Task 3 A Essay Example

Task 3 A Essay Example Task 3 A Essay Task 3 A Essay Task 3 A Name: Course: Date: Task 3A Relationship between Drug Abuse and Academic Performance in the United States of America Quantitative Research Plan Drug abuse can be defined as the destructive constant use of one or more substances leading to problems such as changes in disposition that cause spontaneous behavior. This intake of drugs may be for medical purposes or mental stimulation. Prescriptive drugs are abused only when used for other purposes other than what they were intended or in disparity with the required dosage. Some of the most commonly abused drugs include cocaine, marijuana, tobacco and alcohol. There has been a significant rise in the number of students involved in drug abuse. This figure is set to rise in future if measures are not taken to curb this emerging trend in schools. Many students are either unaware of the consequences of drug abuse or have depreciated to the level of addiction. It is not clear why these students are abusing drugs at such an alarming rate yet the results are detrimental not just to their health but to their performance at school. These youngsters are initiated into drug use at an early age mostly in their teens. It could be attributed to having friends or acquaintances that use drugs, coming from dysfunctional families, or just the desire to experiment. These drugs serve the purpose of entertainment through mental stimulation, enhancement of stamina, done by students engaging in sports or a way of fitting into a certain clique. Hypothesis There is a relationship between drug abuse and academic performance in the United States of America. Null Hypothesis: There is no relationship between drug abuse and academic performance in the United States of America. Literature Review This is a common trend in among American students. The effects of abusing drugs vary with the kind of drug being used. However, some are common to all of them such as alterations in brain functioning, emotional problems such as depression, and behavioral problems. The tendency to engage in risky sexual behavior has affected girls in that they get unwanted pregnancies and they eventually have to drop out of school. Their chance of contracting sexually transmitted illnesses also increases. The worst of it is gradually getting addicted. Bearing this in mind, this research sets out to investigate the extent to which students abuse drugs and how it affects their academic performance. This way, a solution to the problem could be arrived at. Findings The study conducted revealed the reasons for drug abuse among students. It showed that they engage in it due to problems at home, stress caused by difficulty understanding the school curriculum, boredom and pressure from friends. This affects their schoolwork negatively through various ways. For instance, they confessed to skipping classes, not doing their assignments, engaging in bad behavior that got them suspended from school. This has a direct effect on their performance. They lose attention and can therefore not focus on their schoolwork and eventually achieve poor grades. Conclusion From the findings, we can tell that indeed there is a relationship between drug abuse and academic performance. All the above facts point to the reality that students who abuse drugs perform poorly than those who do not. This is because of the effects of the drugs on their ability to function properly. When their minds are stimulated by the drugs, their brain functionality decreases and they can no longer pay relevant attention to their academics. The students who drop out of school because of abusing drugs miss out entirely on education. Therefore, it is important that a solution for this problem be found quickly to prevent further damage.

Obsessed With Ob- Words

Obsessed With Ob- Words Obsessed With Ob- Words Obsessed With Ob- Words By Sharon The other day, someone used a word that I hadnt heard in a long time: obstreperous. I love the way that rolls off the tongue. It means noisy, unruly, belligerent, cantankerous you get the picture. Obstreperous originates from the Latin prefix ob- (against) and strepere (to make a noise). A drunk being hustled out of a bar, while protesting loudly might be described as obstreperous. Other meanings for the prefix ob include contrary, against, towards or in the way of. It appears in several English words including: obdurate (from the Latin durare to harden) inflexible object (from the Latin iacere to throw) argue against obligate (from the Latin ligare to bind) bind legally obliterate (from the Latin litera letter) erase or destroy obnoxious (from the Latin noxius harmful) offensive obsession (from the Latin sidere to besiege) persistent preoccupation obstacle (from the Latin stare to stand still) a barrier obstinate (from the Latin struere- to stand) stubborn obstruct (from the Latin struere- to pile up) impede Variations of ob- include oc-, of-, op-, and o- in words such as: occasion (from the Latin cadere to fall) opportunity occlude(from the Latin claudere to shut) obstruct occult (from the Latin culere to cover) shut off from view occupy (from the Latin capere/cupare to seize) take possession of occur (from the Latin currere to run) happen offend (from the Latin fendere to hit) violate or cause pain offer (from the Latin ferre to carry) present or make available omit (from the Latin mittere to send) leave out opponent (from the Latin ponere to place) adversary More ob- words on Obnoxious Observations Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Dialogue Dos and Don'ts25 Russian Words Used in English (and 25 More That Should Be)90 Verbs Starting with â€Å"Ex-†

Virtualize Desktop Infrastructure in the Work Environment Research Paper

Virtualize Desktop Infrastructure in the Work Environment - Research Paper Example First, the connections could be done through affordable bundles or protocol to make it more affordable. The technology can be introduced in primary and high school cariculum toequip the young generation with its implications in the society. Furthermore, the network can be advanced to enable users access data from centric desktop server from a more wider range. Companies offering the technology The technology is available since it is offered by several companies in major parts of the world. Virtualization vendors like VMware and Citrix have taken a healthy lead in providing the technology to their regional and international clients. Vendors like Pano Logic as well as Quest Software have a reputable profile as far as the VDI Technology is concerned (Gilam,219). The companies not only do the actual connections but also provide consultancies regarding purchase of large computer storage devices to run on virtual systems (desktops). Furthermore, they partner with mobile devices companies l ike Nokia, Samsung, LG and Techno among others on how users (tablets and Smartphones) can use such devices to access data stored on a certain desktop. Computer firms like HP, Toshiba, Compaq and Acer also uses this strategies to attract and maintain more customers. Pano Logics came up with ‘a zero client’ processor with no drive but is connected with a mouse, keyboard as well as screen/monitor. The system software like operating system is be installed in a certain server then accessed through a defined network. The company laments that the system is cheap since it requires no memory or storage drive, which essentially is the most expensive part in a computer system. Some companies special computer networks to enable users access the data in the virtual servers. Fujitsu is a technological firm that provides bundles called Fujitsu VDI Bundles. This enables workers switch work places with ease. The network covers a wider region depending on the protocol used. The company h as a attractive profile since majority of reputable companies depend on its bundles network for the server virtualization. The company has also partnered with VDI offering companies like Citrix among others. VDI technology is applicable in several companies with a chain of departments and workers. Some of the famous companies or organizations that have already adapted the technology include Microsoft, Caterpillar, Toshiba, Compass group companies, Nike and Nokia among others. The companies share some basic features in common, for instance, they have more departments and employees. Furthermore, they have regional establishes or offices that depend on common server based in the head offices. Some world class learning institutions like Universities and colleges have also adopted technology. But precaution measures must be taken in such cases. Students may use the technology to access some vital confidential information like exams or other related assessments from the main server. There for, learning institutions may have two or more servers where one server to be solely for academic staff or school administration and not be accessed by the students. The technology is also applied in national or state security department. One may be arrested in a different street or state but his/her previous criminal records accessed from the main national server, via the technology. Reliability of the technology Some of the advantages associated with the technology are that it is cost friendly. A company

Legal Aspects of International Business Assignment - 2

Legal Aspects of International Business - Assignment Example This relates to performing especially copyrighted music, plays or other literary works in public. Therefore, the copyrighted work cannot be exploited by another person for economic gains without permission from the author. It aims to safeguard the economic returns that are due to the author due to that work. Under section 102 of the U.S Copyright Act of 1976, the 7 categories of works eligible for copyright protection are literary works, Motion pictures and other audiovisual works, dramatic works, choreographic works and pantomimes, sound recordings, musical works together with the accompanying words and pictorial, sculptural and graphic works. Ann invention is a new creation either by manufacturing or composition that is unique in its aspects. It may be a new process, a new or better use of an existing material or process. Therefore, it can be a new technical or scientific idea. Inventions often arise from extensive research. They are protected through intellectual property

The Personal Challenge That I Face Essay Example for Free

The Personal Challenge That I Face Essay The personal challenge that I faced mainly dealt with my health. Ever since I was child, I was very sick physically. The doctor recommended that I not play or participate in any type of sports because of my poor health. This led to a lack of confidence in myself to perform my best. I have always thought that there was a barrier somewhere in my life, and I could not pass that barrier because if I did then my life would certainly be in ruins. I was told that no one could perform many tasks at once and be successful. Ever since, I always have an image that if I participated in activities at school then I would do poorly in my school work. I never pushed my limits to the maximum to challenge myself. It was as if there was a wall standing in front of me blocking me from being successful. I was always afraid that the consequences might be permanent and my grades would drop. For years, I have always focused my energy and time into studying and being successful for my future. I never participated in any activities in or outside of school. I would sometimes help my mom take care of the housework because they have to work hard to keep the house financially stable. Maintaining a 3.7 or higher GPA throughout my middle and high school years, I was very happy with my academic accomplishments. In my sophomore year, my vice-principal and counselor encouraged me to join an after-school activity so that I would be qualify to be a member of the National Honor Society during my junior year. I gave a lot of thought to this during sophomore year, and I decided that I should at least try one sport. I joined the softball team, but because of my lack of skills, I was cut from the team. However, I did not give up because my motto is Once you give up, you give up everything including life. I always go by this simple principle and this is what keeps me going on even today. Then I tried outdoor track and found myself struggling and being the slowest person in school. I did not run any race during the meet for that entire year. I was angry at myself for the year. I told myself, If others can do it, then you can too. Throughout my life, I have always tried to challenge myself by trying to succeed. I always have set high standards in myself. I would never let myself be ranked low among others whether it is school work or anything else. At first, I thought that something would have to be  sacrificed because it is natures law to make man not perfect. No one can do well in more than one thing and that is what I believed for the first half of my life. That philosophy however had been shattered by a boy who I met while running for the track team. He was the most perfect boy I have ever met in my life. He was valedictorian of the class of 90 and an outstanding athlete. He opened the gateway to another world for me. I told myself, If He can do it, then I can certainly do it also. From then on, I realized that there is no limit to what a human can do if they put their mind to it. This opened another world to me. I enjoy sports, especially running and swimming. During my junior year, I joined cross country, indoor track, the swim team, and outdoor track. My time in running has improved dramatically, especially during my senior year. I am now captain of the cross country team and co-captain of the swim team. I have improved my time after ever swim meet, track meet, or cross country meet. Even more importantly, I still was able to maintain a very high GPA. This proved to me that I can do anything if I only try. The insight which I have gained from this experience has given me a great boost of self-esteem. I learned that there are no limits to what a human being can do if he or He only does their best. To further prove my theory, I got a job during the summer and kept it during the school year. I am also currently taking four Advanced Placement classes during my senior year along with after school activities. I am doing this to help myself be prepared for college and to further improve my life, because I am spending more time doing other activities such as sports, homework, and going to work. I am hoping to continue being conscientious throughout my college years, as I strive to do my best academically.

Chinese Immigration Into America Essay -- essays research papers

Chinese Immigration into America Surprisingly, Asian Americans have been in America for over 150 years. They are as diverse as the immigrants from Europe, ranging from China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Korea, Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Laos. (Takaki, page 8) When many people think of American Immigrants, Asians are on the last of their lists. In The Uprooted, Harvard historian, Oscar Handlin, prize winning book with the subtitle "the Epic Story of the Great Migrations that Made the American People," completely left out the "uprooted" from the lands across the Pacific Ocean. (Takaki, page 10) This paper will give some information pertaining to the Chinese immigration into America. China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. It influence have reverberated throughout Asia. It's presence is felt in many of the surrounding cultures. The Chinese people have tried to keep their society pure from outside sources. When foreigners entered their homeland and poisoned the population with drugs, the culture could not stop the imminent alteration of their ways. China was weakened severely and was taken advantage of by many countries. Chinese came to America for a myriad of reasons. The main reason was because of the myth of the Gam Saan ("Golden Mountain.") Other reasons were due to overpopulation, poverty, hunger, flooding, high taxes, bad economy, collapsing government, and crop failure. (Takaki, page 38) James Marshall discovery of gold in California in 1848 prompted many Chinese to take a sojourn into America to get rich quick. A young man in Canton wrote to his brother in Boston saying, "good many Americans speak of California, Oh! Very rich country! O hear good many Americans and Europeans go there very much. I think I shall go to California next summer." Stories like these built up this dream of the "Golden Mountain." The plan for most Chinese was to make their fortune, and return home to their family. The dream of getting rich quick has been around for ages. Due to this, a trickle of immigrants turned into a deluge. The whole thing began in 1835. William Hooper, a young man from Boston, visited a sugar mill in Hawaii. He became determined to start the first sugar plantation in Hawaii. Without a large supply of laborers, Hooper hired "Chinamen" to aid in the su... ...are or "china", is revered by many Americans. Even the name of the represents Americas debt. In addition, many Chinese trinkets and artwork are prized possessions among the American society. The immigration of the Chinese into the United States has greatly supplemented the cultural heritage of the nation. (Melendy, page i) "Asians with their capacity for hard work in the face of economic and social adversity and to advance economically, have created cultural microcosms form which their children venture to become Americans." (Melendy, page i) Unlike most European immigrants, Asians tend to disprove the original Melting Pot theory of America. The Asians, "†¦ did not wish to amalgamate with the dominant society and most certainly white Americans of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries made it abundantly clear that they were opposed to Asian immigration and settlement." (Melendy, page i) The United States is a nation of immigrants. "All groups have left their mark upon the country's fabric. Their physical stamina and intellectual abilities have enabled them to make their mark and to add measurably to the American heritage." (Melendy, page 182)

Cry Freedom

Donald Woods is an editor of the Daily Dispatch, a Journal in East London, South Africa. One morning he gets news of a police raid in the black township Crossroads which lies in Cape Town. He also gets photos of the raid and he decides to print them although the government doesn ‘t allow to print such photos. Woods doesn t believe the demand of the black people but he is trained as a lawyer and doesn ‘t like police brutality against black people. So he also writes an editorial about a Biko, the leadership of ?The SC†. The next day Dr.Mamphela who works for Biko in is clinic, comes to Woods office to speak to him, about this article. She is very angry, because she thinks, that Woods has printed rubbish about Biko and that he is uninformed about the ideas that Biko has. So she invents him to meet Biko in his banning area. chapter 2 and 3: Some days later Woods meets Steven Biko in an old church were he wants to make a centre for black people. First he is critical agai nst Biko, but then he listens to Biko's opinion and they mentally changed the roles. Biko also goes with Woods to the clinic, which Biko has built.The clinic is only for black people, with black workers and a black doctor. But Woods already think that black and whits should work together, but he also understands, that the blacks wants something that they put up themselves. At the end Biko invites Woods to come and see how black people in South Africa really live. chapter 4 and 5: In the black township, they eat with a black family. Biko, the family and are discussing about the system, the history how the white came to South Africa and how the black people got their bad situation which they have now.After this visit Woods change his mind, because he sees for the first time how worse the black has to live, how big their espair is but also how strong their togetherness stay. At the end of this day Biko and Woods become friends. chapter 6: Six weeks later Woods gives TenJy and Mapetla, two friends of Biko, a Job in his newspaper. Mapetla takes Woods and Ken to a footballmatch of the black. Instead of the match Biko helds a speech. Ken and Woods were convinced by this speech and the ideas Biko represent. hapter 7: After the match Biko is caught by the police because an informer of the government had told the police about the speech. In the police office Biko gets hit by Captain De Wet. After he fght between Biko and De Wet two policemen throw Biko out of the office. Two weeks later Biko is a main witness for the defence of two student organizations who arranged two years before a large meeting in support of the new government in Mozambique. Woods prints the words of Biko although it is against the law. chapter 8: In this night Captain De Wet and two other policemen smash all things of value in the church.Donald Woods cannot print this in his newspaper because the witness is a black man called Dilima and if Woods prints his name, Dilima would kill by the police. So Woods approach to Kruger, the Minister of Police, and speaks with him about the incident. The minister declares him that he will pursues that matter because he doesn ‘t want that such sort of things happen. Woods thinks that the police men aren't as worse as many blacks think, Woods unfortuantely trust him. chapter 9: But on sunday afternoon two policemen come and want to know the name of the witness from Woods.Woods explains them that he was by Kruger and he gets angry because Kruger had betrayed him. Because the two havent a warrant Woods could send them away without saying the name. It does not happen anything for weeks and Woods thinks that it is alright. But it is not. chapter 10: One night the two policemen check the passport of Woods black housekeeper Evalina. Woods throws them out of his property. The next day, the police take revenge: Three men jump out of a car and take Mapetla in it. Donald Woods thinks that Mapetla gets beaten by them and that they make an example so that no other black person will dare him.Two days later TenJy gets arrested without any charges. After a week Mapetla is dead. The official explanation of the death from Mapetla is, that he anged himself. But Biko and Woods cannot believe that, so Biko demands a inquest. TenJy is the main witness at the inquest but the Judge closes the inquest without fix the death of Mapetla on anybody. chapter 1 1: Biko drives to Cape Town to speak in an important meeting of black students although he knows that it's forbidden for him. On the way back form Cape Town the car was stopped by the police and they want to see the papers from Biko.As they recognize the person in the car, they arrest him promptly to the prison in Port Elizabeth. Six days later the police call a doctor to look at Biko. The body is covered with bruises, the forehead and eyes seriously injured. On the chest and lips are cuts. The doctor orders to bring Biko in a hospital. Although the doctor tells them that Biko possible has a brain damage they want to bring him to the police hospital in Pretoria a 1000 kilometres away and not to Port Elizabeth Wich is only 4 kilometres away because they would have the control about him.The doctor cannot do anything against the police and so they put Biko on a blanket at the floor in the back of a Land Rover. Then they drive with Biko on thousand km rough country roads and during the Journey Biko's head is bumping on he floor. chaper 12: Biko dies and Woods prints a article about him with the headline â€Å"BIKO DIES IN CUSTODY†. The Minister of Police denies police responsibility and he says that Biko has been arrested outside his banning area and died because he starved himself to dead.One day after Bikos dead Ntsiki, who is the wife of Biko, Woods and Ken go to the mortuary to find out how Biko actually died. They were all shocked by the appearance of Biko's body, the lips are swollen, a huge lump on the forehead and many bruises around his eyes. Ken sudde nly puts out a small camera and makes photos of Biko's body. Woods and his wife arrive at the funeral and they see thousands of black people with pictures of Biko. There would come more black people but there are road-blocks of the police. The mood of the crowd is angry but also sorrowful.After a speech the crowd begin to sing the African Song which Steven Biko loved. chapter 13: Woods wants that other newspapers write about Biko's death, because if he does, the government would shut the Daily Dispatch. But all the other newspapers are also afraid and wouldn't fight the system this way. So Woods decides to fly to New York under a false name. The day he leave he sends the photos to England an America printed the pictures of Biko's body and demands on an inquest. But on the airport two securitys stopp Woods and bring him in an office.There Lieutnant Beukes reads from a warrent to Woods that he becomes a banning person for five years. chapter 14: Although the police forbid Woods to wri te he starts to write a book about Biko ‘s life, because he thinks that Bikos ideas have to live on. family has to escape from South Africa if they don ‘t want to get killed. Wendy first doesn't agree with this idea and the two have a big conflict. A few days later, the hildren of Woods reached a anonym parcel with poissoned Shirts. After this awful experience Wendy also wants to publish the book. hapter 15: So Woody quickly begins to plan the escape with Father Kani and Bruce McCullough. The 31st December in the night Woods escape begins: He disguise himself in father Curren and Wendy drives Woods to King Williams town, from where he hitch-hike to a place beyond Queenstown. There he meet Father Kant, who drives him to the edge of the river Telle. In the early morning of the 1st January Woods should crossover the river but it doesnt work because the river was too wide and deep. So he went back to the edge of the river. chapter 16: Woods knows that Tami, a friend of Biko lives near, so he walks to him.Tami brings him by car to the Telle Bridge, when Woods wants to open the gate, a Land Rover stopp in front of him. Fortunately the man, called Moses, was from the postal service and he even take Woods to Maseru. At the passport station he has no problems, so he gets to Lesotho without more problems. There he quickly phones to his family, they also follow. chaper 17: Moses brings Woods to the point where he meets Bruce, who brings him to Maseru, where he talks to the Brithis cting high Cmmisioner to ask him to enter their country. chapter 18: The next morning Woods family also arrives in Lesotho.The whole family gets passports from the United Nations and flyes with a private pilot, who wills to fly over South Africa without landing. Woods felt a little sad when he sees his homeland because he might never see it again. But he was also happy, because he will publish his book and show Biko's ideas to the whole world. He hopes that men's minds could be chan ge, before the price become too high. In his mind he hears the crowd of thousands singing at Biko's funeral. Donald Woods is one of the important persons in the story. He is married with Wendy and has five children.Woods is 42 and the editor of the Daily Dispatch. In the beginnig of the book he doesn t believe that black people should be allowed to vote and he also accepts the laws that forced blacks and whites to live in separate areas. He only disagree the police brutality against the black. The meeting with Biko in the curch, when they change the roles mentals, the speech of Biko at the stadium and his first view of the township, when he feels the strong sense of togetherness Woods change his mind about his political ideas. He becomes a good friend of Biko and he helps him to fght for more rights for the black.So he gets troubles with the government and in the end he has to escape of the country where he has born, because he wants to publish the book about Biko. Stephan Biko is a serious, intelligent and handsome young black man. He is a warm and gently person. Stevenn is married with Ntsiki and has two children. He is a banned person which means that he can only be in his banning area and he is able to speak only with one person except his family. Biko gets in this situation because he fghts for more rights for the black. He is one of the most important leader of the Black Consciousness.Steven often goes out of his banning area and so once he gets caught and finally kill by the is dedicated to the struggle for black rights. For him South Africa was for black and white, they only had to find a way to live together without violence. Biko is banned because of his leadership of a movement called â€Å"The Black Consciousness† (equal rights for blacks and whites, live together without violence, black should be proud of being black, blacks should know their history, not anymore accept the handship imposed by the system, confrontation without violence)

Contexts of disabilities Essay

Section 1 = Legislation and polices that support the human rights and inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities. 1.1 Identify current legislation and polices used by the care sector that are designed to promote the human rights, inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship of individuals with learning disabilities. Legislations and polices is improve the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability. This legislation and polices balancing their rights with responsibilities. It basically makes it against the law to discriminate against people due to them having a disability. Legislation and polices is deliberate very clear rules which every care sector have to follow which make SEN people life better than before. Employers may still have reasonable medical criteria for employment. The act defines disability as a substantial and long term adverse effect on person’s ability to carry out daily task. One of the main causes of discrimination is the fear and lack of understanding of others because they are different. In order to prevent discrimination it is important to value people and treat them differently in order to meet their different needs. -Human Rights Act 1998 become law in 2000 gives people rights that there were wished-for to prevent discrimination -Mental Capacity Act2005. Human beings have value and should be treated equally based on the fact that they are human fist. Human worth is not based on either capacity or incapacity. Human rights include the right to life, liberty and security and respect for a private and family life is well. England and Wales have had laws against discrimination since the 1960s. The Race Relations Acts of 1965, 1968 and 1976 outlawed race discrimination, the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 outl awed gender discrimination and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 outlawed disability discrimination. -Care Standard Act 2000 -Disability Discrimination Act 1995-2005 -Equality Act 2010 -National Health service and Community Act 1990 -procedure and policies of any organization -Codes of Practice This is an act of the parliament of the United Kingdom which has now been replaced by the Equality Act 2010. Legislation under the EqA it is unlawful  to discriminate against someone who has a disability. The EqA provides protection against discrimination that happens at work, in the provision of services, public functions and premises, and in education. The EqA also deals with discrimination in associations. It does so by making discrimination unlawful in a number of ways, and by providing legal remedies to individuals who experience discrimination 1.2 Explain how this legislation influences the day to day experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and their families The legislation who promotes people rights gives protection to people with disabilities not to be discriminated against on the grounds of their disabilities. Parents of children with special needs often feel that they are the only ones who can handle their child’s care. This is certainly true to an extent but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get away for a few hours every now and then. By leaving your child with a trusted sitter or family member you are teaching your child to handle change. Your child will develop the resilience and adaptability that every kid deserves to learn, regardless of overall health. Legislation gives SEN people and family Explain how policies influence the day to day experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and their families. Learning disabilities is life time impairment and usual is reducing the ability of the people to live independently. Disable people have the same fundamental rights as any other people. People with learning disabilities should have a support for their needs and this support is given by family and care worker. It is difficult to paint a portrait of what it’s like to manage the day-to-day life of a child with SEN; Getting a job or education, travelling, going for a drink or to the cinema with friends is ordinary activities but for disabled people remain difficult to achie. Our day to day practices and attitude are important in how effective this policies and rights are followed in real life. Is very important to family members and carers who are supporting people with learning disabilities to†¦ but you may feel confused and distressed. But there is help available for people and families from health, education and social services, 2.1- Explain what is meant by ‘Learning disability’ give examples of causes of learning disabilities including before birth, during birth and after birth. Having a learning disability  means that people find it harder to learn certain life skills. The problems experienced vary from person to person. There is no clear and widely accepted definition of â€Å"Learning disability†. It is important to remember that people with learning disabilities are people first. Someone with mild disabilities may be able to live independently with minimal support, whereas someone with severe and profound disabilities may require 24 hour care, and help with performing most daily living skills. The World Health Organisation defines learning disabilities as â€Å"a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind.† This means that somebody with a learning disability will have difficulties understanding, learning and remembering, and these difficulties will have an effect on their ability to interact socially, to communicate with others, to learn new things, and sometimes to undertake physical tasks.[Department of Health 2001] Learning disabilities are caused by something that affects the way the brain develops. This may occur when brain is still developing-before birth (prenatally), during birth, or in early childhood. †¢ There are around 1.5 million people in the UK with learning disabilities. These impairments are present when a baby is born or acquired shortly afterwards. These are some examples. Before birth things can happen to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can cause a learning disability. A child can be born with a learning disability if the mother has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if the unborn baby develops certain genes Some examples of birth defects that affect the nervous system include Autism, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Autism-Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. During birth- A person can be born with a learning disability if he or she  does not get enough oxygen during childbirth, or is born too early. Anoxia is a condition in which the brain of the baby does not receive enough oxygen to allow it to develop properly. Anoxia can cause certain forms of epilepsy, mental deficiency, cerebral palsy, and behaviour disorders. If the amount of brain damage is not too severe, however, it may be possible to compensate for the disorder to some extent. Epilepsy can often be controlled with drugs, for instance, and many children with cerebral palsy can learn to control their affected muscles. After birth- After birth a learning disability can be caused by early childhood illnesses. Some childhood infections can affect the brain, causing learning disability; the most common of these are encephalitis and meningitis. Social and environmental factors, such as poor housing conditions, poor diet and health care, malnutrition, lack of stimulation and all forms of child abuse may lead to learning disability. Severe head injury, for example from a road accident, may result in learning disability 2.2- State the approximate proportion of individuals with a learning disability for whom the cause is â€Å"not known†. 2.3- Describe the possible impact on a family of having a member with a learning disability. Coping with a child’s learning disability is stressful for any paren. How will family members take the news? Some time parents will accept the problem and offer support right away. But some parent avoiding talking about child’s LD because they feeling ashamed or hiding something, embarrassed, or guilty. Being in the family of a child with LD is difficult and challenging in every step of your life. These can be a involving practical and emotional issues. There are medical and educational decisions, financial pressures, and time constraints — all likely to represent additional responsibilities for parents. And all typical emotions naturally concern, frustration, anger, self-recrimination and blame — also contribute to the pressures normally upsetting to the family stability and divisive to a marriage. Also Parents have to balance the demands of all their children, not just those with special needs. eg.. Siblings often feel jealous of all the extra attention a child with LD needs, such as extra help on homework,  tutoring, time spent , and may be they quickly to say anger or make comments that can hurt. 1-Know the difference between the medical and social models of disability. 1.1/1.2Over the past few years there are number of ‘models’ of disability which have been clear. The two most commonly mentioned are the ‘social’ and the ‘medical’ models of disability. Medical Model-Medical model of disability views disability as a ‘problem’ or â€Å"the victim† belongs to the disabled person. Sometime they think is a ‘personal tragedy’. They think it is not a concern anyone other than the individual affected. Medical model belief that disable person should make extra effort to ensure that they can do it by them self and not inconvenience anyone else rather then they self. Medical model is professional dominance and there are well qualified, experience and professional people.This model more focuses on the need of persons physical, sensory or mental functioning, and use a clinical way support an individual’s disabi lity. Medical model focus is on what person cannot do, rather then what they do. Social Model-Social model is more inclusive. They think disability is a social problem and self help groups and systems benefits disable people enormously. Social model think disable people have individual identity and they should receive all rights and responsibility. They think they should make their own choices. They try and make possible for how SEN people can participate in activity on same level with non-disabled people. Social model make some certain adjustment for disabled people so they can enjoy the event and not excluded from. For that some time you have to spend some money and time is well. The principal of the social model is that this should be respected every people whether they disable or not. 1.3-Outline how each of the models has developed and evolved over time. Living with disability that is one of the difficulties we can’t even imagine what they going through? People judge differently, Disabled person was also hidden away from the society by family members. There was institution run by government and DR would recommended to parents placed the child and forget about their by family. they often forgotten about theme. E.g.. Is there children are safe? Is their needs are meet? How and what condition they are  live? In this institution there were many that traded poorly, abused, neglected and murdered either by family members or at the hands of institution workers. Sometime there were not enough people to take care of them and so they tied baby to their beds even abused physically is well. A lot of them were died at young ages due to severe neglects and abused. People commonly used â€Å"Moron, stupid, idiot, freaks† labels for special needs person.. Most of these pleases are finally closed down in 80’s, 90’s. Now we use group homes and residential treatment programs for today’s society. Family also takes care of their disabled children and adults children and grandparents. We have more understanding and empathy now and authorities are more answerable is well. Also people more educated and get more knowledge about disabled people. This changed people view. Not only society but medical model was very limited for disable person. People have not up to date qualification to help disable people. There was very pity and negative attitude in hospital is well. In hospital Dr and nurse avoid to treat the disabled person. There have no feeling for them and seeing as They feel the society does not accept them; therefore they have low self-esteem and la ck confidence in themselves. This causes them to back down when they face problems. Children and young people with disabilities face discrimination, this means they are sectioned out, compared to the normal people of the society and they have fewer choices. For example; some children/young People are physically disabled which enable them to do such activities and they do not always receive the support they need, due to lack of medical help. Children with disabilities have fewer opportunities compared to other children in society because they cannot always do the things other children can do. Disabled people are still struggling for the right to use public transport, have access to building, go to school or college with their friends and siblings or to get a job this has a negative impact on the disabled children because they lose confidence and they are unable to do the activity the other child is able to do. Lack of confidence will also affect the child in the future. Time is change now because Disability Discrimination Activity (1995) has helped but people with disabilities still often feel that the dominant culture sees then as different from everyone else. Some parts of society  shows positive attitudes towards disabled children to show that they support them. They try and give an impact that they believe everyone is equal and have the same human rights. Nowadays the government show a positive attitude towards disabled children/ young people and their families by proving help and support legally because of the ‘Disability Act 1995 and 2005’ and ‘Every Child Matters 2003’ These acts give more human rights to disabled children. For example, in schools disabled children are given the right to be educated with normal kids and they are given all the support and encouragement, such as teachers would use sign language to help communicate with the child if needed. Also teachers teach all students sign language so that they are able to communicate with the special need child. This is helpful for the special need child because they feel more comfortable in their environment and equally treated. 1.4- Give examples of where each model of disability may be used in service delivery. Example of medical model: Disable student unable to go to the building because in entrance they have steps. The medical model would recommend and blamed the wheelchair that this is because of the wheelchair, rather than the steps. A teacher who refuses to make a hand-out in a larger font for a visually impaired student. for that reason The student cannot participate in the class discussion; A member of staff who refuses to make available a copy of a PowerPoint presentation before a lecture. This creates a barrier to learning for the dyslexic students in the group who are likely to have a slower processing and writing speed and who will struggle to understand and record the key points; Example of Social model: Disable person wants to go in to the building but is it not possible because in building have a step in entrance. Under the social model there is solution, they put ramp or the stars lift in to the entrance so that wheelchair user is immediately and easy to go in to the building and participate the event. A teenager wants to live independently in their own home but he can’t afford to pay the rent. Under the social model, they find supper {claim benefits} for the teenager so he can pay rent and live in their own home. A child with visual impairment to read the latest novel, so he can join the cultural activates with everyone else. A solution for social model is that they makes full-text audio recordings available when book is fist published so child can involved in activity and not exclude. 2.1 Identify how the principles of each model are reflected in service delivery. The principal of each model are reflected in service delivery by meeting the additional needs of the disabled person. E.g. A child who is deaf needs support from medical model and specialised equipment from social model, A child who is wheelchair bound needs a support worker for the medical model and involvement in all activites for the social model. The medical model of disability impacts on the inclusion by needing the rights equipment. The social model of disability impact on the inclusion by needing a supports worker. The medical model of disability impacts on the rights by being able to do activities that able child can do. The social model of disability impacts on the rights by having the freedom of choices. The medical model self-government having and provide special materials, help and support and the right medication. The social model finds individuals needs by having one to one time every so often and having the correct facilities. 2.2 Explain how each of the models of disability impacts on the: Inclusion: The Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS] and the National Curriculum give clear guidance’s on an inclusive approach to learning and assessment. The EYFS provides a statement on the duty of settings to meet the needs of all children in relation. We must respect people as they are and not discrimination due to any of team and condition and treat them all same. All children should get the same attention and service. E.g. all children should get the same food menu, and play together regarding of sex, race and disability. Inclusion also involves eliminating discrimination and promoting equality. Throughout its work, the Council is committed to being inclusive – valuing and reflecting the full diversity of the community it serves. It will believe and communicate that: We should focus on individuality Treat children with equal concern, not all the same Avoid stereotyping Provide positive images When we start remove this barriers and make sure that all children and family can be feel include and part of it. Working towards inclusion involved We need to respond in such a way that barriers to participation, learning and achievement are removed, inclusion and equality are promoted and a high quality education for all is developed and sustained. An inclusive approach reflects a move away from a deficit model which focuses on aspects of the learner as the problem, where the learner is viewed as deficient in some way. A deficit model also pays inadequate attention to factors such as social expectations, or aspects of the education system or learning environment that could be changed to enable diverse learners to participate and learn. Also, categorising an individual or a group by a single or a few characteristics may be misleading and doesn’t recognise the whole person. Developing inclusion will involve learners, professionals, partners, parents, carers and the wider community. Rights: Inclusion also involves eliminating discrimination and promoting equality. Diversity of It will believe and communicate that: Everyone have to right to be included Everyone has the right to be treated fairly Everyone has the right equality of access We must respect people as they are and not discrimination due to any of team and condition and treat them all same. All children should get the same attention and service. E.g. all children should get the same food menu, and play together regarding of sex, race and disability. Autonomy: Needs of individuals: 2.3-Explain how own practice promotes the principal of inclusion: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Protects the rights of all those with disabilities. It also places a duty on schools (and other organisations) to eliminate barriers to ensure that  individuals can gain equal access to services Disability Discrimination Act 2005 Places a duty for schools to produce a Disability Equality Scheme (DES) and an Access Plan. Schools must encourage participation in all aspects of school life and eliminate harassment and unlawful discrimination Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 Makes it unlawful for educational providers to discriminate against pupils with a special educational need or a disability Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000Outlines the duty of organisations to promote good relationships between people from different races. Human Rights Act 1998 Sets out rights of all individuals and allows them to take action against authorities when their rights have been affected Children Act 1989 Sets out the duty of local authorities (including schools) to provide services according to the needs of children and to ensure their safety and welfare Children Act 2004 Sets out the duty to provide effective and accessible services for all children and underpins the five Every Child Matters outcomes Education Act 1996 Sets out the school’s responsibilities towards children with special educational needs. The Act also requires schools to provide additional resources, equipment and / or additional support to meet their needs Equality Act 2010 Sets out the legal responsibilities of public bodies, including schools, to provide equality of opportunity for all citizens. This brings together nine equality laws.

Fuel Hedging a Strategy for Air Carriers to Combat Fuel Hike Essays

Fuel Hedging a Strategy for Air Carriers to Combat Fuel Hike Essays Fuel Hedging a Strategy for Air Carriers to Combat Fuel Hike Essay Fuel Hedging a Strategy for Air Carriers to Combat Fuel Hike Essay Fuel Hedging A Strategy for Air Carriers to Combat Fuel Hike Index Jet Fuel – The Nemesis of Airlines In the year 2008, the growth of global aviation industry received a major bolt from the fear of global economic slowdown and the rise in crude oil prices. Though the global economic uncertainties impacted the business of airlines, but the steep surge in crude prices has changed the financial equations of the airline across the world, with India being no exception. In fact over the previous ten months crude prices have increased over 80 percent, from nearly $80 per barrel in October, 2007 to $147 per barrel in June, 2008. A similar increase was seen in the case of Arabian Gulf Jet prices. As per the figures released by IATA (International Air Transport Association), fig. 1, the price of Jet Fuel, as on 1st Aug’07, has increased by 314. 5% since 2000, and almost 70% since August last year. IATA has forecast the loss in aviation sector to be nearly USD 2. 3 billion (more than 9500 crores) in 2008. |1-Aug-08 | Fig. 1 Aviation Turbine Fuel more popularly known as ATF or Jet Fuel, continues to be the single largest cost factor for airlines constituting nearly 40 per cent of the total operating costs. Hence as ATF prices start to increase, airlines typically respond by raising fuel surcharges. Only Rs. 225 of the surcharge is payable to AAI (Airports Authority of India); the balance goes to the airlines. In the past six months alone, fuel surcharge has increased from nearly Rs 950 to Rs 2,350. That’s nearly an increase of 150%. Considering a basic fare of Rs 1,000(say) and other charges being constant, cost of flying has nearly doubled. : That is deterring the low and middle income group travelers who were beginning to switch to air travel mode from traveling by railways. The rise in crude prices is hurting both high end carriers and low cost carriers as the decline in the number of passengers has affected the load factor. The load factor for Indian carriers has come down during June-July period. Further increase in ticket prices, which is inevitable if the fuel prices rise further, can devastate the future plans of airlines. Reasons for Rise in Fuel Prices Demand Outstrips Supply According to the experts, the demand for crude oil is directly related to the world GDP growth. During the last few years, the developing countries like India and China have seen tremendous growth, and hence accelerated the demand for crude oil. Though the developed countries have also seen growth, but the increase in the buying power of people is higher in developing countries. Although the demand has surged but the supply side has not seen much change. The oil reserves are more or less same and producing same amount of oil. This mismatch in demand and supply has been the most prominent factor behind the crude prices rally. OPEC Control The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an organization of eleven developing countries that are the major exporter of crude oil across the globe. OPEC controls almost 40% of the world’s crude oil. It accounts for almost 75% of the world proven oil reserves. OPEC yields power to disturb the supply-demand equation by squeezing the supply side, and it has even been observed in the past that OPEC countries have reduced the supply of oil to increase the prices. Speculative Buying and Selling A lot has been debated over the trading of oil futures in the commodity exchanges around the world. The OPEC countries, to shift the blame, criticize that speculation causes the prices of commodities like fuel to rise beyond expectation. Cartelization and hoarding of oil are said to be responsible for such irrational increase in the crude prices. Possible Measures The factors that control the prices of crude oil are all external to aviation industry. The airlines can’t just wait and watch their profits dwindling. They need to pull out some strategy to safeguard itself against the nemesis. Globally the strategists in aviation are evaluating two options: Alternate Fuel – With the surge in fuel prices, the demand for an alternate fuel is all time high. Airlines and aero plane manufactures like Boeing and Airbus are spending millions on the research of technologies and alternatives to jet fuel. Recently Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Branson has allocated 3 Billion dollars to Virgin Green Fund to be spent on alternative fuel and solar technologies over the next decade. In the recent past several test flights have been made using the alternatives like bio fuel. Virgin Atlantic flew an experimental flight on a Boeing 747 using a blend babassu palm oil and coconut oil. The thrust is on the research of fuel which is environmentally safe and can be produced without putting stress on arable land. The aircraft manufactures are promoting research on fuel which can be drop-in replacement which should not require change in air frame, air engine as very expensive investment would be required then. Fuel Hedging Fuel hedging is the practice, often employed by airline companies, of making advance purchases of fuel at a fixed price for future delivery to protect against the shock of anticipated rises in price. Fuel hedging is a risk mitigating strategy. It doesn’t add to the profits but protects against any future losses due to rise in fuel prices beyond the expectations. Hedging is a popular tool used by the airlines globally to insure themselves during the fuel crisis situations. Fuel hedging is done in the commodities market either directly using the ATF/Jet Fuel futures or by surrogate means using crude oil futures or heating oil futures due to a very high degree of correlation between the prices of ATF and crude/heating oil. Since fuel has become the major component of expenses of airlines, many airlines like Lufthansa have created a separate department to devise strategies on oil. It has been observed that the strategies of such airlines have been predominated by fuel hedging. Hedging- A Lone Rescuer With relentless oil price fluctuations, and uncertainty of the results of bio fuel, the only answer for Indian Airline companies is to take a leaf out of the book of their global counterparts and incorporate a sustained hedging programme to maintain fuel cost as a percentage of total expenditure. Fuel Hedging and Global Carriers Fuel hedging is best exemplified by Southwest Airlines, a low cost American carrier, whose hedging against rising fuel costs has helped the discount carrier soar high above its competitors. Southwest treasurer Scott Topping mentioned in an interview that with their hedging advantage, they have enjoyed more flexibility in managing revenues. Southwest locked in oil at $51 a barrel prior to crudes yearlong run-up in the year 2007. For the first nine months of 07, the Dallas-based carrier realized gains of $427 million. Those hedging profits, a result of a shrewd call by Southwest CEO Gary Kelly, have kept costs down. To have a better understanding of the standing of airlines in term of hedging, let’s look at the Air Fuel Expense and hedging Summary for major airlines of US for the year 2003-04. Fig. 3 summarizes the fuel expense and hedging strategies for the 13 US airlines included in this analysis. [pic] Fig. 3 It can be seen in the figure the low cost carriers like Southwest and JetBlue are the major hedging airlines. Because of its hedging strategy, Southwest Airlines is termed as a hedging firm instead of an airline. However, the financial results of these airlines show that hedging has helped them to sail across in trouble water. Further, In addition to the obvious importance of controlling such a significant operating expense for an airline, numerous academic studies have demonstrated that measurable fuel hedging can increase the value of the firm. While there are a number of factors that influence an airlines valuation, the valuations of the airlines (as measured by the firm’s price to revenue ratio) do have a positive correlation coefficient with the airlines level of fuel hedging, as shown in Fig. 4. Price/revenue ratio is presented rather than price to earnings because many of the airlines have negative earnings. [pic]LUV – Southwest, JBLU- JetBlue, AMR- American, AAI – Airtran Holdings, FRNT – Frontier, MEH – Midwest Air, NWAC – Northwest, CAL – Continental, DAL – Delta, UALAQ- United, ATAH – ATA, UAIR – US Airways Fig. 4 Fig. 4 clearly shows that Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue, the airlines which hedge most, are valued proportionately higher than other airlines. The confidence of investors is higher in these airlines because their hedging strategies cover them against any fluctuation in fuel prices. Hedging is not only common among US carriers, the European carriers like Lufthansa and Air France-KLM have also shielded themselves from fuel fluctuations by locking into fuel hedging. Lufthansa hedge almost 85% of its fuel consumption and has increased its operating profit by 63% for fiscal year 2007-08. Airlines from Asia Pacific region such as Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines have also used hedging during the fuel fluctuation. Fuel Hedging and Indian Carriers While aviation firms around the world have taken to hedging to insulate themselves from the high oil prices, Indian carriers have generally shied away from it. In 2007 when the government allowed hedging, Air India was the first airline in the county to hedge but soon backed out after it saw losses. Air India did hedging of 10% of its fuel consumption on NYMEX. A senior Air India executive told that the airline initially made money through hedging. But after a round of losses when oil came below the hedged prices, it discontinued the practice as no one wanted to take the risk. Unfortunately, such past experiences are still discouraging airlines from adopting a hedging strategy. Hedging is also considered to be a specialist domain which has resulted in some airlines staying away from it. A Raghunathan, CFO, Kingfisher Airlines, in his interview to DNA Money said, Because it was not allowed in India earlier, the expertise required for it is not available. However, airlines are waking up to the profits of hedging. â€Å"Hedging has not been traditionally done in India. In hindsight, it sounds wise today to have done that,† GoAir spokesperson Neeraj Kapoor quoted in a DNA Money. The company is evaluating the process of hedging. Fuel hedging is only allowed in India in 2007 by RBI. Earlier if an airline wanted to mitigate the risk of fuel prices; it could only hedge in foreign markets. This has also discouraged carriers as trading in foreign markets expose them to the problem of currency fluctuation. It’s like evading one problem to accept other. As an effect of RBI orders, MCX (Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Limited) has introduced ATF futures and crude oil futures. Fuel Hedging – Available Hedging Options in India ATF Futures Airlines in India can do hedging in both domestic and international markets. MCX has been given nod by the Forward Market Commission, the commodity markets regulator, in April to offer ATF futures. ATF futures are now available in futures market for trading. Appendix 1 details the different ATF futures contracts available for trading on MCX. Appendix 2 shows the month wise turnover for ATF futures as compared to other commodities futures on MCX. Since the trading of ATF futures has only started in July, figures are only available for the month of July. ATF futures can also be traded on JPTC. Airlines are a little suspicious of the hedging of ATF futures because the volume available for hedging is small and lack of availability of past trends. Crude Oil Futures ATF is only traded on only two commodity exchanges around the world – MCX and JPTC. So, airlines around the world, especially American and European carriers use surrogate hedging which basically means use of alternate commodity which has a high degree of price correlation with the original commodity. In the case of ATF, Crude oil and heating oil are the alternatives for ATF. As can be seen the figure below, there is a high degree of correlation between the price of Brent crude oil and Jet fuel. In the surrogate trading the actual transfer of commodity doesn’t take place. If the prices go up then profit earned in futures market can be used to buy Jet fuel in the spot market. [pic] Same holds true for heating oil (refer figure below) which is the main commodity of hedging by the airlines. In the US primarily airlines prefer heating oil for hedging. The number of contracts purchased depends on the correlation between the prices of the commodities. pic] Preferred Option in India – Brent Crude Oil Hedging For the quarter ending June’08, ATF futures were not available for trading. First future contract on MCX has expiry of July’08. So, Brent Crude oil (BRCRUDEOIL) futures traded over MCX are preferred to construct the model. Moreover, the ATF futures contracts volume is low which is deterring investors from investing. It has also be en noticed that ATF futures are 6 months contracts while the Brent Crude oil contracts are 3 months contract, so in the scenario like present days the short duration derivatives are preferred. In addition, the movement of the prices of both commodities is similar (refer Appendix 3). Hedging for Jet Airways Jet Airways along with Jet Lite is the largest carrier in India. It has the fleet of more than 100 aircrafts used for both domestic and international operations. For the two consecutive years, it has generated significant operating profit, but for the quarter ending June’08, it suffered an operational loss of Rs. 3950 millions (refer Appendix 4). The Fuel expenses, which used to constitute 25-30% of total expenses, were Rs. 3040 millions; approximately 40% of Jet Airways’ total expenses (refer Appendix 4) because of soaring Jet fuel prices. Jet Airways had hedged once on foreign bourses when fuel hedging was not allowed in India. However, due to the impact of currency fluctuation on the returns from hedging, the experience wasn’t satisfactory. Based on this experience, it didn’t opt for hedging during the recent times. But, according to Jet Ai rways’ Saroj Dutta, Jet Airways is now contemplating to enter into hedging and is evaluating various options. It would be prudent to use Jet Airways example to understand the intricacies of Fuel hedging. The analysis of the quarterly results, for the quarter ending June’08, shows that the operating losses that Jet Airways incur were almost 30% of the total fuel expenses. If we assume that the quantity of fuel required for the entire quarter was constant, then the 30% reduction in fuel expenses can flatten the operating losses to zero. Let’s use hedging to analyze the scenario. The prices of crude oil have seen unexpected surge in the first of quarter of the year2008-09, so the importance of hedging can be best demonstrated for the data pertaining to this quarter. Since surrogate hedging is done, Jet Airways will take only position, and will not take actual delivery of the Brent Crude. The futures contracts available on MCX have a period of 3 months. To hedge for the month of April, the airline can start hedging in Jan. It is assumed Recommendations The analysis of the contemporary position of airlines with respect to surge in fuel prices suggests fuel hedging is the call of the situation and air carriers should start evaluating it as a potential strategy against the fuel spikes. Hedging can help airlines generate stable cash flows. In an uncertain environment hedging airlines are able to predict future cash flows and earnings and make investment during the high stages of the price cycle; such a strategy is valued higher by the investors. Secondly, hedging allows airlines to take advantage of investment opportunities in times of high commodity prices. It is more likely that airlines will go bankrupt when fuel prices are very high, and in such cases they are often forced to sell planes and other assets at substantially below-market prices. Airlines that are hedged against higher prices will have more resources available to invest and are therefore the only ones able to purchase these discounted assets, thus strengthening their competitive position and growing value. Hedging is not believed to be a long term solution to the fear of fuel hike. It flattens the spikes for a small duration. The airlines should really start looking for alternate fuel for sustainability in the future. A few millions spend now on technology upgradation and on research of alternatives can earn billions for the industry in the future. The aircraft manufactures should be encouraged to innovate to decrease the dependency on the nemesis. Airlines also need to evaluate other options to reduce the expenses. The complete operational model should be reviewed to take care of different scenarios. Airlines should look for lighter aircrafts as the fuel consumption is directly proportional to the weight of an aircraft. Other methods like revision of wage structure, scrutinization of non-profitable routes and optimum utilization of aircrafts should be incorporated by carriers. Hedging, however, comes with a word of precaution. Airlines in the wake of saving themselves from future crisis after seeing the sudden surge of crude in the recent past, should not indulge themselves in over-hedging, hedging more than expected to be consumed. Fuel hedging can also result in losses if the prediction goes wrong and prices come down. If, for example, an airline forecasts that it will burn 100,000 gallons of jet fuel in a given month, hedges 100% of this usage, and then uses only 80,000 gallons, it calls into question the company’s ability to hedge. Therefore, it should be a common practice for firms to hedge up to the level they are certain to use, and remain unhedged for any additional consumption. Airlines should always devise a strategy by understanding the recent trends how much short and how much long it should go. Hedging with an Example Over hedging should be avoided Other alternatives should be analyzed at regular interval Other startegies like reduction in the weight of an aircraft Wage structure should be revised Portfolio should be preapred for hedging pic] Source: www. iata. org Fig. 2 What is more disturbing to the airlines than the rise in fuel prices is the drop in Consumer Confidence Index as can be seen in, Fig. 2 which is released IATA in financial forecast statement, June’08. The figure is depiction of Confidence Index of US consumers. The 2. 5x rise in fuel prices from 2003 to 2007 was survived by the industry because during that same period consumer confidence rose, the world economy experienced exce ptionally strong growth, and airline revenues boomed.

Black Panther Party Origins and History

Black Panther Party Origins and History The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Boddy Seale in Oakland, California. It was initially organized to protect blacks from police brutality. They evolved into a Marxist revolutionary group that was labeled by the FBI as advocating the use of violence and guerilla tactics to overthrow the U.S. government. The party had thousands of members and chapters in several cities at its height in the late 1960s. Origins The Black Panthers emerged out of the nonviolent civil rights movement of the early 1960s. Leaders Newton and Seale both began their experience with organized groups as members of the Revolutionary Action  Movement, a socialist group with militant and non-violent political activities. Its roots may be also found in the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO)- an Alabama group dedicated to registering African-American voters. The group was also called the Black Panther Party. The name was later borrowed by Newton and Seale for their California-based Black Panther Party. Goal The Black Panther Party had a specific platform laid out in 10 points. It included goals such as: We want power to determine the destiny of our black and oppressed communities, and, We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace. It also outlined their key beliefs, which centered around Black liberation, self-defense, and social change. In the long term, the group aimed rather vaguely at a revolutionary overthrow of the white-dominated status quo and black power. But they had no more concrete platform for governing. They took their inspiration from a combination of socialist intellectuals, combining their thoughts on the role of class struggle with the specific theories about black nationalism. The Role of Violence The Black Panthers committed to  projecting a violent image and to actual violence from their inception. Second Amendment rights were central to their platform and called out explicitly in their 10-point program:   We believe we can end police brutality in our Black community by organizing Black self-defense groups that are dedicated to defending our Black community from racist police oppression and brutality. The second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States gives us the right to bear arms. We therefore believe that all Black people should arm themselves for self-defense. The groups violent stance was by no means secret; in fact, it was central to the Black Panthers public identity. Author Albert Harry, writing in 1976, observed that the groups paramilitarism was clearly visible from the start, as Black Panthers strutted around in their black jackets, black berets, and tight-fitting black pants, their pockets bulging with side arms, their clenched fists high above their defiant heads. The group acted on its image. In some instances, members would appear en masse and simply threaten violence. In others, they took over buildings or engaged in shootouts with police or with other militant groups. Both Black Panther members and police officers  were killed in confrontations. Social and Political Programs The Black Panthers were not solely focused on violence. They also organized and sponsored social welfare programs, the most famous of which was their Free Breakfast for Children. In the 1968-1969 school year, the Black Panthers  fed as many as 20,000 children through this social program. Eldrige Cleaver ran for president on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket in 1968. Cleaver met with North Korean leader Kim Il-sung in 1970 and traveled to North Vietnam. He also met with Yasser Arafat and the Chinese ambassador to Algeria. He advocated a more revolutionary agenda and after being expelled from the Panthers led the Black Liberation Army splinter group. The Panthers worked on electing members with unsuccessful campaigns such as Elaine Brown for Oakland City Council. They supported the election of Lionel Wilson as the first black mayor of Oakland. Former Black Panther members have served in elected office, including U.S. Representative Bobby Rush. Notable Events   May 2, 1967: About 30 armed Black Panther members enter  the California legislature to protest consideration of outlawing the right of private citizens to bear arms. There was no violence, but the spectacle is well remembered and brought the group into public light. At that time, open carry of weapons was legal in California. The Black Panthers had exercised this right in being present at arrests and stationed at the legally-allowed distance while displaying their firearms.August 1967: The FBI includes the Black Panther Party in their counterintelligence program, COINTELPRO, aimed to discredit and neutralize subversive organizations. They conduct hundreds of actions to weaken the party.October 28, 1967: Party leader Huey P. Newton is arrested after Oakland police officer John Frey is shot and killed performing a traffic stop of Newton, in which another officer and Newton were also shot. This incident led to the rallying cry of Free Huey, which galvanized support for the party among other activists. Newton was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a conviction that was later overturned.   April 6, 1968: An armed confrontation erupts between Black Panthers and police led to a 90-minute confrontation at a building housing Panthers. Eventually, the Panthers surrender. Over the course of the day, at least four policemen are wounded and one killed. One Panther member, Bobby Hutton, is killed by the police and seven others are arrested. Huttons death becomes a rallying issue.1969: Gun battles take place between Black Panthers and rival organizations, including one in Campbell Hall on the UCLA campus in 1969. Panthers torture and kill a suspected informant, Alex Rackley, which leads to a trial of Bobby Seale alleging he ordered the killing. A hung jury resulted and there was no retrial.December 4, 1969: Another well-remembered instance of violence is instigated by the FBI, which provides the information needed to raid the Illinois Black Panther Party heads apartment. Two members of the Black Panthers were killed by gunfire. The event is remembered partly for the disproportio nate firing: evidence revealed later that the police fired up to 99 bullets, while the Panthers may have shot one. It is also remembered because the  information required for the break-in was obtained by an FBI infiltrator in a period when surveillance of the domestic group had been approved. The charges against the seven survivors of the raid were later dropped and Hamptons family won a $1.85 million wrongful death settlement from the city of Chicago. December 8, 1969: The LAPD conducts a SWAT attack on the Los Angeles Black Panther office, firing thousands of rounds and resulting in no deaths but a handful of injuries on both sides.1971: After a fall-out between Newton and Eldrige Cleaver, the party splits into factions and engage in assassinations of each others members, with four killed.1974: Nine Panthers, including Newton, are arrested for assault on police officers. Newton is also charged with murdering Kathleen Smith. He flees to Cuba. Panther bookkeeper Betty Van Patter goes missing and is found beaten to death, with Panther leadership suspected. In 1977, there was an attempt to assassinate Crystal Gray, a witness in the Smith murder.Elaine Brown was appointed Chairwoman of the Panthers in 1974 as Newton went into exile. Membership in the Panthers declined precipitously throughout the 1970s and was down to a couple dozen by 1980.

Psychology paper writting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Psychology paper writting - Essay Example SN is recently arrived to America and is living with her sponsor family, an older couple from Nigeria who are attempting to help their former countrymen find a better life. This couple had children in Nigeria, but lost them to disease and starvation before they were able to secure their own passage to America. Having lived in this country for several years, they are now in a position to help others and have determined to do this by offering shelter and support for one child at a time. The ‘family’ lives in a two-bedroom apartment of which SN has one room entirely to herself. SN was provided with education and lessons in English prior to her arrival in America, so she is able to interact with her classmates and keep up with regular classes at the local high school. My interview with SN took place within the apartment she shared with her sponsors. We sat within a very comfortable sofa group in the living room with the television turned off and no other noise happening in the house. Her sponsors were both at work at the time and SN had just returned home from school for the afternoon. Before conducting the interview, I had received agreement from both SN and her sponsors to speak with her about her background and present life and had set up the appointment to be sure everyone knew when it was to take place. SNs sponsors were invited to be present and I was willing to make arrangements to conduct the interview at a time convenient to their schedules if they so desired, but they felt SN would be more open and comfortable if she were permitted to speak without their presence. In making these arrangements, I shared the basic elements of my assignment with them and some of the questions I planned to ask. During the interview, SN sat quietly on the co uch, calmly answering my questions and occasionally expressing strong emotion, particularly when she

Trend of Food Truck in University city of Philadelphia Research Paper

Trend of Food Truck in University city of Philadelphia - Research Paper Example result, communities across the country from Philadelphia to Los Angeles have become a crucial part of the ongoing movement of finding out better ways of managing and regulating mobile vending (Spelman, 2010). Lifestyle and policies are found to be the key elements that have led to the tremendous increase in the number of food trucks in the city. Most of the people in the city prefer fast foods especially considering the fact that the city has a consistently growing population of students because of the two major universities (Stadd, 2011). This can be supported by the fact that most of the food trucks in the city have been on campus stalwarts for many years though their numbers has dramatically increased in the recent past. This means that majority of the people eating in food trucks are youths and a persons who are below 40s who are usually casually dressed. Lack of clear policies regulating the business is also believed to be another key attribute of the immense boom of this business (Edge, 2012). Food trucks in the University City are more popular than the ordinary restaurants because of the variety of foods they offer at relatively lower prices. Most of them use large vehicles that are installed with high-tech cooking gadgets as well as sanitation devices that provide sophisticated and safe cuisine commonly prepared to order rather than being precooked. This gives food truck an upper hand in the food and service industry compared to ordinary restaurants. Therefore, local governments should introduce favorable policies that would regulate food trucks and that will incorporate food trucks into the fabric of the city (Ercolani,  2013). The proposed research study will be conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, meaning that the researcher will use qualitative and quantitative research concepts. The targeted respondents in this case include 50 customers of the food trucks and 10 food truck companies. Using a hybrid of these two