An Investigation into using Artificial Intelligence in Education

Over the past decennary, educational establishments have progressively offered online, web-based classs. While there has been a great trade of research comparing the effectivity of online and traditional classs ( Young, 2006 ) , there has been less research on how to utilize instructional design schemes to increase pupil battle, pupil satisfaction, and accomplishment in online classs ( Gunter, 2007 ) . Research has shown that instructional immediateness can increase knowledge and pupil success ( LaRose & A ; Whitten, 2000 ) . Educators learning online have turned to assorted engineerings to better student-to-instructor interactions. Personal response systems, teleconferencing tools, and computer-supported collaborative acquisition ( CSCL ) environments have been used ( Soh, Khandaker, & A ; Jiang, 2008 ) . Educators have used confabs Sessionss to ease communicating, every bit good. However, pupils frequently are required to run into in a confab room or teleconferencing during preset times. While holding synchronal meetings does better student-to-instructor interaction, these systems are mostly inactive ( Soh et al, 2008 ) . Artificial intelligence is a engineering that can supply immediate responses to user inquiries and it can accommodate to single users demands. This paper will discourse what unreal intelligence is and how unreal intelligence has been used. It is hypothesized that the usage of unreal intelligence in online classs will increase pupil success and battle. Artificial intelligence can be defined as the scientific discipline and technology of making intelligent machines, computing machine plans in peculiar ( McCarthy, 2007 ) . There are multiple subdivisions of unreal intelligence or AI, as it will be referred to for the balance of this paper. Logical AI refers to what a plan knows about the universe in general and the facts of a peculiar state of affairs in which it must move. Goals are represented by mathematical logical linguistic communication and the AI Acts of the Apostless by infering which actions are appropriate for accomplishing its ends ( McCarthy ) . Search AI plans study big Numberss of possibilities. A cheat playing computing machine is an illustration of a hunt AI plan. There are pattern acknowledgment AI plans. These types of AI plans are programmed to compare what it sees with a form. There are AI plans that can be after or larn from experience ( McCarthy ) . These illustrations of assorted AI plan types are non thorough . AI plans have been designed for multiple educational intents. I-MINDS is an AI plan that has been created to assist teachers with schoolroom direction and to increase pupil coaction. The theoretical model of the I-MINDS intelligent computer-supported collaborative acquisition ( CSCL ) environment was based on three cardinal rules. In the first rule, the writers proposed constructing a CSCL system that was â€Å" antiphonal, flexible, distributed, and adaptative to single pupil behaviours † ( Khandaker et al. , 2008, p. 3 ) . In the 2nd rule, the writers desired to construct a CSCL â€Å" that is able to germinate over clip in footings of its pedagogical cognition, pupil and even group mold, and public presentation in determination support † ( Khandaker et al. , 2008, p. 3 ) . In the 3rd rule, the writers proposed constructing a CSCL system â€Å" is able to organize effectual pupil larning groups on its ain † ( Khandaker et al. , 2008, p. 3 ) . The writers studied the impact of I-MINDS on structured concerted acquisition. A two-semester survey was launched at the University of Nebraska during the Spring and Fall semesters of 2005. I-MINDS was deployed and evaluated in an introductory computing machine scientific discipline class. The survey utilized a control subdivision where a group of pupils did non utilize I-MINDS. The writers ‘ consequences show â€Å" that I-MINDS can back up concerted larning efficaciously in the topographic point of face-to-face coaction among pupils in hebdomadal research lab Sessionss † ( Khandaker et al. , 2008, p. 28 ) . The consequences besides show that modular extension to the system is supported. Finally, I-MINDS collected informations that provided critical information on pupil group activities. This showed that I-MINDS can be used efficaciously as a test-bed for educational research. AI plans can be developed to supply individualised and adaptative linguistic communication acquisition and vocabulary tutoring. In Personalization of Reading Passages Improves Vocabulary Acquisition by Heilman, Collins-Thompson, Callan, & A ; Eskenazi, the REAP tutoring system, which provides English as a Second Language vocabulary pattern, was examined. Harmonizing to the writers, â€Å" REAP can automatically personalise direction by supplying pattern readings about subjects that match involvements every bit good as domain-based, cognitive aims † ( Heilman, Collins-Thompson, Callan, & A ; Eskenazi, 2010 ) . The writers pointed out that most old research on motive in intelligent tutoring environments has focused on increasing extrinsic motive. The writers focused their survey on increasing personal involvement. The pupils in the survey were indiscriminately split into control and intervention groups. The control status coach selected texts to maximise domain-based ends. The t reatment-condition coach besides preferred texts that matched personal involvements. The consequences show positive effects of personalization. In add-on, the importance of negociating between motivational and domain-based ends was demonstrated ( Heilman et al. , 2010 ) . Gunter, G. ( 2007 ) . The effects of the impact of instructional. International Journal of Human and Social Sciences, 2 ( 3 ) , 195-201. Heilman, M. , Collins-Thompson, K. , Callan, J. , & A ; Eskenazi, M. ( 2010 ) . Personalization of reading transitions improves vocabulary. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 20, 73-98. LaRose, R. , & A ; Whitten, P. ( 2000 ) . Re-thinking instructional immediateness for web classs: A societal cognitive geographic expedition. Communication Education, 49 ( 4 ) , 320-338. McCarthy, J. ( 2007, November ) . What is Artificial Intelligence? Retrieved February 14, 2011, from Basic Questions: hypertext transfer protocol: //www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html Soh, L. , Khandaker, N. , & A ; Jiang, H. ( 2008 ) . I-MINDS: a multiagent system for intelligent computer-supported collaborative acquisition and schoolroom direction. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 18 ( 2 ) . Young, S. ( 2006 ) . Student positions of effectual online instruction in higher. The American Journal of Distance Education, 20 ( 2 ) .

Child Poverty in the UK Essay

Poverty means people are unable to live their lives to the minimum standard of the society in which they live. Inadequate income is the overall deciding factor of poverty when basic material needs cannot be met and people are excluded from taking part in their society because of this situation. Third world countries are the stereotypical places that people associate with poverty yet according to The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP, 2012) there are 3. 6 million children living in poverty in the UK today. That’s 27 per cent of children, or more than one in four. Therefore, the face of poverty is now a child from a heavily populated urban area in the UK, living in poor quality social housing, where local governments are operating on reduced budgets and wages for the employed aren’t sufficient enough to cover the rising costs of childcare. The effects of child poverty in the UK create a cycle of intergenerational poverty including poor health, low educational attainment and limited social mobility. Children need to be educated to a standard to enable them to gain employment, contribute to society and therefore eliminate the cost to our society. Barnardos (2012), states that the risk of children living in poverty is greatly dependent upon circumstance. The unemployed face benefit cuts resulting in low income; large families are at risk due to increased costs in providing for additional children and young parents just beginning in the world of employment will earn low salaries due to their age. Working families and lone parents deal with government cuts to tax credits; closures of Sure Start Centres and are living on the ‘bread line’ because the minimum wage is low and often they do not progress onto higher paid jobs or better prospects in employment. Children from poor families show low levels of educational attainment as supported by (End Child Poverty, 2012) where it is stated that â€Å"poverty predicts educational outcomes† and children from poor backgrounds do not perform as well academically or achieve the qualifications required to secure well-paid jobs. Therefore, the cycle of poverty remains unbroken, which is a result of intergenerational poverty. A restricted benefits system along with low paid jobs creates an economic inequality gap as suggested by (TED, 2011) which results in limited social mobility. According to The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC, 2012), children that have low educational attainment also become disadvantaged in other areas of their lives. This can be carried into adulthood limiting their employability and the opportunity for progression. Behavioural and psychological issues arise from educational failures and feelings of social inequality and personal failure can contribute towards on-going mental health problems. Therefore, it is apparent that child poverty increases health issues and costs to The National Health Service (NHS) spanning several years of a person’s life time. D Acheson (1998) draws attention to how poverty effects maternal health and increases low birth weights which are linked to disabilities, poor physical and emotional health in childhood and even deaths. This again is the result of the poverty cycle which creates a long term social cost as argued by Polly Toynbee (BBC Today, 2011) where the view is held that child poverty is creating a social deficit that is becoming harder to get out of. To stop this social deficit growing there are changes that need to be made by the government and by society as a whole to eradicate child poverty. As concluded in the research by D Hirsch, (2006) increased benefits and tax credits directed specifically towards poor families and extra payments for larger families are needed. Provisions for affordable child care will give incentives to work and enable parents to be able to afford to work. Looking longer term to solve the problem, emphasis is made upon educating the parents of tomorrow by supporting the disadvantaged in education now. The government’s commitment to end child poverty, (Child Poverty Act 2010) has, according to L Judge (2012, p. ) shown significant improvement in educational attainment and students staying on in further education as well as a decrease in income poverty, mental health issues and homelessness. There are many charities campaigning from different angles and in different problematic areas to end child poverty; for example, Barnardos (2012 ) are campaigning for a fairer and more accessible financial system through banks and post offices, since their investigation revealed that poor families are vulnerable to having to pay extortionate prices to purchase essential items they need via expensive rent-to-own schemes . Society must acknowledge and take responsibility for the snowballing effects of child poverty as it is partly to blame for its existence. Decisions in voting for government along with attitudes held by people within the UK can fuel child poverty’s growth or eradicate its existence. Just as poverty limits a child’s potential, this in the long term limits society and the economies chance to reach its full potential, thus affecting all inhabitants within the UK whether or not they are rich or poor. To ensure a healthy, positive, lucrative, secure and trusting future environment for all to live in, society today must care about the existence of the next generation and care about today’s children in their communities. In this day and age in a country considered rich within Europe, there should not be children going hungry, missing education or feeling the cold. Children are vulnerable and they have only adults to rely on to make the right decisions for them and to guide them. These are the reasons why we should care about Child Poverty in the UK because it is the responsibility and duty of society to care.

Cyber-security Essay

The internet is no man’s land. The whole world has been melted into a global village as the Internet pervades the homes, offices and even phones. The internet has become closer to our thoughts and feelings every day as chat engines can now express feelings and depict thought patterns. Information about self, plan of work, career, and family are also speedily available and sent via the internet. Most, if not all, companies own a website where the clients/customers can access their information. In fact, financial institutions run transactions through cyber space. Security outfits have private and confidential data on Networks that can easily access the Net. All these point to on pellucid fact: the cyberspace cannot be ignored. It cannot be ignored because of the risk associated with such move. This underscores the need for cyberspace security. The responsibility of government is not just for the internal and border security of her people; it also includes security across the internet. Although the internet belongs to no one, government can take certain steps to promote her people from Internet fraud, spyware and other security threats. As the world shrinks, the Internet will definitely be a means for evil doers and enemies of progress and freedom to use to perpetuate their obnoxious. This is another reason why the government must take the issue very seriously. This is why the collaboration between Symantec and National Cyber Security Alliance is commendable. This provides statistics about security issues on the Internet: it postulates that only about one-fifth of computer and internet users have adequate security protection although most believe they are protected. This means there is a gap: most believe what is not. Bridging the gap is an important aspect of the work of Department of Homeland Security and NCSA. It is not enough to have statistics although they are fundamental facts upon which decisions are based. I believe these figures are even worse than what is said. The report does not show how many users were used for the research and how reliable that percentage can be. If this is the case, vigorous mass publicity and campaigns will help. This will involve state and federal agencies, and private organizations that provide internet and computer service. The article titled ‘Americans confused as ever over cyber-security’ gives a clear picture of what the challenge is. The question is who is responsible for this confusion? The users of cyberspace have a big chunk of this confusion as they need out information about how to safeguard themselves from internet threats. It is likely they would have tried but the information is not accessible. This means that information on cybersecurity is not user-friendly; this is a field where they really have to work. Besides, staying safe online appears daunting for many users. Since antivirus, antispyware and firewall software are the frontline basic protections Americans should have, information should be readily accessible. Cybersecurity is obviously will continue to be important. Efforts have to mad now to safeguard computer and Internet users. This can be achieved first through information made available at the point of purchase; tell people about security. Then, computer accessories Unit should have also succinct information for their customers. Internet service providers have a big role to play: they need to prepare a package on cybersecurity like FAQs that can be used by their clients. Regular updates should also be made available.

Can torture be ethical Discuss in relation to the War on Terror Essay

Can torture be ethical Discuss in relation to the War on Terror - Essay Example There were often many manuals given to convey the torture techniques and the implications. Written codes and conducts were also regulated to redefine the process of torture and differentiate what is acceptable and what is impermissible (Scott, 2003, p27). As the theories enhanced, there is a huge debate on the torture ethics which is going on since years, and especially after 2001 when there was an initiative of the war on terror by collaboration of many countries. Some debate that torture has always been immoral and unjustifiable, whereas many of the modern theorists and socialists suggest that if torturing an evil man because of which many lives can be saved, then there is no better moral decision that could be taken (Wisnewski, Emerick, 2009, p 78). Thus, war on terror is a justifiable process which is carried out throughout the Western world, and if it includes the practices of torturing then torture can be considered ethical too, in a broad scope. There are many ethical argument s that have risen up related to torture and its value to the society. The major argument that supports the ethics or torture is the fact that it is an essential tool. Many of the countries condemn the use of torture and consider it not only unethical but also unlawful. Whereas many countries still use it as their tool and consider it as effective in many circumstances (Harbury, 2005, p95). There are many arguments placed forth and the basic debate lie in the views presented by deontological and utilitarian viewpoints. Both the viewpoints hold justification in their own way. The utilitarian viewpoint suggests that torture can be justified if the overall outcome of the action is positive. This refers to the process of torture which is used as a tool to investigate and weed the evil out of a person or criminal. In this belief, the utilitarian thinker might consider the outcome as the only source of judgment and to decide whether the act of torturing is moral or not. The outcome can def ine the long term effects in which lives may be saved and evil may be finished. This is the primary factor on which torture is used as a tool (Greenberg, 2006, p50). Opposing the utilitarian view is the deontological view which came from the word duty. This viewpoint suggests that the rules and values hold immense importance and they should be fulfilled as the first priority rather than the outcome. Utilitarian thinkers give immense respect to the moral values and ethics over the outcomes of allowing torture or restricting it. However, if the outcome is uncertain or can not be known, then the utilitarian thinker would state that torture is wrong and unjustifiable (Skerker, 2010, p154). There are any arguments seen favoring the utilitarian views against torture and in some parts of the world, the laws support these views as well. The war on terror or war on terrorism is known to describe the campaign set out by the US and includes many other countries such as the UK. The term is comm only used and it applies to the campaign which is initiated against the al-Qaeda and other militant groups which are associated to it. The aim of this campaign was to eliminate the powers and actions of such militant organizations. The September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre gave rise to many militant groups that tend to declare war against America. These groups were the terrorists and in regard to those, the phrase War on Terror was used and made popular by the military organizations of the US. Soon it became

The Frailties of Power in Brownings My Last Duchess Essay

The Frailties of Power in Brownings My Last Duchess - Essay Example I. Introduction A. A Duke proposes marriage to a Count’s daughter through his messenger, not by words of love, but by hidden threats and symbolism that affirm his power. B. This essay analyzes the meaning of Robert Browning’s (1842) poem, â€Å"My Last Duchess.† C. It argues that â€Å"My Last Duchess† is an allegory of the frailties of power because the Duke reveals his actions and intent for power over women and society, but not his own morality and maturity. II. The setting shows that the duke controls everything. A. The Duke has authority over famous artists. 1) He mentions Fra Pandolf, a fictional renowned painter. 2) Browning (1842) ends the poem with the Duke bragging about another fictional prominent sculptor, Claus of Innsbruck. B. The Duke uses the room of the painting to depict his control over people. 1) The Duke asks his audience to appreciate the painting, but it is more of an order than a request. 2) He controls the painting now, a control t hat he would have wanted for his last wife. III. Browning uses language to convey the Duke’s authoritarian attitudes and behaviors. A. He has complete power that no one questions. 1) The title is significant to the meaning of the poem. 2) The title shows his power. B. Browning employs rhyme to emphasize the Duke’s superior thinking of himself. 1) The word â€Å"wall† (Browning, 1842, 1) rhymes with â€Å"call† (Browning, 1842, 2) because the only reason that the Duchess is on the wall is due to the Duke’s decision. 2) â€Å"Rarity† (Browning, 1842, 55) rhymes with â€Å"me† because the Duke thinks that he is a rare superior male specimen (Browning, 1842, 56). IV. Browning uses dramatic irony to depict that the more the Duke hides, the more that he reveals his real self. A. Browning shows the difference in words and deeds. 1) The Duke wants to be seen as courteous, but he is impatient. 2) He wants to be perceived as generous, but he is not. 3) He is an immature, jealous husband and a power-hungry ruler. B. Browning demonstrates that the Duke is an insecure man with no morals. 1) The Duke will not accept no for an answer. 2) His object is not love, but power. V. Conclusion A. The Duke is not subtle with his authority. B. Browning shows that power corrupts people. C. But power is not enough to prove that one person is truly powerful inside. A Duke proposes marriage to a Count’s daughter through his messenger, not by words of love, but by hidden threats and symbolism that affirm his power. This essay analyzes the meaning of Robert Browning’s (1842) poem, â€Å"My Last Duchess.† Browning (1842) employs the structure of a dramatic lyric to narrate in a conversational style to a Duke’s marriage proposal strategy. The Duke is believed to be the Duke of Ferrara. In this poem, the Duke seeks to gain a woman’s hand through a depiction of his dead duchess’s painting. â€Å"My Last Duchess† is an allegory and dramatic irony of the frailties of power because as the Duke reveals his actions and intent for power over women and society, he distinctly exposes his own immorality and immaturity. The setting shows that the duke controls everything in his land, especially his people. The Duke has authority over famous artists. He mentions Fra Pandolf, a fictional renowned painter. The artist â€Å"[w]orked busily a day,† suggesting supreme obedience out of fear (Browning, 1842, line 3). The work is so perfect that the duchess looked almost alive because if not, the Duke seemed to be the kind of person who could order a bad artist to the gallows. Browning (1842) ends the poem with the Duke bragging about another fictional prominent sculptor, Claus of Innsbruck. Claus’

ASSIGNMENT IN CHEMISTRY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ASSIGNMENT IN CHEMISTRY - Essay Example At that time, the equilibrium mixture was quickly cooled in an ice bath and analyzed where the amount of A remaining was found to be 0.04 moles. b. What was the purpose of the ice bath The ice bath is used to lower the temperature of the mixture. Alcohols and esters are volatile substances and higher temperature will volatilize the said substances and might lead to analytical errors. a. the pressure is increased - According to Le Chatelier, the position of equilibrium will move in such a way as to counteract the change in pressure. That means that the position of equilibrium will move so that the pressure is reduced again. Pressure is caused by gas molecules hitting the sides of their container. The more molecules you have in the container, the higher the pressure will be. The system can reduce the pressure by reacting in such a way as to produce fewer molecules. In this case, there is 1 molecule on the left-hand side of the equation, and 2 on the right. Increasing the pressure on a gas reaction shifts the position of equilibrium towards the side with fewer molecules. In this case towards the reverse reaction. b. the temperature is increased - According to Le Chatelier, the position of equilibrium will move in such a way as to counteract the change. ... Alcohols and esters are volatile substances and higher temperature will volatilize the said substances and might lead to analytical errors. c. Give an expression for the equilibrium constant for the reaction and calculate a numerical value from the data provided. K = [CH3COOCH3] [H2O] / [CH3COOH] [CH3OH] = [.04 moles x 80] [.04 moles x 20] / [.04 moles 64] [.04 moles x 36] = [3.2] [0.8] / [2.56] [1.44] = 0.6944 d. Why is the volume not given (or not important in this instance) Volume is not given because it will not make any significant difference in the concentration of the substances present. 3. When Nitrogen (1 mole) and Hydrogen (3 moles) react at constant temperature at a pressure of 5 x 10 ^6 Pa, the equilibrium mixture was found to contain 0.6 moles of ammonia. a. Calculate mole fractions of all species involved at equilibrium. N2 + 3H2 2 NH3 Mole fraction of N2 = 1- .06 moles = 0.94 / 5.74 = 0.1638 Mole fraction of H2 = 3 (1-.06 moles) = 3.6 / 5.74 = 0.6272 Mole fraction of NH3 = 2 (0.6) = 1.2 / 5.74 = 0.2090 b. Calculate partial pressure of all species involved at equilibrium. Pressure = 5 x 10^6 Pa PN2 = 0.94 RT/V PH2 = 3.6 RT/V PNH3 = 1.2 RT/V c. Calculate Kp = [pNH3]^2 / [pN2] [pH2]^3 4. Gaseous phosphorous(V) Chloride dissociates reversibly as shown below : PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) H = +ve Use Le Chatelier's Principle to state and explain the effect on the position of the equilibrium when: a. the pressure is increased - According to Le Chatelier, the position of equilibrium will move in such a way as to counteract the change in pressure. That means that the position of equilibrium will move so that the pressure is reduced again. Pressure

The more advances that are made in Medicine, the more things stay the Scholarship Essay - 1

The more advances that are made in Medicine, the more things stay the same. Discuss - Scholarship Essay Example This paper argues out this concept by giving the several impacts of the advancement of medicine on patients in the society. This will create the basis of the argument to verify its credibility. The paper will analyze both the positive and negative effects of advancement of medicine in the society today by looking at various situational cases where advanced medical services are used. The results of the use of advanced medical services lay the foundation of this argument considering its positivity and negativities. Because of the availability of medical equipment for research and treatment, researchers in the field of medicine have come up with different kinds of medicines which cure various diseases (Alyson, 2014). They have also been able to study complicated diseases in the recent years and have found the cure for some chronic diseases. Biotechnology is a great advancement in the field of medicine making it easy for people to live with chronic diseases. It prolongs the life of people suffering from serious and chronic illnesses by controlling of diseases or the virus in the body of patients. An example is dealing with patients suffering from cancer. Biotechnology has given hope to such patients by controlling the disease through chemotherapy hence prolonging their life span. The use of plastic body parts has also helped individuals to live a normal life (Catalunya, 2014). An example is patients suffering from breast cancer and has lost a part of her breast. Plastic breasts can be used to al low her live a normal life like any other woman. The advancement of medicine in the world today is due to the evolvement of technology as it improves to make solving problems today an easy task. There are various advancements in medicine today and a majority of them are influenced by the availability of advanced technology in the health sector. Medical advancements are aimed at

Paleolithic & Neolithic Societies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Paleolithic & Neolithic Societies - Essay Example They had no domesticated herds. They fished along the streams just as it is today. Since this mode of securing food was not sufficient for these people, they organized themselves in bands of 20 to 25 people and nomadically kept cattle. The Paleolithic communities had a legal headman who held the band together based on the hunting skills and the culture of blessings by the world of spirits. Therefore, their thorough hunting ability had a link to the spiritual powers. The different members of the band took different roles depending on the gender and responsiveness. The Paleolithic people had a mystical attitude towards life. They viewed the religion world as animism. They less valued the outer appearance of things but valued more the inner working of the unseen spirit. They respected a lot those who displayed the spiritual; powers like the Shamans and the Witchdoctors. They held that these people possessed special magical powers that worked for the good or bad of the community2. They e ngaged in rituals like wars, dances, hunting races and rain dances. These activities, they believed had power to predispose the behavior of the unseen spirits to assure the forthcoming favorable outcome. ... This age marked the first agricultural revolution and had wide scale transition of many cultures from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to a settle agricultural life. These ancient ancestors began to sow seeds in order to produce more in the harvest. They also began domesticating animals, which formed a major source of meat for the communities. The introduction of agriculture permitted the growth of the human population hence growth of villages and towns subsequently. The Neolithic persons had total respect over the sexual acts as they termed them very sacred. They also worshipped some vibrant Great Goddess. The idea of personal and private property ownership began to spread even more during this period. The concept of money began to emerge at this time. Societies began to keep slaves as well. The emergence of polis The term polis originated from the ancient Greek city-states, which developed during the archaic period and persisted during the roman times. Polis was not like other primordial ancient city-states, which had a king or a small oligarchy, but was rather a political entity ruled by a body of citizens. The origin of polis had an origin in the appearance of urbanization at the excavation sites during the traditional archeologists view3. The term polis which in archaic Greek meant city suddenly changed with the development of the of the governance center in the city. The emergence of citizenship notion in the landowners came to describe the entire body of citizens, which came as the most important meaning of the term polis in ancient Greece. Conflicts between Greece and its neighbors Ancient Macedonia and Greece descended in several migratory waves and bounder conflicts. The Greeks and Turks had outstanding conflicts in 1982 due to boundary conflicts.

Criminal Law Mens Rea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Criminal Law Mens Rea - Essay Example The topic statement is lifted from Glanville Williams Criminal Law: The General Part [2nd ed. 1961]. A perusal of the topic shows that it runs counter to another statement in the same text which shows the belief of the author that the concept of mens rea is an index of maturity of our legal system. The correlation to the various justifications of punishment or purposes of criminalization does not at all compute when considered from the various vantage points and time frames of the said justification theories. The mental element of crime may be significant for one purpose or the other but the same way that the various purposes do not conjoin with any one crime, the element of mens rea will not be relevant to all the justifications and purposes. The cardinal principle of criminal law is that 'a wrongful act does not make a person guilty unless his mind is legally blameworthy.' There must not only be a wrongful act (actus reus), but with it must also concur intent (mens rea, Latin: the guilty mind; a guilty or wrongful purpose; a criminal intent1). Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea.2This is so because evil thoughts are condemnable and punishable only when they are sufficiently dangerous to society and only when translated into evil deeds. From a practical vantage point, there is really no way for any legal system to sanction evil thoughts. Blackstone confirmed this: " "[A]s no temporal tribunal can search the heart, or fathom the intentions of the mind, otherwise then as they are demonstrated by outward actions, it therefore, cannot punish for what it cannot know And as a vicious will without a vicious act is no civil crime, so, on the other hand, an unwarrantable act without a vicious will is no crime at all. So that to constitute a crime against human laws, there must be, first, a vicious will; and secondly, an unlawful act consequent upon such vicious will."3 Again, for Glanville Williams, mens rea is significant of (legal) civilization.4 The existing ideals of justice require that a person should only be punished where he intended to commit the unlawful act. This is a simplistic formulation because if strictly adhered to persons committing crimes in ignorance of criminal law would not be held liable. This situation would result to impossibility in implementing the law. This led to the adoption of presumptions to govern the matter. The burden to prove the existence of a criminal state of mind is lodged upon the prosecution in most offences except those of strict liability. Mens rea does not mean 'wickedness' in any moral or general sense.5 On the other hand, good motive does not provide defence to what is otherwise criminal.6 Mens rea is a legal jargon that refers to a number of states of mind that the law treats as criminal, each of which is related to or accompanies the ingredient of the actus reus of the offence. This concurrence is what gives rise to criminal liability. These states of mind that are relevant to establishing criminal liability are: 1) intention, 2) recklessness and 3) gross negligence about consequences and they represent the fault element of crime. Knowledge of the surrounding circumstances may form part of the mens rea. Not every ingredient of actus reus of a statutory offence has a mens rea counterpart;

Vintage International Essay Example for Free

Vintage International Essay I gazed at my reflection one more time. It was still serious-and what was surprising about that, since at that moment I was too? But at the same time, and for the first time in months, I distinctly heard the sound of my own voice. I recognized it as the same one that had been ringing in my ears for many long days, and I realized that all that time I had been talking to myself. 6 Before then, Meursault took everything as fate had predestinated for him. However, the moment he began talking to himself, he changed. He became active of his own life. In the isolated prison cell, he became aware of the power of his own mind, which was demonstrated by his rejection of the priest. For Gregor, he ate less and less, and began to drive more and more attention to his family. It was somehow giving him a pleasant feeling, despite of his starvation. For instance, when he listened to his sisters violin performance, it said, He felt as if the way were opening before him to the unknown nourishment he craved. 7 This scenario, which described Gregor getting nourishment from a feeling for his family rather than food, marked that he no longer sought happiness by satisfying physical needs. Being isolated from the society, he began to realize his feelings for his family. Summing up the three protagonists process of realization, their isolation had somehow granted them an opportunity to realize the power of their minds. It was only then that they began to see an alternative way in obtaining happiness. On their isolated islands, the protagonists gave up to achieve their happiness through physical body, but freed themselves from it instead. All three of them came to a realization that they could achieve true happiness through mind. As Ivan reviewed his day before he went to sleep, he accounted the satisfaction he had gained from the action decided by his own mind. Despite of the lack of food and physical discomfort in the morning, these feelings of physical discontent as the mental satisfaction became greater and greater as he gained essence of himself through living it. As he fell into sleep, he was very happy8. Ivans happiness was not from his physical state, but his mental state. It was his own decisions that brought him the satisfaction. His physical isolation had indeed deprived him many luxuries, yet it was the absence of these luxuries that led him to discover a happiness that could be achieved simply through mind. In the case of Meursault, he realized why he did not cry on his mother funeral. Isolated in his prison cell, he meditated and came to a conclusion that life was never predestined. The world was just there as it was. If he could put down the mind forgd manacles, forget the rules of the society; he was indeed a free person. Summing up his thoughts, he claimed, I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. 9 Like Ivan, although the physical isolation prevented Meursault from many pleasure possible by body, he found happiness by freeing himself from the values of the society. Such isolation had indeed provided him an opportunity to reflect his thoughts about life, leading to a mental happiness. As Gregor died, he discovered his love for his family, as hinted in the following passage. He thought of his family with tenderness and love. The decision that he must disappear was one that he held to even more strongly than his sister, if that were possible. In this state of vacant and peaceful meditation he remained until the tower clock struck three in the morning. 10 Despite of his familys hatred towards him, he still loved them and wished his death would bring them happiness. In isolation, he dwelled in a meditation with peace. Peace implied a freedom from violence. For Gregor it would be the violence in life to satisfy his physical needs. It was at the last moment when he freed himself from his body and achieved happiness through mind. All the protagonists in the end realized that they were all free individuals on their islands. They freed themselves from the rules of the world. Those were the very moments when they achieved happiness. Concluding the three protagonists expeditions to true happiness, in isolation, they all discovered a satisfaction in the mind instead of body. While sensual stimuli were reduced to the least, they saw something beyond. One may argue that they were resigning to life in their inevitable isolation, but they had indeed grasped an alternative happiness in such isolation. Like a walk with many people holding one long stick, no man is an island. The stick connects us all. As we proceed to the front, no matter what speed we are at, we move as a whole. Yet, we take the steps by ourselves. Happiness may be realized when we see our strength in taking that step, like the Ivan, Meursault and Gregor in the three novels. Word Count: A phrase from Meditation 17 by John Donne in 1624 2 Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Bantam Books, 1990. (Hereafter ODITLOID) 3 Albert Camus, The Stranger, Vintage International, March 1989. (Hereafter TS) 4 Franz Kafka, Metamorphosis, W W Norton and Sons. (Hereafter M)

Strategy and its importance for competitive advantage

Strategy and its importance for competitive advantage A companys strategy is organization action plan which is running the business and conducting operations. Especially this can mention as managerial commitment to achieve their goals. Companies target on gaining sales and market share at the expense of competitors and companies which are in strong industry position are more reflect on the strategy what they use (Helfat, 2004). Through the action Plan Company can enter its competitors and can make the goals and strategies to meet their market place. A company should formulate a business strategy which incorporates cost leadership or differentiation to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Michael Porter introduced two basic types of competitive advantages which are cost advantage and differentiation advantage. Cost advantage exits when company can give same benefits as competitor with lower cost. And differentiation advantage exits when the company can make different benefits or the value to the customer from their products. As an Example BP is using combination of Crude oil and natural energy such as solar power to give differentiation to their customers and it is a well successful strategy. Source: http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=2contentId=7065607 (Access on 20th May 2011) There are several technical tools which are used to analysis situations in strategic Management. STEEPLE is one of it shortening the external environment in a business operates and concerned with the political, economic, social factors influential industry change and helps to gain a better understanding for external conditions for growth in a market. Companies or the decision makers can develop effective strategies by using GE Matrix as well (Thomas, ONeal, and Ghertman, 1997). The porters five forces investigation helps to diversity a competitive environment. For example, BP analyzes the market for Quality oil production. Five forces analysis describe five key areas exclusively the threat of entry, the power of buyers, the power of suppliers, the threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry (Bettis, 2004) Figure1. Porters Generic Strategies (source:http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Porter+five+forces+analysishl=enclient=opera) Competitors for BP Shell, Sharp, Kyocera, Solar, and BP are the current major players in this industry. Price differences are not big among these companies, solar energy is already expensive technology to produce, so its cost of production is very high, but it is environmental friendly. BP has mass production, so it can face to price rivalry happen. Business strategy in BP BP enter of solar market in 1973 and produced BP solar in 2000, it was one of main strategy to face current oil crisis and environment issues. BP solar becomes profitable but it is not prominently spread among the public, so government involvement is important to become popular of solar power. Evaluating BP External Environment BP is one from the world leading Multinational Corporation which produces Consumer energy, and it is UK based organization. BPs SWOT analysis can be mentioned as follows. Strengths World third largest energy company Operation spreads worldwide Strong Brand loyalty Good brand image Financial strength of the company. It has vertical integration operation system. Weaknesses Increase the petrol price in UK Has to paid criminal charges due to spread huge amount of oil in the Alaska Sea in 2006. Reduce in natural gas and crude oil production. Criticism and Controversies Opportunities Has high investment capacity Research to investigate alternative fuel such as Hydrogen, Solar, Wind and natural gas Extension of acquisition of North sea area Increase demand for natural gas in USA and Europe countries. Implement more flexible price polices to face their competitors. Gas and Oil exploration Treats Unsound policies related to Environment after oil and toxic spill in 2006. Explosion of refinery tunnels in occasionally Has big rivals such as Shell and Chevron Sold corporate owned stations. Pipeline corrosion Instability in some oil and gas producing countries and regions Table.1. SWOT analysis of BP By implementing proper marketing policies and practices company will make its market position. BP culture so distinctive because they focus on customer, and believe BP is better than all other Energy produce companies. Source: (http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968contentId=7059787) Effectiveness of Current Business Plans BP business plan has advantage in the Research and investigation area. The crude oil plus the solar power combinations was very successful strategy implemented in recently. Products segmentation, explorations and productions, significantly company restructuring, improve cost efficiency, centralized company departments are their current strategies to compete with rivalry and increase company profits. Task Two Strategic Options Strategic Options is an important facet and it helps to craft companys alternatives and provide safe and keep up the competitive situation. After situation analysis company can create strategic options to devise organizations external atmosphere and can scrutinize the potential. BP has a comprehensible strategy to invest to raise investigation and manufacture advantageously through a mixture of leadership positions in the worlds most productive hydrocarbon basins. BP creates value through the appliance of technology and potential to force performance and operating efficiency. The procedure and technology offers extensive chance for further expansion and improvement. The international requirements for energy for the next 20 years are such that hydrocarbons are still going to have a leading part in meeting that energy demand. BP supports emissions trading mechanisms as a means of putting a value on carbon in order to make appropriate investment decisions. BP spends on growing technology budget on potentially most competitively profitable innovations both in open and new power spaces. It is both a strategic option and an opportunity for BP when comparing with the rivals as BP is strategically positioned themselves in a highly innovative RD processes which is unmatchable by the rivals easily. While facing major challenges of dilapidated supplies and defense of supply in oil and gas, global warming and insist for pure energy in major markets, BPs percentage of expend on novel technologies is growing. BP has a decentralized en route for RD units. It also drives the strategic positioning of BP in competition among rivals. Operational excellence in acquiring right technologies from within and outer the organization and strategically as a winner of chosen new technologies, BP is keeping its innovation leadership in the industry. With an aim of being twice as good as next best competitor BPs innovation schema is far above the ground outline. Hence a low cost strategy is an ideal positioning for BP while serving to a large market segment that prefers a standard product. Corporate Mission of the BP BP mentioned that there goal for next few years to realize the latent impending of their advantage base by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of everything they do. They will dynamically drive cost and capital efficiency whilst at the same time maintaining the first main concern of safe and reliable operations. Objectives of the BP BP has some objectives for their growth in 2015. And all employees are working as a team to achieve company goals. Average 1-2% p.a. volume growth to 2015 Underpinned by upward resource base and quality through preference Key sources of growth beyond 2015 will come from: Increasing deepwater Leveraging expertise in gas Managing worlds enormous oilfields Enabled by application of technology Source-: http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=2contentId=7065607 Values and ethics of the BP BP is a compilation of resources and there people working together. To attain business objects they focus on sustaining and encouraging their leaders and staff. And they maintain recruitment stands and developing people skills at every level. BP is a well distinguish organization and wants to do some different in the world. BP is a performance driven company which is competitively booming. Through all this they prefer high ethical stand. Directions and methods of Strategic Options BPs direction is clear and it is the unrelenting pursuit of competitive leadership in respect of cash costs, capital efficiency and margin quality. The Strategy Clock is another suitable way to analyze a companys destructive position in comparison to the contributions of competitors. The Ansoff Growth matrix tool which is helps businesses to decide their product and market growth strategy. Figure 02.Ansoff Market mix (Source-: http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/ansoff_matrix.htm) Steps to develop Strategic Options at BP To develop strategic options company can use following steps. Access the external context Priorities and gather Develop strategic options Rate the options Follow up Evaluating strategies at BP SOP Matrix is a tool which can use to identify the company relevant strategies through external environmental factors. As an example BP Opportunities and treats as below and by indentifying the external environmental factors can recognize the relevant strategies options. Opportunities Opportunities Strategic Option A Has high investment capacity Invest in HR development and through that develop the skills of the staff members. An same time invest in market opportunities. B RD to investigate alternative fuel such as Hydrogen, Solar, Wind and natural gas By research can find the best alternative and company can give attention to that. C Extension of acquisition of North sea area Can develop deep sea oil well. D Increasing demand for natural gas in USA and European countries. Efficient and effective resource allocation to maximize profit. Implement more flexible price polices to face their competitors. By price reducing can get more customers on their products Gas and Oil searching Will help to increase their market values and can demand them among the competitors Treats Treats Strategic Option Unsound policies related to Environment after oil and toxic spill in 2006. Understand the policies and work with less effect to environment Explosion of factory tunnels in occasionally By keeping the brand image without harm can face the problem Has big rivals such as Shell and Chevron To make company as No1. And more promotional works Sold corporate owned stations. Buy the stations Pipeline decomposition Should check the pipeline back and do the needful changers Insecurity in some oil and gas producing countries and regions Should find some more producers in case to use. BPs existing company strategies are, 1) Safe, obedient and consistent operations 2) Operational and financial force high dividends and cost diminution program Task Three SMART Objectives of BP BP Objectives are prepared according to SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed).That means it should be particular about what we are going to achieve and should calculate about the objectives. There are a several types of objectives like process objectives, outcome objectives, personal objective that all can be done in the SMART format. BPs five year plan objectives are, Increase profitability by 20% Increase production Financial gain by serving to the increasing demand Build brand value that was affected by the oil spills Five year development plan for BP Business plan is a statement about companys future goals and plans to achieve those goals. This can be externally focus or internally focus. BPs Strategies in development can position as, Upstream growth Downstream turnaround Alternative Energy: alert disciplined Corporate overview In the upstream will hub on cost and capital efficiency to distribute profitable growth. In the downstream will drive additional efficiencies and a focus on quality and incorporation. They will maintain their disciplined approach to substitute energy and will carry on unlock corporate efficiency through a culture of uninterrupted enhancement. Five year development plan for BP # Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicators Time Period 1 Increase profitability by 20% Research and development Hire most qualified researchers Innovative ways of doing things One year 2 Increase production Acquisition of north sea area. Negotiations with governments and agreeing for a joint profit sharing. Coming into an agreement with relevant governments Two years 3 Financial gain by serving to the increasing demand Sales and Marketing approaches to increase market share Recruiting experienced sales and marketing people and objective training Acquiring new market opportunities, increase the market share One year 4 Build brand value that was affected by the oil spills Communication and promotion strategy Using new media opportunities of social media to build brand name again, invest in CSR activities in Go Green. Reduce the black mark 3 years Evaluating and implementing the plan In business strategy, Johnson, Scholes and Whittington shows a model in strategic options are evaluated next to three key success criteria such as Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability. Source-: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_management # Objectives Time Line 1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 1 Increase profitability by 20% X 2 Increase production X X 3 Financial gain by serving to the increasing demand X 4 Build brand value that was affected by the oil spills X X X Table.03. Five year BP strategic plan Conclusion When it is mention about the strategic management and the leadership strategic planning is a major part of it. Strategic planning can divide in to three stages as strategic Analysis, Strategic Options and Evaluation and Implementation. The British petroleum Corporation is a well established organization in petroleum industry and here it is mentioned about the strategy and competitive advantages of the BP and the technical tools which could they can use to analysis situations. The porters five forces investigation helps identify the competitive environment BP analysis their market for Quality production. There are so many competitors like Solar, sharp in the market and BP establish with mass production. By doing the SWOT analysis its helping company to identify the internal and external environment of the company. BP is focused on customers and they believe in their productions. They used the oil plus solar power combination and they used product segmentation, improve cost efficiency and some more strategies to increase their profits. They have created value through technology and this is a barrier for their competitors. Company can use strategy clock, Ansoff growth matrix tools to analysis their position in the market. To develop strategic options first it should identify the external context and priorities and clusters. Then it should develop the strategic options. SOP matrix is best tool to identify the strategies of the company.

Charles Dickens Hard Times Essay examples -- Charles Dickens Hard Tim

Charles Dickens' Hard Times The book "Hard Times" was written in 1854. It was written in weekly instalments in a magazine called Household Words. This is like a normal soap but was weekly. The magazine was owned by Charles Dickens as he was a journalist. The book was written at the time of the Industrial Revolution. This was when factories were being built near major towns and cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. The Industrial Revolution was a time when there were big improvements in transport as there was vast expansion in the production of iron. The factories were in the towns so people from the countryside came to the towns for work and a house. They moved because their own mills weren't making enough items of clothing etc whereas the factories could mass produce. However, there weren't enough houses so many were hastily built. This meant they had no fresh water, no sewers and no toilets. This led to a poor quality of living where people got water from communal water pipes and put their waste in a big "pile" which was cleaned by a "waste disposal man". The poor quality of living was added to by the huge smoke clouds which hung over the cities. This "smog" made it hard to breathe and was so bad seeing things became harder. The book starts when Dickens introduces the characters; the first two chapters are short yet are scene-setters. Dickens explains that; Mr Gradgrind - a politician and schools owner, Mr McChoakumchild - a new teacher and Another man - we are not told who the man is or why he is present, are in a classroom full of children. Dickens describes Mr Gradgrind as being a square man and Mr McChoakumchild as a school teacher who was fresh for the factory which "mak... ...r those concerned. This is alike real life where people we meet can be different, alien like or how might we say normal. In "Hard Times" Dickens' does write realistically in a sense. However, in the first two chapters he writes in a more exaggerated way to arouse interest in the book. As this was written in weekly instalments he would have wanted to excite his readers with interesting first chapters so that they continue to buy the magazine. I think that after the first couple of chapter when Dickens' has an interested audience he starts to write in a more realistic fashion. In conclusion, life didn't turn out the way that was expected by many characters in "Hard Times." Those who strived to have perfect children didn't. And those who were looked down on proved to be essential characters in finding that there was more to life than what they were taught.

Save the Arts :: essays research papers

Within the past few years, the government has been taking major strides to improve the education system by increasing the funding for our school systems and programs. They are increasing the school?s funding by taking away the funds from the art, dance, and theatre classes, among other programs. As a student raised in the atmosphere of the arts and a student now majoring in theatre, I feel very strongly that the government is making a major mistake by taking money away from the arts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The arts should be supported because children earn a great deal of self-confidence by being involved in the arts. The children?s self-confidence level is increased through the arts because children are more free to express how they really feel in any and all situations. In the completion of a project, generally there will be some sort of reward, whether applause or recognition for a job well done. The rewards make children feel special, valuable, and important. All of the recognition and support that is received through the arts make it quite easy for a child to gain great self-confidence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The arts also help children to improve their social skills. Being involved in the arts teaches one teamwork. Through these fine art groups and activities one will learn to do their best as an individual, yet come together with others in order to put on the best show possible. Teamwork is a great way to teach a child the social skills which indeed, are needed to carry them through life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Children involved in the arts learn a great sense of responsibility. Children are already responsible for a lot in school, but when they are involved in the arts, not only do they have to make time for homework, but also make time for their lessons and rehearsals that go along with being involved in the arts. These children work hard, and are pushed to be all they can be, and they truly learn what it is like to be responsible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Children in the arts learn three of lives most important skills: self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of responsibility. These skills cannot be taught in a class or out of a book, but one must learn it for themselves by taking part in something that teaches them these skills.

The True Value of Street Art Essay -- When Does Graffiti Become Art?

Mention the word graffiti and what typically comes to mind is something unpleasant and distasteful like indecent language scribbled on a wall of a store or crude pictures. Most graffiti is characterized as vandalism on property that does not belong to the culprit. Graffiti also displays negative graphics that promote some type of vulgar message such as violence, sex, drugs, gangs, and racism. On the other hand, when the terms â€Å"street† and â€Å"art† come together, a blast of colorful creations upon blank slates on the street comes to mind. Although street art is technically considered graffiti, it is a type of graffiti with positive qualities, but certain figures in society find street art to be, in some way, disruptive. If used properly, street art can be appreciated artistically and socially. Despite the negative stigma attached to graffiti, street art has emerged as a progressive valuable art form whose vast history, surge in popularity, and urge for social chan ge warrant its classification as a fine art. Those who argue that street art is nothing more than graffiti that violates personal property do not characterize it as a valuable art form. These critics argue that some places cannot afford to keep the property clean; if it gets really bad, the whole building will have to be painted, and that is expensive (O’Lear). Unwanted artwork will cause economic problems with removing the art from illegally used canvases such as building, billboards, and sidewalks. Critics also uphold that there are numerous outlets that people could use that are more tasteful and less destructive. (O’Lear). Turkey Stremmel, the co-owner of Stremmel Gallery, suggests that there are other ways to create the murals artists plaster on street surfaces. Artis... ...sh." The Nevada Sagebrush [Reno, Nevada] 4 Apr. 2011. The Nevada Sagebrush - The Student Newspaper of the University of Nevada, Reno. University of Nevada, 4 Apr. 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. . "Tracing the Roots of Modern Street-Art and Graffiti." Tracing the Roots of Modern Street-Art and Graffiti | WebUrbanist. WebUrbanist | From Urban Art & 3D Graffiti to Abandoned Cities. Webist Media Publishing, 22 Apr. 2009. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. . Wildman, Luke. "Why Banksy Canvas Art Is So Popular." Entertainment Articles - EzineMark - Free Content Article Directory. EzineMark, 28 Mar. 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. .

Pension Plan Paper

The Post Retirement Benefit of Pension Plans Marcus Womack Intermediate Accounting II (ACC 306) Professor Rick Kwan September 29, 2010 There are several different types of employment compensation. Salaries and wages that people earn while they are working provide immediate compensation for services provided and are a key factor in managing one’s day to day life. However, there are also various types of compensation that one can earn from employment after they have retired from a company. The purpose of these post-retirement benefits is to ensure livelihood for a person when they are no longer able to work.A pension is one such plan. A pension is an arrangement—paid in regular installments–to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. The goal of pension plans is accomplished by setting aside funds during the years that an employee is working and making those funds along with earnings from investing those funds available when retirement occurs. A pension created by an employer for the benefit of an employee is commonly referred to as an occupational or an employer pension and for tax reasons, are usually advantageous to the employer and employee.Favorable tax treatment is an added benefit of pension plans established under specific guidelines. Employers earn special tax deductions while employees are only taxed on the fund contributions after retirement occurs. There are other mutual benefits as well. An employee with a pension plan often feels a sense of retirement security that will cause them to work harder and stay at their job longer. Increased productivity and decreased turnover as a result of sufficient retirement plan offerings enhances a company’s competitive ranking in the labor market.Pension plans may be classified as either defined benefit or defined contribution plans depending on how the benefits are determined. Defined contribution plans are plans in which the employ er agrees to contribute a fixed amount to the employee’s pension fund each year that the employee is employed. Retirement benefits are contingent on how much money the plan accumulated during employment and the return of investment of those funds. Employers offer designated options for employees to choose where their funds are invested such as stocks or fixed income securities. 01(k) plans offered by private sector employees and 403(b) plans offered by public and non-profit employers are two types of defined contribution plans. In a defined benefit plan the contract between employer and employee states that the employer contributes a specific amount to a pension fund and at retirement pays the employee a fixed monthly income for life. The benefit on retirement in this plan is determined by a set formula. This formula is usually either a dollar times service or final average pay calculation, or a combination of both. Sometimes the age of the employee is a factor as well.In thi s arrangement, it is up to the employer to ensure that the funds are available to provide the benefits to employees once they retire. In addition to the burden of being completely financially responsible for funding this type of plan there are other reasons for which defined benefit plans have lost their popularity. Three main reasons are the fact that government regulations make administering the plan costly and cumbersome, employers have become more interested in attracting new talent as opposed to building long-term loyalty and there are several market risks that go along with the company’s obligation to contribute to the plan.Kilgour (2007) discussed many of the issues surrounding pension plan funding and the creation of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Bush administration proposed an overhaul of pension law that served to strengthen pension plan funding and protect the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) by increasing the cost of employer contributions. Th e requirements outlined added significant costs, risk and complexity to defined benefit plan sponsorship and is a contributor to the fact that today more than two-thirds of workers are covered by defined contribution plans.The market risk that exists is associated with the changes in the value of investments with the plans. While both types of plans carry market risks, the risks associated with defined benefit plans lies on the shoulders of the employer while those associated with defined contribution plans are assumed by the employee. During periods of economic growth the cost of maintaining a pension fund decreases due to the rising values of investments. Employers are able to contribute less and still meet future pension obligations.However, when markets go down the employer has to contribute more money to the plan to ensure that they are able to pay retirees their promised funds. Retirees receive the same dollar amount of income regardless of market conditions. With defined cont ribution plans the risks and rewards are reversed. Since the retiree both assumes risks and reaps benefits, periods of economic growth cause the retiree’s wealth and income to increase and negative market changes cause the opposite to occur. Employers have agreed to a fixed amount and are unable to adjust their contributions downwards.In essence, with this type of pension plan the employer does not take on the risk of their obligation changing unexpectedly, the pension funds being inadequate to meet their obligation or any added periodic expense of carrying a pension plan. Once retirement occurs, the company’s financial commitment ends. The pension obligation is defined as attributable to retirees and other employees entitled to benefits and current employees depending on their service to date. In regards to pension accounting, there are three different ways to measure the pension obligation.Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and projected benefit obligation (PBO) ar e two of these methods. The accumulated benefit obligation is the estimate of the total retirement benefits (at their discounted present value) earned by employees so far. It applies the pension formula using existing compensation levels. The ABO assumes that the employee is fired or retires on the date that the calculation is performed and is therefore what the pension fund must pay the employee should the employer and or employee make no further contributions and the employee retires immediately.It is the present value of the future liability of an employee’s pension. In contrast, the projected benefit obligation is the estimate of the total retirement benefits earned by the employee so far and applies the pension formula using estimated future compensation levels. The PBO assumes that the employee will continue to work and make contributions to the pension plan. It also assumes that the contributions to the fund will increase as the employee’s salary increases.While the ABO’s objective estimate of benefits is reliable it does not take into account that between the present time and retirement there will likely be increase in salary so calculating the benefits and taking this increase into consideration may offer a more realistic picture. The projected benefit obligation is an estimate of the present value of the future liability of the pension. When examining a calculation of the PBO, substituting the employees existing compensation in the formula for their projected salary at etirement would result in the accumulated benefit obligation. Pension plan reporting is an often-changing and complex topic of discussion. The funded status of a pension plan is one such aspect. This is the status of the pension plan that has accumulated assets that have been set aside for the payment of retirement benefits. It is defined as the difference between the projected benefits obligation and the fair value of plan assets—employer contributions and accumulated earnings on the investment of those contributions to be used to pay retirement benefits.In Reilly’s (2006) article he discusses the fact that for almost twenty years companies have been required to include the amount owed to employees based on the PBO in the footnotes of financial statements. Even though neither the PBO nor the plan assets are reported on the balance sheet, in 2006 it became a requirement that companies report the difference between these two values on the balance sheets rather than just showing them in the footnotes.Reporting of the funded status sparked debate because moving this information to the balance sheet could force companies to recognize a large liability, which could possibly cut their net worth, hinder dividend payments or jeopardize lending agreements. Reilly argued that this change could prompt more companies to freeze pension plans. Pension obligations change from year to year for several reasons. These reasons include the performa nce of investments, switching methods and assumptions and changes in benefits.To help provide greater transparency of assets and related liabilities of post-retirement benefits The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has established rules for reporting benefit plans in accounting statements. There are several steps companies must take in this reporting in addition to disclosing the funded status of their plans. First, companies must â€Å"recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, any gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost† (Reinstein, 2007).Amounts of comprehensive income are reported on a cumulative basis in the balance sheet. Companies must also measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet. In their financial statements companies must disclose certain informat ion about effects on net periodic benefit costs for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition assets or obligations (Reinstein, 2007).Companies are required to report pension assets for overfunded benefit plans and liabilities for underfunded plans. An actuary, a professional trained in the particular branch of statistics and mathematics to assess the various uncertainties and to estimate a company’s obligation to employees in connection with its pension plan, plays a vital role in post-retirement benefit reporting. Actuaries use skills in mathematics, economics, computer science, finance, probability and statistics to help companies assess the risk of certain events occurring and to help formulate policies that minimize the cost of that risk.In regards to pension benefits, actuaries also address financial questions involving the level of pension contributions required to produce a specific r etirement income and the different ways that companies should invest their resources to maximize the return on investments despite the potential risks. Many events, such as death, are inevitable so the role of the actuary is to help a company minimize the financial impacts of those events when they occur since these events can affect both sides of the balance sheets. Managing these risks requires asset and liability management and valuation skills.In conclusion, pension plans are a very important aspect of post-retirement planning which can be beneficial to both employer and employees. To maintain the integrity of their financial statements, it is important for companies to adhere to proposed guidelines for post-retirement reporting and manage their benefits plans wisely. Likewise, it is important for employees to gain full understanding of their companies post-retirement plans before and during employment so that they are adequately prepared for life after their working years. Refe rences Kilgour, J. G. (2007). The pension plan funding debate and PPA of 2006.Benefits Quarterly, 23(4), p7-20. Lacomba, Juan A. ; Lagos, Francisco. (2009) Defined contribution plan vs. defined benefits plan: reforming the legal retirement age. Journal of Economic Policy Reform, Mar2009, 12(1), p1-11 Reilly, David. (2006) Pension reporting sparks debate. Wall Street Journal, 248(3), pC3. Reinstein, A. (2007). New accounting rules for entities offering post-retirement benefits: some implications for bankers. RMA Journal Spiceland, J. D. , Sepe, J. F. & Tomassini, L. A. (2007). Intermediate accounting (4th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Original Course work †Urban Myths Essay

The scream rang through the trees. Pounding footsteps thudded their way through the wood. Twigs snapped and cracked like brittle bones. She slowed down to a trot, trying to make sense of where she was. Her ears pricked. Listening for following footsteps. Realising she had been holding her breath, she gasped and air flooded her body. Only half an hour before she had been sat perfectly happy with her boyfriend. Her vision glazed over as silent drops fell to the ground, remembering how Josh had got out of the car to investigate a noise they had heard. She sank down to the bottom of the tree, as she recalled how ten minutes later, when he hadn’t returned, she had got out, only to find his pale form hanging from the tree above. Blood stained the top of the car where it had spilt from his neck, draping down over his shoulder like a carpet of scarlet. Whoever done this mustn’t be too far away. They could be watching her, waiting for her†¦ â€Å"The bodies of two teenagers have been found in Thornby Woods early this morning by a local dog walker. The bodies have been described as horrifically mutilated and the result of a brutal murder. At the moment police are investigating leads including the name â€Å"Aidan† spelt in blood on the roof of the car. Hopefully this will bring the monster to justice.† â€Å"I can’t believe something like that could happen here, it’s just so unbelievable†, said Diana. The others nodded in agreement. The four were sat around a table in their local cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. There was Diana, Jack and the twins, Kerry and Kevin. The twins with their unique coppery red hair and blue startling eyes, stood out from Diana and Jack with his plain name, and fairly plain features. â€Å"You know what this sounds like†, said Jack then hesitated, â€Å"the urban legend about the guy in the car with his girlfriend†. The others looked at him. â€Å"But they’re made up stories, they would never come true†, argued Diana. The twins, who had a habit of speaking in unison, started speaking but then fell silent, as the television in the corner of the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ flashed on again and more about the murders was broadcast. Later that night, Kerry was sat in the library. The essay she was trying to write was starting to give her a headache. The ticking clock, mounted on the wall, showed her it was nearly midnight. As she stifled a yawn, she pulled the books shut and gathered up her stuff. Silently, she made her way down the deserted corridors and up the stairs to her room. When she arrived she turned the key slowly in the lock, so as not to wake her roommate, Stacie. She climbed into bed and her eyes shut as her head rested on the pillow. The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows. It was a Monday morning and everyone was trying to stay in bed as long as possible. Suddenly, the silence was broken as a scream rose from Kerry’s room. Kevin and Diana were first there. As they pushed the door open, they saw Stacie’s dead body surrounded by bloodstained sheets. Kerry was whimpering softly, slouched against the bed. Kevin noticed the mirror out of the corner of his eye. Smeared across the glass in blood-red lipstick were the words, â€Å"Bet you’re glad you didn’t turn on the light†. It was signed ‘Aidan’. Kevin rushed over to Kerry, trying to comfort her, glancing over his shoulder at Diana. She stood like a statue, a shocked expression spreading across her face. Jack came rushing into the room. â€Å"What’s happened†¦?†, he broke off. He had seen the body. The four friends sat bewildered, silently hugging each other. Kerry couldn’t concentrate. Everyone had thought it best if she went to her lessons and tried to forget about it, but she couldn’t. Her mind kept going back to that morning when she had opened her eyes. The first thing she had seen was the body. The bloody image flashed before her. Finally, after what had seemed like hours, the end of college bell rang. Kerry slowly made her way over to the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ where she was going to meet Jack and Kevin. When she arrived, no one else was there, so she pulled a magazine out of her bag. As she did so, a plain envelope came with it and dropped to the floor. Curiously, she tore it open and jerked the paper out. â€Å"You’re next†, it spelt out, in carefully cut out letters from a newspaper headline. Kerry crammed the paper back in the envelope, as Jack and Kevin came through the door. â€Å"You feeling any better?† asked Jack, concerned. Kerry nodded her head and had to force a smile. â€Å"You know, this murder also sounds like an urban legend, don’t you think?† Jack continued, ignoring Kevin’s warning look. â€Å"Who do you suppose is behind it?† Drew, the class swot, came over. â€Å"Have you not heard? The police are looking for a man with the name Aidan, round about 20 years old†, he recited, sounding like a news reporter. â€Å"Why?† asked Kerry, turning her head towards Drew. â€Å"The name has been found at both the murder scenes, so it’s likely it was left by the killer† â€Å"But I don’t know anyone called Aidan†, said Kerry puzzled. â€Å"Could be an outside job, it doesn’t have to be anyone on campus. Do you know anyone that would do something that sick?† â€Å"I suppose it makes it more likely to be some lunatic,† half-whispered Kerry, but Drew had already turned away and had started telling the news to the table next to them. â€Å"Hey guys.† Their conversation was interrupted by Diana’s arrival, which was always noticeable. Her slim figure and blonde hair made her popular with the boys. She joined them at the table. â€Å"So has everyone has a nice day?† she said with a smile. The others just looked at her. Kerry looked as though she was about to cry. â€Å"Oh sorry, I forgot about this morning,† she answered cheerfully. Kerry’s chair scraped back as she got up to go. She pulled her bag onto her shoulder and left without saying a word. â€Å"What’s up with her today?† questioned Diana. â€Å"Well maybe she’s upset ‘cos one of her friends was murdered right underneath her nose and she found the body!† exclaimed Jack. Kerry had gone to the library. She couldn’t stand being in her room after what had happened. As she sat, staring at the open book infront of her, but not taking one word in, a voice called out her name. Turning sharply around, thinking it could easily be the killer, she saw, to her relief, it was Jack. â€Å"I just came to see if you were all right.† He muttered his apology for scaring her. â€Å"Yeah. I’m okay†¦ well sort of,† she smiled back. â€Å"I just thought, well Diana wasn’t exactly being sympathetic before and when you walked out, you looked upset to me. I though someone had better come after you.† He paused and looked at her, â€Å"You sure you’re all right?† Kerry looked away and sighed. â€Å"Well not exactly, I got this letter, someone must have planted it in my bag.† She handed over the letter to Jack. His eyes scanned the letter and his expression turned into that of alarm. â€Å"You really should take this to the police,† he said, his eyes piercing her own with serious anxiety. She turned her head so she wouldn’t have to stare into his hazel eyes, so caring, so tender, so†¦ â€Å"What’s the point?† her voice shuddered, â€Å"It doesn’t mean its necessarily from him. It’s probably some dumb kid playing a sick joke to upset me† â€Å"Well, if you’re sure. But come on, don’t you think you should call it a day?† Jack said, standing up and taking Kerry’s bag. â€Å"Where am I going to sleep? I mean, I don’t want to sleep in my room tonight,† she shivered. â€Å"I’m sure you can share Diana’s room. Come on we’ll go up there now.† Kerry followed Jack and together they walked up the three flights of stairs to Diana’s room. Ten minutes later, Kerry sat on the spare bed, while Jack said his good byes. Finally they were left alone. â€Å"Look I’m really sorry about before you know. I really shouldn’t have said that,† apologised Diana, humbly. â€Å"Its okay,† said Kerry smiling at her friend and laying back on the bed. A large sigh rose from her chest. She looked around the room, so much different from her own. The walls were a soft shade of purple with various famous prints dotted around. Cream curtains hung at the windows, drawn back gracefully, allowing the orange, golden sunlight to stream in. Her eyes moved around the room and stopped at the desk placed in the corner. There, lying on a pile of schoolbooks, was a newspaper, maybe a day or two old. Kerry could clearly see off-cuts and torn pages nestled on top. â€Å"Have you been working on a project?† she asked, the sarcasm stung her words. â€Å"What do you mean, project†¦?† Diana’s eyes followed her gaze. Her laugh rang through the room. â€Å"Yeah, it’s a project all right.† Kerry instantly sat up on the bed and turned to face Diana. â€Å"You†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she spat accusingly. Diana let out a jeering laugh. â€Å"I wondered how long it would take you to realise,† she half laughed, half spoke. â€Å"Realise what exactly? That you sent me that letter? How could you be so cruel?† cried Kerry, scrambling off the bed and onto her feet to face Diana. â€Å"Cruel? You don’t even know the meaning of the word, cruel!† â€Å"What†¦What precisely do you mean?† questioned Kerry, her throat tightening. â€Å"When I saw that girl and boy in the car, I though that it was you and Jack†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You mean, you†¦you didn’t, did you?† Kerry stared in disbelief. â€Å"Yeah, I followed them, then killed them, if that’s what you’re trying to say. The stupid thing was, I didn’t realise it wasn’t Jack until he was dead. And of course the girl had to go in case she saw anything,† sneered Diana, boasting about her serial killing. She quickly strode to the door and locked it before Kerry even had a chance to move. Kerry noticed for the first time, that even though Diana was pretty, she was tall, fit and could probably easily manage to hold someone in a struggle. Kerry caught her breath and inhaled deeply. â€Å"But why did you kill them because you thought they were Jack and I? Why did you want to kill us?† Diana hesitated. â€Å"You don’t understand anything? Do you? Well†¦ I suppose we have a few minutes before I have to kill you.† Her hand rose from behind her back. The sharp point of the knife sparkled in the autumn light, sending spears of the reflected spark, dancing on the walls. With the knife poised, ready for action, she continued. â€Å"I thought I could have anyone I wanted. But I didn’t want anyone I wanted Jack.† Her eyes flashed, dangerously. The knife still held, it’s flickering gleam reflected into Kerry’s eyes, dazzling her. Kerry swallowed, her heart beating faster, yearning to escape this torture. â€Å"I wanted Jack badly,† Diana continued, walking in circles around Kerry, as though she the predator and Kerry the prey. â€Å"But, he didn’t want me, did he? Oh no, he wanted you!† she hissed. â€Å"Me?† stammered Kerry, â€Å"I didn’t know.† â€Å"Of course, you, wouldn’t, spat Diana, â€Å"so I thought, well if I can’t have him, no one can. Especially you! So I came up with a nice, simple plan to kill you both. You could rot in hell together for all I cared.† â€Å"So when you killed Stacie, you thought†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I was killing you,† Diana finished. â€Å"Yeah! Stupid mistake really, but I made up for it by making it look like it was to scare you. Funny really how urban legends can come true, isn’t it.† By now Diana was stood face to face with Kerry. â€Å"Anyway, enough talk! Now you get what’s been coming to you.† She laughed and thrust the knife down infront of her, ripping the air apart. Kerry stumbled backwards to the other side of the room. Her sweaty palms clambered at the door handle. â€Å"Looking for this?† taunted Diana holding the key out. Staring blindly around, Kerry picked up a chair and threw it at Diana. It narrowly missed her and smashed into the wall. Diana was moving forward, knowing that Kerry didn’t have anywhere to go. Only the bed stood between Kerry and her attacker. Diana drove the knife into the bed, ripping the duvet and shredding the sheets. In the commotion of feathers from the pillow, Kerry ran to the door and started banging and shouting for help. Surely someone would hear. In the meantime, Diana continued to pursue her. Kerry grabbed at anything; books, furniture, pens went flying. Some managed to hit Diana, obstructing her. Trying not to get injured by the knife, Kerry attempted to take it off Diana. Diana stood up, her eyes blazing like the fires of hell. â€Å"One thing I don’t understand,† said Kerry, trying to buy more time, â€Å"is why the name ‘Aidan’ was found at the murder scenes.† â€Å"Ever though of rearranging my name?† panted Diana, â€Å"Diana spells ‘Aidan’. No one was clever enough to guess that. It even managed to put the police off. Now stop this idle chit-chat and let me kill you, nice and slowly,† her voice cackled as she flew at Kerry, the knife close to her throat. Kerry tried to push her arm away. She couldn’t keep her off for much longer. She battled with Diana and they both lost their balance. Tumbling over Diana had the better position, holding the knife inches away from Kerry’s neck. â€Å"Goodbye Kerry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The door to the room flew open. The surprise stopped Diana as she looked up. Jack and Kevin stood gaping in horror at the scene. Rapidly, they ran over and pulled Diana off Kerry. The knife dropped to the floor with a clang. Five policemen were standing in the entrance and with Kevin’s help, carried the screaming Diana away. Jack was left helping a very shaky Kerry to her feet. â€Å"I heard screaming,† he mumbled, â€Å"I rushed to help with Kevin.† Kerry didn’t say a word. Tears swept from her eyes, as she realised the terror was over, and she was still alive. A far away shriek disturbed the comforting silence surrounding Kerry and Jack. The wail of sirens echoed into the distance. â€Å"It’s all over now, I promise you,† Jack, holding Kerry, â€Å"I promise†

Classism, Racism, and Other Prejudices Essay

The media can cause a lot of controversies among individuals we consider different. Because of the media’s popularity, people tend to absorb products of the media whether it is stereotypes, conspiracy theories, urban legends, etc. Stereotypes are tools the media uses to communicate to the public of a person’s â€Å"ideal† picture. â€Å"Stereotypes make cognitive processing about our complex social worlds easier and more efficient† (Connie Wolfe, â€Å"Stereotypes and Prejudice†). In the case of the prejudices, the media gives an image to the audience of someone’s behavior, physical features, intelligence, and other characteristics based on their background so the public can generalize and place individuals into categories. Angeline F. Price, who wrote â€Å"Working Class Whites†, quotes, â€Å"The hatred and condescension of the poor seems to be the last available method of prejudice in our society† (para. 14). In other words, she implies the real reason for stereotyping is the bitterness of human kind for the joy of having negative attitudes towards any minority just as long as it is not seen as too prejudiced by the public eye. Another sin of human kind is the comparison of one’s own lifestyle to those who have a different way of life in order to satisfy their need of superiority. Whenever we stereotype, we are unconsciously hiding a guilty sin: pride. The desire for superiority may cause intolerance, and perhaps hate crimes for a certain or several groups. Because of economic and cultural improvements, traditional stereotyping is not as popular and realistic as it was back then. For example, due to better education in public schools, low-income families have been closing the gap between high and low-income that the generations before them could not fulfill. As more people who are ethnically or financially different are seen as possessing opposite characteristics as the media’s depiction, the more we start to doubt what we seen on television or film is applicable to real-world circumstances. In addition, we have educated our youth on hate crimes like racism and sexism can land them in penalties in an effort to raise future awareness. At a young age, we were also taught to tolerate and include others no matter their diversity. Ueberroth quotes, â€Å"The challenge we have is to manage change without losing tradition† (quoted in para. 45). Although spreading awareness will lead to better opportunities and respect for minorities, it can also make traditional values harder to preserve. For instance, the modern average woman is the working business mother opposed to the ideal traditional housewife back then as women started to be more independent. Even though human ecological modernization is important, some third-world countries cannot remove themselves from their traditional values, fearing future economic problems as well as religious issues. For example, a country with a below average employment rate could not hire have currently married women hired unless if in acceptable circumstances (i. e. too many children for the husband to financially provide for) because working women increase workplace population, which makes it difficult for jobless men and women.

Adults Resistance to Change in the Workforce

Change has become an integral part of all organizations for bringing about innovation and creativity in their work procedures. Bringing about change is a complex process since change in one area affects the other area in the organization directly or indirectly.Change is extremely important if companies and businesses want to survive in the long-run. This is due to the changing needs of the organizations as well as the customers and due to changing internal and external environment. Today, there is an increasing trend towards the development of a learning organization where managers and employees are committed to bring about continuous improvement in the processes and capabilities.Such type of an organization can only be formed when everyone working in the company develops a positive attitude towards adapting change. Change might result in efforts to deal with existing problems or with the opportunities available in the external environment. Though change is important and should be in itiated in an organization but this does not mean that it can be easily implemented (Hultman, 1998).Planning ChangeInitiation and implementation of change requires proper planning and this planned process should be used to carry out change. If proper planning is not done then the change can fail and the employees’ fear and uncertainty related to it might come true.If the change fails initially in the organization then it would be highly difficult for the employees to support change in the organization. Firstly, the organization must see a need for change and the forces triggering change may be from the internal as well as external environment.Internal factors may be related to the company goals and objectives or problems facing the organization whereas the external factors are largely related to the environment such as changing customer tastes or the changing strategies of the competitors (Harvard Business School Press, 2005).These factors make the organization realize the ne ed for change and then this must be studied properly. The organization should critically evaluate its strengths and weaknesses as well as threats and opportunities so that the right change could be initiated at the right time. After evaluating the need for change, the management should initiate change and this can be done through different ways.Initiating change requires the recruitment of new and creative employees and this is where the problem starts arising since the adult employees began to resist their recruitment. The management should search for proper solutions which can used to meet the perceived need for change. Search involves observing and analyzing different organizations and making use of knowledge to meet the need.Creative employees are hired to find the correct solution in order to establish a creative and learning organization. Creative individuals are important since they are open-minded, original and focused in their approach. They are persistent and committed and use teams to work for initiating change.These creative individuals generate innovative ideas and these individuals are called idea champions. They form new-venture teams for developing and initiating innovative changes in the organization. It is these idea champions and new-venture teams to which the adult employees offer resistance since they perceive them as a threat to their position.They think that their employment by the organization underestimates their capabilities and qualifications. Sometimes the employees’ resistance is so high that it is impossible to implement the change. For implementing change, this resistance must be overcome or else the process will not proceed further (Hultman, 1998).There are huge obstacles and problems to be dealt with when implementing change successfully in an organization. This is because employees offer resistance to change and this resistance can be attributed to several reasons: ·One of the reasons that employee resist change is th at by implementing the new strategy or innovative idea, it will take away something valuable from the employees.It might be the loss of power, position or any other pay benefit. An employee’s self-interest is the most important to him and this loss can become the biggest obstacle in the way of implementing change (Hultman, 1998). ·Another reason is that employees are unable to understand the purpose behind the change and therefore, they cannot trust the organizational move. If the employees have a negative attitude towards the change initiator then they will offer their full resistance to implementing his idea.They cannot trust his idea for change and might think that its implementation will bring something negative to them. Therefore, lack of understanding and mutual trust becomes another factor for resisting change in organizations (Harvard Business School Press, 2005). ·Employees are also afraid of implementing change due to the uncertainty factor associated with the c hange. They get worried about the consequences of change and thus, do not offer their support towards it. They might also be worried as the new technology or new procedure requires more talent and creativity which they might not be able to provide (Markham, 1999). ·Lastly, the goals of the employees may be different from the goals of the organization. They might not be able to assess the change from the organization point of view and therefore, they disagree over the benefits resulting from the change (Jellison, 1993).These are the main reasons why employees offer resistance to change in an organization. Once an organization has the need for change then it looks for possible solutions through which the need can be overcome. Change requires innovation and creativity in an organization without which an organization cannot progress and will stagger behind.For initiating innovative and creative ideas, the organization starts hiring creative individuals in different departments. There are idea champions and new-venture teams formed with creative individuals who see the need for change and initiate it productively. Now here is where the main problem rises and this will center our research paper.By hiring creative individuals to form new-venture teams for developing innovation the organization attempts to change the workforce of the organization.Before offering resistance to change itself, the employees especially the aging ones offer their first resistance to change in the workforce. The research paper will focus the discussion on this issue of adult’s resistance to change in the workforce (Goldstein, 2001).Change in the workforceThe way a business is done is determined by its workforce. And changing workforce changes the way of doing business or in other words, bringing a change in the way of doing business requires a change in the workforce. Companies are recruiting and hiring young employees due to their creative and dynamic personalities.They are able t o see things differently and want transition in things that are still being done in traditional way (Pihulyk , 2003). Their ideas and solutions are different from what their parents had to offer and thus, they want the traditional approaches and strategies to change in an organization.They show their dissatisfaction in different areas of the organization and want them to change for the good. They are practical in their approach in that they can see the organization strengths and weaknesses and are aware of the threats and opportunities in the organization external environment and thus, develop a desire to change accordingly.But there is also a darker side to this brighter situation and this darker side is due to the existing employees and workers of an organization. Organizations have usually experienced and committed workers who are working their since years and thus are quite adult. These employees work in their own traditional and routine way and do not want any change in their s tyle of working.When an organization feels a need to hire young employees, the adults feel a threat to their power, position and prestige since they are not capable enough to work like the young ones. They feel threatened by the young employees who have more creative and novel solutions to organizational problems and work for bringing about change. At this stage the adults offer resistance to the recruitment of young employees in the workforce because it will not only threaten their position but also bring about a change in their style of working (Hultman, 1998).Aged employees consider themselves experienced enough and are not ready to tolerate younger employees imposing themselves and their ideas for change. They want a stable work environment and get negative feelings if some one tries to challenge their style of working.This is mainly the most important reason why adults and aged people offer so much resistance to recruiting ever energetic and efficient young employees in the org anization’s workforce.It has been always said that new and young employees are important for the success of an organization because they are able to see things from a different perspective which requires change, innovation and creativity. They want the organization to become a learning organization progressing on the path of continuous improvement and innovative problem solving.An organization becomes successful by the way a business is done it which in turn is determined by the employees working there so for making an organization successful talented young employees should be hired and trained for working with the organization (Harvard Business School Press, 2005).Today, the business expectations are rising and customers are becoming ever-demanding. The competition is becoming fiercer with everyone striving to attain the competitive edge.The organization that develops a positive attitude towards welcoming change will be able to continuously improve itself at the times of pro blems and opportunities and thus, this requires the contribution of the talented young working people who have just graduated and are fresh with the knowledge of business management.They have a tendency to work in teams because they realize the fact that a team can accomplish more what individuals can achieve. On the other hand, the adults do not appreciate collective working and work individually instead. The young workers are more popularly known as Generation Y whereas the adults are being referred to as Generation X.It has been estimated that 70% of 21-year old Generation Y people are in the US workforce today which shows an increasing trend towards young employees (Jellison, 1993).Moreover, the new generation adapts to technology changes easily and want to work with new and modern procedures but the older generation sees technology with a negative eye and does not adapts to it readily. This is not to say that adults and aged people are unimportant in an organization, in fact th ey are the most important assets of an organization.These assets can not be replaced because their age has given them an experience to deal with problems which is hard to find. Young people find most creative and novel solution to a problem whereas the experienced employees find accurate solutions through their experience. This means that both generations should be made to work together if the organization wants to rise higher than any other organization in the industry or outside the industry.There is an increasing amount of Generational Conflict in the organizations and it is predicted that by 2010 it is going to increase considerably (Hultman, 1998). By Generational Conflict, we mean the conflict between two or more generations and here we are referring to the two generations of X and Y (Pihulyk , 2003).This is due to the age diversification in the workforce as young and talented employees are being increasingly hired by the businesses. The new generation will cause the erosion o f old work ethics and they will require a more flexible workplace.Moreover, women representation will increase hundred percent in the upcoming years. There exists a multi-generational and multi-cultural workforce and this will continue to grow in the future years. Since this is going to increase therefore, management must properly plan for accommodating this change in their business as the demographic change can have positive as well as negative implications.The policies and procedures must be adapted for accommodating this change so that there should be new values for the new generation (Rosenburg, 2005).