Critical Review of the Moral, Cognitive, Social and...

KOHLBERGS SIX STAGES Level 1. Preconventional Morality Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation. Kohlbergs stage 1 is similar to Piagets first stage of moral thought. The child assumes that powerful authorities hand down a fixed set of rules which he or she must unquestioningly obey. To the Heinz dilemma, the child typically says that Heinz was wrong to steal the drug because Its against the law, or Its bad to steal, as if this were all there were to it. When asked to elaborate, the child usually responds in terms of the consequences involved, explaining that stealing is bad because youll get punished (Kohlberg, 1958b). Although the vast majority of children at stage 1 oppose Heinz’s theft, it is still possible for a child†¦show more content†¦36-42; Kohlberg, 1958b). If Heinz’s motives were good, the druggists were bad. The druggist, stage 3 subjects emphasize, was selfish, greedy, and only interested in himself, not another life. Sometimes the respondents become so angry with the druggist that they say that he ought to be put in jail (Gibbs et al., 1983, pp. 26-29, 40-42). A typical stage 3 response is that of Don, age 13: It was really the druggists fault, he was unfair, trying to overcharge and letting someone die. Heinz loved his wife and wanted to save her. I think anyone would. I dont think they would put him in jail. The judge would look at all sides, and see that the druggist was charging too much. (Kohlberg, 1963, p. 25) We see that Don defines the issue in terms of the actors character traits and motives. He talks about the loving husband, the unfair druggist, and the understanding judge. His answer deserves the label conventional morality because it assumes that the attitude expressed would be shared by the entire community—anyone would be right to do what Heinz did (Kohlberg, 1963, p. 25). As mentioned earlier, there are similarities between Kohlbergs first three stages and Piagets two stages. In both sequences there is a shift from unquestioning obedience to a relativistic outlook and to a concern for good motives. For Kohlberg, however, these shifts occur in three stages rather than two. Stage 4. Maintaining the Social Order.

Heart of Darkness Essay - 2840 Words

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness does not explicitly deal with a struggle between war and peace: the conflict is a psychological, moral one; however, the text’s implications that society is a thin veil over our innate savagery, the darkness at the roots of Western civilization, reveals disturbing truths about the peaceful, orderly lives we take for granted. The key to understanding Conrad’s novella lies in ascertaining the metaphorical significance of the â€Å"heart of darkness,† a search which may yield an answer as complex and obscure than any geographical, sociological or psychological solution. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Since its publication, several critics have categorized Heart of Darkness as a travelogue, or, at the least, a†¦show more content†¦At the start of the novel†¦[use of â€Å"dark†]†¦also at the end†¦[use of â€Å"shadow†, â€Å"blackness†] After evaluating these examples, it is possible to assume with little doubt that Conrad considers the very bastions of Western civilization breeding places of a dark malady. It may be an overgeneralization to extend the reaches of this â€Å"darkness† to mankind as a whole since the areas â€Å"afflicted† with it are considered civilized, limiting it essentially to the Western world. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Congo in Africa is home to dark native peoples that are portrayed with a natural, primal quality, a stark contrast to the civilizations in Europe. This is the setting for British imperialism at work. It is therefore the setting where the supposed sophistication of civilized men is deconstructed, and all men are revealed to share a common darkness. Africa and its inhabitants show an external darkness, while it is revealed that the colonizers contain darkness within. Heart of Darkness is a criticism of imperialism that uses the metaphor of darkness in the human heart to show the similarity between cultural groups perceived as different; elements of racism are used inside the darkness metaphor to emphasize anti-imperialism. Darkness and its opposite, light, are contrasted in Heart of Darkness to reveal the irony of imperialism. Traditionally, light and darkness representShow MoreRelatedHeart of Darkness1958 Words   |  8 PagesSTUDY GUIDE Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness Each detail to which your attention is drawn by the Study Guide is part of the puzzle of Heart of Darkness. It is important to notice the details, to ponder them, to see how patterns repeat themselves, and to see how the pieces fit together. Marlows journey and your reading about the journey require constant alertness, discipline, patience, and a willingness to look for what is not immediately apparent. Section 1 A. The Thames Setting 1. NoticeRead More The Darkness of Colonialism and Imperialism in Heart of Darkness1235 Words   |  5 PagesThe Light and Dark of Colonialism in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the opening of his novel, Heart of Darkness, Conrad, through Marlow, establishes his thoughts on colonialism. He says that conquerors only use brute force, nothing to boast of because it arises, by accident, from anothers weakness. Marlow compares his subsequent tale of colonialism with that of the Roman colonization of Northern Europe and the fascination associated with such an endeavor. However, Marlow challenges this viewpointRead MoreThe Meaning Of Heart Of Darkness Essay1138 Words   |  5 PagesNishi Natalia AP Literature Comp The Meaning of Heart of Darkness Although, as a society, we discourage the process of not judging a book by its cover, we have all been guilty of doing it at some point. The first item we look at when we pick up a new book is the title and the cover as a whole. These are two key components when it comes to using our heuristics to decide if a book is worthwhile reading or not. With only two items to judge by, each has to hold significant importance in orderRead MoreHeart of Darkness Essay1068 Words   |  5 Pages1. Some critics believe that in Heart of Darkness Conrad illustrates how ‘’the darkness of the landscape can lead to the darkness of the social corruption.† This statement means that if the environment is dark, then the people in that environment will match the surrounding feeling, which is dark and depressing. For example, if it is a gloomy rainy day, most people feel tired and not as happy. If it is a bright sunny day, the most people feel motivated to get things done and joyful . Yes, thisRead MoreHeart of Darkness Paper984 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, is an intriguing and extremely disturbing portrayal of mans surrender to his carnal nature when all external trappings of civilization are removed. This novel excellently portrays the shameful ways in which the Europeans exploited the Africans: physically, socially, economically, and spiritually. Throughout the nineteenth century, Europeans treated their African counterparts savagely. They were beaten, driven from their homes, and enslaved. Heart of DarknessRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness981 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness The nightmare of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is found in its stark portrayal of madness under the influence of an environment filled with desolation. Its protagonist, Mr. Kurtz, was raised amongst civilized people, adapted virtues that were regarded proper in society during the Victorian era, yet when he travels into the Congo, where these qualities are of no consequence, he abandons them to become wild. To understand how Kurtz fell to this emotional corruptness, a readerRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness1208 Words   |  5 PagesJoseph Conrads The Heart of Darkness is a dark and haunting tale about the search for a substantial and mysteriously powerful man named Mr. Kurtz. Heart of Darkness centers around Marlow, a sailor and also narrator of the novella. Throughout the work, Conrad uses an array of literary devices to suggest his style of writing. The title of the work itself, The Heart of Darkness, is an example of the use of metaphor. Darkness is a significant part of the books title conceptually. However, it isRead More Heart of Darkness Essay941 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness Darkness permeates every circumstance, scene, and character in Joseph Conrads novella, Heart of Darkness. Darkness symbolizes the moral confusion that Charlie Marlow encounters, as well as the moral reconciliation he has within himself while searching for Kurtz. Marlows morals are challenged numerous times throughout the book; on the Congo river and when he returns to Brussels. Charlie Marlow characterizes the behavior of the colonialists with, The flabby, pretendingRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness934 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness The dark thoughts, which are usually ignored and not allowed to be brought up in conversation, are pushed back into the remote corners of the mind, but have the ability to run free when man is in his most vulnerable state. Sleep, the unconscious. It is in dreams where twisted stories of malevolence and horror take place. The soul’s core is full of sin from the first minute man is born. Even Adam, the original man, who was born when the earth began its timeline, has sin runningRead MoreHeart of Darkness Essay4410 Words   |  18 PagesThe Visions of Light Vs Darkness When Joseph Conrad composed Heart of Darkness he created a literary masterpiece which embodied the essence of light contrasting with darkness. Throughout the novel Conrad constantly utilizes the images of light and dark and uses them to mold a vision, which the reader is then able to use to decipher the literal and metaphorical meanings of the novel. As Conrad said, my task which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word to make you hear, to

Succubus Revealed Chapter 2 Free Essays

string(38) " his arm and sneaked in another kiss\." It took me a moment to really comprehend that in thirty seconds, the conversation had gone from a deeply seriously mystery about my love life to bowling for demonic bragging rights. And yet, this wasn’t a particularly unusual pattern in my world. â€Å"And by ‘we,’ † added Jerome, â€Å"I mean you four. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Revealed Chapter 2 or any similar topic only for you Order Now † He nodded toward Peter, Cody, Hugh, and me. â€Å"I’m sorry,† I said. â€Å"Let me make sure I’m following this. You’ve signed us up for some sort of bowling league. One that you aren’t even going to participate in. And this is somehow going to prove your employees’ ‘evilness’ to the world.† â€Å"Don’t be silly. I can’t participate. Bowling teams only have four people.† He didn’t comment on the proving evilness part. â€Å"Well, hey, I’ll totally yield my spot to you,† I said. â€Å"I’m not that great a bowler.† â€Å"You’d better become one.† Jerome’s voice grew cold. â€Å"All of you had, if you know what’s good for you. Nanette will be impossible to live with at the next company meeting if you lot lose.† â€Å"Gee, Jerome. I love bowling,† said Carter. â€Å"How come you never mentioned this to me before?† Jerome and Carter held gazes for several heavy seconds. â€Å"Because, unless you’re ready to take a fall for the team, you can’t really compete with us.† A funny smile fell over Carter’s face. His gray eyes glinted. â€Å"I see.† â€Å"I don’t really like your use of ‘us,’ seeing as you’ve already written off any participation on your part,† I pointed out to Jerome, imitating his earlier snide tone. Peter sighed, looking rather woebegone. â€Å"Where on earth am I going to find tasteful bowling shoes?† â€Å"What’s our team name going to be?† asked Cody. That immediately degenerated into a conversation of truly terrible suggestions, such as Soulless in Seattle and Split Decision. After almost an hour, I couldn’t handle any more. â€Å"I think I’m going to go home,† I said, standing up. I had kind of wanted dessert but was afraid I’d be drafted for beach volleyball and cricket if I stayed much longer. â€Å"I brought the wine. You guys don’t really need me anymore.† â€Å"When you get home, tell my wayward offspring that I need him to coach you guys,† said Jerome. â€Å"By ‘home,’ I actually meant Seth’s,† I said. â€Å"But if I see Roman, I’ll let him know you’ve found a good use for his formidable cosmic powers.† Roman – Jerome’s half-human son and my roommate – actually was a pretty good bowler, but I didn’t want to encourage Jerome. â€Å"Wait!† Peter sprang up after me. â€Å"You have to draw for Secret Santas first.† â€Å"Oh, come on – â€Å" â€Å"No complaining,† he argued. He hurried to the kitchen and returned with a ceramic cookie jar shaped like a snowman. He thrust it toward me. â€Å"Draw. Whatever name you get is who you’re buying for, so don’t try to get out of it.† I drew a piece of paper and opened it up. Georgina. â€Å"I can’t – â€Å" Peter held up a hand to silence me. â€Å"You drew the name. That’s who you’ve got. No arguments.† His stern look stopped me from any more protests. â€Å"Well,† I pointed out pragmatically, â€Å"at least I have a few ideas.† To his credit, Peter sent me home with some chocolate fondue sauce and a Tupperware bowl filled with fruit and marshmallows. Hugh and Cody were running forward with the bowling team plan, trying to come up with a practice schedule. Jerome and Carter said little and instead kept watching each other in a speculative, knowing way that was typical of them. It was hard to read much on their faces, but for once, Jerome gave off the vibe of having the upper hand. I left Capitol Hill for Seattle’s University District and Seth’s condo. All the windows were dark when I pulled up, and I couldn’t help a smile. It was almost eleven. Seth must have called it an early night, something I’d been urging him to do for a while. Thinking of that, my smile faded as quickly as it had come. A few months ago, Seth’s sister-in-law, Andrea, had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The disease had been pretty far advanced when caught, and although she’d almost immediately gone into treatment, the outcome still wasn’t promising. Worse, the treatments had taken a huge physical toll on her, one that was testing the family’s strength. Seth was frequently helping them out, especially when his brother Terry was working, since it was harder for Andrea to care for their five daughters now. Seth had been sacrificing both sleep and his writing career to look after them. I knew it was necessary. I loved Seth’s family and had helped them out as well. But I still hated seeing Seth run himself down and knew that it hurt him to put his work on hold. He claimed his writing was the least of his problems right now and had time before deadlines were an issue, particularly since his next two books were queued for printing next year. I couldn’t argue against that, but the sleep issue? Yeah, I was on him a lot about that and glad to see my words had gotten through tonight. I used my key to let myself in and slipped through the condo as silently as possible. I practically lived here lately and had no trouble finding my way around furniture in the darkness. When I reached his bedroom, I could just barely make out his form wrapped up in covers, softly outlined in the light of his alarm clock. I quietly took off my coat and then shape-shifted into a cotton babydoll nightgown. It was sexy but not blatantly so. I planned on sleeping with him tonight, for real. I slid into bed and pressed myself up against his back, lightly tossing an arm over him. He stirred slightly, and I couldn’t resist pressing a kiss against his bare shoulder. The scent of cinnamon and musk washed over me as he snuggled closer. Despite sternly chastising myself that he needed to sleep, I lightly ran my fingers along his arm and sneaked in another kiss. You read "Succubus Revealed Chapter 2" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"Mmm,† he murmured, rolling over toward me. â€Å"That feels nice.† A few things hit me at once. First, Seth didn’t wear any sort of cologne or aftershave that smelled like cinnamon. Second, Seth’s voice didn’t sound like that. Third, and perhaps most important, Seth wasn’t in bed with me. I didn’t mean to scream as loudly as I did. It just kind of happened. I was out of the bed in a flash, groping for the light switch on the wall while the intruder attempted to get up. He ended up getting tangled in the covers and falling off the bed with a loud thump, just as I found the light. I promptly reached for a weapon, but seeing as this was Seth’s bedroom, my options were limited. The heaviest, most dangerous object I could readily grab ahold of was Seth’s dictionary, a leather-bound monstrosity that he kept on hand because he â€Å"didn’t trust the Internet.† I stood poised and ready to literally throw the book at the intruder as he scrambled to his feet. As he did and I got a good look at him, I noticed something crazy. He looked . . . familiar. Not only that, but he kind of looked like Seth. â€Å"Who are you?† I demanded. â€Å"Who are you?† he exclaimed. He seemed more confused than anything else. I don’t think he found the threat of a five foot four woman with a dictionary all that frightening. Before I could answer, a hand touched my arm. I yelped and threw the dictionary out of instinct. The guy dodged, letting the book crash harmlessly against the wall. I spun around to see who’d touched me and found myself looking into the eyes of a white-haired woman with gold cat-eye glasses. She was wearing flowered pajama bottoms and a pink sweatshirt with a crossword puzzle on it. She was also wielding a baseball bat, which was pretty astonishing – not just because it was more dangerous than a dictionary but also because I hadn’t known Seth owned one. â€Å"What are you doing here?† she asked fiercely. She glanced over at the shirtless, dumbfounded guy. â€Å"Are you okay?† For half a second, I actually toyed with the idea that I had somehow let myself into someone else’s condo. Like, maybe I was just one door over. This scene was so ridiculous that a mix-up seemed far more likely. It was only the obvious evidence – like my key and Seth’s University of Chicago teddy bear watching this spectacle – that drove home the fact that I was indeed where I was supposed to be. Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening and closing rang through the condo. â€Å"Hello?† came a blessedly familiar voice. â€Å"Seth!† exclaimed all three of us in unison. Moments later, Seth appeared in the doorway. As usual, he looked adorable. His reddish brown hair was typically unkempt, and he was wearing a Dirty Dancing T-shirt that I’d never seen before. Despite my panic and confusion over this current situation, the concerned part of me still noted the little signs of fatigue on Seth’s face, the dark circles and lines of weariness. He was thirty-six and usually looked younger than his age. Not today. â€Å"Seth,† said the bat-wielding woman. â€Å"This lady broke into your house.† He looked at each of us in turn before resting his gaze on her. â€Å"Mom,† he said quietly, â€Å"that’s my girlfriend. Please don’t bludgeon her.† â€Å"Since when do you have a girlfriend?† asked the guy. â€Å"Since when do you have a baseball bat?† I asked, recovering my composure. Seth cut me a wry look before gently trying to remove the bat from the woman’s hands. She didn’t let go. â€Å"Georgina, this is my mom, Margaret Mortensen. And that’s my brother Ian. Guys, this is Georgina.† â€Å"Hi,† I said, feeling surprise of a different sort. I’d heard a lot about Seth’s mother and younger brother but hadn’t expected to meet them anytime soon. Seth’s mother didn’t like to fly, and Ian was . . . well, from the stories Seth and Terry told, Ian was just hard to track down in general. He was the wayward Mortensen brother. Margaret relinquished the bat and put on a polite but wary smile. â€Å"It’s very nice to meet you.† â€Å"Ditto,† said Ian. I now understood why he looked familiar. Aside from the fact I’d probably seen a picture of him somewhere, he also shared some of Seth’s and Terry’s features. He was tall like Seth, but with Terry’s thinner face. Ian’s hair was all brown, with no coppery hint, but it had that same messy look that Seth’s did. Except, on closer examination, I had the feeling Ian’s had been purposely styled that way with the help of much time and product. Seth suddenly did a double take between Ian and me. He didn’t even have to say anything for me to guess the question on his mind. Or questions, perhaps. My nightgown and Ian’s shirtlessness undoubtedly raised a number of them. Ian’s defense came swift and certain. â€Å"She got into bed with me.† â€Å"I thought he was you,† I said. Seth’s mother made a strange noise in her throat. â€Å"You were supposed to be on the couch,† said Seth accusingly. Ian shrugged. â€Å"It’s uncomfortable. And you weren’t home yet, so I figured there was no harm done. How was I supposed to know some woman was going to come manhandle me in my sleep?† â€Å"I didn’t manhandle you!† I cried. Seth rubbed his eyes, again reminding me how exhausted he was. â€Å"Look, what’s done is done. Why don’t we all just go to bed – where we’re supposed to – and then get to know each other in the morning, okay?† Margaret eyed me. â€Å"She’s going to sleep in here? With you?† â€Å"Yes, Mom,† he said patiently. â€Å"With me. Because I’m a grown man. And this is my home. And because in thirty-six years, this isn’t the first woman to stay over with me.† His mother looked aghast, and I groped for a more comfortable topic. â€Å"Your shirt’s great.† Now that she wasn’t threatening to strike me, I could see that the crossword spelled out her five granddaughters’ names. â€Å"I love the girls.† â€Å"Thank you,† she said. â€Å"Each one of them is a blessing, born within the holy confines of wedlock.† Before I could even fumble a response to that, Ian groaned. â€Å"Lord, Mom. Is that from that Web site I told you not to order from? You know their stuff’s made in China. I know this woman who could have made you one out of sustainable organic fabric.† â€Å"Hemp is a drug, not a fabric,† she told him. â€Å"Good night, you guys,† said Seth, pointing his brother to the door. â€Å"We’ll talk in the morning.† Margaret and Ian murmured their good nights, and she paused to kiss Seth on the cheek – which I actually thought was pretty cute. When they were gone and the door was closed, Seth sat on his bed and buried his face in his hands. â€Å"So,† I said, coming to sit beside him. â€Å"Exactly how many women have stayed over in thirty-six years?† He looked up. â€Å"None who were caught by my mother in so little clothing.† I plucked at the skirt of the nightgown. â€Å"This? This is tame.† â€Å"I’m sorry about that,† he added, waving vaguely toward the door. â€Å"I should’ve called and warned you. They just drove into town tonight – unannounced, of course. Ian can’t be expected to do what people expect. It would ruin his reputation. They showed up at Terry’s, but there’s no room for them there, so I sent them on ahead since they were so tired. I had no idea it would result in you trying to sleep with my brother.† â€Å"Seth!† â€Å"Kidding, kidding.† He picked up my hand and kissed the top of it. â€Å"How are you? How was your day?† â€Å"Well, I tried my best to keep Santa from getting drunk and then found out Jerome signed us up for a Hellish bowling league.† â€Å"I see,† said Seth. â€Å"So. The usual.† â€Å"Pretty much. What about you?† The small smile that had been tugging at his lips fell. â€Å"Aside from unexpected family? The usual too. Terry was out late with work stuff, so I was there all night with the girls while Andrea rested. Kendall has to build a papier-mache solar system, so that was fun for everyone.† He held up his hands and wiggled fingers coated in white powder. â€Å"And let me guess. No writing?† He shrugged. â€Å"It’s not important.† â€Å"You should’ve called me. I could’ve watched them while you wrote.† â€Å"You were working and then . . . what, it was fondue night, right?† He stood up and stripped off his shirt and jeans, getting down to green flannel boxers. â€Å"How did you know that?† I asked. â€Å"I barely knew that.† â€Å"I was on Peter’s e-mail list.† â€Å"Well, regardless, it doesn’t matter. And that mall job is nothing. I could have been over here in a flash.† He stepped into his bathroom and returned a few moments later with a toothbrush in his mouth. â€Å"That job is nuffing. Haf any of your interfeews panned out?† â€Å"No,† I said, not adding that I hadn’t gone on any other interviews. Everything paled compared to Emerald City. The conversation was put on pause while he finished brushing his teeth. â€Å"You should be doing something better,† he said, once he was done. â€Å"I’m fine where I’m at. I don’t mind it. But you . . . you can’t keep going on like this. You’re not getting enough sleep or working.† â€Å"Don’t worry about it,† he said. He turned off the light and crawled into bed. In the dimness, I saw him pat the spot beside him. â€Å"Come over here. It’s just me, I promise.† I smiled and curled up beside him. â€Å"Ian didn’t smell right, you know. I mean, he smelled good, but not like you.† â€Å"I’m sure he spends gratuitous amounts of money to smell good,† muttered Seth through a yawn. â€Å"What’s he do for a living?† â€Å"Hard to say. He’s always got new jobs. Or no job. Whatever money he’s got goes toward carefully maintaining his hard-fought, effortless lifestyle. Have you seen his coat?† â€Å"No. The only clothing of his I’ve seen is his boxers.† â€Å"Ah. Well, it must be in the living room. It looks like it came from a thrift store but probably cost four figures.† He sighed. â€Å"Although, I shouldn’t be too hard on him. I mean, yeah, he’ll probably hit me up for money while he’s here, but I can’t knock him and Mom coming out to help. At the very least, they can help watch the kids now.† I wrapped my arms around Seth and breathed in his scent. It was the right one, and it was intoxicating. â€Å"And you can catch up on some writing.† â€Å"Maybe,† he said. â€Å"We’ll see how it goes. I just hope I’m not babysitting Mom and Ian more than the girls.† â€Å"How bad of an impression did I make on her?† I asked. â€Å"Not that bad. I mean, no worse than any woman – scantily clad or otherwise – would’ve made who was spending the night with me.† He kissed my forehead. â€Å"She’s not so bad. Don’t be fooled by her conservative Midwest grandma act. I think you guys will get along.† I wanted to ask if Maddie had met Margaret and, if so, how they’d gotten along. I bit my tongue on the question. It didn’t matter. It was in the past, and Seth and I were the present. Sometimes, especially staying here as much as I did, I felt a little weird remembering that Maddie had lived with him too. There were still little touches here and there that bore the mark of her influence. For example, Margaret was most likely staying in Seth’s office, which had a futon, courtesy of Maddie’s ingenuity. She’d been the one to suggest he get it to help make the office double as a guestroom. Maddie had gone; the futon had stayed. I tried not to think about those things very often, though. In the big picture, they didn’t matter. Seth and I had come through too much for me to get hung up on something like that. We’d overcome the problems in our relationship. I’d accepted his mortality and his decision to risk his life by being physical with me. True, I still rationed our sex life, but the fact that I allowed it at all was a big concession for me. Meanwhile, he accepted the terrible truth that I was often out sleeping with other men in order to sustain my existence. They were difficult things for us both, but they were worth it for us to be together. Everything we’d gone through was worth it. â€Å"I love you,† I told him. He placed a soft kiss on my lips and pulled me closer. â€Å"I love you too.† Then, in an echo of my thoughts, he added, â€Å"You make it all worthwhile. All this stuff I’m dealing with†¦. I can do it because you’re in my life, Thetis.† Thetis. That was his longtime nickname for me, coming from the shape-shifting goddess in Greek mythology who’d been won by a steadfast mortal. He called me that all the time – and Letha, only once. I thought again about that night. The troubled feelings it stirred never seemed to go away, but I once again tried to force them aside. It was another of those little things that I was trying not to let bug me. It was nothing compared to the greatness of our love, and like my friends had said, Seth had probably overheard the name. I fell into a contented sleep, only to be awakened abruptly around dawn. My eyes flew open, and I sat upright. Seth shifted and rolled over but wasn’t awakened by my sudden movement. I stared around the room, my heart racing. I’d been jolted out of sleep by an immortal presence, one I didn’t know. It had felt demonic. There was nothing here now, visible or invisible, but I knew for a fact some servant of Hell had just been in the room. This wasn’t the first time I’d had unwelcome visitors in my sleep, often ones with nefarious intentions. Of course, I’d felt this demon just now, and demons – being higher immortals, not a lesser human-turned-immortal like me – could mask their immortal signature. If he or she had wanted to sneak around or hurt me unannounced, it could have done so. Whoever this was hadn’t cared about discovery. I slipped out of bed and continued studying the room, looking for some sign or reason for the demon’s passage. I was certain there would be one. There. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flash of red – in my purse. There was a business envelope sitting on top of it. I hurried over and scooped up the envelope. It was warm to my touch, but as I quietly opened it, I began to feel cold. That feeling intensified as I pulled out a letter printed on official Hell stationery. No good could come of this. Sunset had filtered more than enough light into the room to read by. The letter was addressed to Letha (alias: Georgina Kincaid), from Hell’s HR: This is the thirty-day notice for your trans fer. Your new assignment will begin on January 15. Please make travel arrangements to leave Seattle and report to your new location in a timely manner. How to cite Succubus Revealed Chapter 2, Essay examples

Marketing Planning Of Envato IT industry †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Marketing Planning Of Envato IT industry. Answer: Introduction Envato is an IT industry which is established in Australia and it is considered as the largest business in the IT section. This report gives basic focus on the situation analysis and on The SWOT examination that will empower the relationship to fulfill its objectives and also access in launching new product in the market. This report will similarly consolidate the feasible advancing arrangement of the Envato Company for the Australian market that will develop its operations in the market. The main focus is given to launch a wrist watch in the market Situational analysis The situational analysis consists of the techniques that are used by the organization to choose internal and external factors. The association deals in various advances that give customers a phase to interface and control contraptions that are found in the market. It makes the innovation unique and fruitful to be used by the customers (Peppers and Rogers, 2016). There are various competitors in the Australian market that gives anomalous condition of competition to the association. The level of competition is high in the Australian market. The company contemplates elevating the ability to dispatch new products in the market so broad society can be pulled in towards the item and can compete with various contenders that are winning in the market. To conduct its operations in the market the primary obligation is given to themarketing team to execute its advertising design and offer it to the higher experts. By this right choices can be taken into consideration in successful way. Numerous systems are there that can be considered, for instance, SWOT examination (Hoang and Ruckes, 2017).According to the current circumstance of Envato Company, the exact information that can help in examination ought to be conceivable by using SWOT examination. Point by point examination of Envato Company is done in following ways: Strength Envato is connected in this industry from various years. The benefits and capacities are adequately strong of the association. The association has a given and viable organization that keeps up the goodwill of the association. The specialists are considered as a fundamental component of the relationship with the objective that the level of satisfaction can be enhanced effectively. The association offers pay to its laborers with the objective that they can without any problem can retain them in the organization (Kirzner, 2015). The human resource specialists keep up the tracks that are stressed over the change. Envato is considered and seen among its customers that offer the incredible items with the amazing thing. The things that are presented by the company are in the extent of the overall public, with the objective that they can easily fulfill the demand of the customers (Peppers and Rogers, 2016). Weakness Since every association has some feeble areas, so it is vital to keep the record of each of them with the objective that it can be diminished in effective way. The photo of Envato is impacted by a couple of events on which the association should make corrective steps with the objective that it can be changed with the nature of the association. The hindrance of the association is that it has insufficient stock system and conveyance channel that gives impact on the company performance. There are various customers that think the company does not give incredible shopping information so the attitude of the customers should be changed by mulling over effective strategies (Kirzner, 2015). Opportunities There are various opportunities that are available for the association. To enhance the goodwill of the organization it should consider the things and organizations that offer distinctive things in the market. The Envato Company has an opportunity to meet the essentials of the customer by examining their necessities and needs in convincing way. By concentrating on the middle level people, the association gives main focus on promoting goods and services of the organization (Kerzner, 2013). Threats The competition is expanding and the associations are focusing on enhancing the techniques. The purchasing practices of the customers are changing and they are considering on the items that are available requiring little to no effort. The customers are focusing on the things that have many features and are of minimal effort. Similarly the rule is taken into consideration by the association is stressed over extending the principles and controls of the governing body. There are numerous associations in the market that offer the things that contain comparative highlights (Huang and Sarigll, 2014). Objective of the plan The point of themarketing plan is clear and the capacity of promoting is considered to dispatch the wrist watch in the Australian market. By considering the circumstance it is seen that the association is currently settled in Australian market and they are aiming to dispatch new product in the market. This is the objective of the association and diverse strides are considered over like making systems to beat the resistance, factual reviewing so the affiliation can without a lot of extend to broaden its business operations. By this the targets and goals can be achieved in proper manner (Coombs, 2014.). Marketing strategies The association should consider the adolescents who are every now and there are in contact with exercise center. The launching of product should be done in different centers of yoga or gym. This thing is useful for those people who are every now and again involved with yoga center or exercise (Saade and Nijher, 2016). For advancing the item the exercise center or the yoga should be considered, so people can wind up noticeably familiar with the product. The focal points should be uncovered to the overall public so people get actuated to buy the thing. Positioning gives the customer knowledge about the product. So to launch the product in the market the company should position the product in the yoga and exercise center. The company can also take into consideration branding by introducing an attractive tagline for the product concerned with the wrist watch. (Markarian, 2014). Marketing Mix The thing should be presented in the market by the association by defining the benefits of the thing. The favorable circumstances and purposes of intrigue should be cleared up in convincing route through business exercises. As the association do not have a bad picture in the market, it will pull in more customers towards the thing. The cost should be low when appeared differently in relation to various contenders at the period of pushing a thing. It should be impelled in different exercise center focuses or in yoga focuses. It centers with the objective that the improvement can be proficient in intense way (Punjaisri and Wilson, 2017). Profitability analysis The primary objective of the association is to obtain the benefits. Along these lines, benefit investigation should be considered over in which the examination of cost and pay is done and it tells about the profitability of the association (Burke, 2013). Control To promote the product in the market the control ought to be taken by considering the cost of the thing. The execution should be measured by considering the arrangements. The objective can be controlled by influencing people to buy the thing. The population must be influenced if the thing offers advantages to the customers (Kurbel, 2016). Conclusion In this report it is inferred that advertising plays a fundamental role for driving a thing in the market. The association should give essential focus on the young people to propel the thing in the market so that the goals and objectives can be achieved in effective manner. The association should focus on the yoga and exercise center focus with the goal that the association can gain profit in advancing the thing. References Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques.New Jersey, USA. Coombs, W.T., 2014.Ongoing crisis communication: Planning, managing, and responding. Sage Publications. Huang, R. and Sarigll, E., 2014. How brand awareness relates to market outcome, brand equity, and the marketing mix. InFashion Branding and Consumer Behaviors(pp. 113-132). Springer New York. Kerzner, H., 2013.Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Kirzner, I.M., 2015.Competition and entrepreneurship. University of Chicago press. Kurbel, K.E., 2016.Enterprise resource planning and supply chain management. springer-verlag berlin an. Markarian, G., 2014. Product market competition, information and earnings management.Journal of Business Finance Accounting,41(5-6), pp.572-599. Peppers, D. and Rogers, M., 2016.Managing Customer Experience and Relationships: A Strategic Framework. John Wiley Sons. Punjaisri, K. and Wilson, A., 2017. The role of internal branding in the delivery of employee brand promise. InAdvances in Corporate Branding(pp. 91-108). Palgrave Macmillan UK Saade, R.G. and Nijher, H., 2016. Critical success factors in enterprise resource planning implementation: A review of case studies.Journal of Enterprise Information Management,29(1), pp.72-96.

Fools Ball Essays (505 words) - Ball Games, American Football

Fool's Ball Fool's Ball Many people enjoy watching or playing the game called football. However, there are many people that think football is just a waste of time and money. I, for instance, am one of those people. Whether it is just hometown high school football, College football or even NFL football I think that football is an awful representation of athletic ability. There are many cons including the physical effect that it has on the players, the amount of money that is spent on the players, and the message that it is sending to children. First of all, football is one of the most dangerous sports that is played in the United States whether it is the little leagues or the NFL. Players are tackled and thrown around in all different directions. Many players may get injured so badly that they have to quit playing football. They may injure the heads, spines, and in most cases their knees. To prove just how dangerous football is, there are ambulances that attend the game waiting or watching to see if someone gets hurt. In many instances a player has to be taken away by the ambulance. Why do the players put themselves through all of this physical trauma? Not only do the football players get injured during the games, they also get injured during practices. The situation is just as bad as if there were an actual game being played. Pulled muscles, torn ligaments, broken bones, and sometimes concussions. The possibilities are endless. There are numerous amounts of money that is spent on the players. Not necessarily in the little leagues, but the NFL for instance. The players are sometimes paid millions of dollars to be a football player. A lot of times college football players get scholarships for playing football at certain schools. This ignites a whole new debate about the football players ability to attend college and his grades. Many people believe that a lot of times the player does not even attend college half the time and is still passed. The money that is spent on the NFL players is insane. The millions of dollars that they make each year could definitely be going to a better cause than football. It seems like every time one turns on the television he hears of the wrongdoings of big time football players. The latest instance was that of Peter Warrick, a very important player, who plays for Florida State University. He stole five hundred dollars worth of merchandise at a department store for a much cheaper price. He was arrested. Odds point now to him joining the team again very soon. Is this right? Just because he is a very important football player should he be able to do this? This kind of thing happens very much in football land. It is sending kids the wrong message. It is telling them that it is o.k. to steal because you will get away with it. Kids look up to these football players as idols and they are getting the wrong messages. In conclusion, football is a wasteful sport. It is hard on the player, it costs a lot of money that could be spent on other more important Sports and Games

Change the Way you Persuade essays

Change the Way you Persuade essays In the article titled Change the way you persuade Mary Flood, the executive VP of sales and marketing has the task of convincing MaxPros CEO George Nolan to restructure her operations to become more customer oriented. MaxPro is a leading manufacture of office equipment. Her main goal is to form major account teams for the companys largest accounts (the article suggests clients with $50 million revenue). The biggest problem for Mary is to figure out how to sell her idea to Nolan, and to figure out which of the 5 types of decision making The article discusses five different types of personalities; charismatic, thinkers, skeptics, followers, and controllers. The first type, charismatics are the type of decision makers that work smoothly and operate business in leadership style manner. They are very personable with traits like, dominant, talkative, enthusiastic, captivating, and persistent. The way to approach a charismatic with a sales pitch is to stay low-key and not to join in on their excitement. Also, it is necessary to keep the proposal grounded and not to puff the idea, doing so will gain trust from Next, we come to the thinkers. They are the intelligent ones of the group, with traits of intelligence, being cerebral, and very logical. Bill Gates and Michael Dell are considered thinkers. Is it any wonder that they both own computer companies. The way to sell an idea to these types of people is to retrieve as much information as possible and present it in a comprehensive manner. These people are not easily persuaded and do not usually like taking risks. The best way to convince a thinker is to make them aware of the risks up front and tailor the rest of your presentation to show how the idea will steer away from those risks. After that we have the skeptics. These are by far the most difficult people to deal ...

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Why the sale of human organs should be legalized - Research Paper Example While societal morals may not allow sales of the organs, the contemporary market promises a price for the organs just like any other commodity in the market. In the US, just like in many parts of the world, sale of organs is permitted. However, this can only be done when one passes away, but not the other way round. Studies show that the number of people on the queue to get life-saving organs (often the kidneys, eyes parts) have been growing steadily over the last two decades, whereas the number of potential organ donors has stayed constant (Woodcock 1-3). While in the US the black-market is experiencing an increase in the sales of body organs; blood donation, which is legal, is also on the increase (Kennedy 34). In fact, donation of blood attracts rewards such as free tickets to an event and free clothes, among other gifts. Opponents of selling organs also underscore the fact that if the free market is allowed, there would be a proliferation of vulnerable groups (such poor people) d ue to market imperfection. This paper supports the argument that the sale of human organs should be legalized. Although many people are waiting for organ transplantation in the US, the supply of organs is limited or even unavailable; hence legalization of selling organs would be importance as it would lead to saving of many lives. For instance, the number of patients in the US, who are waiting for an organ transplant, is bigger than the number of donors by almost four folds (The Voice of Russia 1). As a result, on a daily basis, nearly 18 people pass away as they wait for someone to donate them an organ (The Voice of Russia 1). Therefore, permitting the sale of organs will stimulate supply to meet the ever increasing demand. In the US, those who decide to become organ donors are supposed to have the word ‘organ donor’ marked on their licenses, but the donation is only possible after the eligible donor passes

The Updated Financial Development And Structure Database Research Paper

The Updated Financial Development And Structure Database - Research Paper Example The change of the technical platform resulted in back and forth arguments that put the marketplace into uncertainty (Fletcher, 2011). 11 In the month of October 2009, LSE indicated that they were planning to acquire a different trading platform called Turquoise Trading. The targeted trading facility enjoyed a stronger technical system, which was already renowned in the financial marketplace (Fletcher, 2011). Turquoise trading was operated on a stronger technological platform than the LSE. In the same period, LSE faced a technical challenge in the data management system, which led to a one-hour outage (Collett, 2004). Although one hour is such a short period, for investors in the financial markets it means lifetime. LSE also faced another challenge when a server software malfunction stopped trading activities in the same year. 11 The celebration that globalization and technological advancement have expanded the financial markets has received criticism because they have also presented the diverse crisis to the industry (Esqueda, Assef, and Mollick, 2012). Critics argue that much as they have enhanced efficiency, liquidity, and integrity they have been responsible for some unexplained disruptions in the marketplace. First, advancements in technology and globalization may lead to corruption of information through loss or theft. Secondly, whether intentional or intentional, the failure of technical frameworks and unchecked global interactions in the financial markets can present major setbacks. Given the evidence provided, it is clear that advancement in technology and subsequent globalization may have detrimental effects on the financial markets. 12 A strong financial environment promotes economic growth in any state. The financial market also plays a critical role in the economic environment since it enables major firms to obtain funds for facilitating investments.

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MGMT - Essay Example However, being a younger executive, having only 3.5 years of experience in an industry, it is not necessary that seniors in other positions may hear my words properly. I have to use my expertise well to derive respect from others and to use my power effectively. Nobody can challenge me if I prove my credentials in front of other senior executives. Attraction is another source of personal power. Others will definitely notice my charisma, behaviour and physical characteristics before accepting me as their leader. Even though my experiences are less, I should convince my fellow employees that my experiences were in a senior position and I am capable of handling any situations. Once I succeeded in proving my abilities, it would be easier for me to command the respect of my fellow employees. Situational leadership is implemented in majority of the organizations at present and I should implement it in my organization also. I should create an impression that my leadership styles are neither autocratic, nor democratic in nature, but a mixture of the two. In other words, I should respond to the problems based on the situations. Employees will always try to imitate their leaders. In other words, if the managers are passive, employees will also try to follow the same path. On the other hand, if the managers are active, employees will also try to become active as much as possible. In other words, I should try to become an active leader. When the leader shows more vigilance in organizational matters, employees cannot become idle. They should realise that the leader is watching their every movement. Under such circumstances, they will be forced to concentrate more on their responsibilities. Legitimacy increases acceptance. In other words, I should take more care while taking any decisions in my organization. My fellow employees should feel that my decisions are legitimate and it will guide the organization towards prosperity. I should specifically remind my managers

Vesico Vaginal Fistula In Birnin Health And Social Care Essay

Vesico Vaginal Fistula In Birnin Health And Social Care Essay Approximately, about 7 million women were affected from complication of pregnancy and child birth worldwide. Out of the estimates, 6.5million women are from the developing countries. (WHO Global burden of disease 1998). According to the data from West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM 2004; 23 1) the prevalence of obstetric fistula in West Africa is around 1-3 per 1000 deliveries while, in other African region is 5-10 per 1000 deliveries. Report shows that, maternal morbidity and mortality is among the major problem for women in Nigeria. Maternal mortality ratio of 800 deaths per 100,000 live births which is also rated among the highest in the world. The report further stated that for each death that occurred 20 or more women will be affected by childbirth injuries and most of this is obstetric fistula (UNFPA/Nigeria 2005). Obstetric fistula is one of the maternal morbidities and mortality problem in Nigeria which is an issue of concern to Public Health (WAJM 2010; 29 (5); 293-298. The situation is being more evidence in the Northern part of the country, prevalence estimation ranges from as low as 400,000 to as much as 800,000 cases, 5% of these cases are from the Northern region. There could probably be an incidence of 20,000 new cases a year, with approximately 2,000-4,000 fistula repair surgeries being carried out yearly. Also Nigeria count for 40% of the worldwide fistula prevalence (Country assessment UNFPA/Nigeria 2009). Life expectancy of female population at birth is 52 yrs, with a total of 5.5 fertility rate (Unicef 2010). 1 Statistic report from (UNFPA /Nigeria 2005) stated that, majority of fistula patient visited the Health centers are below 20 years. Nigeria is facing a great challenges of Health care providers, with an estimated of 58-39% trained skilled attendance for Ante-Natal and delivery (Midwives) attached to the Health facilities (NDHS 2008). Efforts by the Government to provide them remain unsuccessful. In Nigeria, early marriages contribute 23% of the maternal death that are cause by severe hemorrhage, obstructed and prolong labor which may result to obstetric fistula and often time still birth. 69% of women in the rural areas face difficulties in accessing medical care that made them to have home deliveries by unskilled birth attendant. (Lindros and Lowkkainen 2004). Kebbi State with an estimated population of 3.8million out of it 836,000 are women of child bearing age is located in the North West part of Nigeria. It has a particularly low socio -economic indicators. Maternal mortality rates for the region are estimated at 1,000/100,000 live births (NDHS 2008) Total fertility rate is 8 which are above the national average. According to Leadership News paper 19 April 2012, stated that, kebbi state rank among the highest rate of maternal death in the country. Most of the direct causes of maternal death are hemorrhage, sepsis, eclamsia and anemia. While long and obstructed labor has been responsible for both maternal morbidity and mortality such as vesico-vaginal fistula. According to a survey, the state faces serious maternal challenges. Age at marriage in the state is 12-13 years and most of them became pregnant by 13-14 years. VVF victims can be found in all part of the state with prevalence rate of 5,000-8,000, Birnin Kebbi Local Government has the highest rate of 2,500 cases. (Khalid Zango 1996). Factors accounts for high morbidity in women in the state include social, cultural, economic accessibility and health facility associated problems. 2 Obstetric fistula is can be treated but, poverty, ignorance and lack of information are the most contributing factor for women to seek for medical attention. These high prevalence shows negligence for the government to address the situation. This study actually is going to look in to the Knowledge about the vesico vaginal fistula and the attitude towards it. The study will also be conducted among women with and without vesico vaginal fistula. The result will provide information as to knowledge level regarding vesico vaginal fistula and as to how the women without fistula look at vesico vaginal fistula as a disease and their attitude towards fistula women. 1.2. Research questions study 1.2.1 What is the prevalence of self reported cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula among married women? 1.2.2. What are the knowledge, attitude and knowledge of preventive measures of women towards vesico vaginal fistula in Birnin -Kebbi LGA of Kebbi- State, Nigeria? 1.3. Research Hypothesis Knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of women towards vesico vaginal fistula living in Birnin Kebbi Local Government of Kebbi State, Nigeria. 3 1.4. Objectives 1.4.1. General Objective To assess the knowledge and attitude towards vesico vaginal fistula in Birnin Kebbi LGA of Kebbi State, Nigeria. 1.4.2. Specific Objectives To study the prevalence of vesico vaginal fistula in Birnin Kebbi LGA. To assess the level of knowledge of married women on the contributing factors of vesico vaginal fistula. To find out if married women knows about preventive measures of vesico vaginal fistula. To determine the attitude towards women with vesico vaginal fistula. To determine the possible risks factors related to status of vesico vaginal fistula. To analyze the association of knowledge and attitude with the status of vesico vaginal fistula. 4 1.5. Conceptual Framework Socio -demographic Age Occupation Education Socio-cultural factors Age of Marriage Patriarchy Gender violence Workload Parity Status of Vesico vaginal fistula Access to health care: Antenatal visit Untrained birth Attendants Post natal Place of delivery Aaaaaa111111 Knowledge about the Risk factors, sign and symptoms and preventive measures of vesico vaginal fistula Attitude of women towards vesico vaginal fistula and women with recto vaginal fistula 1.6. Operational Definitions:- 5 1.6. Operational Definitions:- Age of Marriage: refers to getting marriage below 18 yrs. Poor birth practices: Home delivery by un- skill attendant. Parity: Multiple birth with low spacing. Patriarchy: Head of the house decision is final. Untrained birth attendants: Untrained or self practice in delivery. Knowledge: Knowledge in this study regarding to sign and symptom of VVF. Attitude: In this study refers to the availability of health services and the barriers to seeking. Preventive Measures: Knowledge about steps to tackle the VVF. Status of vesico vaginal fistula:- The status of vesico vaginal fistula in this study is women have obstetric fistula or vesico vaginal fistula 6 CHAPTER 11 LITERATURE REVIEW The chapter 11 deals with the: History Vesico Vaginal Fistula Global situation of vesico vaginal fistula Situation of Fistula in Nigeria Causes of vesico vaginal fistula Social Consequences of vesico vaginal fistula Treatment of vesico vaginal fistul 2.1. History of vesico vaginal fistula Vesico vagianal fistula or obstetric fistula has been identified to be a major issue or women of child bearing age since decades. In 1935 professor Derry from Cairo stated that, the remains of Queen Henhenit (2050 BC) were the oldest to discover fistula. Around 1845 james marion sims was the first surgeon to successfully repair VVF from a 3 female slaves in Montgonery Albana. Later, in 1852 he established a VVF repair centre where many patients from America and Europe came for surgery (Robert F. Zacharin 2008). A discovery during 1550 BC in the ancient Egypt, Aveicenna was a famous Arabian physician to differentiate VVF and obstetric (Derry DE 1935; 42:490). Another innovation came up in 1836 from Peter Mettnauer from Virginia who was identified to be the first surgeon to close fistula in United State (Aust N.Z.J. surg (2000) 70, 851-854.) Study indicates that, during the 19th Century, women with fistula in United State and Europe were caused by dystocia (Russell). In the early 20th century, more experiments and techniques came up to improve the quality of VVF repair. Again, in 1942 Latzko published a new procedure in repairing post -hysterctomy of VVF which recorded 95-100% success (VVF MedScape). Many historical innovations and advanced technique by surgeons has been recorded while, more researches and experiment are still ongoing for the improvement and better solution towards VVF. 7 2.2. Global Situation of Vesico Vaginal Fistula Vesico Vaginal fistula (VVF) which is also called obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between the urinary bladder and the vagina or between the vagina and the rectum (RVF).This is caused as a result of prolong labor where the child presses against the normal way thereby developing the hole between the vagina and the urinary bladder (WHO def). Globally, 529,000 women were estimated to have died every year due to pregnancy and childbirth related complication. Almost 90 percent of this death is from Africa and Asia. Generally, 5 percent of this death is expected to have experience from obstructed labor (UNFPA/Nigeria 2005). According to M.J Metro report in 2006 indicated as VVF is not new disease it has been in existence for decades. He further highlighted that, in the third world countries mostly in the west 90% of VVF cases are caused by bladder trauma during hysterectomy surgery. Nowadays, advanced technologies from developed countries such as Europe and part of North America have eliminated the disease (VVF) in there region (M.J.Metro 2006). In the same report of metro 2006, he stated that, VVF is an uncomfortable disease the victims should be more serious towards their personal hygiene. In a WHO report of 2006 indicates that, about 2 million women living with untreated VVF, while 50,000 to 100,000 new cases are reported every year (WHO 2006).The increase on figures could be due to stigma that associated with the situation. Also in another report from WHO study on global burden of disease, stated that, if 2% of the obstructed labor are caused by VVF, then 130,000 women are going to be affected with the condition (WHO 1998 243-66). A study report published from UK indicated that, out of 166 cases treated within 18 year, only 21 cases are caused by obstetric complications. Another report from Nigeria stated that, out of 377 cases of VVF 369 cases are caused by childbirth (Lawson J. 1998, 83; 454-456). 8 2.3. Situation of vesico vaginal fistula in Nigeria The millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targeted at reducing the proportion of women dying in childbirth by three quarter by 2015 become unrealistic in Nigeria. (Adeyemi Ezekiel). The reason behind it is that, the country has made less progress in reducing maternal and mortality than any other sub-Saharan African countries. The maternal mortality rate in Nigeria estimated as 800nto 1,500 per 100,000 live birth (WHO 2006). The Northern part of the country has generally worse indicators with an estimated maternal mortality rate of 1,500/100,000 live birth. The high maternal mortality rate affects the basic health services in the country (NDHS 2003). According to UNFPA report, Nigeria approximately to have an estimate of 400,000 and 800,000 women affected with VVF condition while, 20,000 new cases are recorded every year. Most of these patients are from the northern part that lives in the rural areas where they find it difficulties in accessing proper medical care. (UNFPA/Fistula Nigeria 2005). Also statistics shows that, most of the VVF victims are below 20years. The underlying cause of VVF in Nigeria is due to prolong obstructed labor and mostly the young ages are at risk due to early marriage and early childbirth where there body is still in the stage of developing (WHO2006). In 2002, a multi-sectorial committee was setup by the Federal Ministry of Health to find the solution to the problem. At the same time the committee identifies Engender Health along with UNFPA/Nigeria to conduct a nationwide needs assessment in order to develop a framework and action plan for the elimination of fistula in Nigeria. Although Nigeria has been taking measure to address reproductive health and maternal health problems, the implemented interventions have not reach optimum coverage to obtain the desired impact. (NDHS 2008). 9 2.4 TYPES OF FISTULA Many surgeons have described fistula according to their experience during repair. In 1852 Sims also classified fistula by its location in the vagina. According to (Cater, Palumbo et al. 1952) stated that, it is difficult to describe the reported cases of fistula but, the standard method is to identify it during the actual operation and the result. Mayor clinic doctor has briefly classified six types of vaginal fistula Vesico vaginal fistula- is abnormal opening between the vagina and urinary bladder Ureterovaginal fistula- is abnormal opening that connect the vagina and the ducts which carry the urine from the kidney to the bladder. Urethrovaginal fistula- is an opening between the vagina and the tube that carries the urine out. Rectovaginal fistula- an opening between the vagin and the opening anus. Colovaginal fistula- the opening between the vagina and the large intestine. Enterovaginal fistula- an opening between the small intestine and the vagina. 10 2.5. CAUSES OF VVF Many publications and journals have their different versions on the causes of vesico vaginal fistula. According to medicine for African journal classified the factors that contributed to the cause of vesico vaginal fistula as: (MfA- VVF) Primary factor Childbirth: 8% of the VVF cases are prolong and obstructed labor where the deliveries are conducted by untrained skilled birth attendant or as a result of malpresentation of baby in the uterus which cause a lot of damage to the womans urinary tract. Hysterectomy or other gynecological problem:- This can be caused by accidental surgery that occur within the pelvic and may result to VVF. Gishiri cut or Salt cut:- It is a traditional way of treatment by a traditional healers mostly practice in Nigeria and some part of west Africa. When a woman present Gishiri disease symptoms such as vulva itching, absence of menstruation, infertility or obstructed labor. As a result of these symptoms a local surgical cut in the anterior vagina wall of a woman was done for total cure. During removal of clitoris in a process of female Genital mutilation or female circumcision the vaginal tissues and its surrounding will be scrapped thereby causes VVF. Secondary factor Sexual transmission disease or previous pelvic inflammatory disease. Bladder stone or retain foreign body within the vagina Diabetics 2.5.3. Socio-cultural causes The most underlying socio-cultural causes in Nigeria are: Early marriage; harmful traditional birth practices; poverty and illiteracy. 11 2.5.4. Early marriage Early marriage can be define as being marriage at the age of 15-24 years when the reproductive organs are not fully matured for taking responsibility as done by the adult. This will result t damage of the birth canal that will lead to vaginal fistula (John Zang). According to WHO/UNICEF, the recommended age of marriage is 25 to 26 years. In article 16, of the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, specified the right to protect child marriage. I n a publication from unicef research centre on early marriage 2001 stated the guidelines on changing attitudes of families and societies towards child marriage. According to global assessment of child marriage it is estimated that, South Asia and Africa has the highest number of young women/young girls who are given out into marriage at the age of 15-24years. These will affect their nutritional status which will lead to so many pregnancy- related complications and most of the time she has no say in making decision for herself. Also in another report from WHO 2006 indicate that: more than 25% of women with fistula from Ethiopia and Nigeria are pregnant before the age of 15years while over 80% of them also become pregnant at 18years of age. 2.6. SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF VVF Almost all the report from the medical professional indicates the psychological consequences of women with VVF that bears. This is attributed due to lacj of support from the families and societies as a whole. Majority of these women faces great challenges in the society because of the odour from the incontinence of urine. 12 According to WHO report indicate that, women with VVF are facing difficulties to manage the urinary incontinence that causes odour from urine. The report also highlighted that, due to injury to the vaginal wall many complications may arise even after obstetric repair of the VVF. These complications are narrowing of the vagina, secondary amenorrhea inability to carry the child. However, (Murphy 1981 and Harrison 1983) stated that, the most traumatic aspect of VVF resulting to urinary incontinence and lost of child who sometime may lead to marital separation/divorce and also social excommunication. In another report from (WHO 2006), VVF patients are to be sympathized due to the lower social status of women in Nigeria. The most disheartening is that, they are abandoning by their husband and they have limited role within the family. 2.7. Treatment Women with fistula face a lot of challenges which most of the time find difficult to disclose their situation. The only solution for their survivor is surgery and personal hygiene. A statement from WHO Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood program indicate that, the endemic VVF area should focus prevention aspect through effective social changes that will improve the status of women. 13 CHAPTER 111 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1. Research Design Cross- sectional survey study among the married women of reproductive age in Birnin Kebbi LGA in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Focus group approach to assess the knowledge and attitude towards vesico vaginal fistula among people who live in Birnin Kebbi LGA, in Kebbi State, Nigeria. 3.2 Study Area Birnin- Kebbi LGA which lies in the centre of Kebbi State of Nigeria. A total of 45 wards :- Nasarawa 1, Nasarawa 11, Dangaldima, Marafa, Gwadangwaji, Zauro, Ambursa, Gulumbe, Ujario, Kardi, Gawasu, ,Makera, Kola, Tarasa, Fadama, 3.3. Study Population The study will be among the married women of reproductive age 15-49yrs of age. 3.4. Sample Technique Selection of Sample sites: Systematic Randomly sampling will be done for the collection of data in 45 settlements from 15 wards 3.4.1 Exclusion criteria are The sample who are not Birnin Kebbi cases The samples have never followed up doctor or refilled medical attention during 3 months prior to study The sample who are unable to communicate verbally and orally to interviewer appropriately 14 3.5. Sample size Yamane sample size Formula n=z2p (1-p) (e) 2 n= (1.96)2 X 0.22 (1-0.22) = 264 (0.05)2 Where , n = sample size p = proportion of women of reproductive age in B/Kebbi LGA that are expected to have knowledge about vesico viginal fistula. e = Marginal error or accepted error z = Standard value of 95% confidence interval of 1.96 Sample size is 264 + 10% to add up in case of any missing value/data, the total sample size will be 264 + 26.4 (10%)= 290 3.6. Measuring Tools Survey questionnaires are to be admitted on knowledge and attitude of married women towards vesico vaginal fistula. Face to Face interview will be carried out during the focus group discussion 3.7. Validity and Reliability test Validity test 3 Expert validity are to be selected from B/K LGA. Questionnaire will be checked and reviewed by these 3 experts. 15 Reliability test Questionnaire will be pr-tested by the respondents who are comparable to the targeted respondents. The reliability of questionnaire will be statistically tested with the Crobachs Alpha, which its acceptable coefficient is more than 0.74 3.8. Data Collection Constructed questionnaires to be used on the followings: Questionnaires General and household information, Knowledge towards the sign and symptom of Vesico Vaginal Fistula. Attitude towards the Preventive Measures on the vesico vaginal fistula Access to the health facility- information and service. Focus group discussion women with and without VVF 3.9. Data Analysis (Statistics) Questionnaire will be coded before entering into the computer. SPSS version 17 will be used Descriptive statistic is to be used to analyze data which will describe the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation 3.10. Ethical Consideration Under the guidance of College of Public Health Sciences, and local authorities Interviewees will be informed and explained Informed signed consent 16 Have freedom to withdrawal Confidentiality Convenience Can access to final report or results Not use for other purpose 3.11. Limitation The study will not represent the general population of Birnin Kebbi LGA. Different socio-demographic group may have different practice The study will not represent for other types. 17 REFERENCES LIST Margaret Murphy (1981). Social Consequences of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Biosocial Science, 13 , pp 139-150 doi:10.1017/S0021932000013304 Vesicovaginal fistula. Retrieved from the web 15/08/2006. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3321.htm Wall, L. L (1988) Dead Mothers and injured wives: The Social Context of maternal morbidity and mortality among the Hausa of Northern Nigeria. Studies in family planning 29: 341-359 WHO (2006) Obstetric Fistula: Guiding principles for clinical management and programme development. WHP Press: Geneva Zacharin, R F. 1998. Obstetric Fistula. New York: Springer-Verlag Wien. COMPASS 2006 FMOH partnership works to achieve Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health care Abuja, Nigeria September http://www.compassnigeria.org/site/PageServer?pagename=News_200609_FMoH_Partnership Haddad S, Fourier P: Quality, Cost and Utilization of Health Services in Developing Countries: A Longitudinal Study in Zaire. Soc Science Medicine 1995, 40: 743-753. Metro (2006) Modification of OConnors technique for the treatment of VVF repair described. Abu- Zahr C. Prolonged and obstructed labour, In: Murray C. Lopez A. Ed Health dimensions of sex and reproduction: the global burden of sextually transmitted diseases, HIV, maternal conditions, perinatal disorders and congenital anomalities, Cambridge: Havard University Press for WHO. 1998; 243-66 Ijaiya MA, Aboyeji PA. Obstetric urogenital fistula: the Ilorin experience, Nigeria. West Afr J Med 2004; 23(1):7-9. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Zhang Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1016812 Lawson J. Vesico -Vaginal fistula y a tropical disease. Trans R Soc. Trop. Med Hyg 1998; 83: 454-456 18 11. MfA VVF   Vesicovaginal Fistula www.medicinemd.com/Med/VesicoVaginal_Fistula_en.html 12. About  Vaginal Fistulas   Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org/vaginal-fistulas/about.htm 19 Time Schedule S/N Activities 2012 2013 Jun- Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July 1 Preparation and paper review x x 2 Detail and tool development x x 3 Ethical consideration x x 4 Research tool try out test validity and reliability x 5 Revise the tool x 6 Recruitment of interviewer team x Field work and data collection x X Data analysis x X Report writing and Presentation x x Budget S/N ITEMS BUDGET Baht 1 Printing questionnaire -Photocopies -Stationery 8,000 Data collection -Photocopies Quest -Souvenir for respondent -Accommodation -Transportation cost -Data processing 21,000 Air fare Miscellaneous 50,000 20,000 Total Thesis document process 99,00

American Corporations and Internet Pornography Essay -- Exploratory Es

American Corporations and Internet Porn      Ã‚   In this essay, we shall consider the so-called "reputable" mainstream American companies that are reaping huge profits from Internet porn, as well as related considerations.    Marriott, Westin, and Hilton are known for their pornographic video deliveries to paying rooms, a practice which Omni Hotels discontinued when confronted by the American Family Association. On the other hand, Internet porn companies like Yahoo! In its x-rated Geocities sites, was not intimidated by AFA's threats. Instead, it took US Attorney General Ashcroft's strong action to intimidate Yahoo! into only a partial-withdrawal from Internet porn. However, Yahoo! Still retains marginally pornographic material on websites.    AT&T is the biggest American company that has accommodated itself to the pornography boom. Its cable division, AT&T Broadband, distributes to subscribers the explicit porn channel, The Hot Network; and this has unfortunate repercussions in the world of Internet pornography. In the spring of 2001, an interfaith coalition of relig...

Kingfisher Case Study

EISSN 2277-4955 THE KING WITHOUT FISHES†¦!!! [CASE ON CRISIS OF KINGFISHER AIRLINES] Prof. Bhavik M. Panchasara Marwadi Education Foundation’s Group of Institutions, RajKot, [email  protected] com ABSTRACT Indian Aviation Industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. But nowadays it is in the news due to different reason. And that is the failure of one of the leading aviation player – Kingfisher Airlines. The airline has been facing financial issues for many years. Till December 2011; Kingfisher Airlines had the second largest share in India's domestic air travel market.However due to the severe financial crisis faced by the airline, it has the fifth largest market share currently. Even the company have no funds to pay the salaries to the employees and is facing several other issues like fuel dues; aircraft lease rental dues, service tax dues and bank arrears. This case outlines the financial turmoil of the Kingfisher in detail. Keywords: Aviation industry, Kingfisher Airlines, financial turmoil, financial issues, crisis and debt restructuring INTRODUCTION: Kingfisher Airlines is an airline group based in India.Its head office is The Qube in Andheri (East), Mumbai; and Registered Office in UB City, Bangalore. Kingfisher Airlines was established in 2003. It is owned by the Bengaluru based United Breweries Group. Kingfisher Airlines, through its parent company United Breweries Group, has a 50% stake in low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red. The airline started commercial operations in 9 May 2005 with a fleet of four new Airbus A320-200s operating a flight from Mumbai to Delhi. It started its international operations on 3 September 2008 by connecting Bengaluru with London.The airline has been facing financial issues for many years. Till December 2011; Kingfisher Airlines had the second largest share in India's domestic air travel market. However due to the severe financial crisis faced by the airline, it has the fifth largest market s hare currently, only above Go Air. Kingfisher Airlines is one of the only seven airlines awarded 5star rating by Skytrax along with Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. Kingfisher operates 250 daily flights with regional and long-haul international services.In May 2009, Kingfisher Airlines carried more than 1 million passengers, giving it the highest market share among airlines in India. Kingfisher also owns the Skytrax award for India's best airline of the year 2011. BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 84 EISSN 2277-4955 STARTING OF THE CRISES: Ever since the airline commenced operations in 2005, the company is reporting the losses. But the situation became more horrible after acquiring the Air Deccan in 2007. After acquiring the Air Deccan, the company suffered a loss of over Rs. 1,000 crore for three executive years. By early 2012, the airline accumulated the losses of over Rs. ,000 crore with half of it s fleet grounded and several members of its staff going on strike. Following table 1 highlights losses of the company since inception: Table 1: Net Reported Losses and debts since inception (Rs. In Crores) Year Loss Secured Loans Unsecured Loans Mar-11 -1027. 4 5,184. 53 1,872. 55 Mar-10 -1646. 22 4,842. 43 3,080. 17 Mar-09 -1608. 83 2,622. 52 3,043. 04 Mar-08 -188. 14 592. 38 342. 00 Jun-07 -419. 58 716. 71 200. 00 Jun-06 -340. 55 448. 16 3. 50 Mar-05 -16. 79 159. 42 125. 06 DEBT RESTRUCTURING: In the situation of loss and tough financial condition, the company went for more loans.Table 1 shows the portion of secured and unsecured loans taken by the company. Due to heavy burden of debt and interest, in November 2010, the company adopted the way of debt restructuring and under that total 18 leading lenders, those have landed total Rs. 8,000 crores, agreed to cut interest rates and convert part of loans to equity. As per the contract, lenders have converted Rs. 650 crores debt into p reference shares which will be converted into equity when the company lists the on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange by selling global depositary receipts (GDR).Shares will be converted into ordinary equity at the price at which the GDRs are sold to investors. Besides the 1,400 crore debt which will be 800 crore converted into preference shares, another CRISIS TILL CONTINUE: Debt restructuring also couldn’t change the game. By restructuring, company had reduced the interest charges by Rs. 500 crores every year, but due to the high leverage condition and increase in cost, the company started to face the liquidity problem. The company had no funds in hand and it created the following payment problems.DELAYED SALARY: Kingfisher Airline has staff strength of 6,000 and spends 58 crore on salaries a month. According 173. 66 to the first quarter financial results, it has increased from crore under the employees cost head, which has 163. 40 crore during the same quarter last year. Kingfi sher Airlines delayed salaries of its employees in August 2011, and for four months in succession from October 2011 to January 2012. Kingfisher also defaulted on paying the Tax Deducted at Source from the employee income to the tax department. debt has been converted into redeemable shares for 12 years.Due to debt restructuring, the company able to down the average interest rate to 11% and to save Rs. 500 crores every year in interest cost. BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 85 EISSN 2277-4955 FUEL DUES: In the past several years, Kingfisher airlines had trouble paying their fuel bills. Due non-payment, several Kingfisher's vendors had filed winding up petition with the High Court. As on Nov 2011, winding up petition of seven creditors was pending before the Bangalore High Court. In the past Lufthansa Technik & Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) had also filed winding up petition against Kingfisher Airlines.Here are some cases: ? ? HPCL: In Jul 2011, Hindustan Petrol eum Corporation Limited (HPCL) stopped the fuel (ATF) supplies for about two hours to Kingfisher airlines owing to the non-payment of dues. Situation was later resolved. ? BPCL: Bharat Petroleum Corporation in 2009 had filed a case against Kingfisher airlines for non-payment of dues. High court in an order said that the entire amount 245 crore had to be paid by Nov 2010 and the airline paid it in instalments. AIRCRAFT LEASE RENTAL DUES: Since 2008, it has been reported that Kingfisher Airlines has been unable to pay the aircraft lease rentals on time.Due to that, the Kingfisher Airlines has grounded 15 out of 66 aircraft in its fleet as it was unable to meet the maintenance and overhaul expenses. Here are the some major issues with: ? GECAS: In Nov 2008, GE Commercial Aviation Services threatened to repossess 04 leased planes in lieu of default. Kingfisher Airlines initially BAUDDHIK On 9 December 2011, S. K. Goel, chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) announced that CBEC is considering legal action against Kingfisher for not paying service tax. As on 10th Jan 2012, Kingfisher Airlines has service tax arrears of 70 crore.The Ministry of Finance has given a concession to Kingfisher and instructed them to pay the dues by 31st Mar 2012. In Jan 2012, SERVICE TAX: Kingfisher received a notice from the Airports Authority of India on February 2012 regarding accumulated dues of 255. 06 crore. The airline was operating on a cash and carry basis for the last six months, with daily payments amounting to 0. 8 crore. AAI REPORTS: DVB: In Jul 2010, DVB Aviation Finance Asia Ltd (a lessor from Singapore), sued Kingfisher Airlines for lease rental default.Case was filed in a UK court on Jul 16, 2010 after Kingfisher did not pay for three month lease rental for A320 aircraft it leased from DVB. denied that it missed the payments. GECAS had filed a complaint with DGCA saying Kingfisher had defaulted on rentals for four A320 aircraft, and sought repossession of th e planes. In Jan 2009, The Karnataka High Court rejected petition by Kingfisher Airlines to restrain GECAS from taking any step to deregister and repossess the 04 aircraft in dispute. As a result, Kingfisher had to return the A320 aircraft to GECAS. VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 87EISSN 2277-4955 Kingfisher paid 20 crore towards its dues for operational by February 20. With this, Kingfisher's market share clearly dropped to 11. 3%. The cancellation of the flights was accompanied by a BANK ARREARS: Kingfisher Airlines had not paid some bankers (Lenders) as per the Debt Recast Package (DRP) with lending banks. Till the end of Dec 2011, the arrears were estimated to be 260 crore to 280 crore. Lenders hence had told Kingfisher Airlines to clear its dues before they can release any more money sought by the Airline. Ravi Nedungadi, chief financial officer of UB Group however said that the arrears were 180 crore.State Bank of India (SBI) on 5th Jan 2012 declared Kingfisher Airlines a NP A. SBI is largest creditor and the leader of the consortium of banks in the DRP (Debt Recast Package) and has an exposure of NPA by following banks: State Bank of India Bank of Baroda Punjab National Bank IDBI Central bank of India Bank of India Corporation Bank THE CRISIS CONTINUE: During late February, 2012, Kingfisher Airlines started to sink into a fresh crisis. Several flights were cancelled and aircraft were grounded. The airline shut down most international short-haul operations and also temporarily closed bookings.Out of the 64 aircraft, only 22 were known to be 1,457. 78 crore. Thus, by Feb 2012, Kingfisher has been declared 13. 5% drop in the stocks of the company on 20 February 2012. The CEO of the airlines, Sanjay Agarwal was summoned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to explain the disruptions of the operations. The State Bank of India, which is the lead lender to Kingfisher airlines said that they would not consider giving any more loans to Kingfisher unless and until it comes up with a new equity by itself. Political activists also claimed that bailing or helping a private airline would lead to problems within the Government.By February 27, Kingfisher operated only above 150 out of its 400 flights and only 28 aircraft were functional. Reuters reported that if Kingfisher were to shutdown, it would be the biggest failure in the History of Indian Aviation. It was announced that the direct flights to the smaller airports of Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, Nagpur and also to Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport were all shut down and only one/two-stop flights from its main hubs of Delhi and Mumbai would operate. In response to a situation as bad as bankruptcy, Vijay Mallya announced that he had organized funds to pay all the employees' overdue salaries.With bank accounts frozen and huge debts due, it is unknown so as from where he arranged the money. But he apologized to his workers and said that he would pay them immediately. By thi s time, kingfisher had accumulated losses of 444 crore during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2011-12. December 2011 and part of the arrears. BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 88 EISSN 2277-4955 FROZEN BANK ACCOUNTS: On March 3, 2012, The Central Board of Excise & Customs of India froze many more Kingfisher accounts as it was unable to pay all the dues as per schedule. Kingfisher was meant to pay 1 crore per working day.Aviation minister Ajit Singh warned the airline about the temporary suspension of the license until the crisis was sorted out. He announced that the rest of the airline's fleet would be grounded and all flights cancelled until the crisis came to an end. This would be only one step from permanently closing the airline. IATA SUSPENSION: On March 7, 2012 IATA suspended ticket sales of Kingfisher airlines citing non-payment of dues as the primary reason, and they said that sales services will only be restored once Kingfisher settles ICH (IATA Clearing House) account.IATA also immediately directed all travel agents to stop booking tickets for Kingfisher. This would affect Kingfisher's business by around 30%. Kingfisher claimed that frozen bank accounts was the main cause of being unable to pay the IATA, and the airline started making alternate arrangements for the sale of tickets. Soon it became difficult for the airline to follow the much smaller schedule that it earlier released as even more pilots began to go on strike. UNCERTAINTY AHEAD: After analysing the entire scenario, there are strong possibilities of more difficult situation in the last month of fiscal year 2011-12.The company is in dilemma of finding help, but from where? 2. TEACHING NOTES 1. The purpose of the case is to make the students aware about the situation of financial crisis in any organisation. The issues involved in the case are about the financial turmoil and its effects on the business and market share of the company. 3. 4. 2. 1. Is the Problem of Kingfisher Ai rlines Industry Specific or Company Specific? What is the Impact of High Level of Debt on the operating performance of company? Should Government bailout Kingfisher Airlines? According to you, what are the possible ways for the company to overcome this situation?QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION: Government has refused for bailing and all the lenders and bankers have no more trust. The employees are also not able to tolerate the salary crisis and the slipping market share leads the more difficulties. Promoter Vijay Malya has to decide the way ahead. Whether is it possible to save the company? There are very few alternatives. As per the previous news, Etihad Airways was interested in investing in Kingfisher by providing equity in exchange for a stake in the airline. Also involved in the talks was the International Airlines Group, owner of British flag carrier British Airways and Spanish flag carrier Iberia.But the question is the permission by Government. So at present there is very tough situ ation for Vijay Malya and for the company. Will new fiscal year bring any solution for the company? Let’s wait and watch. BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 89 EISSN 2277-4955 3. The case would be first given for individual reading for 15 min and then for 15 min the case can be discussed in groups of 4-5 students. 4. The case can be taught along with the concepts like ways to overcome the crisis and surviving strategies required to save the organisation keeping in mind the possible different options available. 5.The students can come prepared with topics of prevailing crisis in Indian aviation industry and REFERENCES: 6. other factors related to the aviation industry in detail. Cross reference can be made taking into account the strategies used by the local, market of the falling organisation. national and international players to capture the slipping http://www. flykingfisher. com/mediacenter/press-releases/kingfisher-airlinesannouncement. aspx http://in. finance. yah oo. com/news/kingfisherairlines-q3-loss-widens-033419822. html http://timesofindia. indiatimes. com/india/Kingfi sher†¦ /12258986. cms http://articles. economictimes. ndiatimes. com/2 011-12-08/news/30490358_1_pilots-industrialaction-kingfisher airlines http://profit. ndtv. com/News/Article/aai-warnskingfisher-airlines-to-settle-dues-297284 http://articles. economictimes. indiatimes. com/2 010-09-26/news/27585421_1_cash-and-carrymode-bpcl-s chairman-kingfisher-airlines http://timesofindia. indiatimes. com/business/indiabusiness/Kingfisher-may-have-to-weather-pilotstorm-next/articleshow/12214372. cms Annexure 1: Market share of Kingfisher Airlines as on January 2012 in the domestic Aviation Airline/Company Jet Airways (Including Jet Lite) Indigo Air India Spice Jet Kingfisher Go Air Share 28. 8% 20. 8% 17. 1% 16. 3% 11. 3% 5. 8% Source: http://in. finance. yahoo. com/news/kingfisher-airlines-q3-loss-widens-033419822. html BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 90 EISSN 2277-4 955 Annexure 2: Price Movement and Performance Charts of Kingfisher Airlines Annexure 3: Index Comparison and Ownership Pattern of Kingfisher Airlines Source:http://www. bseindia. com/bseplus/StockReach/AdvanceStockReach. aspx? scripcode=532747 Annexure 4: Comparative Balance Sheet of Kingfisher Airlines [Rs. In crores] Sources Of Funds Total Share Capital Equity Share Capital Share Appl.Money Pref. Share Capital Reserves Net worth Mar '11 1,050. 88 497. 78 2. 95 553. 10 -4,005. 02 -2,951. 19 Mar '10 362. 91 265. 91 7. 48 97. 00 -4,268. 84 -3,898. 45 Mar '09 362. 91 265. 91 8. 11 97. 00 -2,496. 36 -2,125. 34 Mar '08 135. 80 135. 80 10. 09 0. 00 52. 99 198. 88 Jun '07 135. 47 135. 47 0. 00 0. 00 249. 23 384. 70 Jun '06 98. 18 98. 18 0. 00 0. 00 125. 95 224. 13 Mar’05 16. 20 16. 20 0. 00 0. 00 -2. 54 13. 66 BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. -1, JAN-APRIL-2012 85 EISSN 2277-4955 Secured Loans Unsecured Loans Total Debt Total Liabilities Application Of Funds Gross Block Less: Accum.Dep. Net Block Capital WIP Investments Inventories Sundry Debtors Cash & Bank Bal. Total CA Loans & Adv. FDs CA, Loans & Adv. Current Liabilities Provisions Total CL & Prov. Net Current Assets Misc. Expenses Total Assets 2,254. 26 682. 37 1,571. 89 673. 35 0. 05 187. 65 440. 53 88. 18 716. 36 5,380. 19 164. 18 6,260. 73 4,463. 86 62. 11 4,525. 97 1,734. 76 125. 84 4,105. 89 2,048. 14 493. 62 1,554. 52 980. 61 0. 05 164. 88 322. 49 50. 91 538. 28 4,604. 31 155. 56 5,298. 15 3,908. 03 46. 77 3,954. 80 1,343. 35 145. 64 4,024. 17 1,891. 80 316. 29 1,575. 51 1,630. 95 0. 05 147. 5 229. 84 49. 41 426. 50 3,640. 42 122. 45 4,189. 37 3,814. 63 45. 55 3,860. 18 329. 19 4. 51 3,540. 21 322. 33 43. 55 278. 78 346. 25 0. 00 48. 64 27. 16 5. 84 81. 64 832. 49 274. 29 1,188. 42 687. 31 9. 52 696. 83 491. 59 16. 64 1,133. 26 340. 77 33. 74 307. 03 357. 62 0. 41 61. 62 35. 24 422. 05 518. 91 149. 77 395. 00 1,063. 68 449. 15 6. 94 456. 09 607. 59 28. 75 1,301. 40 247. 33 16. 40 230. 93 286. 53 0. 41 57. 2 6 13. 06 181. 17 251. 49 232. 03 75. 31 558. 83 434. 05 5. 93 439. 98 118. 85 39. 08 675. 80 55. 25 4. 52 50. 73 153. 09 0. 45 36. 40 8. 27 47. 08 91. 75 47. 8 35. 85 174. 88 108. 77 1. 07 109. 84 65. 04 28. 83 298. 14 5,184. 53 1,872. 55 7,057. 08 4,105. 89 4,842. 43 3,080. 17 7,922. 60 4,024. 15 2,622. 52 3,043. 04 5,665. 56 3,540. 22 592. 38 342. 00 934. 38 1,133. 26 716. 71 200. 00 916. 71 1,301. 41 448. 16 3. 50 451. 66 657. 79 159. 42 125. 06 284. 48 298. 14 Source:http://www. moneycontrol. com/financials/kingfisherairlines/balancesheet/KA02#KA02 Annexure 5: Comparative P A/c of Kingfisher Airlines [Rs. In crores] Income Net Sales Other Income Total Income Expenditure Raw Materials Power & Fuel Cost Employee Cost Other Manu.Exp. Sell. & Admn Exp. 56. 69 2,274. 03 680. 54 1,192. 80 997. 34 40. 89 1,802. 99 689. 38 1,108. 82 996. 85 51. 19 2,602. 62 825. 42 1,112. 85 1,062. 74 43. 79 889. 30 244. 96 408. 21 180. 39 45. 94 979. 50 247. 72 617. 56 146. 78 36. 73 625. 45 163. 04 42 5. 48 114. 38 5. 77 92. 98 31. 76 104. 78 29. 13 Mar '11 6,233. 38 81. 58 6,314. 96 Mar '10 5,067. 92 -333. 30 4,734. 62 Mar '09 5,269. 17 598. 90 5,868. 07 Mar '08 1,456. 28 113. 62 1,569. 90 Jun '07 1,800. 21 342. 10 2,142. 31 Jun’06 1285. 42 59. 64 1345. 06 Mar’05 305. 55 14. 73 320. 28 BAUDDHIK VOLUME 3, NO. 1, JAN-APRIL-2012 86 EISSN 2277-4955 Misc. Exp. Total Expenses PBDIT Interest PBDT Depreciation Other Written Off Profit Before Tax Extra-ordinary items Tax Reported Net Profit Shares in issue (lakhs) EPS (Rs) Equity Dividend (%) Book Value (Rs) Per share data (annualised) 4,977. 79 -20. 64 0. 00 -70. 46 2,659. 09 -61. 95 0. 00 -150. 54 2,659. 09 -60. 50 0. 00 -83. 88 1,357. 99 -13. 85 0. 00 13. 90 1,354. 70 -30. 97 0. 00 28. 40 981. 82 -34. 69 0. 00 22. 83 31. 06 -54. 05 0. 00 43. 96 87. 94 5,289. 34 1,025. 62 2,340. 32 -1,314. 70 203. 02 38. 01 -1,555. 73 72. 99 -455. 35

Gun Ownership by Country -- Americans Lead

Gun Ownership by Country Americans Lead The United States has the highest level of gun ownership per person of any country. This fact is startling but true. According to data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and analyzed by  The Guardian, Americans own 42 percent of all civilian guns in the world. This figure is especially startling when you consider that the U.S. makes up just 4.4 percent of the worlds population. Just How Many Guns Do Americans Own? The estimated tally in 2012, according to the UN, was 270 million civilian-owned guns in the U.S., or 88 guns per every 100 hundred people.  Unsurprisingly, given these figures, the U.S.  has the highest number of guns per capita (per person) and the highest rate of gun-related homicides of all developed countries: 29.7 per 1 million people. By comparison, no other developed countries come even close to those rates. Among the thirteen developed countries studied, the average rate of gun-related homicide is 4 per 1 million people. The developed nation with the rate closest to the U.S., Switzerland, has just 7.7 gun-related homicides per 1 million people. (There are other countries with higher rates of gun-related homicide per capita, but not among developed nations.) Gun rights advocates often suggest that the U.S. has high annual numbers of gun-related crime because of the size of our population, but these statistics which examine rates rather than totals prove otherwise. About a Third of American Households Own All Those Guns In terms of ownership, however, the rate of 88 guns per 100 people is rather misleading. In reality, the majority of civilian-owned guns in the U.S. are owned by a minority of gun owners. Just over a third of U.S. households own guns, but according to the 2004 National Firearms Survey, 20 percent of those households own a full 65 percent of the total civilian gun stock. American Gun Ownership Is a Social Problem In a society as saturated in guns as the U.S., its important to recognize that gun violence is a  social, rather than an individual or psychological problem. A 2010 study by professors Paul Appelbaum and Jeffrey Swanson published in  Psychiatric Services  found that just 3–5 percent of violence can be attributed to mental illness, and in most of these cases guns were not used. While those with certain types of serious mental illness are more likely than the general public to commit an act of violence, these individuals only make up a small percentage of people with mental illness: most people with a mental illness don’t engage in violent behavior. Moreover, individuals with mental illness are also at a higher risk of being victims of violence. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, alcohol is a much more significant contributing factor to the likelihood of whether someone will commit a violent act. Sociologists believe that gun violence is a social problem because it is socially created by support for laws and policies that enable gun ownership on a mass scale. It is justified and perpetuated by social phenomena too, like the widespread ideology that guns represent freedom  and the troubling discursive trope that guns make society safer, though overwhelming evidence points to the contrary. This social problem is also fueled by sensationalist news coverage and dangerous politicking focused on violent crime, leading the American public to believe that gun  crime is more common today than it was two decades ago, despite the fact that it has been on the decline for decades. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, just 12 percent of U.S. adults know the truth. The connection between the presence of guns in a household and gun-related deaths is undeniable. Countless studies have shown that living in a home where guns are present increases ones risk of dying by homicide, suicide, or by gun-related accident. Studies also show that it is women who are at greater risk than men in this situation, and that guns in the home also increase the risk that a woman suffering domestic abuse will ultimately be killed by her abuser (see the extensive list of publications by Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell of Johns Hopkins University). So, the question then is, why do we as a society insist on denying the very clear connection between the presence of guns and gun-related violence? This is a pressing area of sociological inquiry if ever there was one.