National Response Framework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

National Response Framework - Assignment Example NRF provides guidelines on how a country should respond to any types of disasters and emergencies regardless of the intensities. It’s pegged on flexible, scalable and adaptable concepts identifiable by the national incident management system to align key roles and responsibilities across the nation. Terrorism is a global problem that requires advanced preparedness and management. Terrorism is characterized by mass destruction that include fatal injuries, death and destruction of properties. Terrorist are not afraid of death and they rejoice when they kill as many innocent civilians as possible. In this regard, the best strategy of combating terrorism is prevention strategies as opposed to reactionary strategies. This is why National Response Framework plays a vital role in combating terrorism. Well, terrorists do not operate in a vacuum society. In this regard, there is an extensive intelligence report that there will be a coordinated terrorism plan to use improvised explosives devices (IED) to detonate bombs at major USA city’s sports arena. According to the intelligence source, the attack will occur in Inglewood Sports Arena during the much awaited CA the Forum. The Forum usually attracts comprising at least 10, 000 spectators. The large number is mostly due to high profile people that attend the Forum and economic benefits attached to it. The Forum will occur for 3 days starting on 15th March 2015 and ending at 17th March 2015. The date of the attack is not specific but is believed that since the forum will be 15th and 17th, the attack is likely to occur on either dates. The threat is a well-coordinated activities. According to the intelligence, 3-5 suicide bombers will stage themselves in arena with an aim of detonating the bombs to cause mass panic and evacuat ion of the arena of the forum. The second attack will involve 1-2 large vehicle bombs (LVB) in a parking facility near entertainment complex. On the third attack will involve a series of

Hitler Became Chancellor in January Essay Example for Free

Hitler Became Chancellor in January Essay It signified unity and support behind a cause – unseen since the beginning of the Great War. No longer were nationalists vying for the implausible return of a Kaiser, but joining behind Hitler. Furthermore Nazi support far exceeded that of the parties on the fragmented Left. Whilst in 1930 the SPD retained their lead on the NSDAP by two million votes, in 1932 the Nazi vote was almost double of the SPD’s, with 7 million more votes. By leading the most popular party, Hitler had the confidence of almost 14 million people which was an undeniable force. Then again, Hitler had not gained the 50% majority needed to become Chancellor. Democracy did not bring Hitler to power and 63. 6% of Germans had not voted for Hitler. Debatably, it was only a protest vote. The loss of two million votes from the July to the November 1932 elections demonstrates how the popularity of the party was perhaps more a symbolic facade which Hitler took advantage of. Some would argue that it was not the quantity of supporters that brought him power but the importance of individual groups. Having Nazi supporters in crucial interest groups such as industrialists, the army and Hindenburg’s own family was also important for funding and for political sway. Most important of these was popularity in military circles. Essentially the army’s acquiescence and partial support for Nazis meant that when the SA surrounded Berlin in January 1933 threatening to seize power, Wilhelmstra? e was left with little choice. There was as many as four times the number of Stormtroopers as Reichswehr, although the army had machine guns and flame throwers. The most pressing fact was that General von Hammerstein had told Hindenburg that many soldiers may refuse to obey an order to crush the SA. Whilst the threat of a violent coup pressurized government, that the army was not loyal arguably made Hitler’s appointment inevitable. Ruth Henig argues that it wasn’t the strength of its enemies that brought down the Republic as much as the striking absence of its friends. Not quite a â€Å"Republic without Republicans†, but the political naivety of both parties and individuals in failing to cooperate was a considerable factor in Nazi success. Specifically, the SPD’s refusal as one of the strongholds of democracy: in November 1932 the left combined had 13. 5 million votes, whereas the right had 12 million. By uniting, the Communists and Socialists had potentially the ability to overrule the Nationalists. Stalin’s preference of Hitler over the SPD, who he believed were the real enemy, ensured complete disunity. Arguably a more decisive factor was Von Papen’s active role. His plan to â€Å"frame in† the Nazis to utilize their mass support and then dispense with Hitler was short-sighted and naive. Meeting with Kurt Von Schroder, Papen not only in turn helped solve the Nazi financial debts to ensure the continuation of the party, but presented an opportunity to Hitler which he otherwise would not have been offered. Papen convinced Hindenburg the Nazi support could be harnessed and that its ambitions and extremist policies contained through safety features. The President agreed to only meet with Hitler when the Vice Chancellor, Von Papen, was present. Only two cabinet ministers were included. By offering this, Von Papen made perhaps the most fatal underestimation of the 20th century. He had had the responsibility of being decisive, thorough and unfaltering when Hindenburg could not be and so his weak acceptance of Hitler’s demands – when he was perhaps not even in a position to demand – is surely a cause of Hitler’s appointment. Debatably, this arrangement was a production of Hitler’s own political skill as opposed to, or as well as, Papen’s great failure. Hitler’s opportunism, vehement desire for power and ability to manipulate people was crucial for his success. Meeting with Von Papen in December 1932, he resolutely demanded the Chancellorship. Whereas Strasser faltered in making botched agreements with Von Schleicher for a lesser position, Hitler held out against odds. Additionally Hitler’s chameleon nature meant that he was successfully demanding with Von Papen, yet very respectful with Hindenburg, bowing down to him publicly. Popularity got Hitler through the door, but Hitler’s opportunism and manipulation brought his triumph. In summary, Nazi popularity gave Hitler the advantage. It offered him access to Germany’s leaders so that he was able to exploit the scheming nature of Von Papen and ailing of Hindenburg. Nevertheless, Hitler failed to command a majority and thus his appointment of Chancellor was left to the decisions of incapable and self-seeking men. Perhaps Hitler succeeded because in that dire political situation, those in power could not ignore Hitler’s strength. However the President’s and Papen’s inadequacy and underestimation of Hitler in the face of his resounding obstinacy, as well as the threat his Stormtroopers, were the decisive forces.

Eduardo Bonilla-Silvas Book, Racism Without Racists Essay -- Color Bl

Race has been an issue in North America for many years. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva discusses the new racism in his book, Racism without Racists. Bonilla-Silva classifies the new racial discrimination as color blind racism. Color blind racism is then structured under four frames (26). Color blind racism is believed to have lead to the segregation of the white race from other minorities called white habitus. Color blind racism and white habitus has affected many people, whom don’t even realize that they are, have been or will be affected. Color blind racism is an â€Å"ideology, which acquired cohesiveness and dominance in the late 1960s, explains contemporary racial inequality as the outcome of nonracial dynamics,† according to Bonilla-Silva (2). In order to analyze color blind racism, Bonilla-Silva relies â€Å"mostly on interview data (11)† through a 1997 Survey of Social Attitudes of College Students and a 1998 Detroit Area Study (DAS) (12). Bonilla-Silva then breaks down the analysis of color blind racism into four central themes to convey how whites explain a world without racial issues: abstract liberalism, naturalization, cultural racism, and minimization. Abstract liberalism is â€Å"ideas associated with political liberalism and economic liberalism† (28). Abstract liberalism is used for a wide range of issue therefore Bonilla-Silva gives a few different examples of when this frame is used. Rationalizing Racial Unfairness in the Name of Equal Opportunity was used when asking white students â€Å"if minorities should be provided unique opportunities to be admitted into universities† (31). Most whites will state that everyone should have an equal opportunity. Those whites, â€Å"ignored the effects of past and contemporary discrimination on... ...with other races and eventually it will become second nature. Obviously, the government cannot make those integrated communities communicate but I believe that with time neighbors will start to talk to one another or if nothing else some type of promotion for community block parties, similar to when I was a kid, would assist in the communication process. That is how I remember meeting the neighbors. Community block parties are non-existent now days but I believe they are beneficial to everyone! With a little effort from everyone, we can make it happen, a life without racism! References Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo (2003). Racism without racists. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. Charles, Camille (2003). The dynamics of racial residential segregation. Annual Review of Sociology, 167. Retrieved from http://jstor.org/stable/30036965.

Billy Collins poem The Lanyard is not only Essay

Billy Collins’ poem â€Å"The Lanyard† is not only a nostalgic recollection of a childhood event, but a testament to the unconditional, selfish love of a mother. â€Å"The Lanyard† is such a moving poem, despite its simple subject matter, because it teaches readers that one seemingly inconsequential moment from the past can, years later, have such a meaningful impact on the way one views the world or the people around him. Collins’, through the diction, format, and point of view that he uses in his poem, is able to take such a universal- the message of the strength of a mother’s love and man’s inability to ever truly recompense his mother for the sacrifices she had made- and turns it into something poignant and fresh. Collins’ diction, especially his repletion of certain words or ideas, is import to the poem as it helps to get across his message and alert readers to deeper themes at play in his work. For example, the word â€Å"lanyard,† aside from being the title of the poem, is used numerous times within the text itself. The repetition of this particular word is an attempt to highlight the contrast between Collins’ gift to his mother, a simple hand-made lanyard, and his mother’s eternal sacrifice. There is also a good deal of parallelism used in this poem, particularly in the third stanza. Collins’ confides: â€Å"She gave me life ad milk from her breasts†¦ lifted spoons of medicine to my lips†¦laid cold face-cloths on my forehead†¦led me out into the airy light. This use of parallelism makes the reader feel as if Collins is making one long list of the numerous times his mother has loved and cared for him, while he can think of only one particular time where he has attempted to recompense his mother for her devotion- his small, plastic lanyard. â€Å"The Lanyard† is a poem that seems to be divided into two main sections, consisting of the author’s thoughts regarding the past and the present. Collins’ narrative starts out in the present, when, while wandering around his office out of boredom, â€Å"ricocheting slowly off the blue walls of this room,† he finds come upon a long forgotten memory of a gift he made his mother once during summer camp. This nostalgic word, â€Å"lanyard,† brings upon a flashback of this memory, particularly when the time when he gave his mother the homemade trinket. What the man now realizes, considering this event once again years later, is how insignificant his present was in paying back his mother for her years of devotion. The narrator remarks, â€Å"I had never seen anyone use a lanyard, or wear on, if that’s what you did with them. † Despite the gift’s uselessness, the author, at the end of the poem, recalls being absolutely sure that the lanyard would be enough to repay his debt to her. The format of the poem, the switching from to past back to present, allows Collins to reflect on the contrast between his childhood state of naivete, which allowed him to believe that he could ever repay his mother for her sacrifices, and his current understanding that his mother’s love is unrequitable, even for a thousand lanyards. The first person point of view used in â€Å"The Lanyard† is central to the poem, as it allows readers to experience one man’s personal reflection on a mother’s love. Collins narrates the poem through his own eyes, leading readers to recall their own memories that illustrate the unconditional love of a mother. The dialogue in the poem, which comes at the beginning of the fifth stanza, shows the not only the sacrifice of the mother, when she says â€Å"here is a breathing body and a strong heart, strong leg, bones, and teeth,† but also the willingness of the mother to provide these things. Within this dialogue lies an important theme of the poem- Collins is not just exemplifying the unconditional love of a mother, but the ease with which she gives her whole self to her child, never expecting anything in return. The conclusion of this poem shows the narrator finally coming to realize, however ruefully, that he will never be able to repay his mother, that no act of kindness or generosity towards his mother can ever equal the thousands of times she has loved and provided for him over the years. Collins illustrates the importance of memories because they help people compare their past beliefs and thoughts to their understanding of the present. Memories are unpredictable things that can be set off by anything- a certain smell, a song on the radio, or even, in Collins’ case, a dictionary word. Without memories of the past, we would not be able to appreciate the present.

Product and Brand Management

?AFFECT OF BRANDING ON CONSUMER PURCHASE DECISION IN FMCG GOODS AND DURABLE GOODS? INTRODUCTION What is a BRAND? Brand recognition and other reactions are created by the use of the product or service and through the influence of advertising, design, and media commentary. A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it. A brand often includes a logo, fonts, color schemes, symbols, and sound, which may be developed to represent implicit values, ideas, and even personality. Concepts Marketers engaged in branding seek to develop or align the expectations behind the brand experience, creating the impression that a brand associated with a product or service has certain qualities or characteristics that make it special or unique. A brand image may be developed by attributing a â€Å"personality† to or associating an â€Å"image† with a product or service, whereby the personality or image is â€Å"branded† into the consciousness of consumers. A brand is therefore one of the most valuable elements in an advertising theme. The art of creating and maintaining a brand is called brand management. A brand which is widely known in the marketplace acquires brand recognition. When brand recognition builds up to a point where a brand enjoys a critical mass of positive sentiment in the marketplace, it is said to have achieved brand franchise. One goal in brand recognition is the identification of a brand without the name of the company present. For example, Disney has been successful at branding with their particular script font (originally created for Walt Disney's â€Å"signature† logo) which it used in the logo for go. om. â€Å"DNA† refers to the unique attributes, essence, purpose, or profile of a brand and, therefore, a company. The term is borrowed from the biological DNA, the molecular â€Å"blueprint† or genetic profile of an organism which determines its unique characteristics. Brand equity measures the total value of the brand to the brand owner, and reflects the extent of brand franchise. The term brand name is often used interchangeably with â€Å"brand†, although it is more correctly used to specifically denote written or spoken linguistic elements of a brand. In this context a â€Å"brand name† constitutes a type of trademark, if the brand name exclusively identifies the brand owner as the commercial source of products or services. A brand owner may seek to protect proprietary rights in relation to a brand name through trademark registration. Brand energy is a concept that links together the ideas that the brand is experiential; that it is not just about the experiences of customers/potential customers but all stakeholders; and that businesses are essentially more about creating value through creating meaningful experiences than generating profit. Economic value comes from businesses ¶ transactions between people whether they be customers, employees, suppliers or other stakeholders. For such value to be created people first have to have positive associations with the business and/or its products and services and be energised to behave positively towards them  ± hence brand energy. It has been defined as â€Å"The energy that flows throughout the system that links businesses and all their stakeholders and which is manifested in the way these stakeholders think, feel and behave towards the business and its products or services. Attitude branding is the choice to represent a feeling, which is not necessarily connected with the product or consumption of the product at all. Marketing labeled as attitude branding includes that of Nike, Starbucks, The Body Shop, Safeway, and Apple Inc. â€Å"A great brand raises the bar — it adds a greater sense of purpose to the experience, whether it's the challenge to do your best in sports and fitness, or the affirmation that the cup of coffee you're drinking really matters. † – Howard Schultz (CEO, Starbucks Corp. ) The act of associating a product or service with a brand has become part of pop culture. Most products have some kind of brand identity, from common table salt to designer clothes. In non-commercial contexts, the marketing of entities which supply ideas or promises rather than product and services (e. g. political parties or religious organizations) may also be known as â€Å"branding†. OBJECTIVE OF PROJECT WORK Main Objective:The main objective of research is to analysis how the brand effects the customer purchasing decision in FMCG goods and durable goods Sub Objective:The sub objective of research is to understand the choice of the customer is branded or nonbranded goods. JUSTIFICATION FOR CHOOSING A PARTICULAR RESEARCH PROPOSAL Branding can be viewed as a tool to position a product or a service with a consistent image of quality and value for money to ensure the development of a recurring preference by the customer. It is common knowledge that the consumer ¶s choice is influenced by many surrogat es of which the simplest one is a brand name. Although there may be equally satisfying products, the consumer when satisfied with some brand does not want to spend additional effort to evaluate the other alternative choices. Once he or she has liked a part icular brand, he or she tends to stay with it, unless there is a steep rise in the price or a discernible better quality product comes to his/her knowledge, which prompts the consumer to switch the brand. Companies spend a lot of money and time on the branding and thus it needs a careful evaluation on the effect of branding on consumer buying behavior. QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Are you a brand loyal customer? ` Yes ` No 2. Which attributes did attract you to purchase branded products? Rank these attributes in order of their importance to you. ` ` Brand Name Price Easy Availability ` ` Transparent Cleanliness ` Others 3. What was the reason for the delay between the purchase decision and the actual purchase? ` ` ` Financial constraints Waiting for more innovative product Waiting for market response 4. What influenced you to buy the above stated brand(s) ? ` ` ` ` Advertising Word of mouth Attractive packaging Dealer ` Shop Display ` Family/Friend/Relatives ` Any Other 5. Influence of Brand name on purchasing decision ` ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 6. Influence of Quality on Purchase Decision ` ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 7. Influence of Price on Purchase Decision ` Agree ` Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 8. Influence of Product features on Purchase Decision ` ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 9. Influence of Family members on Purchase Decision ` ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 10. Influence of Peer group on Purchase Decision ` ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 11. Influence of Advertisement on Purchase Decision ` Agree Strongly Agree ` Disagree ` Strongly disagree 12. Will you like to switch your brand preference if you get some promotional scheme with another brand? ` Yes ` No 13. Do you think branded products are better than unbranded products? ` Yes ` No NAME OF THE RESPONDENT: ADDRESS: EDUCATIONAL QUALITICATION: OCCUPATION: AGE: MONTHLY INCOME: 1. 100% Financial Inclusion: A Challenging Task Ahead 2. Afforestation of ARID Was telands Through Energy Plantations: A Case Study from India 3. Agribusiness Sector in Rural India and Increasing Opportunities of E -Commerce 4. Asset prices and inflation is there a predictive link 5. Back Water Tourism in Kerala: Challenges and Opportunities 6. Banking Channel Perceptions An Indian Youth perspective 7. Banking on Themselves 8. Behavioral Skills Trainings in Travel Agencies 9. Brand awareness and preference in rural markets 10. Branding for 21st Century Teenagers 11. Branding India for Health and Spiritual Tourism 12. Branding India: Strategic Challenges and Possible Approaches 2. subliminal messages in advertising and how they affect consumers.

City Spotlight Houston Job Market Growing Fastest in Nation

City Spotlight Houston Job Market Growing Fastest in Nation maybe your only association with texas’s largest and most diverse city is its relationship with nasa’s johnson space center (aka mission control, ala â€Å"houston, we have a problem†) or nickname it acquired after hurricane katrina: â€Å"the big heart.† what you may not know is that it’s been rebounding from the recession faster than practically any other city in the country. a city at the head of the best top 10 listshouston’s unemployment rate is significantly below the national average. in addition, its low cost of living contributes to its standing as the nation’s highest-paying city, it was insulated from the housing bubble that rocked the rest of the country- and it is the number one city in the u.s. for job creation! suck it, every other city!top job categories# of jobsaverage salaryhealthcare20,110$54,080sales12,122$44,990computers11,201$88,234financial services and banking8,208$82,618administrative office work7,502$36,546en gineering and architecture5,465$103,334customer service call center4,151$34,064marketing, advertising business dev.3,962$64,516operations, logistics warehousing3,761$50,000human resources / recruiting3,346$51,000 [source: thejobnetwork]according to new geography.com:[t] he average annual wage in 2011 was $59,838, eighth highest in the nation. what puts houston at the top of the list is the region’s relatively low cost of living, which includes such things as consumer prices and services, utilities and transportation costs and, most importantly, housing prices: the ratio of the median home price to median annual household income in houston is only 2.9, remarkably low for such a dynamic urban region. . . adjusted for cost of living, the average houston wage of $59,838 is worth $66,933, tops in the nation.a city of reinventionthrough 2014, houston has recovered 300% of jobs lost to the recession- possibly due to its vibrant port trades and 26 fortune 500 company headquarters. many of those recovered jobs were in the energy industry- including conoco phillips, marathon oil, sysco, apache and more.houston is so business-friendly, more than 100 internationally owned companies expanded, relocated, or were founded there in the past 5 years.healthcare professionals can also find lots to occupy themselves in houston- the texas medical center is the single largest employer in the city, with 21 hospitals, 8 academic and research institutions, and 50 related not-for-profit organizations. the university of texas m.d. anderson center’s premier cancer research hospital is at the heart of it.a thriving place to live and learnhousing is more affordable in houston, and it’s third in the nation for green space per capita. two major universities call houston home- the university of houston and rice university, one of the country’s best undergraduate schools for the applied sciences.mark rothko contributed to the design of â€Å"the rothko chapel,â⠂¬  which joins 19 other museums and the houston museum of fine arts, one of the finest collections of american arts and furniture craft in the country. it hosts its own fashion week, attracting homegrown and international designers.another bonus- travel + leisure magazine named houston its best city for foodies this year:the city ranked at no. 1 in three separate food categories: burgers, brunch, and specialty food shops (like revival market, where local gourmands stock up on artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and house-made pickles and jams). houston also knows how to break free of american-style convention: one hot new place, dak bop, does korean-style fried chicken with spicy sauces, paired with blackberry chili margaritas. speaking of burgers, though, it’s hard to leave town without enjoying one of the old-school, mustard-laced big boys at lankford grocery,   or the acclaimed 3-oz. sliders at little bigs in the museum district, which also offers a respectably long wine l ist- after all, the city ranked at no. 3 for vino.houston is well-known for its vietnamese, cajun, and mexican food. there’s also an outpost of uchi, one of america’s most lauded sushi restaurants!so if you’re in the market for a new home base that can give you cultural resources, good eats, and a promising job market- consider addinghouston to your list of possibilities!here are the top companies that are hiring in houston right now:1. lowe’s2. hcr manorcare3. crossmark4. johnson johnson5. general dynamics information technology  6. boeing company7. life time  8. quest diagnostics9. whole foods market10.  matrix

How to Pay for College Without Loans

How to Pay for College Without Loans SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The question of how to pay for college is usually one with a complicated answer. Your own unique financial situation, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences all come into play. Some of the most important factors that come up center around your ability and willingness to take out student loans. In this guide, I'll thoroughly cover how to pay for college without loans. This can help you pay for college without going broke, or at least graduating without a load of student debt. Maybe taking out loans for college isn’t a good financial option for you. Maybe your parents can’t or won’t co-sign on the necessary loans. Maybe you just hate the thought of having student debt. Whatever your reasons, choosing to pay for college without loans is a completely valid decision. I won’t sugarcoat this - it might make paying for college more difficult, especially if you don’t have many other financial aid options available. That isn’t to say, however, that there aren’t some viable options available for almost any student who wants to avoid taking on debt. Before going through all these options, I’ll briefly talk about college expenses and the reasons why some people choose to take out loans. Then, I’ll give non-loan aid options for students based on whether they demonstrate high or low financial need. I’ll finish off with info on how much aid you can expect to receive without having to take on debt. What Does College Cost? Why Do People Take Out Loans? The first expense you probably think of when calculating colleges costs will probably be tuition. Average tuition rates vary by the type of school you attend: $31,231 average tuition for private colleges $9,139 average tuition for in-state residents at public colleges $22,958 average tuition for out-of-state residents at public colleges Tuition is expensive enough on its own, but it's not the only major expense associated with attending college.You’re also responsible for room, board, transportation, books, and personal expenses.The cost of room and board also varies by school type, although not as widely as tuition costs: $,188 average room board at private colleges $9,804 average room board at public colleges If we add tuition, room, board, and other expenses, the average cost of attending college in the US ranges from $19,000 - $42,419.This is a pretty huge annual expense when we consider that the average US household income is about $50,000. So how does the average student afford these huge expenses? As it turns out, most students don't end up paying full sticker price for college. As of a few years ago, the average student received about $7,000 in non-loan financial aid per year - the rest of college costs would be covered by family contributions or (as we'll talk more about shortly), loans. A financial aid award of $7,000 makes a significant dent in total college expenses, especially if you're attending a less expensive school, but it would rarely cover all tuition, room, and board costs. If non-loan aid and family contributions don't add up to students' total college costs, they'll need help making up the difference. The average US student has about $28,400 in loans after graduation. In my experience, most students anticipate having to take out loans unless they're in one of two situations: They demonstrate very high financial need, thereby qualifying for many need-based aid programs. If they attend a school that meets all financial need, their families may not have to pay a cent to send them to college. They come from wealthy families who are able to cover all college expenses, even if they don't qualify for any need-based financial aid. Most students are somewhere in the middle, with a gap between what they have (savings, grants, scholarships) and what they need (total cost). This is where loans traditionally come in. There’s nothing inherently bad about taking out student loans, but if you’re striving to avoid student debt, the next section will outline all viable options and strategies. Financial Aid Options: How to Pay for School Without Student Loans Want to say no to student loans? This section will outline realistic financial strategies to help you do that. Your options for paying for school without loans largely depend on your financial status. Many non-loan financial aid options are need-based, so students who demonstrate high financial need tend to have more aid opportunities. There are some merit-only aid options that don’t take financial need into account - if you don’t demonstrate much financial need, those options will be a good place to start. Before you start considering non-loan payment strategies, you may find it helpful to estimate your own financial need. This way, you'll have a better idea of what aid options (merit-based only, or merit- and need-based) are available to you. Unfortunately,the amount you believe your family can afford doesn’t always match up with the amount that aid sources (schools, government, and private scholarship funds) determine you can afford. To get a realistic idea of what many need-based aid sources will expect your family to contribute, check out the FAFSA4caster: Enter in relevant financial information to get an unofficial EFC, or Expected Family Contribution The federal government, schools, and some need-based aid sources use this number to make an assessment of your family’s financial need The lower your EFC, the more aid you're likely to be eligible for Once you make this estimate, you'll know whether you should focus on the need-based aid options. High Financial Need: Need-Based Aid A lot of non-loan financial aid options are available for students from low-income families. Many of these aid sources are based on financial need or a combination of merit and financial need. Grants Federal grants: The Pell Grant is awarded to students with low EFCs. Check out Pell Grant eligibility requirements and application instructions. Institutional grants: Many top schools have exceptional need-based financial aid programs. Some even claim to meet 100% of unmet need without using loans - that is, anything that you can't afford to pay after getting federal grants or scholarships. Scholarships Many top scholarships are need-based and provide very generous awards.If they cover all unmet need, they'll pay for all expenses that aren't covered by grants or other scholarships. Some awards give you a set amount every semester or every year; others are nonrenewable, one-time awards. It'snot easy to budget around scholarships because they’re unpredictable, and the best ones tend to be very competitive. To start your scholarship search, check out our guides to the top scholarship programs for high school seniors and high school juniors. The Perkins Loan I know this is supposed to be a post on non-loan financial aid options only, but hear me out - if you plan on pursuing certain service careers, you could be eligible for 100% loan cancellation if you take out a Perkins loan. If you get your loan canceled or forgiven, it essentially functions as a grant - that is, it's free money to pay for school. The Perkins loan is meant for students with exceptional financial need. Read more about the Perkins loan program, its eligibility requirements, and the forgiveness process. Schools You may be able to avoid student loans just by applying to the right schools. Some schools, particularly top private colleges, tend to offer generous financial aid packages. Like I mentioned earlier, some of them even commit to covering all unmet financial need - the schools with the best financial aid programs don't ask students to take out loans in order to cover costs, either. If you're interested in public schools, stay in-state -resident tuitions and costs are usually much lower forthan those for non-residents. Low Financial Need: Merit-Based Aid There are fewer non-loan aid options for students who come from higher-income families, but they’re still out there! Keep in mind that you don't have to be higher-income to qualify for merit-based aid - anyone could theoretically benefit from the aid options listed below. Scholarships There are a ton of merit-based scholarships out there. You’ll have to make sure to carefully read all eligibility requirementsbecause some scholarship programs also take financial need into account. To get started with your scholarship search, check out our guides to the top awards for high school seniors and juniors. The Coca-Cola Scholarship is a particularly large merit-based scholarship award. Schools Even if your family has a relatively high income, you may still qualify for institutional grants at certain schools. Some private schools with top financial aid programs award aid to families who make well into six figures - for example, Harvard doesn’t ask families to contribute more than 10% of their adjusted gross income. If you're interested in public schools, apply to college and universities in-state - your tuition will be much cheaper, on average, than if you attended an out-of-state public school. If you ultimately won’t qualify for much need-based aid but have other academic, athletic, or artistic strengths that make you a competitive applicant, you could qualify for merit-based aid. Start by checking out this list of schools that award the most merit-based aid - all the schools listed awarded merit aid to at least 40% of their students last year. How Much Can You Get Without Loans? You don't need a fountain pen to do these calculations, although you're welcome to use one. In this section, I'll run through realistic expectations of how much money you can earn through different aid options. I'll run through realistic example situations at the end. Grants and Other School-Based Aid This aid will vary widely (not unsurprisingly) by school. Schools’ net price calculators will give you a good idea of how much money they could offer you if you were accepted. You’ll have to enter relevant financial info (e.g. income, assets) for both you and your parents in order to get an accurate estimate. If a school awards merit-based aid, they might also ask about things like GPA and SAT/ACT scores. To access a particular institution's net price calculator, just google "[school name] net price calculator." Scholarships Unfortunately, there’s no good rule of thumb to estimate how much money you could get from scholarships that you apply to. Many scholarships are pretty competitive, so the more programs you apply to, the better your chances of getting funding. If you start looking at scholarships earlier in your high school career, you can get a head start in targeting better scholarships. Examples I'll run through two different financial aid scenarios here to show you howyou can cover your college costs without taking out any loans. In the first example, the student is attending a public school and has low financial need; in the second example, the student is attending a private school and has high financial need. Public School + Low Need Student A is a high achiever who comes from a relatively wealthy family in Arizona. I plugged some general academic and financial information into Arizona State University's net price calculator to come up with her Cost of Attendance. Here's her background information: Current high school senior in Arizona National Merit Program Finalist Ranked #5 in a class of 150, 3.8 GPA 730 on SAT critical reading and math sections Combined family income: $150,000 And here's her financial aid output: There are a few things you should notice about this output: She's saving money right off the bat because she's applying to an in-state public school. Her tuition costs are $10,478, but tuition for an out-of-state resident at ASU comes to $25,042. Her expected family contribution (EFC) is pretty high - ASU expects her family to be able to afford $32,770 a year, which more than covers her costs. She isn't offered any need-based aid, but she is offered a merit-based scholarship of $13,000. She wouldn't be offered this scholarship if she wasn't a high-achiever. With this scholarship, her total out-of-pocket costs for the year come to $14,260. Since Student A's parents make $150,000 a year, ASU assumes thatthey can more than afford a bill of about $14,260 a semester - they wouldn't have to take out any loans to cover these expenses (although they could if they wanted to). Sometimes, though, families are unwilling or unable to make such a contribution. If this is the case for Student A, she could help mitigate these costs by applying to scholarship programs. Private School + High Need Student B is a California resident who's applied to Stanford. He comes from a family of 4 with high financial need. I plugged in some general demographic and financial information (no academic or merit information) into Stanford's net price calculator. Here's his background info: Current high school senior in California One 15-year-old sibling Combined family income: $40,000 And here's his financial aid output: Here's what you should notice about this output: Unlike for Student A, Student B has been offered financial aid based only on financial need - not on merit (although keep in mind that Student B would have to be a high achiever in order to get into Stanford in the first place). Student B'stotal costs ($64,900) are higher than those of Student A ($27,260), but Student B was offered way more in scholarship grant money ($59,900) Stanford doesn't expect Student B's family to make any financial contribution to these costs. Stanford does, however, expect Student B to contribute a small amount ($5,000) through a student job and/or savings. $5,000 a year is a significant, but manageable, bill for a college student.Student B could pay this bill in a number of ways without taking out loans - he could get a work study job during the school year and/or summer, for example. He could alsoapply to different scholarship programs to see if he could cover some or all of the cost with outside funding. What's Next? We've covered thoroughly how to pay for college without loans. Now you have a shot at paying for college without going broke. Financial aid comes in many forms and from many sources. Get clear, simple instructions on applying for financial aid. Whether you have high or low financial need, you should definitely submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Learn more about the FAFSA and how to submit one. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Understanding the Eval () PHP Language Construct

Understanding the Eval () PHP Language Construct The PHP eval () construct is used to evaluate an input string as PHP and then process it as such. Eval() is not a function, but it works like one in the sense that it outputs everything- except instead of outputting it as text, it outputs it as PHP code to be executed. One use of the eval() construct is to store code in a database to execute later. Example of Eval() LanguageConstruct Here is a simple example of coding for the eval() language construct. ; eval(\$a \$a\;); print $a . ; ? This code example outputs My friends are $name and $name2 when first called with the print statement, and it outputs  My friends are Joe and Jim when called the second time after running eval (). Requirements and Characteristics of Eval() The passed code cant be wrapped in opening and closing PHP tags.The passed code must be valid PHP.All statements must be terminated with a semicolon.A return statement terminates the code evaluation.Any variable defined or changed in eval() remains after it terminates.What a fatal error occurs in the evaluated code, the script exits.Because eval() is a language construct and not a function, it cant be used in higher-order functions. The Danger of Using Eval() The PHP manual discourages the use of the eval() construct, stressing its use is very dangerous because arbitrary PHP code can be executed. Users are instructed to use any other option than eval() unless that is not possible. The use of PHP eval() construct presents security risks.

You can choose the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

You can choose the topic - Essay Example She as well examined anything she could come across concerning every level of the pregnancy and she trained each day. She felt great and her blood job was the best the doctor’s office had witnessed in a pregnancy in a lengthy time. She then studied techniques of delivery and after taking part in many classes and examining a bunch of manuscripts; she concluded that the best would be for her to undergo labor and delivery logically. Susan and her husband had a personal teacher who directed them on the Bradley Technique of childbirth that educated one of how to respire and concentrate. She did not need the epidural medicines in her child’s bloodstream and understood it would likely remain uneasy for the baby; however, it would be good for the child. She had absolutely no difficulties in her pregnancy. When the day at last arrived that her water impulsively cracked at 41 weeks, her initial experience with labor started. She underwent 19 hours of labor, however, the final couple of hours were the major passionate from the moment they concluded to start Pitocin. Lastly, at 9.20 PM on July 31 1998, their young son came into this globe weighing 9 Ibs and 7.6 oz. the baby was 21 inches tall and produced a healthy cry. There was absence of difficulties in labor or delivery. The baby began breastfeeding inside ten minutes of birth and was 9/9 on the APGAR scale. As previously said, she studied and examined anything she could come across while she was pregnant to make well-versed decisions. This was her personality and likely an item of her career of being a health transcriptionist. She had the OB/GYN mark a three page typewritten Birth Plan that she had collected after carrying all the study and looking for the matters that were significant to her. The Birth Plan was inclusive of Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum aspirations. She had the ability to study, examine all the views, and make conclusions on what they considered best for

Juvenile Delinquency in Context Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Juvenile Delinquency in Context - Research Paper Example This study does not just look at victims first in and effort to determine if they then become juvenile criminals themselves, but it also look at juvenile offenders who subsequently become victimized themselves. The authors also look at other possible causes of juvenile delinquency, such as bully and experience some form of traumatic stress. The Development Victimization survey forms that basis for much of the study, and it uncovers evidence that quite a few groups of adolescents are labeled as delinquent, but do not suffer from victimization themselves. Also, it is discovered that being a victim does not necessarily lead someone to become a juvenile delinquent himself or herself. Iravani, M. R. (2012). A social work study on juvenile delinquency. Management Science Letters, 2(4), 1403-1408. The authors of this article present the findings from an empirical study that examined the effects that different factors in society played on adolescents become labeled as a juvenile delinquent. The study design employed the distribution of a survey to 100 adolescents who are known to have committed a crime. Specifically questioned were such areas as family conditions, religion, economic situation, the impact of media, and physical and psychological characteristics. The authors wanted to see to what extent each of these factors played, if any, in the incidences of juvenile delinquency. ... Khurana, A., and Gavazzi, S. (2011). Juvenile delinquency and adolescent fatherhood. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 55(5), 756-770. This is an interesting study that explores the prevalence of juvenile delinquency amongst teenage fathers. A good sample size of nearly 3,000 males participated in the study, and the findings are explored in the 14-page study article. It was discovered, among other things, African American youth have equal rates of fatherhood as other European races who are also offenders. This study leads to the conclusion the juvenile delinquency as a whole can lead to risky sexual behaviors contributing to teenager fatherhood, and this has little to nothing to do with race. It was also reported that European youth you commit crimes have higher rates of drug and substance abuse than others, and are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. In essence, the authors of this study contradict other research, and commonly held b eliefs, that racial stereotyping has a great deal to do with the rates of certain minority groups having a higher propensity toward behavior leading to juvenile delinquency. Kirschbaum, K., Grigoleit, L., Hess, C., Madea, B., and Musshoff, F. (2013). Illegal drugs and delinquency. Forensic Science International, 226(1-3), 230. While much research has been conducted about the influence of drugs and other types of substance abuse on an individual’s behavior, not much is known about the factors involved. This study takes different types of juvenile crimes and determines if there is a correlation between a particular type of substance abuse. In the end it was discovered that there is no set tie

Advanced financial Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced financial Accounting - Essay Example However, certain facts about accounting standards, and what they have achieved or failed to achieve, are behind the scepticism of some professionals who question the need for accounting standards. A brief look at these circumstances might be in order before proceeding further. Perhaps the most important among these is the spate of financial misrepresentations, and the fraudulent approaches that could be adopted by large and reputed organizations such as Enron, Worldcom and Arthur Anderson in spite of the existence of these standards. If expenses can be misstated in spite of standards, and the cautious investor has to look behind the published figures in any case, what purpose do accounting standards serve? The answer to this question lies in the fact that in the absence of accounting standards such misrepresentation would acquire legal status at least in some cases. The solution therefore is not to avoid accounting standards altogether but to strengthen them. One of the lacunae in the existing accounting standards is the lack of uniformity among various sets of standards followed nationally in various countries. With increasing globalisation, more and more organizations are exposed to multi-national working and require a common framework for financial reporting. Moreover, even in cases of national reporting most accounting standards have a number of weaknesses. For example, many accounting standards, including the one by US Financial Accounting Standards Board, are rules oriented, while the need of the day seems to be principle based accounting. Yet another issue is the inadequacy of accounting standards by themselves to prevent the occurrence of fraud as has been witnessed in several cases around the world. This, however, is understandable, as accounting standards are not a panacea for all evils related to financial reporting but are to be taken only as guidelines

Compare the video in the youtube about the fieldwork for boy scouts Assignment

Compare the video in the youtube about the fieldwork for boy scouts and girl scouts - Assignment Example To avoid the heat of the sun, the comedy skit was performed at night. As a couple of Boy Scouts were doing the skit, the other group members were playing the role of the audiences. While the Boy Scout speaker was telling the story, another guy was purposely acting whatever was being spoken about the storyline. For example, every time the speaker had mentioned the phrase â€Å"falling rocks†, the other guy would intentionally fall down the mattress in a prone position. video is about a group of Boy Scouts engaged in a skit that requires a group of 11 Boy Scouts to sing and dance in front of the audiences. In this particular video, the Boy Scouts were singing the song â€Å"If I were not a Boy Scout, I’ll tell you what I would be†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (Mccullarsj1). Basically, each of the Boy Scout who were performing a skit had their own line to say. As the song progresses, the Boy Scouts grouped in pairs who had said what they would be if they were not a Boy Scout would all at the same time shout what they think they would be in life. The third video involves a group of eight (8) Girls Scouts who were doing a skit on â€Å"If I weren’t a counselor† (Robbert Bobbert). This particular skit was performed during day time at St. Albans. Throughout the skit, the Girl Scout performers were singing and dancing as they share to the audiences what they think they would be in case they were not a counselor. In this particular video, the Girl Scout audiences were very attentive to the group performers. Each Girl Scout performing the skit had their own line to say with regards to what they would like to be if they were not a cousellor. As the song progresses, the Girl Scouts who had said what they want to be if they were not a Counsellor would all at the same time shout what they think they would be in life. The fourth video is all about a three (3) Girl Scouts who were singing the

Professionalism in Environmental Public Health Essay - 1

Professionalism in Environmental Public Health - Essay Example environment, governing authorities and other civil organizations are spearheading projects aimed at mitigating the effects of environmental pollution. Individuals involved in implementation of these mitigating measures are called environmental public health workers. Like any other career field, environmental health workers are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner. This essay evaluates on the aspect of professionalism in environmental public health. Concepts appraised in professionalism include competency, education and ethics. The essay extrapolates on how each of the concepts mentioned contributes towards professionalism in environmental public health. In contemporary workplace settings, professionalism remains an inherent requirement of all employees. Typical workplace settings like healthcare institutions require all workers to follow simple guidelines while executing their respective duties. These simple guidelines aim at enhancing achievement of an institution’s mission and vision objectives. From a theoretical perspective, professionalism involves application or adoption of character patterns within a work place in order to direct one’s effort towards achieving high-quality productivity (Nagel, 2011). In the context of environmental public health, workers within this field deals with ensuring safety of the public. This means that members of the public trust employees of environmental public health to safeguard their lives in relation to environmental aspects. In most cases, the manner in which these workers relate with people in their work determines the public’s attitudes towards all environmental health workers. This means that health workers should maintain a sustainable and professional demeanor while dealing with members of the public. Therefore, professionalism is a paramount quality of individuals within the public health sector (Nagel, 2011). Continued education is instrumental in enhancing professionalism of workers

What Drives Chinese Into Buying Luxury Goods in the 21st Century Essay

What Drives Chinese Into Buying Luxury Goods in the 21st Century - Essay Example Chinese consumers buy the products within China and also from other countries as tourists. A rapidly growing upper and middle class are seen as bent on enhancing their individuality by buying luxury goods, according to a report from McKinsey&Co (2011). China has been reported to have already overtaken the United States and Japan in terms of luxury items purchases (Vickers & Renand, 2003). China has worked hard to achieve economic prosperity, producing current generations of millionaires. Accordingly, this generation has been spending a large amount in the luxury market day by day and Chinese are becoming more dynamic and active buyers in the market (Lu, 2012). China has emerged as the biggest purchaser of luxury goods in the world market. Chinese consumers are showing considerable interest in buying luxury goods these days, and this has not been left unnoticed by the global luxury market (Frank, 2013). The United States, Japan, and Europe, who have been the top consumers of luxury goods, are indeed quite surprised with the growing appetite of Chinese for luxury items. Nearly all Chinese visiting Paris have bought expensive bags without looking at its price tags. They are also buying other luxury items like goggles, cars, shoes, and many others. Luxury goods refer to all those branded products unreachable by ordinary people. The rich and senior citizens comprise the bulk of overseas luxury buyers and item collectors. To them, luxury items are products of cultural essence, and obtaining them means owning a piece of culture. There are three groups in China buying luxury goods: those who are considered as spectacularly rich, the young urban professionals and people who want to gain some sense of satisfaction, and some shady characters composed of blackmailers or illegal groups who have smuggled luxurious goods into the country. China’s growing

Professionalism in Environmental Public Health Essay - 1

Professionalism in Environmental Public Health - Essay Example environment, governing authorities and other civil organizations are spearheading projects aimed at mitigating the effects of environmental pollution. Individuals involved in implementation of these mitigating measures are called environmental public health workers. Like any other career field, environmental health workers are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner. This essay evaluates on the aspect of professionalism in environmental public health. Concepts appraised in professionalism include competency, education and ethics. The essay extrapolates on how each of the concepts mentioned contributes towards professionalism in environmental public health. In contemporary workplace settings, professionalism remains an inherent requirement of all employees. Typical workplace settings like healthcare institutions require all workers to follow simple guidelines while executing their respective duties. These simple guidelines aim at enhancing achievement of an institution’s mission and vision objectives. From a theoretical perspective, professionalism involves application or adoption of character patterns within a work place in order to direct one’s effort towards achieving high-quality productivity (Nagel, 2011). In the context of environmental public health, workers within this field deals with ensuring safety of the public. This means that members of the public trust employees of environmental public health to safeguard their lives in relation to environmental aspects. In most cases, the manner in which these workers relate with people in their work determines the public’s attitudes towards all environmental health workers. This means that health workers should maintain a sustainable and professional demeanor while dealing with members of the public. Therefore, professionalism is a paramount quality of individuals within the public health sector (Nagel, 2011). Continued education is instrumental in enhancing professionalism of workers

The Banishment of Civilian Ownership of Assault Rifles Essay

The Banishment of Civilian Ownership of Assault Rifles - Essay Example To address this broader menace, American Administration has to chalk out a comprehensive plan / an effective strategy. There multi tasking approach is needed to handle firearms related issues inclusive of a) current laws of guns shall be implemented in its true spirit b) legal lacunas in the existing laws should be removed c) issuance of gun license should be linked with the mental health, age and track record of the applicant d) discourage such programs that ignites youngsters for misuse of guns e) back ground checks and gun tracking system should be improved / strengthened f) exemplary punishment should be given to gun laws violators g) awareness program should be launched to make the citizens realize the harm and disadvantages of possessing and misusing of guns and h) gun laws should effectively deal with the violators. Remedial Measures It would be in the best interest of things if the American Administration should recall the stringent version of federal laws, expired in the yea r 2004, to deal with misuse of assault weapons. This would be of great help in arresting the misuse of firearms. The arms at the use of armed forces should not be allowed to use by the general public (Duggan, 2000). If we take into account the public opinions and the statements of the political figures of repute in the United States of America, it seems that a consensus of all walks of life is built for a new law of assault weapons ban. This could be a right approach in the right direction. The law makers keeping in mind the danger of misusing firearms by the irresponsible gun holders should make an effective gun control law. If this issue is not seriously addressed by the Administration of the USA, there will be more such incidents in the days ahead (Thompson, 1989). Many Americans are in favor of Second Amendment that allows keeping arms by every citizen for his or her defense. However, the same numbers of American society are against of using lethal weapons by American Forces. Fu rther, the license issuing authority while issuing gun licenses should also take into account amongst other things, the purpose of using firearms by the applicant. There is no logic of issuing lethal weapons to a sportsman who uses it for hunting birds and animals (Thompson, 1989). Major Hindrance The key hindrance in introducing the new assault weapons ban law is the infamous National Rifle Association which has unprecedented power on capital hill. The reason being many members of NRA are hand picked members of Congress who had funded their election campaign and provided them desired political support to win the election (Thompson, 1989). Due to influence of NRA, the desired law deals effectively with the freedom of using insecure arms by naive users could not be renewed from the date of its expiration. Hence, the protestors, the other day, in the corridor of power, shouted against the shameful role of NRA (Duggan, 2000). Therefore, the NRA by using its influence intends to defer t he matter for some time. They do not even participate in the witness protection program. Restrictions The Supreme Court of America consistently impresses that holding a gun is a fundamental right of a citizen, but it also advocates imposition of reasonable restrictions. Keeping in view the spreading tentacles of cited epidemic in the American Society, the think tank of America felt it necessary to ban at least those weapons which are now in use

Impact Hammurabis Code of Laws and Egyptians Be Human Essay Example for Free

Impact Hammurabis Code of Laws and Egyptians Be Human Essay Select a minimum of TWO [2] primary-source documents [easier if a contrast] from the list on Blackboard HICC 101 course package as a basis to answer the central questions listed below. In other words, answer the question using evidence from what the authors at the time thought about these issues. Always clearly state your idea first, and then quote from the source. REMEMBER: the term â€Å"quote† should be restricted to a verb form. You are quoting the text, but if you refer to the text, don’t say â€Å"In this quote†; refer to the â€Å"statement† or â€Å"text. † All quotations from the primary sources must state the author’s last name (or title of book) and page number in parentheses directly following the quote. You will need to quote the most significant passages in order to support your claims. Keep the length of all quotations to a minimum, and make certain that you interpret and point out the meaning of the text [texts are never obvious]. Quote only what you can explain: quotations are only evidence for the points you already make! In order to reflect on a document you will have to quote it several times. Never quote your professor or class notes; they only teach you the material so you can find evidence in published texts, like your text book, which you can choose to quote in a limited way, but is not necessary. This assignment is your analysis of the primary sources (thus: never begin or end a paragraph with a quotation), and always interpret and explain the quotation in light of the idea that you have made. A good paragraph (in a nut shell) has one central idea, the idea is explained, then evidence is suggested (quote), then interpretation, then conclusion of the idea. Primary Source paper #1 reflect on any of the material in Units I, II, III. Central Question: How did civilizations in the ancient world view humanity? What did it mean to be human? Compare and contrast at least two different civilizations (i.e. Mesopotamian, Hebrew, Greek, or Roman). Primary Source paper #2 reflect on any of the material in Units IV, V. Central Question: How did Christians in the European West [AD 200-1600] develop the Catholic intellectual tradition? How did they balance the wisdom from Greco-Roman thought with Christian theology, and what balance was developed between faith and reason? Compare and contrast an author from the early medieval period (any Christian thinkers before 1000 AD) with an author from the high Middle Ages or Renaissance period (after 1000 AD). Primary Source paper #3 reflect on any of the material in Units VI on China. Central question: What did Chinese authors [1500 BC- AD 220] think was necessary to forge a more just society for the common good? Compare and contrast two different authors. You may refer to some of the authors in Units I-V to compare and contrast, but most of the paper should be reflecting on Chinese authors

The Duel :: English Literature Essays

The Duel Walking onto the stage, seeing my challenger; thought not much of him, then I glanced to my left; hundreds upon hundreds of people have come to see this. My nerves shot to hell, I picked it up, plugged it in, waiting for the challenger’s opening riff. â€Å"Just one more time, I’ll get it this time, for sure!† I was tutoring some twelve year old; his name, David Ellison Mai. I was trying to teach him how to play the guitar. I have been playing for so many years, I cannot even begin to think how it is like for a beginner, all those new chords, scales, getting your fingers used to the touch of cold steel; set adrift on memory bliss. The only reason I got into this type of music is because of my brother. He meant to pack up his guitar when he moved out to his student home, he did not have enough space for it, and so he left it a week, and said that his friend would drop it off. Of course, seeing it sitting there in my room, I couldn’t just leave it alone; the shiny black surface, shimmering the light, almost giving it a warm glow. Every day, I would just look at it, and I was just getting into the whole rock music scene, so I knew a lot of inspirational guitarists. I couldn’t just sit around anymore; I pic ked it up, and started to learn. I did not know what to do for the first week, it was only when my brother came back that I started making progress. My brother came back for a week, to tie up some loose ends before he moved out for three years, to get his degree. It wasn’t long before my parents were supporting me to learn, they were always buying me books, strings and anything I needed to progress. I can still remember my fingers getting to the point where they would bleed, due to me playing for so many hours on end. When I wasn’t playing, I would just sit down and imagine myself playing on a stage, with thousands of people cheering me on. That dream was very far off; I was still having trouble holding the thing. Many of the guitarists I knew of all taught themselves, and I could see how good they were. I wanted to be just like them, I vowed never to get a teacher.

The Fire :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Fire â€Å"C’mon, it’ll only take you a second,† he said. I can still remember the look on his face; he looked like a puppy begging for a treat. My red-haired neighbor was three years older than me; he had a sprinkle of freckles across his cheeks and a certain charm in his voice. â€Å"Ben, I don’t know about this. I don’t want to get into trouble,† I, being ever cautious, was always reluctant to participate in Ben’s adventures. â€Å"No one is going to find out. Stop being such a baby, and go get them!† he said, growing impatient. I was put in a difficult position. I had Smokey the Bear telling me it was wrong, and my best friend accusing me of being a coward. â€Å"All right, fine,† I said grudgingly, â€Å"I’ll get the matches, but you better come with me.† My heart was already racing, and I could feel my palms moisten. My father was the manager at the local bowling alley. This arrangement suited us well, as we would often spend our afternoons lounging around the bowling alley. For this particular act of mischief, the â€Å"Superbowl† was the perfect place to obtain our sought after matches. Much to our joy, the Superbowl was a mere mile away from our houses, just the right distance for twelve-year olds. It was far enough to seem like another world, yet close enough for us to venture to alone. We made our way through the dense foliage and towards the bowling alley. We had cleverly named our backyards as â€Å"The Woods†. For a child, even a dozen trees make a thick jungle. We soon came upon the large single-storied building; the prized matches were within. I saw the bowl full of matches on the snack bar counter. My heart was racing and my head was pounding; I might as well have been stealing the crown jewels. Much to my surprise, getting the unholy packet of matches was easy. We soon had what we yearned for. We now headed for our ‘Cabin’. The Cabin was a small clearing in a patch of trees. This provided us with ample space to play, and gave us the seclusion and privacy which acts of mischief required. We gathered the necessary materials and headed for Ben’s house. What possessed us to play with fire in the basement of his house, I cannot fathom. Ben and spoke little during this period.

Literature Review Performance Management and the Balanced Scorecard

Chapter 2 Literature Review Since the Balanced Scorecard was developed in the 1990’s by Robert Kaplan and David Norton (1992), it has gained in popularity amongst academics and practitioners. In 1990, Kaplan and Norton led a research study of a lot of companies with the purpose of exploring the new methods of performance management. The importance of the study was an increasing belief that the financial measures of performance management were not as effective as before with the development of modern business enterprise.Representatives involved in the study companies, including the researchers Kaplan and Norton, were persuaded that the reliance on financial measures of performance had an effect on their ability to create value. After deep discussions the group brainstormed on several alternatives but finally settled on the balanced scorecard, which featured performance measures, customer issues, internal business processes, employee activities, and shareholder concerns.Kaplan a nd Norton introduced the new tool as the Balanced Scorecard and summarized the concepts of the study in the first of three Harvard Business Review articles, â€Å"The Balanced Scorecard-Measures That Drive Performance†. Many organizations in both the private and public sectors have embraced the concept of the balanced scorecard. Most have implemented it in an attempt to improve performance (Chan & Ho 2000; Hoque & Jamesl Ittner & Larcker 2003). However, it appears that the term balanced scorecard is subject to different interpretations.For example, a document published by CMA Canada (1999) suggests that the term â€Å"Balanced Scorecard† maybe understood differently by different individuals/organizations. They state that many organizations believe that if a performance measurement system includes both financial and nonfinancial measures, it is a balanced scorecard, whereas Kaplan & Norton claim that a BALANCED SCORECARD is much more than just a collection of performanc e measures. Different interpretations of a BALANCED SCORECARD are evident in academic studies as well.Hoque & James (2000) determined BALANCED SCORECARD usage using a 20-item scale noting that their BALANCED SCORECARD measure might not pick up the strategic linkages of a real BALANCED SCORECARD. As a result, companies in their study may possibly have had varying levels of BALANCED SCORECARD implementation which could have affected their results, especially considering the fact that BALANCED SCORECARD usage was the dependent variable in their regression model.Chan & Ho (2000) stated in their limitations section that â€Å"†¦ the respondents may have mistaken their organization’s performance measurement system to that of a true BALANCED SCORECARD (p. 167). † It is also possible that a company’s performance measurement system has all of the attributes of a balanced scorecard but they do not consider it to be one. Clearly defining a BALANCED SCORECARD would be a 4 contribution to future research by providing a basis to determine the extent of BALANCED SCORECARD adoption by an organization. This study will attempt to do this.Although there are numerous studies on the balanced scorecard (Chan & Ho 2000; Hoque & James 2000; Lipe & Salterio 2000; Malina & Selto 2001; Lipe & Salterio 2002; Ittner & Larcker 2003; Speckbacher et al. 2003), only one study has attempted to develop a conceptual model of the scorecard and used it to examine the extent of its adoption. This was in Austrian, German and Swiss organizations (Speckbacher et al. 2003). This suggests a need for more research to examine what attributes of a Kaplan and Norton (1992, 2001, 2006) Balanced Scorecard other organizations use in their performance measurement system.This study will not attempt to explain the reasons for any differences between organizations with different levels of Balanced Scorecard adoption, it will only report them. In summary, while other studies have looked at specific aspects of the balanced scorecard, only one has looked at its structure as a whole (Speckbacher et al. 2003). Similar to Speckbacher et al. (2003), this study examines the structure of the BALANCED SCORECARD as a whole. This study is however, unique in that it addresses both the structure and use of the BALANCED SCORECARD. Kaplan & Norton (1992; 1996; 2001), the originators of the balanced corecard, emphasize that the inclusion of non-financial measures is just one aspect of the balanced scorecard, noting that there are several structural attributes that make it unique from other frameworks, such as KPI (key performance indicator) cards and stakeholder cards. Kaplan & Norton (1996, 2001) also suggest that its unique structure allows it to be used as a strategic tool to steer organizations towards sustained long-term profitability. They argue that simply including non-financial metrics in their performance measurement system is not enough for organizations to learn, improve , and grow.If Kaplan and Norton’s argument is correct, then companies with different levels of BALANCED SCORECARD adoption should see different results. This suggests a need to compare organizations that have different levels or numbers of balanced scorecard attributes to see if there are any differences. As well, academic studies may be more comparable if a clearly defined Balanced Scorecard was used. A clearly defined BALANCED SCORECARD would enable organizations and researchers to assess the level of BALANCED SCORECARD adoption which may help to explain some of the differences in results between studies.Understanding Performance Management Processes 2. 1 Defining Performance Maila (2006) stated that performance implies the action of doing things that is using things, attending to conditions, processing, communicating and achieving results. Performance is the actual work that is done to ensure that an organisation achieves its mission. In summary, performance encompasses in puts, conditions, processes elements, outputs, consequences and feedback. According to Maila (2006), the end product of performance should be measured against four elements that are: quantity, quality, cost or risk factors and time.The idea of measuring the end product is fully supported as it can be argued that a product can be in any form that is good or bad, hence the need to have it measured. Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS, 2002) states, performance shall mean the standard of performance required by BURS related to an employee's output measured in terms of quality and quantity. In addition, it shall mean the behavioural standards and competencies adopted by BURS. The OPM (2005) defined performance as actions, behaviour and/or inputs by a staff member contributing to the achievement of results.While the researcher acknowledges the above definitions, she argues that application of the definitions should be treated with a provision that the output of that action is positive to the organisation. In the researcher’s own definition, performance means an action by an employee that has produced an output relevant to an employee or organisation’s goals. 2. 2 Defining Management Management means to give direction, lead, control, govern, rule over, whilst a manager is an official who manages or controls- a person who has in his hands the general leadership of an enterprise or of a division (Bryman, 1984:78 as cited in Brynard, et al 1997).Vaughan-Jones (2009), defined management as a process of achieving organisational goals through engaging in the four major functions (planning, organising, leading and controlling). Cleland (1994:39-40) described management through the major management functions that are planning, organising, motivation, directing and controlling. Mayor (2005: 246) identified planning, organising, directing, controlling and motivating as roles of individual project manager, an improvement on the definition by Vaughan-Jones as i t has added motivation as a manager function.The description of the major activities/functions of the manager as planning, organisation, command, coordination and control put for the first time the management process into the context of major activities or functions (Fayol, 1949, pp. 3-6). These management functions have been condensed to four, namely: planning, organising, leading and controlling, (Robbins 2003). What comes out clearly from the literature is that planning, organising and controlling are common in the description of the management process or the functions of management.The researcher has made use of these concepts while cognisant of the fact that the usage of majority-based viewpoint can only be made if the viewpoint is proven by means of scientific investigation (Brynard, 1997: 54), however this research will not be able to prove that due to time constraint. In comparing management to leadership activities, the researcher noted that leadership activities has to do with: dealing with change; developing a vision and setting a direction for an organisation; formulating a strategy; aligning stakeholders with the organisation? s vision, motivating and inspiring employees; and recognising and reward success.Management activities include planning and budgeting, implementing strategy, organising and staffing to achieve strategy; and controlling behaviour and problem solving to ensure strategy is implemented, Henry (2008: 143). The research supports the contemporary definition of management provided by Mayor especially that he has added motivation to the definition, a factor that contributes to effective performance management. 2. 3 Defining Performance Management OPM (2005) defines performance management as: â€Å"ongoing communication process between staff and supervisor/managers for getting better organisational results.It involves: (a) establishing clear expectations and understanding about performance and the results to be achieved; (b) identify ing essential areas of performance as relating to the mission and objectives of the O/M/A; (c) developing realistic and appropriate performance criteria; (d) giving and receiving feedback about performance; (e) conducting constructive performance assessments; and (f) planning continuous development of staff to sustain and improve performance so that individual, unit and organisational human capital is optimised†.Performance management is a system for integrating the management of organisational and employee performance (Williams, 2002 as cited by Maila, 2006:13). Performance management is defined as â€Å"the systematic process by which an agency involves its employees, as individuals and members of a group, in improving organisational effectiveness in the accomplishment of agency mission and goals†, this was obtained through (U. S.Office Personnel Management, (Undated) Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS, 2002) states that performance management is a joint responsi bility between managers who carry out the assessments and the staff whose performance they are assessing. It is essential that this process is carried out objectively,openly and honestly. The researcher has found some common words to arrive at this definition: performance management is a continuous process between staff and supervisors agreeing on the activity to be performed, how it should be measured and within what period, with an aim to accomplish a goal at employee and organisational level. . 4 Defining Performance Management Processes Performance management process was defined as â€Å"a continuous process where supervisors and employees work together to establish objectives (goals), monitor progress toward these objectives and assess results†. With this process, employees receive regular feedback and coaching which is a vital development process for all employees (KSU, 2009). According Cornell University (2010), the first element of performance management process that must be effectively executed is specifying the required levels of performance and identifying goals to be achieved.The researcher understands from the above definitions that performance management processes is a continuous (non-stop) process that underscores the need for supervisors and employees to work together in determining the organisation and employee? s goals and determining performance standards required to achieve those goals. The researcher views performance management processes as a continuous negotiation process that calls for effective communication (Acuff, 2008:6).It is a process that requires that calls for identification and prioritisation of goals, defining what constitutes progress towards goals, setting standards for measuring results and tracking progress towards goals. It further calls for exchanging feedback among the components, reinforcing goal oriented activities and intervening to create improvement when needed. the performance management process places gre ater importance on the methods used to achieve results.This study recognises that there is a thin line between the definitions of management processes and the description of management functions which then points to the conclusion that these two concepts could be used interchangeably. 2. 5 Defining Performance Measurement Balanced scorecard originally developed as tool for performance measurement at the organisational level and has been expanded to include critical success factors (Kaplan and Norton, 1993 as cited in MoF, 2009).It is recognised by the researcher that the definition of performance measurement underscores the need for output/ product to be measured, (Maila (2006). Emphasis on measuring output is fully supported by this study as it could assist managers to determine whether or not the employee’s output contribute to the attainment of the set goals. The researcher’s contribution to the definition of measurement is that this process is aimed at determining strategies necessary to the realisation of the organisation’s objectives, as they appraise how far one is from attaining the set goal.The process calls for assessment of results and provision of honest feedback to either strengthen progress or remedy non progress. 2. 6 Importance of Performance Management Processes Flanagan and Finger (1998:154) stated that most performance improvement processes consist of agreeing on the standards or expectations by managers and staff: monitoring progress; recognising; achievement and reviewing the performance displayed with recognition and review featuring in the maintenance plan. It is imperative that supervisor and employee agree upon and understand each other's expectations of the job.This is the foundation upon which the entire performance management process will be built. The challenge is that both supervisor and employee have to posses negotiating skills as they are required to agree on each other’s expectation of the job. Acco rding to Cornell University (2010), the main purpose of performance management process is to develop people and improve performance by clarifying goals and coaching regularly. A secondary purpose is to provide honest and accurate formal evaluations to support rewards for performance practices.Performance management processes is important as it entails planning employee performance, facilitating the achievement of work related goals and reviewing performance as a way of motivating employees to achieve their full potential in line with the organisation’s objectives, (Swanepoel et al, 1998 as cited Maila, 2006:8). The researcher deducing from the literature above concluded that performance management process was important as it entails planning employee performance, agreeing on standards, monitor and evaluate performance with a view to facilitating the achievement of work related goals.The process is further important as it allows for a two way feedback aimed at supporting rewar ds or punishment for performance practices. According to Maila (2006, p. 4), criteria for measuring success should be clarified and obstacles timorously identified so as to seek solutions and that public service delivery is not halted, performance management system is one of the instruments that can provide that solution.According to Hogue (2010), performance measurement system highlights whether the organisation is on track to achieve its desired goals. Performance measurement system develops key performance indicators (KPIs), or metrics, depending on the nature and activities of the organization. KPIs can serve as the cornerstone of an organization’s employee incentive schemes. The researcher’s contention is that it is much more difficult to develop KPIs for each area of performance within the organisation which can be measured effectively.According to the MoF (2009), the BALANCED SCORECARD of Robert Kaplan and David Norton of 1996 provide a framework that not only p rovides performance measurements, but helps planners identify what should be done and measured. BALANCED SCORECARD is an important approach for measuring and managing the most critical processes in organization. To be meaningful, company performance should be judged against a specific objective is achieved. Without an objective, a company would have no criterion for choosing among alternative strategies and projects (Armstrong 2000; Chang 1999).For example, if the objective of the company is to maximize its return on investment, the company would try to achieve that objective by adopting investments with return on investment ratios greater than the company’s current average return on investment ratio. However, if the objective of the company were to maximize its accounting profits, the company would adopt any investment, which would provide a positive accounting profit, even though the company might lower its current average return on investment ratio (Birch, 1998; Atkinson, Warehouse, & Well, 1997).Performance measurement is important for keeping a company on track in achieving its objectives (Armstrong, 2000; Atkinson & Epstein, 2000; Frigo, Pustortio, George, & Krull, 2000). The selection of the most appropriate indicators is however, an area with no defining boundaries as there are a number of purposes to which performance measurements can be put, although not all performance measurement can be used for purposes (Fitzergerald, Johnston, Brignall, Silveston, & Voss, 1993).Even though individual firms tend to utilize firm-specific performance indicators appropriate to their needs, for many firms the main performance indicators would typically include some combination of financial; market/customer; competitor; human resource; internal business process; and environmental indicators (D’Souza &Williams, 2000; Barsky & Flick, 1999). More often than not usually however, performance measurements has relied on financial or accounting-based measures, de spite the drawbacks associated with such an approach.Specifically, the use of financial measures alone has serious limitations because of inherently backwards-looking nature, their limited ability to measure operational performance and their tendency to focus on the short-term (Kaplan et al. , 2001a; Ittner, Larcker, & Rajan 1997). The reliance on financial measures alone, therefore, to present the true picture of organizational performance, is in itself backward looking, especially from a variety of stakeholders.As a result, an organization requires more from its performance management system than ever before (Becker & Gerhart, 1996l Kaplan et al. , 2001a; Lambert, 1998). Several researchers have identified that the selection of performance measurement indicators should be: 1. Driven from strategies and provide a linkage between unit actions and strategic plans; 2. Hierarchical and integrated across business functions; 3.Supportive of the company’s multidimensional environme nt (internal or external and cost-based or non cost-based); and 4. Based on a thorough understanding of cost relationships and cost behaviour (Brown & Mitchell, 1993; Euske, Lebas, & McNair, 1993; Kaplan & Atkinson, 1989; McKensize & Shilling, 2000; McMann & Nanni, 1994). Additionally, the method of monitoring performance should be dynamic in order to adapt to internal and external changes.In response to these recommendations, a number of frameworks that adopt a multidimensional view of performance measurement have been developed, most notable of which has been the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) developed by Kaplan and Norton (1992, 1996). The Balanced Scorecard addresses the need for multiple measures of performance and provides a strategic framework, which specifically encourages the use of both financial and non-financial measures along four perspectives – financial, customers, internal business processes, and learning and growth – to measure firm performance (Kaplan & No rton, 1996b).In both research and practice, the BSC has received much attention, particularly as a tool for driving unit level strategy within many industries, including hospitality, health, manufacturing and banking (Ashton, 1998; Beechey & Garlick, 1999; Birch, 1998; Chow, Ganulin, Haddad, & Williamson, 1998; Kaplan et al. , 2001a). According to Kaplan and Norton (1996, p. ) â€Å"the balanced scorecard translates an organization's mission and strategy into a comprehensive set of performance measures and provides the framework for strategic measurement and management†. On the outset therefore, the BSC appears to have all the answers for choosing the most appropriate measures of company performance, which are governed by the organisation’s strategic orientation and external competitive environment.The success of the BSC relies on a transparent and well-defined strategy as the basis for the development of specific and relevant performance measures. Although the BSC, al ong with many other perspectives, acknowledges that firms respond to the environment they face in developing their strategy and ultimately performance measurement system, institutional theory specifically asserts that the social network in which firms operate exerts an equally strong hold on the decision- making practices of the firm (DiMaggio, 1983).For instance, it is likely that for firms operating in highly uncertain environments, for example, the choice of performance measures may be influenced by choices made by industry leaders as a means of reducing uncertainty and enhancing legitimacy (mimetic isomorphism) (DiMaggio & Powell, 1991a; Greve, 2000; Haverman, 1993). For firms operating within institutional environments, such as banking, accounting, insurance and the like, shared norms and behaviours may dictate the types of performance measures used (normative isomorphism) (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983; DiMaggio et al. 1991a; Gupta, Dirsmith, & Fogarty, 1994; Heverman, 1993; Hussain & Gunasekaran, 2002a). For firms operating in environments where there is a pressure to conform to rules and practices, performance measurement may be influenced by the dictates of supervisory bodies (coercive isomorphism) (DiMaggio et al. , 1991a; Greve, 2000; Haverman, 1993).Therefore, it appears that if organisations are seeking to utilise the BSC or similar frameworks to develop the most appropriate measures of performance, coercive, mimetic and normative forces, along with strategic orientation, need to be factored into any analysis in order to gain a true picture of what factors influence performance measurement and management. Hence, it is the purpose of this dissertation to examine the role that institutional forces play in the choice of performance measurement systems, via the application of the BSC framework in an industry where the institutional forces mentioned above are at play.Information about performance management is critical to the effective functioning of any bus iness (Chandler, 1962a; Kaplan et al. , 1992; McWilliams, 1996). However, what constitutes good performance and what constitutes good measures of performance are continuously being debated (Corrigan, 1998; Kaplan & Norton, 1998; Kimball, 1997; Landy & Farr, 1983; Maisel, 1992). For instance, do financial performance indicators provide the necessary information for operating within environments that are classified as turbulent, given that they are backward looking? Armstrong, 2000; Barker, 1995; Kaplan, 1983). Is it important to utilise non-financial information for organisations that are facing changes in demand? (Chang, 1999; Kaplan, 1983). In order to answer these questions and more, this chapter reviews literature on performance management and describes the factors that influence performance measures. In addition, why there is a need for organisations to focus on both traditional financial and non-financial indicators of performance in order to meet organisational objectives, irr espective of competitive environment, is reviewed.Specific frameworks, which can be utilised by organisations to measure performance in this way, are also reviewed, with a particular focus on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a measurement tool which meets the demands of contemporary organisations (Duursema, 1999; Ittner & Larcker, 1998a; Kaplan et al. , 1992). 2. 7 Role of Performance Measures in an Organisation To function successfully in a business environment, an organisation depends upon the decision-making ability of its managers, who in turn, depend upon the availability of useable information (Banker, Devraj, Sinha, &Schroeder, 1997). Information about performance is important in different ways to the various stakeholders within a business. For example, owners and investors are interested in company performance to ensure that their investment decisions are correct, and, if not, to look for alternative investments. Managers look at the performance of a company's subunits as a w ay of prioritising the allocation of resources (Duursema, 1999; Euske et al. , 1993; Fama, 1890; Lockamy & Cox, 1994; Tricker & Dockery, 1995).In a more strategic sense, performance measurement is seen as an important way of keeping a company on track in achieving the company's objectives and as a monitoring mechanism employed by the owners of a company where ownership and management are separated (Baker & Wruck, 1989; Bushman, Indjejikian, & Smith, 1995; Delaney & Husekid, 1996; Huselid, 1995; Ittner & Larcker, 1998b; Kaplan, 1984; Lawler, Mohrman, & Ledford, 1992; Mayo & Brown, 1999).If measures of performance are to be effective, the measures need to be performance- driven and linked with company strategy. This view is supported by a number of researchers who note that measures of performance need to be based on a company’s strategic objectives in order for employees to understand and be committed to the achievement of those objectives (Becker et al. , 1996; Hronec, 1993; Huber, 1990; John, Jacqueline, & Robert, 2002; Johnson, 1998; Kaplan, 1983; Kaplan et al. , 2001a). Specifically, D'Souza and Williams (2000), Euske et al. 1993), Kimball (1997) and Mayo and Brown (1999) argue that within the contemporary work environment, a good performance measurement system should be: †¢Supportive and consistent with an organisation’s goals, actions, people/culture, and key success factors; †¢Driven by the customer; †¢Appropriate to the internal and external environment; †¢Developed by a combined top-down and bottom-up effort; †¢Communicated and integrated throughout the organisation; †¢Focused more on managing resources and inputs, not just simply costs; †¢Committed to providing action-oriented feedback; and Supportive of individual and organizational learning. Although there is agreement that these types of characteristics will make for better performance measures (Devenport, 2000), how performance is actually measured is still a ‘black box’ for many organisations (Cross & Lynch, 1992; Eccles, 1991; ECSI, 1998; Frigo et al. , 2000; Gering & Mhtambo, 2000a; Henerson, Morris, & Fitz- Gibbon, 1987), particularly as performance measures used in one company may not be appropriate for another company facing a different situation or different set of circumstances (Otley, 1980).Defining performance for an individual company is highly dependent upon the company’s business objective and strategy and is therefore quite unique (Fitzergerald et al. , 1993; Hoffectker et al. , 1994; Kaplan et al. , 1992; Kaplan et al. , 1996b; Keegan, Eiler, & Jones, 1989). For many firms however, the main performance indicators would typically include some combination of indicators across two broad categories: financial indicators and non-financial indicators (Barsky et al. , 1999; Brown et al. , 1993; D'Souza et al. , 2000; Eccles, 1991; Fitzergerald et al. , 1993; Hoffectker et al. 1994; Johnson et al. , 1987; Kaplan, 1983, 1984; Kaplan et al. , 1996b, 2001a). References Adam, E. E; Corbett, L. M. ; Flores, B. E. ; & Harrison, N. J. ; et al. 1997. An international study of quality improvement approach and firm performance. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 17(9): 842. Emerald Group Publishing. Accessed: 12 November 2012 < http://www. emeraldinsight. com/journals. htm? > Ahmed, N. M. & Scapens, R. W.. 1994. The history of cost allocation practices in Britain: Some illustrations of institutional influences, working paper.University of Manchester, Manchester. Emerald Group Publishing. 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