Sunday, December 29, 2019
The Welfare System For Government Aid - 1704 Words
If you have a job and pay taxes, do you ever wonder where your hard earned money ends up? You probably would think that it goes to someone on welfare, who is trying to succeed in their life, trying to make ends meet and might need a little financial help. In other words, someone who really needs it, but unfortunately it usually ends up in the hands of people who take advantage of the welfare system, and takes the opportunity to purchase drugs and/or drug paraphernalia. To avoid situations like this, welfare recipients should be tested monthly for drugs to make sure they are not cheating the welfare system for government aid. ââ¬Å"The testing is meant to assure taxpayers their money isn t being wasted on the less desirable, those whoâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦It is unconstitutional to test for drugs, yes it is true that welfare recipients are no more likely to use drugs than the rest of the full time/ part time employed population. ââ¬Å"According to the U.S. Department of Heal th and Human Services, a urine drug screen costs between $25 and $44 dollars eachâ⬠(Overman 2013). Also in the state of Florida, during a trial-run, everyone that was applying for TANF had to pay for his or her own drug test, however it was reimbursed 100% if they passed the drug screening. So in the long run, if you don t abuse drugs, and to make sure you can keep your benefits, than you really have nothing to lose, other than the cost of the test. Adding to what is mentioned above, back in 2011 welfare recipients in Florida had to undergo a screening for illegal drug use, a law Gov. Rick Scott said it would ââ¬Å"increase personal accountability and prevent Florida s tax dollars from subsidizing drug addiction(Scott 2011). However, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida) threatened to sue to block the measure, claimed it gave the name ugly legitimacy to stereotypes of welfare recipients. Adding to the facts above, the Florida Department of Children and Family Services required drug
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Mr X case study - 2079 Words
In this essay I will be exploring the various issues raised when a therapist initially meets a new client, including ascertaining personal circumstances and applying ethical and safe practice. I will also be looking at the importance of communication and understanding between client and practitioner. When a therapist first meets with a new client, it is necessary to establish several things in order to know whether they can work together. These include background and personal circumstances of the client, previous experiences (if any) of therapy, medical and psychiatric history and very importantly, why they are seeking therapy. This first conversation is also an opportunity for the clientâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦This initial process will also serve to allow the client to gain enough information about the practitioner that they feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to help them. This will be achieved through a combination of clear information given about the practice itself and the rapport and trust the client feels with the therapist. If there is no rapport or potential for a trusting relationship between the two, the therapy will be ineffective. Itââ¬â¢s a therapistââ¬â¢s responsibility to know when they are not in a position to work with a client, for any reason. A therapist should conduct this initial process by ââ¬Ësetting the sceneââ¬â¢ for how future sessions will look and feel. This can be achieved by setting the room in a comfortable and professional way and, for example, establishing where the client will sit, for every session, to create familiarity and routine. The use of music or room scents is sometimes a preferred option of therapists, but is a personal choice and not necessarily always a good idea as individual people associate sounds and smells in different ways and this can not only predetermine a clientââ¬â¢s feelings but could actually create negativity, depending on their association and response to it. ItSho w MoreRelatedCase Study of Mr X4288 Words à |à 18 PagesESSAY TITLE ââ¬Å"Using the case study provided at the end of the module identify and explain the clientââ¬â¢s issues and devise a course of treatment for him taking into account any ethical issuesâ⬠Introduction - Mr X case study Mr X is 45 and has worked for the same company for 18 years. He is not married but has a ââ¬Å"sort of girlfriendâ⬠. His mother is in a home and he visits her regularly, due to this he is unable to socialize with his colleagues. He would like to apply for a managerââ¬â¢sRead MoreUsing the Case Study of Mr. X, Identify and Explain the Clientââ¬â¢s Issues and Devise a Course of Treatment for Him, Taking Into Account Any Ethical Issues2305 Words à |à 10 PagesUsing the Case Study of Mr. X, Identify and Explain the Clientââ¬â¢s Issues and Devise a Course of Treatment for him, Taking into Account any Ethical Issues In this essay I shall be explaining the issues Mr X has expressed, as I have understood them, as expounding the presented issue with the client in such a manner is also crucial to gaining clarity and building rapport. I shall then cover any ethical considerations that need to be accounted for and then seek to devise a relevant course of treatmentRead MoreA Culturally Competent Health Care System1586 Words à |à 7 Pagesconsequences. A conclusion reached in a study (Palafox et al., 2002) states, culture influences the outcome of medical examination and; therefore, it is vital to provide culturally competent health care services. Cultural competency is especially important in the context of radiographic examination due to the variety of culturally different patients a radiographer comes in contact. The following case study effectively highlights the impact of cultural competency. Mrs. X is 55 years old, female Muslim patientRead MoreRisk Management And Boundaries Case Study1256 Words à |à 6 Pages Risk Management and Boundaries case study Name: Delsie Henry Course: School: Kaplan University Date: October 3, 2017 Ã¢â¬Æ' Risk management and Boundaries. The context to which human services are delivered is totally different in todayââ¬â¢s world. We observe that there are so many different methods of communication that can occur between human services professional and clients. First there was the writing letters, phone calls or direct face to face communication would have been as the main methods ofRead MorePacific Healthcare Case Study1091 Words à |à 5 PagesCase Study One Case Name: Pacific Healthcare I. Major Facts Pacific Healthcare is the largest health care provider in Santa Barbara Country. Pacific Memorial, Pacific Cabrillo, and Pacific Isla Vista along with two nursing homes and ten outpatient clinics are all linked to Pacific Healthcare. Altogether, there are over 1,500 beds. Barney Rubble, the Pacificââ¬â¢s corporate director of supply management, is in charge of procuring supplies for all Pacific Healthcare subordinates. The director ofRead MorePacific Healthcare Essay706 Words à |à 3 PagesPacific Healthcare Case Study Introduction to Supply Chain Management TLMT 313 B001 Sum 12 Michael Upshaw July 15, 2012 Pacific Healthcare I. Major Facts â⬠¢ Pacific Healthcare is the largest health care provider in Santa Barbara County. The institution consists of three hospitals: Pacific Memorial (415 beds), Pacific Cabrillo (250 beds), and Pacific Isla Vista (300 beds); also included are two nursing homes and tenRead MorePacific Healthcare Essay1460 Words à |à 6 PagesPACIFIC HEALTHCARE CASE STUDY 1 Pacific Healthcare American Public University System Professor Wade Keith Pacific Healthcare: I. Major Facts Mr. Howell, the director of radiology for Pacific Healthcare has passed away. He was in charge of the supplier section of X ray film. Mr. Howell would not authorize the use of any X ray film other than Kodak. Barney Rubble is the corporate director of supply management for PacificRead MoreSleep Well Motel1261 Words à |à 6 Pagesaged retired couples, and young budget minded travelers. Sleep Well Motel is owned by Mr. Bennington. He considers selling the Sleep Well Motel property since he recently lost his wife in a tragic car accident. Since that time he had been unable to concentrate, failed to keep as close watch on the business and now wanted to return home state of Illinois to be near his sonââ¬â¢s family. In April of 1980, Mr. Will Shelton received information from the owner of a motel that was for sale. After skimmingRead MorePresence Of Kamin s Blocking Effect On Humans1684 Words à |à 7 Pagessecondary CS that is associated with the US is paired with the CS. This study investigates whether the blocking effect, already well-established as being present in animals, can also be evidence with human subjects. Participants of the experiment were asked to view a stimulus presentation and provide answers as to which outcome they expected from certain foods being consumed in regard to causing an allergic reaction in the patient, Mr X. They were then asked to provide probability ratings as to how likelyRead MoreCase: Coal and Variance1124 Words à |à 5 PagesMain Issue and Problems Based on this case, the main issue is regarding to the company performance that not shows the positive performance of the company in the financial results. The issue is related on how Mr. Tan have to do in order to show that the company is still in a good performance. There is also an issue regarding to their supplier, Pingdingshan that supply a low quality coal but in a higher price than the prior year. Therefore, in our case study, we conclude that we need to do a variance
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Epic of Gilgamesh Values, Serpents vs. Bible Free Essays
The True Value of Life Sometimes, in order for you to change, it takes losing something so dear to you. This is proven in one of the oldest stories ever written, ââ¬Å"The Epic of Gilgameshâ⬠. Although the main plot is focused on Gilgamesh losing is closest friend and going on a journey of immortality, by studying Gilgameshââ¬â¢s idea of avoiding death, we can see throughout the story that death is inevitable, lack of humility is an issue, and the symbol of the serpent. We will write a custom essay sample on The Epic of Gilgamesh: Values, Serpents vs. Bible or any similar topic only for you Order Now Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, is a mighty king that built magnificent temple towers and high walls that surrounded the city. However, he came about these building projects by forced labor. The gods heard the people of Urukââ¬â¢s pleas, so the gods created Enkidu, who is just as magnificent as Gilgamesh, to challenge him. The godsââ¬â¢ plan took a different turn when the two became best of friends. Gilgameshââ¬â¢s happy adventurous life soon takes a tragic turn when Enkidu falls ill and dies. Gilgamesh now fears for his own life. Heartbroken, Gilgamesh sets out on a journey to find the key to eternal life. His journey leads him to Utnapishtim, who he and his familyââ¬â¢s lives were spared by Ea, the god of wisdom, from the flood. As a result of this, Enlil, the god of earth, rewards Utnapishtim with eternal life. Gilgamesh assumes Utnapishtim can grant him eternal life as well, so he puts him to a test. Gilgamesh has to stay awake for a week; this is a trick because immortals donââ¬â¢t ever sleep. Gilgamesh immediately fails. As a second chance Utnapishtim gives him a plant of youth. On his journey back home a snake steals the plant while Gilgamesh is in the pond. Gilgamesh returns to Uruk empty handed; however, he returns as a different man. The greatest lesson Gilgamesh learns is that death is inescapable. Siduri, the goddess of wine disguised as the tavern keeper, warns him of seeking immortality. ââ¬Å"As for you, Gilgamesh, let your belly be full, make merry day and night. Of each day make a feast of rejoicing. Day and night dance and play! Let your garments be sparkling fresh, your head be washed; bathe in water. Pay heed to a little one that holds on to your hand, let a spouse delight in your bosomâ⬠(Tablet X). This is her telling him it would be pointless and to just enjoy what he has in his life now. It was Enkiduââ¬â¢s fate to die as a consequence after him and Gilgamesh killed the Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh realizes in the end that it is also manââ¬â¢s fate to die, as it is for humankind to live on. Death is inevitable and immortality is promised only to the gods. Life must be treasured. Life isnââ¬â¢t worth living if you donââ¬â¢t take what is has to offer, for death will come faster than you know. Gilgamesh may have started his quest as two-thirds god and one-third man, but he returned as a man, realizing his own inevitable mortality. From being two-thirds god and one-third man, Gilgamesh is destined for perfection. He is blessed with the luxurious life and all the riches he could possibly want. Unfortunately his greatest flaw is his arrogance and lack of humility. Gilgamesh was created by the gods to be perfect in every way. However, the gods couldnââ¬â¢t prepare him for life, its challenges, and how to be a true king. Gilgamesh lived like a god amongst his people and was hated for it because he didnââ¬â¢t care about anyone but himself. The gods didnââ¬â¢t know what to do with Gilgameshââ¬â¢s life so they sent Enkidu which gave him true friendship. Gilgamesh started in the story as a cruel king that used forced labor to build his kingdom and would rape women. He would do whatever he wanted to do and get who and whatever he wanted. He was loathed by his people. The first transition to his change was Enkidu. They both became heroes. When his journey ends he returns to his kingdom as a new selfless man who thinks no more than do right by his people. Serpents play similar but at the same time different roles in Gilgamesh and the Bible. In the story of Gilgamesh the serpent changes Gilgameshââ¬â¢s perception of life. After his long quest he is given an herb that restores his youth. He hasnââ¬â¢t yet used it when a snake steals it. Though the snake robs Gilgamesh of his chance to enjoy youth again, it restores Gilgameshââ¬â¢s sanity. The snake is a benefit. Gilgamesh now carries back the gift of wisdom. He now focuses on what is in front of him and doesnââ¬â¢t take life for granted. In the Bible, the serpent is a source of evil that brought life-long punishment to humankind. The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to disobeying God into taking what rightfully belongs to God ââ¬â knowledge. As punishment, God exiles Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and brands them as sinners. The serpent stole their innocence, so in a way the serpent brought both death and knowledge into the world. As descendent of Adam and Eve we also hold the name as a sinner. ââ¬Å"This is the wall of Uruk, which no city on earth can equal. See how its ramparts gleam like copper in the sun. Climb the stone staircase, more ancient than the mind can imagine a temple that no king has equaled in size or beauty, walk on the wall of Uruk, follow its course around the city, inspect its mighty foundations examine its brickwork, how masterfully it is built, observe the land it enclosesâ⬠(Book XI). Shortly before Gilgameshââ¬â¢s eyes truly opened he was in despair because he lost his opportunity of immortality when he lost the plant of youth. In the end as he looked upon his kingdom he established wisdom. He realized that death cannot be avoided, and he became a humble king. If it wasnââ¬â¢t for the serpent he would still be the arrogant king he was and he wouldnââ¬â¢t have gain this knowledge. If the serpent didnââ¬â¢t bring along the idea of eating off the tree of knowledge, Adam and Eve would still be in the Garden of Eden and wouldnââ¬â¢t have the knowledge of the world. How to cite The Epic of Gilgamesh: Values, Serpents vs. Bible, Papers
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Basics of Strategic Planning and Management
Question: Discuss about the Basics of Strategic Planning and Management. Answer: Introduction The company, Fortescue Metals Group Limited is situated in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. The company is primarily involved in the business of shipping iron ore to China. The partnership has been a win-win situation for all concerned parties. The Chinese government is heavily dependent on the iron ore being exported from Australia by the Fortesxue metal groups limited. The company has also grown significantly since inception in 2003, owing to the volume of iron ore being exported to the peoples republic of china. The Australian Economy has benefited from the huge employment opportunities provided by the company as well as through the royalty revenues being paid to the government. Company Positioning The company is a start-up that commenced operations in 2003. It has positioned itself to tap into the market for exporting the iron ore to China. The increasing demand for iron ore in China, has fueled several exciting opportunities for the company which is also helping to improve the employment opportunities for residents of Western Australia. BHP Billiton Ltd, Rio Tinto Ltd and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd are the primary operators in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Fortescue Metals Group Limited is a start-up that has been able to capitalize on the extensive market for Australian Iron ore in China. Industry Analysis The mining industry in Western Australia is one of the biggest contributors of revenue as well as employment opportunity provider in the country (Australianmining.com.au, 2016). The huge potential for iron ore in various parts of Western Australia is helping several start-ups like Fortescue Metals Group Limited to emerge as the centre of the economic growth story being charted in Western Australia. The Under the guidance of its chairperson Mr. Andrew Forrest, the Fortescue Metals Group Limited, aims to carve a niche in the iron ore export industry. The Company is catering to the increased demands of Australian iron ore in China and anticipates a significant growth in exports in line with the Chinese initiatives to improve the living conditions of its rural population and relocate them to urban areas with improved conveniences and infrastructure. Mission The company mission is to increase its exports of iron ore and thus improve the profits of all stakeholders. The company looks at increasing its employment base in tune with its growth and thus providing greater employment opportunities for people in Australia. Since Australians employed in the Mining industry tend to be less mobile, the employment opportunities offered by the Fortescue Metals Group Limited would be vested with the natives of Western Australia. The company intends to grow significantly by tapping into the huge mineral reserves in Western Australia. In line with its present growth trajectory, the company is expected to continue with its significant contribution to the GDP of the country through the royalty reserves that it pays the government for use of the mineral basin. Porters 5 Force Analysis The five forces analysis looks at the five significant forces to help determine the competition in the current business scenario. The factors that need to be considered includes supplier power, buyer power, competitive rivalry, threat of substitution and the threat of new entrants (Fitzpatrick, Nguyen and Cayan, 2015). The force, scale and size of the impact of these factors is seen in the scenario analysis carried out on the basis of the five forces theory by Porter. Supplier Power: This refers to the manner and ease with which suppliers can influence the prices of the end products (Mindtools.com, 2016). In the case of the Fortescue Metals Group Limited, the suppliers are the mines of Western Australia that are mined by the company. The primary factor that contributes to the supply of iron ore are the mining capacity of the company as well as the allowances ad restrictions placed on the company by the Australian government. Buyer Power: Buyer power refers to the ease with which buyers can influence the prices of the commodity (Mindtools.com, 2016). Since the Fortescue Metals Group Limited are catering only to the Chinese demand at present, the sales and exports are dependent on a single buyer. This places the company in a precarious position since the company would be easily influenced by the demands of China. The possibility of them dictating prices and driving the process southwards is a major failing of the marketing strategy being employed by the company. Competitive Rivalry: The number as well as the capability of competitors is a major concern for all companies. This is because these competitors may erode the companys customer base and this would have adverse effects on the financial position of the company (Mindtools.com, 2016). For the Fortescue Metals Group Limited, the competitors are all older and larger companies like BHP Billiton Ltd, Rio Tinto Ltd and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. While these companies are highly diversified and have a larger customer base, Fortescue Metals Group Limited by its nature of operations has limited itself to a single client. The possibility of being edged out by these larger companies as well as the possibility that the buyer would shift loyalties if offered a better deal by any or all the competitors is a matter of grave concern for the company headed by Mr. Forrest Threat of Substitution: This refers to the possibility of the client to find a better alternative for the product or services being offered by the company. The possibility of easy and viable substitution is an important factor that would impact this factor (Mindtools.com, 2016). For Fortescue Metals Group Limited, the threat of substitution would arise not only from competitors and rivals in its own country but also from the possibility of China being able to procure a similar or even better quality ore at cheaper prices from alternate countries like India or Africa. Since China is looking at huge volume of exports it is in a position to dictate terms to not just Fortescue Metals Group Limited but also to negotiate better process with countries that would not have to incur similar costs in procuring and processing the iron ore. Threat of New Entry: This refers to the possibility of newer companies entering the same market (Mindtools.com, 2016) on similar lines as Fortescue Metals Group Limited entered the mining segment even when there were bigger players like BHP Billiton Ltd, Rio Tinto Ltd and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The possibility of these newer players adopting tactics like undercutting prices to make inroads into the market cannot be discounted. Summary Of Strategy Plans The company strategy is to maximize its contribution to the employment market and national GDP through its exports. While the efforts put in by the Fortescue Metals Group Limited are commendable, the same cannot be deemed sufficient in light of its current financial statements. The strategy to concentrate on a single market and reduce its diversification into other markets is a strategy that calls for urgent measures to counteract the expected fall in profits and decline in exports (Balancedscorecard.org, 2016). The company projects are too optimistic given the analysis of its latest annual reports. Market Share And Size Fortescue Metals Group Limited based in Western Australia is into the business of exporting Iron ore to China. The company primarily caters to the Chinese markets. Unfortunately, while the company is looking at expanding its mining capacity, it is faced with the ground reality of its declining market share in the Chinese markets. The market size of Fortescue Metals Group is presently at US$ 7083 million due to its overall decline in revenues from all markets (Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report, 2016). Current Situation The company is presently well placed in terms of its commitment and capability to meet the projected exports for the coming year. However, it is important to consider the fact that the company is entirely optimistic in its projected figures and has not put into place any alternative mechanism in case it is unable to continue exporting to China. On the basis of Porters five forces analysis, it would be accurate to state that Fortescue Metals Group Limited is liable to competition from rivals, threat of substitution as well as the impact of buyer power in lowering prices (Pearce and Robinson, 2011). Any or all these factors would impact the profitability of the company and its ability to service the current debt position, as well as its ability to take on further debts as indicated by the CFO. The financial statements show that the revenue from China is US $ 6,789 million and forms the major part of its revenue of US $ 7,083 million. However, the year on year figures show that Chinas c ontribution has come down from US$ 8047 million to the current figure of US$ 6,789 million (Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report, 2016). Comments And Recommendation Based on the current position, as well as Porters five forces analysis, Fortescue Metals Group Limited should consider exploring its export options and consolidating its position as a important exporter of iron ore. While the company has made significant inroads into the industry and boasts of good growth, as well as the guidance of persons like Andrew Forrest; it is imperative that the company looks at not only consolidating its position in exporting iron ore to China, but also to expand both its customer base as well as make efforts to enter newer markets in developing countries which would need iron ore for their infrastructural improvements (Kach et al., 2016). Annual Report The annual report of the company shows a robust growth. The company as posted a Net Profit after Tax of US$ 985 million, which is a significant growth of US$699 million over the previous year. The company was able to give an interim dividend of 3 cents per share and a final dividend of 12 cents per share, taking the total dividend paid during the year to 15 cents; an increase of 10 cents, over the dividend payout during the previous year. There is a marginal increase in retained earnings which has contributed to the increase in total equity of the company (Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report, 2016). The net profit before tax in the current year shows a significant increase of US$ 934 million, year on year. Unfortunately, the income statement of Fortescue Metals Group Limited shows a marginal decline in assets, both current and non-current over the previous year, with cash and equivalents as well as inventories contributing to the decline. This means that the liquidity of the company has reduced significantly. On the liabilities side, the current liabilities are not affected to a great degree. However the non-current liabilities show a sharp decline in borrowings as well as an increase in the deferred tax liabilities of the company (Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report, 2016). The cash flows statement shows both the cash receipts from customers as well as payments to suppliers have fallen drastically. However, the fall in income tax payable has helped improve the net operating cash inflow. The investments made have also sharply declined and this has contributed to the overall profitability of the company. There has been a huge decrease in cash and cash equivalents which reflects on the current liquidity of the company (Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report, 2016). Conclusion The Fortescue Metals Group Limited is looking at a long term decline in growth on the basis on the data contained in its financial statements. Despite the increase in profits posted by the company, the decline in liquidity as shown by decline in inventory levels as well as the cash position is an indicator of the long term viability of the company. It is suggested that Fortescue Metals Group Limited look at entering newer markets in order to overcome the expected fall in demand from China. The companys decline in revenues from other markets by close to 50 per cent is also a indication of its inability to increase its market penetration in other countries and this needs to be addressed on priority (Bradley, 2016). References Australianmining.com.au. (2016).Australian Mining | Australia's home for mining industry news. [online] Available at: https://www.australianmining.com.au/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016]. Balancedscorecard.org. (2016).The Basics of Strategic Planning, Strategic Management and Strategy Execution. [online] Available at: https://balancedscorecard.org/Resources/Strategic-Planning-Basics [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016]. Fitzpatrick, B., Nguyen, Q. and Cayan, Z. (2015). An Upgrade To Competitive Corporate Analysis: Creation Of A Personal Finance Platform To Strengthen Porters Five Competitive Forces Model In Utilizing.Journal of Business Economics Research (JBER), 13(1), p.54. Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report. (2016).Fortescue Metals Group Limited Annual Report 2016. [online] Available at: https://fmgl.com.au/media/2862/fy16-fortescue-annual-report-final-with-cover.pdf [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016]. Kach, A., Busse, C., Azadegan, A. and Wagner, S. (2016). Maneuvering through Hostile Environments: How Firms Leverage Product and Process Innovativeness.Decision Sciences, 47(5), pp.907-956. Mindtools.com. (2016).Porter's Five Forces: Assessing the Balance of Power in a Business Situation. [online] Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_08.htm [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016]. Pearce, J. and Robinson, R. (2011).Strategic management. 1st ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Bradley J. (2016).Why Is Strategic Management Needed?. [online] Available at: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/strategic-management-needed-61313.html [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016].
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