Socio Economic Conditions Of Organic And Inorganic Farmers Environmental Sciences Essay

Organic agriculture is known to successful direction of resources for agribusiness to fulfill the altering human demands while keeping or heightening the quality of environment and conserving natural resources. Hence, organic agriculture is one of the several attacks found to run into the aims of sustainable agribusiness and which is capable of keeping its productiveness and utility to society over the long tally. The educated and higher caste respondents are more cognizant of organic farming strategy so that benefits of organic agriculture are being utilized by the husbandmans who are good off in the society. Furthermore, organic agriculture strategy is more popular among those husbandmans socially and economically more progress in the society and holding big size land retentions. Human communities, no affair how sophisticated, could non disregard the importance of agribusiness. To be far farm reliable beginnings of nutrient was to put on the line malnutrition and famishment hence, the cardinal footing of community is agriculture, cultivated land of the dirt ( Abdul Baha, 1912 ) 1. Agribusiness is one of human sort ‘s most basic activities because all people need to nurture themselves daily. History, civilization and community values are embedded in agribusiness. The rules apply to agriculture in the wide sense, including the manner people tend dirts, H2O, workss and animate beings in order to bring forth, fix and administer nutrient and the other goods. Socio economic conditions of husbandmans like instruction, caste, size of household, size of land retention, capital stock etc. influence on the agriculture system. The green revolution brought technological discovery to India ‘s farms but the early promises could non be sustained and finally cost increased and husbandmans were forced into a spiral of higher usage of man-made agrochemicals, higher costs, reduced fringy outputs and finally to indebtedness. Farmers and communities faced many socio-economic jobs, peculiarly little husbandmans who found themselves progressively marginalized due to deficiency of entree to external inputs ( Muhammad Asim Yasin 2007 ) 2. Thippeswamy. E* Associate Professor, FMKMC College Madikeri-571201 Kodagu Dr. K.B Rangappa** Deputy Registrar, Davangere University Davangere. Consequently, the farming community was looking for alternate methods to cut down the dependance on dearly-won external inputs and increase the productiveness of agribusiness. At this occasion, the authorities of India and many province authoritiess have initiated programmes to advance the organic agriculture. Organic agribusiness holds the cardinal to rural transmutation and sustainable development in India. More late, the authorities of Karnataka has keener to promote the husbandmans to follow the organic agriculture methods through the organic agriculture programme. In this context the survey has been undertaken to analyze the organic and inorganic agriculture respondents ‘ socio-economic conditions in Shimoga territory of Karnataka. The paper has been presented in four parts i.e. in the first portion debut, aims and methodological analysis in the 2nd portion and followed by the treatment of consequences and decision in the 3rd and 4th parts severally. Aims of the survey The survey has been based on following aims 1. To cognize the construct of organic agriculture 2. To compare the instruction and caste profile of organic and inorganic husbandmans 3. To compare the size of land retentions of the organic and inorganic husbandmans Methodology of the Study This survey is based on both primary and secondary informations. Primary informations have been collected from the 420 respondents during 2011-2012. Of these, 210 respondents are following organic methods and staying 210 respondents are inorganic husbandmans. Pre tested agenda was used to collected information through personal interview. The husbandmans who have been practising organic agriculture for the last three old ages are being selected and collected the information for reappraisal. Farmers who are utilizing merely organic inputs without using inorganic inputs in their agriculture patterns are categorized as organic husbandmans. Those husbandmans who are utilizing inorganic inputs along with organic inputs termed as inorganic husbandmans. Secondary informations have collected from the NGO, Farmers Associations and the Agricultural Department, Government of Karnataka. Consequences and Discussion Concept of Organic agriculture Organic agriculture is a popular signifier of sustainable agribusiness all over the universe and non new to Indian agriculture community. It has really long history even during Vedic period our farming community practiced organic agriculture. Several signifiers of organic agriculture are being successfully practiced in diverse clime, peculiarly in rain Federal, tribal, mountains and hill countries of the state. However, in recent yearss, many good known minds, scientists and economic experts have defined organic agriculture in different ways. There are following Definitions of Organic Farming â€Å" Organic agriculture is a production system which avoids or mostly excludes the usage of synthetically compounded fertilisers, pesticides, growing regulators and farm animal provender additives. To the maximal extent executable, organic agriculture system rely upon harvest rotary motions, harvest residues, carnal manures, leguminous plants, green manure, away farm organic wastes, mechanical cultivations, mineral bearing stones and facets of biological plague control to keep dirt productiveness and tilth, to provide works foods and to command insects, weeds and other plagues † ( USDA,1980 ) 3. This is important one and clearly revealed that organic agribusiness is one of several attacks to sustainable agribusiness and many of the techniques used ( e.g. rotary motion of harvests, double-digging, mulching, integrating of harvests and farm animal ) are practiced under assorted agricultural systems. The Codex Alimentarius Commission ( 1999 ) 4 defined that â€Å" Organic agribusiness is a holistic production direction system which promotes and enhances agro-eco system wellness, including biodiversity, biological rhythm and dirty biological activity. It emphasizes the usage of direction patterns in penchants to the usage of off-farm inputs, taking into history that regional conditions require locally adopted systems. This is accomplished by utilizing, where possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to utilizing man-made stuffs, to carry through any specific map within the system † . Therefore basic regulations of organic production are that natural inputs are approved and man-made inputs are prohibited, nevertheless there are some exclusions. Lampkin ( 1994 ) 5 late defined organic agriculture that the purpose is â€Å" to make incorporate, humane, environmentally sustainable production systems, which maximize trust on farm-derived renewable resources and the direction of ecological and biological procedures and interactions, so as to supply acceptable degrees of harvest, farm animal and human nutrition, protection from plagues and disease and an appropriate return to the human and other resources † . From the definitions clearly understand the construct, methods and stuffs are used in organic agriculture and it is merely a polite word for sustainable agribusiness. It is, hence, as a sustainable agribusiness is capable of keeping its productiveness and utility to society over the long tally. It must be environmentally sound, resource conserving, economically feasible and socially supportive and commercially competitory. The Principle purposes of organic production ( Farming ) and Processing The followers are of import purposes of organic production. To bring forth nutrient of high quality in sufficient measure. To interact in a constructive and life-enhancing manner with natural systems and rhythm. To see the wider societal and ecological impact of the organic production and processing system. To promote and heighten biological rhythms within the agriculture system, affecting micro-organisms, dirt vegetations and zoologies, workss and animate beings. To develop a valuable and sustainable aquatic ecosystem. To keep and increase long-run birthrate of dirts. To keep the familial diverseness of the production system and its milieus, including the protection of workss and wild life home grounds. To advance the healthy usage and proper attention of H2O, H2O resources and all life at that place in. To utilize, every bit far as possible, renewable resources in locally organized production systems. To make a harmonious balance between harvest production and carnal farming. To give all farm animal conditions of life with due considerations for the basic facets of their unconditioned behaviour. To minimise all signifiers of pollution. To treat organic merchandises utilizing renewable resources. To bring forth fabrics which are long permanent and of good quality. To let everyone involved in organic production and treating a quality of life which meets their basic demands and allows an equal return and satisfaction from their work, including a safe working environment. To come on towards an full production, processing and distribution concatenation which is both socially merely ecologically responsible ( Source IFOAM, 1998 ) 6. Organic agribusiness in general is a system of harvest and farm animal production that promotes and enhances the wellness of agricultural ecosystems while supplying wellness nutrient and reflects the profound inter relationship that exists between farm biology, its production and the overall environment. It is by and large believed that organic agriculture with its cardinal focal point on keeping and bettering dirt wellness, its turning away of pollutants, and its trust on local inputs and labor could materially progress the economic and ecological wellness. The inorganic agriculture, it is progressively felt, is going unsustainable as evidenced by worsening harvest productivenesss, harm to environment, chemical taints, etc over organic agriculture. The necessity of holding an alternate agribusiness method which can work in a friendly eco-system while prolonging and increasing the harvest productiveness is realized now. Hence, organic agriculture is recognized as the best know option to the inorganic agribusiness. Education Level of Organic and Inorganic Respondents Heads of the household play a critical function in determination devising and other members of the household may supplement the determination devising procedure. Education is a cardinal index of the cognition degree of the respondents which in bend will act upon on the determination doing procedure in the acceptance of farming patterns. Respondents with higher degree of instruction will be the innovators in the acceptance of advanced agriculture patterns. Therefore, informations on the instruction degree of the respondents has been collected and the consequences are given in the tabular array 1. The instruction degree of the respondents has been chiefly classified into four classs viz. nonreaders, respondents with primary, secondary and college instruction. Zone-wise distribution of the organic and inorganic respondents across these different degrees of instruction is given in this tabular array. Table 1 Education degree of Respondents Zone Farming System Education Degree Uneducated Primary Secondary College Entire STZ Organic Farmers 01 ( 1.1 ) 18 ( 20.0 ) 27 ( 30.8 ) 44 ( 48.9 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 11 ( 12.2 ) 30 ( 33.3 ) 23 ( 25.6 ) 26 ( 28.9 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Entire 12 ( 6.7 ) 48 ( 26.7 ) 50 ( 27.8 ) 70 ( 38.9 ) 180 ( 100.0 ) Hertz Organic Farmers 02 ( 1.7 ) 25 ( 20.8 ) 42 ( 35.0 ) 51 ( 42.5 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 16 ( 13.3 ) 62 ( 51.7 ) 27 ( 22.5 ) 15 ( 12.5 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Entire 18 ( 7.5 ) 87 ( 36.2 ) 69 ( 28.8 ) 66 ( 27.5 ) 240 ( 100.0 ) Overall Organic Farmers 03 ( 1.4 ) 43 ( 20.5 ) 69 ( 32.9 ) 95 ( 45.2 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 27 ( 12.9 ) 92 ( 43.6 ) 50 ( 23.8 ) 41 ( 19.5 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Entire 30 ( 7.1 ) 135 ( 32.1 ) 119 ( 28.4 ) 136 ( 32.4 ) 420 ( 100.0 ) Note: Figures in parentheses are per centum to number In the overall zone class, highest per centum of the respondents were holding the instruction up to the college degree ( 32.4 ) and it was followed by the primary ( 32.1 ) and so secondary instruction ( 28.4 ) . Organic respondents found to be holding comparatively higher degree of instruction compared to the inorganic husbandmans. Respondents with college degree of instruction are well more among the organic husbandmans ( 45.2 ) compared to the inorganic husbandmans ( 19.5 ) . Similar difference could be found in the secondary instruction besides. In the uneducated and primary instruction class the per centum of respondents is more among inorganic husbandmans compared to their opposite numbers in the organic husbandmans. Therefore, it could be inferred that the instruction degree of the respondents act upon the acceptance of organic agriculture system. Organic agriculture is more attractive among educated respondents than the uneducated. It is apparent that the educated respondents are more witting about nutrient and agro ecosystem thereby husbandmans with higher degree of cognition adopt the resource conserving and environmental friendly organic agriculture. Furthermore, organic agriculture strategy is more popular among husbandmans who are socially and economically travel frontward in the society. Caste wise Distribution of Respondents Caste is one of the indexs of societal position of an person. It influences on determination doing position of an person. Therefore information has been collected from the respondents about the caste position of their household. The caste of the respondents has been chiefly categorized into three groups SC & A ; ST, OBC and General class. SC & A ; ST are clubbed due to few Numberss of respondents among ST class and SC class chiefly comprises adi Karnataka, bhovi, lambani and others. ST comprises of merely nayaka community people. OBC it includes Lingayath, Okkaligas, Edigas Kuruba, Bhants, Maratas chiefly these community peoples and General chiefly comprises of Brahmins community people. The distribution of organic and inorganic respondents across the different classs is given in the tabular array 2 individually for STZ and besides HZ and pooling of these two indicate overall zone class. In the overall zone class out of 420 entire respondents 300 are found to be belonging to OBC foll owed by 74 are belonging to General and 46 are belonging to SC & A ; ST class. The important characteristic of consequences is that general class respondents histories for higher portion among the organic husbandmans ( 30.9 % ) comparison to their portion is comparatively less in inorganic agriculture group ( 4.3 % ) whereas SC & A ; ST class people histories for higher per centum in the inorganic agriculture ( 17.1 % ) group comparison to the organic agriculture ( 4.3 % ) group. It indicates that the caste is arranged hierarchal order the higher community people more inclination towards organic agriculture compared to the backward people like SC & A ; ST. It is found that higher caste people are more inclination towards the organic agriculture and backward people are still lodging to inorganic agriculture system. The disaggregated consequences for each zones STZ and HZ we can happen about similar form but particularly in hilly zone general class histories for higher in organic husbandmans ( 52.5 % ) whereas general class respondents histories for 5.8 per centum in inorganic respondents in HZ whereas SC & A ; ST respondents found merely in inorganic agriculture non in the organic agriculture. SC & A ; ST histories for 10.8 % of entire inorganic agriculture respondents in hilly zone whereas corresponding figures for organic agriculture is merely 0.8 per centum. In that zone besides there is important association between caste of the respondents and their acceptance degree of organic agriculture. Same is the instance even in the STZ besides. The most of import determination of this consequence is that higher community people more inclina tional towards organic agriculture and backward people like SC & A ; ST still they are practising inorganic agriculture. Thus it is fact that the upper caste people are more awareness about the negative effects of high external input based and unsustainable inorganic farming therefore big proportion of upper caste husbandmans exchanging over to organic agriculture than the lower caste husbandmans. Table 2: Caste wise Distribution of Sample Respondents Zone Respondents Group Caste SC & A ; ST OBC General Entire STZ Organic Farmers 09 ( 10.0 ) 79 ( 87.8 ) 02 ( 2.2 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 23 ( 25.6 ) 65 ( 72.2 ) 02 ( 2.2 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Entire 32 ( 17.8 ) 144 ( 80.0 ) 04 ( 2.2 ) 180 ( 100.0 ) Hertz Organic Farmers 01 ( 0.8 ) 56 ( 46.7 ) 63 ( 52.5 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 13 ( 10.8 ) 100 ( 83.4 ) 07 ( 5.8 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Entire 14 ( 5.8 ) 156 ( 65.0 ) 70 ( 29.2 ) 240 ( 100.0 ) Overall Organic Farmers 10 ( 4.8 ) 135 ( 64.3 ) 65 ( 30.9 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farmers 36 ( 17.1 ) 165 ( 78.6 ) 09 ( 4.3 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Entire 46 ( 11.0 ) 300 ( 71.4 ) 74 ( 17.6 ) 240 ( 100.0 ) Note: Figures in parentheses are per centum to number Land Holding of the Respondents In rural economic system, land is one of the of import socio-economic indexs. Size of land keeping influences the cropping form, farming patterns and acceptance of modern engineering. Data relating to the size of land retentions has been collected from the respondents. On the footing of the size of land retentions the sample respondents have been loosely categorized into little husbandmans ( & lt ; 2 hectares ) and big husbandmans ( & gt ; 2 hectare ) . The frequence distribution of respondents across the different land keeping class is presented in the tabular array 3. In the overall size class, 52.4 per centum of respondents are in little size class and the staying 47.6 per centum are in big class. Well higher per centum of organic respondents ( 56.2 % ) is in the big size retentions compared to the inorganic respondents ( 39.1 % ) . Small size of keeping is comparatively more among the inorganic respondents ( 60.9 % ) compared to the organic respondents ( 43.8 % ) . Large husbandmans are comparatively more disposition towards the organic agriculture compared to the little husbandmans. It is apparent that the big husbandmans are holding more disposition toward the organic agriculture compared to the little class of husbandmans. In both hill zone and southern passage zone comparatively higher per centum of organic husbandmans are in the big size of retentions compared to the opposite numbers in the inorganic class and the comparatively higher per centum of inorganic husbandmans are in the little size of the keeping compared to their counter parts i n the organic class in both the zones. Though the big husbandmans are more inclination towards organic agriculture in both STZ and HZ it is more glowering in hilly zone. Table 3: Distribution of Respondents across the Size of Land Holding Zone Respondents Group Land Holding Pattern Small Large Entire STZ Organic Farming 38 ( 42.2 ) 52 ( 57.8 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farming 50 ( 55.6 ) 40 ( 44.4 ) 90 ( 100.0 ) Entire 88 ( 48.9 ) 92 ( 51.1 ) 180 ( 100.0 ) Hertz Organic Farming 54 ( 48.9 ) 66 ( 55.0 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farming 78 ( 65.0 ) 42 ( 35.0 ) 120 ( 100.0 ) Entire 132 ( 55.0 ) 108 ( 45.0 ) 240 ( 100.0 ) Overall Organic Farming 92 ( 43.8 ) 118 ( 56.2 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Inorganic Farming 128 ( 60.9 ) 82 ( 39.1 ) 210 ( 100.0 ) Entire 220 ( 52.4 ) 200 ( 47.6 ) 420 ( 100.0 ) Note: Figures in parentheses are per centum to number Decision Organic agriculture is known to successful direction of resources for agribusiness to fulfill the altering human demands while keeping or heightening the quality of environment and conserving natural resources. Hence organic agriculture is one of the several attacks found to run into the aims of sustainable agribusiness and which is capable of keeping its productiveness and utility to society over the long tally. Organic agriculture is authorities sponsored programme in Karnataka through which authorities has been given assorted sorts of subsidies to the organic husbandmans. The survey revealed that the husbandmans who have been adopted the organic agriculture are higher degree of instruction and belonging to higher caste. Thus organic farming strategy in Karnataka is more advantageous to the husbandmans who are educationally frontward, higher caste and big size of land retentions. Hence, the impact of organic agriculture is found to be benefited to the husbandmans who are already so cially and economically frontward but marginalized the husbandmans socially and economically rearward in the society.

Career Counselor Interview Essay

It is never too early to start thinking about the career that you want. This is asked by many parents of children at an early age, teachers in grade school and junior high, again in high school, but what is not always asked is â€Å"what is needed to accomplish or reach that career choice?† With school counselors’ roles evolving over the years, many students see them as leaders and someone they can turn to for advice. Counselors work in â€Å"diverse community settings designed to provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation, and support services† (Counselors, 2010). This student interviewed, Miranda Angeles, an enrollment counselor at Mt. San Jacinto Community College (MSJC), in Menifee. Miranda has a BA in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She has been with MSJC for a little over a year and works primarily with the incoming freshmen. During the interview, this student learned what Ms. Angeles’ responsibilities were and how vital they are to h er students. Ms. Angeles is in charge of a competency-based guidance program. This program â€Å"is designed to assist students with the development of their educational, personal, and career goals† (2014). She stated that she feels since college freshman are transitioning into adulthood and/or the work field, as well as separating from their parents and figuring out their own independence, this program is extremely helpful in outlining their goals. Students need a sense of guidance with making decisions, when making them for the first time on their own and that it were school counselors can help guide them. Ms. Angeles also shared the importance of picking a college and what the student should consider. First, does the college have a program that peaks your interest in a potential career. Second, is the school accredited, meaning will your credits transfer elsewhere should you decide to change schools or want to further your education. Third, the location of the school and the student population in regards to class size for learning depending on your learning style. A smaller campus may be more appealing to you if you do better in smaller, close group setting. Fourth, the services offered at the school for the student. Do they have a student body, organized events such as dances or sports team. Lastly, what are the admission and financial aid process. Students wanting to attend college should talk to those who know the  admissions policy, so that the student can make sure they are on the right track. Many colleges and universities, as well as community colleges have their own set of requirements such as a certain grade point average (GPA), high school diploma or official transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, along with tuition fees. This sounds simple enough, however for incoming freshmen going through this alone, they could become overwhelmed, thus enrollment counselors are so important in helping guide the student. Since, Ms. Angeles works at the community college level, she shared that many community colleges have specific teachings for certain careers that can be completed for certification, shortening the time in school verses receiving a degree. Many students choose this route, while others want the degree, with either the degree itself or many of the courses transferring to a four year college if desired, once the student is accepted into the new college or university. Also, with community college, tuition is usually much lower than a four year, which appeals to many students if they have to use financial aid. Another plus to choosing community college over a four year is, â€Å"Community colleges have formed a partnership with traditional institution and serve a great diversity of students regardless of age, professional background, academic ability, and educational goals,† (Williams & Southers, 2010). This students understanding of this is that no matter your age, background, prior grades or educational goals, everyone pretty much is accepted into community college and can better not only themselves but family as well at any time. While interviewing Ms. Angeles, this student asked how she helps guide students who are set on a specific career. Ms. Angeles said that she often receives emails about upcoming community events and services and will share these on the bulletin board and with teachers in a specific field to share with students. She feels that â€Å"students who seek personal development are the ones who desire a long career and personal growth, and is an asset to the field of their choice† (2014). Ms. Angeles also feels that by being involved with school activities, projects and affairs, she is showing students her commitment to not only the  school but to them as well. â€Å"Being a counselor is a great career choice for those wanting to help others, you often times get to create your own ideas and things that will leave your client, or student in this case feeling a sense of accomplishment and good about themselves,† (2014). When asked about how she sees technology, such as iPads, influencing students, Ms. Angeles responded with â€Å"it is never too early to develop skills or have an interest in a specific career, such as a police officer or firefighter for boys and a princess or nurse for girls,† (2014). This left this student wondering, if there are places that students from elementary through high school can go and explore their interests and see how many of them follow through with making something bigger of those interests. They almost seem like dreams that we all have as children, one day growing up and wanting to be someone. With school counseling evolving over the years, it is important to not only ask children at an early age what they want career wise, but to educate them on what that includes as far furthering their education. During this interview, this student learned that counselors are not only there for the academic purposes, but emotional, social, and career wise as well. This student also learned that having a strong counselor at school will set the student up with a solid foundation for school and hopefully the beginning of a successful career with the choices the student has made along the way to find their own independence. References: Angeles, Miranda. (2014, July). Career Counseling Interview. Brown, D. (2007). Career Information, Career Counseling, and Career Development, 9th Ed. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Counselors. (2010). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 2011, from Bureau of Labor Statistics website: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm Williams, M. R. & Southers, T. (Winter-Spring, 2010). Blurring the lines between high school and college: Early colleges and the effect on adult learners. Adult Learners 26(5), 210-212.

Employee Testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

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Final project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Final project - Assignment Example I have developed interpersonal skills and got acquainted with the practical working environment. I have learnt to use the data handling tools and techniques. My researching and problem solving abilities are also developed in the course of resolving issues and data gaps that arose. Moreover, I have developed time management skills along with gaining the experience of working in teams. The company used the services of juniors and carried out the work. The objective helped them in understanding the training needs of new recruits and identified the potentially weak areas of new candidates who join them. They are able to test new candidate on the potentially risky areas to find the suitable candidate for future job positions on offer. The data gaps and errors made during the internship helped them in finding the areas that need further attention and changes needed in the software for users’ ease. The activation of SAP PCP functionality was achieved by the step by step collection of data and data entry in the software. I played a major role in data collection and assembled it for the forecasting exercise. The forecasts were produced as an approximation of the collected data adjusted for any changes in employee related costs in the current period. The budgets were prepared with careful attention given to any changes in the employment level, labor rates and amount of extra work provided by the employees. I kept the record of the progress as per the plans and updated the employees higher in the chain of command regarding any gaps. I developed progress management and plan reviewing skills in order to successfully accomplish the goals. Any discrepancy in the plans is properly accounted for by revising the plans. I also understood the techniques to identify and account for the data readiness gap during this phase. I demonstrated strong teamwork activities and management skills while achieving this objective. The

Reflexivity and self identity Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Reflexivity and self identity - Dissertation Example The main purpose of this study is to explore and apply Giddens’ theories on reflexivity and self identity in the case of non-native English speaking teachers who teaches the English language in Asian countries. To give the readers with better understanding about the chosen research topic, this report will first discuss the theory of Anthony Giddens with regards to reflexivity and self identity. Eventually, these theories will be applied in the case of non-native English speaking individuals who are currently teaching the English language in Asia. Social barriers of effective teaching include the ability of the teacher to teach proper English grammar among others. Based on the identified social barriers that could impede the professional progress of non-native English speaking teachers in Asian countries, a list of study recommendations based on Giddens’ theories will be tackled in details in order to give the readers a better idea on how non-native English speaking teac hers could improve the quality of teaching services given to students who are studying the English language. ... rely its persistence over time in such a way that philosophers could speak of ‘identity’ of objects or things but in contrast to the self as a generic phenomenon which presumes reflexive awareness†. In modern theory of sociology, sociologists believe that self identity will continue to improve and will remain â€Å"undamaged† (Calhoun, 2003, p. 118). Even though Descartes (1988, p. 115) acknowledges the link between the human body, the mind, and the soul, he clearly explained that he strongly believe in the idea that self is simply referring to the soul or the human mind alone but not the human body. With regards to the concept of self in relation to moral orientation, self is described as being â€Å"inwardness† in the sense that self is being compared or identified as an object close to God (Descartes & Locke, 2003, p. 514). Similar to Descartes’ idea, Locke also agree that the human body and soul are two separate things that are closely rela ted to one another. For this reason, Locke (1996, p. 124) considers human beings or self as â€Å"a substance that is capable of thinking†. With regards to the idea that self which is â€Å"perceived by the mind† is an external object that is a significant part of self identity (Descartes, Selected Philosophical Writings. Trans. John Cottingham, et al., 1988, p. 132), Locke’s idea on self was based on the theory as publicly introduced by Descartes. As part of modifying Descartes’ idea about self, Locke (1996, p. 49) categorized self as having two major qualities known as the human body as the object and the part of self which is indirectly a part of the object such as the ability of each individual to sense or perceive something. ‘ Descartes and Locke considers human beings as a something that is composed of machines

Organizing, Decision-Making, Ethics, and the Law in Management - Case Essay - 1

Organizing, Decision-Making, Ethics, and the Law in Management - Case Study - The Vacation Request [S3] - Essay Example Properly communicated and followed reporting lines result in better clarity of objectives and lesser instances of mismanagement occur with effective controlling and monitoring mechanisms enhancing productivity of employees. Small businesses establish themselves quickly but most of the time they fail to convert themselves in to large enterprises as they fail to adopt or practice the formal management structures and reporting lines, hence decision making is ineffective or prolonged and the owner is involved in micro management of issues. With properly defined roles, job descriptions and established reporting lines small businesses can enhance their operations with supervisors entrusted to manage their staff while senior management concentrates on core business planning activities. In the case study Harry should have informed Tom to take approval from his reporting authority, i.e. Luther Jones. In this particular instance the decision on whether the leave should be approved or not was not made by the competent authority. In fact the authority of Luther was bypassed; this issue de-motivates the manager and encourages employees to reach senior management for their small issues this phenomenon shifts the focus of senior management from core business to micro managing and a loss of trust occurs amongst all three parties. Harry would not trust Luther’s ability to supervise Tom, Luther would not trust Tom in future and would develop negative feelings for Harry and Tom and other team members would always look up to Harry for trivial decisions related to their own employment. All three parties share the blame in this instance, Tom should have followed the hierarchy, Harry should have consulted Luther or should have turned down Tom sending him to Luther for approval and Luther should have met and discussed his responsibilities with Harry in order to avoid such confusions. In

Do you agree that Realism has got the big things right' Essay

Do you agree that Realism has got the big things right' - Essay Example This essay argues that realism has helped in setting the big things right within the international arena. Realism is a school of thought that derives the concept of things as they are, regardless on the way people may want them to be, with a tendency to be practical and more pragmatic. This idea juxtaposes with the idea of idealism which refers to the conception of things as they should be and the way people would want them to be. In the international relations theory, there has evolved a big controversy on which concept best describes how nations relate and how conflict among international states can be resolved. The concept of classical political realism evolved in the early 431 BC during war between Sparta and Athens (Monten, 2006). When Thucydides witnessed this war, he made a historical analysis of the war defying the popular belief of Gods during this period. He argued that war can be analysed by considering the facts of the war, hence defying the idealistic approach that the people used at this time. In this period, people had an idealistic mentality and they believed in gods and that everything happened as it should be. Thucydides pointed out that history should be analysed from an objective perspective bearing in mind that nations are monarchs that are always seeking for economic and political power. He stated that it was only practical that the strong nations should always rule the weaker nations. Political realism has three important tenets that apply within the international relations theory. First, realism describes the concept of ‘statism’ and describes states as the major role players in international politics. Unlike the liberalism theories that consider the role of non-states sectors within the international politics, realism theory is state-centric. Another important concept of realism is that international politics is a tag of war as anarchic states

Evaluate the relationship between clinical and experimental Essay

Evaluate the relationship between clinical and experimental neuropsychology - Essay Example It is definitely not sufficient to categorise these cases as language deficits- it is evident that language deficits can assume a broad array of forms. In every cognitive sphere, comprising language, memory, visual perception, abstract reasoning, and attention, it is likely to discover fascinating instances of dissociations within a particular cognitive function or if not interesting alterations of the normal mechanism (Bradshaw & Mattingley 1995). The implication these cases present is obvious, and not unforeseen to clinicians and researches in the discipline of neuropsychology (Maruish & Moses 1997): ‘within any given cognitive function, a whole range of things can go wrong; conversely, a specific deficit in memory, attention, or language can manifest itself in a variety of interesting ways’ (p. 59). Therefore, how can practitioners approach and understand this wide range of deficits? To what level can experimental neuropsychology inform practitioners what type of diso rders may take place and how they manifest core brain processes? To what level can clinical neuropsychology help practitioners to develop frameworks of cognitive functioning that can explain both disordered and normal performance? In the recent decade, there has been a remarkable and functional union of framework within the clinical and experimental branches of neuropsychology (Stirling 2002). It can be seen in these two fields the increasing application of component process analysis in formulating paradigms of cognitive functions and in formulating assessment methods to diagnose the nature of different disorders (Vasterling & Brewin 2005). This paper attempts to review the model for this kind of approach, and then to explain how it could be relevant in two distinct areas: spatial attention and visual imagery. These illustrations demonstrate how clinical and experimental viewpoints can be integrated within a potent and descriptive

Business Math - advantages and disadvantages of higher interest rates Essay

Business Math - advantages and disadvantages of higher interest rates on investments - Essay Example Secondly, increase in interest rate has an effect to bond debt. When interest rate rises, after bonds are issued, bond prices fall. Government can use this strategy to buy back bonds, hence retire debt and free money in their budget to devote to other projects. Interest rate also affects risk aversion. When the interest rate is high, returns from normal savings cushions against riskier investments. The effect of this leads to more investors willing to work with these rates of return. Interest rates also affect equities, rising rate brings about higher borrowing costs, and this consequently impacts on the ability to spend. (Frankel, 2003) On the other hand, a disadvantage is that when interest rates are high, the following disadvantages are experienced. These occur in order to balance out the change. First, its expensive to borrow money, hence less money is available to buy goods. In effect, this will slow the growth rate of an economy. High interest rate can have effect on stock market, since less money is borrowed, the quantity of goods available from traders is less as they cannot afford to make more purchases. Loan borrowing by businesses is also reduced due to the cost incurred in borrowing. High interest rate also has a negative effect on credit cards, companies using credit cards will raise their rates respectively in order to balance with the interest rate changes (Frankel,

Disc Arthroplasty Essay Example for Free

Disc Arthroplasty Essay Degenerative disc disease have been a problem for many people as this disease brings about low back pain that seems to paralyze the working force,   the middle adulthood population (Smeltzer, 2004). Not only does it bring impaired quality of life to those who suffer from it, but Arvind Kulkarni adds large health care expenses to the list of problems brought about by this disease as seen in his article entitled Prosthetic Lumbar disc replacement for degenerative disc disease. Spinal fusion, which is the medical management for degenerative disc disease, has been criticized by several doctors in the practice due to its untoward effects in the patient’s overall recovery and lifetime improvement. Specialist in the field, Christoph Siepe, identified these unpleasant effects as accelerated adjacent system degeneration, pseudarthrosis, spinal canal stenosis, and donor site morbidity. Adjacent segment degeneration, as mentioned by Peter Ullrich in his article entitled Fusion versus Artificial Disc Arthroplasty for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease, stated that this is the major complication of spinal fusion and the reason why most surgeons want this procedure replaced. Adjacent segment degeneration or ASD happens when mechanical stress is transferred to the adjacent segment, also mentioned by Peter Ullrich. But research showed that this procedure can be modified to show more positive results. An anterior lumbar interbody fusion showed a low occurrence of revision surgery needed, which meant low frequency of adjacent segment degeneration, all pointed out in Mr. Ullrich’s paper.   However, to achieve this outcome, Mr. Ullrich declared that there should be an improvement in patient selection and in the procedure. The patients should be those patients having degenerative disc disease in their 5th lumbar to 1st sacral segment, because there is minimal motion at this level. By doing so, he states that fusing these segments do not change the patient’s mobility as much.   But not all are satisfied of this result. Doctors and specialists are continuously making efforts to totally changing the primary medical management for degenerative disc diseases. Studies have been conducted, and several replacement procedures were approved by the FDA. Peter Ullrich stated in his paper that the total disk replacement procedure was approved for medical use by the FDA in the year 2004 using the Charite artificial disc but for only one level of the spinal vertebrae, being the L4 – L5 or the L5 – S1. This is not the first time that a total or partial disc replacement was done. The history of this procedure was mentioned in an article in a website by Spine-Health that disc nucleus replacement was done first in 1955 by David Cleveland by injecting methyl-acrylic. Ever since then, there have two other FDA approved products aside from the Charite, the website Spine-Health states that the Prodisc was approved on August 2006 and the Kineflex lumbar on June 2005.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A total disc replacement is being described by Jose Reyna in his article, Advances in Artificial Disc Technology, as being composed of two pieces of plates made of metal that has teeth to be able to attach itself to the end plates of the vertebral bones above and below it. This means that the particular intervertebral disc that is causing pain has to be removed and replaced by an artificial disc. Several artificial discs have been developed by various manufacturers in the country and they only differ in design and composition. The Charite, as mentioned earlier, is made up of a unique sliding core with two metal alloy end plates. The Prodisc being based on spherical articulations is made up of cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy as stated in the website Spine-Health. Inventors Qi-Bin Bao and Paul Higham developed a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus made up of PVA powder and a solvent mixed together, as seen on the article, Hydrogel intervertebral disc nucleus with diminished lateral bulging. The total disc replacement procedure has its advantages and disadvantages. Even after some models being approved by the FDA, it is still being assessed thoroughly by specialists in the field. Charles Rosen and Douglas Kiester report poor results and complications in the total disc replacement procedure. As it was mentioned in their study, this procedure causes fractures, severe pain, dislocations, extrusion of the implant, facet joint degeneration, and unexplained radiculopathy. They attribute these substandard results to the fact that the center of rotation of segmented motion is erroneous. Jose Reyna Jr. also mentions several disadvantages of the procedure in his study, stating that the anterior approach to the surgery can cause injury to the aorta and the common iliac vessels, can cause retrograde ejaculation in men by injuring the superior hypogastric plexus, hemorrhage can result from the retroperitoneal approach, and infection can occur. However, he also stated some advantages, as this procedure is said to maintain range of motion in majority of the patients as a long-term outcome. There are still a lot of studies to be conducted, and patients to be experimented on. A three year study conducted by Christoph Siepe et al., entitled Clinical Results of Total Lumbar Disc Replacement With ProDisc II: Three-Year Results for Different Indications, intended to assess total disc replacement outcome in patients who actually underwent the operation. Their results showed that not all degenerative disc diseases can be treated with this medical management. The best outcome was seen in patients exhibiting degenerative disc disease condition plus soft disc herniation or nucleus pulposus prolapse. Outcome was measured against the patient’s improvement from their preoperative levels. There were inferior results from the patients who had bisegmental damages, and a higher complication rate. Also it was mentioned that the younger patients, more specifically those aged below forty exhibited better outcome than those older than forty. Technology like this is still being developed, studied and modified as we speak. What is important is that there are people out there who care and who try to make a difference, whether it is by inventing, criticizing or being the experimental person wherein these new devices will be made a reality. References Charles Rosen, Douglas Kiester, Thay Q. Lee: The Potential Biomechanical Etiology for Lumbar Disc Replacement Failures: Review of 24 Patients and the Rationale for Revision . The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2007. Volume 1 Number 2. Medscape. (2002). Advance in Artificial Disc Technology. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/445057 Medscape. (2002). Clinical Results of Total Lumbar Disc Replacement With ProDisc II: Three-Year Results for Different Indications. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/542479 Neurology India. (2005). Prosthetic Lumbar disc replacement for degenerative disc disease. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.neurologyindia.com/article.asp?issn=0028-3886;year=2005;volume=53;issue=4;spage=499;epage=505;aulast=Kulkarni Neurospine. (no indicated year). Fusion versus Artificial Disc Arthroplasty for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.neurospinewi.com/newsletters/fusionvsartificial.html Patent Storm. (1996). Hydrogel intervertebral disc nucleus with diminished lateral bulging. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5534028-fulltext.html Smeltzer, S. and Bare, B. (2004). Medical-Surgical Nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Spine-Health. (1997-2007). Lumbar artificial disc surgery for chronic back pain. Retrieved January 22, 2008 from http://www.spine-health.com/research/discupdate/artificial/artificial01.html

Eco Hotel Business Plan

Eco Hotel Business Plan Business Plan ECO-REST Non-Profit Hotel Executive Summary The current hospitality and tourism market finds itself under threat, almost as a direct result of the heightened awareness of the impact that is being Imposed by the relatively new phenomenon that is know as climate change. The market: As an industry the hotel and hospitality sectors have an abundance of establishments, particularly in the Greater Miami areas. In essence it could therefore be argued that there is no need for yet another hotel. The answer to this viewpoint is that the proposed ECO-REST hotel project has two distinctive and unique features and benefits that provide it with a potentially new business model that, to a large extent, will enable the hotel to create its own niche marketplace. Further, the diversification into the non-profit arena, with the objective of feeding excess income out to support community based environmentally positive projects, does show that the non-profit hotel organisation can bring about change in an effective manner and one that involves every member of the local community. Customers: Research has shown that the business and leisure traveller are becoming more discerning; In particular this reveals itself in the concerns that are being expressed relating to business response to climate change. The overwhelming majority of consumers now believe that it is the duty of the hotel operator to encompass the improvement and changes needed to combat global warming and they are prepared to pay a premium to those establishment that can prove they have adopted eco-friendly systems and structures within their operational procedures and methods of trading. With 80% of travellers being of in favour of this position it is clear that there is a need for the hospitality organisations to adapt their objectives to a set of rules that takes into account the demands of the consumer and face the environmental issue. Alternatively, they face the risk of the loss of competitive advantage and market share, neither of which options would be received positively by shareholders who are the m ajor investors in the hotel sector. Hotel features: The features that are being included within the design and build of ECO-REST are intended to include all the latest technology and design that is being used and recommended as a template for reducing the impact that hotels have upon the environment. These include energy saving systems, methods by which the maximum benefit is gained from the use of daylight; solar and wind-power and the recycling of all basic discarded and waster material. The green features also extend beyond the needs of the building to address environmentally friendly systems in the garden and grounds belonging to the business. In fact the whole ethos of the business is to approach every aspect of the business operation of the basis of â€Å"how green can it be.† Research has shown that this approach not only provides a competitive advantage when seeking to increase market share but also has a positive affect upon the profitability of the business as well. Operating principles ECO-REST has a philosophy that is specifically designed based on giving back to the customer, which is the reason why it was decided that this project should be styled as a non profit making charitable organisation. This allows the business to have the extra flexibility to be able to donate to organisations of its choice that will be of positive use to the community and its environment. The Future There is little doubt that as the warning relating to climate change becomes more vocal people are going to become more strident in their demands for the traditional systems of commerce. It will not be acceptable in the future to react with cosmetic measures designed to appease. In the future consumers will want to proof of improvements. Hotels such as ECO-REST are examples of structures and establishments that contain that proof. Therefore there is little doubt that the opportunity exists to be able to take this business model and replicate it, not only in other areas of the US but also to the international community. Contents (Jump to) Executive Summary 1. Introduction 2 Target market opportunity 2.1 Tourism 2.2 Business Eco-travel 2.3 The hospitality and tourism market in Florida 3 Marketing 3.1 Tourist and corporate travel operators 3.2 Advertising and promotion 3.3 Strategic alliances 4 Competitors 4.1 Five forces analysis 5 Corporate strategy 5.1 Start up strategy 5.2 Operating principles 5.3 Operational programme 6 Management and governance structure 7 Financials 1. Introduction It is extremely rare to find a hotel establishment within the commercial market that operates on a non-profit making basis, with all excess revenue earned during the year being used for charitable purposes rather than to enhance shareholder/owner value. Similarly, few hotels have taken full advantage of all the green and eco-friendly and sustainable measures that are available to this sector of the hospitality industry. The ECO-REST hotel project is designed to fit within both of these criteria. ECO-REST Hotel, an establishment that will have 120 rooms and be based in Greater Miami, Florida, will make full use of all currently available environmentally friendly practices and partner with environmental organisations to donate all profits to help fund local green and sustainable projects. This report contains the proposed business plan for ECO-REST Hotel and will outline the research that has been conducted into the market, its competitors, the anticipated financial performance and req uirements for the project. 2. Target market opportunity Research has shown there is an increasing demand from tourists and business travellers for hotel establishments that took the incorporation of environmentally measures within their establishments seriously and were prepared to pay a premium for accommodation that fulfilled these requirements. 2.1. Tourism Although there are various forms of tourism[1] in the context of the ECO-REST project the concentration will be focused upon Ecotourism and sustainable tourism. In these two areas there are significant indicators that these forms are the future growth sectors of the industry, as can be evidenced from the following: From the beginning of the last decade it has been estimated that ecotourism has been growing at an annual rate of between 20% and 34%[2] Eco and sustainable tourism numbers in 2004 was outpacing the overall tourism industry growth by three times[3] Produces economic benefit for the local community, in terms of increased employment 62% of Americans consider it important to learn about other cultures when they travel[4] 80% of Americans consider hotels should take steps to protect the environment[5] and an increasing number base their accommodation selection upon these factors In addition to the above most research has indicated that these forms of tourism have economic benefits for the hotels and destinations. 2.2.  Business Eco-travel The corporate market is also becoming increasingly involved with environmental and sustainable issues[6]. This has occurred both because of the increasing national and international legislation that is being introduced to tackle the effects of climate change and is being influenced by the changing demands of their consumers. An integral part of annual reporting for the majority of corporations today is the inclusion of a corporate and social responsibility report (CSR). Within this document is included an overview of the business response and performance upon issues such as steps to make the corporation processes and operations more environmentally friendly and its contribution towards sustainability within the local community. Reducing the corporate carbon footprint is as essential element of these CSR performances and therefore the importance of the environmental impact of business travel, which hotel and hospitality accommodation is an element of, is becoming increasingly importan t for the business brand. The US travel industry is one of the economy’s largest sectors and produces revenues in excess of $100 billion per annum, of which 70% is spent on domestic travel. Of this domestic travel element approximately 45% is related to business travel and accommodation requirements. Based upon the fact that 80% of the US population believes that hotels should take a protective approach to the environment, it therefore is apparent that there is a considerable potential for revenue growth to be generated by offering corporate hospitality, with the product being enhanced to include the environmental and sustainable factor that are becoming increasingly important. 2.3.  The hospitality and tourism market in Florida As can be seen from the following graph (figure 1), the visitor numbers to Florida as a state has experienced a year on year growth of domestic, overseas, and Canadian visitor numbers since the turn of the century[7]. These numbers include both the business and tourism sectors. As can be seen from this graph, although the numbers of overseas an Canadian visitors have remained relatively flat for the period, the significant rise in domestic tourists has increased by nearly thirty percent as more US citizens are taking domestic vacations. In addition, the same research indicates that, of this number, approximately 44.3% uses hotels and other paid accommodation, which in 2007 equates to around 37.4 million guests to be accommodated. In terms of the hotel market specifically related to Miami, a recent report indicated that occupancy rates for the Greater Miami area for the first four months of 2008 were up to 80.5% with room rates averaging $196.61[8]. However, this position is expected to have slowed during the final part of the year and is likely to remain static for 2009 due to the global economic downturn. Nevertheless, as will be shown later within this report, these rates are considerably higher than the business plan for this project envisages. 3. Marketing ECO-REST hotel has set its target occupancy rate for the business at 70% with an average room rate, taking into account discounts and special offers, of $170. To achieve the targets set, a strategic marketing programme has been designed, which will concentrate upon the following three areas. 3.1.  Tourist and corporate travel operators Although a number of eco-tourists and business travellers tend to book and compile the component parts of their visits to Florida and Miami via the Internet, a large number still rely upon the services of external agencies. These include travel agents and tour operators. It is the intention of the business to create relationships with these organisations, particularly those that have an interest in eco and sustainable tourism and hospitality. To cement these relationships, the hotel will offer discounts at certain times and also provide evaluation and inspection visits, particularly at times of low occupancy, to enable representatives from these organisations to have a better understanding of the facilities offered by the hotel and its aims and objectives. 3.2.  Advertising and promotion It is important part of the strategic marketing programme for the business to promote the unique selling points (USP’s) of its business. Therefore, the focus of promotional material will be the environmentally friendly aspects of the business accommodation and the charitable support it provides to local and regional organisations directly involved with projects that address these issues. Furthermore, it will be necessary to ensure that the promotional message is directed to the most appropriate market segment. To achieve this objective the business intends to take a threefold approach. Promotion to destination organisations, such as cultural and nature attractions, including seeking to have the hotel advertised on their advertising literature Linking with members of such organisations through newsletters or other advertising based upon their membership lists Appropriate advertising targeted at the publications and media events relating to the issues that are relevant to the hotel’s aims and objectives In addition to these methods, it is intended to design an attractive website that displays and promotes all the important aspect of the hotel and its facilities. This will include visual and video images of the hotel and audio as well as written data and an interactive booking facility. The online promotion programme will also include a significant element of networking. This will be achieved by the creating of a corporate blog, interactive links with relevant organisations and charities and involvement with appropriate social networking sites, such as â€Å"You-tube†. 3.3.  Strategic alliances The third aspect of the marketing strategy for the business is to create strategic alliances with organisations and corporations that provide a fit for ECO-REST hotel’s USPs. Included amongst this selection will be the state tourist and environment offices, local NGO’s such as Friends of the Everglades and historical and cultural destination operators. To access the corporate market alliances will be formed local and regional trade and commerce associations supported by personal invitations to local corporations to visit the hotel and experience its facilities with the objective of securing occupancy from the out of areas suppliers and sales personnel that visit these businesses. It is anticipated that a targeted and disciplined marketing and promotional programme that incorporates the above described elements will enable the business to achieve its occupancy target within the first year of operations. 4. Competitors There are a considerable number of hotels and similar establishment in Florida and in the Greater Miami district. A reasonable segment of these hotels, due to their small sizes and limited facilities, would not present a competitive threat the ECO-REST’s project. Furthermore, in terms of specific comparisons, whilst most of the hotels have made certain attempts at becoming eco-friendly, many still have areas in this regard that require improvement. Evidence of this can be found at a website called Best Green Hotels, which reviews hotels and accommodation by a set of environmental indicators[9]. An example of this criterion can be found in appendix 2. The scoring system, based upon a â€Å"green† tree badge system, works in the following manner. 1 tree=1-4 ticks on the list 2 trees=5-9 ticks 3 trees=10-15 ticks 4 green trees=16-22 ticks 5 trees=27-29 trees 6 trees= 27-28 ticks 7 trees=29 ticks (maximum) A review of the 224 hotels listed for Florida and the six specific to a Miami search shows that none of these establishments have so far achieved a position of more than four stars. The aim for ECO-REST hotel is to create an environment that will enable the establishment to fulfil all of the stated criteria, thus achieving the highest award level offered by this listing. The intention therefore is to use this criterion as a guide to ensure that the environmental objectives of the business are achieved. 4.1.  Five forces analysis Addressing the hotel market in the Greater Miami area by using the five forces strategy developed by Michael Porter[10] it is anticipated that, whilst there are some concerns, the objective discussed earlier should place ECO-REST in a strong position to be able to gain a competitive advantage. Figure 2 Porters five forces Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_5_forces_analysis Rivalry Due to its location and brand awareness in the tourism and hospitality industry, the supply of hotel rooms in the Miami area is reasonably high, with a number of establishments that the tourist and business traveller. With the ECO-REST project involving the razing and rebuilding of an existing establishment it is unlikely that there will be any appreciable increase in the supply of room nights available in the area. Similarly, as the business average rate determinate is in line with current market rates it is considered unlikely that rivalry based upon price will be an immediate issue. It is further anticipated that the strategy being adopted by the ECO-REST hotel has a sufficient level of product differentiation to reduce the influence that rivalry might have upon its establishment[11]. In addition, research undertaken to date, mainly web based, has revealed few hospitality establishments operating on a non-profit basis apart from those directly aimed at the social service market, for example, those dealing with issues such as homelessness and persons experiencing social deprivation for a number of reasons. Supplier power Because the business is seeking to work through a number of strategic alliances within the travel industry and providing incentives from which these stakeholders will benefit, the level of supplier power will be reduced. An additional benefit in this respect will be accomplished by the fact that excess revenues from the ECO-REST project will be fed back to local environment and cultural project, thus leading to a level of competitive advantage that would not be achievable by the commercial hotel sector. With the requirement of creating â€Å"added value† for their shareholders, together with the cost of dividends, taxes and management benefit packages; these corporations will not be able to compete with the donation levels available to ECO-REST. Furthermore, the prospect of such funding will enhance the value of the relationship that ECO-REST will enjoy with local suppliers. Buyer power Buyer power is perhaps the most volatile element of the five forces framework to assess for two reasons. Firstly because the product has to match with the buyer’s or consumers purchasing determinates and demands and secondly because the experience has to match with their expectation in terms of satisfaction. However, based upon the researched that has been outlined in sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this proposal it is considered that the product offered by ECO-REST hotels addresses the first of these issues in that the hotel environment matches the increased demands for an environmentally friendly product. In terms of the second aspect, it is considered that, with the degree of quality attached to the hotel establishment and the anticipated service quality, the physical experience should exceed the consumers’ expectations. Substitute products Existing hotel establishments will find it impossible to match the product that is being offered by ECO-REST hotels without a severe disruption to their current trading levels. The benefit for ECO-REST is that this project is commencing with a â€Å"clean sheet† approach. This approach allows for the incorporation of eco-friendly systems at the design and construction stage of the project (see more detail in section 5). These will be applied to the building itself, its utilities and the external landscape. The cost of conversion or redevelopment of an existing hotel, particularly if undertaken by a commercially orientated organisation, would prove prohibitive to existing operators. Additionally, in the event that such organisations should decide to follow the lead set by ECO-REST hotel, the timescale for redevelopment provides this project with the benefit of being able to consolidate its market share and â€Å"first-mover† position in this niche sector of the hospitality market. Barriers to entry Barriers to entry into the niche market that is being anticipated within this project are considered to exist in the following areas: Non-profit structure The fact that the ECO-REST hotel is designed to be a non-profit organisation will reduce the numbers of new entrants by eliminating the commercial investor from this sector of the hospitality market as, if this model is followed; there is no commercial return on the investment made. Cost and timescale for development To commence a development of the nature of ECO-REST hotels does require the outlay of a considerable cost. Moreover, the timescale to completion is anticipated to be in the region of nine months. These factors will have a deterrent effect upon new entrants in two ways, particularly if this entrant is a commercially minded organisation. Firstly, the return on the investment in the short term will influence the level of costs attributable to the project. Secondly, the time taken for completion will provide first movers and preceding entrants, such as ECO-REST with the ability to establish the Brand and gain competitive advantage Strategic alliances The development of strong strategic alliances with the organisations as outlined in section 3.3 of this report, together with a programme that ensures continuing process of bi-directional and interactive communication between the ECO-REST business and these stakeholders will serve to reduce the potential of such organisations being tempted to change their allegiance to new entrants. Research has shown that, providing the right quality of service and commitment to stakeholders is maintained their inclination to change to a new promotional or revenue source will be reduced. Economic benefits As will be evidenced in the financial details contained within section 7, the reduction and elimination of the commercial elements from an operation that is conducted within the non-profit sector does present certain advantages to the beneficiaries of the product. In particular, in the case of this specific project those beneficiaries exist within two main areas. In the first instance of the profits (or excess revenues) from the ECO-REST project are being returned to the local economy. Secondly, and of equal importance, the project is designed to attract a more affluent and discerning visitor to the locale, which will increase revenues enjoyed by other commercial organisations situated in the Greater Miami district. Community benefits Finally, the project is designed to bring benefits to the local community. By increasing tax revenues to the district it enables the local authority to undertake more improvements to the community infrastructure and the environment in which its citizens dwell. Similarly, by increasing the funding available to local tourist natural and cultural destinations the project will improve the community’s enjoyment of their leisure facilities. 5. Corporate strategy Within this section of the business proposal the strategy and operational principles and procedures for the ECO-REST hotel project are presented and discussed in further depth. 5.1.  Start up strategy ECO-REST hotel is currently working closely with the WTO[12], a local architect and a US construction corporation renowned for their involvement with the construction of environmentally friendly buildings. With the increased levels of concerns relating to environmental issues and the desire to sustain local destinations and environments, it is anticipated that the planning application and approval stage of this development should be completed within two months of that application being lodged with the local authorities. Currently two sites are being evaluated and discussed concerning their suitability for the project. The basis for continuation of the project has been agreed to concentrate around the following format. The construction company, taking advantage of the favourable grants and loans available for the construction of environmentally friendly structures, have agreed to fund the cost of the building works. In return for this advantage, the property, when completed, will be leased back to ECO-REST for a period of forty years at a rate that is commensurate with current market values. Consideration is being given to extending this business model and concept throughout other US states in the future, thus increasing the funds available to local natural and cultural destinations and enhancing the lifestyle and economic wealth that attracts to the local community. This project will also serve the purpose of heightening the awareness of the population to the environmental issues and dangers currently being faced by the global community, whilst at the same time demonstrating that the solution to these issues does not always require the motivation of the profit or shareholder â€Å"added value† drivers. Furthermore, it will also show that, providing the desired relationships can be developed between social and environmental needs and the commercial ethos in a manner that merges the motivational needs and requirements of all of the stakeholders, each and every one of these stakeholders will benefit from the concerted effort required to complete and fulfil these pro jects. 5.2.  Operating principles The operating principles, or mission statement, that has been proven to be the driving force behind the ethos upon which this project has been developed is: â€Å"It is possible, by the building of a new and unique relationship between the varied objectives of numerous stakeholders, to create a vision for the future that satisfies the needs and aspirations of all of these parties.† Furthermore, following the success of this project it will also show that, providing corporations within the tourism and hospitality sector fulfil the promises that are made to other stakeholders within the supply chain, . Environment To ensure that the ECO-REST project addresses the environmental issues being faced by the global community in the twenty-first century, and to set an example for the future, the following are some of the environmental systems of improvements will be used in the construction and design of the new building. These methods are also intended to enhance the comfort of the experience for the guests who stay at the hotel. Building The basic structure will be circular in shape and all of the rooms will be build around a central core which will house on the ground floor the extra facilities such as the conferencing rooms, dining and lounge areas. A special glass central roofing section will be installed, enabled to warm the building in the winter and cool it during the summer. As many common areas as possible will be walled in glass (similar to the design on the book cover left). The advantage of this design and roofing is that it will increase the amount of daylight that penetrates the building, thus reducing energy usage. Much of the structural work will make use of recyclable materials. It has also been noticed that in standard hotels one of the major sources of energy waste evolves from the fact that the bedrooms and accommodation areas are often quite dark, even during the course of the day. To reduce the use of lighting in these areas the bedroom windows will stretch the width of the room. Moreover, the main doors will be panelled with non-see-through toughened glass to improve daylight access to the rooms from the centre of the hotel. Energy systems Modern environmentally friendly energy systems will be incorporated into the building. This will include the use of Geo-thermal underground heating, solar panelling for water heating and other power supply purposes. In addition, miniature wind turbines will be strategically placed around the building structure to support the efforts to make the hotel free from reliance upon fossil fuels. Water In terms of the water supply a grey water system will be installed to ensure that waste water is cleaned and recycled for use in such areas as the toilet system and for garden irrigation purposes. Additionally, modern water saving techniques will be used in the bathroom facilities and the central hotel laundry. Finally, water storage systems will be installed to ensure maximum usage of natural rainwater. Waste As much human waste as is possible will also be treated and recycled in the outdoor garden areas. Guests will also be encouraged to help in the recycling process through the provision of special bins in their rooms so that they can separate the waste paper etc that is left from their stay. Garden and landscaping It is intended to also extend the environmentally friendly and sustainable systems into the garden area with the designing and implementing of xeric gardens and, furthermore, one new tree will be planted in the grounds for each of the bedrooms and suites that the hotel offers in

Bears :: essays research papers

Traveling in bear country can be quite thrilling. Coming face to face with a bear would be terrifying. Most bear attacks can be avoided, but there is always a chance of encountering a bear. Although nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed effective, here are a list of some tips that might prove to be useful in a bear encounter. Be Alert in Bear Country . Always have Bear Deterrent Pepper Spray in its holster ready for immediate use. Don\'t bury it in your pack. . Be alert where recent bear activity has been documented by park officials: Fish and Game, Forest Service, and other Public Service people. Some Common areas where bears like to roam are: avalanche chutes, stream beds, dense edge cover and, in late summer, berry patches. . Use extreme caution when traveling on trails at night or at either end of the day. . Be careful with food smells - never cook close to camp. Store all foods in plastic away from camp at night when camp is unattended. Store them at least 100 yards away from camp. Hang them at least 14 feet up a tree and hung 4 feet away from the trunk. . Watch for fresh bear scant or tracks on the trail or near possible camp sites. . If possible, make plenty of noise on the trail, especially on blind curves, in dense vegetation or areas with limited vision.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . Be aware of the wind - bears have an excellent sense of smell. If the wind is at your back, the chances are a bear will smell you and leave well before you reach it. If the wind is blowing in your face, the chances of an encounter will greatly increase. In high wind situations or along creeks and streams, a bear might not hear you coming or you might not hear it. . Dead animal carcass - If you come upon a dead animal carcass, immediately leave the area. Bears will often feed on a carcass for days and also stay in the area to protect their food. . Bear cubs - If you see a bear cub, chances are the mother is not far away. Female bears will fiercely defend the young, so it is best you leave the area and find a different path. . Keep dogs under control - dogs can lead an angry bear back to you. . Do not travel alone in bear country. Invite a friend.

Bram Stokers Dracula :: Dracula Essays

Bram Stoker's Dracula         Ã‚  Ã‚   The setting of the story begins in 19th century Europe, in the eerie country of Transylvania.   A solicitor from England named Jonathan Harker is sent by a business man to meet with an old Count named Dracula at his castle located far from civilization.   Residents of Transylvania who become aware of his destination begin crossing themselves and giving him garlic and blessings.   As a result of these gestures, Mr. Harker soon develops an uneasy feeling about visiting the mysterious Count.   He arrives at Castle Dracula regardless, and makes his acquaintances with Dracula.   He soon realizes that the count is no normal human, but an evil, blood-sucking vampire, who can command animals and elements with the wave of his hand. Harker escapes but the Count has devised an intricate plan to move to London and exercise his evil forces on innocent people there.   However, a group of friends, including an open-minded but ingenious professor, a psychologist, an American, a rich man, as well as Jon an Harker and his wife Mina, learn of the Count's sinister plan and pledge to destroy him before he can create an army of un-dead vampires.   They systematically destroy his coffins with holy wafers and chase him out of England back to Castle Dracula.   There they carry out an ultimate plan to destroy Dracula.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The Author uses suspense as a storytelling device rather effectively throughout the story.   There are a fair number of parts in which the reader is left suspended on the edge of   seat, eager to find out what is to happen next.   However, there were parts where suspense could be used in a manner that would enhance the gravity of the plot.   Nonetheless, The book is written in a unique way that allows suspense to be used easily and effectively built up.   Dracula is written in first person like many other novels but then it differs slightly.   The book starts off as a first person Journal of the first character describing his experiences.   But then it switches to someone else's journal, and then to letters between two characters, and later to a newspaper article.   It follows this pattern

Play in Childhood Essay

Play is one of the most defining features of childhood in Western society. It is something that all children have in common and what makes a child’s world different from adults. In answering the question, this essay will first examine the different opinions held by theorists as to why children play. I will then look at role play, which is one of the many types of play that children engage in. Finally I will look at children’s play as a social process using examples from other cultures and then briefly consider the reasons that children themselves believe they play. It is wrong to assume that children have always played. Historian, Aries (1962 in Book 1 Understanding Childhood Chapter 2) claimed that childhood was a social construction and that the view of childhood as a separate state did not occur until around the 16th and 17th century – before this, children were economically useful and not valued for the simple joy that children can bring. This was further illustrated by Mayhew (1861 in Book 1 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1), who’s observations from his meeting with the watercress girl led him to state that she had been deprived of her childhood. This was largely due to the fact that the girl’s work responsibilities did not allow time for play and she had no knowledge of parks or anything associated with play. From this it could be deduced that Mayhew felt children should play. Mayhew’s example also showed that play is a social construction, as although it was clear that the ‘watercress girl’ did not play, the fact that Mayhew suggests this is abnormal may simply be constructed from his own opinions that childhood should be a time of play. One of the first attempts to explain the importance of play came from the publication of Emile by Jean Jacques Rousseau in (1762 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1). In this, Rousseau emphasized that childhood should be a time of play and children should have the freedom to do this. For Rousseau, play is consistent with a happy healthy childhood, which is often linked with the romantic discourse. This is in contrast with the Puritan discourse which believes that allowing children to play is a risk to the civilization processes, as this can only be achieved through strict discipline. It also believes parents should be responsible for channeling children’s play into creative forms of work which will help  children to learn morally and intellectually. It is obvious therefore that these theories differ in their approaches to play. For the Romantic perspective – play is a way that children can express themselves, but for the Puritan approach, play is the way throu gh which children learn. Other opinions, such as those from developmentalist’s like as Piaget (1896 – 1980 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) saw play as an opportunity where children learn, practice and consolidate new skills and furthermore play provides them with a time where failing during a task was not going to have disastrous consequences. Vygotsky’s view on the reason why children play is different (1896-1934 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) as he believed that play was a crucial part in children’s social development in that it helps them acquire skills to learn to cop-operate with others. Play is also important for children’s cognitive development as children use psychological tools during play such as language and memory. Through play children learn, explore and extend their skills, for example Vygotsky suggested that when children play ‘make-believe’, they can experiment with adult roles and ways of that otherwise wouldn’t’t be possible for them. It is obvious therefore that for Piaget and Vygotsky, the reason children play is to learn. However, psychoanalysts like Freud(1920 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) were more interested in the significance of play for their emotional development, suggesting that a child’s psyche could be revealed through their play. Freud suggested from his research that play could have a therapeutic effect as it allowed children to rid themselves of negative feelings. Freud’s views were the building block for others like his daughter Anna who set up nursery for children during the second world war and recognised that observing children’s play had potential as a method of diagnosis, as well as being of therapeutic value for children who had experienced emotional trauma in their lives. Similarly, Klein used miniature dolls as resources that children could use to enact out their inner feelings and anxieties. This shows that psychologists such as Klein and both Anna and Sigmund Freud felt that children play to deal with emotional events in their lives. There are several different types of play, but I shall concentrate on role play now and why children engage in this type of play. This has been widely researched by Mead (1934 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1),who felt pretend and make believe situations are crucial for children’s personal development. Through role play, children are able to imagine themselves in other roles which helps their developing sense of identity, and through this children develop a sense of who they are and also how others see them. This was highlighted in Activity 2 (p8 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) which contained an extract from Bascom’s (1969 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) research in Nigeria. It involved interviewing a father while his 3 children observed the process and invented a new game from these observations. The activity asked us to think about the significance of this new game. The first child sat on ‘Bascom’s’ chair holding a pen and paper; the second child sat in the ‘interpreter’s’ chair (occupied previous to this by their father) while the third child sat on the bench imitating the ‘informer’. In the example, the second child told the third child to tell the first child about Odua. The third child then replied and from this the second child ‘interpreted’ this and relayed it to the ‘anthropologist’ in a string of meaningless sounds, supposedly echoing the English language. The first child who was meant to be the anthropologist then wrote on the paper and replied in more meaningless sounds, and so the sequence was repeated. The role-play that the Yoruba children undertook involved skilful imitation to impersonate the 3 adults and their gestures, even their language and the sequence of events. A similar study occurred in the UK by Kehily et al (2002in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) whose research was carried out through extensive interviews which were audio taped with children in their school. It was found that children incorporated the tape recorder into their games and discussions often imitating the structure of the interview process, even when they weren’t being recorded. Both of these researches on role play support Meads theory (1934 in Book 3  Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) that children have the ability to observe others and then use these observations to imitate others. The reasons children do this according to Mead is that it helps them to make sense of new and unfamiliar situations. Role play is further explored in video 3 band 3 ‘pretend play’ featuring Melissa and Hadleigh aged 4, playing mummy and baby at nursery school. This example further supports Mead’s claim by showing that pretend play helps children to act out imaginary roles. Perhaps one of the most important features of play is that it is a social process. Thomas Gregor (1977in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) studied children’s games in Mehinaku, Brazil, and believed that games mirrored the structure and values of adult society. He observed a game of teneju itai (women’s sons), this involved children marrying and carving a baby from a lump of earth. The ‘mother’ then mimics cradling the baby, which later dies, and is ‘buried’ in a hole. As early childhood death is a common occurrence for this Brazilian tribe, this game prepares children for the possible death of a sibling or playmate. This game also shows it is non competitive, did not involve hierarchies and did not identify winners or losers. In contrast, in the UK, Laura and Aalliyah (Video 3 band 3) use their imaginations in their role play acting out difficult emotions such as rivalry, conflict and death. These children are in a culture where they are protected from issues such as death and pretend play may offer children a way of exploring themes and issues that are not part of their daily life. Both examples also support Freud’s theory that children use play to act worrying or troublesome situations, and that play is a way in which children can express their feelings. Play, as a social process is not always a positive experience as Mead’s theory seemed to suggest. During play children can have many decisions to make and negotiate such as who can or can’t play, meaning play can sometimes produce power relations and social hierarchies amongst children. This was shown in research by Thorne (1999 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) who’s observations found that in the games that they played, children  created gender boundaries with single sex friendships, and that children may use play to achieve a position of high status within their group. Furthermore, play helps children’s identities develop as research with boys in Western societies showed that the play which boys engaged in involved language and physicality which was often competitive, and that they engaged in this type of play in order to help them achieve their masculine identity. This was further supported by research by Epstein (1997 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) which suggested that children engage in skipping rhymes and games such as ‘kiss chase’ in the playground in order to help construct their gender identity. Finally, it was also suggested by Back (1990 in Book 3 Understanding Childhood Chapter 1) that the play that these boys engaged in was not just play for playing sake but was also a method used to test the boundaries of friendship, and to decide who was or was not included in their ‘group’. Finally, as the research so far has been from adults, it is important to consider what children’s views are on why they play. One reason why children play is that it is a time when they can withdraw from reality and create their own fantasy world. This is seen with Joshua, (VIDEO 3 BAND1) who’s favourite type of play seems to be reading. He states that he reads because through doing this he can escape into an imaginary world. He reads, believing it to be important as it broadens his imagination and aids his learning. This example also shows that as well as being a social process, play can also be solitary. This video also shows Tinco who states that he plays at the temple to find peace and freedom which he does not experience in his home village. The reason Sean seems to play is that he enjoys being in the dark tunnel with his friends playing scary, daring games. These examples show simply that children themselves play for reasons such as to learn, find enjoyment and to have peace and freedom away from adults. These examples showed that it is evident all children play but the way they play can vary depending upon culture. This was also highlighted by Opie and Opie (1969) who researched on children’s playground culture which found that  the same rhyming games had been around for a long time, they just varied from culture to culture. We have seen therefore that different approaches have contrasting reasons as to why children play, and furthermore that children have different reasons as to why they play.One type of play which children engage in is role play which has been said to play an important part in the development of children enabling them to make sense of situations and form identities. Furthermore, children play as it is a social process which allows children to act out roles in order to help them make sense of situations around them, enabling them to gain an understanding of how others see them which in turn aids their identity development. REFERENCES Book 1 Understanding Childhood Chapter 2 U212 Understanding Childhood, The Open University, Milton KeynesBook 1 Understanding Childhood Chapter 6 U212 Understanding Childhood, The Open University, Milton KeynesBook 3 Understanding Childhood, Chapter 1 U212 Understanding Childhood, The Open University, Milton KeynesBook 3 Understanding Childhood, Study Guide Audio and Visual notes, Unit 16 U212, The Open University, Milton KeynesBook 3, Understanding Childhood,; Video 3 band 1; My SpaceU212 Understanding Childhood, The Open University. Book 3, Understanding Childhood,; Video 3 band 3; Pretend PlayU212 Understanding Childhood, The Open University.

Ethical Standards for School Counselors

Ethical Standards for School Counselors were adopted by the ASCA Delegate Assembly, March 19,1984, revised March 27, 1992, June 25, 1998, and June 26, 2004. Preamble The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a professional organization whose members are certified/licensed in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address the academic, personal/social and career development needs of all students.Professional school counselors are advocates, leaders, collaborators and consultants who create opportunities for equity in access and success in educational opportunities by connecting their programs to the mission of schools and subscribing to the following tenets of professional responsibility: * Each person has the right to be respected, be treated with dignity and have access to a comprehensive school counseling program that advocates for and affirms all students from diverse populations regardless of ethnic/racial status, age, economic status, special needs, English as a second language or other language group, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, family type, religious/spiritual identity and appearance.* Each person has the right to receive the information and support needed to move toward self-direction and self-development and affirmation within one’s group identities, with special care being given to students who have historically not received adequate educational services: students of color, low socio-economic students, students with disabilities and students with * Each person has the right to understand the full magnitude and meaning of his/her educational choices and how those choices will affect future opportunities. Each person has the right to privacy and thereby the right to expect the counselor-student relationship to comply with all laws, policies and ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality in the school setting. In this document, ASCA specifies the principles of ethic al behavior necessary to maintain the high standards of integrity, leadership and professionalism among its members.The Ethical Standards for School Counselors were developed to clarify the nature of ethical responsibilities held in common by school counseling professionals. The purposes of this document are to: * Serve as a guide for the ethical practices of all professional school counselors regardless of level, area, opulation served or membership in this professional association; * Provide self-appraisal and peer evaluations regarding counselor responsibilities to students, parents/guardians, colleagues and professional associates, schools, communities and the counseling profession; and * Inform those served by the school counselor of acceptable counselor practices and expected professional behavior.A. Responsibilities to Students A. 1. Responsibilities to Students The professional school counselor: a. Has a primary obligation to the student, who is to be treated with respect as a unique individual. b. Is concerned with the educational, academic, career, personal and social needs and encourages the maximum development of every student. c. Respects the student’s values and beliefs and does not impose the counselor’s personal values. d. Is knowledgeable of laws, regulations and policies relating to students and strives to protect and inform students regarding their rights. A. 2. Confidentiality The professional school counselor: a.Informs students of the purposes, goals, techniques and rules of procedure under which they may receive counseling at or before the time when the counseling relationship is entered. Disclosure notice includes the limits of confidentiality such as the possible necessity for consulting with other professionals, privileged communication, and legal or authoritative restraints. The meaning and limits of confidentiality are defined in developmentally appropriate terms to students. b. Keeps information confidential unless di sclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the student or others or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed. Counselors will consult with appropriate professionals when in doubt as to the validity of an exception. c.In absence of state legislation expressly forbidding disclosure, considers the ethical responsibility to provide information to an identified third party who, by his/her relationship with the student, is at a high risk of contracting a disease that is commonly known to be communicable and fatal. Disclosure requires satisfaction of all of the following conditions: * Student identifies partner or the partner is highly identifiable * Counselor recommends the student notify partner and refrain from further high-risk behavior * Student refuses * Counselor informs the student of the intent to notify the partner * Counselor seeks legal consultation as to the legalities of informing the partner d.Requests of the court that discl osure not be required when the release of confidential information may potentially harm a student or the counseling relationship. e. Protects the confidentiality of students’ records and releases personal data in accordance with prescribed laws and school policies. Student information stored and transmitted electronically is treated with the same care as traditional student records. f. Protects the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by federal and state laws, written policies and applicable ethical standards. Such information is only to be revealed to others with the informed consent of the student, consistent with the counselor’s ethical obligation. g.Recognizes his/her primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balances that obligation with an understanding of the legal and inherent rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. A. 3. Counseling Plans The profess ional school counselor: a. Provides students with a comprehensive school counseling program that includes a strong emphasis on working jointly with all students to develop academic and career goals. b. Advocates for counseling plans supporting students right to choose from the wide array of options when they leave secondary education. Such plans will be regularly reviewed to update students regarding critical information they need to make informed decisions. A. 4. Dual Relationships The professional school counselor: a.Avoids dual relationships that might impair his/her objectivity and increase the risk of harm to the student (e. g. , counseling one’s family members, close friends or associates). If a dual relationship is unavoidable, the counselor is responsible for taking action to eliminate or reduce the potential for harm. Such safeguards might include informed consent, consultation, supervision and documentation. b. Avoids dual relationships with school personnel that mi ght infringe on the integrity of the counselor/student relationship. A. 5. Appropriate Referrals The professional school counselor: Makes referrals when necessary or appropriate to outside resources.Appropriate referrals may necessitate informing both parents/guardians and students of applicable resources and making proper plans for transitions with minimal interruption of services. Students retain the right to discontinue the counseling relationship at any time. A. 6. Group Work The professional school counselor: a. Screens prospective group members and maintains an awareness of participants’ needs and goals in relation to the goals of the group. The counselor takes reasonable precautions to protect members from physical and psychological harm resulting from interaction within the group. b. Notifies parents/guardians and staff of group participation if the counselor deems it appropriate and if consistent with school board policy or practice. c.Establishes clear expectations in the group setting and clearly states that confidentiality in group counseling cannot be guaranteed. Given the developmental and chronological ages of minors in schools, the counselor recognizes the tenuous nature of confidentiality for minors renders some topics inappropriate for group work in a school setting. d. Follows up with group members and documents proceedings as appropriate. A. 7. Danger to Self or Others The professional school counselor: a. Informs parents/guardians or appropriate authorities when the student’s condition indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others. This is to be done after careful deliberation and, where possible, after consultation with other counseling professionals. . Will attempt to minimize threat to a student and may choose to 1) inform the student of actions to be taken, 2) involve the student in a three-way communication with parents/guardians when breaching confidentiality or 3) allow the student to have input as to how and to whom the breach will be made. A. 8. Student Records The professional school counselor: a. Maintains and secures records necessary for rendering professional services to the student as required by laws, regulations, institutional procedures and confidentiality guidelines. b. Keeps sole-possession records separate from students’ educational records in keeping with state laws. c.Recognizes the limits of sole-possession records and understands these records are a memory aid for the creator and in absence of privilege communication may be subpoenaed and may become educational records when they 1) are shared with others in verbal or written form, 2) include information other than professional opinion or personal observations and/or 3) are made accessible to others. d. Establishes a reasonable timeline for purging sole-possession records or case notes. Suggested guidelines include shredding sole possession records when the student transitions to the next level, transfers to another school or graduates. Careful discretion and deliberation should be applied before destroying sole-possession records that may be needed by a court of law such as notes on child abuse, suicide, sexual harassment or violence. A. 9. Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation The professional school counselor: a.Adheres to all professional standards regarding selecting, administering and interpreting assessment measures and only utilizes assessment measures that are within the scope of practice for school counselors. b. Seeks specialized training regarding the use of electronically based testing programs in administering, scoring and interpreting that may differ from that required in more traditional assessments. c. Considers confidentiality issues when utilizing evaluative or assessment instruments and electronically based programs. d. Provides interpretation of the nature, purposes, results and potential impact of assessment/evaluation measures in language the student(s) ca n understand. e.Monitors the use of assessment results and interpretations, and takes reasonable steps to prevent others from misusing the information. f. Uses caution when utilizing assessment techniques, making evaluations and interpreting the performance of populations not represented in the norm group on which an instrument is standardized. g. Assesses the effectiveness of his/her program in having an impact on students’ academic, career and personal/social development through accountability measures especially examining efforts to close achievement, opportunity and attainment gaps. A. 10. Technology The professional school counselor: a. Promotes the benefits of and clarifies the limitations of various appropriate technological applications.The counselor promotes technological applications (1) that are appropriate for the student’s individual needs, (2) that the student understands how to use and (3) for which follow-up counseling assistance is provided. b. Advocat es for equal access to technology for all students, especially those historically underserved. c. Takes appropriate and reasonable measures for maintaining confidentiality of student information and educational records stored or transmitted over electronic media including although not limited to fax, electronic mail and instant messaging. d. While working with students on a computer or similar technology, takes reasonable and appropriate measures to protect students from objectionable and/or harmful online material. e.Who is engaged in the delivery of services involving technologies such as the telephone, videoconferencing and the Internet takes responsible steps to protect students and others from harm. A. 11. Student Peer Support Program The professional school counselor: Has unique responsibilities when working with student-assistance programs. The school counselor is responsible for the welfare of students participating in peer-to-peer programs under his/her direction. B. Respon sibilities to Parents/Guardians B. 1. Parent Rights and Responsibilities The professional school counselor: a. Respects the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians for their children and endeavors to establish, as appropriate, a collaborative elationship with parents/guardians to facilitate the student’s maximum development. b. Adheres to laws, local guidelines and ethical standards of practice when assisting parents/guardians experiencing family difficulties that interfere with the student’s effectiveness and welfare. c. Respects the confidentiality of parents/guardians. d. Is sensitive to diversity among families and recognizes that all parents/guardians, custodial and non-custodial, are vested with certain rights and responsibilities for the welfare of their children by virtue of their role and according to law. B. 2. Parents/Guardians and Confidentiality The professional school counselor: a.Informs parents/guardians of the counselor’s role with emph asis on the confidential nature of the counseling relationship between the counselor and student. b. Recognizes that working with minors in a school setting may require counselors to collaborate with students’ parents/guardians. c. Provides parents/guardians with accurate, comprehensive and relevant information in an objective and caring manner, as is appropriate and consistent with ethical responsibilities to the student. d. Makes reasonable efforts to honor the wishes of parents/guardians concerning information regarding the student, and in cases of divorce or separation exercises a good-faith effort to keep both parents informed with regard to critical information with the exception of a court order. C.Responsibilities to Colleagues and Professional Associates C. 1. Professional Relationships The professional school counselor: a. Establishes and maintains professional relationships with faculty, staff and administration to facilitate an optimum counseling program. b. Treat s colleagues with professional respect, courtesy, and fairness. The qualifications, views and findings of colleagues are represented to accurately reflect the image of competent professionals. c. Is aware of and utilizes related professionals, organizations, and other resources to whom the student may be referred. C. 2. Sharing Information with Other Professionals The professional school counselor: a.Promotes awareness and adherence to appropriate guidelines regarding confidentiality, the distinction between public and private information and staff consultation. b. Provides professional personnel with accurate, objective, concise, and meaningful data necessary to adequately evaluate, counsel, and assist the student. c. If a student is receiving services from another counselor or other mental health professional, the counselor, with student and/or parent/guardian consent, will inform the other professional and develop clear agreements to avoid confusion and conflict for the student. d. Is knowledgeable about release of information and parental rights in sharing information. D. Responsibilities to the School and Community D. 1. Responsibilities to the School The professional school counselor: a.Supports and protects the educational program against any infringement not in students’ best interest. b. Informs appropriate officials in accordance with school policy of conditions that may be potentially disruptive or damaging to the school’s mission, personnel and property while honoring the confidentiality between the student and counselor. c. Is knowledgeable and supportive of the school’s mission and connects his/her program to the school’s mission. d. Delineates and promotes the counselor’s role and function in meeting the needs of those served. Counselors will notify appropriate officials of conditions that may limit or curtail their effectiveness in providing programs and services. e.Accepts employment only for positions for wh ich he/she is qualified by education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials and appropriate professional experience. f. Advocates that administrators hire only qualified and competent individuals for professional counseling positions. g. Assists in developing: (1) curricular and environmental conditions appropriate for the school and community, (2) educational procedures and programs to meet students’ developmental needs, and (3) a systematic evaluation process for comprehensive, developmental, standards-based school counseling programs, services, and personnel. The counselor is guided by the findings of the evaluation data in planning programs and services. D. 2. Responsibility to the Community The professional school counselor: a.Collaborates with agencies, organizations, and individuals in the community in the best interest of students and without regard to personal reward or remuneration. b. Extends his/her influence and opportunity to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program to all students by collaborating with community resources for student success. E. Responsibilities to Self E. 1. Professional Competence The professional school counselor: a. Functions within the boundaries of individual professional competence and accepts responsibility for the consequences of his/her actions. b. Monitors personal well-being and effectiveness and does not participate in any activity that may lead to inadequate professional services or harm to a student. . Strives through personal initiative to maintain professional competence including technological literacy and to keep abreast of professional information. Professional and personal growth are ongoing throughout the counselor’s career. E. 2. Diversity The professional school counselor: a. Affirms the diversity of students, staff and families. b. Expands and develops awareness of his/her own attitudes and beliefs affecting cultural values and biases and stri ves to attain cultural competence. c. Possesses knowledge and understanding about how oppression, racism, discrimination, and stereotyping affects her/him personally and professionally. d.Acquires educational, consultation, and training experiences to improve awareness, knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in working with diverse populations: ethnic/racial status, age, economic status, special needs, ESL or ELL, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, family type, religious/spiritual identity, and appearance. F. Responsibilities to the Profession F. 1. Professionalism The professional school counselor: a. Accepts the policies and procedures for handling ethical violations as a result of maintaining membership in the American School Counselor Association. b. Conducts herself/himself in such a manner as to advance individual ethical practice and the profession. c. Conducts appropriate research and report findings in a manner consistent with acceptab le educational and psychological research practices. The counselor advocates for the protection of the individual student’s identity when using data for research or program planning. d.Adheres to ethical standards of the profession, other official policy statements, such as ASCA’s position statements, role statement, and the ASCA National Model, and relevant statutes established by federal, state, and local governments, and when these are in conflict works responsibly for change. e. Clearly distinguishes between statements and actions made as a private individual and those made as a representative of the school counseling profession. f. Does not use his/her professional position to recruit or gain clients, consultees for his/her private practice, or to seek and receive unjustified personal gains, unfair advantage, inappropriate relationships, or unearned goods or services. F. 2. Contribution to the Profession The professional school counselor: a. Actively participates in local, state, and national associations fostering the development and improvement of school counseling. b.Contributes to the development of the profession through the sharing of skills, ideas, and expertise with colleagues. c. Provides support and mentoring to novice professionals. G. Maintenance of Standards Ethical behavior among professional school counselors, association members, and nonmembers, is expected at all times. When there exists serious doubt as to the ethical behavior of colleagues or if counselors are forced to work in situations or abide by policies that do not reflect the standards as outlined in these Ethical Standards for School Counselors, the counselor is obligated to take appropriate action to rectify the condition. The following procedure may serve as a guide: 1.The counselor should consult confidentially with a professional colleague to discuss the nature of a complaint to see if the professional colleague views the situation as an ethical violation. 2. W hen feasible, the counselor should directly approach the colleague whose behavior is in question to discuss the complaint and seek resolution. 3. If resolution is not forthcoming at the personal level, the counselor shall utilize the channels established within the school, school district, the state school counseling association, and ASCA’s Ethics Committee. 4. If the matter still remains unresolved, referral for review and appropriate action should be made to the Ethics Committees in the following sequence: * state school counselor association American School Counselor Association 5. The ASCA Ethics Committee is responsible for: * educating and consulting with the membership regarding ethical standards * periodically reviewing and recommending changes in code * receiving and processing questions to clarify the application of such standards; questions must be submitted in writing to the ASCA Ethics chair.