My aim in life Essay

â€Å"The mere act of aiming at something big makes you big.† (Jawaharlal Nehru) Bestowing man with life and sending him on earth to live is fully justified. This all has been done for a specific reason. Idealizing his purpose and endeavoring to objectify it into reality is the real pinnacle/ culmination of human being. A man without an aim is like a rudderless ship in stormy sea; a vagabond wandering/rambling in streets with no particular direction to follow. To give one’s life a defined pattern and to enjoy it in its full bloom, one must have an aim in his life. â€Å"Aim simply means an ambition or a desire for ones future which helps him keeping attention focused on particular target.† In this avaricious and money-oriented world, everyone enjoys a materialistic life and lives for an aim that proves to be a financial boost as well. That is the reason why most of the people wish to become a doctor, engineer or a businessman. But I dream of becoming a techer. Though teachers are very ill-paid in our society, I want to adopt this profession on completely spiritual basis. Teaching, being the work of prophets and saints, is also a subject of my religious inclination. I always love to wonder teaching a number of students the principles of justice and fair play, epitomizing them in a particular skill and nurturing their fledgling ideas into veteran moods. I want to contribute in the society by providing it with minds having innovative ideas, high objectives and good moral values; an assemblage that will steer the sinking boat of our country through the winding river to a heavenly abode. Becoming a teacher would be a way to do that. I want to inculcate the sense of richness of talent in the brooding minds with which they can do something exemplary. I want to be the guiding star showing the right path to the passengers lost in the pitchy darkness. I wish to open new horizons to/on the coming generation so that they may learn something new beyond the world of books; so that they may learn seeking answers themselves, something learned not by reading but by experiencing/practicing. For this, I would have to be a paragon of the saying of F.W. Robertson: â€Å"The true aim of everyone who aspires to be a teacher should be not to impart his own opinions but to kindle minds.† Savoring that wonderful sensation when one of your students gets a feather in the cap; experiencing the love of hundreds of adolescents; tackling with their pure mischiefs and lifting them  up to rule the sky, are those experiences only a teacher can have. Our country is direly lacking true teachers. It needs educators, mentors, reformers, guides and moralists as teachers. I would like to develop all these characteristic capabilities among my pupil so that they may serve the society in the best possible way. Becoming a doctor, I would be treating patients only! Becoming an engineer would merely result in constructing buildings! But becoming a teacher, I would be able to build a whole new society and can treat the entire spiritual (mystical) ailments prevailing around; provide the society the best manpower; and produce many doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, business men and many more, as Alexander once said: â€Å"The world doesn’t need any Alexander, but Aristotle. As Alexander can’t make any Aristotle but Aristotle can produce many Alexander’s.† A teacher plays the most constructive role in the society. He changes attitudes, to maintain a congenial environment for the society to flourish. He is the one who makes anonymous reap laurels. Utilizing all hi s capacities, he makes his pupil continue their journey amidst the endless world of victories. Doing all this, his spiritual ecstasy is at its peak and this is the foremost reason why I aim at becoming a teacher.

Management Action Research †Selecting an Insider Project Essay

Framing and selecting an issue can be a complicated process. The process may require a change in perspective and understanding what others’ reasons are for a particular situation. A person will realize that there are a number of issues that can be the subject of his insider action research. During the process, issues will unfold after learning about issues and so on, making the framing and selection of issue more difficult. In addition, some issues may be obvious, however, this could be a manifestation of a deeper issue. The researcher may be faced with more challenges given that there are limitations in selecting the issue such as the timeframe and availability of resources. As explained in Chapter 4, labeling ‘issue’ as a problem or as an opportunity has different effects on the people involved. Framing an issue as a problem may have an effect on the people in such a way that they deal with the issue with a loss. On the other hand, framing an issue as an opportunity may be associated with gain which then creates a need to search for possible solutions. Employees in their organization see key issues that need to be uncovered and addressed. However, people may be in a situation where they are constrained to discuss issues. There are underlying circumstances why people are hesitant to initate a dialogue. One of which is political influence in the workplace. It may seem hard to move forward, nevertheless, only in this way ideas and opinions will be exposed for assessment. It is also discussed in the book that in the process of identifying the issues, the researcher begins to have a better understanding of the situation, consequently having more and more revisions as the researcher studies and explores the issues. In selecting the research project, it is important to know if it will give value to the researcher and if it will increase the profile of the researcher in the organization. Insider action research proposal needs to address four areas namely context, action, research and the insider process. In the context, there should be an introduction to describe the organization and its issues and concerns. In action, this is where the researcher will explain what the rational and purpose of his research are, describe the current situation and what is expected after carrying out the research. Research describes the rationale for doing the research and how to inquire while ensuring the quality and rigour of the research. The insider process reflects on his own understanding. The researcher needs to work with others to execute his action research. Main insights Knowing and understanding others’ perspective is significant in carrying out action research as this will play a vital role in evaluating the issue. The researcher tends to use his own understanding of an issue as the only basis therefore research becomes biased unconsciously. It is of great importance to be open to what other people have to say and welcome their ideas. In this way, the researcher performs the second person inquiry as well. The whole point of action research is to work with others in order to bring about change. Questions How does a person handle a situation where there are political influences? Thinking of a given situation, I need to weigh things, understand the situation and contemplate on what the outcome will be if I take action on a certain issue that I see the need to address. I need to reflect if the actions I will take are within the ethical framework. After learning about the issues that I need to consider before selecting my topic for my paper, will I proceed with â€Å"How to Become a Good Leader?† My answer is yes. This offers an opportunity for experimentation with the existing and acquired knowledge, offers the possibility to increase my profile in my organization and offers opportunities for my personal development. Moreover, I will be able to contribute more to the company when I carry out my action research on how to become a good leader. Applications That of necessity means that you need to be willing to explore key concepts and themes and attempt to construct the perceptions of others concerning the range of issues (Dutton et al., 1983). Understand others’ reasons and ideas is an important factor in action research. An honest dialogue is necessary in order to be aware of what others’ perceptions are. What I noticed in myself is that I take action with a little discussion with select colleagues. From there I do my analysis and evaluation. Moving forward, I will ensure that I discuss situations with all the persons involved and collaborate with my colleagues to have an unbiased outcome.

Under What Circumstances May a Person Be Criminally Liable for a Failure to Act?

General principleThere is no general liability for failure to act under the common law of England and Wales. A crime can be committed by omission, but there can be no omission in law in the absence of a duty to act. The general basis for imposing liability in criminal law is that the defendant must be proved to have committed a guilty act whilst having had a guilty state of mind. The physical elements are collectively called the actus reus and the accompanied mental state is called the mens rea.Liability for omissionsThe general rule is that there can be no liability for failing to act, unless at the time of the failure to act the defendant was under a legal duty to take positive action. ‘’Unless a statute specifically so provides, or †¦.the common law impose a duty upon a person to act in a particular way towards another†¦ a mere omission to act cannot lead to criminal liability’’.(R Vs Miller[1983]1 All ER 978.) A positive duty to act exists in the following circumstances:(a)Duty arising from statute Liability for failing to act will be imposed where the defendant can be shown to have been under a statutory duty to take positive action. A leading example of such a case is provided by the children and Young Persons Act 1933, which creates the offence of wilfully neglecting a child. Hence by simply failing to provide food for the child or failing to obtain appropriate medical care a parent could be held criminally liable for any harm that results. (Greener Vs DPP[1996] The Times, Feb. 15,1996).(b)Duty arising from a ContractWhere a person is under a positive duty to act because of his obligations under a contract, his failure to perform the contractual duty in question can form the basis of criminal liability. (R Vs Pittwood [1902] 19 TLR 37).

Public Administration in Northern Ireland Essay

Public Administration in Northern Ireland - Essay Example (2) A brief time line of RPA 2002 RPA was initiated 2003 RPA consultation was launched 2004 The consultation finished 2005 In august, second stage started, in September second stage closes, in November lord rooker denounced results of RPA process. 2006 June 2006 a briefing by NICVA [Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action], In December Gavin Boyd appointed Chief Executive Designate of Education and Skills Authority. (3) 2007 In July a review of local government's issues of RPA was launched by environmental minister. 2008 13th march Forster, environmental minister, explained the possible future shape by creating more 11 local governments keeping the already existing 26. (2) Why is it so late to implement RPA Considering the above-stated facts, one can understand the huge task which was initiated in 2002 and termed as RPA [review of public administration] is far better fitted in theory than in practice. It is almost impossible to meet the time frame and maintain harmony with all these councils, local governments and with the departments keeping the system of checks balances intact. Some factors are highlighted here. Timeframe which is not enough for RPA Possible lack of Co-ordination between different departments. Weak legislative support is another reason A must need of agreed framework of execution of RPA. The sharing of responsibilities between local councils and community and organizations within the RPA boundary is not that easy task. The separation of tasks and efficiency checking program is still unclear by the departments causing further delay. Conclusion Though RPA offers a good opportunity for local governments and organizations to propagate in public sectors, yet, the...(1) All these reforms are to be implemented through councils, community planning, primary care-led commission groups and various other tools to help public administration working in practise and not just theory for the welfare of the people. But the provided timeframe for such huge alteration of administrational structure and making it efficient is clearly too short for undergo these changes practically. Considering the above-stated facts, one can understand the huge task which was initiated in 2002 and termed as RPA [review of public administration] is far better fitted in theory than in practice. It is almost impossible to meet the time frame and maintain harmony with all these councils, local governments and with the departments keeping the system of checks balances intact. Some factors are highlighted here. Though RPA offers a good opportunity for local governments and organizations to propagate in public sectors, yet, the uncertainty and confusion it brought over years can not be ignored and immediate steps must be taken to make the slow process fast. The review of public administration in Northern Ireland, initiated in 2002, aimed at particular and specified targets achievement factor to enhance efficiency and improvement in public sector involving Health, Education, Finances, legislative, executive co-ordination and

BETH ANN FARAGHER, PETITIONER v. CITY OF BOCA RATON Case Study

BETH ANN FARAGHER, PETITIONER v. CITY OF BOCA RATON - Case Study Example This therefore puts them in a position that they can abuse by practising acts that can be termed as abusive and therefore call for legal intervention. In our case the city is claimed to be unaware of the actions of two of its employees-Terry and Silverman who were sued for subjecting the petitioner-Faragher and other female lifeguards to the unwelcome and uninvited touches and abusive language that they were using. Among the allegations, Terry had said that he would never promote a woman to the rank of a Lieutenant and in another occasion, Silverman had warned Faragher that she should date him or she would clean the toilets for a year (Legal Information Institute). Silverman being in a position to allocate duties to the lifeguards, had the power to execute that threat. This therefore calls for the intervention of the law as the powers he uses are bestowed to him by the agency that has hired him and set him to the rank that he is in. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida handled the case where Faragher had sued the city. It established that during the time that that Faragher was working with the city, Terry was serving as the Chief of the Marine Safety division and he had authority to supervise all aspects of the life guards’ assignments, engage in counselling and deliver oral reprimands while putting into record such an occurrence. At that moment, Silverman was serving in the position of marine safety lieutenant. The city had a sexual harassment policy that was drafted on February 1986. This was revised in 1990 and a restatement reissued. However, Terry, Silverman and Gordon were unaware of it. This put the responsibility of their actions at an individual level as the city had already drafted a policy in regard to sexual harassment. The court made a conclusion that the conduct of Terry and Silverman could be cause a hostile working environment for Faragher. The court therefore

Right attitude in a medical office setting Essay

Right attitude in a medical office setting - Essay Example 93), it must be a decision or a choice that will have to be made. One can therefore choose to have positive or negative and like in any work setting, the positive attitude must be the preferred choice to contribute to the business of providing care to the patients. A positive attitude of employees can help a lot in the recovery of patients. Since attitude affects and influences other’s behavior, a responsible medical employee must behave positively to influence people in office including the patients and other co-workers. A medical assistant for example will be able to transmit positive attitude towards the patient if he or she accepts the patient as a unique individual who with rights of treatment with dignity and compassion in a non-judgmental manner (Southard, 2008). The employee needs demonstrate empathy, interest and concern by telling patient or letting the latter feel that he or she is important to the employee (Southard, 2008). Such a caring attitude exerts a positive influence on the sick person’s attitude, behavior and response. The same could help in promoting the fast recovery of the patient. An employee’s good personal appearance can help the patients to perceive a positive attitude of the person and how the medical office values them. Every employee must also have a positive image to the patient. This can be done by showing good health and good grooming present.

Economies, Markets and Strategic Decisions Essay

Economies, Markets and Strategic Decisions - Essay Example It affects almost our entire lives, from the quality of our lives, our health and well-being; it determines not only our choice of transportation means but also our choice of work, and status2. Oil also affects our economic well-being, family structure, choice of friends and status in the society. It is with no wonder that, All things being equal an increase in the demand of a commodity will increase the price in the short run and supply in the long run. This is certainly true, for the short period in the case of an ordinary commodity. In the case of oil, the number is highly dependent on the availability of reserves. In the case of commodity, an increase in price would ensure an increase in supply which would serve to check the rise in price. Production on a larger scale leads to improved methods of production, and a fall in price below its original level. In the case of housing, no such reaction is possible3. There is nothing, to restrain the price (and the rent) of housing from rising indefinitely without limit, if the demand continue to increase. Conversely, if the demand for houses falls off, there is nothing to check the consequent fall in price and rent. In the case of ordinary commodities, supply would be diminished, because most things are either consumed4. 1.2 Demand and Supply Forces determining the price of Oil Over the last thirty years, OIL prices have risen in real terms by around 2 ' % a year and according to HM Treasury (2003) report this stands in contrast to other European countries such as Sweden, France, and Germany where real house prices have decline or remain relatively constant. In a study conducted by Guri (2003), it was postulated that low oil supply responsiveness must have contributed in greater trend increase in real oil prices in the world before the outbreak of the credit crunch that started at the end of the year 2007. According to Kuenny et al. (2007), paradoxically, while there is a problem associated with a shortage of hydrocarbons, there is also a problem associated with their superabundance which results in the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere producing a dramatic impact on climate (Kuenny 2007). Kuenny (2007) stipulates that, the latter problem appears more important than the former, geopolitical crises, which may be generated by a shortage of hydrocarbons, appear to influence public opinion more than progressive climate change. Unless new energy fields can be Figure 1 and Two From Figure one above, an increase in the demand for oil from D1 to D2 has not been matched by a corresponding increase in the supply of oil. Oil are not like ordinary commodities. This has forced up price for oil from P1 to P2. This is because with the present state of the world economy, market, higher demand is translated into higher prices than supply. With the government weak oil supply in the previous years, and it inability to assume responsibility to increase the number of oil reserves, prices will continue to increase As supply becomes more elastic over time, assuming the conditions of demand remain unchanged, we expect to see downward pressure on prices and a further increase in the equilibrium quantity of oil bought and sold5.Because of the time lags and resources

Manager in a News Paper Office Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Manager in a News Paper Office - Essay Example The inputs from different parts of the country may be from network of the company and the inputs regarding news all over the world can come through internet. Extracting news or inputs from network of the company involves managers who work under him and are responsible for collecting the inputs. The next part involves the middle management that exists between the person we discuss and the managers mentioned just above. The middle management compile the data according to the instructions and then pass on to the immediate subordinates of the person, whom we are about to discuss in this paper. The managerial role of Editor involves interpersonal, informational and discretional management. The interpersonal management deals with coordination of field staff and desk staff. The informational role plays a major role in being connected as presentation and organizing the news is the production activity in a news paper. The discretional management lies in deciding the presentation of news and a rticles according to contemporary needs of the society and subscribers. The real responsibility of the Manager (Editor) lies here as he has to go through the compiled or short listed inputs and then has to decide the placement of the news in different pages of the News Paper. ... In addition to the innovational presentation of the news in the News Paper and the official Website of the Paper, the Editor has to deal with two types of environment internally. The first one is the environment regarding reporters and contributors, who furnish inputs to the Newspaper. The second environment is comprised of the Sub Editors, News Editors who analyze and organize the news in print and electronic edition of the News Paper. Monitoring of economic, sociological and political trends is a responsibility as Editor has to follow the above trends in organizing the information. The first environment provides inputs and they deal with number of practical consequences. The editor has to make sure that the inputs are coming in properly by contacting the local bureau chiefs who supervise the inputs coming in. As coverage of the latest news in time is important, the Editor has to make sure that a reporter is present in night duty in each bureau to monitor the latest happenings in his area. While coming to the internal environment, it comprises of sub editors, Senior Sub Editors, Senior Sub Editors, Chief Sub Editors and News Editors. The Sub Editors and Senior Sub Editors are responsible for editing and re writing the news articles and chief subeditors monitor the production work. The Chief Sub Editors report to News Editors and Assistant Editors and they decide about the organizing the data. The Editor has to coordinate with News Editors and Assistant Editors and Associate Editors regarding the organization of data and in case of any doubts can contact Chief Sub Editors to know about the ground realities. After this initial exercise the News Editors and Assistant Editors organize the data in different pages of print and electronic editions.

Justice and Policing in the United Arab Emirates Essay

Justice and Policing in the United Arab Emirates - Essay Example The United Arab Emirates is known to have liberal laws compared to other Arabic states. This is evident due to the fact that, women can drive and they allow people to take alcohol. In most Arab countries it is a criminal offence to drink alcohol and women are so inferior that they cannot drive. There is a dual court system, Sharia or Islamic laws and the civil law, this is also not found in other Arab countries. The Islamic courts take charge of matters relating to: family issues. The sharia law only applies when both the plaintiff and the defendant are Muslims. The civil courts are responsible for matters related to commercial, criminal or civil. The civil courts can cater for cases that involve the plaintiff and the defendant, both being Muslims, non-Muslims or a Muslim and a non-Muslim. Sharia is applied first and, if evidence required by Sharia is found insufficient, the Penal Code is used.There is an extralegal requirement for the approval of the release of every prisoner whose sentence has been completed. Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah do not conform to the federal court system that is subjected to all the other members of the United Arab Emirates. The Supreme Court that was established and the federal council had well laid structures that define their relationship. This clearly made the Supreme Court to be the final court since all decisions made by the Federal Council have to be approved by the Supreme Court for them to be the final decision

Health Promotion in relation to Smoking control Essay

Health Promotion in relation to Smoking control - Essay Example 582-587). Both active and passive smokers are greatly affected by cigarette and tobacco smoking. The active smokers get affected directly whereas the passive smokers are affected indirectly (Oberg et.al, 2011, p.139-146). According to king et.al (2012, p.94), more than seven thousand American citizens and approximately thirty three thousand nine hundred American citizens die every year from lung cancer and heart related diseases following exposures to smoking. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010, p. 7) further argue that active smoking and exposure to the second hand smoking kills more than four hundred and forty thousand American citizens every single year. However, this figure does not account for the ones who are left behind with severe illnesses attributable to smoking. With every one person who dies, twenty more are left suffering from other smoking related illnesses (Fiore, 2004, p. 204-210). This has further increased the burden of the government since it is estimated that the American government spends at least ninety six billion dollars every year to cater for the healthcare costs and further looses more than ninety seven billion dollars every year in terms of the productivity lost as a result of smoking every year (Farrelly et.al, 2013, p. 549-555). Despite, the dangers attributed to smoking, the habit is usually common in US with high school students and adults being the most affected groups in the society. It is even believed that in every group of five adults or high school students, one is a smoker (CDC, 2008, p. 5-8; CDC, 2009, p. 1227-1232). According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010, p. 12-16), smoking today kills more than even HIV and AIDS and other drugs such as alcohol, heroin or even cocaine. Today, more than 8.6 million American citizens have chronic health conditions attributable to smoking

Murdering McKinley Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Murdering McKinley - Essay Example He came to bring reforms, reforms that could effectively change the culture and system of American society. 2 After McKinley, it was Theodore Roosevelt who was the next candidate to be appointed as a president and change the nation. Roosevelt represented the Republican Party and backed the philosophy of limited governance. Roosevelt was not in favor of the current regulation and advocated the reform in it to bring decisive change in the country. He endorsed policies, which would not limit the power of the State and also the power of Congress as a National governing body. He followed socialist thinking man who kept a slight different opinion than the typical bureaucrats of the country.3 Rauchway introduced Roosevelt as a next progressive leader. A man who keeps a liberal and progressive mindset to cut the William McKinley’s ideology. 4 Roosevelt backed the idea of democracy by giving rights to the women immigrants of the country. During his presidency, Roosevelt reform policies inspired his time of governance. His policies backed and supported the women and the poor who were suppressed before his time of governance. Moreover, Roosevelt’s concern was to bring economic, social, and cultural reform, and these were the radical changes, which Rauchway was talking about.5 Roosevelt identified several key problems in the American society and one of the major issues was anarchism. According to his thought it was an â€Å"evil† standing in American society. Roosevelt, being a Republican, identified the second problem in the labor sect. He worked to help labor unions, and went decisively against the workforce discrimination. It was due to corruption within the capitalist industrial order, and current political regime that caused this problem to exist. Moreover, Roosevelt called for banking reform as he identified this as a major problem in the commercial

Happy Feelings Essay Example for Free

Happy Feelings Essay Happiness is something that does normally come to everyone in one way shape or form. Happiness is not something that just comes, it’s something that you create. In a person’s life if you are waiting on something to change in order to be happy, then you’re not living life. When you adopt a positive attitude, life becomes a rewarding instead of something to get through. If you wish to be happy, you have to be less involved in your own happiness and more involved in the happiness of others. Make others happy and you become happy as a result. Involve yourself totally, throw yourself into what you are doing in life, and happiness will result. If you are compromising, i.e. doing something you hate as a means to an end so that good will result one fine day, STOP! Begin to do more of what you love now and let that grow until it fills your life. Then happiness will be yours, and you will be better able to bring happiness to the world, (Asoka Selvarajah). We look for happiness outside ourselves, thinking that if we and the right job, homes , and the right friends we would be truly happy. All our life we have tried to surround ourselves with people and things that make us feel comfortable. A step in seeking happiness is learning that we first have to learn how negative emotions are not helpful and positive emotions are helpful. †We must also realize that these negative emotions are not only very bad and harmful to one personally, but are also harmful to society and the future of the whole world, (Dalai Lama). The Dalai Lama believes that happiness is a state of mind is the source of happiness must lie within the mind. If our mind is pure and peaceful we shall be happy, regardless of our external changes. Dalai Lama believes that happiness is achieved through compassion and training the mind. To achieve happiness begins with distinguishing between spirituality and religion. To have a spiritual portion in your life, you will appreciate the happiness in your life. My first subject I chose was Jennifer Aldred, She is a close friend and someone that I recently began dating. Jennifer is 33 years old and holds a degree in Computer Science. Jennifer is employed at the Chick-fil-a Corporate Office as an Administrative Communications Assistant. The questions I had presented to Jennifer were as follows: 1. What is your definition of Happiness? 2. Has your definition of happiness changed over time? 3. What experiences have influenced your definition? 4. Do you expect your definition to change again over time? 5. Do you think the happiness of other around you affect your happiness? 1. Happiness is a relative-term that is based off of the levels of serotonin in the body. â€Å"I have a science background; what can I say.† 2. My definition of happiness has only changed slightly over time; more dramatically from childhood into adulthood. As a child, happiness was more about receiving a material gift. Now, as an adult, time is more valuable to me. And, being able to spend time with my peers gives me that same sense of happiness as when I was a child and my parents would give me a new toy. Of course, most of our basic needs such as food, shelter, love and peer bonding have continued to make me happy over time. As we age, the definition of happiness will mature as with our lives. 3. Looking into the past, I associate key events (birthdays, being able to drive for the first time, the birth of my friend’s children, getting married, vacations, etc.) with my happiness. Currently, I am very content with where I am in life so there for each day is filled with an undertone of happiness. Contentment = happiness. 4. I completely expect my definition of happiness to change again. As I progress into different stages of my life, whatever is most valuable to me will become my greatest source of happiness. 5. Yes, the happiness of others directly affects my happiness. My second subject I chose was Kristie Thompson, She is a work associate and is an Executive Assistant and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Kristie is employed at the Chick-fil-a Corporate Office. The questions I had presented to Kristie were as follows: 1. What is your definition of Happiness? 2. Has your definition of happiness changed over time? 3. What experiences have influenced your definition? 4. Do you expect your definition to change again over time? 5. Do you think the happiness of other around you affect your happiness? 1. Happiness is defined as following the path that God has lead out for you and being in His will. Only when you are doing what God has called you to do can you really be happy. It is knowing that I am doing what He created me to do regardless. 2. Happiness has changed as Ive matured, as a kid, happiness was the next big present received or achievement for parents to be proud of you. As an adult, happiness is rarely about you or your achievement. 3. As a Christian, everything is influenced by what I learn in the Bible and my life experiences, whether good or bad, just support that. 4. No, I believe that I’m am pretty set in my ways. I have my family, home and everything that I need. I’m 38 years old and believe I have found I am pretty set in my ways in what I like and don’t like. 5. The happiness of others around me may impact my mood, but not my true happiness. I’m not going let other bring me down. I can say I have brief moments of happiness, for example when my children accomplish something, but don’t overall affect my overall happiness. www.cedarfire.com/art.word-asoka.shtml Richardson, Hugh E. (1984). Tibet Its History. 1st edition 1962. 2nd edition

Winters Bone By Daniel Woodrell

Winters Bone By Daniel Woodrell Winters Bone, written by Daniel Woodrell, tells the story of seventeen year old Ree Dolly and her struggles to save her family from the unfortunate circumstance that they have found themselves in. Deep in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where family ties are very important and all you have to do be beat up is ask the wrong questions, Ree is confronted with a clinically crazy mother, missing father and two young brothers too look after, as well as having only a matter of weeks before they are to be kicked off their own property. After her father Jessup Dolly, a well-known drug dealer and crank chef, fails to show for court, the law gives her only a few days to prove that there is a good reason that he didnt show before they claim the house that Jessup put up for his bond, where she, her mother and two younger brothers live. The reason, being that he is dead. There is no specific time period identified. However, it is safe to assume that is set in fairly recent times due to the techno logy mentioned such as Walkmans and television, as well as descriptions of modern types of cars. The novel has personal interest to me as Ree is the same age, yet in entirely different circumstances. The conditions that she has found herself placed under teach her to be very strong and have maturity beyond her years. These struggles are similar to those faced by the characters in the other texts that I have reviewed, such as Matty Ross in the film True Grit. Matty is also in a way in search of her father, except in her case it is more metaphorically than literally, as she goes on her quest to avenge her fathers death. She also is a young girl under unfortunate circumstances, who has to grow up very quickly in order to fend for herself. The novel is written in third person from an omniscient narrative point of view, focusing on Ree. This allows the reader to get a close perspective of Ree and her thoughts, letting them know what she does, yet still not being from her point of view. I personally enjoyed this perspective as at allowed me to feel closer to Ree and appreciate her outlook toward other characters as well as get a clearer idea her surroundings. This novel is similar in theme to The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins, in that the main character is a strong female of about the same age. Both Katniss and Ree are very protective of their younger siblings, Ree of Sonny and Harold, and Katniss of Prim, as well as having absent fathers and unsupportive mothers, leaving them to look after themselves as well as their siblings. They both are placed under unfortunate circumstances that force them to grow up prematurely and deal with things that people many years their senior would struggle to cope with. This plays on the sympathies of the reader, making them feel that the situation the character is in is unfair, making them want to read on to find vengeance. I believe that this text would be aimed at an older audience, as the writing style and themes involved would not be suitable for a younger audience. It is very poetic and well balanced, and would most likely be lost on the common fast paced style that is used in novels aimed at younger audiences to hold their attention. Themes like drugs and substance abuse, as well as physical abuse run throughout the text making it unsuitable for a less mature audience. It is my opinion that the book is beautifully written. It is a short book that avoids periphrasis and clichà ©, expressing only what is necessary to the imagery for the reader, making it dense and giving it the ability to hold the readers interest. It is almost poetic in the way that it is written, in that it uses a lot of imagery and gets a great deal of information out of a small amount of text, for example Fading light buttered the ridges until shadows licked them clean and they were lost to nightfall. There are also parts where what is going on is implied rather than explicit, allowing the reader to think about what is going on and read between the lines. I believe that the way that the author portrays Ree is appealing, a veiled heroine in a brutal environment, who refuses to yield to the ugliness of the society in which she lives. The general atmosphere of the text is quite sombre, however it does offer triumphant moments. The quality of writing is very different from that of The Hunger Games, which although has a good story line, is lacking in much writing technique and the language is rather colloquial. Winters Bone on the other hand is such a rich tale with a very broad dictation that helps to keep the audience captivated from beginning to completion. One of the scenes that I believe to be important to the readers perspective of Ree is the scene where she teaches her brothers how to hunt and skin squirrels. By doing this she is ensuring that they can look after themselves in future if she is not there to care for them. It is admirable how at the age of only sixteen she has practically raised them, and has the initiative to think of their futures and to protect them against any eventuality where she may not be able to look after them. She isnt stupid and knows the gravity of the situation she is putting herself in by going in search of her father, and still puts her familys well-being ahead of her own. Later on in the book after Sonny asks her if she will be leaving them for the army, Ree replies Naw. Id get lost without the weight of you two on my back. I believe that this quote accurately sums up her attitude toward her brothers, how she has been burdened with looking after them for so long that that she doesnt know what she woul d do otherwise. This novel turns out to be much more than a simple tale of a girl in search of her father. It unravels to be an admirable tale of a young heroine who refuses to let the brutalities of the world in which she lives get to her even when put under the most unpleasant circumstances. It carries strong messages of family ties and the worth of having the capability to refuse to take no for an answer. It is possibly the best written book that I have read of late, and I would not hesitate to endorse it if asked for recommendation. By Emily Moss

Environmental factors affecting the Starbucks company

Environmental factors affecting the Starbucks company The Starbucks is being affected by the environmental influences/factors and to analyze these influences, we need to apply the Pest Analysis and Michaels Porters Five Forces: PEST ANALYSIS1: POLITICAL2: The Starbucks business environment especially in Middle East and South Asia was changing rapidly and unpredictably towards worse for the company, due to the declaration of the war on Iraq in early 2003 by the United States. In July 2002, the Arab students called for a boycott of American goods and services, due to the close relationship between United States and Israel, caused the U.S Company Starbucks sales swift downwardly. Moreover, the Starbucks was boycotted at the top list due to Shultz close relationship to the Jewish Community and the rumours sponsoring the Jewish Community against the Palestine crisis. Thus, cause the Starbucks to closed down six stores in Israel for security threats. Starbucks had two class action suits pending since 2001. The lawsuits entitled Carr (Store Manager) and Sheilds (Assistant Manager) at California as exempt employees under California wage and hours laws. The Starbucks is ignoring all its liabilities in these cases, but the company has accepted to the settlement in regards to take care of all of the plaintiffs claims without involving in any protracted litigation. Starbucks is based on importing all their coffee beans, so other possible threat could be change in import laws, could affect the various areas of process and production for the company and could finally lead to change in price, which might impact the level of consumption or sales for the company. ECONOMICAL: The Starbucks also experienced the criticism from Non Government Organizations that wanted the company to get certified beans and those coffee beans should be grown and marketed under some economic and social conditions. In addition, the economic recession in European countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Japan in the early 2000s and worldwide financial crisis affected the sales and revenue declining for the company. SOCIAL: In regard to the Starbucks Environment Mission Statement that Starbucks is committed to a role of environmental leadership in all facets of our business On the basis of their objective, the Starbucks has announced a list of principles that reflects the companys willingness to make sure its impact on the environment is positive as possible. These principles are: Understanding of environmental issues. Sharing information with our partners. Developing innovative and flexible solutions to bring about change. Striving to buy, sell and use environmentally friendly products. Recognizing that fiscal responsibility is essential to our environmental future. Instilling environment responsibility as a corporate value. Measuring and monitoring our progress for each project and encouraging all partners to share in our mission. The above Environmental principle reflects that the company is more conscious and interested in utilizing their resources in regards to the friendly environment operations. TECHNOLOGICAL: The Starbuck, to earn the profit rapidly and serve more customers quickly rather than focusing on the quality enables the management to replace labour operated machine La Marzocco (which required baristas to grind press coffee for every cup) with the Verismo automatic machine (where the baristas work was reduced to pressing a button) and later baristas grinding complained of being de-skilled. Thus, the coffee quality result in poor coffee house experience, customer experience and overpriced coffee than competitors led existing and potential customers coming through its doors felt down rather than rising. Shultz to achieve the best result spend ten millions of dollars on new coffee machine namely Clover (for making brewed coffee that requires both more beans and more labour) and another machine namely Mastrena (smaller and prettier than the Verismo machine, for making espressos where baristas are still required to push a button for grinding and for each fresh cup of the coffee). The Starbucks needs to re-evaluate what the brand stands for, what it sells and what the consumer experience and values should be. MICHEAL PORTERS FIVE FORCES OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES3: THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS: Starbucks is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world operating about 40 countries in the world. The Starbucks key success is innovating, modernizing, aggressive store openings and strong product differentiation in the coffee industry that limits the new entrants entrance in the coffee industry. For instance, free Wi-fi access to enable customers to surf internet4, prepaid Starbucks card, card rewards and Starbucks gold card5 , improving its coffee line to offer smaller, cheaper cupsxiv w, using new technology that create one cup at a time individually so that the taste remains the freshxv. Whereas the Starbucks has the major threats from fast food chain like McDonalds, Burger Kings and Dunkin Donuts where the capital requirements are not the big problem could be the potential entrants. The economies of scale within coffee industry have risen as the size of fast food chains has varied. The fast food chains (McDonalds, Burger king, and Dunkin Donuts) have very low cost national distribution channels in comparison to the new entrants whose distribution system is not such developed. This group of fast food chain is able to maintain its economies of scale by negotiating long term contracts with farmer buying the coffee beans in the large quantities at discounted prices. There is various cost disadvantages for the new entrants. For instance, the stabilized company in the market tries to get the high quality coffee beans and for new entrants to access those distribution channels is very difficult. The favourable larger metropolitan store locations have already been occupied by the current specialty coffee industry (Adamy, Venti Changes at Starbucks, 2008). The specialty coffee company primary objective has entirely changed from their root direction and distinct in terms of taste of the coffee, stores availability everywhere and charging prices. Ambience of the store, social responsibility and brand identification are now the traits of the company. Due to these new traits the company have gained the loyal customers from their past experience, customer service and fulfilment of the objective i.e. product differentiation and aggressive opening of the store. Thus, all these factors make difficult for new entrants to gain customer loyalty (Gulati, 2007). To conclude, the threat of new entrants is low and barrier is high due to the no substantial capital requirement. BARGAINING POWER OF BUYTERS/CUSTOMERS: Starbucks set the price according to the purchasing power of its customer and the prices at their competitors coffee houses. At Starbucks the prices are not negotiable due to its high product differentiation, enormous selection of coffees, uniqueness and high quality perception perceived power. This is the reason the opportunity for the Starbucks may sell at higher prices (starbucks 2008 another file). Whereas, there is no switching cost to customers to switch due to enormous selection of coffee houses except the minor indirect cost and may take away the patrons from Starbucks. Secondly, the customers have the ability to make their own coffee and Starbucks is trying to remove this threat by offering directions on how to make the perfect brewed cup of Starbucks Coffee at home, known as the Four Fundamentals of Coffee (http://www.academicmind.com/unpublishedpapers/business/marketing/2002-04-000aag-catching-the-starbucks-fever.html) or (www.Starbucks.com) OR http://news.starbucks.com/about+starbucks/global-consumer-products/packaged-coffee-tea/how+to+brew+the+perfect+cup/. Starbucks 20% sales lowered by 2008 in the store located within surrounding area of mom-and-pops coffee store. (Review, Is Starbucks a Broken Brand? , 2008) (starbucks08full) Thus, it is clear that the customers bargaining power have been increased due to the availability of information in regards to market variables and Starbucks should focus on the product competition rather than focusing on the consumer demands to exist in market leadership (starbucks 2008 another file). BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS: The Starbucks being the world largest importer of the coffee beans may face the rise in prices of coffee beans due to the unmatched between the twin market forces i.e. high demand and low supply, overcrowded market and high quality coffee sought may result in favour of suppliers bargaining power. There is no substitute for the coffee beans that Starbucks may buy. For Starbucks, this is the huge threat because coffee quality sought by the Starbucks is high and previously Starbucks has paid premium on green coffee about $1.20 per pound (starbucks.com). In 2001, Starbucks announced coffee purchasing guidelines for suppliers, developed in partnership with The Centre for Environmental Leadership in Business (starbucks.com) and were based on the grounds of the quality baselines, environmental concerns, social conditions and economic issues. Recently in 2005, the company paid 23% more than the market price for the coffee xvii to abide by the rules and commitments in purchasing the Fair Trad e CertifiedTM Coffee (Farmers who sells the coffee are united by an initiative known as Fair Trade Certified Coffee, organized by the TransFair USA to assess the farmers are paid fairly for their crops and that has exert more bargaining power over the buyers). Thus, there are more substitutes available in the competitive saturated market for the coffee beans except the technological innovations (such as automated coffee machine, latte and espresso machines has more bargaining power) if Starbucks agrees to buy at different rates and this is true that the Starbucks power lies in the hand of the suppliers. THREAT OF SUBSITITUTES: The Starbucks has quite good range of competing substitutes in beverages and food product line like soda, juice, smoothies, fruit, beer, alcoholic drinks, burritos, sushi, burgers and snack food etc. It is necessary for the Starbucks to innovate and differentiate its coffee, beverage and food product line simultaneously in the competitive landscape. Whereas the majority of coffee consumer does not easily substitute away from coffee or coffee related beverages like blended drinks or espresso and the closest substitute of coffee is the tea which is being sold out by Starbucks under Tazo Tea Brand. Moreover, the Starbucks is offering its own branded coffee at many grocery stores locations to hedge the threat of substitutes. The recent study has shown the consumer preference that the beverages like carbonated soft drinks consumption has declined in contrast to the coffee. This gradually gained preference over carbonated soft drinks shows the health concerns and coffee is healthier choice (Harding, 2000). To conclude, Starbucks focus on fresh and tastier baked goods and Starbucks does not need to diversify its food selection as its enough to satisfy the customers (starbucks 2008 another). COMPETATIVE RIVALRY: Porters first force that Porter describes is current rivalry among existing firms. In the specialty eateries industry, Starbucks current and direct U.S competitors are Diedrich Coffee, Seattles Best Coffee, and Einstein/Noah Bagel Corporation (hoovers.com). The competition, however, is not equally balanced. Diedrich Coffee operates 370 coffeehouses in 37 states and 11 countries (hoovers.com). Seattles Best Coffee operates 160 coffee cafes and 20 Italian coffee cafes in 17 states and 8 countries (hoovers.com). Einstein/Noah Bagel Corporation operates 460 bagel cafes in the U.S (hoovers.com). Starbucks has 4,709 locations in over 20 countries (hoovers.com). It is clear that Starbucks has few major competitors, and the competition has nowhere Starbucks volume of operations. Starbucks is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. Smaller competitors, however, pose potential threats to the company. For example, the average Starbucks location draws on a popul ation base of 200,000 (msn.com). In San Francisco and Seattle, Starbucks draws on population bases between 17,000 and 19,000 (msn.com). In cities where Starbucks does not draw on small population bases, smaller competitors can attract some of Starbucks 200,000 person population base. A slowing industry market growth is another threat facing Starbucks. According to the market research firm Allegra, compound market growth between 1997 and 2001 was 57% (hoovers.com). From 2002 to December 2004, the market it estimated to grow 14%. (hoovers.com). Competitors are selling similar products, including specialty coffees as well as high quality foods. In this slowing market, competition is high.   à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Other coffee chains. Examples include Coffee Bean Tea Leaf, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Peets, and San Francisco Coffee House à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Smaller privately owned coffee houses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Secondary coffee providers. Examples include McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts As the specialty beverage industry only grows more competitive, Starbucks dominant positioning with a large market share is continuously under pressure. Since its inception, Starbucks has stimulated the overall market, creating a positive spill over effect that increased the demand for quality coffee beverages. Therefore, even though Starbucks has rapidly expanded, so have local coffeehouses and momà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ pop stores. Thus, elasticity has increased with the variety of substitutes available to consumers offering the same product: premium coffee, friendly staff, and a comfortable milieu. For this reason, recent trends indicate industry stagnation within the domestic market as coffeehouses are now ubiquitous. Though the trend has peaked domestically, coffee and coffeehouses are still ingrained in the American culture leaving this market profitable. Fragmented rivalry is due to the nature of the industry, which is split between national, regional, and local competitors domestically and abroad. Within the U.S., key national competitors include Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, and other fast food chains sprucing up and diversifying their beverage menu. However, the targeted customer base differs as Starbucks caters to highà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ end customers with its gourmet drinks. Nonetheless, the Starbucks Corporation must be conscious of its price point, so as not to exclude too many potential patrons. Regionally, the industry may be divided as follows among top rivals: West coast: Coffee Bean Tea Leaf and Peets Coffee and Tea Midwest: Caribou Coffee and Panera East coast: Tim Hortons These companies are better direct competitors to Starbucks than the national fast food chains as they appeal to the same consumer base and offer similar product selections. Caribou Coffee is the second largest corporation within the domestic specialty beverage industry. However, as of September 30, 2007 Starbucks operated 6,793 stores domestically and 1,712 stores internationally while Caribou Coffee operated 447 stores domestically and 17 internationallyxi. Lastly, local competitors such as siteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ specific proprietorships and momà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ pop coffeehouses vie with Starbucks as well. While they are not threats to general empire Starbucks has created, they do reduce profit margins as they appeal to many coffee drinkers with their more personal character. These smaller proprietorships are Starbucks greatest competitor abroad, which is Harkness Consulting 6 why recent expansion plans have focused on capturing international markets. Clearly, there are a large number of rivals within the specialty beverage industry creating a rather competitive landscape. Customers do not incur a monetary switching cost in the specialty beverage industry; nonetheless, an emotional attachment to image and reputation keep them loyal to certain brand names. Even though only a superficial difference exists between coffeehouses, firms differentiate their products to capture customers from rival brands. The Starbucks name has acquired a significant status and has ranked as one of the most influential brand names in the American culture. With its wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ trained baristas, comfortable atmosphere, and quick service, Starbucks has incorporated important characteristics appealing to customers. In the Starbucks business model, customers are more important than product. However, even though Starbucks is able to sell its goods at a higher price point, it must be conscious of the elastic market. For example, after increases in dairy costs -an input good every coffeehouse model- Starbucks stores felt the need to announce the reason for price increases so a s not to shock customers. The company informed its customers of the pricing discrepancy because it did not want to lose their future patronage due to the economic circumstances at the time. This example illustrates the point that even though Starbucks has brand name loyalty, the company is still susceptible to the elastic nature of the market. Starbucks is able to remain competitive within the market due to its sheer size and business model. As Starbucks takes advantage of economies of scale and scope, it follows a different cost structure than other corporations in the market. First, Starbucks pays less for the products it is able to buy in bulk such as dairy goods, syrups, paper goods, etcxii. For this reason, the company reaps higher margins with its specialty drinks, which also help differentiate itself from other coffeehouses. As customers know they can customize their drinks and the quality of the drink is guaranteed based upon reputation, Starbucks is always in their evoke set. Next, as no cooperative pricing exists in this industry, Starbucks prices its drinks based upon the elasticity of its target customer. Appealing to conspicuous consumption, Starbucks prices are higher than its competitors, lending toward its high trend status. Last, Starbucks is able to differentiate itself due to its commitment to reduce its environmental impact. Again, its size enables the company to seek, incorporate and market these environmentally friendly endeavors. For example, the company replaced cups and cup sleeves with ones that used postà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ consumer recycled materialsxiii. Also, Starbucks adheres to purchasing guidelines, The Commitment to Origins, which promote economic transparency in not only buying the best coffee, but also at premium prices to help farmers. These practices further differentiate Starbucks from many of its competitors. The dynamics of the industry rivalry within the specialty coffee industry has changed dramatically since 1987. Unlike the early days of the specialty coffee industry when Starbucks competed primarily against other small-scale specialty coffee retailers they now compete against companies of varying sizes and different exposures to specialty coffee. Starbucks competes with a variety of smaller scale specialty coffee shops, mostly concentrated in different regions of the country. All of these specialty coffee chains are differentiated from Starbucks in one way or another. Caribou Coffee is a Minneapolis-based specialty coffee chain that competes with Starbucks. They are similar to Starbucks in their attempt to create a third-place but distinguish themselves by creating an entirely different atmosphere. Where Starbucks strives to create an upscale European atmosphere, Caribou coffee tries to implement a more American feel to their coffee houses. They do this by modeling their coffee houses after rustic Alaskan lodges. (Quelch, 2006) Often they will use knotty pine cabinetry, numerous fireplaces and soft seating. Also they offer a barrage of magazines and newspapers as well as the guarantee of speedy service and free refills. In addition, they offer free WiFi, drive through accessibility and meeting rooms for rent. Founded in 1992, Caribou coffee now operates roughly 500 stores, employs over 6000 people and grosses roughly $230 million in revenue a year. (Caribou Coffee, 2008) A Canadian-based company, A.L. Van Houtte, operates roughly 100 corporate out lets and franchises, serving nearly 3 million cups of coffee per day. Through their subsidiary VKI technologies, they have become the world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of coffee making equipment and related products. They also operate the largest coffee services network in North America serving roughly 71,000 different workplaces in major cities throughout the United States. (A.L. Van Houtte, 2005) As the original inspiration for Starbucks, Peets Coffee and Tea Company which originated in Berkeley, California still poses a serious competitive threat. The three founders of Starbucks purchased Peets Coffee and Tea Company in 1984 from Alfred Peet and later sold the assets of Starbucks to the now CEO, Howard Schultz. Although much slower to expand than Starbucks, in fact, ironically Schultz originally separated from the then owners of Starbucks, later purchasing the company from them because he could not persuade them to undertake an aggressive expansion, Peets has recently opened a new roasting plant in Alameda, California which will enable them to double their current annual sales of $250 million. They currently operate 166 stores in the US and have recently moved into the Seattle metropolitan area, home of Starbucks headquarters and the original Starbucks store. (Peets Coffee Tea, 2008) In 2007, the three Peets locations in the Seattle metropolitan area outperformed all Starbucks stores in the nearby vicinity in same-store sales, store revenue and total customer receipts per store. Peets strategy is to differentiate themselves from Starbucks by creating a super premium brand by offering the freshest coffee in the market. They ensure the freshness of their coffee by delivering roasted to order coffee, which involves roasting small batches of coffee and shipping them to the retail shops within 24 hours of roasting. (Review, Despite Growth, Starbucks Cant Dislodge Local Rivals, 2007) In addition to these smaller scale specialty coffee companies, Starbucks must now compete against two of the largest companies in the fast food industry who have recently entered the specialty coffee segment. The first of these competitors is Dunkin Donuts, who claims to be the worlds largest coffee and baked goods chain. Currently, Dunkin Donuts operates about 5,500 franchises around the United States, 80 stores in Canada and 1,850 throughout the rest of the world. Dunkin Donuts had revenues of roughly $5 billion in 2007. In the past couple years the franchise has put enormous emphasis on their coffee beverages. They serve coffee beverages in an assortment of types and styles including espresso, cappuccino and latte. They also serve their coffee in an assortment of flavors including French Vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon and numerous others. When 37 Starbucks recently temporarily shut down 7,100 of their stores to retrain their baristas, Dunkin Donuts responded by extending their hours of operation and offering small lattes, cappuccinos and espresso drinks for $.99. (Adamy, Starbucks Upgrades Espresso Machines, 2007) The largest industry rival currently facing Starbucks is the McDonalds restaurant fast food chain. McDonalds originated from a single San Bernardino, California hamburger stand, which opened in 1948, and has turned into what is now the worlds largest restaurant chain with over 14,000 restaurants in the United States alone and gross revenues in excess of $22 billion. The key to McDonalds success has been the consistent quality standards they achieve for their food, coupled with their quick service and low prices. (Adamy, McDonalds Takes on Starbucks, 2008) 10 years ago Starbucks and McDonalds were at complete opposite ends of the spectrum in the restaurant industry. However, McDonalds, encouraged by the success of it s upgraded drip coffee, began testing numerous drinks sold under the name McCafe. Starbucks meanwhile, with its rapid expansion, was adding drive-through windows and numerous breakfast sandwiches, similar to the Egg McMuffins served at McDonalds, to their stores. These measures have drawn the two companies closer together as competitors due to an encroachment into the demographic consumer base made by each company. (Review, Is Starbucks a Broken Brand? , 2008) The McCafe, first conceptualized in Australia during 1993, was brought to the United States in 2001. The concept took a quarter of the typical McDonalds restaurant and added leather couches and a decorative counter on which cappuccinos and sweets were sold. The McCafes did not take hold initially, not making it past their first trial 38 period, primarily due to the poor conditions of the stores in which they were placed. Now, seven years later, McDonalds has invested $700 million in its plan to win strategy, initiated in 2003, which has led to the remodel of thousands of US locations. The project has led to the gutting of many dilapidated franchises by tearing out the molded plastic booths and replacing them with extra large leather chairs. The company has also improved the ambience and atmosphere in many stores by replacing the bright color schemes with more contemporary muted tones and softer lighting. (Adamy, McDonalds Takes on Starbucks, 2008) With a rejuvenated brand image, McDonalds is preparing for the biggest addition to its menu in 30 years. The company will be installing coffee bars along with baristas who will serve cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and the Frappe, a knockoff of the Starbucks ice blended Frappuccino, throughout 2008 and into the beginning of 2009. The initiative is expected to add $1 billion to McDonalds annual sales. McDonalds, which has never displayed food assembly devices, will place the Espresso machines at the front counters in an attempt to engage their customers with the theatrics involved in creating mochas and frappes. Unlike Starbucks, the baristas at McDonalds will not steam pitchers of milk and combine them with shots of espresso but rather will wait for a single machine to make all components of each drink. The competitive threat posed by McDonalds can be summarized by referring to the February 2008 edition of the Consumer Reports magazine, which rated the McDonalds drip coffee as better tasting than Starbucks. (Adamy, McDonalds Takes on Starbucks, 2008) The specialty coffee industry has experienced explosive growth over the past 20 years. As a consequence, many companies have recognized the potential for profit and 39 have tried to capitalize by entering the industry. This has resulted in a drastic increase in competition within the specialty coffee industry. The diversity among these competitors still remains very high but the grounds on which companies are differentiating themselves are changing. As larger and larger companies enter the industry the strategic stakes become higher, pushing some companies such as Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds to differentiate themselves through price superiority. (Adamy, At Starbucks, Too Many, Too Quick? , 2007) In summary, the current impact of the industry rivalry force created by the competition between specialty coffee retailers is very high, especially as contrasted to what it was at the time of Starbucks rapid expansion twenty years ago. The growth of the industry has slowed while the number of competitors within the industry has increased. Both of these factors, in addition to Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds high strategic stakes in the specialty coffee industry , have caused this change from weak to strong industry rivalry. The Starbucks is being affected by the following environmental influences/factors: Customers: Nowadays customers are more fastidious about their needs, requirements, experience and taste. The Starbuck, to earn the profit rapidly and serve more customers quickly rather than focusing on the quality enables the management to replace labour operated machine La Marzocco (which required baristas to grind press coffee for every cup) with the Verismo automatic machine (where the baristas work was reduced to pressing a button) and later baristas grinding complained of being de-skilled. Thus, the coffee quality result in poor coffee house experience, customer experience and overpriced coffee than competitors led existing and potential customers coming through its doors was falling rather than rising. The Starbucks needs to re-evaluate what the brand stands for, what it sells and what the consumer experience and values should be. Competitors: The competitors like McDoanlds and Dunkin Donuts both harmed the Starbucks deliberately by running the websites like dunkingbeatsstarbucks.com and unsnobbycoffee.com to draw the more customers by selling good coffee. Most of the people visited the website and soon Starbucks led to the caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Declining Sales: Economic Crisis: The Starbucks stock price drop to $7 a share and most of its stores in Australia faced closure and thousands of jobs were lost. B. C.

Criticism is Much More Valuable than Praise Essay -- Personal Narrati

Criticism is Much More Valuable than Praise It is often said that being a rock star is not as easy as it looks. In a book devoted to music appreciation, it says: The rise of rock and roll and its offspring rock is the most important music phenomenon of the past half-century. Economically, rock music has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry; socially, it had a far-reaching impact on the way people live, dress, talk, and even think; musically, it has dominated the popular scene for some forty years, and influenced virtually every other style of music. (443) Sadly, this statement is undoubtedly true. Since I first began playing music at age nine, being a rock star was my only wish. I saw it everyday on the TV and heard it on the radio. They made millions of dollars having fun and rocking out concerts. I always wanted to do that. Now that I am eighteen, one major event has taken place in my life that altered one of my only dreams as a child. My band and I were given an opportunity to have a chance to make it big in the music business. I was absolutely certain my band would have a good shot at it, but I believe that I was wrong. A few years ago my comrades, Joey, Michael, and I started a rock band in hope of writing industry-worthy music. First, we began with a slow and hard start. Equally, there were a lot of important things to consider about being in a commercial-oriented band. There were such things as the bands: name, appearance, instrumentation, music style, and songwriting. Finally, the decision was that I would be the front man by playing guitar and singing simultaneously, while Joey would play bass, and Michael would play the drums. The goal at the time was to try and outplay the looks (which weren’t th... ...t though it lacked a few things. We were told that we were too young and that more time was necessary to create such a good vibe within the group. The second representative from Talent 2K said the drumming was not as it could be, but it could be something great one day. He even took the time to write down some notes for us. From this event I have learned that taking criticism is much more valuable than taking praise; for when you take praise, it deems that there is no room for improvement. When criticism is in place, there is room to grow and become better. Even though my childhood dream was put on hold at this time, in a since I suppose I am thankful because it helped me to let go and open my eyes to the real world. An ethic that I learned is that you can’t always expect everything in life to turn out as you plan and should leave room for rejection.

Performance Enhancing Supplements Essay -- Steroids Illegal Drugs Heal

Performance Enhancing Supplements Northeastern junior Colin Magee is like other athletic students around campus. He played sports in high school and now lifts weights at the Marino Center, Northeastern’s multi-million dollar workout center, several times a week. Also like many other weight-lifting students, Magee takes performance-enhancing supplements. Performance-enhancing supplements are nutrients that, unlike anabolic steroids, are available over the counter at countless supermarkets and nutrition stores nationwide. Supplements such as androstenedione (andro), creatine, tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), and NO2 are the most popular in today’s market, and are used to improve muscle gain. They are taken to coincide with a weight-lifting program. The supplements, though all similar, differ in the way each works once inside the body. "Creatine is the most moderate of the supplements out there," says Magee, an amateur expert on supplement and steroid use. Magee's sister is a professional bodybuilder. "Creatine creates water retention in muscles, basically bloating the muscles to increase strength...NO2, nitric oxide, is what they call a hemo-dialator, which is a blood widener. NO2 creates more blood flow in the body, makes the blood pump harder, which creates increased strength... Andro tricks the body into thinking it is not producing enough testosterone, so it causes the body to overproduce the testosterone hormone." While supplements are sold over the counter, anabolic steroids, which are illegal in the United States, are not. Despite this, anabolic steroid use has been rising in recent years. A 1989 study by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) showed that roughly one in every 20 collegiate student-athlet... ...ds, and more and more teenagers are seeing their idols admit to taking supplements and steroids and think it’s okay if they did too. In today’s world, where skinny girls are prettier and bulky guys are more handsome, teenagers and college students are under more pressure to conform to these social norms, and if someone is under pressure, they are more apt to turn to other unnatural methods to better their results and appearance. The answer to this problem is an increase of awareness. If people were aware of the real risks of these supplements or the long term effects of taking steroids, then maybe, just maybe, today’s youth will turn away from these supplements and steroids. Maybe, just maybe, today’s youth will realize that maybe taking those supplements isn’t really worth it after all. Maybe, just maybe, they will choose their health over their appearance.

Baseball :: essays research papers

Baseball Central Michigan University baseball is one of the finest in the state of Michigan. Baseball players at C.M.U. are dedicated to being the best on and off the field. I had the privilege of working baseball for my first PES 283 rotation, and I think I will never forget it for the rest of my life. Coach Kriener demands the athletes to be the best students-athletes that they can be. I believe this is one reason no senior has graduated in twenty years without winning a ring. He teaches them to be winners; he will not accept anything but the best. I believe that the best way to avoid injuries is to be in shape and use common sense. There are many factors that could cause injury on a baseball diamond. The best way to make our job as trainers easier is to prevent these injuries. The best way to prevent injury is to make sure that all the equipment is put on the side and not on the middle of the field, where someone going for a foul does not trip over a baseball or a helmet. I do not think athletes really think in such terms until someone actually gets hurt. One thing that I always kept my eye on when I was working was to make sure the catcher's were wearing their face mask when they were warming the pitchers in the bullpen. At first, the athletes thought I was telling them to put their mask on as an authoritative figure; however, after I explained to them it was for their own good, and I was only looking out for their safety, they realized why I was doing it. I believe one way to get the respect of the athletes and coaches on a team is to let them see you care about them, and you as the trainer care about them winning. Warming and cooling down before and after practice is another good way to prevent injury. Warming up by running and then stretching will help prevent injury. Light jogging gets the blood supply flowing and will enhance the stretch. I believe it also gets the athlete ready to perform. Stretching will also promote flexibility, a big factor with being "in shape." The cool down period is also important in making sure the athlete stays in shape aerobically. This will maximize the practice. I always made sure the athletes did all their running before they received their ice. I found out the N.C.A.A. really did not impose a lot of safety factors for baseball.

Research Papaer Essay

The terms ‘youth’, ‘teenager’, ‘adolescent’, and ‘young people’ are all used to describe people in the phase of life that marks the conversion from childhood to adulthood. While there is universal agreement on the transition from childhood to adolescence, when exactly adolescence ends and adulthood begins is less clear as the stage of adolescence is culture-specific and therefore different in every society. In some cultures, the transition from teenager to adult could be very short, while, in other cultures it could be longer (Govindasamy et al. 2002). The World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) defines ‘adolescents’ as people aged 10-19; ‘youth’ as those aged between 15-24; and ‘young people’ as those aged between 10 and 24 years old and ‘teenager’ as people aged 13-19 years. Traore (2010) agrees that age has been used to differentiate adolescents from teenagers based on their physi cal development. This study, however, prefer to take females in the age group between 13 to 19 years as ‘teenagers’. In this study, the term ‘teenagers’ was used throughout. The incidence of teenage pregnancy remains high around the world. According to Nanda (2006), teenage females give birth to 15 million infants every year. Thus, teenage pregnancy is a concern from both a human rights and a public health perspective. Teenage pregnancy and its effect on teenage motherhood are among the major societal problems confronting the contemporary global community (Gatara & Muriuki, 2005). In Ghana, for example, one report estimates that nearly one-third of the childbirths recorded in public hospitals occurred to women under 19 years of age (Xinhua, 2006). The prevalence is higher in the rural areas and small- to-medium-sized towns which are often under-represented in the hospital birth statistics. A survey conducted by the UN Regional Institute for Population Studies reported that one out of three girls aged 15 to 19 living in Ghana’s Central Region has had a child (Xinhua, 2006). Similar prevalence of teenage pregnancies have been described for other African countries (Mwansa et aI. , 2004). One study in Swaziland found that females aged 15-19 years accounted for 32. per cent of the total fertility (Gule, 2005). Another study reported that females in the same age group contributed 103 births per 1000 women in the Kenya (Gatara ; Muriuki, 2005). It has been estimated that at least one out of twenty girls is likely to give birth during the school-going age. Data for Botswana also show that by 2004, about 25 percent of girls 15-19 years old were already mothers (Curtis, 2008). Two years later, in 2006, 56 per cent of the girls ha d dropped out of secondary schools in the country due to pregnancy (Mashalaba, 2009). On explaining the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy, (Anderson, 2001) found that in poor neighbourhoods, teenagers experience less control over many aspects of their lives than the non-poor.. Anderson (2001) has further reported that some impoverished teenage girls consider childbirth as a rare source of self-esteem, or a sign of growing up, while sexual conquest brings a feeling of accomplishment to some teenage boys to whom legitimate opportunities may be blocked (Farley, 2005). The discussion of teenage pregnancy and childbirth therefore, tends to characterise the problem as mainly a feature of the poor segment of society. Besides, a literature review (Lewis, 2006; 2009) shows that aside poverty, factors such as early exposure to sexual activity, lack of sex education, weak parental control and supervision, peer pressure, low self-esteem and the need for self-fulfillment are associated with teenage pregnancy. It is in light of these factors that this study seeks to assess the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality in order to help policy makers address the problem. 1. 2 Problem Statement Teenage pregnancy has long been a worldwide social and educational concern for the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Many countries continue to experience high incidence of teenage pregnancy despite the intervention strategies that have been put in place. In 2000 approximately 530,000 teenagers in the United States became pregnant, out of which 51% gave birth (Coley ; Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Available literature suggests that in Africa, the total fertility rate has declined to an average of 2. 9 children per woman (Dickson, 2002). A decline in fertility rates has been associated with a high use of contraceptives among women and also the legalisation of abortion in most African countries (Swartz, 2002). Despite the decline in the total fertility rate, teenage pregnancy has been found to be significantly high (Dickson, 2002). The high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in societies characterised by poverty, low education, fewer job opportunities and families headed by mothers who gave birth to their first children in adolescence (Dryfoos, 2006; Macleod, 2009). Teenage pregnancy is also associated with other problematic behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, and early initiation of sexual activity, which have been identified as predictors of pregnancy (Coley ; Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Plant and Plant (2002) argue that risk or problem behaviour is associated with social disadvantage, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, bad housing, fragmented family structure and stressful life events. The youth emulate the behaviour of their parents and of their society, thus social and cultural factors influence patterns of risk taking (Plant ; Plant, 2002). The high incidence of teenage pregnancy has become a major societal and educational concern, as it seems to perpetuate poverty and low levels of education (Furstenberg et al. , 2007; Morgan, 2007). Also due to changing social circumstances and values, teenage pregnancy is a tolerated phenomenon in modern Ghanaian society. Social permissiveness towards sex outside marriage, and absence of serious social repercussions like isolation or exclusion following an out of wedlock birth, contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy (Parekh ; De La Rey, 2007). It has also been argued by Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) that the high value placed on fertility and education encourages adolescent girls to aspire for both motherhood and academic qualifications. The high cultural value placed on education and fertility is seen as a contributory factor to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy (Preston-Whyte ; Zondi, 2002). Education and the link employment prospects enhances the possibility of improved quality of life and thus may be one of the factors that encourage adolescent to continue with school after child birth (Kaufman et al. , 2001). Even though pregnant teenagers may not officially be prevented from remaining at school, realistically, due to the demands of parenting, they may be forced to drop out of school, for example, in instances where there is no one to look after the child while the teenage mother continues with her schooling. Sometimes the pregnant teenager feels isolated from her peers. She may be embarrassed by her condition and have difficulty fitting in with her non-pregnant peers and as a result may drop out of school. Parenting teenagers often have to deal with strained family relationships. Sometimes parents react with anger to the pregnant teenagers. She may be blamed or ostracised for causing a problem (Cervera, 2004). Consequently, she may not get assistance and support from her family members forcing her to drop out of school in order to raise her child. Based on the aforementioned problems and its effect on the teenager, child, family and the society, this study seeks to assess the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality in order to help policy makers address the problem. It has been established that there has not been any similar study concerning teenage pregnancy and their effects on teenagers at the Sunyani Zongo community. Although there have been countless cases of teenage pregnancy in the community depriving affected teenagers from furthering their basic education. The aged in the community based on interaction with the researcher revealed that people come to the community to seek the support of the residents in response to their questionnaires, their projects aimed at other relevant community related problems but none of them is focused on teenage pregnancy. 1. 3 Justification of the Study Little attention has been given to psychological variables and processes that predict the occurrence of teenage pregnancy (Coley ; Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Most literature focuses on social factors, which predispose teenagers to falling pregnant. Pregnancy may cause psychological distress, as it is often associated with dropping out of school, either before or shortly after childbirth (Zondi, 2002). Teenage mothers are more likely to present with symptoms of depression when compared with their non-parenting peers and older mothers (Kalil ; Kunz, 2000). The transition to motherhood puts teenagers at a greater risk for psychological distress because they are socially, cognitively and emotionally immature to cope with the demands of motherhood. This study examines the experiences of pregnant learners, both in a scholastic and personal context. It assesses how these learners are affected by the demands of coexisting motherhood and adolescence. There appears to be little research done on how Ghanaian pregnant adolescent learners perceive their situation and how they cope with the demands of adolescence and of motherhood. The results drawn from the study would form a basis for further research on the psychological effects of pregnancy during teenagers and may also be of value to designing intervention strategies. 1. 4 Research Objectives The study focused on the following objectives. 1. 5 General Objective To assess the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality (SM) in order to recommend policy actions for policy makers. 1. 5. 1 Specific objectives This study intended: To assess the influence of socio-economic status on teenage pregnancy; To identify the effect of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy; and To examine mass media exposure and its effect on teenage pregnancy. To assess the effects of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality. ` To make recommendations based on the findings of the study. . 5 Research Questions Based on the specific objectives of the study, the research seeks answers to the following questions: What is the influence and effects of socio-economic status on teenage pregnancy in the SM? What are the influences and effects of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy in the SM? How does the mass media exposure impact on teenage pregnancy? What are the co nsequences of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality? 1. 6 Significance of the Study The outcome of this study will provide useful information about the psychological well-being of pregnant teenagers. This will assist mental health professionals in developing appropriate psycho-educational programmes to address the psychosocial challenges associated with teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Furthermore, the findings of the study will help to inform public debate that could lead to the development of appropriate policies on how to deal with the challenge of teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Also victims of teenage pregnancy will get the opportunity to disclose information about their experiences in order to help in their addressing problems. Considering the nature of this study, including student affairs professionals, counsellors or psychologists, and those interested in woman’s issues would be assisted to identify the factors associated with teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality and their effects on the teenager, the child and the society. Future researchers, who would study into determinants of teenage pregnancy in the Municipality, would also have a complement or a basis for their literature review. Finally, the research is likely to raise questions leading to further research. 1. 7 Scope of the Study For feasibility purposes, the study focused on how socio-economic status; peer pressure and early exposure to sexual activity by the mass media influence teenage pregnancy and their effects on the teenager, child and the society. The study considered school going teenagers who dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality. In the study, a pregnant teenager was pregnant girl aged 13 to 19 years. Besides, psychological effects in this study referred to the presence of symptoms related to somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia, social isolation, and depression. The current study focused on pregnant teenagers who were drawn from the Sunyani Municipality who attended antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital (SMH) during the period of data collection. 1. 7 Delimitation Even though the study was carried out in Sunyani Municipality, concentration was on teenagers at Sunyani Zongo community considering the fact that they have stake in the topic understudy. This research was conducted within the following parameters: the influence and effects of socio-economic status on teenage pregnancy: he influence and effects of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy:: the influence and effects of mass media exposure on teenage pregnancy: the consequences of teenage pregnancy on teenagers. 1. 8 Organisation of the Chapters The research is in five different chapters. In the first chapter, an insight is given as to what the study is all about with the statement of research problem, research questions and objectives, significance of the study, limitat ions of the study, and the organization of the essay. In the second chapter, an overview of relevant materials related to the study is discussed. In the third chapter, the researcher presents the methodology used in the study; chapter 4 will focus on the presentation and analysis of data, and the final chapter will look at the conclusions and recommendations. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Introduction This chapter reviewed several selected studies which relate to the topic. The chapter focused on literature related to socio-economic status and teenage pregnancy; peer pressure and teenage pregnancy, mass media exposure and teenage pregnancy as well as the effects of teenage pregnancy 2. 2 Socio-economic status and Teenage Pregnancy It has been revealed that teenage pregnancy is often associated with low socio-economic status ( Dryfoos, 2006). Economically disadvantaged teenagers are characterised by low levels of education and lack of employment opportunities (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Certain family characteristics have also been identified as factors that put teenagers at risk of becoming pregnant in early life. Factors such as poverty, single parent families –especially the female headed households, poorly educated parents have been associated with teenage pregnancy (Furstenberg et al. , 2007). Teenagers from one-parent headed families are apt to suffer from deprivations that may lead them to seek affection, security and a sense of significance elsewhere (Chillman, 2006). There are two contrasting views on the subject of single parenting. In some sources it is argued that most parenting adolescents have been found to come from impoverished single parent families, which are often headed by a female (Swartz, 2002). In the other source, children raised in single parent families are more likely to have been victims of an unstable family environment, have experienced a divorce or parental conflict (Russell, 2004). Negative family environment plays a major role in contributing to early teenage sexual experience and teenage pregnancy (Cunningham & Boult, 2002; Macleod, 2009). A family’s low economic status with all the factors associated with it, impacts negatively on teenagers’ attitudes towards early pregnancy. Life experiences associated with poverty minimise the perceived repercussions of adolescent pregnancy (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Andorka (2008) stated that people with higher income show lower fertility levels at the earlier stage of socioeconomic development than people with lower income. Other basics of economic conditions such as economic security also seem to have a significant influence on teenage pregnancy (Andorka, 2008). A study by Kamal (2009) showed that a significant negative relation was found between teenage motherhood and the wealth index. About three out of four women with a poor wealth index started childbearing before they reached the age of nineteen. Choe et al. (2001) showed that woman’s education was significantly related to the probability of child bearing before the age of 20. The results of a study by Were (2007) also showed that teenage pregnancies were perpetuated by poor educational access as women with low levels of education tended to be the victims of teenage birth. Because educated woman were more likely to participate in the labour force than their uneducated or lower educated counterparts, women who were working also tended to delay their first marriage and first birth compared with those women who were not working. In Ghana, Bogue (2009) argue that education showed a stronger and more consistent relationship with teenage pregnancy. The level of education of women is a socioeconomic indicator which is frequently found to be negatively related to teenage pregnancy. This is because educated women tend to marry and use contraception later compared to women who have a low level of education (Bongaarts, 2008). Furthermore, Cochrane (2009) also stated that education was positively related to more favourable attitudes toward birth control, greater knowledge of contraception, and husband-wife communication. Thus, concerning the context of the study, it assumes that the level of educational attainment of women may affect the timing of childbearing among women. . 3 Peer Pressure and Teenage Pregnancy Preston-Whyte & Zondi (2002) found that schoolmates exerted a lot of pressure on their peers to engage in sexual relations. Some studies have found that teenagers often cite their peers as being of strong influence on their sexual behaviour (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002; Chillman, 2006). Teenagers’ need for approval and a desire to belong to a group makes them vulnerable to peer influence thereby leading to them to teenage pregnancy (Kamal, 2009). Nowadays teenagers’ preferred position is to stay away from their parents, to avoid to be controlled by parents. They rather listen to their peers than to their parents. Bezuidenhout (2002) said that during that time norms and values taught by parents start to fade out and are replaced by liberal sexual values orientated by peers. Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) mentioned that peer pressure plays a role in teenage pregnancy. Buga et al. (2006) found that 20% of girls and 10% of boys respectively indicated that they had initiated sexual activity because of peer pressure. Wood et al. (2006) said peer pressure takes a form of exclusionary practices (e. g. sending sexually inexperienced teenagers away when having discussions concerning sexual matters). Again Mfono (2008) indicated that one of the dynamics operative in sexual relations is that girls and young women are under pressure to demonstrate that they are sexually capable of giving birth. Furthermore, Rozakis (2003) believed that many teens are pushed by their friends into doing something they are not ready for, and really do not understand that peer pressure can be a very strong and persuasive force for sexual relations during adolescence. Peer association has been indicated as one of the strongest predictors of adolescent sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancy (DiBlasio & Benda, 2004). Youth that do not engage in sex tend to have friends who also abstain. Those that are sexually active tend to believe that their friends are sexually active as well. Males, particularly those over 16, report more pressure from peers to be sexually active while females report more pressure from partners (Guggino & Ponzetti, 2007). Moore and Rosenthal (2003) pointed to the following ways peer influence can operate: Through sharing of information, which can serve as a guide in decision-making about sex (this may include inaccurate information). Through prevailing attitudes about sexuality (implicitly reflected in their behaviour and serving as a role model or explicitly stated in discussions etc. ). For example, there is some research evidence that the age of first intercourse is related to the perceived peer approval of premarital intercourse (Daugherty & Burger, 2004). 2. 4 Mass media exposure and Teenage Pregnancy Lucas (2004) stated that the age at first marriage is the one of the determinants of fertility and is classed as the intercourse variable. Early entry into marriage or a union is considered to be strongly connected with early child bearing. The supposition is that it will expose women to regular sexual intercourse through the mass media, and therefore increase the possibility of conception (Mahy & Gupta, 2002). Gupta and Leite (2009) stated that access to the media was found to be the most significant predictor of fertility among young adult women in Brazil based on an analysis of DHS data. In this region, the mass media are believed to play an important role in promoting social attitudes about fertility and reproductive behaviours, especially given the country’s linguistic homogeneity (Gupta & Leite, 2009). It can be assumed that women who are used to being exposed to mass media are likely to understand the risks of teenage motherhood, and, as a result, they tend to delay their pregnancies. It is clear from different sources that the media often plays a major role in influencing teenage pregnancy. Parents can hardly consistently monitor what programmes their teenagers are watching. Rozakis (2003) believed that television is the main source of sexual socialization in many teenagers’ lives in the USA. According to A Rozakis (2003), in a single year there were 20, 000 sexual messages on television used to sell almost anything you can imagine: cars, travel, soft drinks, toothpaste, and clothing. Television also shows six times more extramarital sex than sex between husbands and wives. During the absence of any elderly person children become bored and want to experiment with many things including exploring TV channels as source of entertainment. Devenish et al. (2002) agreed that the media also portray sex as fun and exciting. Bezuidenhout (2004) added that sexually arousing material, whether it is on film, in print or set to music, is freely available to the teenager and such information is often presented out of the context of the prescribed sexual norms of that society. Schultz (2004), in his empirical study, suggested that sex educators, social workers, other helping professionals, and parents should work together to counteract distortions that affect adolescents’ sexual development and sexual growth, and professionals and parents need to recognize the reality and power of the media as an influence on sexual growth. All of the above can influence teenager’s behaviour and encourage them to experiment with sex which will lead to unwanted teenage pregnancies (Schultz, 2004). Similarly, Moore and Rosenthal (2003) pointed out that television, films and other forms of media have removed a lot of the mystery surrounding sex by increasingly explicit portrayal of sexual acts, which can provide a model of sexual behaviour. The stereotypic portrayals often do not provide positive role models with hedonistic values rather than responsibility being promoted (e. g. planning for sex being rarely included) (Moore, 2000). According to McCabe (20055), the media’s message is that teenagers should be sexually experienced. 2. 5 Effects of Teenage Pregnancy Teenage pregnancy has been associated with a number of negative effects, hence it is perceived as a social problem (Furstenberg et al. , 2007; Macleod, 2009). In medical literature it has been associated with obstetrics problems such as high infant and maternal mortality, risks of clandestine abortion, delivery complications and low infant birth weight (Dickson, 2002). Other complications for the teenage mother are limited educational opportunities, self-determination and a poor quality of life (Prater, 2002). At the broader social level the high teenage fertility rate has been found to have a negative effect on the economic development (Varga, 2003). Some young mothers do not get support from their families. They may be rejected by their families and blamed for introducing a permanent crisis (Hudson & Ineichen, 2001; Cervera, 2004). In a situation where there was a pre-existing interpersonal problem, there is a potential that tension might be orchestrated (Dryfoos, 2006). Therefore conflict may arise between the pregnant daughter and other members of the family. Some sources have reported positive results, indicating that sometimes a family reorganises itself in order to adjust to the new member of the family (Cervera, 2004). The family may react with dismay or anger when they discover about the pregnancy, but when the baby is born the family may become the source of support for the mother (Moore, 2000). Positive family support has been associated with emotional adjustment and mental stability for both mother and child (Camerana et al. , 2008). According to Kalil and Kunz (20088) young mothers who lived with a supportive family tended to cope better. In the Ghanaian context, a child of an unmarried mother belongs to its mothers’ family (Burman, 2002). It is very unlikely that her family will reject a teenage mother (Kaufman et al. , 2001). Most communities no longer practice acts of exclusion to the unmarried mother and her child (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007). In her review of South African studies on teenage pregnancy, Macleod (20099) stated that teenage mothers reported a perceived improvement in the relationship with their parents. Parents were reported to relate to teenage mothers as adults. Thus parenthood gave the teenage mothers an entry to adulthood (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Prater (2002) stated that teenage pregnancy and subsequent parenting could create major obstacles to any learner’s achievements at school. Thus, pregnant learners are impaired by their situation. Even though they have as much potential for academic success as their non-parenting cohorts, there are multidimensional causes for their academic failure. Many investigations have shown that early pregnancy hinders educational attainment. Erikson (2004) reported that teenage mothers exhibited a ‘syndrome of failure’, which included a failure to remain in school. Pregnant learners are more likely to drop out of school for at least an academic year. The dual role of being a mother and a learner is stressful (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007) and impinges on school achievement. School attendance, is also disturbed by such things as babysitting arrangements and the health of the child. Furstenberg et al. (2007) referred to what is termed ‘role overload’. He defined ‘role overload’ as the strain that exists when the teenage mother simultaneously attempts to meet the demands of parenting and schooling. Parenting learners cannot participate in experiences enjoyed by their peers, for example, extra-curricular activities, which can add much value to the total school experience of most teenagers. Despite these hardships schooling emerged as important (Prater, 2002). Depression has been correlated with teenage pregnancy (Hamburg, 2006). Parenting teenagers are more likely to present with higher levels of depression when compared with non-parenting adolescents and older mothers. In most literature psychological distress among adolescent mothers is perceived as resulting from psychosocial stressors related to the adjustment into the role of being the mother (Kalil & Kunz, 2000). In some literature it is argued that teenage girls are predisposed to depression (Galambos, 2004). It is postulated that teenage girls are more prone to experiencing mothers of the same ethnic and socio-economic status had similar findings (Field et al. , 2006; Hudson & Ineichen, 2001). It was found that infants of teenage mothers are more likely to receive less verbal stimulation and to have developmental delays. These negative effects were associated with the fact that teenage mothers had limited knowledge of developmental milestones and held punitive child rearing attitudes. Literature concludes that teenage mothering is contributory to poor cognitive development of the child. Low education levels of the mother, poor socioeconomic status and negative attitudes towards child rearing are correlated with the child’s poor developmental outcome (Field et al. , 2006). Cunningham and Boult (2006) also postulated that the young mother’s immaturity, social inexperience and lack of child rearing skills have a negative effect on the child. The young mother and her off-spring are at a risk of becoming victims of crime like incest, rape, neglect, abuse, family violence and of participation in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, prostitution etc. In the Ghanaian context the teenage mother often resides in her parental home (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002) and the child is often in the care of an adult during the day either the grandmother or at an alternative day care. This implies that the child of a teenager is more than likely to receive parenting from an adult mother figure and to benefit from this interaction (Camerana et al. , 2008). Multiple care giving has also been found to be of benefit for the mother. While an adult is looking after the child, the mother gets the opportunity to attend to other responsibilities thus alleviating the stressors for the mother.