International Entrepreneurship Group Project

Business Plan The need After conducting thorough research on the market concerning kitchen appliances, it is clear that there exists a market gap for dish washing machine. From the findings, currently in the market, there are only two business entities providing the dish washing service – one dish washing machine and the house help. The idea of setting up another washing machine manufacturing firm is, therefore, in line with the current market behavior.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Entrepreneurship Group Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Setting up another company that makes the washing machines will, as a result, provide customers with alternative to choose from; it will also push the already existing company towards producing better quality products (Kolb, 2008). In addition, proper management would allow the firm to thrive by establishing itself as the best in manufacturing washi ng machines through initiating a healthy competition within the sector. Merits The firm’s produce is environmental-friendly since the product does not release harmful wastes to the environment. The product is also convenient; it easies people’s life and saves their time. The washing machine like any other machine would serve to make work easier by working at users’ convenience. The commodity also seeks to help consumers save time by doing the required duty within the limited time. The equipment should be designed in such a manner that it should be easy in use by the target group through initiation of simple commands. The user interface should be fit by well-placed buttons with lightings that are to be easily interpreted by the user. Low cost of maintenance is another advantage of the company. Its design is well-thought in order to avoid complexity by reducing the frequency of occurrence of moving parts within the machine One of the advantages of mechanization is its speed of operation because people can do the same operation slower as compared to the output of machines.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Target market In line with its production, the produced commodity targets, in particular, the working class with lots of office work to take care of, and as such they have little time to do their house duties. Equally, the firm is also targeting the hotel and catering industry in general. Big hotels serving a large number of customers require efficiency and fastness in order to attend to the needs of their customers within favorable time. It is clear that by mechanizing the industry, they will not only increase the speed of the hotel operations but also ensure that employees meet all the needs of their clients as thus they have time to do that (Landstrà ¶m, 2012). The commodity will also equip the catering companies, which deliver se rvices to a large number of persons. Expected unit volume sales Given the high number in the targeted region, with the USA boasting a larger population of up to over three hundred and thirteen million, and Germany having over eighty million heads, the company stipulates to serve the outlined population by delivering the below mentionedquantity to the market. The firm will, however, concentrate on supplying the local market before setting up its operations abroad. COUNTRY POLUTATION (In millions) QTY (in ‘000) USA About 313 500 Germany About 81 150 Table 1. Estimate sales volume against population count in the USA and Germany. 4P’S Product Considering the nature of the market, both local and foreign, as outlined in the market research report, both markets have mechanized and human labor. The washing machine that is to be produced by the firm will seek to bridge the gap between the services offered by the human labor and the already established washing machine m ethod. The machine, therefore, will be designed to provide the much needed speed, efficiency, convenience and the ability to handle large volumes of load. Verily, the machine will also be easy to use, with much attention given to raw materials used in manufacturing the machine to ensure that the final product does not wear out fast. The firm will also study the prevailing market behavior to ensure that it produces the required amount of goods for the available market. This will help reduce wastage as a result of poor planning. Price In order to enter into the market, which has already been traversed by the competitors and other service providing companies, the firm would set price at a reasonable value in between the cost of hiring a house help and the pricing of the already occurring alternatives. The set price will allow the firm to maximize its profit from sales in addition to luring more customers. While the price of the commodity is expected to remain fairly static, it will be subject to change depending on the changes in the factors of production. Commodity Manufactured washing machine Washing machine in the market House-help Price $100 $130 $200 per month Table 2. Prices of the commodities in the marketAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Entrepreneurship Group Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Place The firm should be located in proximity both to the target market and the factors of production. This would help cut on the cost of transportation from the firm’s warehouse to the market and even in shipping the raw materials from their point of production to the factory (Lord, 2012). The presence of the international airport is also an added advantage since it allows for easier exportation and transportation of the machines The Company, therefore, may be located in New York. Promotion In line with the market structure, since the market already has other substitute commodities and service providing entities, the firm, therefore, will need to do more aggressive advertisements and sales promotion in order to penetrate the market (Hisrich, 2010). The firm, therefore, plans to invest in running advertisements of the existing new product in sensitizing the population at large through business magazines; participation in business shows, televisions and even radios. Additionally, the firm seeks to provide a fifteen percent discount on the first one thousand goods to be sold.The firm also intends to do door-to-door campaigns in areas where the competitors have strongly set their base. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis allows for evaluation of the business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats both internally and externally. From the SWOT analysis done on establishing the firm, the factors listed below have been established as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the manufacturing of a washing machine. Strengths Well- organized management team, this will ensure smooth flow of firm operations in terms of supervision and execution of duties (Dana Therese, 2010). The firm intends to employ particularly from the local labor market in order to minimize on movement of the employees for proper service delivery. The management would help in supervising the firm’s operation so as to ensure the firm’s growth within the established boundary. Weaknesses The possible weaknesses for the manufacturing exercise include: – low capital base that will limit the expansion of the whole production exercise;Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More – inability to recruit experienced expertise for the manufacturing of the washing machine, which may limit the number of well-trained employees that the firm can accommodate in terms of wages. Opportunities Some of the existing opportunities that the firm seeks to take advantage of include well-established position with a clearly spelt out channel for market reach. The firm is to be set up the country’s capital that boasts well-developed infrastructure in addition to its large number of inhabitants. This will present the firm with a greater chance of delivering its product to the readily available market within the intended time. Opportunities presented for the company also include readily available market for the washing machines. This will allow for mass production of the machines, hence high profit from large sales volume. Threats Already established firms dealing with manufacturing of washing machines will offer stiff competition to the newly established firm. Gene rally, house-helps are more appealing to people than machines; therefore, they may prove a hindrance to market penetration. Possibilities of emergence of other manufacturing firms will lead to production of commodities in excess of the market; as a result, there will be reduced volume of sales hence low returns. Marketing in Germany Although marketing the product both in the USA and Germany will be more expensive in comparison to marketing only in the USA, it comes with lots of benefit as compared to the latter. Marketing in both countries (the USA and Germany) would ensure that a greater geographical region is covered within the appropriate time. This will make the brand known to a greater number of people, drawing attention to a new commodity in the market, which will translate to large sales volume as a result of reaching (Harper et al, 2010). The firm will, therefore, conduct marketing in Germany due to its large population with a view of tapping its wide market. After considera tions on the availability and occurrence of factors of production, the USA stood out as the best choice of place for setting up the firm. The reasons in favor of the US as the best location: The USA enjoys a fairly stable economy; therefore, it provides a financial security the investment. The USA has a higher population than that of Germany (U.S. CB, 2013), and since the kitchen appliance is targeting households by default, the USA would, therefore, provide a wider market. The USA is open to the whole world. Countries around the world look up to the USA for delivering better and quality products. Having the firm set up in the USA would, therefore, allow for easy penetration into the market, especially the foreign one. Generally, English, which is the national language in the country, is widely used across the whole continent. Setting up the firm in the USA will, therefore, allow for labeling, user guides and even advertisements to be done in English. This will allow the company to reach larger target group over a short time (George Yvonne, 2007). The USA also enjoys a favorable political environment, which is essential for growth of the business. Favorable political environment enables proper formulation and implementation of business policies as outlined by the government of the day. This provides protection to business entities against unfavorable completion. Additionally, the USA has better trade relations with the rest of the world, Europe in specific, which happens to be a significant target market for the product. Having the firm established in the USA will enable the firm easily to ship the product to the foreign market. Self-manufacturing versus potential outsourcing decisions and reasoning While outsourcing for ideas as well as reasoning is a more cohesive approach, it comes with increased expenditure on hiring additional professionals for the already catered for areas. While it enables the firm management to make informed decisions on policies formu lation and implementation, outsourcing for ideas slows the rate of operation especially if it comes to decision making process and implementation of policies since all the ideas drawn from outside will also be put under consideration (Christopher et al, 2012). Self-manufacturing, on the other hand, would allow the recently set-up company to blend in original ideas into operation to ensure uniqueness of the produced product. Since the firm is still a young enterprise, self –manufacturing would allow it to be run in accordance to the set objectives, without interference from external input. It will also allow the firm to make faster decision in addition to ensuring that decisions made are in line with the business objectives (Gary, 2010). In line with this understanding, owing to the firm’s limited financial base, the company will be looking to establish itself as a self- manufacturing entity. Distribution methods Taking into consideration the firm’s proximity to the market and the nature of commodity that the firm would be dealing with, the company should consider setting up sales point in the major targeted areas for an easy access by the potential customers. Areas where low sales volume is anticipated will be served on customer orders by the door-to-door delivery method, by a van in order to create a good rapport with customers (Malcolm, 2012). Goods made for the external market will be airlifted to the firm’s warehouses, which have been set up in the foreign market. From the warehouses, the company will deliver the product to the customers upon purchase by a van. In some areas, however, the product will be stored in the warehouse long enough until demand arises. HR plan Being a business setup dealing in the manufacturing of electrical washing machine, the firm will obviously need to have a human resource plan dealing with the recruitment, evaluation and dismissal of its employees. In this line, the HR would be required to abide by the labor laws and regulations employed in the different countries (Coase, 2012). In the USA, for example, the firm is to abide by the following labor policies. The set minimum wage for every employee act outlines the minimum wage to be paid. The Fair Labor Standards Act established in 1938 dictates the minimum wage and payments for overtime hours that employers in the private sector need to pay their employees taking into consideration a number of exceptions in reference to the nature and capacity of the business operations. The USA also has in place the free movement and immigration act that allows employees to roam freely within the country borders, when discharging their duties. Employers, therefore, should ensure that employees that they seek to employ are available within the allocated time as spelt out in the contract signed between the two parties. The labor industry is also regulated by the pension policy, which seeks to protect employees from being denied their rightful r etirement gains, upon expiry of the contract or on official retirement as outlined in the policies. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act establishes the agreed standard and criteria for funding the retirement and care benefits that the employers offer to their employees upon retirement. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act also spells out the necessary actions to be taken against the employers that discriminate against employees preventing them from obtaining their deserved benefits as outlinedin the state laws that govern the labor industry. Health care and safety act outlines the standards for workplace safety. This act also enables workers to refuse to work under unhealthy and unsafe conditions (USA DOL, 2013). The act also provides that the employers, especially in the manufacturing industry, should give their employees protective guards to offer protection against injuries and harmful chemicals. Trade union act allows workers to participate in trade unions, activi ties dealing with union’s welfares and other businesses within the set state laws, in which the workers would like to involve (William, 2004). Right to organize, this state law allows the employees in the private sector to be represented by their trade unions in legal disputes between employers and employees. Equally, the dismissal protection policy protects the workers against unlawful dismissal form duty by their employers. Alike the USA, Germany also has state laws and provisions that aim at protecting both the employers and the employees. Some of these policies are listed below. Federal Data Protection Act protects the employees against infringement of their right to privacy as a result of improper handling of their personal data by the interested parties. It also outlines equivalent penalties for employers who do not comply with the set standards. Germany also has adopted the Termination Protection Act which protects the employees from untimely voluntary resignation of e mployees without prior notice or ascension of the employer. Germany also has the environmental protection policy that requires manufacturing firms in the country properly to dispose their waste products. This policy also providesfor the allowed amount of poisonous gaseous wastes that industries can release into the atmosphere. It also provides for the penalties that the industries may face should they violate the environmental control policies. From the foregoing, it is true that there are policies that cut across in both countries, the USA and Germany. These policies include the employee protection act which protects the employees from unlawful dismissal from their duties by their employers. Additionally, both countries have the environmental protection act that seeks to regulate the amount of wastes that manufacturing firms release into environment. The states also have different sets of policies regarding the labor industry. Unlike the USA, in Germany, the labor policy requires t he employees to provide their employers with prior notification of their resignation from duty in correspondence with German’s employment statutes. The employees are, however, exempted from providing such a notice in cases where they have been involved in criminal acts, and when the working conditions are deemed unhealthy for both parties involved. Additionally, in comparison with the USA which has put more restrictions on the employee’s background checks through state and local laws, in Germany, such restrictions have more obligations that outweigh the advantages attached to the whole exercise. Again, unlike in the USA, employers in Germany should take into consideration the German quota obligation that requires at least five percent of employees to be disabled in cases where the firm intends to employ more than twenty workers (Jens et al, 2010). References Christopher, R., Fraser, M., Mary, A. (2012). The Engagement Equation: Leadership Strategies for an Inspired Wo rkforce. New Jersey: Wiley publishers. Coase, R. (2012). The Firm, the Market, and the Law. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Dana, M., Therese, H. (2010). Business Planning. New York City: Aspen Publishers. Gary, N. (2010).Managing a Diverse Workforce: Learning Activities. California: SAGE Publications, Inc. George, M., Yvonne, R. (2007). The Language of Environment: A New Rhetoric. London: Routledge. Harper, B., John, M., Orville, W. (2010).Marketing Strategy: A Decision Focused Approach. New York City: McGraw-Hill. Hisrich, R. D. (2010). International Entrepreneurship: Starting, Developing and Managing a Global Venture. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Inc. Jens, K., Pascal, R., Michael M. (2010). Key Aspects of German Employment and Labor Law. New York City: Springer. Kolb, B. (2008). Marketing Research: A Practical Approach. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications. Landstrà ¶m, H. (2012). Handbook of Research on Venture Capital, Volume 2. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Lord , Y. (2012). A Guide to Starting and Developing a New Business. London: HM government. Malcolm, R. (2012). How to start a business: Take control of your own future. Chicago: Abby Logan. United States Census Bureau. (2013). U.S. and World Population Clock. Web. United States Department Of Labor. (2013). Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/majorlaws William, B. (2004). A Primer on American Labor. Cambridge: The MIT Press. This essay on International Entrepreneurship Group Project was written and submitted by user Jimmy E. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

20 Exploratory Essay Topics on Mayan Civilization

20 Exploratory Essay Topics on Mayan Civilization Mayan civilization is probably one of the most fascinating and intriguing cultures that ever existed on Earth. From its unclear origins to incredible scientific and artistic advances achieved by the Mayan culture at its peak to its sudden unexplainable demise – everything about it looks as if it was invented specifically to pique the curiosity of later generations. Mayan civilization is a mind-boggling combination of seemingly incompatible elements. It never evolved past the Stone Age. Like all other Mesoamerican cultures, ancient Mayans never knew metalworking, the wheel and many other advances that most civilizations make relatively early in their development. Nevertheless, they managed to create architecture that took into account advanced factors such as stress and strain, astronomical and mathematical systems that were by far superior to anything that existed at the time and were far beyond their own needs. They could do sums up into the millions, predict movements of the planets for thousands of years ahead and were probably the first to define the concept of the mathematical zero. At the same time, they practiced brutal human sacrifices, ritual torture, bloodletting and cannibalism. Any and all of these aspects of their civilization can be used as a basis for an excellent exploratory essay – here are 20 sample Mayan civilization e ssay topics for you to start from: Mass Exodus of the Maya: Possible Reasons The Mayan Religion and Human Sacrifice The Concept of Death in the Mayan Culture The Significance of Bloodletting Ceremony in the Mayan Culture Maya Calendar and the End of the World in 2012 Syncretic Religion of Modern Maya The Ritual Ballgame and Its Importance for the Mayan Culture The Idea of Cyclical Development in the Mayan Culture Discovery of the Mayan Civilization by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood Scientific and Cultural Achievements of the Mayan Civilization The Written Legacy of the Mayan Civilization The Economy of Ancient Mayan City-States The Mayan Language and Preservation of the Mayan Culture The Modern Maya: Keeping the Traditions of the Past Maya Mythology and Its Connections with Other Mesoamerican Beliefs Urban Design of Ancient Mayan Cities Peculiarities of the Maya Script Ancient Mayan Cuisine and Agriculture as a Reflection of the Culture Methods of Human Sacrifice used by the Mayan Civilization and their Ritual Significance Incredible Advances of Mayan Astronomy and Mathematics As you may see, there is a lot you can say about the Mayan civilization, and since its discovery in the 19th century a lot has been added to our knowledge about this ancient culture – which means that whatever topic you choose or create on your own, there is almost certain to be plenty of information you can use. Unhealthy fascination a lot of people had about the end of the world allegedly prophesized by the Mayan calendar to happen in 2012 did a lot to popularize Maya – which you can easily use to your own advantage.

Definition of the Pendleton Act - 19th Century History

Definition of the Pendleton Act - 19th Century History The Pendleton Act was a law passed by Congress, and signed by President Chester A. Arthur in January 1883, which reformed the federal government’s civil service system. A persistent problem, going back to the earliest days of the United States, had been the dispensing of federal jobs. Thomas Jefferson, in the earliest years of the 19th century, replaced some Federalists, who had attained their government jobs during the administrations of George Washington and John Adams, with people more closely aligned to his own  political views. Such replacements of government officials increasingly became standard practice under what became known as the Spoils System. In the era of Andrew Jackson, jobs in the federal government were routinely given to political supporters. And changes in administration could bring about widespread changes in federal personnel. This  system of political patronage became entrenched, and as the government grew, the practice eventually became a major problem. By the time of the Civil War, it was widely accepted that work for a political party entitled someone to a job on the public payroll. And there were often widespread reports of bribes being given to obtain jobs, and jobs being awarded to friends of politicians essentially as indirect bribes. President Abraham Lincoln routinely complained about office seekers who made demands on his time. A movement to reform the system of dispensing jobs began in the years following the Civil War, and some progress was made in the 1870s. However, the 1881 assassination of President James Garfield by a frustrated office seeker put the entire system into the spotlight and intensified calls for reform. Drafting of the Pendleton Act The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was named for its primary sponsor, Senator George Pendleton, a Democrat from Ohio. But it was primarily written by a noted attorney and crusader for civil service reform, Dorman Bridgman Eaton (1823-1899). During the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, Eaton had been the head of the first civil service commission, which was intended to curb abuses and regulate the civil service. But the commission was not very effective. And when Congress cut off its funds in 1875, after only a few years of operation, its purpose was thwarted. In the 1870s Eaton had visited Britain and studied its civil service system. He returned to America and published a book about the British system which argued that Americans adopt many of the same practices. Garfield’s Assassination and Its Influence on the Law Presidents for decades had been annoyed by office-seekers. For instance, so many people looking for government jobs visited the White House during the administration of Abraham Lincoln that he built a special hallway he could use to avoid encountering them. And there are many stories about Lincoln complaining that he had to spend so much of his time, even at the height of the Civil War, dealing with people who traveled to Washington specifically to lobby for jobs. The situation got far more serious in 1881, when newly inaugurated President James Garfield was stalked by Charles Guiteau, who had been rebuffed after aggressively seeking a government job. Guiteau had even been ejected from the White House at one point when his attempts to lobby Garfield for a job became too aggressive. Guiteau, who appeared to suffer from mental illness, eventually approached Garfield in a Washington train station. He pulled out a revolver and shot the president in the back. The shooting of Garfield, which would eventually prove fatal, shocked the nation, of course. It was the second time in 20 years that a president had been murdered. And what seemed particularly outrageous was the idea that Guiteau had been motivated, at least in part, by his frustration at not obtaining a coveted job through the patronage system. The idea that the federal government had to eliminate the nuisance, and potential danger, of political office-seekers became an urgent matter. The Civil Service Reformed Proposals such as those put forward by Dorman Eaton were suddenly taken much more seriously. Under Eaton’s proposals, the civil service would award jobs based on merit examinations, and a civil service commission would oversee the process. The new law, essentially as drafted by Eaton, passed the Congress and was signed by President Chester Alan Arthur on January 16, 1883. Arthur appointed Eaton as the first chairman of the three-man Civil Service Commission, and he served in that post until he resigned in 1886. One unexpected feature of the new law was President Arthurs involvement with it. Prior to running for vice president on the ticket with Garfield in 1880, Arthur had never run for public office. Yet he had held political jobs for decades, obtained through the patronage system in his native New York. So a product of the patronage system took a major role in seeking to end it. The role played by Dorman Eaton was highly unusual: he was an advocate for civil service reform, drafted the law pertaining to it, and was ultimately given the job of seeing to its enforcement. The new law originally affected about 10 percent of the federal workforce, and had no impact on state and local offices. But over time the Pendleton Act, as it became known, was expanded a number of times to cover more federal workers. And the success of the measure at the federal level also inspired reforms by state and city governments.

Enterprise Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Enterprise Management - Essay Example l 2009), Sky News, UK, [Online] Available: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/British-Airways-Job-Losses-Profits-Down-During-February-Snow-As-Passenger-Numbers-Continue-To-Fall/Article/200904115255103 [April 28, 2009] 11 Brimelow P., March 2009, First a Rally, then Hyperinflation? Market Watch, New York, [Online] Available: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/first-rally-then-hyperinflation/story.aspx?guid={F8CFE313-144B-4CFD-9EE7-BC2F4A4B9A63}&dist=TNMostRead [April 28, 2009] 11 Krasny R., April 2009, What the Fed is considering at this weeks meeting, Reuters, [Online] Available: http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE53Q6KP20090427?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews [April 28, 2009] 11 The growth potential of the core companies with a country largely impacts the economy. At the same time the economic health of a country instantly affects the companies working within it. The enterprises within a nation and the nation’s economy are two inseparable entities; one affects the other. Any economic downfall thus results in the poor health of the enterprises. And if the affected economy is the largest and in the world, the ill effects of the economic downturn is dissipated throughout the countries of the world. History has witnessed on such severe economic downfall in 1929, named Great Depression. The present economic recession, termed as the Credit Crunch of 2009 is and perhaps will be more striking. Globalization has led to integration of companies all over the world. Organisations have taken a cue from the Global Commodity Chain model and went overseas, often to enjoy comparative advantages of cost. These moves have boomeranged now. Different divisions of the same company are facing problem for being based out in different countries (February Snowfall Cost British Airways  £20m, April 2009) There is a very low probability that the cash and cash equivalents of a company deposited with a bank gets dissolved. In fact banks always invest their

Professional Affiliations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Professional Affiliations - Essay Example They also promote the rights of nurses in the workplace, forecasting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying.  For instance, making their voice heard through the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting every nurse and the public. Through the AJCC, which has been a reputable journal, members are helped not only to be at par with the modern day nursing requirement and policies but also enhance career growths. Journal is unique for it offers the latest advances in the area of clinical research, with special features. This professional body was established in 1969.The professional body is the worlds largest specialty nursing group, and assists educate nurses working in newly created intensive care units. AACN represents the interests of more than 500,000 nurses charged with the responsibility of caring for critically ill patients. The professional body is essential as a professional body since caring for critically ill patients is a critical area in nursing (Daly, 2005).   AACN also happens to be the worlds largest specialty organization representing nurses, and that makes it reputable and showcasing commitment to a nursing profession. The profession is majorly served by AACN Bold Voices and launched in July 2009. AACN Bold Voices contains concise, reader-friendly stories, reputable articles that capture the depth and breadth of critical care and acute nursing. Bold Voices carries current clinical tips along with various articles about certification and chapters. Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970. Initially, it aimed at networking and teaching; the professional body has evolved into an authority, lobbyist, advocate and voice for emergency nursing. The professional body currently has more than 40,000 members around the globe and is the only professional nursing association entirely

Describe the possible signs Essay Example for Free

Describe the possible signs Essay Bullying is not defined as a form of abuse in Working Together but there is clear evidence that it is abusive and will include at least one, if not two, three or all four, of the defined categories of abuse. Recognising child abuse is not easy. It is not our responsibility to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place or if a child is at significant risk of harm from someone. We do however, have both a responsibility and duty, as set out in your organisation’s child protection procedures, to act in order that the appropriate agencies can investigate and take any necessary action to protect a child. Physical abuse Physical abuse is deliberately causing physical harm to a child. This might involve punching; kicking, biting, burning, scalding, shaking, throwing or beating with objects such as belts, whips, or sticks. It also includes poisoning, giving a child alcohol or illegal drugs, drowning or suffocation. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of illness in a child. Signs of Physical Abuse There are certain signs that need to be acknowledged when suspicion arises that physical abuse is occurring: Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given to staff. Injuries which occur to any part of the body but usually in places which are not normally exposed to falls or rough games Injuries which have not received medical attention Reluctance to change in the heat, or to change/participate in activities such as, PE or swimming Bruises (usually in clusters), human bites, cigarette burns and fractures, for example, which do not have an accidental explanation multiple burns with a clearly demarcated edge Fear of parents being approached for an explanation Flinching when approached or touched Aggressive behaviour and/or sudden anger outbursts Depression Running away from home Possible effects of physical abuse Physical abuse can lead directly to neurological damage, physical injuries, disability and in extreme cases death. Physical abuse has been linked to aggressive behavior in children, emotional and behavioral problems and learning difficulties. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is where repeated verbal threats, criticism, shouting, lack of love and affection causes a severe adverse effect on a childs emotional development. It consists of communicating to children that they are worthless, unloved, and inadequate or valued. Emotional abuse may include not giving a child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or making fun of what they say. It may feature inappropriate expectations being imposed on a child, over protection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child from taking part in normal social interaction. Signs of possible emotional abuse †¢ Depression, aggression, extreme anxiety, changes or regression in mood or behavior, particularly where a child withdraws or becomes clingy †¢ Obsessions or phobias †¢ Sudden underachievement or lack of concentration †¢ Seeking adult attention and not mixing well with other children †¢ Sleep or speech disorders †¢ Low self-esteem †¢ Fear of parents/carer being approached regarding their behavior †¢ Fear of making mistakes Possible effects of emotional abuse This type of abuse can lead to adverse long-term effects on the child’s development. Emotional abuse has a significant impact on a developing childs mental health, behavior and self-esteem. This type of abuse is as important as the other three types, and can be detected as the signs are more visible and can be easily detected. Domestic violence, adult mental health problems and parental substance misuse may be features in families where children are exposed to such abuse. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This may involve physical contact including penetrative sex, oral sex, masturbation, kissing, rubbing, or touching outside of clothing, or it may involve non-contact activities such as involving children in watching sexual activities, producing or looking at sexual images, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Abusers can be men, women or other children. Between 21% and 36% of sexually abused children will display few or no symptoms but it is usually a child’s behavior which becomes a cause for concern. Children who tell of sexual abuse do so because they want it to stop therefore is extremely important to listen to a child that discloses such an allegation. Signs of possible sexual abuse †¢ Any allegations made by a child concerning sexual abuse †¢ self-harming, sometimes leading to suicide attempts †¢ Sexual activity through words, play or drawing †¢ Repeated urinary infections, itching or bleeding around genital area and/or unexplained stomach pains †¢ The child is sexually provocative or seductive with adults †¢ Saying they have a secrets that they cannot share with anyone †¢ Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares which sometimes have overt or veiled sexual connotations or bedwetting †¢ Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia Possible effects of sexual abuse Behavior such as self-harm, inappropriate sexual behavior, sadness, depression and loss of self-esteem has all been linked to sexual abuse. The effects of sexual abuse can affect the individual into their adult life. The extent or the severity of each case is determined by the time span of abuse, the more serious the abuse, the younger the child is and the relationship of the child to the abuser. Once sexual abuse has been identified the support of an adult who believes the child helps, starts to help the child understand the abuse and can therefore offer help and protection to the abused child. Neglect Neglect has been described as the â€Å"most serious type of child maltreatment and the least understood† (Crittenden 1999: 67). It is the most common reason for a child to be placed on the child protection register in the UK. Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and or psychological needs, which is likely to affect the child’s health or development. Neglect is when a parent or carer fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment), medical care, or protection from physical and emotional harm or danger. Additionally failure to ensure access to education or to look after a child because the carer is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is considered as Neglect. Signs of possible neglect †¢ Dirty skin, body smells, unwashed, uncombed hair and untreated lice †¢ Clothing that is dirty, too big or small, or inappropriate for weather conditions †¢ frequently left unsupervised or alone †¢ Frequent diarrhoea †¢ complaints of being tired all the time †¢ Untreated illnesses, infected cuts or physical complaints which the carer doesn’t respond to †¢ frequently hungry sometimes stealing other children’s food †¢ Being underweight Possible effects of neglect Neglect can seriously impair a childs health, physical and intellectual growth and development, and can cause long term difficulties with social functioning, relationships and educational progress. Extreme cases of neglect can cause death. Bullying Bullying is also recognized as a type of abuse. Bullying is always distressing for the victim and can have serious consequences. Bullying should always be taken seriously. Emotional bullying is the most commonly reported by children and young people and is often more difficult to spot. Bullying can take place both inside and outside of the school. Bullying happens when an individual or a group show hostility towards an individual and this can be: †¢ Emotional, such as name-calling, not talking to someone, taking or hiding personal items, humiliating, spreading rumors or teasing †¢ Physical, such as pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching or threatening to use physical force †¢ Racist, such as racial taunts or gestures †¢ Sexual, such as inappropriate physical contact, sexual comments and innuendo, or homophobic taunts. Signs of possible bullying Loss of personal possessions, dinner money or items of clothing Torn clothing, maybe even having cuts and bruises (if physically bullied) Shyness, withdrawn behavior, lack of self-esteem and depression Aggressive, bad tempered behavior and may become aggressive to younger siblings Threaten or attempt suicide Not achieving very well academically Not wanting to leave their home Possible effects of bullying Bullying will most definitely affect a child’s social and emotional development as they have very low self-esteem maybe depression and will probably try to isolate themselves from others which will have a profound effect on their social skills with their peers and pretty much everybody around them, they may become aggressive and bad tempered and may threaten or attempt suicide and in some extreme cases may actually commit suicide. Cyber-bullying In recent years, a new form of bullying known as ‘cyber-bullying’ has become increasingly common. Cyber-bullying may be emotional, racist or sexual forms of abuse. It happens through emails, text messages or telephone calls. Information about someone may also be shared by putting it on to social networking sites. This can include the sharing of private photographs. Children and young people who use this method of bullying often feel disassociated from their actions, but the consequences can be just as serious for the child. This type of bullying can be particularly distressing as children are unable to get away from it, it even invades their home.

Ethics Of The Hellenistic World Essay -- essays research papers fc

In comparing the ethical theories of the Epicureans, Aristotle, and the Stoics it’s found that they possess three separate ideas. These ideas are different in their individual beliefs; yet attempt to accomplish the same goals of creating an inner peace and sense of well being in their followers. Generally these three disciplines had distinctly separate ideas on how to set about accomplishing these goals; the Epicureans felt that the pursuit of pleasure was the correct path to enlightenment, while the Stoics had the idea that the conformation to strict laws regarding virtue was the proper path, and as for Aristotle, he held the middle ground in this debate of the minds, feeling that moderation was the key to complete happiness. Epicurus' ethics was a form of egoistic hedonism, meaning that the only thing essentially valuable is one's own pleasure. Anything else that has value is valuable merely as a means to securing pleasure for oneself. Epicurus associated this theory to a refined and individual view of the nature of pleasure, which lead him to recommend a virtuous, moderately frugal life as the best means to securing pleasure. His ethical theories find a foundation in the Aristotelian commonplace that the highest good is what is valued for its own sake, and not for the sake of anything else. Epicurus also agreed with Aristotle that happiness is the highest good. However, he disagreed with Aristotle by identifying happiness with pleasure. Epicurus gave two reasons for this. The main reason was that pleasure is the only thing that people do having value just for its own sake; that is, Epicurus' ethical hedonism is based upon his psychological hedonism. Everything we do, he claimed, we do for the sake of ul timately gaining pleasure for ourselves. This is supposedly confirmed by observing the obvious behavior of infants, who instinctively pursue pleasure and shun pain. The truth in this is also found in the behavior of adults, but in adults it is more difficult to see that this truth, since they have much more complicated beliefs about what will bring them pleasure. This hedonism was widely denounced in the ancient world as undermining traditional morality. "The trouble with Epicureanism is its assumption that the self is a bundle of natural appetites and passions, and that the end of life is their gratification. Experience shows that such a policy consi... ...le relates that the healthy exercise of virtuous function in a well-rounded life exploring personal interests and friendships is the cause of which happiness is the unavoidable and fitting effect. In other words, if you pursue the cause you will create the effect, but if you pursue only the effect circumventing the cause, you will miss both effect and cause entirely. â€Å"Aristotle rejects the Epicurean principle of pleasure; because, though a proof that isolated tendencies are satisfied, it is no adequate criterion of the satisfaction of the self as a whole. He rejects the Stoic principle of conformity to law; because it fails to recognize the supreme worth of individuality†(Hyde, 175). Even after this comparison it is difficult to contend which of these three theories would be a valid philosophy today. As they all have their seemingly strong points, there are still intrinsic weaknesses that would not hold up under the scrutiny of contemporary philosophers. Bibliography Hardie, W.F.R. Aristotle’s Ethical Theory. Great Britain: Oxford UP, 1968. Hyde, William. The Five Great Philosophies of Life. New York: Macmillan, 1945. Long, A.A. Hellenistic Philosophy. New York: Scribner’s, 1974.