Contingency leadership theories and contemporary leadership Essay

Contingency leadership theories and contemporary leadership - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the general definition of contingency theories is that it is a class of behavioral theory. More so, contingency theory is a process of trying to identify and measure the conditions under which things or circumstances are likely to occur. These behavioral theories claim that there is no perfect way of organizing a corporation and the organizational structure of the company. An organizational or leadership style that is effective in some situations may differ from other organizations. This is so because organizations are different in structure and size. Therefore, the best way of having an organized organization is contingently depending on the external and internal situation of the company. This is the case because; external environments have numerous impacts on an organization in numerous ways. Critical external factors include the size of the organization, availability, labor markets, cost of capital, competitors, strategies, governme ntal laws and policies, managerial assumptions about employees, technologies used, and other diverse situations. Traditional leadership theories elaborated on leadership as nature borne of individual and established on the impossibility to create such attributes on a grown individual as illuminated by the great man theory, whilst a contrasting theory of the behavioral implicates on the possibility of an individual to be a leader as shown through traits.... Commonly, the contingency, transformational, and transactional approaches derive the best results whenever forecasting on the capabilities of an individual (CDR Associates, 2007:7). However, changes in leadership are continuously emerging because of the dynamics in the environment and acquisition of skill. Authenticity, building of trust and relationships are the modern approaches to effective organizational leadership. The cognitive perspective approach assigns that follower’s posses shared beliefs about a leader’s behaviors and beliefs about their leaders’ behaviors and traits (Gilbert, 2003:443). This influences how the followers encode information about their leaders by targeting the quality of ideas, quantity of speech and leaders ability to open up for friendliness. This means that the leader’s behavior influences his follower’s behaviors who perceive the reflection that leadership offers. Therefore, a leader should have the capability of buil ding up healthy and ethical relationships that would interconnect the personnel to a single group targeting to deliver performances to enhance organizational performances (Gill, 2010:50). The leader should remain emphatic to employees and avoid biases that would divide the employees. In order to ensure that the company performs obligations to the fullest, the leader should bear motivational characteristics and avoid any act that would seem to induce pressure on the personnel (Collins & O'Rourke, 2009:16). Though scholars had their own perspective of leadership, the bottom line of each of them was that every organization despite the size should have an efficient and outstanding leader. This is the case because efficient managerial leadership influences

Food industry Essay Example for Free

Food industry Essay Food is the most important element of human survival. Food contains essential nutrients the human body requires to intake. From vitamins to calories, just a few of the nutrients that make a body function. Without food there is no survival; however, the way food is processed in America today, Americans might as well be dead. Furthermore, unhealthy products flood America’s food supply. A vast majority of these products are highly processed foods. Highly processes foods are extremely dangerous to one’s health (Squires). Process foods cause severe harm to the human body and furthermore lead to illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. (Squires). The way Food is manufactured in America today causes numerous of illness and sometimes death. Therefore, the United States Food and Drug Administration must rigorously regulate the food industry to efficiently maintain the safety of food. There are three vital motives why the Food and Drug Administration must regulate the process of food. First, without stricter regulation, the quality of the livestock industry will steeply decline.Second, if not regulated, the high usage of high fructose corn syrup will continue to increase. Lastly, if the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the process of food, the creation of genetically modified food will continue to occur. In all, the Food and Drug Administration must strictly regulate the livestock industry to preserve health of America. The United States Food and Drug Administration must rig orously regulate animal factories to effectively maintain the safety of meat. The Food and Drug Administration cannot allow animal factories to deliberately contaminant the food supply. By allowing existing methods to continue, it puts all consumers at great risk. Currently, animal factories utilize disgusting methods to minimize cost and maximize profit (They Eat What). These horrific methods consist of purposely distorting the nature of animal feed (They Eat What). The Union of Concerned Scientists published an article â€Å"They Eat What? † where they expose the animal factories of their horrific acts. The Union of Concerned Scientists state, â€Å"Many of the ingredients used in feed these days are not the kind of food the animals are designed by nature to eat†(They Eat What). This establishes that factories do what ever they desire; disregarding the fatal effects it can impose on animals let alone on human heath. Animals by nature are not supposed to consume the remains of the same species; however, factories continue to do so, as it maximizes profit by utilizing all parts on an animal (They Eat What). Diseased animals, same species meat, skin, blood, manure, and unhealthy portions of grain are all items consisting in animal feed (They Eat What). Furthering the argument, the Union of Concerned Scientists added. â€Å"Animal feed legally can contain rendered road kill, dead horses, and euthanized cats and dogs† (They Eat What). This low standard production of animal feed is simply repulsive. If the Food and Drug Administration do not enforce stricter regulations on the animal factories, only fatal side effects will follow. Serious human health concerns will steeply arise if this unacceptable method to nurture livestock continues. The outburst of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy also known as mad cow disease is a great example. Mad cow disease is a transmissible form of brain damage that occurs when rendered cattle are fed back to cattle. (They Eat What). This disease is extremely dangerous as it can be spread to humans. Humans can obtain a form of mad cow disease by consuming meat products that carry the disease (They Eat What). The Food and Drug Administration have taken steps in banning any methods that lead to mad cow disease. However, their lack of effectiveness has created of loophole in the system and animal factories are taking full advantage. The Union of Concerned Scientists presented evidence exposing the loophole in the Food and Drug Administration regulations. The Union of Concerned Scientists assert, â€Å"Under current law, pigs, chickens, and turkeys that have been fed rendered cattle can be rendered and fed back to cattle—a loophole that may allow mad cow agents to infect healthy cattle† (They Eat What). This is unacceptable. The Food and Drug Administration inherent purpose is to regulate any methods that cause harm to human beings, yet the fail to do so. It is unjust for the Food and Drug Administration to purposely allow the livestock industry to taint the production of meat. Therefore, if the Food and Drug Administration do not enforce stricter regulations the safety of livestock will only decline at extreme rates. However, there are other motives why the Food and Drug Administration must regulate the process of food. The United States Food and Drug Administration must rigorously regulate the amount of high fructose corn syrup used in food products, as it unsafe to consume. High fructose corn syrup is a cheaper form of sweetener derived from corn (Stossel). High fructose corn syrup is the ubiquitous sweetener in American products, as it is extremely inexpensive to produce (Stossel). Furthermore, the excessive usage of high fructose corn syrup has become the greatest contributor to the epidemic of cardiovascular disease (Flavin). Cardiovascular disease is the primary reason for premature death in America (Flavin). Cardiovascular diseases consist of obesity, diabetes, heart and kidney disease (Flavin). In modern America, the consumption of high fructose corn syrup has drastically increased. Sally Squires, a writer for the Washington Post wrote an article â€Å"Stealth Calories† where she exposed the high usage of high fructose corn syrup. Squires reveals, â€Å"Since the introduction of high-fructose corn syrup in 1966, U. S. consumption has reached about 60 pounds per person per year. †(Squires). This is ridiculous. Consuming such immense masses of high fructose corn syrup severely contributes to fatal diseases. No matter what processed food item an individual decides to eat, the common ingredient is high fructose corn syrup (Squires). High fructose corn syrup has flooded the food industry and continues to grow. The United States Food and Drug Administration must step in and regulate the amount of high fructose corn syrup a company applies to its products. If regulations are not enforced, the doses of high fructose corn syrup will continue to increase. Barry M. Popkin, a nutrition professor for The University of North Carolina, has published an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that widely display the dangers of sugar-sweetened drinks. Popkin states, â€Å"The increase in consumption of HFCS has a temporal relation to the epidemic of obesity, and the overconsumption of HFCS in calorically sweetened beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity(Qtd. in Hyman). Thus, it can be established that consuming large amounts of high fructose corn syrup does indeed lead to obesity. High fructose corn syrup is absorbed quicker than regular sugar. As a result, high fructose corn syrup prevents the body from signalizing that it is full and thus leads to (Hyman). Therefore, by exceeding the standard caloric intake, symptoms of obesity quickly arise. Hence, it is evident that The United States Food and Drug Administration must strictly control the amount of high fructose corn syrup a company applies to its products. However, there are other important reasons why the Food and Drug Administration must regulate the food industry. The United States Food and Drug Administration must rigorously regulate genetically modified foods because they are unsafe. Genetically modified foods are engineered foods that have been deeply depraved as a result of genetic alteration (Heit). Furthermore, genetic alterations consist of extracting genes from other plants or animals and inserting them in the chosen product to produce desired traits (Heit). However, this method has severely tainted the healthiness of food. A vast number of studies have linked genetically modified foods in an extensive variety of health problems, ranging from organ damage to immune dysfunction (Gutierrez). Not only are genetically modified foods harmful to animals, they can also be harmful to humans. David Gutierrez a staff writer for the Natural News wrote an article â€Å"Doctors Warn About Dangers of Genetically Modified Food† where he exposed the fatal flaws of genetically modified foods. Gutierrez states, â€Å"Animals consuming crops that have been genetically modified to produce the pesticide Bt (approved for human consumption in the United States) have died by the thousands, while animals grazing on a non-GM version of the same crops remained unharmed†(Gutierrez). This evidence is overwhelming. If genetically modified foods are fatal to animals, one can affirm that this harm will carry over to human beings. Animals are dying at exponential rates as a result of consuming genetically modified foods; yet the United States continues to allow these methods of production to occur. By allowing the production of genetically modified foods, the fatality rates of animals and humans will continue to escalate. Hence, it can be established that consuming these genetically modified products drastically increases the probability of developing a fatal disease. Therefore, the United States cannot allow these food production methods to continue. In addition, scientific experiments have shown numerous rats suffer as a result of consuming genetically modified foods (Gutierrez). Through extensive observations, it has been revealed that female rats that have been fed genetically modified foods experience a drastically higher infant death rate (Gutierrez). Likewise, male rats suffer as there testicles change from a pink to a blue color (Gutierrez). As long as the food supply is produced by means of genetic modification, food will continue to mutate genes in a destructive ways. Therefore, it is evident that genetically modified foods will severely harm humans. Similarly, additional analyses have indicated that genetically modified foods contain significantly higher concentrations of allergens and toxins (Gutierrez). As a result of genetic mixing, the allergens and toxins of one item are transferred to the other (Smith). Hence, by consuming genetically modified foods, unknown allergic reactions can occur (Smith). In recent research, scientists have found high dosage of peanut protein in soybeans (Smith). Consequently, an individual who is allergic to peanuts can have an allergic reaction by consuming soybeans (Smith). This is absurd. Consumers are blindly digesting products that may be deadly to their health. It is unjust for consumers to endure an allergic reaction as a result of genetic mutation. Therefore, the United States Food and Drug Administration must regulate genetically modified products to preserve the health of consumers. In all, the safety of all food in America is in a crucial situation. The United States Food and Drug Administration must rigorously regulate factories, scientists and other food manufactories to preserve the health of American consumers. If not regulated, the safety of livestock and crops will only steeply decline and thus affecting the health of human beings. The diseases of mad cow disease, fatal allergies caused by genetically modified crops, and high usage of high fructose corn syrup are the greatest concerns for the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore it is evident that the United States Food and Drug Administration must rigorously regulate the food industry to efficiently maintain the safety of food. Works Cited Dana Flavin. â€Å"Metabolic Danger of High-Fructose Corn Syrup. † Life Extension Magazine. Life Extension. Dec 2008. Web. 1 June 2013. David Gutierrez. â€Å"Doctors Warn About Dangers Of Genetically Modified Food. † Natural News. Truth Publishing International. 25 Feb 2010. Web. 28 May 2013. Jeffery Heit. â€Å"Genetically Engineered Foods. † Medline Plus. [N. p. ]: 7 May 2012. Web. 28 May 2013. Jeremy Smith. â€Å"Genetically Engineered Foods May Cause Rising Food Allergies. † Institute for Responsible Technology. [N. p. ]: May 2007. 30 May 2013. Mark Hyman. â€Å"The Not-So-Sweet Trust About High Fructose Corn Syrup. † Huffington Healthy Living. The Huffington post. 16 May 2011. Web. 29 June 2013. Richard Stossel. â€Å"The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup. † Natural News. Truth Publishing International. 11 Oct 2008. Web. 28 May 2013. Sally Squires. â€Å"Stealth Calories. † The Washington Post. The Washington Post Company. 6 Feb 2007. Web. 1 June 2013. â€Å"They Eat What. † Union of Concered Scientists. SIRS Issues Researcher. 8 Aug 2006. Web. 27 May 2013. â€Å"65 Health Risks of GM Foods. † Institute for Responsible Technology. [N. p. ]: N. d. Web. 1 June 2013.

Ubuntu And Its Influence On Leadership Commerce Essay

Ubuntu And Its Influence On Leadership Commerce Essay This research will focuses on how Ubuntu can influence and be applied to leadership strategy management and implementation in the hospitality industry of South Africa. It is therefore important in this research to understand the differences between leadership and management in order to have a clear understanding on the influence of Ubuntu in the Hospitality industry of South Africa. Adair (2006) explains that leadership is of the spirit compounded of personality and vision and he illustrates that management as a trend of the mind more of an accurate methods, calculation and routine. This is to say that leadership is the understanding and sharing of a common purpose without which there can be no effective leadership. Adair believes that management is to manage change and leadership is to manage growth. In this research paper it will be established if the Ubuntu style of leadership and management can bring about any strategy in management and nurturing of growth within an organisation in the hospitality industry. 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The main purpose of this research study is to realise the influence and determine the impact of Ubuntu in leadership in strategy management and implementation. Because the style of Ubuntu leadership and management involves the leading of an organisation by departing from the hierarchically structured management relations and rather introduces a cooperative and supportive form of leadership in which collective solidarity of the group is employed and respected (Prinsloo 1998). 1.2 CONTEXT OF THE STUDY The principle of knowledge within the fields of management, strategy and leadership theories and practice has been developed and adopted mainly from the Western capitalist principles, with leading thinkers in the field being mainly of European or American dissent. These thoughts have then been exported beyond American or Western boundaries as trade has moved from being multinational, through international to global, and practices such as international outsourcing have become more widespread. While some areas of Asia, mostly India, may be both responsive and adaptive to some of these Western practices, other areas of Asia and Africa as a whole are not so. This paper offers contextual understanding of how the Concept of Ubuntu or Ubuntu leadership can be able to influence on strategy management and implementation in an organization with a case study of the Hospitality industry. The Western world has mostly underpinned and still continues on supplying leadership, implementation and strategic management ideas; this is through the political systems, and economic infrastructures to Africa, since the time of the colonial times to present. Though seemingly with good intentions, these Western theories that are continuously being used in organizations (business) in Africa have not achieved their desired outcomes because many Africans find it difficult to relate to them, having to sacrifice their authenticity in order to fully embrace such Western ideals. Thus the need to find out if Ubuntu kind of leadership and management can serve the purpose of indigenous Africa to fully embrace it. This now places an interest for the need to understand the Ubuntu context as well as the indigenous thought system and, in particular, the perspective of the Ubuntu worker. 1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT The hierarchical organizational structure in every business structure will always reflect the organized coordination which ensures that the goals and objectives of the said entity are is achieved. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the Ubuntu leadership style used in the Hospitality industry. It is very cardinal to find out if Ubuntu style has a great influence in good leadership, strategy management and implementation. It is also of great importance to discover if this kind of leadership style can achieve both the institutional and the individuals objectives and goals. The other important reason for this investigation is to find out whether or not the leaders and managers in these institutions are motivated to improve their work-place. All these issues will be investigated through answering the following questions: 1.3.1 MAIN PROBLEM The objective of this research paper is to determine the degree to which Ubuntu leadership style can influence the strategy management and implementation in a hospitality industry of South Africa. How does the Ubuntu leadership style impact on the outcome of the strategy management and implementation process in a Hospitality organization? 1.3.2 SUB-PROBLEMS Below are the sub-problems which have been identified to be ideal with the main problem and gain insight into the role that Ubuntu leadership plays in the strategy management and implementation process. Does the research literature reveal the existence of any significant of Ubuntu leadership style to be more beneficial and influential in terms of strategy management and implementation in South African Companies? Does the research literature reveal the existence of a significant relationship between Ubuntu style and strategy management in South African industries? 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The aim is to discover how Ubuntu leadership can influence strategy management and implementation in an organisation. Thompson, Strickland and Gamble (2005: 32 34) states that crafting a strategy, no matter how complex a task is substantially easier than successfully implementing one. Strategy formulation is primarily an intellectual and creative act involving analysis and synthesis. Implementation is a hands-on, operations and action orientated activity that calls for leadership and managerial skills. Therefore Ubuntu leadership style often entails a change in corporate direction and therefore frequently requires a focus on effecting strategic change. Implementation is historically a top-management responsibility closing strategic capability gaps and making sure a company maintains strategic focus. Strategy formulation and implementation are linked through learning (de Kluyver and Pearce, 2003: 125-126). Grant (2002: 526) mentions, New organizational structures and strategic priorities point to new models of leadershipà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. So the question is can Ubuntu style stand to the task to play the role of top management by communicating effectively and formation of new strategies? It is said that good leadership in todays organizations calls for actively involving everyone in the organization, leaders are still ultimately responsible for establishing direction through vision and strategy (Daft. 2005: 535). Thus the concept of Ubuntu can surely apply. The results of this research will be analysed to place emphasis on the combination of leadership styles required by a transformational and transactional leader during the strategic planning process. 1.5 DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The research might face the difficulty of determining when the categories are saturated or when the theory is sufficiently detailed (Creswell, 1998: 58). The grounded theory has been critical for its failure to acknowledge implicit theories which guide work at an early stage. The limitation of this theory will be taken into consideration throughout the research and data analysis because there has never been any method in social science without being criticised. Every possible out come will be taken to ensure the rigid conformity to the principles. 1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS 1.6.1 UBUNTU The doctrine of Ubuntu has been used in almost all the parts of Africa. This culture has been of Doctrine has been most used and applied in South Africa. Most Academic commentators have pointed out the philosophical notion classification known as Ubuntu, which symbolises the beliefs, values, and behaviours of a large majority of the South African population. Ubuntu is defined by Mangaliso (2001) as humanenessa pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, respect and responsivenessthat individuals and groups display for one another. Ubuntu is the foundation for the basic values that manifest themselves in the ways African people think and behave towards each other and everyone else they encounter (Mangaliso, 2001:24). Ubuntu has been viewed to be one of the most critical values in the African culture as a whole, and it is believed that this practice on the basis of management can be harmonious with the peoples of Africa. But the question still needs to answered is can Ubuntu can it compete and be of any advantage universally (Mbigi, 2005; Mangaliso, 2001). 1.6.2 LEADERSHIP Leadership has been well defined by Gray (2004) that it is managing the performance of others in any organised set up (Gray, 2004: 76). Conceivably the commonest constituent of definitions found in the literature concerns exercising influence in one way or another. This is quite clear since it implies that the exercisers of power should be able to have some ideas of their own about what they want to achieve, or what they want other individuals to do. In other words, they have vision, and are proactive in trying to turn that vision into reality by involving other people. 1.6.3 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Strategic leadership is defined by Daft (2008) as follows; The ability to anticipate and envision the future, maintain flexibility, think strategically and initiate changes that will create a competitive advantage for the organization in the future (Daft, 2008: 511). The other definition of strategic Leadership is of Dubrin (2004) which provides a clearer picture of the concept of strategic leadership. This definition of Dubrin helps to understand the necessity and effectiveness of carrying out strategic management. He defines it as a Strategic management refers to the process of ensuring a competitive fit between the organization and its environment (Dubrin, 2004: 401). 1.6.4 MANAGEMENT Managing culture is another element of leadership. It is the entrepreneurial leaders role to shape the organizational culture by setting example, the norms, standards and defining the values of the organization. Rossouw, Le Roux and Groenewald (2003: 167) state that managers often find it difficult to think that there could be a relationship between an organizations culture and its strategy. 1.7 ASSUMPTIONS It is assumed that for this study, the respondents of the questionnaires will answer all questions as openly and honesty as possible. The respondents will answer the questionnaires on their own and that, the questionnaires will not be completed in groups or influenced by other people or respondents. The respondents will answer the questionnaire in one sitting. All employees are ready and willing to be a part of the project work. All respondents will have technical and operational experience in their area of work. The results from this study which is focused on a particular sector (Hospitality industry) can be used in other organisation with the same Style of Ubuntu leadership in strategy management and implementation. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION The evolution and progression of indigenous management theories and practices in Africa has been seriously affected and hindered by colonialism. The imposing of colonial administration was introduced by the western countries, and their management theories and practices are considered as the engine and the universal remedy for the continents socio-politico-economic development. The Western education, scholarship and prose generally diminished and denounced the astonishing management competency and practices of early African civilizations; this is evidenced, for example, in the building of the great Egyptian pyramids. It is assumed that these so called foreign management systems generally failed to achieve the desired results as they discountenanced African cultural inertia and social milieu. The paper addresses the development and effective if Ubuntu leadership style in Strategy management and implementation. Ubuntu leadership is an African management philosophy, which is rooted in th e African cultures, value system and beliefs, to provide the practical way for the efficient and effective running of organizations in Africa, with the aim of having a global competitiveness. The Ubuntu leadership style or the new management techniques known by different scholars, puts much of its emphasis on humanness, communalism and African patriotism, and it provides the veritable starting point for the development of indigenous African management philosophy. 2.2 DEFINITION OF UBUNTU A number of African researchers today have embarked on the advocacy for the indigenous African management philosophy that would serve the need of the African continent. In South Africa today, there is an emergency of a philosophical thought system derived from African culture, beliefs, and values and behaviours known as Ubuntu, (Ubuntu is a Bantu word meaning, broadly, sharing and community). Mangaliso (2001) defines Ubuntu as humaneness a pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, respect and responsiveness that individuals and groups display for one another. Ubuntu is the foundation for the basic values that manifest themselves in the ways African people think and behave towards each other and everyone else they encounter( Mangaliso, 2001: 24). According to Poovan, du Toit and Engelbrecht (2006) Ubuntu philosophy permits administrators, leaders and managers to tap into the familiar African values to build and reinforce their work environment effectively by : Teaming up and organizing resources for survival this maintains productivity and effectiveness which deeply depends on shared values and individual contribution: it encourages focus on communal (and differences) with reliance to minimize threat to survival through conflict; creating of unified situations the spirit of solidarity, that is, mutual regard among members and individual adhesion to the group; create situations defined by group behaviours sit together, focus, on each other, co-ordinate behaviour; it enhances social oneness and participation sets up informal opportunities based on traditional pal abre central village location for gatherings, activities, mediation, decisions, events and rituals. Thus Ubuntu is considered to be an important value of African culture that can form the foundation of African management (Ubuntu leadership) philosophy that is in tune with the peoples of Africa. Though the proponent of Ubuntu leadership have argued that the concept was created as a system of management practice, for competitive advantage and to command a universal appeal beyond the shores of the continent (Mbigi, 2005; Mangaliso, 2001). Mangaliso (2001) suggests that: Incorporating Ubuntu principles in management hold the promise of superior approaches to managing organizations. Organizations infused with humanness, a pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, respect and responsiveness will enjoy more sustainable competitive advantage (Mangaliso 2001: 32). Therefore, Ubuntu leadership system emphasizes on teamwork, attention to relationships, mutual respect and empathy between leader and followers, and participative decision-making. These are very fundamental principles of management, which hold promise for improving organization activities and functioning in South Africa and Africa at large. 2.3 INFLUNCES OF UBUNTU LEADERSHIP IN MANAGEMENT 2.3.1 UBUNTU LEADERSHIP The distinctive feature about Ubuntu governance is an indigenous democracy with very deep African cultures that had emerged from African traditional institutions and practices. The hallmark of African traditional governance is the focus on collective stewardship (collectivism), freedom of expression, grass-roots participation, consultation, discussion and consensus to accommodate minority needs and views (holism). The emphasis was not just on majority views but also on compromise and accommodation. The focus was on the need to reach an acceptable consensus through discussions to accommodate minority groups and views in order to avoid majority group dictatorship. This was essential because the traditional African political institution was characterized by the cultural diversity of tribes and clans, which did not disappear as a result of majority rule (Mbigi, 1997:22). This autocratic leadership style expects subordinates to be submissive and obedient. Because leadership in modern Africa is authoritarian and politicized (Kiggundu, 1988:226; Jaeger Kanunzo, 1990; 17; Blunt Jones, 1992: 6-23), such autocratic leadership styles, by expecting subordinates to be submissive and obedient, may stifle innovativeness and impede community motivation and Ubuntu. 2.3.2 MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION For every industry especially in the Hospitality business, leadership basically deals with the human relations where problem solving, communication and decision making are promoted and cultivated. Leithwood and Mcleah (1987) indicate that highly effective leaders know many forms of decision-making are skilled in their use and are situationally sensitive in their selection of a particular approach to decision-making (Leithwood and Mcleah, 1987:35). They are thus very analytical and rational in the way they perceive and perform their functions. Basson and Smith (1991) allude to the fact that effective leaders can be selected or trained. It is also useful to think of leadership as a generic term which refers to the process characterized by the interrelationships among people as they work together in the formation and achievement of shared goals (Basson and Smith, 1991:148). Hallinger et al. (1989:9) claim that leadership in an industrial worldview influences people by developing a clear mission that provides an instructional focus for people throughout the community. Leadership does not reside exclusively with the chief or president; in fact Weber (1989:217) identifies the need to develop shared leadership in the community (Weber, 1989:217). One of the current shifts in thinking regarding leadership is a shift from an instructional to a transformational leadership. Brandt (1992:3) declared that because of change and democracy instructional leadership is out; transformational leadership is in. Such leadership is leadership for change (Brandt, 1992:3). Another important aspect in hospitality industrys leadership is the shared vision. There is the discipline for translating individual vision into shared vision. People should feel free to express their dreams, but also learn how to listen to each others dream. The fundamental role of leadership in Ubuntu setup is to create connotative meaning through significant but important rituals and ceremonies. Mbigi (1997) highlights that in traditional African communities the ultimate test of leadership maturity in terms of training and development is determined by the ease with which a new leader carries out rituals and ceremonies (Mbigi, 1997:19). It is through well-designed rituals and ceremonies that leaders can effectively manage collective meaning and collective trust. It is not just an intellectual journey. It is a symbolic and emotional as well as a spiritual journey. Therefore effective leadership in Ubuntu requires people to have convivial experiences by digging deep into their emoti onal and spiritual resources. This may be equivalent to the mission and vision in a Hospitality industry and an industrial worldview. The sense of Ubuntu leadership system is to enhance governance, collective solidarity, respect, human dignity and the right to freedom of expression, as well as collective trust and compassion. Ubuntu is central to indigenous governance systems and can be central to modern governance. 2.3.3 CAN UBUNTU LEADERSHIP SYSTEM BE RELIED UPON There are several basic management principles derived from African tribal communities that embody this philosophy, including trust, interdependence and spiritualism (Mbigi Maree, 2005). In the African management system context, the African Ubuntu philosophy represents humanness, a pervasive spirit of caring within the community in which the individuals in the community love one another. This Ubuntu approach plays a pivotal role in determining the success of any African organisation (Mangaliso, 2001:32). Ubuntu transcends the narrow confines of the nuclear family to include the extended kinship network that is omnipresent in many African communities. As a philosophy, Ubuntu is an orientation to life that stands in contrast to rampant individualism, insensitive competitiveness, and unilateral decision-making. The Ubuntu teachings are pervasive at all ages, in families, organisations and communities living in Africa. ****2.4 IMPACTS OF UBUNTU LEADERSHIP 2.4.1 EXPERIENCES OF UBUNTU LEADERSHIP Afrocentricity encompasses African history, traditions, culture, mythology, and the value systems of communities, according to Khoza (in Mangaliso, 2001:278-279), the Chairperson of Eskom, the supplier of electricity in South Africa. Khoza believes that corporations in Africa will be successful if they adopt the Ubuntu management and leadership styles, which are people-centred. It is perhaps telling that Eskom registered an after-tax profit of R5.2 billion over a period of 15 months up to the end of March 2005 after the corporation had adopted the Ubuntu management philosophy (Broodryk, 2005:17). Similarly, Wolmarans (1995:4) reports that South African Airways (SAA) adopted an Ubuntu management system in 1994. Since then, the African Ubuntu philosophy has been a driving force in the company. The secret behind its success has been the publicly stated core values of South African Airways these include corporate performance, customer orientation, employee care, corporate citizenship, integrity, safety, innovation and teamwork, which are all embodied in the Ubuntu management philosophy. Improved results demonstrate that culture and leadership style play pivotal roles towards the achievement of set goals and strategies of an organisation. Emerging African management philosophies see an organisation as a community and can be summed up in one word Ubuntu (Mbigi Maree, 2005:v-vi). An African Ubuntu management system recognises the significance of group solidarity that is prevalent in African cultures, acknowledging that an African leadership style involves group and community supportiveness, sharing and cooperation. Ubuntu-based leadership dictates sharing burdens during hard times, because by doing so, suffering is also shared and diminished. What is distinctive about the Ubuntu philosophy is the premise of a short memory of hate (Mazrui, 2001). Africans teach children to communicate effectively, reconcile, and find ways to cleanse and let go of hatred and give the children skills to do so. The Ubuntu approach to life enables people to express continued compassion and Perseverance within communities and institutions. 2.4.2 LESSONS FROM THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF UBUNTU LEADERSHIP African organisations can build cooperation and competitive strategies by allowing teamwork based on Ubuntu principles to permeate the organisation (Mbigi Maree, 2005:93). As a people-centred philosophy, Ubuntu stipulates that a persons worth depends on social, cultural and spiritual criteria. It requires a life that depends on a normative engagement with the community, a substantive appreciation of the common good and a constitutive engagement with one another in a rational and ethical community. In this way, in order for a person to be identified as a true African, community and communality are substantive prerequisites. Communalism and collectivism are essential to the spirit of the African Ubuntu philosophy. Equally important in Ubuntu relationships is the aspect of working with others as a team (English, 2002:197; Poovan et al., 2006:17). A spirit of solidarity simultaneously supports cooperation and competitiveness amongst the team by allowing individuals to contribute their best efforts for the betterment of the entire group. In a team setting, the existence of Ubuntu as a shared value system implies that team members are encouraged to strive towards the outlined team values, which consequently enhance their functioning together as a team (Poovan et al., 2006:25; Van den Heuvel et al., 2006:48). The team is brought one step closer to being effective because of the increased level of team members commitment, loyalty and satisfaction, which ultimately has a positive impact on overall performance. Thus, management systems that tend to focus on achievements of individual team members and not the entire group are likely to miss out on all the social and collective framework of an African society. 2.4.3 IS UBUNTU STLYE OF LEADERSHIP HAVE A PLACE IN MODERN BUSINESS OPERATION Issues of corporate governance are becoming more pronounced in modern business practices. Corporate governance, which is intertwined with business ethics, is considered critical in organisational practice, as well as in general corporate productivity (Rossouw, 2005:105). The founding principles of business ethics and corporate governance are in line with the Ubuntu philosophy of regarding all members of an organisation as part of the community. It is this direct involvement of and with community members that brings about greater solidarity, love, caring and sharing within a grouping (organisation). A major governance challenge in current governance issues has been corruption, which reveals the moral depravity and badness of the perpetrators (Broodryk, 2005; Moloketi, 2009; Nyarwath, 2002). Generally, corruption is caused by a lack of commitment to moral beliefs by the perpetrators, which is in turn due to the Weak moral will of an individual towards other people. Corruption can be seen as 2.5 CONCLUSION OF LITERATURE REVIEW 2.5.1 HOW BENEFICIAL IS UBUNTU LEADERSHIP In a Western worldview, the concept leadership accommodated the sense of belonging, as did the Ubuntu worldview. Sergiovanni (1982:231) supports this when he says: leadership promotes the feeling of actual belonging, participating, being co-partners in the entire organization. In all, a leader who has leadership skills sees to the rapid growth of the organization. Leadership skills are situationally specific, of short duration, and focused on specific objectives or outcomes. The Ubuntu philosophy represents an African conception of human beings and their relationship with the community that embodies the ethics defining Africans and their social behaviours (Dia, 1992; Mbigi, 2005:75; Van den Heuvel, Mangaliso Van de Bunt, 2006:48). Africans are social beings that are in constant communion with one another in an environment where a human being is regarded as a human being only through his or her relationships to other human beings (Tutu in Battle, 1997:39-43). Therefore, the survival of a human being is dependent on other people the community and society. 2.5.2 CAN UBUNTU LEADERSHIP AND WESTERN LEADERSHIP WORK TOGETHER? ***** The Ubuntu management system and the new management techniques as advocated by African management scholars, set the revolutionary agenda for evolving an indigenous African management philosophy that will emphasize our cultural traits of humanness, communalism, and participatory decision-making in organizational life. African governments and the private sector must support the development of African management philosophy through creating an enabling environment for management research and the provision of adequate research funds or grants. 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / PARADIGM 3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN In investigating the phenomenon, the interpretative approach, particularly constructive-interpretative paradigm will be used in the study; taking into account its ability to generate an in-depth understanding regarding factors that impacts on Ubuntu leadership (Cohen et al, 2007:155; Creswell, 2003:52; McMillan Schumacher, 2006:318). In the course of investigations, the interpretative approach would allow, the researcher to explore, analyse, describe, and show the relationships between Ubuntu and strategy management and implementation. That will be made possible because the phenomenon of Ubuntu and leadership will be investigated in their unique and natural setting (Lauer, 2006:76). Simply put; all interviews, observational field notes and documents analyses would be done at the participant place. In employing the qualitative research design, a case study will be employed to sample participants, collect data, and analyse data as shown below. 3.3 POPULATION AND SAMPLE 3.3.1 POPULATION The focus for this study will be on employers and employees of Orion group of companies which is a Hospitality Industry. The company has staff numbering around 1000 employees. Orion is sub-divided into many different business branches and each business branch is run as a business on its own. The research study focuses on Orion group; the staff compliment at each branch is comprised of about 100 full time permanent employees. From the total number of employees working at Orion Braamfontein office, all are eligible to participate. Over 15 participants out of the 50 employees will be selected for the purpose of this study and will form the target population for the study. 3.3.2 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING METHOD The researcher will use a purposive sampling to select participants. The identified sample comprised of fifteen participants; seven men and eight women. According to Budhal (2000:62), Creswell (2003:52) and, McMillan and Schumacher (2006:317), a sample represents a small and distinct group of information-rich informants that would enable the researcher to understand the problem in depth. The criteria for selecting such information-rich sample; amongst others, is that participants who are knowledgeable, informative and willing to talk (Lauer, 2006:78; McMillan Schumacher, 2006:319). Regarding the availability of the administration offices, it will assist in maximizing privacy and confidentiality during interview sessions (Keats, 2000:30; Pedroni Pimple, 2001:11). Furthermore, purposive sampling will be done by combining strategies like site selection, network sampling and sampling by case in order to maximize its impact. Lastly, permission would be sought from the Orion Head office. Having discussed how the participants would be selected; in the next section, the proposal explains how data will be collected. 3.4 THE RESEARCH INSTRUMENT The instrument to be used for data collection is a questionnaire. The questionnaire is chosen as it is the most popular form of data collection. It is important for the questionnaire to be constructed in such a way as to gain as much useful information from the respondent as possible (Newell, 1993, 48). With this, great care, time and efforts would be put into the construction of this research studys questionnaire as to obtain as much useful information as possible. Questionnaires are created to be easy to understand, avoid ambiguous, draw up leading questions, quick and simple to answer (Kidder Judd, 1993). In this case, questionnaire will be distributed to participants and collected once they have been completed. These questionnaires will be distributed through email, containing a hyperlink to

How Students Choose ESL Writing Assessment Prompts :: Teaching Education Writing Essays

How Students Choose ESL Writing Assessment Prompts This article, reporting on the research done by Margo Glew and Charlene Polio of Michigan State University, examines writing assessment in a different way than most research on the topic. The goal of this research was to look into how an ESL student chooses prompts for a writing exam when offered a choice. Polio and Glew not only investigate how they choose, but how long it takes each student to choose and if they should even be given a choice at all. There are numerous suggestions through research that provide possible answers to the questions at hand. Some say students tend to choose shorter questions, or questions placed first or second on the list. This research was inconclusive however. Polio and Glew argue that â€Å"the primary reason for offering students a choice of prompts is the belief that students should be allowed to choose a prompt that will enable them to display their best writing† (37). This applies especially to ESL students who come from a much larger variety of backgrounds than to regular English students. However, â€Å"there is no evidence that when students choose a prompt, they choose one that allows them to display their best writing skills† (38). It is also pointed out though, that giving choices decreases reliability, adding to the already difficult process of fairly scoring written tests. Some even think that choosing wastes time. The researchers thought that looking at how the students chose a prompt might shed light on whether or not they should have a choice. They used 26 students and through testing, video taping and interviewing, they found that most students looked at all prompts before choosing and that 21 out of 26 students choose their topic in under two minutes. â€Å"The median time before students began writing was less than 60 seconds, with a range of 18 to 182 seconds.† (42). Out of all 26 students, only one student started writing with one prompt and started over with a second. Through the interviews they discovered that 22 students chose a prompt based on â€Å"perceived familiarity or background knowledge.† Proving true that having a choice should increase their ability to display their best writing proving false the idea that having a choice is a waste of time.

Medical Marijuana Essay

â€Å"Marijuana is the finest anti-nausea medication known to science, and our leaders have lied about this consistently. [Arresting people for] medical marijuana is the most hideous example of government interference in the private lives of individuals. It’s an outrage within an outrage within an outrage†. Peter McWilliams Author and Advocate for Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana has found its place once again as the medical plant that is recognized for its healing potential and properties. How the Government has suppressed its positive potential and healing powers for over 25 years. With the help from many patients, loved ones, research departments and advocate groups to get the Government’s attention to see and understand that the terminally ill and the sick should not be treated as common criminals. They are only trying to find some peace and serenity in their last days. The struggle and fight that has been going on for the last 25 years against the Government. The people were finally heard, with the legalization of Medical Marijuana. The Government wants to regulate everything for their own best interest, the positive effect of decriminalizing marijuana for the terminally ill and the positive economic benefits for our community. Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Weed, Herb, Mary Jane these are just a few names that this little 5 leaf plant goes by. How could this life saving and healing plant get such a bad reputation? When clearly it has nothing but positive powers, people all over the world have been using marijuana for thousands of years. Cannabis has been around since the Garden of Eden, it is even mentioned in the Bible. Yes in the Bible, in Exodus (30:22-23) â€Å"Holy anointing oil, as described in the original Hebrew version of the  recipe in Exodus (30:22-23), contained over six pounds of kaneh-bosem, a substance identified by respected etymologists, linguists, anthropologists, botanists and other researchers as cannabis, extracted into about six quarts of olive oil, along with a variety of other fragrant herbs. The ancient anointed ones were literally drenched in this potent mixture† (Bennett, 2010). â€Å"Marijuana proponents suggest that the recipe for the anointing oil passed from God to Mos es included Cannabis, or kaneh-bosem in Hebrew. They point to versions calling for fragrant cane, which they say was mistakenly changed to the plant calamus in the King James Version of the Bible† (Kari, 2011). Cannabis was good enough for God and Moses, then how come it is not good enough for us now? The United States Government wants to be in control and regulate everything we do as a United State Citizens. Marijuana was once considered a pharmaceutical medication used for a wide verity of reasons. In fact cannabis has a deep rooted history in what is now known as the United States of America. â€Å"Christopher Columbus brought Cannabis Sativa to America in 1492† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"From 1000 to 1500, the use of marijuana spread further. In 1619, a law passed in Jamestown Virginia Colony, which required farmers to grow hemp. The French and British grew hemp in Colonies of Port Royal, Virginia, and Plymouth. Marijuana also became a major trade item between Central and South Asia during this time† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). The United States also had Presidents’ who grew cannabis. Yes Presidents’, â€Å"in Mount Vernon, George Washington grew hemp as his primary crop in 1797. Also Thomas Jefferson grew hemp as a secondary crop at Monticello. In 1840, medicines with a cannabis base were available in U.S. pharmacies. Hashish was available in Persian pharmacies† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). Therefore when did it become a crime to cultivate, possess, consume, and dispense marijuana? â€Å"In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in the U.S. and the Food and Drug Administration was formed. This was the first time drugs had any government oversight† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"In 1930, The Federal Government gave control of illegal drugs to the Treasury Department, they created the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Harry Anslinger a prohibitionist became the first commissioner  in 1930, he held that position until 1962. Anslinger declared war on drugs and effectively shaped America’s view’s and thought’s about marijuana† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"October 2, 1937, Anslinger got Congress to enact the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act†, which is to imposed registration and reporting requirements and a tax on the growers, sellers, and buyers of marijuana† (Eddy, 2010 p.2). In Eddy’s report he also writes that â€Å"Dr. William C. Woodward, legislative counsel of the American Medical Association (AMA), opposed the measure. In oral testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, he stated that â€Å"there are evidently potentialities in the drug that should not be shut off by adverse legislation. The medical profession and pharmacologists should be left to develop the use of this drug as they see fit. Two Months later, in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, he again argued against the act: â€Å"That there is no evidence, however, that the medicinal use of these drugs [cannabis and its preparations and derivatives] has caused or is causing cannabis addiction. As remedial agents they are used to an inconsiderable extent, and the obvious purpose and effect of this bill isto impose so many restrictions on their medicinal use as to prevent such use altogether. Since the medicinal use of cannabis has not caused and is not causing addiction, the prevention of the use of the drug for medicinal purposes can accomplish no good end whatsoever. How far it may serve to deprive the public of the benefits of a drug that on further research may prove to be of substantial value, it is important to foresee†. â€Å"Despite the AMA’s opposition, the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act† was approved, causing all medicinal products containing marijuana to be withdrawn from the market and leading to marijuana’s removal† (Eddy, 2010 p.2). October 2, 1937, â€Å"On the very day the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Stamp Act† was passed; the FBI and Denver police raided the Lexington Hotel and arrested two people: Samuel R. Caldwell and Moses Baca. Three days later, Caldwell, a 58 year old unemployed laborer, became the first person in the U.S. to be convicted of selling of marijuana without a tax stamp. He was sentence to four years oof hard labor in Leavenworth Penitentiary. Presiding Judge J  Foster Symes, had previously stated that he considered Marijuana to be the worst of all narcotics and vowed to impose harsh sentences for violations of the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act†. Caldwell was also fined $1,000 for the two marijuana cigarettes that were found in his possession. Baca, who was his customer, was found guilty of possession of Marijuana and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Both men served their full sentences. Caldwell died a year after his release† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). This is why that â€Å"we the people† stood up, banded together, and formed  Organizations. People became spokespersons, advocates, â€Å"a voice for the cause†. Take for example, Peter McWilliams. He is the man I quoted in the beginning. â€Å"Peter was a self-help author, who advocated for the legalization of marijuana. He wrote over 40 books including â€Å"How to survive the loss of love†, â€Å"Ain’t nobody’s business if I do†. Along with poetry and how to use microcomputers. In 1996, he was diagnosed with AIDS and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Like so many patients suffering from cancer or AIDS, he had extreme difficulty on keeping down the drugs that controlled his illnesses. He began to smoke marijuana to control the drug-induced nausea. It saved his life† (US: The Life and Death of Peter McWilliams, 2002). â€Å"NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, was founded in 1970, as a nonprofit public-interest advocacy group whose mission is to end marijuana Prohibition† (Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana, (n.d.), 2011). â€Å"In 1971, President Nixon declared war on drugs. In 1972,†The bipartisan Shafer Commission [National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse], appointed by President Nixon at the direction of Congress [and chaired by former Pennsylvania Governor Raymond Shafer], considered laws regarding marijuana and determined that personal use of marijuana should be decriminalized. Nixon rejected the recommendation, but over the  course of the 1970s, eleven states decriminalized marijuana and most others reduced their penalties† (Busted: â€Å"America’s War on Marijuana.†, 2010). â€Å"Possession of marihuana for personal use would no longer be an offense, but marihuana possessed in public would remain contraband subject to summary seizure and forfeiture. Casual distribution of small amounts of marihuana for no remuneration, or insignificant remuneration not involving profit would no longer be an offense† (Busted: â€Å"America’s War on Marijuana.†, 2010). 1973,â€Å"The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNND) and the Office of Drug Abuse Law Enforcement (ODALE) are merged to form the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"In November, 1976, a Washington, DC man [Robert Randall] afflicted by glaucoma employed the little-used Common Law Doctrine of Necessity to defend himself against criminal charges of marijuana cultivation† (US v. Randall). â€Å"On November 24, 1976, federal Judge James Washington ruled Randall’s use of Marijuana constituted a medical necessity, Judge Washington dismissed criminal charges against Randall. Concurrent with this judicial determination, federal agencies responding to a May, 1976 petition filed by Randall, began providing this patient with licit, FDA-approved access to government supplies of medical marijuana. Randall was the first American to receive marijuana for the treatment of a medical disorder† (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] 1998).  1978, â€Å"New Mexico passed the first state law recognizing the medical value of marijuana  [Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act]. Over the next few years, more than 30 states  passed similar legislation.† (Scott, 1994). â€Å"Voters in California [pass] a state medical  marijuana initiative in 1996. Known as Proposition 215(45 KB), it permits  patients and their primary caregivers, with a physicianâ €™s recommendation, to possess and cultivate marijuana for the treatment of AIDS, cancer, muscular spasticity, migraines, and several other disorders; it also protects them from punishment if they recommend marijuana to their patients† (Joy, PhD. & Mack, 2011) The New England Journal of Medicine publishes an editorial written by Jerome P. Kassirer, MD, titled â€Å"Federal Foolishness and Marijuana.† The article states: â€Å"Federal authorities should rescind their prohibition of the medicinal use of marijuana for seriously ill patients and allow physicians to decide which patients to treat. The government should change marijuana’s status from that of a Schedule I drug (considered to be potentially addictive and with no current medical use) to that of a Schedule II drug (potentially addictive but with some accepted medical use) and regulate it accordingly† (Kassier, 1997). In January 2004, California passed SB 420, which states the guidelines for growing marijuana. Yes this bill also went through the court system. In May 2008, second district court of appeals ruling in Kelley case that the possession limits set by SB 420 violate the California Constitution because the voters approved Prop 215 can only be amended by the voters. With Prop 215 you can legally be in possession of marijuana and with SB 420 you can legally grow. This has drastically reduce crime in our cities and form a more productive society through its positive uses. In 2013, medical marijuana is a thriving and growing business for all those involved from the growers, to the â€Å"caregivers clubs† with their green cross symbols above their doors (yes like the Red Cross, but green) making it possible for the medical community, and the consumer to know they have found the right place. As of this date there is a total of 18 states and DC now known as Medical Marijuana States. With 11 more states pending legalization to legalize medical marijuana. Now legal for others to seek and receive this healing and lifesaving plant. Since the Government has allowed each state to listen to its people, and as it stands today marijuana is legal and available for all those who have a recommendation card. Now it is not a crime for the terminally ill and sick to gain access to the medication that they so greatly need to function on day-to-day bases. You might wonder, â€Å"How do I know so much or even care  about marijuana being legal†? I am also a member, because I have a recommendation card. I have had mine for about a year now. My doctor prescribed it for me when I told him I was depressed (over the death of my baby boy Marshall) and I did not want to take any manufactured manmade pill and have to worry about the side effects. Medical marijuana has done the trick for me, I take as need by my doctors’ direction. I have to say, that it has saved me. Also The Government, State and City get to collect the taxes and the dispensaries make their money and the clients get their much need lifesaving medication. Crime is down and people are employed, and the Government gets to have their say, but in the end â€Å"We the People† were finally heard, and this little plant is finally back where it belongs. To quote one of my favorite comedians: ~It’s not a war on drugs, it’s a war on personal freedom it’s what it is ok, Keep that in mind at all times. Thank you†~ ~ Bill Hicks~ References Bennett, C. (2010). Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana. Retrieved from http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 Eddy, M. (2010). Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies.. Retrieved from Federation of American Scientist/Congressional Research and State Service Reports: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33211.pdf Hicks, B. (1996). Lateralus (Album). Retrieved from Tool (Group) Joy, PhD., J., & Mack, A. (2011). Marijuana as Medicine Beyond Controversy, 200. Retrieved from http://www.brainz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana Kari, S. (2011). Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana. Retrieved from http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 Kassier, J. P. (1997). Federal Foolishness and Marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.brainz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana McWilliams, P. (1996). Quotes by Peter McWilliams: Finest Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.finestquotes.com/author_quotes_authors-Peter+McWilliams-page-0.html Scott, E. (1994). Marional: The Little Synthetic That Couldn’t. Retrieved from http://www.druglibrary.org/significate-legal-cases.htlm 420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.). (2010). Retrieved from http://www.braniz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana Busted: â€Å"America’s War on Marijuana. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana, (n.d.). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. (1998). Retrieved from Provision of Marijuana and Other Compound for Scientific Research – Recommendations of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Advisory Council, NIDA website US: The Life and Death of Peter McWilliams. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n948/a03.html

The rate of caesarean section

Back land From the last few decennaries the rate of cesarean subdivision is go oning to lift in many parts of the universe, particularly in industrial states. Ratess of hundred -sections have been increased in Norway as in the remainder of the western universe since 1970. Although C-section is a safer option to a hard vaginal bringing where there is a clear medical account for its usage, there is still possibility of long term wellness hazards to the female parent and kid due to its unneeded usage ( MacDorman, et al. , ( 2008 ) . Maternal complications due to cesarean subdivision include, complications due to anaesthesia and surgery, and longer term generative morbidity and mortality in following gestations. Babies born by cesarean subdivision are more prone to hold respiratory hurt, less breast-feeding and likely more atopic diseases ( Tollanes, ( 2009 ) ; Van den Berg A, ( 2001 ) and MacDorman, et al. , 2006.Ramachandrappa, 2008. By taking into history the economic facets of the bringing method, it has been observed that cesarean bringings are more dearly-won than vaginal bringings. Harmonizing to an audit committee study published in 2002 in the UK, a cesarean bringing costs hospitals an norm of & A ; lb ; 1,701 as compared to a vaginal bringing which costs an norm of & A ; lb ; 749. Therefore a one per centum rise in CS rates costs the NHS an excess & A ; lb ; 5million per twelvemonth ( station note 2002, p. ) . In add-on, adult females who have a cesarean subdivision are more likely to remain longer in the infirmary and sometimes hold to be re-admitted in the infirmaries due to injure infections and other complications. It may besides be of import to believe about long term wellness attention costs due to the services used by adult females themselves and their babies following a cesarean birth ( Wendy Sword, et al. , 2009 ) . In consideration of that first cesarean delivery subdivisions about guarantee that following gestations outcome will be Cesarean bringings. It can be a fiscal load for society and the national wellness system ( Sword, et al. , 2009 ) . World- broad high rates of cesarean bringings are a affair of concern to international public wellness due to its effects on maternal and child wellness and the associated socio-economic effects on society. Literature reappraisal shows, high rates of cesarean delivers among all female parents irrespective of age, ethnicity, gestational age and medical position ( Menacker, et al. , ( 2006 ) and MacDorman, et al. , ( 2008 ) . None the less concerns have been raised over the high cesarean birth rates that go beyond the World Health Organization ‘s ( WHO ) suggested rate of 15 % and its possible hazards to the maternal and antenatal wellness ( Wendy Sword, et Al ; 2009 ) . In order to halt this progressive rise in rate of operative bringings, a elaborate analysis of the factors lending to this addition is required. Many epidemiological surveies have been conducted in assorted states to find the factors responsible for the planetary rise in Cesarean subdivisions. Datas analysis from different surveies found a figure of medical and non-medical factors that are responsible for the addition of cesarean bringings both in developed and developing states. Medical factors accountable are raise in maternal age, high organic structure mass index ( BMI ) and alterations in medical pattern as explained by Tollanes ( 2009 ) . Tollanes ( 2009 ) identified maternal penchants ; improper pregnancy attention and fright of legal action among accoucheurs are major not medical ground for high prevalence of cesarean subdivisions. However, supervising the overall rate may non be helpful in cut downing unneeded cesarean subdivisions. It may be more utile to descry and take at subgroups of adult females in whom undue cesarean subdivisions could be avoided. To categorise subgroups of adult females who could be observed for possible hazard of cesarean bringings, a figure of surveies have been conducted in many states. An analytical survey was carried out in Latin America by, World Health Organization ( WHO, 2004-2005 ) ( Betran, et al. , 2009 ) . In this analysis two subgroups of female parents were identified to lend high rates of operative bringings that need to be monitored more closely. These subgroups include adult females with a individual full term cephalic gestation: ( a ) with a history of old cesarean delivery and ; ( B ) those female parents who had c-deliveries after initiation of labor or who had elected cesarean deliveries ( Villar, et al. , 2006 ) . Numerous surveies have focused on familial heritage of medical factors responsible for complications of gestation and its results ( Rolv T, 2007 ) . A argus-eyed survey of non- medical hazard factors may let us to place grounds for the increasing rates of unneeded Caesarean bringings which are conformable to alter. In order to measure these non- medical hazard factors and their familial heritage within the coevalss and across the coevalss quite a few surveies have been conducted ( Vernal, et al. , 1996 and berg-Lekas, et al. , 1997 ) . Study design This survey aimed to place not medical hazard factors for elected cesarean subdivisions and their biological heritage within households. Using informations from Norway is valuable if an apprehension is to be developed of the increasing operative bringing rates, specifically within this state but potentially in other contexts as good. In this design a population-based information from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway ( MBRN ) was used and a retrospective- cohort of singleton unrecorded borne full term gestations was established with the aid of national designation figure. A cohort of 440236 grandmother-parent units and 275001 same sex full siblings units were constructed from singleton birth registered in the MBRN during 1967-2005. Out of 440236 grandmas -parent units, 261156 were being identified with a female neonate and 179080 with a male new born, who became female parent and male parent subsequently in life. For the same sex full sibling unit 153085 braces of full sisters and 121916 braces of full brothers out of 275001 with their first birth were compared. In instance of grandma -parent units merely the first birth of each female parent and male parent was observed but female parents and male parents themselves were allowed to be of any birth order. To look into the familial heritage to non- medical fact ors, units with high hazard factors for cesarean subdivision were ruled out and low hazard subgroups of grandmas -parents units and full sibling units of sisters and brothers were constructed. Log – binomial arrested development theoretical accounts were used for statistical analysis in this survey to mensurate the comparative hazards. In instance of grandmother- parents units the exposure was grandmother presenting parents by cesarean and result was cesarean bringing for parents ‘ first kid. While in instance of full siblings unit the exposure was upwind older siblings first babe was born by cesarean bringing and result was measured by cesarean bringing in younger siblings ‘ first kid. In this survey at that place has been a clear addition in primary cesarean bringing without a medical or obstetrical indicant. While confusing has been minimized as a consequence of the full accommodation of all aetiological factors at every phase of analysis, there may however be residuary confounding. Present work involved two separate analyses. First analysis compared manner of birth of first kid in all female parents and male parents borne by c- bringings to the all female parents and male parents borne by vaginal bringings in both high hazard and low hazard parents. Consequences of this survey showed female parents borne by cesarean subdivisions due to complications of gestation and labor had 55 % higher hazard of cesarean bringings than female parents borne by vaginal bringings. A 95 % assurance interval ( 1.48-1.62 ) seems to be rather important and demonstrated strong statistical grounds of associations with the relevant result. In instance of female parents borne by cesarean delivery after a low hazard gestation consequences showed twice the hazard of giving birth by cesarean subdivision. A wider spread in assurance interval minimizes the value of comparative results and its cooperation in wider population. Strengths of the survey One of the chief strength of the survey is the proviso of a big sample, which means that there is satisfactory possible to observe little but clinically critical associations. Another advantage of this survey is usage of a cohort design as compared to a series of cross-sectional surveies that would necessitate to take on new members for each survey. Cohort survey is quicker and cheaper as less proficient staff is required to roll up informations. There is no demand to follow persons over clip because all the information is already available so there is less opportunity of loss of contact and lose valuable information. In these analyses the exposure and outcome step is likely to be accurate since the accoucheuse and medical staff involved in the bringing is responsible for entering this information informations instantly after the birth. More confidence can be found in the truth of the collected informations because participants were non required to remember events for long periods of clip. These theoretical accounts are simple in design but let the geographic expedition of the hazard factors which may impact the whole community. These are called incident surveies. Restrictions of the survey Although this analysis is typical by analyzing a countrywide information of pregnant adult females and their comparative results, it has several restrictions. First, the truth of the collected information is hard to measure for all factors. It is more likely, that clinical pattern may hold altered or new factors may hold emerged, that influence manner of bringing. Several features of single adult females ( such as para, maternal age, and weight addition during gestation ) have been quoted in the literature as being associated with Caesarean subdivision. Joseph, et al. , ( 2003 ) investigated that alterations in maternal features and obstetrical pattern may lend to recent addition in c- subdivision prevalence. If these factors can be identified it may bespeak cardinal countries that could be targeted to command Cesarean subdivision rates. However, the variables identified in these theoretical accounts are every bit applicable to current clinical pattern. Data recorded over a long period of clip may besides be apt to alterations in definitions and coding systems. Second the quality and completeness of recorded information is important for a cohort survey design. Particularly in a retrospective cohort study the research worker goes back in clip to specify exposed and unexposed groups and re-evaluate medical records to follow participants for outcomes. As everyday information systems are planned to function as surveillance, and non a research survey, some informations may be losing or inaccurate. Another disadvantage of everyday informations may non be able to supply all the necessary information on other of import hazard factors under probe which, if unaccounted for may take to bias. Northam and Knapp, ( 2006 ) Comparison with other surveies This research adds to old work on tendencies and an aetiological factor associated with C- subdivision and on the whole has similar findings. In all analyses, maternal and fetal hazard factors ( such as, maternal age, placenta previa, gestational diabetes, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, macrosomia and many more ) were found to be independently associated with increased rates of Cesarean subdivision. These have the possibility of maternal and fetal heritage, which is in maintaining with other surveies. ( Lie RT, 2007 ; Plunkett J, 2008 ; Onsrud L ; Onsrud M, 1996 ) . There are several socio-cultural and environmental factors acknowledged in the literature related with C- subdivision has non been confirmed by this research. For case, many surveies have found societal category, nature of employment, and educational attainment, to be associated with Caesarean subdivision, none of which were observed to hold independent associations with manner of bringing in these analyses. This position has been supported by the work of Tollan, et al. , ( 2007 ) , who described the association between cesarean subdivisions and maternal societal background. Consequences of the survey showed that degree of instruction is reciprocally related to the hazard of cesarean bringings. Similar findings have been observed by Torun, et al. , ( 2006 ) sing socio-economic position of adult females and related hazards to the gestation outcomes. Giulia, et al. , ( 2008 ) explored the function of societal category and consequence of educational grade on cesarean bringings in Italy. This research besides concluded female parents from lower societal category and with lower educational accomplishment are more likely to present by cesarean subdivisions than female parents with higher educational degrees. On the other manus some surveies found a direct association between high cesarean subdivision rates and high socio economic place. Found C -deliveries are more common among those low hazard nulliparous female parents, who are good educated, belong to high socio economic category and have better surplus to prenatal attention. In UK, NHS obstetrician identified that 1.5 % of all C -sections are recognizing to maternal life style and picks in the absence of any clear medical indicant. This has been suggested due to the tendencies in several famous person adult females to give birth by elected cesarean delivery as these female parents are † excessively classy to force ‘ ( Postnote, 2002, p.2 ) . Lei, et al. , ( 2003 ) stated adult females ‘s medical insurance, societal position and penchants, are implicative for a considerable addition in rates of elected Caesarean bringings in China. The continuously high rates of elected Cesarean subdivision ( ECS ) performed at a adult female ‘s petition in the absence of a recognized obstetrical indicant, is going progressively common in the most developed states. ( Gamble and Creedy, 2000 ) . McCourt, et al. , ( 2007 ) reviewed published literature refering maternal petition for elected cesarean delivery and observed a really little figure of adult females bespeaking for cesarean bringings. The research worker evident a scope of non-medical grounds, such as the adult female ‘s fright of kid birth, her desire to give birth on a lucky day of the month or clip, or her apprehension that an operative bringing would salvage the babe ‘s encephalon from injury or injury. Weaver, et al. , ( 2007 ) observed similar association between psychosocial factors and maternal petition for cesarean bringings in UK. However, these surveies contain no clear information whether these cesarean deliveries were the consequence of maternal petition or because of physician recommendation. More research is needed to find the factors associated with maternal penchants, obstetrician pattern form, and institutional civilization, personal and societal grounds that affect the determination to hold a cesarean bringing. In the instance of ethnicity and race, the survey country has no cognition of cultural minorities and this may hold underpowered this portion of the analyses. Evaluation from different surveies showed linkage between cultural and racial subgroups and maternal and neonatal results. This position has been supported in the work of Johnson, et al. , ( 2005 ) . Vangen, et al. , ( 2000 ) found a significant fluctuation in cesarean delivery rates among different cultural communities in Norway. Similar consequences have been described by Robertson, et al. , ( 2005 ) sing hazard of non vaginal bringings and female parent ‘s state of birth. This could be explained by fluctuations in proviso and usage of wellness services by people of different socio cultural beginning as described by Berkin ( 1990 ) . NY, et al. , ( 2007 ) observed tantamount findings in the usage of wellness services by people of different cultural background in Sweden. For the other factors, this research has minimized confounding and suggests that they are non independently associated with manner of bringing in the survey population. Maternal tallness and weight are one of the of import hazard factors non verified in this analysis. McEvoy and Visscher, ( 2009 ) both described eighty per centum of human growing is under familial control suggestive of resemblances and fluctuations in tallness and weight between relations. Many surveies summarise that both familial and environmental factors regulate the human tallness and weight in different populations ( Letter, et al. , 2008 ) . Similarly strong familial association for organic structure mass index and human stature was found by Sammalisto, et al. , ( 2009 ) . Letter ( 2009 ) highlighted the engagement of cistrons in difference in grownup tallness and stature. Work of Hirscohhorn and Letter, ( 2009 ) besides provides valuable information sing biological heritage of human growing and familial fluctuations in tallness within a population. Several surveies conducted in developed states have found that pre- gestation fleshiness, a turning social tendency, is associated with an increased likeliness of maternal and fetal complications responsible for cesarean subdivisions. Harmonizing to these surveies overweight female parents are more likely to hold preeclampsia, gestational high blood pressure, fetal congenital anomalousnesss, macrosomia, and gestational diabetes, and cervical dystocia, initiation of labor and cesarean bringings. Similar tendencies are described by Bhattacharya, et al. , ( 2007 ) and Crane, et al. , ( 2009 ) . This position is besides supported by Satpathy, et al. , ( 2008 ) who studied the inauspicious consequence of fleshiness related to complications during gestation and labor. Poobalan, et Al. , ( 2009 ) found that hazard of cesarean bringings could be more than double in fleshy adult females as compared to female parents with normal BMI. Young and Woodmansee, ( 2002 ) found increased BMI and weigh t addition are more likely associated with CPD and failure to come on in nulliparous adult females. Mollar, Lindmark ( 1997 ) evaluated the relationship of maternal tallness to obstructed labor and cesarean bringings. Kara, et al. , ( 2005 ) stated that short maternal stature is associated with an increased incidence of obstructed labors due to cephalopelvic disproportion ( CPD ) . CPD is still a major obstetric hazard factor for maternal and infant mortality in many parts of the universe where operative bringings are non readily available. Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) about 529,000 maternal deceases occurs throughout the universe per twelvemonth and obstructed labor is one of the major obstetrical factor responsible for these maternal mortalities ( WHO, 2005 ) . Hoefmeyr ( 2004 ) identified an eight per centum of maternal mortalities are due to obstructed labor. To look into the hazard factors for C-Section due to CPD a survey was conducted by Khunpradit, et al. , ( 2005 ) .Who observed maternal tallness less than 150 centimeter and weight more than 15 kilogram is significantly related to increased hazard of CPD. Scott, et al. , ( 1998 ) found short statured adult females are more likely to hold hazard of C-sections for CPD than the taller female parents. Variations in maternal pelvic sizes and forms and foetal sizes could be explained by biological heritage in different populations.This is described by Vernal, et al. , ( 1996 ) that female parents who are being borne by cesarean bringings themselves due to cephalopelvic disproportion ( CPD ) are at a greater hazard to hold CPD subsequently in their lives. Berg-Lekas, et al. , ( 1998 ) observed opportunities of operative bringings between coevalss and within coevalss by comparing mother-daughter units, sister units and duplicate sister units and found a important uneven ratio between them. These happening show familial heritage to CPD, perchance through familial effects on female parents ‘ pelvic girdle dimension or foetal weight. Lunde, et al. , ( 2007 ) explained maternal and foetal familial factors responsible for fluctuation in caput perimeter, birth tallness and weight within households. Beaty, ( 2007 ) Heritability of little size maternal pelvic girdles and big size fetus could be another account of familial sensitivity of operative bringings. Finally, this information did non hold any information about institutional features, as type of infirmary, and type of professionals go toing the births. J, et al. , ( 2009 ) studied the relationship between societal category and type of pregnancy services used by urban occupant in southern Europe and found high rates of cesarean subdivisions among high societal category presenting in private infirmaries. Potter, et al. , ( 2009 ) ( 2001 ) stated that in Brazil, higher rates of c- subdivision were among adult females delivered in private pregnancy units as compared to public infirmaries. Almeida, et al. , ( 2009 ) observed similar findings and suggested that most of the cesarean deliveries were scheduled harmonizing to adult females ‘s or doctors convenience and showed no clear medical justification for the process. Decisions Despite the survey design and methods this research reflect that there are increasing cesarean delivery rates in low hazard population. These analyses have verified assorted of import prenatal hazard factors for elected cesarean bringings and highlighted their familial association. In add-on, these findings can be utile for early designation and guidance of high hazard female parents sing their penchants to different bringing methods. These findings can be incorporated into public and private pregnancy attention sectors, medical managers, and decision makers in early hazard appraisal and strategic direction. More surveies are required to widen the range of possible biological heritage of non medical hazard factors and their correlativity with socio cultural background. Further research is needed sing maternal petitions and penchants about child birth including information about picks and knowledge relation to the usage of intercession and its long term outcomes. An appropriate methodological analysis should be used to detect maternal satisfaction with labor and bringing attention and interactions between patients and attention suppliers. A comprehensive survey of cultural tendencies within obstetrical pattern and methods used for describing cesarean subdivision rates in the state or infirmary which have changed over clip, should be conducted. Surveies associating to funding agreements and policy guidelines of the infirmaries, medical organisations and wellness sections should be observed. In drumhead, greater attending demands to be given to the socio-economic, cultural, medical and poli tical position of pregnancy attention. In decision, the information in this survey is important for those who intend to cut down Cesarean subdivision rates, as it allows early sensing of adult females at a high hazard for surgical intercession. Finally, these happening can help in the development and execution of better schemes to forestall unneeded c- subdivisions and to cut down the cost of attention in wellness system with readjustment of resource allotment harmonizing to population demands.

An Essay Analysis Of Learning To Read Essays - Education

An Essay Analysis Of Learning To Read Essays - Education An Essay Analysis Of Learning To Read Summary and Purpose Learning to Read depicts how Malcolm X teaches himself to become more than a street hustler. His mere dislike of his lack of writing ability, and his envy of a fellow inmates(Bimbi) book collection motivates him to become a better writer. Bimbi was his initial motivation. As time passes his love for putting his thoughts and newly found words makes him a powerful talker. Authors Style and Techniques The Authors style and technique ranges from his use of flashbacks when Malcolm talks of the past when he could talk and people listened. He contrasted this to his to his lack of reading ability. Malcolms tone his pretty clear and straight to the point. By showing his dislikes without animosity he displays signs of a truly educated person. Readers Response I believe that Learning to Read is a metaphor for life. It tells how anyone can be at the bottom of anything, but you can get to rise with a little work and dedication. Especially when you come from jail to become as great as Malcolm X, you must be a learned person to get up and make something out of yourself.

good morning Vietnam essays

good morning Vietnam essays The movie Good Morning, Vietnam Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Mitch Markowitz Had a solid view, that was portrayed in many ways, on the roles of the North Vietnamese, South Vietnamese, and American Soldiers. It also depicted a clear picture of the Vietnamese Civilians and Viet Cong. The film began with a clear-cut portrayal of American Soldiers within the confounds of an office, and the discrepancies amongst the high ranking and higher ranking Officers. Robin Williams is introduced into the Movie as a humorous man meant to be a radio DJ for the American Soldiers fighting outside the Office. The high-ranking officials in charge of the News broadcastings limited Adrian Cronauer (played by Robin Williams) to broadcast the most mild of new about the war to the soldiers; the very same soldiers who were fighting the war. In this was, the film maker practically hands over to the audience the fact that high ranking officials wanted to virtually blind-sight listeners into thinking that the war is only being fought in the hills...that it is, in fact, not real to them, but very distant. By doing this he shows how, by using propaganda, the news controlled out view [American view] and the soldiers views on the war that we were fighting. Misleading the masses to believe w hat the handful of major leaders felt was necessary for the masses to believe by keeping them mal-informed and blissfully ignorant of the actual situations at hand. Along with the portrayal of misconception within the confounds of the Vietnam War, the filmmaker successfully was able to serve the audience with the sight of individuals within each army confound. He created the antithesis of the faceless mass propaganda that Dictators such as Hitler used to create a subhuman tag for their targets. Consider the fact that when a student reads about mass casualties in a war, decades before their time, they only see the numbe...

The rise of Obesity and type 2 diabetes in America. Literature review Assignment

The rise of Obesity and type 2 diabetes in America. Literature review - Assignment Example Some states, such as Mississippi, had higher rates of obesity and diabetes than the national average, at 24.3 percent and 8.8 percent respectively, while states like Alaska had lower prevalence rates than average, at 4.4 percent for diabetes, and Colorado, at 13.8 prevalence rates for obesity (Mokdad et al.). The escalation in the obesity and diabetes rates is likewise reflected in rising rates of obesity among children below the age of 5 years in America and the rest of the world, with the rise in obesity associated with a correlative rise in type 2 diabetes rates among the same age group (Deckelbaum and Williams 239s). Fast forward to the present, and newer data suggests a further escalation in the rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in America, mirroring the global rise in rates of the two conditions all over the world. Worldwide, about 1.6 billion adults were deemed overweight in 2005, rising to 2.3 billion 2.3 billion by 2015. Obesity figures are expected to balloon to 700 mill ion. In America, by 2005-2006, obesity rates had soared to 33 percent, where the greatest representation of obese people came from the Mexican-American females and Black Americans. These figures are expected to further rise, triggering a massive health crisis. ... On the other hand, the obesity trends where the metric used as standard is abdominal obesity, measured by waist size, likewise show a general long-term trend towards increased obesity rates (Moffat and Prowse 231-232). Looking at the long term picture, meanwhile, it is clear that diabetes and obesity rates are expected to rise even more sharply, with global estimates at the rise in incidences of diabetes pegged at 20 percent for the developed world from 2010 to 2030, and 69 percent for the whole planet. In the United States, the number of adults with diabetes is expected to rise from 26.8 million people in 2010 to 36 million in 2030, making the United States number three among countries in terms of diabetes incidence for the adult population worldwide (Shaw et al. 5-11). These are essentially macro, big picture views of trends in diabetes and obesity in the US as they compare with the rest of the world. Looking at the micro view, meanwhile, the picture in the United States is one of increasing variances in the occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes by ethnicity. The figures from 2009 reflect observations elsewhere, that some ethnic groups have higher rates of diabetes compared to others. In the concrete, among a sample population consisting of adults who are deemed overweight, one study notes that over time, the rates of diabetes has increased 60 percent for Black Americans, 227.3 percent for Mexican Americans, but only 33.3 percent among white Americans. One interesting fact is that among groups who have undiagnosed diabetic conditions, there are fewer disparities among ethnic groups. This analysis is from data on diabetes rates among different ethnic groups from 1971 to 2004, among adults between the

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Support for teaching of science practices in school - Research Paper Example Support for teaching of science practices in school Decreasing populations and tax bases in rural areas reduce the fiscal resources available to the schools. One school district also faced enormous fiscal challenges when a tornado destroyed almost all buildings in the downtown area in 2003. In addition, high prices for gasoline and diesel fuel can devastate school district budgets where transporting students for long distances is the norm (DeYoung, 1991). Government- based support Currently, state finance of learning has attained erosion because of challenging economy. In response to the worsening world economy, state and learning policymakers have reacted to strict fiscal constraints by transforming a bigger share of the financial load from taxpayers to learner rather than by deep evaluation and decrease of costs and/or enhancing efficiency. As learning continues to develop and expand, several major elements of federal policies, regulations, and rules may need to be revisited in order to enable many to continue enrolling for distance education courses. Financing education is a broad and intricate issue. It is intricate in part of because of different basis of revenue, output, or products that are associated to these distinct sources of revenue. In addition, these expenditures and revenue pattern differ significantly by the kind of institution (four year college, university or two year college), means of governance (private or public), and the state. (Pearl & Singh, 1999). In the private sector, the pattern of pricing, price discounting and expenditure levels vary significantly according to the wealth of the institution, demographics, and the affluence of the family of the applicant pool. In the public domain, these patterns also differ according to tuition laws, enrolment limits, and state funding levels that are determined by the government or public education governing body or board. The issue of financing education is large because capital underlies the themes of quality and efficiency. In terms of efficienc y, there is need for cost effective association between revenues from taxpayers, parents and learner and products or outputs when measured in rates of graduation, student learning and enrolments (Hampel, 2010). Within the wide themes of higher finance underlies institutional and public policy questions that are creative or informed, if not tackled, by financial and economic perspectives. For instance, the familiar question regarding education finance concerns how much it can cost taxpayers and the relevant ratios of learners to administrative and professional staff at different types of institutions (Honderich, 1995). Learning is identified as the major driver of economic growth and as the main determinant of a person’s status and remuneration. Distance learning is essential in maintaining the growth of the economy in the rapidly increasing world economy. This is because it most high and well paying jobs and remuneration will depend on the level of education and in this case, a person with an advanced or higher degree is set to benefit more than a person with a college degree (Holmberg, 1995). Financing education in the twenty first century has a unique salience because of the 2008 financial crisis, which has caused serious economies to economies of countries in the world. However, in most countries, revenues remain strained. Since the current public universities and colleges