph laughed again. ‘You are. Over us. ’ ‘I got the conch. ’ ‘Ralph! Stop laughing like that. Look, there ain’t no need, Ralph!What’s the other going to think? ’ At last Ralph stopped. He was shivering. ‘Pigg y. ’ ‘Uh? ’ ‘That was Simon. ’ ‘You said that before. ’ ‘Piggy. ’ ‘Uh? ’ ‘That was murder’† (Golding 156). Ralph is level headed until he has to face the tragedy of realizing that Simon is gone and he becomes unable to make decisions and forces Piggy to make decisions, which eventually leads to his inevitable death. â€Å"Ralph realistically confronts the problem of survival and works out a practical plan for rescue† (Dickson 218).Ralph is smart and he is the leader but his lack of confidence and the unwillingness of the group prevents him from keeping them all civilized. Unexpected negative change takes people by surprise and when people do not know what to do, they act out. Jack’s change occurs after he does not kill the pig on the first try. Jack thinks he is ready to hunt but he is not enlightened enough because he is still in the dark that shows he cannot be saved unless he changes back to whom he was but he cannot kill a pig until he changes to become uncivilized. He chokes.The choirboys believe in rules and civilization, he sings not kills, but he cannot bring himself to kill because he doesn’t have that instinct. â€Å"Jack stood there, streaming with sweat, streaked with brown earth, stained by all the vicissitudes of a day’s hunting. Swearing, he turned off the trail and pushed his way through until the forest opened a little and instead of bald trunks supporting a dark roof there were light grey trunks and crowns of feathery palm† (Golding 49). This event also embarrassed him because he insisted on being the headhunter.But then, Jack changes the instant he kills the pig. This is when his instinct takes over and the boys cannot go back from here because Jack’s transformation leads to him leaving the tribe. â€Å"Behind Jack walked the twins, carrying a great stake on their shoulders. The gutted carcass of a pig swung f rom the stake, swinging heavily as the twins toiled over the uneven ground’ (Golding 68). Jack, in front of course, proudly leads the group chanting, this chant shows the change, the change from civilized to savage, the loss of innocence.Ralph’s change comes when he realizes that there is no hope for all the survival of al the boys, which occurs after the death of Piggy and his banishment from Castle Rock. Ralph has hope. Ralph is swimming and relaxing like it’s a vacation at the start of the novel. Ralph is a dreamer. He brings the intellect and the physical together with his dreams, which make him the leader. His visions are the base of the society, which decline with his inability to dream. â€Å"Ralph lolled in the water.Sleep enveloped him like the swathing mirages that were wrestling with the brilliance of the lagoon† (Golding 14). His dreams create the reality for society and when he cannot dream, society cannot prosper. When Ralph transforms, the hope of the society is weaken, just like the strength of the leader, which causes the demise of the civilization. â€Å"Ralph’s transformation is both shocking and saddening†¦when Ralph is trapped in the underbrush, he wonders what a pig would do, for he is in the same position† (Dickson 218).This shows that Ralph has no hope for survival if he is asking a pig for advice because at the beginning of the novel Ralph was a symbol of hope and now at the end of the novel, Ralph has no hope for his own safety after the death of his friend, Piggy. Jack is cast as an individual in the beginning and in the end with his appearance and his actions. â€Å"The boy who controlled them was dressed in the same way though his cap badge was golden† (Golding 19). Jack was different from the other choirboys from the start which Ralph could see before he met Jack because the golden badge could be seen from all the way across the beach.Jack is an individual who first suggest tha t they all follow rules and then breaks the biggest rule of all: staying together. Jack’s individualism leads to his downfall and his inability to be the leader at the very end with the naval officer. â€Å"‘I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you. ’   Most of the boys were looking down now, at the grass or their feet. Jack cleared his throat again. ‘I’m not going to be apart of Ralph’s lot-‘ He looked along the right-hand logs, numbering the hunter that had been a choir. ‘I’m going off by myself.He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come’† (Golding 127). Jack is individual from the golden badge to the formation of a new tribe and this is because of his instinct, which separates him from the rest of the tribe making him lose his innocence before the rest of the boys lose their innocence. Ralph’s individualism is not as noticeable as Jack’s because he is lead mostly by Piggy who gives him most of the ideas starting from the conch until the end of going to castle Rock while leads to his death.Ralph is referred to as â€Å"the fair boy,† he isn’t given a name until the near end of chapter 1 which is unlike all the other characters who are introduced with names. The boy with the fair hair†¦the fat boy†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Golding 7-8). This shows how Piggy and Ralph were lumped together from the beginning, dreams and intellect, the basis of the society. Ralph individualism is shown when he realizes that the conflict is inner, that the boys control themselves and that they control their own, individual, destinies.The boys can control their future with hope, the conch, and the fire, which are all individual symbols of Ralph. â€Å"The problem of physical existence solves itself—the island is rich in fruit and game and the climate is favorable. The real problem that arises among the boys involves their own inner natur e, and emerges most directly from a clash between those who wish to keep a fire burning on the island's mountain to attract rescuers and those who wish to hunt and indulge in what at first seems to be the natural inclination of children toward unrestrained play.The conflict begins in apparent childish innocence, and reaches its climax in acts of shocking brutality that carry far-reaching implications of guilt† (Johnston). Ralph’s inner conflict, his dreams, and his hope show his individualism, which keeps him civilized longer then Jack. The boys lose their innocence and their civility, though some more than others. Jack was effected by his disappointment and his individualism while Ralph was effected by his internal conflict and his inability to keep the boys civilized. The boys devolve throughout the novel from proper English schoolboys to savage murderers.

Sample Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Architecture People once asked me: â€Å"Why did you choose architecture? † I couldn’t give a simple answer for that. Maybe it was because I like painting and construction since childhood. I also earnestly yearn to create beautiful things on my own and architecture can satisfy my imagination in space, materials, and color. My born interest in this sector is also because of my parents, who are both structural engineer and electrical engineer, influencing me gradually and unconsciously since I was a kid and giving me perceptual knowledge in the field.After my five-year study in the Department of Architecture, and one-year work experience in architectural design, I ask myself this same question. The result is that aside from the factors mentioned above, what really makes me choose architecture is its intrinsic appeal, which is just like the maxim written inside the building of the Department of Architecture: â€Å"Architecture is the combinat ion of art and technology. † Perhaps when a person is engaged in what his keen interest blossoms, he will never feel tired, instead he would feel motivated and have an enriching experience.Five years' academic study in the School of Architecture and Arts of University of XX transformed my instinctive excitement and imagination about architecture into systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding. This transformation, first of all, lies in my skills in the fine arts. Differing from my previous mere interest in fine arts, the study of architecture makes me begin to ponder on how to draw using aesthetic elements from fine arts such as color, lighting and composition to apply to architecture. I was so dedicated to such brainstorming and imagination that I would always work around the clock in the studio for days on end.Secondly, the study of basic architectural courses, such as architectural structure, mechanics and materials science, makes me realize that architecture not only gives importance on aesthetics, but also on the more essential functionality and practicality. In that process, I realized that architecture is not only an art, but also more importantly a sort of technology. Five years of college study gives me a deeper comprehension of architecture, that is, architecture is also part of other cultures – it is subject to other cultures' influence, and at the same time it influences other cultures.Because of my childhood architectural background, coupled with my lasting keen interest in architecture, I gained excellent achievements in the major courses of my college study, ranked top three in the class, and also received first prize scholarships and many other scholarships for five consecutive years. Besides, owing to my understanding of architecture, I am not satisfied with mere textbook knowledge. I believe architecture is not only a skill but also, more importantly, a combination of creativity and imagination.An excellent architecture designer needs not only solid architectural skills and knowledge, but also needs nourishment from fine arts, materials science, engineering and culture. For that purpose, I read quite extensively, understood the architectural history of different countries – especially European architectural history, learnt from works of modern and contemporary architectural masterpieces, and gained insights on their design conceptions that are full of creativity and connotation. The knowledge I have gained from these efforts heightens my interests and my desire for creation.

Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy where Interests Intersect The WritePass Journal

Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy where Interests Intersect Introduction Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy where Interests Intersect IntroductionBusiness Benefitâ€Å"Protect it†26 – Regulations and Reputationâ€Å"Run it†33 Operationsâ€Å"Grow it†43 Innovation and MarketingRole of StrategyStrategic Approach to Sustainability  Ã¢â‚¬ËœIntegration’ and ‘Fit’  Does The ‘Sweet-Spot’ Approach Lead to Sustainability?Expectation of no Trade-offsBusiness Model as a WholeCreating a Sustainable Business ModelConclusion  Related Introduction Literature agrees that for sustainability to achieve benefit to business, society and the environment, it must not be an add-on but be integrated into the business.13 In order to integrate sustainability into business strategy Savitz and Weber suggest establishing where areas of â€Å"mutual interest†14 lie, between business strategy and stakeholder interest. They term this the â€Å"sustainability sweet spot: the place where the pursuit of profit blends seamlessly with the pursuit of the common good†15 Businesses operate in an â€Å"interdependent world†16 therefore there is much scope for overlap between stakeholder and business interests agree, recommending companies focus on â€Å"the points of intersection†18 rather than the tension and frictions between business and society. Points of intersection arise, in product offering, along the value chain and in the competitive context, that provide opportunity for â€Å"creating shared value†19 Drucker has encouraged companies, since 1955, to â€Å"make the public good become the private good of the enterprise†20 More recently, The Forum for the Future argues that â€Å"smart businesses†21 will profit from sustainability issues by â€Å"finding ways to give us what we need and want whilst maintaining the eco-system services on which we rely.†22 Business Benefit Points of intersection occur in product offering, throughout the value chain, and in the competitive context, providing much scope for sustainability activities. According to Savitz and Weber, sustainability activities have the potential to enhance your business in three ways. They can help to â€Å"protect it, run it, and grow it†24 Although using different terminology, this concept is â€Å"Protect it†26 – Regulations and Reputation Integrating sustainability into the business strategy reduces risk by ensuring compliance with existing regulations but also preparing for, influencing27 and reducing the risk of impending regulatory interventions.28 WWF and Smith add that engaging with stakeholders including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) can reduce the risk of reputational damage,29 negative campaigns and consumer boycott. De Man and Burns suggest supply-chain partnerships and codes-of-conduct manage risk by recouping control lost through globalization and outsourcing.31 The second two stages suggested by Savitz and Weber move from risk management to include opportunity maximization, reflecting the shift observed by Forum for the Future over the past decade. â€Å"Run it†33 Operations As expressed by Forum for the Future, â€Å"Pollution is waste,†¦ it means that your company is paying for something it didn’t use†34 Reducing costs, waste and inefficiencies in operations can increase profitability while keeping the company ahead of regulators. The improved environmental and social impacts can be beneficial for brand enhancement. Porter agrees that â€Å"operational efficiency†35 is important but argues that it is not sufficient to secure a viable business into the long-term. It can be quickly imitated,36 shifting the â€Å"productivity frontier outward†37 and raising efficiencies of the industry as a whole but providing â€Å"relative improvements for no one†38 Without additional strategy this creates â€Å"pressures on costs†39 and â€Å"mutually destructive competition†40 Environment Management Systems can assist reduction of resources used in production. But, as populations and therefore production expands, this reduction becomes ‘relative’ rather than ‘absolute’41. Environmental degradation continues to increase although businesses appear to be addressing the issue. Jackson terms this the â€Å"myth of decoupling†42 Improvements required for absolute decoupling of growth and material usage would require substantial economic investment, with a return-oninvestment timeframe that would not pass traditional calculations. â€Å"Grow it†43 Innovation and Marketing Sustainability provides scope for growth activities including opening access to new markets, increasing share in existing markets, developing innovative new products and processes, increased consumer loyalty and satisfaction, increased scope for alliances and partnerships, and improvement to reputation and brand.44 This area shall be considered in detail in Part 2. In summary, sustainability can be integrated into business where there are areas of mutual interest between the business, environment and society. Areas of intersection occur throughout the value chain. Sustainability activities can provide business benefits such as: managing risk of regulation; managing risk of reputational damage in consumer, investor and employment markets; re-couping control lost through globalization and outsourcing; reduced operating costs; reputation and brand enhancement; product differentiation; access to new markets and increased share in existing markets; and providing a driver for innovation of product, process and business model. Role of Strategy Strategic Approach to Sustainability Focusing on points of intersection has the potential to benefit the business alongside society and the environment. The danger is that sustainability activities become â€Å"fragmented†45, â€Å"disconnected from the company’s strategy†46, reducing the potential benefit to society, the environment and to the business and opening the company up to risks such as accusations of ‘green-wash’ (see 2.2.1). A fragmented approach leads to â€Å"contradictory practices†47 that reduce the overall benefits produced. Instead sustainability issues should be analysed â€Å"using the same frameworks that guide their core business choices†48 Approached strategically, sustainability becomes a source of progress for both society and the firm, being â€Å"a source of opportunity, innovation, and competitive advantage†49 â€Å"as the business applies its considerable resources, expertise, and insights to activities that benefit society.†50 Considered strategically sustainability activities can compliment and re-enforce each other, working together as a coherent whole.   Ã¢â‚¬ËœIntegration’ and ‘Fit’ Sustainability activities can be realised throughout the business model,51 summarised According to Drucker â€Å"The entire business can be seen, understood and managed as an integrated process†53 â€Å"from raw material procurement†¦to customer service†54 According to Porter, the role of strategy is to â€Å"tighten fit†55 between activities and changes taking place. Strategy considers the company as a whole â€Å"activity system†56, rather than individual activities, combining and configuring activities. â€Å"The success of a strategy depends on doing many things well-not just a few- and integrating among them†57 ensuring that activities are complimentary, having â€Å"consistency†58, are â€Å"reinforcing†59 and provide â€Å"optimization of effort†60 Integrating individual sustainability activities into business units is an improvement from mere philanthropy, but real benefit is achieved when there is integration among activities so that they work together as a coherent whole, re-enforcing and supporting each other. Balancing Stakeholder Interests and Competing Business Objectives The business context contains a range of stakeholders61. FMCG’s are publicly traded companies62, therefore shareholders are among their key stakeholders, along with consumers, governments, employees, communities in which they operate, NGOs and the media. Inevitably conflict arises between stakeholder interests63 especially when consideration is extended to future stakeholder interests, as required by the sustainability agenda64 Porter and Kramer recognize that, like all business activities, sustainability activities require a degree of â€Å"balancing competing values, interests, and costs†65 In some cases the â€Å"conflict of interest between shareholders and other stakeholders†66 can be resolved by considering the long-term interests of shareholders67 In some instances it is possible to create an overlap of interests through innovation68, by â€Å"working to alter consumer preference†69 or by lobbying for regulation that converges these interests. In some instances the activity should simply be halted. Smith argues that â€Å"stakeholder engagement must be at the core†70 of sustainability strategy in order to ensure informed decision-making. Competing business objectives can conflict. Without clear strategy it is likely that sustainability â€Å"trade-offs†71 such as costs will be postponed72 â€Å"which can lead to far greater costs when the company is later judged to have violated its social obligation.†73 Although they do not explicate it, we can add that this postponement can also lead to severe costs to society and the environment. Porter identifies â€Å"the growth trap†74 as a pressure that detracts from strategy, encouraging activities that are not coherent with the system as a whole.75 A strategic framework allows decisions to be made, regarding competing interests and objectives, consistently across the business, maintaining the company’s â€Å"unique and valuable position†76 In order to ensure that sustainability activities fulfill their potential, it is necessary to have them sit within a core strategic framework. In summary, sustainability can be integrated into all aspects of the business. A fragmented approach is inefficient at producing benefit and avoiding risk. But, when considered strategically, sustainability activities can compliment each other, working together as a coherent whole to benefit the business, society and the environment simultaneously. This is when maximum benefit is achieved. Strategy provides the framework for managing competing stakeholder interests and business objectives in a manner consistent with the business as a whole, strengthening the company’s unique position.   Does The ‘Sweet-Spot’ Approach Lead to Sustainability? Expectation of no Trade-offs Walley and Whitehead express caution in allowing ‘sweet-spots’ to dictate sustainability strategy. They accept that ‘win-win’ scenarios exist but argue they are extremely rare and should not form the basis of a company’s sustainability strategy.77 Previous easy wins were achieved without making â€Å"truly fundamental changes in production processes or product design†78 Once ‘low hanging fruit’ has been reaped, addressing sustainability issues becomes an increasingly â€Å"costly and complicated proposition†79 that requires â€Å"long-term commitment and cooperation†80 The occasional ‘win-win’ becomes insignificant when considered alongside the full costs of addressing sustainability issues. The expectation that no trade-offs are required leads to reduced commitment and cooperation when expected win-win’s do not materialise and true costs are realised. Walley Whitehead advocate â€Å"a more integrated way of thinking†81, focusing on the core strategy of the business in order to make â€Å"informed trade-offs between costs and benefits†82 Business Model as a Whole Focusing on ‘sweet-spots’ does not address the impact of the business model as a whole but makes modifications within. Utting argues that corporations have â€Å"skillfully placated the opposition†83 using dialogue, engagement and sustainability activities, without effecting real change to business practices. Focusing on gradual mitigation of negative environmental and social impacts, or increasing positive impacts only to the extent that delivers medium term business benefit, may well provide the desired business benefits, and indeed provide some benefit to society, but results in the continuation of â€Å"current unsustainable trends†84 Looking long term this is detrimental to shareholder value as well as to future stakeholder interests. Jackson argues85 that the constant pursuit of growth, through marketing and innovation86, has led to unsustainable levels of consumption.87 Companies are responsible for encouraging materialistic desires as well as for fulfilling them.88 87 Five planets would be required if current consumption levels of richer nations were achieved globally. (Leonard, A. 2002) Add to this an increased population size and it becomes clear that incremental improvements will not be enough to achieve sustainability (WWF-UK (2001), p12.) 88 Sustainable Development Commission (2009) and Leonard, A. 2010. 19 Leonard argues that making the products a little less damaging will not achieve sustainability.89 More sustainable patterns of consumption must be achieved90 where prosperity is not reliant upon continued â€Å"consumption growth†91 Savitz does not deny that current efforts will not achieve sustainability, but he argues that we cannot make â€Å"extreme shifts†92 without â€Å"modest initiatives first†93 to achieve buy-in from stakeholders essential to the viability of the business. Creating a Sustainable Business Model Drucker advocates asking â€Å"What is our business, what will it be, what should it be?†94 The organisational structure and objectives should be designed to achieve this vision of the company, ensuring integration and consistency throughout, in order to achieve the goals of the business as a whole.95 According to MacDonald, to achieve sustainability one must first have a vision of what sustainability would look like, which can then be planned towards. This â€Å"planning from principles of success†96 or â€Å"back casting from principles†97 matches Drucker’s view of strategy outlined above. Envisioning a sustainable company provides the goal towards which the business structure and objectives can be designed.98 This view is supported by Forum For the Future99, who work with companies â€Å"with positive visions of a sustainable future; finding innovative, practical ways to help realise those visions;†100 MacDonald recognises that interim targets towards achieving the goal of sustainability are useful but these should be planned within an â€Å"overarching strategy†101 and recommends a â€Å"10 30 year horizon†102    Conclusion   Much of the literature on sustainability recommends that companies look for areas of mutual interest between its various stakeholders and focus on integrating sustainability activities. ‘Sweet-spots’ are a vital tool in transitioning a company and its stakeholders towards a sustainable future, but this does not constitute a complete sustainability strategy. Sustainability activities and incremental targets must be set within an ‘over-arching strategy’ designed to achieve the vision of a sustainable company.

4 Interview Mistakes Youre Making That Make You Seem Unqualified

4 Interview Mistakes Youre Making That Make You Seem Unqualified Job interviews are often your best chance of showing that you are the right person for the job. But even if you have all of the ideal experience and talent, if you make a big misstep in the interview, you’ll be passed over for someone else- even if that someone is slightly less qualified than you are. Here are the top 4 mistakes to avoid making. Make sure you don’t give the wrong impression to your interviewer and end up looking less qualified than you actually are!1. Admitting your nervesYou might think that saying you’re sooooo nervous might make you look human and sincere, and while it might be endearing in another social situation, it’s not a very good strategy for interviewing. Remember, you’re supposed to be showing yourself in the most professional, calm-under-pressure, capable light. Besides, if you’re so nervous at the interview, it gives them the chance to imagine you being nervous in the office. Keep calm and fake confidence!2. Not preparingMake sure that you know who is interviewing you, what their role is, what the company does, what you’d be doing- all the basics. Then make sure you have a list of questions ready for when you’re asked what questions you might have. (Then make sure not to ask any of your questions that could be answered by a quick Google). Basically, do your homework. It really shows when you don’t.3. One word answersNo matter how simple the question seems, you should be prepared to elaborate. Remember, every question is a chance for you to shine. Also to cram in details and anecdotes about how much butt you kicked at your last job. Get your selling points across!4. Not asking questionsThat whole â€Å"Do you have any questions for us?† question is not a formality. This is another opportunity for you to go above and beyond- or to fall flat. Make sure, as above, not to ask any questions that could have been answered by doing your proper homework. Be as prepared an d as confident and comfortable as possible and it will feel more like a conversation. Try to come up with interesting, engaging questions in advance that ideally show off the level of preparation you’ve put into your interview.

Euphemisms for Job Loss

Euphemisms for Job Loss Euphemisms for Job Loss Euphemisms for Job Loss By Maeve Maddox The unfortunate occasion of being dismissed from employment can be expressed in numerous ways. Some of the more familiar expressions are: to be made redundant to receive a pink slip to be dismissed to be discharged to be laid off to be let go to lose one’s job to be fired to be got rid of to be booted out to be given the boot to get the sack to be sacked to be given one’s marching orders to get the ax/axe These homely expressions still appear in headlines: Pentagon gives pink slips to thousands of soldiers, including active-duty officers Digital strategy to axe tens of thousands of central government jobs Thousands of Woolworths staff face sack in Christmas week Thousands of Doctors Fired by United Healthcare However, when it comes to carefully worded announcements issued by people doing the firing, today’s reader must exercise advanced skills of textual interpretation. Here are some of the ways firing people is described by public relations officers: realigning the workforce reallocating resources focusing on involuntary attrition rightsizing the company offering unpaid leave with the option to pursue new employment eliminating redundancy smart-sizing the company redeploying workers rewiring for growth eliminating positions rethinking our future adjusting to shifts in demand rebalancing human capital re-engineering simplifying streamlining going in another direction And my personal favorite: decruiting. decruit (verb): to remove people working for an organization from their jobs because they are no longer needed. Clearly modeled on the word recruit, this poor little misshapen invention is already being used without scare quotes: the phenomenon of companies announcing their various intentions to decruit vast numbers of people.  Ã¢â‚¬â€œStanley Bing, Fortune. Teach leaders what they must know to decruit workers when necessary. –from a brochure for a business leader workshop sponsored by Penn State. Let go of the unalterable agents. If you can’t change their work habits, then change their work place. Decruit them. Let them go. –â€Å"Tips to Lead Your Company to Success,† Miami Association of Realtors. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About TalkingBody Parts as Tools of MeasurementArtist vs. Artisan

Comparing two records of a significant event in history Essay

Comparing two records of a significant event in history - Essay Example As such, Polybius is very aware of the time and place at which the events took place. Polybius journeyed to the site not long after the actual crossing of the Alps, and is more trustworthy than a modern day historian. The account is a prose form of chronology in that it just tells the story, like a story. It is not interspersed with facts- it is represented as all fact - which is typical of early histories. They did not have many other writers to reference, and the reader most likely wouldn't have been able to access the other books regardless. The only major discrepancy between Polybius' accounting and that of Livy is that Polybius mentioned they could see Italy from the pass and Livy stated they could not see Italy until they had started the descent. Titus Livy (59 BCE- 17 CE) is the author of the authorized version of the history of the Roman republic. His writings do betray that he knew little of military matters which would affect the believability of his account of the military operations of Hannibal.2 Again, there is no attempt to evaluate the sources of evidence and it is quite likely that he may have even used Polybius' writings as a possible reference. As he lived 100 years or so after Hannibal crossed the Alps, this accounting is more subject to inaccuracies due to the passage of time.

Risk Management Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Risk Management Paper - Assignment Example The institution has a bed capacity of 112 and a home care program. Currently, MedWest has identified catheter associated urinary infections as their most significant hospital acquired infection even though other infections are also under review. Steps that have been put in place to address the issue The hospice has dealt with this problem by first tackling patient identification. Samples and specimens from and for patients must be labeled correctly. This ensures that if they are eligible for blood transfusions, they get the correct ones. Furthermore, identification is done in the patient’s presence in order to ensure accuracy. MedWest Haywood also has a communication policy for caregivers. This means that test results and other documentations must be delivered to the right medical personnel within the appropriate time. Furthermore documentation of that communication ought to be recorded. The institution has also established a standardized communication format that members of t he institution are supposed to follow. These formats include SBAR and Ticket Ride (MedWest Carolinas Health Care, 2011). Aside from communication and patient labeling, the company has also worked on medicine administration. MedWest has procedures for labeling all medications. Persons under anticoagulant therapy are more likely than others to be harmed. Therefore, specific procedures must be adhered to when dealing with these patients. The institution has standards and procedures for reducing the quantity of drug concentrations in its environs. It strictly adheres to the five principles of medical administration that focus on giving patients the right medication at the right time, to the right person, in the correct dosage, using the appropriate route. Particular emphasis is given on medicines that sound or look alike as these are likely to cause errors. Medication containers with syringes or other apparatus are labeled. Care is taken during preoperative settings as well as other pro cedural environments. A protocol for reconciling medication throughout the care continuum exists in the Hospice. Direct infections brought on by medical practitioners are controlled through adherence to national standards for hand hygiene. Medical professionals must wash hands prior to and after contact with patients. They are also expected to follow rules for isolation of patients who may be at risk of infecting others. MedWest expects its staff to adhere to national guidelines concerning difficult to treat infections. It also follows similar procedures for control of infections after surgery as well as prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections. In surgery, MedWest Haywood prevents infections by having a time out procedure. Here, all the professionals involved in the surgery will identity the correct time out. Additionally, they must mark the surgical site but do this in accordance to preset rules. They are also supposed to surgically pause before starting the proc edure in order to ensure that the right patient, site and procedure have been identified. How the agency developed a path to remedy the problem First, the organization identified the impact of health problems and the amount of risk that patients are exposed. By showing these challenges, it would be possible to get buy in from the professionals responsible for risk exposure as well as risk mitigation. This would also ensure that management and other stakeholders of the

Juvenile delinquency and the family structure Annotated Bibliography - 1

Juvenile delinquency and the family structure - Annotated Bibliography Example They agree that enhancement of joint effort in support towards youths are at risk between military and civilian schools, courts and other children and family support programs so as to ensure harmony in the activities. Juvenile offenders need to be incorporated into community services that work in collaboration with youth empowerment groups. The article views military families as being under constant stress despite being resilient in some occasions. The stress levels arise due to deployments, disabilities during the service and deaths that arise during military operations. The author established that teenagers in military families tend to have their needs go unmet as well as overlooked by both the legal and social organizations. The teens are overlooked because they are viewed as young adults who are able to take care of heir own issues especially when their parents have been deployed in other war-torn countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Moini, J. S., Zellman, G., Gates, S. M., National Defense Research Institute (U.S.), Rand Corporation., & United States. (2006). Providing child care to military families: The role of the demand formula in defining need and informing policy. Santa Monica, CA: RAND. The author described teenagers in military families as being challenged in their upbringing due to the absenteeism by their parents who stay away from them for a long period of time. He elaborated on the various challenges that the teens in military families are likely to face some of which are similar to those from civilian families. Some of those challenges includes learning difficulties, emotional problems, neglect violence during dating and abuse which leads them into delinquency and antisocial activities. The author seeks to explain the real meaning of juvenile delinquency in this book. He defined juvenile delinquency as the action by which people who

CPI valuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CPI valuation - Essay Example The price-to-earnings ratio represents the difference between CPI’s current share price in the market as compared to its per-share earnings. Currently CPI has earnings exceeding $200,000,000 annually, however, it is only regionally located at this time within the United States. Major competitors of CPI in similar areas, hair care and personal hygiene are globally positioned with revenues in the billions annually. This specifically means that CPI is not able to play at the same level as some of the larger conglomerates. For instance Proctor and Gamble a global competitor listed as PG on the New York Stock Exchange traded on Friday April 21, 2011 for 63.27 a share with a volume of 10,616,245 shares on the market (Proctor and Gamble, 2011). This allows for over 600 million dollars in revenue available through stocks alone, with over 2/3rds more revenue than CPI in stocks alone in addition to a global presence Proctor and Gamble easily outpaces CPI. However, this is one aspect and should not keep the board from advancing the proposal to globalize and expand our market base and operations.

Comorbidity Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse Essay

Comorbidity Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse - Essay Example Using a behavior specific approach in a community-based sample, Piran and Robinson (2005) found that as disordered eating behaviors became more severe, or were clustered together, the number of substance classes used increased. In addition, particular eating disordered behaviors were differentially related to the use of various substance classes. The study of the comorbidity between disordered eating and substance use in middle and high schools samples tended to focus on the association between attitudes toward eating, weight, and shape and tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use (Field et al., 2002). Nonetheless, several school-based studies have also reported on associations between tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use in relation to bingeing, purging and dieting behaviors (Lock et al., 2001 and Tomori et al., 2001). However, only a few investigations have included a broader range of substance classes while investigating associations between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors and substance use in school-based studies (Von Ranson et al., 2002). Tomori et al. ... (2002) found an association between the revised EDI subscales of Binge Eating, Body Dissatisfaction, and Compensating Behaviors, and the use of a wide range of illicit drugs. There are a small number of studies that have examined the relationship between problematic eating patterns and substance use in university samples (Anderson et al., 2005, Dunn et al., 2002, Krahn et al., 2005, Saules et al., 2004,). Several of these studies have focused on the relationship between bulimic symptomatology and substance use (Dunn et al., 2002 and Krahn et al., 2005). For example, Dunn et al. (2002) found no difference in patterns of alcohol use among college-age non-treatment seeking females with and without bulimia nervosa. The investigators did, however, find differences between the groups in their reported use of marijuana, opiates, and barbiturates. Krahn et al. (2005) found that the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption were positively associated with a measure that assessed the combined severity of engagement in bingeing, dieting, and purging behaviors. In their study, smoking cigarettes, even at very low levels, was also related to the measure of combine d disordered eating behaviors. Other university-based studies have explored the relationship between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors as measured on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and substance abuse. Krahn et al. (2005) reported a positive significant, albeit small, association between problematic alcohol use in female undergraduate students and the EDI subscales of Bulimia and Interoceptive Awareness, but no such correlation with the other EDI subscales. No significant relationships were found between EDI subscales and use of other substances,

Sampling and Data Collection Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sampling and Data Collection - Assignment Example A research problem where probability sampling is appropriate is in a study of effects of brand modification on a product’s popularity. The research problem targets a diversified population by such factors as age, income, levels of education, and area of residence. Significance of sub-populations, within the factors, may further vary and a representative sample that also factors relative significance of the sub-populations requires a stratified random sampling approach. The population is in the case divided into the subgroups and each group allocated a probability of sampling a participant. Random sampling is a method of obtaining a sample, based on unrestricted probability sampling approach, while random selection is an approach to allocating sampled research participants to different groups in a study (Black, 1999; Christensen, Johnson, and Turner, 2011). Random assignment is important in experimental research situations in which participants are to be assigned to treatment and control

Comorbidity Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse Essay

Comorbidity Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse - Essay Example Using a behavior specific approach in a community-based sample, Piran and Robinson (2005) found that as disordered eating behaviors became more severe, or were clustered together, the number of substance classes used increased. In addition, particular eating disordered behaviors were differentially related to the use of various substance classes. The study of the comorbidity between disordered eating and substance use in middle and high schools samples tended to focus on the association between attitudes toward eating, weight, and shape and tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use (Field et al., 2002). Nonetheless, several school-based studies have also reported on associations between tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use in relation to bingeing, purging and dieting behaviors (Lock et al., 2001 and Tomori et al., 2001). However, only a few investigations have included a broader range of substance classes while investigating associations between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors and substance use in school-based studies (Von Ranson et al., 2002). Tomori et al. ... (2002) found an association between the revised EDI subscales of Binge Eating, Body Dissatisfaction, and Compensating Behaviors, and the use of a wide range of illicit drugs. There are a small number of studies that have examined the relationship between problematic eating patterns and substance use in university samples (Anderson et al., 2005, Dunn et al., 2002, Krahn et al., 2005, Saules et al., 2004,). Several of these studies have focused on the relationship between bulimic symptomatology and substance use (Dunn et al., 2002 and Krahn et al., 2005). For example, Dunn et al. (2002) found no difference in patterns of alcohol use among college-age non-treatment seeking females with and without bulimia nervosa. The investigators did, however, find differences between the groups in their reported use of marijuana, opiates, and barbiturates. Krahn et al. (2005) found that the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption were positively associated with a measure that assessed the combined severity of engagement in bingeing, dieting, and purging behaviors. In their study, smoking cigarettes, even at very low levels, was also related to the measure of combine d disordered eating behaviors. Other university-based studies have explored the relationship between disordered eating attitudes and behaviors as measured on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and substance abuse. Krahn et al. (2005) reported a positive significant, albeit small, association between problematic alcohol use in female undergraduate students and the EDI subscales of Bulimia and Interoceptive Awareness, but no such correlation with the other EDI subscales. No significant relationships were found between EDI subscales and use of other substances,

Theoretical Perspectives as Rituals of Power and Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Theoretical Perspectives as Rituals of Power and Knowledge Essay â€Å"Pornography is a panoptic function. It is everything watch by a mechanical eye†¦Optics is the genius of the West, and voyeurism is its major mechanism of control.† Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor, The Great Cosmic Mother, p. 328. In order to begin to understand â€Å"panoptic functions,† such as the function of pornography as expressed in the headlining quote, one must understand these functions as structures for generalization, in order to later deconstruct deeper and more hidden meanings. In this sense, theoretical perspectives are always selective, yet it is within this selectivity that we can begin to unearth very deeply layered psychological and societal mechanisms of control. This essay will outline three historical mechanisms of social control (Christian demonology, classic criminology and the sciences of the medicalization of social control), and will juxtapose said mechanisms against the backdrop of sadistic pornography as a highly structured, ritualized agency for power and the creation of the â€Å"Other.† The essay will conclude with suggestions for a reduction in social mechanisms of hegemony and the creation of â€Å"otherness,† through an individual reduction in the psychological creation of â€Å"Other.† Christian demonology Christian demonology is an early tactic of the Roman Catholic Church, and a subsequent tactic of the modern-day deliverance-oriented Pentecostal ministries. In the case of demonology, the ecclesiastic power center felt that there was a need to utilize hegemonic tactics by creating a clear enemy in the form of a spirit force given all the qualities abhorred in humans. A clear evil was created for the reduction of deviant behaviors. A study into demonology will render a comprehensive list, given by the Church, of characteristics and activities in humans that create an association or an invocation for a possible demon take-over. Such activities as yoga, martial arts, female prayer gatherings, telepathy, seduction, and divination are all examples of activities that bring about demon possessions in human beings. Often demons are said to be the creators of negative emotions in humans. Many times, the Church would appeal to demonology for the explanation of any perceived deviance in behavior, particularly among women.   The organization (in this case, church) outlines clear behaviors and psychological characteristics deemed as â€Å"offensive† or â€Å"sinful.† The power structure then creates an outside force that has the power to take over the most intimate part of a human being: his/her very soul. The soul is captured by a fictitious being incapable of eradication by the human. In â€Å"The Great Cosmic Mother: Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth† (Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor), we can see how, through fear tactics, the human being has been placed in a situation of inferiority, and must then appeal to the Church itself for the remedy and the perceived deviance. The female element, the relationship of the human to the all-encompassing reality out there, has become territory of the white male dominating power. The Church, in this fashion, is both the creator and the eradicator of evil, of sin, or of social deviance. Human morality in the Other (the sinner) is created, judged and remedied through the interaction with the power structure. Christian demonology is a clear example of what Stephen Pfohl refers to as â€Å"social control†, stating that â€Å"When effective, social control ritually reduces, expels, or constrains what is other to the dominant organization of power within a specific historical period.† Through the creation of a demon possessive force, Church hegemonies successfully ritualize a categorization of behaving and thinking considered moral, and others that are considered evil, sick, immoral or crazy. This is the creation of deviance. Core rituals and images of demonic social control include the social contract, rational hedonism, and the calculation of pleasure and pain. These are concepts are drawn upon in Stephen Pfohl’s â€Å"Images of Deviance and Social Control.† The social contract, in the case of demonology, there is an implied agreement between the Church and the people, whereby a social order is established. In this sense, people give up some say over particular beliefs, in order to receive the protection of the authoritative body. In this sense, we can see how quickly people are ready to give up rights over action in order to receive a free pass into heaven. Rational hedonism involves an understanding of reality based on the search for pleasure and the avoidance of pain. The calculation of pleasure can be different to differing individuals.   Sexual sadism is an example of this, thus pleasures cannot be judged based on their qualities.   Ritually, the creators of demonology devised an entire host of rituals and images to further enforce the creation of deviance. Exorcism of demons, witch hunts, literature on demons, as well as specific cleansing techniques and remedies should one come in contact with such demons.   (though, again, some discussion of the core images and rituals of this form of social control would be helpful). As you point out, sadism is about domination and humiliation, but Susan Griffin offers a more robust definition of it. This definition involves the (masculine) othering of sexuality, nature, desire, and Eros†¦which, once projected onto the bodies of women, becomes a target of (sadistic) control. Perhaps this process of othering is similar to that you noticed in the demonic perspective. Perhaps, too, the sadistic fear and resulting domination of bodies resembles the medicalization of control over human bodies. Finally, in â€Å"Images of Deviance and Social Control† there are several relevant passages on sadism and these perspectives. See, for example, the closing section of the chapter on the classical perspective and also consider the witch burnings of the demonic perspective. Grade: C+ Please take these comments into consideration and revise the paper. Thank you!! Classical Crminology Classical criminology, an 18th and early 19th century reform to the justice and the prison system, it is associated with authors such as Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794), Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), Samuel Romilly (1757-1818). These philosophers claimed to be advocates of principles of rights, fairness and due process in place of retribution, arbitrariness and brutality within the justice system. Critics of classical criminology claim that the system was a mere cover-up to the more outright systems of torture of the time, replacing blatant and barbaric control mechanisms with more subtle ones.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Critical criminologists see in these reforms a tool by which the new industrial order of capitalism was able to maintain class rule through appearing to apply objective and neutral rules of justice rather than obvious and direct class domination through coercion.† A part of classical criminology involves Social Control theory, whereby the process of socialization is furthered, building what is perceived â€Å"self-control† and lessening â€Å"anti-social† behaviors either by direct punishments or by more internal guilt-based controls. The Medicalization of Social Control Medicalization can be defined as â€Å"the process by which non-medical problems come to be defined and treated as if they are medical issues.† Recent times have witnessed an explosion of the medicalization of many areas of human experience and pathology. Alcoholism, emotional problems such as anxiety and depression, and even the experience of menopause in women, have been claimed by the medical community to be areas where an allopathic response is necessary. The dramatic growth in the number of categories of mental illness as explained the various versions of the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental illness) are primary examples. For instance, the current (DSM-IV) version lists impotence, premature ejaculation, jet lag, and caffeine intoxication as mental illnesses. In this sense, many of the body and mind’s processes are given somatic remedies through Western medical processes and medicines. If we think of our natural bodies and the processes that accompany it, we can see that this is truly our most intimate and personal sphere. In the case example of a woman with menopause, here we can clearly see how the medicalization of a woman’s natural hormonal changes are surrounded in discourses of negativity. Women are made to feel as if something is essentially wrong with them. The medical community can then cash in on these feelings of deviance in women, offering a plethora of remedies at a heavy cost. This process, named by Irvin K. Zola, extended the realm of medicine to formerly non-medical areas of life. In its extreme form, it includes social deviance, and even aging, as medical problems. The medical community, as a hegemony, has extended its discourse of power over into the realms of a person’s natural right to even die, making them feel like death itself is a condition of deviance. In this way, yet again, the individual is placed in an inferior state, stripped of power over their bodies ´ natural tendencies. Simply put, doctors are placed within the hierarchal structure as priests or shamans, the controllers of the power, the ultimate oracles for the human condition and the decision makers regarding our bodies as medicine corners more and more areas of our lives.   The medicalitzation of phenomena also follow ritualistic behavior. In much the same way as a priest tells us how to behave morally in order to avoid damnation, and a psychologist tells us how to behave socially in order to avoid imprisonment, similarly, medical doctors and pharmaceutical companies lay claim on bodies by instructing them how to behave in order to be free from disease. This ritual is based on imagery, which comes to us in the form of the mass media. The mass media represents the motivating ritualization force behind medicalization, whereby viewers are constantly being presented with a list of new diseases and the remedies offered to relieve these problems. Unfortunately, many of the so-called diseases are in fact natural processes in the pathway of life. Rituals of Sadistic Pornography as Related to Power Structure Deeply embedded into each of these three previously outlined power structures is an inherent need for group control. This is a reflection of an individual need for control, and of an inherent dissatisfaction with one’s own self. Nowhere can this be clearer seen than in sadistic pornography. In her book, Pornography and Silence, Susan Griffin eloquently describes the process of control in pornography. There need not be pain transpiring between the two people. The essential element is control and humiliation. One must be in control of the other, and own must humiliate the other in this culture to have power over another is a form of humiliation also objectification is a form of humiliation. We can extend this metaphor towards each of the aforementioned structures, whereby hegemony represents the sadist. A simple look into the definition of the two terms reinforces this belief. Hegemony is defined as the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over another. A sadist is defined as someone who enjoys inflicting pain over another. The very nature of dominance is the clear intent to subordinate another, and in this lies the need for control as seen in demonology, classical criminology and medicalization. It is also the basic structure for any system, whether capitalism, racism, or religion, whereby one imposes power over another. â€Å"Group-ness† is the nature of humans, as well as many animals. We have the tendency to form groups for emotional and biological well-being. Against this backdrop, it is not to say that the nature of groups is sadistic, and therefore grouping is the problem. It is possible to create groups for social cohesion and working together in a way the supports the rights of the individual. This involves a commitment on the part of each individual to only be responsible for his/her own actions. It requires a deep realization, on a psychological level within the individual, that the creation of â€Å"Otherness† will do nothing but further alienate. In this light, we can begin to heal these destructive social devices through an acceptance of the individual right to have ownership of his/her body and processes as well as modes of behavior and expression. Sources (1) Griffin, Susan. â€Å"Pornography and Silence: Culture’s Revenge Against Nature† (2) Mor, Barbara. Sjoo, Monica. â€Å"The Great Cosmic Mother: Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth† (3) Pfohl, Stephen. â€Å"Images of Deviance and Social Control: A Sociological History† (4) Williams, Patricia. â€Å"The Alchemy of Race and Rights: Diary of a Law Professor† Web Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-classical_school http://www.uta.fi/laitokset/tsph/health/society/medicalisation.html Online Dictionary of the Social Sciences. bitbucket.icaap.org/dict.pl?term=CLASSICAL%20CRIMINOLOGY 7k

Bibliography On Person Centred Planning Social Work Essay

Bibliography On Person Centred Planning Social Work Essay This annotated bibliography contains valuable information about Person Centered/Directed planning. Person centered planning is a unique and beneficial approach to assist a person in achieving ones dreams and goals. Person centered planning has been found to be beneficial for those with a developmental disability as they often face additional barriers in their lives. Person centered planning is a very intricate project concentrating on the persons specific goals, necessities and desires. A person with developmental disabilities often faces difficult and unique challenges just to reach their goals and plan for their future. Person centered planning for those with a developmental disability include wills, estate planning, Henson trust, funding, passport initiative, social skills, community, risk management and above all respect. The information provided in this annotated bibliography is useful to everyone and especially those with developmental disabilities and their families. The forem ost idea of person centered/directed planning is empowering people with disability labels. It focuses their needs by placing them in charge of defining the path for their lives, not on the organisations that may or may not be obtainable to serve them. This leads to greater inclusion as respected participants of both community and society. The Role of the Office and Public Guardian and Trustee. (2010, December 9). Retrieved January 27, 2011, from Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/overview.asp This article comprises of information regarding the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) which delivers a unique and diverse range of services that safeguards the legal, personal and financial interests of certain private individuals and assets. Occasionally, the court will mandate the OPGT to make choices of a private nature for an incapable person in order to guard them from life-threatening physical risk. OPGT is sanctioned to appoint a clients relation to act in its place as guardian of possessions. The OPGT locates lawyers to act for people who are the focus of a proceeding under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 if ordered to do so by the court. The OPGT examines accounts when they are submitted by private guardians of property and estate executors to the court for consent. The OPGT then notifies the guardian, estate trustee and the court of any matters or concerns that may need to be addressed. Acting as Litigation Guardian or Legal Representative, the OPGT may be selected by the court to make decisions on behalf of individuals who are involved in lawsuits but who lack adequate capacity to suitably instruct a lawyer or to make pronouncements about weighty issues such as a potential settlement. The OPGT acts in this role, which is referred to, as Litigation Guardian. This is only in situations where there are no suitable alternatives. In this role, the OPGT does not make resolutions for the individual, but instead acts as an advocate, ensuring that the persons legal rights are protected and that his or her wishes are put before the court. This information is very important when providing person centered planning to an individual as there are many rights and services available and it is key to know which help is the best and how to get it. Beatty, H., Dickson, M. L., Stapleton, J. (n.d.). How Henson Trusts can support people who receive ODSP Benifits. What you can do to enhance the quality of life for a family member with a disability?: Consider Henson Trust, 4-6.   Ã‚  In this booklet, which can be found online at www.reena.org contains material regarding Henson Trusts. Henson Trusts are to ensure individuals with a disability receiving family benefits are not cut off from benefits if they are getting money from a trust set up to assist them. This is only so long as the trust gives whole control to the trustees about when to make payments from the trust. The Ontario Court says that the assets in a trust set up to support that person should not be considered as that persons assets. This is because someone else made verdicts about how to spend the money in the trust. In July of 2005, the Social Benefits Tribunal established that a person receiving ODSP could be supported by money in a Henson Trust. The Tribunal found that the person receiving ODSP could not force the trustees to give the individual the money from the trust. You can set up a Henson Trust while you are still alive, or you can put a Henson Trust in your will, to be set up after you die. The present law says ODSP cannot count the money in a Henson Trust when they do an asset test to decide if your relative is eligible for ODSP. If the trust offers it, the trustee can spend both the capital and the income in a Henson Trust. When you are planning for an individuals future and have their relatives involved, it is very important to ensure that the money you wish to leave to your loved one does not affect their ODSP entitlement. Ontario, I. F. (2006). Our VISION for a Direct Individualized Funding Approach in Ontario. Retrieved February 3, 2011, from Modeling Community Change : http://www.modelingcommunitychange.com/PDF/Our%20Vision.pdf This document encompasses information about individualized funding. Individualized funding delivers the resources necessary for a person to meet their individual objectives by outlining what supports will be attained with funding entitled to them, and by directing those supports. Individualized funding is based on the values of residency, inclusion, self-sufficiency, community, and requirements for a whole life. Individualized funding also looks at the whole person. Additionally, the idea of individualized funding is founded on the standard that the person is the decision maker, and the persons voice is being honoured in the process. It is also significant that membership and contribution in community is a given, and the community is the first resource. A very significant principal is also that the dreams of the person and the assets of the person, family, and support network direct the process. Furthermore, the planning and facilitation is a detached utility in the system, and conne ction building and networks of people are key. Funding must be transferable which means that it can be moved within to a different agency, to another part of the province, and out of province, whatever is needed. Individualized funding means that the person chooses what the money is needed for with the guidance of person directed plan and the system is not choosing for them. Passport: A program to help you become a part of your community. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2011, from Ministry of Community and Social Services: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/publications/developmental/passport_individual/DS-Passport_individualsENG.pdf This guide is for an individual with a developmental disability to acquire knowledge about their right of entry to their community using the Passport initiative. If an individual is still in school, Passport can give them a mentor. Once the individual leaves school, Passport will help persons make a plan, and assists them to participate in their community. Once an individual has left school, they may meet the requirements to receive money, which will pay for support, include the individuals in community activities. Passport will also support individuals in finding a job, undertaking volunteer work, learning skills to work, and volunteering in the community. With passport individuals have the opportunity to learn more by taking a course; learning how to use the library, and find out what can they do at their local community centre. An individual will need to complete the Passport application form if it is their first time applying for Passport funding, or if there has been an immense change in their necessities including support networks, or services. The individual will receive a letter that states if they have been accepted for Passport support. If they have been approved for Passport, the individual and/or their family will sign a contract with an agency. If they have not been approved for Passport the letter will tell they what to do next. It is possible that the individuals name will go on a waiting list and that they will get Passport funding later. If they have been approved for Passport funding and decide to move to another home or place in Ontario, their Passport funding will follow them to their new community. The passport initiative should be a part of all person centered planning as it the key to the community. A valued role in the community is something that everyone deserves. Swanton, S., Walsh, S., OMurchu, R., OFlynn, P. (2010). A tool to determine support needs for community life. Learning Disability Practice, 13(8), 24-26. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. This journal article covers material about the Supports Intensity Scale. The information explains its background as well as a project designed to evaluate its use in planning support for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) was designed in detail for people with an intellectual disability. The SIS measures the level of support necessary for an individual with an intellectual disability to fully partake in community living. Scores are used to decide the supports need ratings; an overall supports needs index and a graph, which depicts a profile of the individual. The graph contains information about supports needs like sexual behaviour and aggression. Additionally the index will also contain tantrums, emotional outbursts, wandering, substance misuse, etc. Maintenance of mental health treatments is included as well. Each indicator is scored as 0 = not any support needed, 1 = a number of support needed, 2 = extensive support needed. When undertaking Person-centred support planning, the scale provides assistance to postulate the various supports needed for everyday life. The SIS can also point out what may be inhibiting specific life goals from being accomplished. These indicators would include such things as the requirement for support with skills expansion, or any unmet medical or mental health needs. In some occurrences, a person may require support recurrently but for a short interval each time, or substantial support only once a week. SIS is used to evaluate the patterns and intensity of an individuals supports need, and the type and intensity of support essential for realization of the goal. To use the scale as a basis for planning meaningful supports requires much supplementary insight and resourcefulness to break the gap between recognizing an individuals supports needs and making a genuine difference to their life. The SIS has the potential, if used insightfully, to document the supports require d to make a good life a reality for the people we serve. When laying out an individuals plan the SIS is, an indispensable tool to achieve the goals set out by the plan. Goforth, J. L. (2007, February). Planning Your Future: A Guide to Creating and Leading Your Personal Support Team. Retrieved February 15, 2011, from San DiegoState University : interwork.sdsu.edu//PlanningYourFuture- Aguidetocreatingyoursupportteam.doc United States This resource guide is about the Circle of Support for individuals with developmental disabilities. People that should be included on this intricate team are those from the workplace, school, home, and leisure areas an individuals life. Support team participants may include members of family, friends, neighbours, teachers, co-workers, advocates, roommates, case managers and/or service coordinators. An individuals team can support them with problem solving, goal setting and planning for the future. Additionally, the Circle of Support will assist with learning new things, attainment information about an individuals community, offering support to be successful in the workplace, at school, and living in the community of choice. A picture of an individuals life would comprise of how the individual desires their life to be in the future. This includes, looking at where the person lives now, and where they want to live. Some planning ideas might include more money, training, or possibly get ting an assistant. This is only one aspect of a very thought out and detailed plan to be created by the individual with assistance of the circle of support. An individuals team members can also share their vision or dreams for the persons future. What are any concerns or worries that the person or their team have about the individuals future, or reaching the goals have been set. Using this information provided it becomes evident that the circle of support is a key aspect in an individuals person centered planning. Galloway, C. (1979). Conversion to a Policy of Community Presence and Participation. Retrieved January 26, 2010, from The Minnesota Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities: http://www.mnddc.org/parallels2/pdf/70s/79/79-CTP-CHG.pdf This article contains information on community presence. The strategy that allows persons with developmental disabilities to join humanity and rests on two central expectations having to do with the nature of the person and the nature of the persons place in society. These c assumptions,-neither more important than the other, produce certain captivating questions: like if persons share involvement in the same human and national association, how can those things valued by most are deprived to some? The dominance of the strategy of community presence and participation proposes that a change in basic thought, in our fundamental edifice of beliefs and values, takes place. A shift feasibly linked with alterations in our system of law and our acceptance of the nature of human performance is essential as well. Community presence is the key to person centered planning and assisting the individual to remove the stigma of having a developmental disability. Office of Disibility Employment Policy: Communicating with and About People with Disabilities. (2002, August). Retrieved February 13, 2010, from United States Department of Labour: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/comucate.htm When we think about person centered planning we undoubtedly must to think of respect. This web articles does just that. Individuals are sometimes concerned that they will say the incorrect thing, so they say nothing at all. This further segregates people with disabilities. When writing or speaking about people with disabilities, it is significant to put the person first. Further, words like normal person imply that the person with a disability is not normal. Whereas person without a disability is, descriptive but not negative. When acquainted with to a person with a disability, it is fitting to propose to shake hands. To show respect look directly at the individual when speaking to them. If you do not comprehend something the individual says, do not pretend that you do. Try to ask questions that necessitate only short responses or gestures. If you are having difficulty understanding the individual, contemplate writing as a substitute means of communicating. To show respect a person s hould also take time to understand the individual and make sure the individual understands them. All of these points are very important when assisting an individual with developmental disabilities with their life plan and ensuring that it fits them. Ylvisaker, M., Hibbard, M., Feeney, T. (2006). What is Social Competence. Retrieved January 27, 2011,from Learn Net: http://www.projectlearnet.org/tutorials/social_competence.html This article contains specific information regarding social competence, better known as social skills. We use the term social competence rather than the more commonly used term social skills because the term skills suggests that rehearsal of certain socially positive behaviours is all that a person requires being socially effective. In addition, the precise abilities or actions associated with social competence differ from one social setting to another and from one social group to another. Social competence includes, but is not reserved to effective social communication. Critical to social accomplishment is having knowledgeable, empathetic, and capable communication partners. A natural and reasonable value for effective social behaviour is maintenance of a satiating social collaboration. Social competence is essential to a person with a developmental disability reaching their goals. When you are partaking in person centered planning it is extremely important to ensure the individual you are assisting includes social skill development into their life plan. Rose, J. (2006). Individual Risk Management Planning (IRMP). Retrieved February 12, 2010, from Irwin Seigal Agency Inc.: http://tucollaborative.org/pdfs/Toolkits_Monographs_Guidebooks/community_inclusion/Increasing_the_Presence_and_Participation_of_People_with_Psychiatric_Disabilities.pdf This section of an article is about Individual Risk Management (IRMP). IRMP is a procedure that is exclusively built on an individuals capabilities and objectives. It is a balancing of risk and reward. Risk management should highlight safety measures and tactics that will address concerns and generate circumstances where risk is accomplished and equitable whenever possible. A risk management system is constructed upon a strong process for detecting unreasonable risk. A risk management structure must evaluate the ability of an individual to make knowledgeable choices and to learn from those choices with the obligation of supporting an individual to be safe. The goal of risk management planning is to classify possible risks and to implement practices that will eradicate or diminish loss effect. The role of the provider and the individuals team is to detect those potentially bad experiences, to implement an individualized risk management plan. Liability is a part of everyones life and i t should not be excluded from an individuals life plan. Blaney, J. B. (n.d.). Closing the Gap between Vision and Reality: Building Person-Centered Organizations. Retrieved January 19, 2010, from Reinventing Quality: http://www.reinventingquality.org/docs/blaney.pdf This document contains pronounced information on leadership in person centered planning organizations. In the person-centered organization, authority and accountability must be distributed throughout the system of person-centered teams. The issue is not of position or title of the leader, but of what authority, information, resources and accountability does this team or team member require in order to support life changes for the individual that make a difference. One of the genuine roles as described above is that of the Direct Support Professional (DSP). The DSP becomes an empowered leader within a person-centered team. The DSP will work closely with the individual to ensure the planning process is going, as they want. If team members have trouble in making decisions or taking responsibility, the DSP pursues verification of the concern as well as accountability of the team. Leadership is essential for Developmental Service Workers when implementing person centered planning in the o rganizations they work with. Smull, M. W. (1946). Positive Rituals and Quality of Life. In J. OBrien, C. L. OBrien, a little book about Person Centered Planning (pp. 51-54). Toronto: Inclusion Press. This section of the book about person centered planning contains information about rituals and a persons quality of life when living with a developmental disability. Conceivably, it is the absence of mindful thoughtfulness that has led us to negligence in the role of ritual in the quality of life of people with disabilities. It is necessary for those of us who support people with disabilities to wilfully contemplate the role of ritual and to insure the presence of positive rituals. Rituals begin every day with our morning routines. Support workers also need to remember that some rituals are rituals of comfort. For Individuals with a disability support worker often forget that rituals are normal. Not only are rituals apart of normalization but they directly affect a persons quality of life. A person with a developmental disability has the right to have rituals and a persons desired rituals must be considered in person centered planning. In conclusion, this annotated bibliography contains key points, ideas, and processes for person centered/directed planning. I have learned so much while writing this bibliography, and now have an awareness of the different types, area, specialties, and sources to assist a developmental service worker to ensure they are educated and able to provide the best assistance with person centered planning. With this information, I have learned just how very important person directed planning is, as well as how intricate and important the entire process is. Person centered/directed planning is an essential tool for people with a developmental disability.