Strategic Plan SWOTT Analysis - 2129 Words

Strategic Plan, Part II: SWOTT Analysis BUS/475 – Integrated Business Topics February 10th, 2014 Ryan Simpson Destination Fitness is a health club designed for the transportation industry specifically over the road drivers. Destination Fitness provides its clientele with a unique variety of fitness options, tools, and techniques that will allow each customer to build a fitness plan that meets their needs. The services that Destination Fitness will provide are a wide variety of fitness equipment, personnel trainers on staff, 24 hour access, health food restaurant that provide a wide variety of food, dieticians that will assist customers in creating healthy meal plans, environment free of gym intimidation, and†¦show more content†¦Destination Fitness, like most new businesses, will face a variety of economic issues. Whether it’s from internal weaknesses of the organization or external threats to the company, the organization must be prepared to overcome these obstacles. One of the biggest external threats to the economic success of Destination Fitness it the economy itself. A lthough the economy is steadily recovering from the recession, disposable income still comes at a premium for many people. In order to convince customers to become members they must, first and foremost, make it financially attractive to them. Keeping membership costs low will entice new customers through the door. After that it is up to the staff to make customers realize that their biggest investment should be to invest in their own health and well being. Another threat that Destination Fitness faces is the time constraints many drivers have. In order to meet there deadlines drivers have little time other than to sleep. In order to combat this, programs that are offered must utilize time efficiently and be able to bring results within strict time limits. This will also allow the trainers to assist more people and really give the customers the sense that Destination Fitness truly cares about their health, happiness, and livelihood. Legal/Regulatory It will be essentia l for Destination Fitness to determine the legal structure ofShow MoreRelatedStrategic Plan, Part Ii: Swott Analysis1393 Words   |  6 PagesStrategic Plan, Part II: SWOTT Analysis Tahitia G. Brown BUS/475-Integrated Business Topics April 18, 2012 Virginia A. Carter Strategic Plan, Part II: SWOTT Analysis Manning Solutions opened their doors to customers in the fall of 2012, in Tampa Florida. Its purpose is to aid small companies, whose budgets do not allow them to obligate revenue to staff their own human resources department. 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Analysis Of Goethe s Faust - 1410 Words

In the catastrophic play, Goethe’s Faust, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a product of German literature and is said to be one of the greatest Western literature epic poems in history. This play comes from legends that have been spread throughout Europe during the sixteenth century. Many individuals affirm that the main character Faust really existed but this play is still fictional. Faust was an alchemist and was a living magician. In other fictional works of art, Faust has sold his soul to the devil. However, in â€Å"Goethe’s Faust,† is different because it goes more in depth with literary themes. Some of these themes consist of politics, culture, philosophy, and most importantly religion. In this particular play, Faust struggles with being mentally stable and being corrupted by the devil. Faust is an extremely intelligent man who feels as if he has surpassed the limitations of knowledge and learning. He feels incomplete and yearns for a meaningful life. Faust believes that the only way for him to discover his purpose and find genuine happiness is by seeking answers through the universe and nature. In this play, we see the how the Devil constantly tries to influence Faust and how his actions affect other characters in this fictional tale. Faust is filled with doubtfulness and that leads him to follow the instructions of the Devil. In the first scene of â€Å"Goethe Faust,† there is a discussion in Heaven between the Lord, servants and the devil. The servant’s names are Gabriel,Show MoreRelatedThe Leid in the Romantic Era1415 Words   |  6 Pagessongs define German lied and exemplify the height of romantic lyricism. Schubert’s success with lied began with his masterpiece, Gretchen im Spinnrade. Written in the early romantic era, the year 1814. It is based on a text by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a poet whose works would become the most associated with the romantic music of the era due in part to Schubert’s well loved settings. It was Schubert’s first successful foray into lied. Indeed, this was his 30th vocal and piano pairing and it wasRead MoreSatan, Mephisto, Lucifer, And The Devil2058 Words   |  9 PagesHenry VIII. Henry once a part of the holy Roman Catholic Church defies them by splitting away and divorcing his wife, now viewed as a ruler who has fallen from grace. In Goethe’s Faust, Parts 1 and 2, the devil is called Mephistopheles, or Mephisto. Parts 1 and 2 were both written in 1802 and 1832 respectively. Goethe lived in what I am going to call 19th century â€Å"Germany†, because Germany didn’t exist until 1871 but it was the area where Germany was founded. 19th Century â€Å"Germany† consisted ofRead More Character Analysis of Wolfgang von Goethes The Sorrows of Young Werther1929 Words   |  8 Pages Character Analysis of Wolfgang von Goethes The Sorrows of Young Werther The purpose of this papers it to give general information about the author, Wolfgang von Goethe, and introduce as well as analyze the main character of one of his most influential works: The Sorrows of Young Werther. The protagonist of this series of confessional letters, Werther, is in fact a tragic figure who committed suicide as a result of his loneliness and critical approach to society, as well as his obsession forRead MoreThe Importance of Philosophy to Engineering8110 Words   |  33 Pagesthesis of the present paper is that, common presumptions to the contrary, philosophy is centrally important to engineering. When engineers and engineering students - not to mention those who make use of engineering services - dismiss philosophical analysis and reflection as marginal to the practice of engineering, they are mistaken on at least two counts: historical and professional. It is also the case, I would argue, that engineering is important to philosophy - and that philosophers have made woefullyRead MoreEssay on The Gothic Genre and What it Entails6177 Words   |  25 Pagesshared the same motifs. The best Gothic texts are not necessarily subversive but do all address some form of socio-political division. There is a cogent body of criticism claiming Frankenstein as a radical text and an equally cogent analysis that posits it in a conservative pigeonhole, especially plausible considering Mrs Shelleys eventual distaste for nineteenth century radicalism. Davenport-Hines quotes her as writing, I have no wish to ally myself to the radical - theyRead MoreThe Evil of Politics and the Ethics of Evil10364 Words   |  42 PagesThe Evil of Politics and the Ethics of Evil Author(s): Hans J. Morgenthau Source: Ethics, Vol. 56, No. 1 (Oct., 1945), pp. 1-18 Published by: The University of Chicago Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2988705 Accessed: 21/09/2010 06:43 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTORs Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTORs Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained priorRead Morewisdom,humor and faith19596 Words   |  79 Pages there is â€Å"a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.† Enlightening comments on the relationship of humor to wisdom were once made by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), perhaps the twentieth-century’s most influential U. S. theologian (and a favorite thinker of President Obama). Although Niebuhr generally agreed that humor stresses the incongruous, he also, like Chesterton and Solomon, linked it with humility. Humor is a proof of the capacity of the self to gain a vantage

Report for My Vision Board for My Career Success-myassignmenthelp

Question: Write about theReport for My Vision Board for My Career Success. Answer: A vision board refers to a technique applied to assist in clarification, concentration, and maintenance of focus on a particular life goal. Essentially, the vision board is a collection of trinkets, sketches, and photographs that reflects the future dreams and goals of an individual. The concept of vision board is directly linked to collaging idea. However, it is applied to a specific are of the individuals life such as a successful career. Nonetheless, the limits of vision board are limitless. Currently, I work as a business executive for a medium sized company in Melbourne city. Also, I work part-time as a venture capital strategist. All these activities pose a significant challenge to my success both at a career and family level. My aim in life is to establish a successful career that will result in happiness and satisfaction in all aspects of my life. To help achieve all these, I have designed the following vision board to illuminate my career path. My Vision Analysis Main Themes in My Vision Board. The theme of career success forms the core theme of my vision board. Pursuing success can be compared to aiming to shoot a chain of moving targets. Each time one hits a given target, others pop up from a different direction. Just when one has attained a particular goal, one gets pressure to exert more efforts, earn more money, or even possess a new property. Examples and standards of achievement shifts constantly, while at the same time, the social and technological changes regularly to pose new challenges to concur. Professionals in various traditional positions found themselves under satisfied, overworked and totally vulnerable. Looking at my vision board, am reminded that true success should be able to give satisfaction in all other aspects of life such as being with a healthy family, friends, and community. A good number of individuals still think that career success requires an approach of the winner-takes-all. Their belief is constructed on the notion that success is determined by the amount of energy one puts in achieving a specific goal. The goal to be achieved may range from focusing on a particular job, becoming the best soccer fan in the community, or being a model husband in town. Nonetheless, no matter how humble a particular goal is, it cannot fully satisfy the complex desires and needs of an individual. As the vision board shows, true career success encompasses a lot. Luckily, success does not have to be viewed as a tug of war that is one-dimensional between happiness and achievement. Am looking forward to develop in the right direction, with my ideals of the good life for myself, my family, and my community. Over time, I have studied several high achievers who were able to realize that long-term success, provides a positive difference, and along the way enjoyed the process. Most successful individuals have attained their success since they had a wider understanding of what success encompasses. Kaleidoscope Image (Happiness, Significance, Achievement and Legacy Themes) The vision board encompasses a kaleidoscope (image at far left). Success strategy that is effective can be likened to Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is a simple apparatus that is mechanical comprising of a mirror, tube, and lens that insulates different chambers. Every chamber supports glass pieces that continuously shifts upon the tubes movement. With my dream of a successful life, I try to envision a different type of kaleidoscope. This kind of kaleidoscope also comprises of four chambers. These four chambers are achievement, significance, happiness, and legacy with an addition of a brilliant glass pieces, aims that are sought of fulfilled. As time progress, this patter grows unique, richer and richer. In this context, success is all about pattern, movement, choice and structure that embraces distinct activities together. Just like a kaleidoscope, one has to hold this pattern against the light. Through, constant assessment of the image created in the four chamber, one can easily spot t he holes. The holes are the place that will need more consideration in my activities and be sure that I will interrupt other tasks to attend to those activities. Meanwhile, the remaining chips will be sufficient, but will not be enough for the rest of my life. After compiling my vision board, I realized that people who attain long-term success depend on kaleidoscope strategy in order to structure their ambitions. They are constantly creating new chips in each of the four chamber and selecting their actions with an aim that the image will show an attractive proportionality. Having deep satisfaction in the four categories gives these achievers extra strength, that they are unable to turn away from one category when the other one requires more attention. The satisfaction ensures that they do not walk away from a certain time until they are confident of its success. They hate the term that this is enough. They acknowledge the significance of establishing their own high standards for what they can term as enough and not laying low to the infinite lure of more. As an exhausted business capitalist, I need to understand that rising back my accomplishment aims is a section of the larger picture of development in the other categories, instead of paralyzing opportunity of loss and achieving nothing. This kaleidoscope vision will allow for cultivation of emotional relationship I desire to have with my family. This encourages me not to give up my desired achievement and readjust the amount of effects I put in that category. To attain this, I need to be more creative and versatile and exhibit more energy than I am now. Furthermore, as an executive managing a challenging product rollout dilemma in terms of temporary versus lasting achievement. I would perform better in re-structuring my challenges in terms of legacy: What type of platform would I be establishing for the prosperity of this product and that of forthcoming managers in the organization if I chose to distribute unsatisfactory products? Reflecting about the issue from this viewpoint helps in clarifying my priorities. Rather than feeling that way I decided to make a trade-off in a negative sense, even though I could still take a positive perspective of what required the most attention and what was worth my sacrifice. Self-Recreation Theme To attain career success, it is important for one to recreate him/herself. The recreation can be attained through practicing, training, and collection of feedback. This is shown in my vision by the image in bold about Creating yourself. The most important issue in my career development is improvement of my skills. The skills I decide to work on are the skills that I will require in building my future success, or are the necessary skills in my present training like writing skill and research skills. If only I could focus on the improvement of one to three specific skills before the end of this year, then do the same in every year of my training, then am confident that I will be well prepared for my future career. Establishing skill-development goals is like devising my own curriculum. In a class, an educator determines what material to be covered, offers training, allows the students to practice the course, and then examines their learning skills and ability through examination. In the same manner, for every skill that I intend to improve, I establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) goals for that skill. I determine how to be trained, make sure I practice the skill and ensure I obtain feedback. For instance, for me to achieve my desire of becoming a more attractive business executive, I have to go to a workshop that teaches how one can become a business leader that is strong. In order to enhance this skill development, I will have to put the techniques in practice through giving talks to students and even people, holding seminars, presenting at conferences and group meeting. Afterwards, I can obtain feedback from trustworthy colleagues or anyone who will be ava ilable and willing to provide the feedback. Conclusion and Comments on activity Pursuing success can be compared to aiming to shoot a chain of moving targets. To attain career success, it is important for one to recreate him/herself. The recreation can be attained through practicing, training, and collection of feedback. Success strategy that is effective can be likened to Kaleidoscope. This kind of kaleidoscope comprises of four chambers. These four chambers are achievement, significance, happiness, and legacy with an addition of a brilliant glass pieces. After compiling my vision board, I realized that people who attain long-term success depend on kaleidoscope strategy in order to structure their ambitions. They are constantly creating new chips in each of the four chamber and selecting their actions with an aim that the image will show an attractive proportionality.

Food Handling Guidelines in Hospital Based Care

Question: Discuss about the Food Handling Guidelines in Hospital Based Care. Answer: Introduction: Responsible for making sure that the food they are serving, meets all the levels of safety. From the levels of production, processing, storage as well as preparation, food handlers are responsible for every steps of the process (Lopez et al., 2013). When a person falls sick in a hospital due to the food consumed over there, the cardinal principle of hospital care stands challenged, after all hospitals are supposed to ensure that no harm befalls on the patient. Hospital Associated Infections (HAI) has been the main reason why most of the times people fall sick during their stay in the hospital (Porsbol, Jensen Norung, 2013). Along with invasive procedures, immuno compromised states, patients on ventilators or catheters; the food, which is being consumed at the hospitals, is also responsible for patients in contracting HAI. In this essay, evidence based research has been carried out where the topic, food handling guidelines in hospitals, has been explored. The spread of the infection through the pathogens in the hospital context has been focused by carrying out evidence-based research. The quality control and safety of the patients and staff has been considered and a comparative study has been carried out. The comparison has been drawn between the food handling guidelines modeled in New Zealand against the rest of the world. Spread of Infection while Handling Food in Hospitals The main organisms causing foodborne diseases especially in a hospital are Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia, Campylobacter, Toxoplasma gondii, STEC (Shiga- toxin producing E. coli), Giardia intestinalis, Norovirus, Cryptosporidium (Kadariya, Smith Thapaliya, 2014). The evidence-based studies which has explanation of the spread of the infection has been given below. Most of the studies are within the evidence levels III-VII. Since they are not very high on the list of level of evidence therefore it can be assumed that there is little information available on this particular aspect. Mostly, the outbreaks are hardly ever reported and recorded by the hospital authorities. Belliot et al., (2014) had carried a study on the food borne pathogen Norovirus causing gastroenteritis. The study was a Level IV evidence based research where the results were obtained from a cohort study sample. This particular paper has been chosen because the study deals with norovirus and its role in causing gastroenteritis among patients in the hospital. Being a causative organism for HAI, this evidence was chosen. In this study prevalence of the disease in a health care system was analyzed which showed that unhygienic conditions while serving food has been the reason for immune compromised patients at the hospitals to have contracted the disease. Patients who have undergone transplantation procedures in organs such as intestine, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, are susceptible in contracting the infection by the Norovirus. The virus not only contaminates food, but if the food handlers are not careful, the virus can contaminate even water. From the aspect of New Zealand, the gov ernment for patients infected with Norovirus has spent a hefty sum of $3 million. The pathogen affects the staff as well as the patients and can only be curbed by practicing hygienic standards while handling food. Bitler et al. (2013)(Level III) and Trivedi et al. (2012)(Level III) have made similar reports. Pinto et al. (2015) had carried a study of a hospital food in Brazil and had found out with the help of the microbiological assay that the food samples were contaminated with traces of Pseudomonas sp. The study was a Level VI evidence based study where evidences were collected from a qualitative study. The food samples were tested for Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Listeria too. The patients who are the participants of Enteral Nutrition Therapy (ENT) were susceptible to microbial contamination of food. The food is mostly rich in macro and micronutrients for the patients who are deficient in nutrition and this allows the microorganisms to thrive and increases the risk of HAI. The study revealed that it is not possible to test the presence of the microbial contamination before consumption because the food ha to be consumed soon. Stewardson et al. (2014) had carried a study where he had assessed the contamination of hospital food by Extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE). The study was a Level VI evidence based study where evidences were collected from a qualitative study. Catering services, that provide their services to the hospitals in Geneva, has been found to use poultry, which has been contaminated with ESBL-PE along with -lactamase residue. The staff who had consumed the same food was found to be affected by it. It was later determined that the administration of antibiotics to the poultry has resulted into such a situation. Lee Greig (2013) had carried out a study where they had reviewed the Salmonella outbreaks from the nosocomial aspects in the hospital. Contaminated food was identified to one of the several reasons responsible for causing the outbreak. The study was a Level V evidence based study as the data that were collected were of systematic reviews, which had carried out a qualitative analysis. The study found out that the pathogen was infecting the patients through food. The source was identified as raw and uncooked foods such as eggs and other animal products. The food borne Salmonella outbreaks can only be stopped by practicing safe and hygienic cooking at the kitchen in the hospitals. MMWR (CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) (2012) presented a report where a State Psychiatric Hospital in Lousiana had faced an outbreak of food borne infection by the pathogen Clostridium perfringens. The report can be classified as Level VII evidence based study where an expert committee, such as CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), has presented the report. The food served to the patients was found to be the main reason of infection. It was noted that the meat that was served to the patient was not properly cooked and was served as ingredient for cold chicken sandwich and salad. The hospital appeared to have violated the sanitary code of the Lousiana state. Quality and Safety of the Patients and Staff: Recommendations Quality and safety of the patients and staff can be ensured by practicing safety measures to curb the spread of the food borne diseases at the hospitals. The following steps can be followed in order to ensure quality control and safety, were given by the Australian Food Safety Information Council (2014), such as, training the hospital staff to maintain a clean and safe environment, promote awareness in regard to HAI, staff health should be monitored; waste disposal at the hospital should be also monitored, sterility should be on top of the priority list in every aspect of hospital care to prevent food borne outbreak at the hospital (Mullan et al., 2016). Care should also be taken that the foods are being cooked properly in order to reduce the chances of cross-contamination. The food should also be maintained at a proper temperature in order to prevent microbial growth. In respect to evidence based study, Abdul-Mutalib et al. (2012)(Level IV) carried out a study, which pointed out the importance of maintaining personal hygiene in respect to the food handlers. Along with the patients, they are also exposed to the food borne pathogens. Most of the times, the food handlers are the vectors for the pathogens and therefore, practices like wearing clean and sterile gloves while handling food items, wearing clean clothes, not wearing accessories and using clean utensils, are important in order to prevent the micro organisms from multiplying and causing infection. Fox Friefeld (2012)(Level VI) have carried out a review on neutropenic diet as a novel move towards reducing chances on HAI. Neutropenic diet refers to a diet especially designed for the cancer patient where there is a limitation is levied on the content of the diet. The measure was imposed to reduce the chances of the cancer patients from contracting gastro intestinal tract related pathogens. For cancer patients who are already undergoing chemotherapy, has their immunity challenged. Due to this, they are fall prey to the disease causing pathogens easily giving them a bout of HAI. Therefore, they are given a neutropenic diet, which is also known as sterile diet or low bacteria diet or low microbial diet. Oludare et al. (2016)(Level III) has pointed the necessity for maintain food safety at the hospitals and went onto stating the guidelines the food handlers should take into accord so the patient do not develop a bout of HAI. They have stated that while cooking the raw and the fresh food should be prepared separately. Once defrosted, the food item should never be frozen back. The food handlers should wear masks and gloves while preparing or serving food. In short, the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines should be maintained in order to meet the standards of food safety. Castle et al. (2014)(Level III) and Jevsnik et al. (2013)(Level IV) have carried out similar studies. Lee Greig (2013)(Level V) have stated in their work how food and safety hygiene can be maintained in the hospitals to prevent the patients from developing an infection by consuming contaminated food. They have stressed on how the food handlers should maintain personal hygiene while preparing or packing the food. They should not smoke in the kitchen or the serving area. The food handlers should be completely a different set of people hired by the hospital officials. The lesser contact they have with the patient the better. In this way, the safety of the food handlers also remains intact. There equipments should be clean at all times in which the food is prepared or served. Care should be taken that sink where the utensils and containers are being washed is clean too. It is necessary that the food handlers should always the monitor the temperature of the food that they are cooking and follow the HACCP guidelines at all times. Kadariya, Tara Thapaliya (2014) (Level VI), has highlighted the potential risk the enterotoxins of the pathogens causing food borne diseases poses. Lack of proper storage conditions of certain food items leads to the production of the toxins in the food. These foods can also lead to life threatening conditions if not taken proper care. Both the patients as well as the food handler are at risk from it. Martins, Hogg Otero (2012)(Level IV) have worked on food handling by a catering company that is responsible for delivering food to the hospitals in Portugal. They have outlined the issues related to the food handlers, which results into contamination of the food. Verhoef et al. (2013)(Level V) had carried out a similar study and found out the reasons of contamination of food with Norovirus. Difference and Similarities in Guidelines from New Zealand and Global Aspect The Food Safety Standards 3.2.2, which is part of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), outlines the safety-based practices and general requirements while handling food. It has a lot of similarity with the food handling guidelines as stated by WHO (World Health Organization). Both the standards concentrate on the design and construction of the premises which is responsible for the preparation of the food as well as for storage of food. Both the standards agree that the food service facilities as well as the food handlers should be trained and equipped with information related to food hygiene and the transmission of pathogens through food. The standards also aim at carrying out surveys on based on random trials to determine how far the handlers are following the guidelines. The standards also outline that the foods should be properly refrigerated and cooked properly and then stored in clean vessels in order to prevent microbial contamination. Conclusion As a concluding remark, it has been noted from the evidence-based study that food borne diseases is quite nagging and it is affecting a large number of people. However, most of the times, these outbreaks at the hospitals are not recorded. Worse, the reason for the outbreak is never analyzed. It has to be curbed and it can only take place when the hospital staffs are strictly following the food handling guidelines that has been outlined by the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. The expense of treating patients at the hospitals due to HAI is huge and it has been shooting ever since. This is affecting the economy of the nation as a whole. To save those revenues that are lost only to treat patients affected by HAI, the hospital officials are becoming stringent in their ways of providing treatment and care to the patients. Awareness is being raised among the staffs that are directly responsible in preparing and handling of the food in the hospitals. Not just in New Zealand alone, but also o n a global scale, standards need to be improved in food handling in hospitals. The mortality rate along with the morbidity rate has to be managed by safeguarding the patients from contracting food borne diseases. References: Abdul-Mutalib, N. A., Abdul-Rashid, M. F., Mustafa, S., Amin-Nordin, S., Hamat, R. A., Osman, M. (2012). Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding food hygiene and sanitation of food handlers in Kuala Pilah, Malaysia.Food Control,27(2), 289-293. Australian Food Safety Information Council. (2014). Retrieved on 11th November, 2016. https://foodsafety.asn.au/ Belliot, G., Lopman, B. A., Ambert?Balay, K., Pothier, P. (2014). The burden of norovirus gastroenteritis: an important foodborne and healthcare?related infection.Clinical Microbiology and Infection,20(8), 724-730. Bitler, E. J., Matthews, J. E., Dickey, B. W., Eisenberg, J. N. S., Leon, J. S. (2013). Norovirus outbreaks: a systematic review of commonly implicated transmission routes and vehicles.Epidemiology and infection,141(08), 1563-1571. Castle, N., Wagner, L., Ferguson, J., Handler, S. (2014). Hand hygiene deficiency citations in nursing homes.Journal of Applied Gerontology,33(1), 24-50. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2012). Fatal foodborne Clostridium perfringens illness at a state psychiatric hospital--Louisiana, 2010.MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report,61(32), p.605. Fox, N.R. D., LMNT, C., Freifeld, A. G. (2012). The neutropenic diet reviewed: Moving toward a safe food handling approach.Oncology,26(6), 572. Jevnik, M., Ovca, A., Bauer, M., Fink, R., Oder, M., Sevek, F. (2013). Food safety knowledge and practices among elderly in Slovenia.Food control,31(2), 284-290. Kadariya, J., Smith, T. C., Thapaliya, D. (2014). Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcal food-borne disease: an ongoing challenge in public health.BioMed research international,2014. Lee, M. B., Greig, J. D. (2013). A review of nosocomial Salmonella outbreaks: infection control interventions found effective.Public health,127(3), 199-206. Lopez, L., Carey-Smith, G., Lim, E., Cressey, P., Pirie, R. (2013). Annual Report Concerning Foodborne Disease in New Zealand. Management of Food Safety in Hospital and Health Service Facilities. Department of Health. Retrieved on 11th November. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/directives/docs/att/qh-hsdatt-028-1-1.pdf Martins, R. B., Hogg, T., Otero, J. G. (2012). Food handlers knowledge on food hygiene: The case of a catering company in Portugal.Food Control,23(1), 184-190. Mullan, B., Allom, V., Sainsbury, K., Monds, L. A. (2015). Examining the predictive utility of an extended theory of planned behaviour model in the context of specific individual safe food-handling.Appetite,90, 91-98. Oludare, A. O., Ogundipe, A., Odunjo, A., Komolafe, J., Olatunji, I. (2016). Knowledge and Food Handling Practices of Nurses in a Tertiary Health Care Hospital in Nigeria.Journal of environmental health,78(6), 32. Pinto, R. O. M., Correia, E. F., Pereira, K. C., Sobrinho, C., de Souza, P., Silva, D. F. D. (2015). Microbiological quality and safe handling of enteral diets in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil.Brazilian Journal of Microbiology,46(2), 583-589. Porsbol, L. J., Jensen, T., Norrung, B. (2013). Occurrence and control of viruses in food handling environments and in ready-to-eat foods.Food Borne Viruses and Prions and Their Significance for Public Health, 181. Safe Food Handling. World Health Organization. Retrieved on 11th November, 2016. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/36870/1/9241542454_eng.pdf Stewardson, A. J., Renzi, G., Maury, N., Vaudaux, C., Brassier, C., Fritsch, E., ... van de Laar, T. (2014). Extended-Spectrum -LactamaseProducing Enterobacteriaceae in Hospital Food: A Risk Assessment.Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology,35(04), 375-383. Trivedi, T. K., DeSalvo, T., Lee, L., Palumbo, A., Moll, M., Curns, A., ... Lopman, B. A. (2012). Hospitalizations and mortality associated with norovirus outbreaks in nursing homes, 2009-2010.Jama,308(16), 1668-1675. Verhoef, L., Gutierrez, G. J., Koopmans, M., Boxman, I. L. (2013). Reported behavior, knowledge and awareness toward the potential for norovirus transmission by food handlers in Dutch catering companies and institutional settings in relation to the prevalence of norovirus.Food control,34(2), 420-427.

Luis Velez Torres Essays - Characters In Hamlet, Film, Fiction

Luis Velez Torres Intro to Theater through Film Play/Film Comparison Paper 10/18/2018 Hamlet: Play vs. Film Hamlet was initially written by Shakespeare as a play conveying a tragedy , b ut throughout the years it has been portrayed on many d ifferent occasions, as a motion picture. Both formats share similar scenes throughout the context of the original play for which the films were adapted. Three of these scenes are Hamlet's encounter with his fath er's ghost, Hamlet's murder of Polonius, and Ham let's last battle with Laretes. The first significant resemblance between the play and the film arises when Hamlet sees and meets with the ghost of his late, killed father. In Act I, scene V of the play, the ghost exclaims to Ham let: "Doomed for a certain term to walk the night and for the day confined to fas t in fires till the foul crimes done in my days of nature are burnt an d purged away." Similarly in the movie, this same sentiment fills Hamlet's mind with both grief and loathing for his uncle. The ghost makes an emotional petition for Hamlet to plot v engeance against Claudius. Hamlet responds with a promise to his father's ghos t, "Haste me to know't , that I, with wings as swift as meditation or the t houghts of love may sweep to my revenge." Another major contrast between the movie and the screenplay comes when Hamlet goes to challenge his mother about her connection in his fat her's passing and ends up assassinating Polonius. Gertrude, feeling Hamlet's repulsion for what she did , fears t hat he might kill her as well . . As seen in Act III , scene IV, she calls for the help of Polonius: "W hat wilt thou do? Thou wilt not murder me? Help, ho!" In the movie , Ge rtrude has an extremely concerned look on her face and as she calls for aid there is movement behind a giant curtain . This infuriates Hamlet even further be cause someone has eavesdropped on his doubts . Hamlet furiously walks up to the drape and swings his sw ord into it, seriously injuring Polonius. As compared to the play, the death of Polonius is revealed in the movie as Hamlet withdraws his sword from the t ape stry and a loud thump is heard as his body crashes in to the floor. The final key comparison between the film an d the play comes towards the end . A c ompetition has been arranged between Laretes and H amlet, but Claudius and Laretes both have hidden motivations . Both are collab orating to murder Hamlet without him knowing . In bot h the movie and the play Hamlet emerges as victorious the first two rounds and in the movie he shows a co cky attitude towards Laretes when calling him for the final round . Also in the movie Laretes i s assertive and excited to begin . Claudius and Laertes's plans fail and end up causing their own d eaths . Tragically , Hamlet also suffered a deathly blow. " O , I die, Horatio! The potent pois on quite o'ercrows my spirit" - Act V, scene II . Many assessments can be made between the theatrical and the motion picture versions of Hamlet . Three of these scenes are Hamlet's encounter with his father's gho st, Hamlet's killing of Polonius, and Hamlet's final battle wi th Laretes . All of these scenes are prime examples of the relationship between the play and the film .

Supply Chain Report on FMCG MEGHNA Group Essay Example

Supply Chain Report on FMCG MEGHNA Group Essay Example Supply Chain Report on FMCG MEGHNA Group Paper Supply Chain Report on FMCG MEGHNA Group Paper Meghan Group has already invested USED 1 Billion for setting up new lines of business and great expansion programs such as chemical complex, power, salt, seed crushing, cement and media. Meghan Group has contributed almost 75 million US Dollars as Tax to the state exchequers in Fiscal year 2012-2013. Corporate Vision, Mission, and Values: Vision: We are passionately creating sustainable economic value for our country and stakeholders by contributing to the industrial development of the nation and fundamental requirements of our consumers. Mission: We would like to enhance our capability in a competitive and globalize environment levering superior and sustainable value within next 5 years. Values: MGM pays attention to the safety of people and products, acts pro-socially and is environmentally friendly. MGM is sensitive to cultural differences, treats social and commercial partners with respect and facilities the development of its partners. FMC Products and services: Fresh refined sugar: Fresh refined sugar is produced without any human interference using the most modernized process and state-of-the-art technology which guarantee its purity. Fresh refined sugar is packed in approved food graded pack with anti-wet process to maintain the cleanliness and clarity inside. Super Fresh soybean oil and super Pure vegetable oil: It follows 3 steps of refining process-perfect Deducting Naturalization, Balanced Decentralization and Five steps Deterioration to ensure right ratio of Omega 3 6 and intact Afternoon in Soybean Oil. Fresh mustard oil: karma Mustard 011 Malls Elemental produces ten Telnets Mustard 011 Ana Mustard o Cake under the brand name of Fresh. Fresh Mustard Oil is produced from worlds finest best quality mustard seeds and purified properly in an automatic plant. The legacy of this brand is to provide its great pungency natural taste to the nonusers. Also it connotes the heritage of our Bengali culture. Fresh data, Fresh Maida Fresh juju: Fresh Data, Fresh Maida Fresh Juju offers the best quality and taste. The brand carefully selects best quality wheat. It uses multi step cleaning process and computerized Bluer milling technology to keep nutritional goodness intact. Fresh dishes musher deal, Fresh anchor deal: Fresh Deal offers the best quality and taste. The Lentils are major collected from various local sources, directly from farmers. To ensure best quality the factory uses Optical Clerestory Z+ machine from Switzerland. Fresh Deal is considered to be the best quality deal of the country. Fresh full cream milk powder, super Pure full cream milk powder: Fresh full cream milk powder provides the essential energy and nutrition for kids and adults intelligence, growth and strong health. Its cooling helps in brain development, its protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus aids in better growth and finally vitamin A, B, D and Zinc helps to build better immune system. These three nutrients allow your kids to become invincible. No. L sweetened condensed filed milk: Tasmania Condensed Milk Limited is the largest condensed milk factory in Bangladesh tit the most modern hi-tech and automatic process technology. No. 1 Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk is made in this factory by using quality milk powder, refined cane sugar, purified fat, lactose, non fat milk solids I-JP treated water. No. L Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk is homogeneity, pastured and flash cooled to guarantee the best quality SCOFF with smooth texture and complete nutrition. Fresh super premium salt: Fresh Super Premium Salt is produced by using the combination of Switzerland World Latest Technology and Vacuum Evaporation System which can remove all impurities and ensures a natural balance of all minerals like Sodium Chloride, Iodine, Calcium and Magnesium. As a result it helps to create balanced electrolytes, activate nerve function and carries the nutrients to reach every cell within our body. Its balanced Iodine also helps to promote brain development and improve immune system. Super Fresh drinking water, No. L drinking water: Super Fresh Drinking Water is popular and the market leader among the drinking water Dramas In Bangles. It Is clear, transparent, Tree Trot microorganisms Ana refined in seven stage of purification process as De-lord, Pre-ozone, De-Odor, Softening, Reverse Osmosis, Ultraviolet Treatment and Connation. Hygiene practice is maintained in every step of our refining process. So, Super Fresh Drinking Water is safest, reengineering, refreshing, trendy and suitable for human body. In February, 2013, a new brand of water No. L Drinking Water also was introduced to the market to cater the popular segment Fresh premium tea, Fresh addenda tea, Fresh dust tea, No-I leaf tea, No-I strong tea: Fresh tea is the best Tea blend of the country with the best raw tea carefully chosen from the best gardens of Bangladesh. Fresh tea has great strength, mouth fullness taste. Along with bright liquor, attractive color and natural flavor it gives the best Freshness. Fresh spice: To spice up our daily life with good taste and add a healthy punch to all our breakfast, lunch and dinner; Spices have become essential. With latest grinding technology and a modern, hygienic manufacturing process, Fresh spices has been able to create a strong foothold in consumer mind. For its obsession with quality management, spices with international standards are also being exported to several countries. Corporate social responsibilities (CARS): The founder of Meghan Group of Industries, Mr..

Horror Films In American Cinema Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9000 words - 1

Horror Films In American Cinema - Movie Review Example Horror movies are an all-time favorite for those looking to learn from the world of the unknown that surrounds us. Although most of the movies are fictional stories with fictional depictions, the research that goes into developing the story and the screenplay rely vastly on real-life incidents and imaginative capacities of the production team. Although the 1890s was when horror movies began in cinematic history, it was not till epic creations like Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and movies of the 1920s which took over the horror film industry, which had thrived on petty popularity till then, and comprised of vampire, monsters and ghost stories. Fables that had witches and angels fighting over the safety of human life were also created during this age. Prominent movies that dotted the timeline till 1920 include the Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1911 (French), The Vampires 1915 (German), The Vampire in 1913, A Fool There Was in 1915, and so many more. While these films were mostly silent and marked the explorations of imagination by directors of the silent era, prominent movies started emerging with better-defined screenplays and images after the year of 1920. The 1921 European movie The Death of Dracula and the 1922 German movie Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror were prominent creations that rocked the American movi e industry, owing to the creation and growth of Hollywood the ultimate American movie industry. Although Hollywood had a long time to grow, there were other movies like the Frankenstein films like the 1915 movie Life Without Soul by Joseph Smiley and the 1910 movie Frankenstein by J. Searle Dawley. These movies would be of variable length and would be of historic importance to students of cinema making one day, but at that point in time, these movies were various adaptations of the novels that inspired them and were more of a pre-film idea of how to adapt the story to the screen effectively.  

Corrections policy paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Corrections policy - Research Paper Example The policy sought to effect the probation on the nonviolent crime offenders by holding them accountable and thus provision of effective supervision. The policy has indeed seen a sharp decline in the crime rate in the whole state and more so in Houston town that was notorious for worst crime rate among the state tourneys. The policy involved the appropriation of a sizable budget into prison detention alternatives. This included provision of drug courts, intermediate sanctions, treatment of mental cases rather than imprison them and smarter incarceration (Roberts, 2009). This correction policy was effected back then in 2007 that had the state use intensive resource directly paid by the citizens of the state. The upgrading package came due to the growing concerns with the court system as well as the civil society for need to have adequate facilities in the correction system. The budget was then approved by the legislature, which they projected would be sufficient for the coming years Th e need for other alternatives in the correctional system that bore the adult correction reform, was as a response to the many alternatives and waiting lists in the corrections system. The statements by the judges and data from correction officials were vital to the implementation of this policy. The effects of the policy are without doubt beneficial to Houston residents and the state of Texas at large. Identification and evaluation The correction policy identified is the â€Å"Adult Corrections Reform: Lower Crime, Lower Costs †. The policy was established with the purpose of giving smarter alternatives to the incarnation that would lower the costs used but still hold the offenders accountable for their crimes. The policy has over the last years resulted in the expansion of alternative capacity in the corrections system in our town. The nonviolent offenders have in the process been put on probation with strict and effective supervision by the correction officials. This is con trary to the previous policies that required them to be detained in the prisons thus congesting it. At the same time this had led to increases in prison capacity that meant more costs. The policy has seen a significant reduction of crime rate in Texas and in particular our Houston town. Texas had been ranked among the states with a higher crime rate in the late 70s coming 4th in the survey done by the FBI. The policy has helped the state to record the lowest ever crime rate at 12.8% decrease between 2005 1nd 2010. The incarceration rate among the adults in the same period of time has been reduced by a significant 9%. This has marked a great milestone in the correction policy implementation. The strategies have a low crime rate enabled the state to reduce crime significantly and hence avoid building of new more prison facilities. The expense was to involve the addition of more than 17,000 new beds in the prisons across the state. The policy used $55million in probation departments ai med at reducing the revocation rate among adult offenders and increasing supervision on the sanctions applied. The policy implementation led to a decrease in the rate of revocation in the prison departments thus saving the taxpayers a massive $119 million (Legislative Budget Board, 2011). Earlier on, parole and

Outline the differences between a leader and a manager. With one Essay

Outline the differences between a leader and a manager. With one specific company or industry in mind, discuss how these differe - Essay Example Closely related to this is the work of the manager that includes management is an art and is defined as a process used in the achievement of the goals of the organization or its objectives. Leaders and managers play related roles and are an integral part of any organization or entity. Therefore, workers or employees in a particular organization need managers to assign tasks as well as define the purpose of the organization. This requires that the managers organize the workers in order to maximize the efficiency of the work place or organization while at the same time nurture skills, inspire results and actively develop talents.i The question that then begs to be answered is whether a difference between leaders and managers and what are the benefits of having good or better ones in an organization. As already discussed above, the managers set the direction in which a company should be run through aligning the human resource available, motivating and inspiring them in whatever they do. Managers on the other hand have the management task assigned to them and are required to achieve the goals of the organization that may include planning and making of budgets, organizing and staffing, solving problems and other control duties. Several researchers agree that managers play an important role in budgeting, controlling and organizing how an organization is run, while the leaders offer vision for the organization while at the same time organize how different aspects of the organization can be changed. A research paper commissioned by the Financial World in 2007 titled â€Å"Manager to Leader: making the transition† distinguish these two confusing terms by discussing the distinction between good leadership and good management.ii Therefore, the main differences between leadership and management are the well-pronounced ability of leaders to communicate effectively to achieve success. In the current business environment, leaders play an important role in dealing with change while the managers ensure that things run smoothly. The differences between leaders and managers can be discussed under different subheadings that clearly distinguish a person as engaged in either management or leadership. In terms of the development of a vision, the manager plans and budgets while at the same time develops process steps and sets the timelines. A manager should exhibit an impersonal attitude that will help it achieve its aims and visions; moreover, the leader sets the directions and develops the vision for running of the organization while at the same time employing strategic plans for achieving the vision and aims of the organization or entity. The leader must always be passionate about the goals and visions of the organization in which they lead.iii In the development of human resource and networking, the manager is involved in organization and staffing. He at the same time maintains structures through the delegation of responsibility and responsibilities. Managers are actively involved in the implementation of the vision through the establishment of policy and procedures important for implementing the vision. Leaders play an important role in aligning the organization through proper communication of the vision, mission and direction. A leader is required to display high driven emotion that can positively stimulate the creation of partnerships that understand and appreciate the

Reviewing The Problems In Gang Culture Criminology Essay

Reviewing The Problems In Gang Culture Criminology Essay It is the intention of the following literature review to focus upon the gang and focus in detail on youth gang culture and look in detail the media coverage in relation to knife crime, the public perception of the gang. To discuss why young people become involved in gangs and to discover during this literature review if poverty, race and ethnicity have a radical impact on who joins a change plus who is a victim of a gang. In order to discuss the subjects noted above this review will also look in detail into previous research relating to gangs with a particular emphasis on youth crime. It is also critical to highlight that it is important to discuss key social theories which could be utilised to explain some of the above. In recent years the media, government, police have used the term gang to generally refer to crimes which have been committed by groups of young people. Often crimes such as knife crime have been used by the mass media to portray gangs in a particular way. Often crimes such as knife crime have been used by the mass media to portray gangs in a particular way and also to draw public attention to this social issue. According to the Home Office There has been increasing public concern in recent years about gun and knife crime. While disturbing, the number of such crimes is relatively low and in a general population sample survey such as the BCS the number of victims is too small. Alexandar (2008) More than 70 youngsters died at the hands of gangs in Britain in 2008. In London, 26 were stabbed to death. There are more than 170 gangs, with members as young as ten have been identified by police in London. Many teenagers now routinely carry a knife out of fear, in order to defend themselves if attacked. The penalty for straying into the wrong area is to be robbed, beaten or stabbed. It is difficult to define specifically what a gang is due to the nature of these particular social groups. Gangs in the UK are currently seen as a collection of more than two people for example and often these gangs have a specific purpose. In recent years a collection of youths walking around the streets have become labelled as gangs in the media. Steven Sachs (1978) makes the following definition, a youth gang is commonly thought as a self-formed association of peers having the following characteristics: a gang name and recognizable symbols, identifiable leadership, a geographic territory, a regular meeting pattern, and collective actions to carry out illegal activities, it is a structured, cohesive group of individuals, usually between the ages of eleven and twenty-five, gang members can be male or female, but they are most often male. (Sachs, 1997) According to Cohen (1955) Youth gangs participate in all kinds of activities such as extortion and intimidation, robbery, vandalism, assault, drug trafficking, stabbings, shootings, and sometimes even murder. The following sections of this literature review will focus in detail at specific research which has been carried out previously relating to youth gangs and knife culture. Study 1 The first study was created in 2008 by Scottish centre for crime and justice research , they were awarded a research grant of  £155,000 by the Scottish  government to undertake ethnographic research exploring the nature of youth gang involvement, and the nature of knife carrying by young people in Scotland, and the roles that such activities may play in young peoples everyday lives. The research took place in five locations across Scotland and involved a multi-method approach, combining sets of interviews with young people, police, community and youth workers and other local area experts. Two draft reports were submitted to the Scottish Government in spring 2010: the first providing a qualitative account of young peoples involvement in youth gangs and the second drawing on an analysis of quantitative data from several sweeps of the Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions of Crime (ESYTC). A core finding of this report is that gang members (inclusive of those who carry /use knives an d other weapons) are drawn from areas of multiple deprivations. The evidence presented in this report suggests that youth gang members are likely to be highly visible as problematic individuals, in terms of their tendency to hang about the streets and their frequent alcohol consumption. Study 2 Youth Gangs in an English City: Social Exclusion, Drugs and Violence The research Youth Gangs: The factors behind the headlines have been made by Judith Aldridge of the University of Manchester. The research provides an ethnographic account of contemporary youth gangs in an English city.   The study involved 26 months of participant observation in Research City; 107 interviews with gang members and their associates, and with key informants; and nine group interviews with non-gang youth, community representatives and parents.   Findings showed a long history of territorial street gangs in Research City. From the 1980s, attention focused on drug-selling gangs engaging in lethal gun violence in marginalised black areas. This framed the way the issue of gangs was officially constructed across Research City; other white areas of the city where gangs presented a lower profile and level of gun violence received less attention. A combination of factors changed the nature of these gangs, in particular from their drug-selling focus. The findings from this r esearch shows that Gangs today in Research City are ethnically mixed, loose, dynamic, interlinked territorial networks with far less organisation than expected and ephemeral, shifting and unstable leadership. Findings are presented in relation to: gang formation and the life course, violence, earnings, drug use, the role of women and girls, ethnicity, community, and statutory responses.   Findings from the research have important implications for policy development, theoretical understanding of youth gangs in the UK, and methodological know-how. The researches shows that one of many reasons why young people get in to gangs is peer pressure and wanting to look bad and also young people are searching for some kind of family unit.Youth crime is simultaneously a social problem and an intrinsic part of consumer culture: while images of gangs and gangsters are used to sell global commodities, young people not in work and education are labelled as antisocial and susceptible to crime. There was a general consensus that the issue of violent weapon crime by groups of young people is not a new phenomenon, and is in part fuelled by media. Group crime involving weapons transcends ethnicity and occurs across all races, with neighbourhood poverty and deprivatation at the root.

Julius Caesar: Tragic Hero :: essays research papers

Tragic Hero Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sometimes our friends keep us from achieving our goals. We make sacrifices to make our friends a part of our goals and achievements. If a friend gets left out, we stay behind with them to keep them from being alone. Some achievements require us to leave out our friends. This is what happens in the case of Julius Caesar. He became the ruler of Rome, leaving out his good friend Brutus. Brutus and other conspirators assassinated Julius Caesar turning him into a tragic hero. A tragic hero must portray four main traits. The hero may neither be perfect nor ultimate evil, the audience must feel pity or fear for the hero, and must be a ruler or leader; good but with flaw. The hero must also come to recognition; from ignorance to knowledge. William Shakespeare identifies three tragic heroes throughout the play; Caesar, a great ruler who took advantage of his power; Brutus, a gullible noble Roman, and Rome. Julius Caesar was an honorable man, but with his power, came his corruption and greed in the eyes of Rome’s leaders. Several high political figures in Rome were becoming more and more discontent. Caesar’s friend Brutus tells Cassius, â€Å"[w]hat means this shouting?/I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king.† (24). Brutus and Cassius felt Caesar was gaining to much attention to quickly. With each amount of increasing support from the Romans, Caesar extended his use of power further. Brutus and the conspirators then go on about Caesar’s abuse of power: â€Å"Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.† Cassius uses this line to persuade Brutus into joining him in a conspiracy against Caesar. To Cassius, Caesar was a gigantic Colossus walking all over the common people, ignoring the opinions and thoughts of the Roman people. His abuse of power leads to the discontent of several political figures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Brutus was a kind noble man; however, he was very easy manipulated. This bad trait eventually molded Brutus into a tragic hero. Cassius tried to persuade Brutus by stating that: â€Å"Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that 'Caesar'? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name;

Nike Wacc Case Study

Financial Management Agenda 1. What is the WACC and why is it important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital? Do you agree with Joanna Cohen’s WACC calculation? Why or why not? 2. If you do not agree with Cohen’s analysis, calculate your own WACC for Nike and justify your assumptions. 3. Calculate the costs of equity using CAPM, the dividend discount model, and the earnings capitalization ratio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? 4. What should Kimi Ford recommend regarding an investment in Nike? 2 Case Overview Nike, Inc. NorthPoint Group Investment Decision Current share price of USD 42. 09 ? Declining market share for the period 1997-2000 ? Strategy for revitalizing the company under consideration ? Plan to boost revenue and optimize costs ? Highly experienced management team ? Mutual fund management firm ? Emphasis on large-cap value stocks ? Has been outperforming the market for the past 18 months ? Kimi Ford – portfolio manager seeking to identify undervalued stocks, consistent with the fund’s investment strategy ? Stock valuation based on forecasting future cash flows over a ten year period ? Discounting the UFCFF using a predetermined WACC value ? Calculating the discount factor based on the CAPM approach ? Considering sensitivity analysis 3 Understanding the WACC ? The Weighted Average Cost of Capital is the interest rate (minimal return) at which investor-supplied capital (equity and interest bearing loans) has been provided. Therefore, it is the weighted average minimum expectation, which shareholders and creditors require for their respective investments made with the company under consideration. The WACC reflects both, the cost of equity and the cost of debt. Different sources of funds have different costs and therefore, depending on the capital structure of the organization, the weightings of debt and equity are calculated and assigned. ? The WACC is calculated using the following equation: WACC = [E/(D+E)] x Ke + [D/(D+E)] x Kd (1-t) ? The minimum required return on shareholders’ investment. ? CAPM method has been widely used in calculating the cost of equi ty. ? Ke = Rf + b. (Rm – Rf) ? Risk level and volatility are calculated based on historical data. Cost of Equity Cost of Debt ? The interest rate at which a company can acquire new debt. ? Any fixed rates on outstanding debt are not relevant, since the investors are concerned with what it will cost the company to generate cash from any future investments, which would occur at market rates rather than historical ones. ? After tax cost of debt = (1-t)Kd, since interest is tax deductible. 4 Critique of Joanna’s Calculations Calculating Ke Since Joanna’s FCF forecast reflects a ten year period, it could be argued that, for the sake of consistency, the yield of a risk free ten year security should be used instead. ? An arithmetic mean estimation of the risk premium is generally accepted as an appropriate approach by the investment community. * ? Since Nike is a multinational company, its revenue stream bears additional risk based on the specific allocations to various countries. This should reflect additi onal risk premium such as exchange rate risk, political risk etc. Such calculation goes beyond the scope of this case but it should not be ignored. Beta has been calculated as a historic average but the included value YTD 06/30/01 should be excluded not only since it is not consistent in terms of period length, but the apparels business is seasonal with great portion of the revenues coming during the months of Dec. and Nov. Historic betas prior to 1996 should not be excluded. Calculating Kd ? Cost of debt is not properly calculated since potential shareholders and creditors are not concerned with interest on outstanding debt, but rather the current market rate at which the company could borrow to finance its operations and potential expansion. The technique used by Joanna is useful only to get some rough insight on what Nike is paying on its existing debt. ? Joanna has undertaken an appropriate approach in calculating the after tax cost of debt, since debt is tax deductible. ? Joann a is right to consider debt denominated in foreign currency, however her approach is flawed since she is once again looking at outstanding debt, which arrangements that occurred some time in the past might significantly differ from the current market reality. ? Since existing Nike bonds are trading at discount, we already know that the market yield exceeds the coupon rate. 5 Strong arguments exist for using the geometric mean under certain circumstances. This point will be further elaborated Agenda 1. What is the WACC and why is it important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital? Do you agree with Joanna Cohen’s WACC calculation? Why or why not? 2. If you do not agree with Cohen’s analysis, calculate your own WACC for Nike and justify your assumptions. 3. Calculate the costs of equity using CAPM, the dividend discount model, and the earnings capitalization ratio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? 4. What should Kimi Ford recommend regardin g an investment in Nike? Calculating Cost of Equity ? Rf = 5. 39% based on the current 10 year yield for the sake of consistency with the forecasted 10 year FCFF. ? Calculating risk premium based on arithmetic average vs geometric mean: ? Arithmetic average assumes no serial correlation and thus could be overstating the premium. ? Arithmetic average ignores estimation error and available data is limited. ? Arithmetic average works best for forecasting short term periods where long term periods seem to be better captured by the geometric mean. Cost of Equity Yield on 10-year Treasuries Risk premium – developed market (geo. Risk premium – developed market (arit. ) 5. 39% 5. 90% 7. 50% Average risk premium Risk premium – country specific Levered ? Unlevered Cost of Equity 6. 70% 0. 00% 0. 82 0. 77 10. 91% ? Both methods are acceptable and even though the arithmetic mean is widely accepted as the proper method, we are using an average of both since we are dealing wi th a long term period and the geometric mean could be potentially more representative. ? No additional country risk premium is assumed due to lack of data. ? Unlevered beta has been calculated in order to reflect only the amount of business risk. For any future beta projections it will be more appropriate to calculate relevered beta based on the targeted capital structure. Beta 1996 1997 1998 0. 98 0. 84 0. 84 1999 2000 Average 0. 63 0. 83 0. 82 7 Sources: Ibbotson Associates, Aswath Damodaran Calculating Cost of Debt ? To calculate the appropriate yield to maturity we need to take into account that the settlement date (05/07/2011) falls between coupon payments, meaning that the first period will be shorter than the remaining 40 (20 years of semiannual payments). ? We calculate a transaction price (dirty price) of USD 98. 9 using a YTM of approximately 7. 17%. After adjusting for the accrued interest we get the quoted price of USD 95. 60. ? We are not considering the effective YTM for the cost of debt since it is not clear whether the returns could be reinvested at the same rate due to the following reasons (list not exhaustive): ? The yield curve is usually not horizontal. ? The shape of the curve is dynamic and changes over time. ? Some premium should be considered on debt issued in foreign currency, but this goes beyond the scope of this assignment and no debt breakdown has been provided for that matter. Cost of Debt Coupon Years to maturity Periods within one year Total periods Face value of c-bond Market price of c-bond YTM* Effective YTM 6. 75% 20. 03 2 40. 05 100. 00 95. 60 7. 17% 7. 30% Yield to Maturity Days from last coupon date Days to next coupon date Days between coupon dates Transaction price Accrued interest adjustment Quoted price Yield to maturity 171 10 181 98. 79 3. 19 95. 60 7. 17% 8 * Calculations have been made based on a 360 day year Calculating WACC 10. 26% WACC †¢ Calculations of the weightings †¢ We use book value of debt since not Weightings Ke / Kd onsider the market value of equity based on the current price per share and the diluted shares outstanding. 89. 87%* 10. 13%** all interest bearing debt is in the form of bonds maturing on 07/15/21 with a current YTD of 7. 17%. However, since the company has low leverage and is not under financial distress, there should not be a significant difference between the current market and book value of the outst anding debt. Cost of Equity After Tax Cost of Debt 10. 91% †¢ Calculations are based on revised 4. 44% †¢ Before tax cost of debt has been assumptions previously described. †¢ Cost of equity is not to be adjusted reviously calculated at 7. 17%. †¢ After applying tax rate of 38% the for taxes. after tax cost of debt amounts to 4. 44%. 9 * Market capitalization as of 05/07/2001 is USD 11. 5 bn. ** Total interest bearing debt (current + non-current) as of 31/05/2001 is USD 11. 3 bn. Figures as of 05/07/2001 are not provided for a better estimate. Agenda 1. What is the WACC and why is it important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital? Do you agree with Joanna Cohen’s WACC calculation? Why or why not? 2. If you do not agree with Cohen’s analysis, calculate your own WACC for Nike and justify your assumptions. 3. Calculate the costs of equity using CAPM, the dividend discount model, and the earnings capitalization ratio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? 4. What should Kimi Ford recommend regarding an investment in Nike? 10 Other Methods for Calculating Cost of Equity ? Po = Do(1+g)/(r-g) ? Could be used for mature companies, which pay dividends on a constant basis, and it is reasonable to expect that they will also do so in the foreseeable future. ? The DDM model is overly sensitive over the value of assumed growth (g), however it is a very simple and straight forward method of calculating the fair value of a mature company. Since Nike is expected to undergo cost optimization over the next years, as well as shift in sales strategy, we should consider a high growth period of the expected dividends, after which constant growth could be assumed. ? For the purpose of this case, however, we are given than dividends increase by 5. 50% on an annual basis, even though Joanne predicts a CAGR of NOPAT for the period 2002-2011 equal to approximately 10. 4%. Dividend Discount Model Earnings Cap. Ratio ? Po = EPSo(1+g)(1-b)/(r-g), where b is the retention ratio. ? EPS is an accounting figure. The ratio depends on dividend policy. ? Useful and simple approach for mature firms with easily predictable future EPS and constant growth rate and retention ratio. ? For simplicity, we are assuming g = 5. 50%, just like in the DDM method. 11 DDM and Earnings Capitalization Ratio Calculations ? D1 has been calculated as of 30/06/2002, assuming 5. 5% increase in annual dividends paid in both 2001 and 2002. Do captures the period 30/06/2000-30/06/2001. ? Based on the DDM and Earnings Capitalization Ratio, we obtain a cost of equity of approximately 6. 7%-6. 8%. Both estimates seem unreasonably low. ? This is significantly lower than the calculated cost of equity using the CAPM model. Due to the flaws of both the DDM and Earnings Capitalization Ratio methods described above, we should hold the CAPM approach as most reliable in calculating the cost of equity. ? The calculation of the cost of equity using both the DDM and and Earnings Capitalization Ratio methods has been based on assumed constant growth in perpetuity, which will most likely not be the case, especially considering Nike’s new sales strategy and cost optimization over the next few years. Therefore, we are more likely going to observe a higher growth period followed by a stable growth period. Dividend Discount Model g Po 5. 50% 42. 09 Do D1 r 0. 48 0. 53 6. 77% Earnings Cap. Ratio g Po b (retention ratio) EPSo EPS1 r 5. 50% 42. 09 77. 75% 2. 16 2. 28 6. 70% 12 Agenda 1. What is the WACC and why is it important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital? Do you agree with Joanna Cohen’s WACC calculation? Why or why not? 2. If you do not agree with Cohen’s analysis, calculate your own WACC for Nike and justify your assumptions. 3. Calculate the costs of equity using CAPM, the dividend discount model, and the earnings capitalization ratio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? 4. What should Kimi Ford recommend regarding an investment in Nike? 13 Investment Decision Based on the calculated WACC value, using the CAPM approach, and the predicted UFCFF for the period 2002-2011, Nike’s stock appears undervalued Since the purpose of the assignment was to calculate the WACC value only, we have taken all predicted UFCFF levels as given, even though certain adjustments could be appropriate to better reflect the expected boost in sales resulting from the new sales strategy, and the expected cost optimizations. Based on the predicted NPV of UFCFF, we are given that the current price of USD 42. 09 suggests a 11. 17% discount rate. Since our calculations reveal that the actual discount rate ought to be 10. 26%, Nike’s share price is trading under its intrinsic value. Therefore, Kimi Ford should recommend a buy on the stock. 14

Influence of the Media essays

Influence of the Media essays Ever since the shooting at Columbine High School, there has been an increased interest in violence and how it affects our children. It has started other school shootings with similar acts of violence, thus, leading parents and even children searching for answers. Answers to why and even how these events could happen. Some look towards gun control, some look towards parenting methods, and some look at the media. For instance, Susan Douglas, author of A Look at Terror with My Daughter, and Stephen M. Wolf, author of Countering Violence, both view the media as a negative influence on children. However, that is, indeed, the true question. Does the media have an influence on violent behavior, or is it just a scapegoat? How would one find out whether or not the media does have an influence on violence? Who better to ask than teenagers themselves? In a Time/CNN poll, that asked 13-17 year olds, what was the believed to have caused the shooting in Littleton, 75% blamed the internet, 66% blamed the movies, music, and television, and 56% blamed video games (Statistics). Does this mean that the media, indeed, does influence violence in our children, maybe, maybe not? However, the startling statistic by the American Psychiatric Association, which states, By the age 18 an American child will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence on television alone, (Statistics) may prove otherwise. One might ask how the media influences violence with its television shows, movies, and videogames. Well, Susan Douglas explains it in an accurate way when she states, Computer and video games, in particular, that require you to enact murders with your own hands yes, just a quick click, not unlike a trigger pull may restructure some peoples individual psychology in quite powerful ways so it becomes easier to do unspeakable th ...

5 Benefits of Homeschool Co-Ops

5 Benefits of Homeschool Co-Ops There are many reasons to consider joining a homeschool co-op. A co-op can be an invaluable source of support for homeschool parents who work outside the home. They can also provide enrichment opportunities or be used to supplement what parents are teaching their kids at home. What Is a Homeschool Co-Op? A homeschool co-op is not the same as a homeschool support group. A support group usually serves as a resource for parents and hosts monthly meetings and field trips like park days or dances. A homeschool co-op, short for cooperative, is a group of homeschool families that join to share in the education of their children. Homeschool co-ops offer classes for students and usually require parent participation. Dont expect to drop your kids off at classes or activities. In most cases, parents are actively involved in teaching classes, caring for younger children, or helping with cleaning and other tasks. In other cases, parents may pool their financial resources to hire instructors for the courses offered by the co-op. This  option can be more costly but can be an accessible way to get expert help. Homeschool co-ops can vary in size from a small co-op of only two or three families to a large, organized setting with paid instructors. What Are the Benefits? A homeschool co-op can help both parents and students alike. They can help expand ​the knowledge base of an individual homeschool parent, allow parents to share their expertise with others, and provide student opportunities that would be difficult to achieve outside a group setting. 1. Promote Group Learning A homeschool co-op provides an opportunity for homeschooled children to experience learning in a group atmosphere. Young students learn skills such as raising their hands to speak, taking turns, and waiting in lines. Older students learn more advanced group skills, such as collaborating with others on projects, class participation, and public speaking. Children of all ages learn to take instruction from someone other than a parent and to respect teachers and fellow students. A homeschool co-op can also make what might be a boring class at home alone a much more enjoyable endeavor. It’s a relief for students not to be the one expected to give all the answers. Its also a learning experience for them to get other students input and perspective. 2. Opportunities to Socialize Homeschool co-ops provide socialization opportunities for both the parent and the student. Meeting on a weekly basis provides students with the opportunity to forge friendships. Unfortunately, students may also discover that a co-op presents the opportunity to learn to deal with peer pressure, bullies, and uncooperative students. However, even this downside can lead to valuable lessons that will help kids develop the skills they need to deal with future school and workplace situations. A regular co-op schedule also allows moms and dads to meet other homeschooling parents. They can encourage one another, ask questions, or share ideas. 3. Shared Expenses and Equipment Some subjects require equipment or supplies that can be expensive for a single family to purchase, such as a microscope or quality lab equipment. A homeschool co-op allows for shared expenses and pooling of available resources. If it is necessary to hire an instructor for classes that parents feel unqualified to teach, such as a foreign language or a high school level science course, the expense can be shared among participating families. This makes it possible for many parents to provide top-quality classes. 4. Some Classes Are Difficult to Teach at Home For younger students, homeschool co-ops may offer enrichment classes or those that require more preparation and clean up than everyday studies. These courses may include science, cooking, music, art, or unit studies. Homeschool co-op classes for older students often include lab sciences, such as biology or chemistry, advanced math, writing, or foreign language. There are often opportunities for students to take classes that function better with a group, such as drama, physical education, or orchestra. 5. Accountability Because someone outside your immediate family is setting the schedule, a homeschool co-op can provide a level of accountability. This accountability makes co-op an excellent option for classes that may fall by the wayside at home. Students learn to take deadlines seriously and stay on schedule. Even students who don’t mind telling a parent that they â€Å"forgot† their homework are usually much more reluctant to make such an admission when called on in a classroom setting. While homeschool co-ops aren’t for everyone, many families find that sharing the load, even with only two or three other families, has benefits for everyone involved. Edited by Kris Bales

Interpretative Panel of Cypriot Bichrome III equestrian figurine, Article

Interpretative Panel of Cypriot Bichrome III equestrian figurine, Cypro-Archaic II, c. 600475 BCE - Article Example The artifacts had originally been excavated from Cyprus between 1955 and 1961 after the famous James Stewart’s expeditions to Cyprus.2 Despite being a professor of archeology at Sydney University, James Stewart received significant support for his archeological expeditions from the University of Melbourne. As a result, the expeditions were largely known as Melbourne Cyprus Expeditions and many artefacts such as Cypriot Bichrome III equestrian figurine were later allocated to the University of Melbourne. Historically, figurines of horses mounted with riders were particularly common in during the cyproarchaic II periods. Cyprus the origin of the figurines is a Mediterranean island situated south of Turkey, Easy of Greece, North of Egypt and west of Syria and Lebanon3. Equestrian figurines are small sculptures of horses and their riders. Generally, similar historic artifact of equestrian figurines like the one currently housed in the university of Melbourne art collection have been found in various sanctuaries and tombs belonging to stone age Cyprus societies4. It is widely believed that during the antiquities (particularly between 600 and 475 BCE), little figures were commonly left by worshippers at sanctuaries as part of the offerings of the ancient Cypriots to their gods and goddesses5. However, it was expensive to own a horse during the cypro achaic II period and it is only probable that the figurines like the cypriot Bichrome III equestrian sculpture may have been left by the wealthy and nobles who may have wanted to emphasize how important or wealthy they were. Sagona, A., ‘Horse and rider figurine’, in C. McAuliffe and P. Yule, Treasures: Highlights of the Cultural Collections of the University of Melbourne, The Miegunyah Press: Carlton, 2003, pp. 134–

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

Reflection paper - Essay Example ose behind proposition 8 pose the decision, and upholding the proposition would open a door to question the validity of marriages performed before its passage. The author looks back at the original draft of California Constitution of 1849 and examines the provisions offered concerning modifying the constitution. The draft would provide two methods to oversee the modification. A change would be done through an amendment that would have to be proposed by a majority from both sides of the legislature, and the amendment would have to be adopted by the voters. The second method suggested a modification based on a revision that would have to be adopted in a constitutional convention. The same arrangement would hold with slight modifications in 1879 where a legislative proposal would have to be approved by a two-thirds majority of both houses rather than a simple majority. The approaches featured shed some light on the factors that would have to matter in the wake of a need to modify the constitution in the face of possible implications on the rights of others. Lack of early similar cases that would otherwise offer insight on the best direction to follow is underscored.However, Supreme Court’s decision in 1894 insisted that the legislature reserved no power to propose revisions, an element that is distinguished from amendments. This would hold until 1911 when the Progressives had an initiative in place that would see the electors have the power to propose statutes and amendments to the constitution with the ability to adopt or reject them. This would allow California to bypass the demands posed by the legislative proposal and would use initiatives directly to pose amendments to the constitution. Another turn in 1970 would give power to the legislature to propose amendments and revisions by two-thirds in both houses. This means an amendment can be done by having a measure placed upon a ballot, an action that can be facilitated through a legislative proposal or a

The Role of Mental Set in Classroom Management Essay - 15

The Role of Mental Set in Classroom Management - Essay Example Mental set helps teachers to cultivate stance in relation to the classroom. Teachers can come up with solutions quickly in a classroom situation. For example, when children disrupt the classroom the teacher acts fast because he or she has experienced a similar problem and had a solution to it. This helps to minimize class disruptions because the students know the teacher is in control (Marzano, R. J., Marzano, J. S., & Pickering, 2003). Every human being has their strong and weak points. It is important for teachers to evaluate themselves in order to know their strengths and weaknesses. It helps a lot in maintaining effective classroom management. As a teacher, my main strength is my ability to maintain a good relationship with the students. Having taught for some years, I have learned the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the students. This helps in improving the students’ performance and also helps in cooperating with them. My ability to accommodate students from different cultural backgrounds is another area I do well. Having taught student from a different culture, I have come to learn the importance of understanding the students (Montgomery, 2001). Different cultures have different practices that if not understood can be misinterpreted. For example, Mexicans expect their children to be obedient, quiet and seek approval before acting. This can be interpreted as been overly dependent on the teacher. As a teacher, I tend to act swiftly in class this is an area I can do better. A case of a situation in class, I tend to act quickly without consulting what had caused the particular incident. Due to the fact, I have encountered similar situations in the classroom. This is an area I can work on in order to be a better classroom manager (Weinstein, Curran, & Tomlinson-Clarke, 2003).

Tim O’Brien Essay Example for Free

Tim O’Brien Essay Tim O’Brien is a well-know war writer, probably the most famous war writer of our time but also a writer about relationships that disintegrate and how they do so.   His novels hinge on his own experiences in the Vietnam War or the time leading up to that experience.   But he is not a typical writer of war.   In Tim O’Brien’s novels, O’Brien blurs the lines between truth and portrayal of truth or fiction. In essence, he says that there is no such thing as truth. Truth depends on the perception of the person experiencing the episode and what goes on in the mind of this person. The truth fades and shifts or is illuminated further in the telling. Truth is slippery and ever-changing and completely subjective. He blurs these lines over and over again to show the reader the slippery slope of what we call truth.   O’Brien, in some ways, can tell the same kinds of stories but with a different focus so they are completely new.   Overall, O’Brien believes in the power of stories.   As O’Brien says, I’m a believer in the power of stories, whether they’re true or embellished, and exaggerated, or utterly made up.   A good story has a power that transcends the question of factuality or actuality† (Bonn).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   O’Brien’s novel styles and themes begin right from the start of his career.   .   If I Die in the Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home was published in 1973.   It is a memoir which deals with Vietnam and the region around My Lai.   It was the first book that began O’Brien’s genre of what is called â€Å"creative nonfiction.   And then comes his first published novel, Northern Lights discusses two brothers.   One has returned from war wounded and the two brothers are uncomfortable with their own lives as well as their relationships with their father, who has died.   His themes of war and disintegration of relationships begin to be shown in this novel. He continues with these themes in Going After Cacciato published in 1978 and the Nuclear Age in 1985.   Going After Caccioto is the story of a soldier who decides to run away from the Vietnam War. In many ways, this novel is an earlier telling of a story from â€Å"The Things They Carried.†Ã‚   The short story â€Å"On the Rainy River† retells this novel, only with a different ending, which characterizes O’Brien’s creative nonfiction.   In other words, the novel is another way that the story could have ended, not necessarily the way it did end.   Nuclear Age is a discussion of how we would live if confronted with the possibility of nuclear extinction. Then in 1990 he seems to hit a stride and critical acclaim with The Things They Carried.   This is a collection of short stories but also a novel in itself as it begins and ends with the same story.   The book begins with the quote, â€Å"This is a work of fiction. Except for a few details regarding the author’s own life, all the incidents, names, and characters are imaginary† (O’Brien).   Two pages later O’Brien provides a dedication to â€Å"the men of Alpha Company, and in particular to Jimmy Cross, Norman Bowker, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Henry Dobbins, and Kiowa.† (O’Brien).     These are the novel’s main characters. The reader is meant to question the blur of the lines between fact and fiction. The reader is meant to ask, â€Å"Why O’Brien would be thanking these men if this work is entirely fiction?†Ã‚   In this book, Tim O’Brien manages this blur of truth in many other ways as well. One of thos e ways is that he creates a narrator who is modeled after himself. This narrator is a Harvard grad, a drafted Vietnam War vet, and goes by the name of Tim O’Brien. The reader is encouraged to connect the narrator with the author as a way to question what is true. The narrator says, â€Å"I want you to feel what I felt. I want you to know why story-truth is truer than happening-truth† (O’Brien 203). When asked in an interview, â€Å"What do you say when people ask, â€Å"Are these stories true?† Tim replies, Tim: â€Å"I tell them to reread the book. It’s kind of the point of the book: What is truth?†Ã‚   Tim explains more thoroughly when he talks in the same interview about getting to a deeper truth through fiction.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"One of the chapters in â€Å"The Things They Carried† is about a character with my name going to the Canadian border. He meets an old man up there, almost crosses into Canada but doesn’t. I never literally did any of these things, but I thought about it. It was all happening in my dreams and in my head. And the one thing fiction can do is make it seem real. To let the reader participate in this kid making this journey and it feels like it’s really happening. You hope the reader’s asking the same questions that you were back then. You know, like ‘What would I do? Would I go to Canada? What do I think of war?’ So even if the story never happened, literally, it happened in my head.† If I were to tell you the literal truth about that summer, the truth would be that I played a lot of golf and worried a lot about the draft† (Curran).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In other words, what is the real meaning of truth?   O’Brien plays with this concept over and over in his fiction.   The portrays the strangeness of how the mind works when dealing with memories and hypothetical situations. In the Lake of the Woods published in 1994 A spooked veteran who has secrets discovers that his wife has secrets too.   Both of these people â€Å"escape† to the inner recesses of their own minds in order to come to some kind of terms with their lives.   O’Brien shows his mastery at blurring the lines between reality and fantasy here as well as the novel focuses on two of his favorite subjects, war and failing relationships.   As the couple struggles with the secrets in their relationship, O’Brien uncovers that fact that truth is what we say it is, and what we say determines how and what we think.   He continues to blur the lines even further with an essay called The Vietnam in Me in 1994 in which he goes back to Vietnam twenty years later to reflect on the experiences of the Vietnam War.   This essay also explores the deterioration of a relationship for him.   He basically tries to reconcile what really happened in My Lai in his mind after all these years while faced with the gap opening up between he and Kate. His more recent work changes focus just a bit.   War becomes more secondary content.   In Tomcat in Love (1998) this humorous story or â€Å"black comedy† as it is called in the Gadfly interview is told from the perspective of a sexist professor who attempts to deal with the disintegration of his relationship.   However, he tries to wreak revenge on his ex-wife by sabotaging her current relationship.   And in July, July (2002) ten friends reunite about 30 years after they graduate.     They find that many of the same things haunt them now as haunted them then, only they are at totally different places in their lives.   This story is much like The Things they Carried in that the individual stories are tied together in the end. One of the characters has been through Vietnam, but more than anything this book is again about re-telling of the truth.   The â€Å"truths† that these characters had identified for themselves thirty years ago are different in many ways than their truths of today.   Does that make them any less true? When asked about the various truths of this novel,   BRC: Your books, and their characters, display a certain amount of moral ambiguity—a sense of this is true but that also is true—or both could be true at the same time. Does this reflect your personal philosophy? TO: Yes. Truth evolves. Truth is fluid. Truth is a function of language. (If I were to say to you, ‘It’s now 10:00 A.M., I would be telling the ‘truth’ of Boston, Massachusetts, but not the ‘truth’ of Tokyo Japan). A lie, sometimes, can be truer than the truth, which is why fiction gets written. (Bookreporter). Ultimately Tim O’Brien is a writer who deserves all the acclaim he gets as he has much to say not only about war and relationships but about the very essence of truth itself.   He is a storyteller in every sense of the word and believes in the power of stories, no matter what kind they are.   In an interview, he clearly demonstrates his philosophy about the power of storytelling and truth. Interviewer: What can stories do for us? Tim: Stories do a lot for us. They can help us heal. They can make us feel part of something bigger. We all tell stories to ourselves—about today and tomorrow—we live our lives based on a story we tell ourselves. And we’re constantly adjusting it†¦hoping for a happy ending. (Curran) He describes good fiction as fiction that makes us look inside ourselves and O’Brien is a master even when the â€Å"content† of the stories are not typical for most of us.   He can make us look at courage and truth and evaluate our own relationships all in the reading of his fiction. Works Cited Tim O’Brien, Novelist.   Retrieved November 27, 2007 at Web Site:   http://illyria.com/tobhp.html Iver, Pico, Missing in Contemplation, Time Magazine.   2001, Retrieved November 27, 2007 at Web Site:   http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101941024-163119,00.html Bonn, Maria S. Can Stories Save Us?   Tim O’Brien and the Efficacy of the Text, Critique, Fall 1994, No 1:   2-5. ’Brien, â€Å"The Things They Carried,† Broadway Publishing. 1991. Curran, Colleen. Tim O’Brien discusses â€Å"The Things They Carried in Richmond for GO READ. Nov. 11, 2003. Retrieved November 27, 2007 at http://www.richmond.com/ae/output.aspx?Article_ID=2730476 Tim O’Brien. Retrieved November 30. 2007 at Web Site:   http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-obrien-tim.asp