Public Opinion & Responding to Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Opinion & Responding to Crisis - Essay Example The suicide at McKinley middle school is a report on the saddening death of a school teenager who took his own life away. Kenny McKinley who was laid to rest on September, 28th 2010, made the fatal attempt on his life while in school. A point to note is that suicidal signs or symptoms had been noted in him but as usual, they were not taken seriously. This occurrence brings about the big question about how seriously persons’ should view a crisis and take combative measures to make sure that it does not lead to a negative occurrence. It is obvious that if at all the people around Kenny were swift enough in taking measures to deal with the suicidal symptoms in him, the chances of him taking away his own life would have been reduced. This is because a positive step had already been made toward averting the situation, the crisis had been identified (Kowalski, 2010). All they had to do is seek ways of mitigating the risks associated with the crisis at hand. The same situation is als o exemplified in the case where Teddy Molina, a student from Flour Bluff High School, took away his life with a hunting rifle after what reports describe as a hounding experience from bullies on him. The two cases are similar in that people around Molina were aware of his experiences and how much they were affecting him but it is sad to note that no action was taken to avert the crisis. Communication is the conveyance or imparting of information, knowledge, ideas, feelings or news from one party to another. Therefore, it is a very important tool that can be used to make or break a situation. From the point of view of a crisis, communication can effectively be used to avert the possible occurrence of an unfavorable event. It is important to note, however, that, communication should be made in a good manner for it to bring out positive results because improper communication can even make situations worse. I believe that if at all proper communication would have been done to address Ke nny’s suicidal symptoms, there are chances that the problems that led to his decision of taking away his own life would have been solved in a way. During that time, the people who were close to him should have reported this to someone who could offer help to him, like the school counselor, instead of assuming these signs. A responsible person would have determined the gravity of his problem and sought ways to see sense and solve the problem with the deceased and help him overcome the suicidal feelings. A constant follow –up on him would also have helped him know that there were people on his side who were willing to help him face his troubles and would have helped him feel loved and protected. Most of such like cases are mainly caused by depression, a state in which a person feels dejected and sometimes hopeless and inadequate. It is a state at which people can do very destructive things not only to the people around them but even to themselves. A person in this condit ion is in a crisis and should be handled with utmost care to make sure that they do not come to the point of taking destructive measures to try solving their issues. A properly thought out plan to deal with crisis is important in any institution, including schools. If McKinley Middle School had employed such a plan earlier, we would not have been talking of such cases as

How effective are the three contemporary styles of Leadership in Essay

How effective are the three contemporary styles of Leadership in project management - Essay Example All he does is elucidate on what level 5 leaders are and the features of these leaders. The leadership theory has been described as one that is revolutionary due to the amount of research Collins used to explain it. In fact, opponents of the theory have found it hard to stand against it because of this (Dettmer, 2007). Collins used the phrase level 5 leadership to examine the highest level of leaders whose aim is to form a great firm. Through the research he undertook, he was able to compare good and great firms. In his assessment, he found that all the great corporations had leaders in level 5 and nothing less. As described, level 5 leaders are modest, self-sufficient, considerate, and determined. These leaders also have succession plans in place for the good of the firm. The idea in level 5 leadership is that they are transformational. Transformational in the sense that the leader can come into a good company and go on to make it the best firm. The transformation of the company is not through sheer luck, but it is due to the exceptional qualities of the leader (Croteau & Smith, 2012). It is his supposition that not all people have the ability to become a level 5 leader, however, many individuals are capable of being one if placed in the appropriate setting and the correct professional progression. According to this theory, the leaders of a project have the ability to go against their ego for the best interests of the organization in spite of the prevailing circumstances. The leaders do not have the fear of sacking persons who do not perform, as their focus is on the results not the individual. They show a character that can be described as heartless as they enforce top-notch ideals in all levels and at all times. They are ready to sacrifice themselves and take responsibility in scenarios where mistakes are made (Mishra, et al., 2012). A good example of such a leader is Sir Alex Ferguson the former

Computer Software Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Computer Software Taxation - Essay Example As a preliminary matter, it must be noted that attempts to tax computer software have long been particularly troublesome. How a taxing authority decides to classify sales transactions involving computer software determines whether it will be subjected to sales/use tax or treated as exempt. It is here that, in attempting to classify computer software, a number of state authorities and judicial bodies have struggled to forge a uniform approach. Uniformity and consistency, to be certain, have proven elusive ideals. This essay will examine the sales/use tax implications for transfers of computer software, particularly to the electronic delivery of computer software, in an effort to demonstrate how more consistency and uniformity might be brought to the issue. In order to understand how electronic delivery has become an interesting issue, however, it is first important to understand how and why the electronic delivery of computer software has become a viable option for avoiding the imposition of sales tax in some jurisdictions. States began to implement sales/use tax schemes beginning in the 1930s in an effort to raise revenues (Morse, 1997). These taxes were levied on retail sales made within the states, they developed into a primary source of revenue for the states, and the mobility of the internet and computer software has since then made many states quite eager to apply their sales taxes to this burgeoning area of commerce. A sales tax is designed to impose an excise tax for retail transactions within a state whereas the use tax is designed to impose an excise tax for goods purchased outside of a state but subsequently used or maintained within the state. The taxes in this way are complementary. That states became extraordinarily interested in imposing sales taxes on an emerging industry is hardly surprising. What is surprising, on the other hand, is the tremendous conflict generated by attempts to tax transactions involving computer software. Legislation and regulations were rushed through; frequent m odifications were required because the implications of certain policies, both legally and economically, were not well-considered in advance. In many respects, the relationship between sales taxes and sales of computer software has been messy at best, and nearly incomprehensible at times. In Ohio, a sales tax was enacted in 1934. As noted by a leading tax practitioner, When Ohio sales tax was first imposed, and for many years thereafter, the taxes applied to all sales of tangible personal property unless otherwise exempt. This prompted many disputes over the nature of the transaction: tangible personal property, real property or a service. The latter two were not listed as potentially taxable sales. Historically, the exclusion from personal, professional and insurance services has been provided in R.C. 5739.01(B) (last para.). Judicial tests developed to help taxpayers make meaningful distinctions among the various types of transactions (tangible personal property vs. real property vs. services) for sales tax purposes (Ehler, 2007: 1). Nearly every state,

Hollywood in the 1970s choose one question to answer from below Essay - 1

Hollywood in the 1970s choose one question to answer from below - Essay Example An era perceived as post-classical Hollywood came into being after retrenchment and recuperation took place (Hillier, 1993). This introduced new stylistic methods aimed at focusing on issues of women and society, marked by industrial restructuring, new cinema presentation modes, as well as aesthetic transformations (Kolker, 1980,2000 ). Hollywood movies exhibited the issues of feminism early in the 1970s informing the public by using movies like Women’s Liberation, Vietnam War as well as Movement of Civil Rights and many others. The 1970s era saw a great increase in movies dealing with feminist related themes, creating awareness and a new level of women roles in the film industry (Kolker, 1980,2000 ). Women taking lead roles in films became prominent, showing how women had recognized their importance and wanted to eliminate the gaps and difference created in society between them and men particularly noted as portrayed in many movies of Hollywood. (Williams, 2006). The movies as well tried to eradicate the traditional notion that females acted on films only purposely to fulfil men’s sexual desires. (Hillier, 1993). This act of portraying females is seen being particularly more pronounced in so many popular movies of Hollywood. (Corrigan, 1991) Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) both depict the current changing position of women in Hollywood. Bonnie and Clyde puts a strong emphasis on women, in an era dominated by men. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, reflects on Alice playing multiple roles in an attempt to gain independence from male characters as well as accomplish self-realization. Emphasizing the common treatment of women and men were considered products of the new feminism wave launched in Hollywood, (Wood, 1986) making both movies to win awards. Bonnie and Clyde puts a focus on an era when feminist issues like sexuality became more pronounced in

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business Law - Essay Example ity given, suffered or undertaken by the other." Sir Fredrick Pollock’s definition of consideration is â€Å"An act or forbearance of one party, or the promise thereof, is the price for which the promise of the other is bought, and the promise thus given for value is enforceable." This was approved by Lord Dunedin in Dunlop v Selfridge Ltd ( 1915) It therefore follows that a gift is not a contract. There is no contract if there is no consideration. However consideration is required to be expressed in monetary terms. As such any discernible detriment to one of the parties could be that party’s consideration ( Duhaime) An agreement not to take a plot of land was considered a sufficient consideration(Hubbs). The law does not insist on the adequacy of consideration as it is between the parties to decide. The consideration should be reciprocal, each party offering consideration. Motive should not be confused with consideration. Our motive for contracting may be for personal reasons but it may coincide with the consideration we are giving or receiving. If the consideration is already â€Å"spent† in a prior contract, a new contract using that same consideration would be valid. "where a contractual duty already exists, it may be possible...to vary the original agreement without necessarily establishing a whole new contract with fresh consideration on both sides." In fact, refreshing a commitment to do something for a third party is consideration under common law† (Frdman G). Further the consideration should not be something or some act which is not legal or immoral or opposed to public policy. If a certain acts punishable under law then it is illegal. For example a work given to un unlicensed contractor is illegal. If the consideration is a past one, it will not make a valid contract. The court decisions on consideration suggest English law is in need of fundamental restatement with regards to Consideration. Dr Corbin and Prof Atiyah have already dealt

Week 2 - Journal - Reflections on Education Policy Coursework

Week 2 - Journal - Reflections on Education Policy - Coursework Example Such observations arise from the high cost of education coupled with the pressure arising from their poor backgrounds. President George Bush’s administration introduced the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. The act remains the most recent and effective policy that seeks to address the problem by increasing funding to the education sector thereby supporting K-12 schooling in the country (Meier & Wood, 2004). The policy has made basic education affordable thus encouraging millions of American children from poor backgrounds to learn and develop careers. Following the formulation and implementation of the policy, the number of students has increased in numerous schools throughout the country. Prior to reading this week’s reading assignment, I believed the poverty was a major contributor to the rising cases of school dropouts. The week’s assignment proved my thoughts and showed that the government appreciated such social impediments to education thereby formulating and implementing laws that sought to provide every individual of a school going age with an opportunity to attend school and acquire appropriate grades capable of improving the quality of their

Balance Scorecard for projects by Stewart (2001) Essay

Balance Scorecard for projects by Stewart (2001) - Essay Example On the other hand, it can also be observed that the success of any particular project heavily draws on the performance of the people involved in that particular project. A project is often regarded as a mini organization as a result of the fact that it is more structured and controlled. It can also be noted that different projects have failed to achieve their goals as a result of poor management. â€Å"With a proper performance measurement tool such as the balanced scorecard (BSC), organisations can clarify their vision through measurable goals and outcomes,† (Shepko & Douglas, 1998 as cited in Stewart, 2000, p. 38). Against this background, this essay will discuss the BSC as a more contemporary means of implementing the strategies of an organisation in order to operate viably with the aim of achieving its stated goals. The discussion will heavily draw on the work of Stewart, Kaplan and Norton, Ahn and Prastacos. Particular attention will be given to the work of Stewart (2001) entitled Balanced scorecard for projects. The essay will critique journal the articles by these authors with the aim of discussing their views about this topic which is related to BSC. The paper is structure in different parts and the first part deals with giving an overview of the topic in view of the ideas raised by different authors. In the main, the essay will discuss the findings of different authors about the topic in question. The last part of the essay is based on a critical analysis of a case scenario of BBCL/El Nino/El Dorado. The discussion of this case study will heavily draw on the ideas raised by different authors mentioned above. A conclusion to give the main points discussed in the essay will be given at the end where a personal reflection about the writer’s own perception about the topic will be given. 1.1 Overview of the topic Organisations are currently encountering a revolutionary transformation where industrial age competition is replaced by the information age competition. During the contemporary period, it can be noted that sophisticated financial control systems were developed to monitor efficient allocations of financial and physical capital. Thus, the need for a new approach to the evaluation of value creation of the organisations has led to the development of the balanced scorecard. According to Kaplan and Norton (1996), a balanced scorecard is a strategy that is used to supplement the traditional financial measures with other criteria that measure performance from three additional dimensions which include the following: customers, internal business processes, learning and growth. The BSC can be used to transform the vision of the organisation towards the attainment of its strategic goals. According to these authors, building a scorecard enables the organisation to link its financial budgets with its strategic goals given that it will be easier to monitor the performance of the organisation as a whole through an outlined step by step process. Stewart (2000) suggests th at the goal of every organisation is to do more, better,