Dimensions of Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dimensions of Health - Essay Example Even with ongoing debate for and against the definition proposed by WHO, it is clear from this definition that health is an entity with multiple dimensions. This definition envisages three specific dimensions, the physical, mental, and social. These dimensions appear separate, but in reality, they are dynamic and interact with each other. Human behaviour is a common theme in human health. Human behaviour is the resultant of physical and mental factors interacting in complicated ways. The broad categories of factors that may influence individual health behaviour include knowledge, beliefs, values, attitudes, skills, finance, time, and many others. It is important to give serious considerations to the social context, a particular behaviour occurs. Health behaviour refers to those activities that an individual undertakes to avoid disease. These behaviours are dependent on the environmental contexts as well as on emotions and feelings. Most importantly, health behaviour depends on the he alth needs (Hawks et al., 2008, 319-324). Attitudes are acquired characteristics of an individual that are considered to be more or less permanent ways of behaving. An attitude contains three components, a cognitive or knowledge element, an affective or feeling element, and a tendency to action. Thus attitude can be defined as a relatively enduring organization of beliefs around an object, subject, or concept that predisposes to a response in a preferential manner. Most human beings learn attitudes from social interactions, and once they are formed, it is very difficult to change. In the recent time, attitudes are being recognized as very important determinants of health behaviours, and consequently, psychologists and health care professionals are increasingly dwelling on attitude surveys and attitude measurements, since it is becoming clear that healthy attitudes gravitate from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and elders (Nielsen et al., 2004, 28-32). The beliefs and attributions that people hold can influence their health. This can influence health by affecting their behaviour such as food habits and by a direct influence on the physiological system. Although these two modes are not mutually exclusive for the patient, and there is another set of health beliefs and attributions from the health professionals that can affect the health of individuals. These beliefs may influence health decisions and also influence patients' cognitions. Healthcare professionals may influence the beliefs and attributions, hence behaviour of patients by giving them information and through expression of their beliefs about the patient's health and the best way to overcome a particular health problem. Hence health professionals' beliefs about a disease and its management are large factors in influencing the values of the patients and their approaches to the management of illness (O'hea et al., 2005, 705-717). Values are traits such as honesty, loyalty, intelligence, or talent. This is a set of instrumental values. The other conceptions of values as traits include instrumental and expressive tendencies. Values have also been defined as need strengths including achievement, affiliation, and dominance. The contemporary values point towards a person's value-directed preference for quality rather than quantity of life. The values ascertain the strength of

Grammar school Essay Example for Free

Grammar school Essay Intoduction Education in its general sense is a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, or research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of others, but may also be autodidactic Any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. A right to education has been created and recognized by some jurisdictions: Since 1952, Article 2 of the first Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights obliges all signatory parties to guarantee the right to education. It does not however guarantee any particular level of education of any particular quality. There are three forms of learning defined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): formal education, education and non-formal education. Systems of schooling involve institutionalized teaching and learning in relation to a curriculum, which itself is established according to a predetermined purpose of the schools in the system. Schools systems are sometimes also based on religions, giving them different curricula. In formal education, a curriculum is the set of courses and their content offered at a school or university. As an idea, curriculum stems from the Latinword for race course, referring to the course of deeds and experiences through which children grow to become mature adults. A curriculum is prescriptive, and is based on a more general syllabus which merely specifies what topics must be understood and to what level to achieve a particular grade or standard. An academic discipline is a branch of knowledge which is formally taught, either at the university–or via some other such method. Each discipline usually has several sub-disciplines or branches, and distinguishing lines are often both arbitrary and ambiguous. Examples of broad areas of academic disciplines include the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences, humanities and applied sciences. Educational institutions may incorporate fine arts as part of K-12 grade curricula or within majors at colleges and universities as electives. The various types of fine arts are music, dance, and theater. Enrolment is the total number of students properly registered and/or attending classes at a school. Every year or every school year the different schools were increasing the total number of students who were officially enrolled in their school. We need to be enrolled so that we will be indicated in the master list of enrollees and for us also to be officially enrolled in such institution. ADVANTAGE * Convenience is one of the major advantages of online schools. It allows students to work and learn at their own pace without the unyielding time restrictions of traditional schools. Online schools provide access to learning materials at anytime. This allows students the flexibility to schedule their learning around families, jobs and other activities. Another major advantage of learning from an online school is the accessibility it provides. Students can learn from anywhere in the world. This is an especially important benefit for students who wish to study in a different country. It also allows students to travel without the repercussions of being absent from school * Provide HR personnel and employees access to benefits information around-the-clock * Reduce administrative tasks and eliminate paper-based processes * Grant employees instant access to benefits elections through online confirmation statements * Review data and statistics about employee enrollment activity through reporting capabilities DISADVANTAGE: There are some disadvantages that are associated with the online ordering system. One is that of you do not have access to the Internet you cannot order. The other one is that you may be ripped off. * Being a successful student at an online school requires self-discipline. This is a disadvantage for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. While being able to set your own schedule can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. Some students need the structure of traditional schools. Another disadvantage of online schools is the technology involved. It just isnt available to everyone. The world is rapidly becoming more and more connected by modern technology, but some people still do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And many of those who do have the required equipment are too intimidated by it to take advantage of online schools. Learning through online schools restricts interaction between teacher and student. This is a disadvantage for those students who need the immediate feedback that such interaction provides. REFERENCES: http://www. ask. com/web? qsrc=1o=102140l=dirq=disadvantage+of+online+enrolment+system http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Enrollment http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Education http://www. ask. com/web? qsrc=1o=102140l=dirq=advantage+of+online+enrolment+system Answer: Education is a process of human growth by which one gains greater understanding and control over oneself and one’s world. It involves our minds, our bodies, and our relations with the people and the world around us. Education is also characterized by continuous development and change. The end product of the process of education is learning. Schooling is a specific, formalized process, usually focused on the young, and whose general pattern traditionally has varied little from one setting to the next. 2. Describe how school function as transmitter and re-creators of culture. Answer: Teachers design the classroom so that the Americans and Hispanic cultures are honored and children learn to operate effectively in both languages. American cultures have always embraced many cultures. Nevertheless a primary responsibility of the school is to assist foreign born students in the acquisition. 3. Describe how schools can operate as vehicle for social, democratic, and economic reconstruction. Answer: Social deconstructionists – proponent of the theory of education that schools and teachers need to engage in the reconstructing and reforming of society to eradicate its ills and shortcomings. Economic reconstructionists- subscribers to an educational perspective or motivational that focuses on developing students who take critical stances toward the dominant social and economic status quo. 4. Identify the four basic purpose of school. A. Intellectual purpose- promote academic learning, B. Political and civic- purposes help the students to learn how to govern themselves wisely and justly. C. Economic purpose schools will prepare students for the future. D. Social purpose- adapt to social expectations. 5. Explain why students in elementary classrooms learn to deny desire, delay gratification, cope with interruptions and work through social distractions. Answer: because they are surrounded by so many other students who want the same thing they want. 6. Describe the range of educational experiences for middle-grade students, based on the grade configuration of the school, the size of the school, the administration’s and teacher’s orientations, the goals of the school and the staffing patterns. Answer: the goals that schools set for students influence middle-school education in other ways as well, including the curriculum offered and the instructional method used. It was found that classroom structure for students in the middle grades varied from completely self-contained classrooms, in which one teacher taught one from of students all major subject areas, to completely departmentalized schools in which each teacher specialized in a single subject area and taught several different classes of students. The middle schools showed a greater percentage of departmentalized staffing. Teachers also differed by the type of licensure held. Teachers with secondary licensure were more likely to be subject matter oriented, and middle-grade students were taught by subject matter experts showed higher level pf achievement. 7. Explain how the greater variety of choices secondary students have can result in different high school experiences, based on tracking, the courses in which they enroll, the feedback they receive from teachers, and the tacit agreement they make with their teachers, Answer: early adolescences are characterized by a variety of developmental needs and dramatic evaluation in the maturation rate. 8. Identify four areas suggested to improve the quality of high schools. A. pressure on the teacher B. influence on tracking C. classroom treaties D. specialty shops 9. List and explain some of the characteristics of schools that are effective with respect to academic. Answer: the teacher’s expectation – high can do expectation Communication among teachers – high degree of colleagueship Task orientation – serious attitude. Academic engaged time- keep students working Part II 1. Raise your hand before you speak 2. No chewing gum 3. No talking in class 4. Do your homework or they will contact your parents 5. If you are late for class you will have to go to the principal office. 6. The principal said it was okay for him to whoop me. ** I felt #6 was unfair because other people shall not be able to whoop you.

Chomsky and Skinner and Theories Of Language Development Essay

Chomsky and Skinner and Theories Of Language Development Many psychologists have studied and researched into how we acquire language. Some have concluded that the ability to learn language is a genetically inherited skill. Others believe that language is learned following birth and is due to environmental factors. This is part of the nature vs. nurture debate. One of the main psychologists who supported the nurture side was B.F Skinner. Skinner is an empiricist. He put forward the idea that children learn language because of the influence of the environment. Skinner believed that parents would provide more attention and pleasurable reactions when the infant made correct sounds or utterances. This way the child would gradually learn to speak and use language. The child would respond to the smiles and approval of the parents. Skinner explained this as operant conditioning; the reinforcement of a random response by a reward. By trial and error the child would learn to communicate. The child would repeat verbal behaviour that was rewarded and drop sounds or speech that did not work in terms of getting a pleasurable response. This is selective reinforcement. Pavlov and his dogs were and excellent example of operant conditioning. Pavlov rang a bell when it was time for the dogs to eat; eventually the dogs associated the bell with food. Each time the bell rang the dogs salivated. On the other hand, N.Chomsky who was a nativist argued that children are born with a language acquisition device (LAD). This meant that humans have a built in mechanism to help them recognise and speak language. Chomsky believed that children simply neede... ...rmal language acquisition early in life. q Sachs reported the case of Jim, whose parents deaf but who was surrounded by spoken language from the television and radio in the hope that he would learn normal language. Jim showed no signs of learning language until a speech therapist took up his case at the age of three. Without the human interaction with the speech therapist there was no sign that Jim would have learned to speak. He needed the interaction before his language ability could develop. q If language development was innate, surely it would develop soon after we are able to control our voices, which is soon after one year of age. It does not explain why language takes a few years to develop. q Chomsky's theory also doesn't explain why there are such large variations in the rate children learn language. Chomsky and Skinner and Theories Of Language Development Essay Chomsky and Skinner and Theories Of Language Development Many psychologists have studied and researched into how we acquire language. Some have concluded that the ability to learn language is a genetically inherited skill. Others believe that language is learned following birth and is due to environmental factors. This is part of the nature vs. nurture debate. One of the main psychologists who supported the nurture side was B.F Skinner. Skinner is an empiricist. He put forward the idea that children learn language because of the influence of the environment. Skinner believed that parents would provide more attention and pleasurable reactions when the infant made correct sounds or utterances. This way the child would gradually learn to speak and use language. The child would respond to the smiles and approval of the parents. Skinner explained this as operant conditioning; the reinforcement of a random response by a reward. By trial and error the child would learn to communicate. The child would repeat verbal behaviour that was rewarded and drop sounds or speech that did not work in terms of getting a pleasurable response. This is selective reinforcement. Pavlov and his dogs were and excellent example of operant conditioning. Pavlov rang a bell when it was time for the dogs to eat; eventually the dogs associated the bell with food. Each time the bell rang the dogs salivated. On the other hand, N.Chomsky who was a nativist argued that children are born with a language acquisition device (LAD). This meant that humans have a built in mechanism to help them recognise and speak language. Chomsky believed that children simply neede... ...rmal language acquisition early in life. q Sachs reported the case of Jim, whose parents deaf but who was surrounded by spoken language from the television and radio in the hope that he would learn normal language. Jim showed no signs of learning language until a speech therapist took up his case at the age of three. Without the human interaction with the speech therapist there was no sign that Jim would have learned to speak. He needed the interaction before his language ability could develop. q If language development was innate, surely it would develop soon after we are able to control our voices, which is soon after one year of age. It does not explain why language takes a few years to develop. q Chomsky's theory also doesn't explain why there are such large variations in the rate children learn language.

Universal Robina Corporation

I, Janice A. Sandoval, 22 years old, a graduate from the University of the Philippines under the degree of BS Food Technology, am applying to become a part of the Research and Development Team of your company. I have read that you urgently need someone who has a background for food production and development.I was a consistent member of the honor roll and had graduated on time. Way back in 2004, I have been equipped of the knowledge regarding food development at our university and have undergone rigorous trainings at Edward Keller as a Quality Assurance for my on the job training or practicum. If I will be hired here, I can assure you that I will be one of the contributors in the success of your company.As references, you can consult the attached resume in this letter. I will be willing to attend any interview for the faster processing of this application.Thank you very much.Sincerely Yours,Janice A. SandovalAlison Doyle. Sample Cover Letter – Block Format. 2007. New York Comp any Times.  Ã‚   September 3,2007. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverblock.htm About Universal Robina Corporation. 2007. September 3, 2007  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Marketing Final Study Guide Essay

Chapter 11-Advertising, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the Changing Media Landscape 1. Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and the New Media Integrated Marketing Communications: Approach designed to deliver one consistent message to buyers across an organization’s promotions. TV, Radio, magazines, Internet, Phones Mobil Marketing: Marketing Media that is available in different places such as cell phones or on forms of transportation * Magazines, newspapers and televisions compete with internet, texting, mobile phones, blogs, YouTube, Facebook, and twitter. Out-of-home advertising: Billboards, moveable promotions that are displayed in a broad range of public spaces including tray tables on airplanes, the inside of subways, trains, buses, and even in bathroom stalls. * As the media landscape changes, the money organizations spend on different types of communication will change as well 2. The Promotion (communication) mix Promotion or Communication Mix: Communication tools that may include advertising, sales, promotions, public relations and publicity, personal selling, and direct marketing. Advertising: A message that is paid for and sent to large groups of the population at one time with an identified organization or brand (product or service) being promoted * Advantages and disadvantages: Radio, magazines, newspapers are portable. Radios have many stations and are driving when listening. TV people get up or turn the station. Vehicle: the specific means, such as a particular magazine or a specific television show, within a medium to reach a selected target market. Personal Selling: An interactive, personal, paid promotional approach between a buyer and a seller. (e.g. interviewing for a job, pampered chef, Mary Kay) Public Relations (PR): The process of creating a positive image for a company, an offering, or a person via publicity. Sales promotion: Other forms of promotions (coupons, contests, rebates, mail-in-offers) not included as a component of a communication mix. Trade promotions: Sales promotions aimed at businesses in business-to-business marketing. (e.g. trade shows, sponsorships, event marketing, and special incentives given to retailers, such as extra money, in-store displays, and prizes to market particular products and services) Direct Marketing: Delivering personalized promotional materials directly to individual consumers. Materials may be delivered via mail, catalogs, Internet, e-mail, or telephone, or in person. * Benefits: ability to target a specific set of customers, measure the return on investment, and test different strategies before implementing to all targeted consumers. Disadvantage: Intrusive and many consumers ignore the attempts to reach them Telemarketing: A form of direct marketing that involves contacting people by phone. Do Not Call Registry: Established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2008, the service prevents organizations from calling any phone numbers registered with the FTC Direct Mail: A form of direct marketing that is mailed to consumers. It can be personalized and ask consumers to make a certain response. Catalogs are often part of direct mail campaigns. Call to action: In direct marketing, requesting consumers to make a specific response such as a purchase or a call for more information. Direct Response Advertising: Direct marketing that includes an offer and a call to action (e.g. â€Å"Call now and receive a bonus package,† internet provides the preferred direct-response medium because it is less expensive.) 3. The Promotion Mix, Communication, and Buyers’ Perceptions. Factors that Influence Selection of Promotion Mix * Budget Available: the budget available to market a product determines what elements of the promotion mix are utilized. Affects a promotion’s reach and frequency. Reach: The number of people exposed to a message Frequency: How often people are exposed to a message * Stage in the product life cycle: affects the type and amount of the promotion used. Products in intro. stage needs more promotional dollars. * Type of product and type of purchase decision: technical- personal selling to understand features. Advertising used to sell convenience goods and routine purchase items since customers are familiar with the product. * Target Market Characteristics and consumers’ readiness to purchase: organizations must understand how ready different target markets are to make purchases * Consumers’ Preferences for various media: Research is done to find out how consumers want to be reached * Regulations, competitors, and environmental factors: regulations can affect the type of promotion used (e.g. In U.S. tobacco products can’t be advertised on TV) Strength of economy has an impact- weak economy organizations use sales promotions such as coupons (associated risk is consumers may start to expect coupons) * Availability of Media: Plan promotions based on media availability. Crisis or Disasters can cut TV promotion slots. * Push versus Pull strategy: Many manufactures use both strategies Push Strategy: A strategy in which businesses are the target of promotions to products get â€Å"pushed† through their marketing channels and sold to consumers. (e.g. displays in retail outlets for new products) Pull Strategy: A strategy in which consumers are targeted with sales promotions such as coupons, contests, games, rebates, mail-in offers. (e.g. manufacturer promotes on TV and places coupons in the newspaper causing wholesalers and retailers to buy their product to meet consumer demand) Encode: Senders must translate or convert benefits and value of a product or service into a message for the message channel selected. Decode: Receivers interpret messages. Interference (noise): Any distractions or noise that senders and receivers face during the transmission of a message. (e.g. poor reception, poor print quality, problems with a server, low battery) Feedback: Means of telling sellers you saw their information and wanted to try their product.

Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Example

Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Example Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Forensic Investigations Regulations Essay Forensic Investigations Regulations Name: Course: Institution: : Instructor: Date: Forensic Investigations Regulations Risk Assessment Checklist Risk Assessment Checklist Yes No NA 1. Does the company have an adequate level of fraud awareness, and are appropriate policies in place to minimize fraud risk, specifically:a. Generic risk factorsHas the company assigned each employee a maximum â€Å"opportunity level† to commit fraud, that is, has management asked itself the question, â€Å"What is the maximum amount this employee could defraud the organization, and does this represent an acceptable risk?† Comments: I was not able to find out about this risk factor. Has the company set a catastrophic opportunity level; that is, has management asked itself the question, â€Å"Have we ensured that no single employee- or group of employees in collusion- can commit a fraud that would place the organization in imminent risk of survival?† Comments: I was not able to find out about this risk factor. Does the company have a policy of immediately dismissing any employee who has committed fraud? Comments: employees who are found guilty of committing fraud are immediately laid off. Does the company have a policy of reporting all frauds to the authorities and pressing charges? Comments: the management does not report all fraud cases some are solved internally. For all frauds experienced by the company in the past, has management evaluated the reasons that led to the fraud and taken corrective action? Comments: the management has not taken time to investigate why fraudulent activities take place within the company. b. Individual risk factorsDoes the company have a corporate mission statement, which includes an objective of good citizenship or the maintenance of good standing in the community? Comments: the company’s mission statement is â€Å"to be a leader† Does the company have a written code of ethics and business? Comments: the code of ethics is important when running any business Does the organization conduct ethical and security training for new employees and periodic updates for existing employees? Comments: employees are trained before they start work and during their employment period. Does management set the right example; that is, does it follow the company’s mission statement, code of ethics and business conduct, and other policies of the organization; and is it clearly seen to be doing so by employees? Comments: the management does not set the best example to the rest of the employees given by the rise in cases of fraud within the company Does the company’s culture avoid characteristics that promote unethical behavior, for example, high or even hostile competitiveness within the organization that might push employees to the point of burnout; pointless rigid or petty policies, or both; over centralization of authority? Comments: I could not find information on this matter Do The organization’ hiring policies, to the extent possible, seek out individuals of high moral character and weed out those of low moral character? Comments: extensive vetting and training is done to ensure the right candidates are picked for the job. Does the company’s use screening and/or testing procedures for especially sensitive positions; for example, psychological tests, drug tests, or lie detector tests, or a combination of all three, where permitted by law? Comments: this is important for efficient productivity by the potential employees 2. Does the company have an adequate system of internal controls, specifically:a. Internal control Has the organization explicitly considered the need for fraud prevention in the design and maintenance of the system of internal controls? Comments: the internal system is not adequate Risk Management Checklist Yes No NA b. Control over physical and logical accessDoes the company state and enforce a policy that restricts access to those requiring it for job performance, including a strict policy against employees allowing access to unauthorized personnel, for example, by loaning keys or sharing passwords? Comments: access is granted to anyone c. Job descriptionsDoes the company have written specific job descriptions? Comments: job descriptions determine who works where and distinguishes authority Are job descriptions adhered to? Comments: not all employees adhere to their job descriptions Does the organization have an organization chart that reflects and is consistent with the job descriptions of its employees? Comments: this is a contributing factor for fraud because there is no supervision Are incompatible duties segregated, for example, the handling of valuable assets- especially cash- and related records? Comments: there is no segregation of duties within the company d. Regular accounting reconciliations and analysesAre budgets reviewed for variances? Comments: budget reviews are important in organizations e. SupervisionDo supervisors and managers have adequate fraud awareness, that is, are they alert to the possibility of fraud whenever an unusual or exceptional situation occurs, such as supplier or customer complaints about their accounts? Comments: the supervisors do not have efficient information on fraud in the company Do supervisors and managers diligently review their subordinates’ work, for example, accounting reconciliations, and redo the work when appropriate? Comments: work reviews are not satisfactory Is supervisory or management override prohibited and are others within the firm alert to the fraud risks associated with management override? Comments: employees are not fully aware of fraud associated with the management override Risk Assessment Checklist Yes No NA 3. Has The organization specifically addressed the following fraud prevention issues:a. Ethical Environmentb. Risk FinancingComputer Security Comments (a-c): the organization has taken preventive measures in the ethical environmental and risk financing. However computer security needs to be improved Fraudulent Financial ReportingIs the organization’s financial stability or profitabilty threatened by economic, industry, or entity operating conditions? Comments: the economy affects the stability of all businesses and organizations Is there excessive pressure on management or management incentives related to reaching earnings expectations or certain revenue benchmarks? Comments: there is no pressure because the company operates according to its earnings Are there significant balances in the financial statements which are based on subjective management estimates? Comments: the financial statements do not always balance, which is risky in terms of promoting fraud Reasons for comments The comments indicated in the above checklist are after careful study of the organization and its operations. There have been cases of employees losing their jobs after being found guilty of fraudulent activity within the company (Pasiuk $ Vault, 2005). This is the right thing to do because it sets examples to the other employees. With the number of fraud cases within the company, the management should report to the relative authorities so that the same is avoided. The management does not take time to investigate the reasons why they are fraud within the company. Investigations would promise a reduction on the fraud cases. The organization has a mission and vision statement that helps to run it. A code of ethics is important in every organization and Kroger’s has adopted one for the organization. Kroger’s train their employees and they are known to pick some of their potential employees from universities and colleges. There are always cases of fraud within the organizat ion sometimes involving the management meaning the management does not set the best example to the rest of the employees. Their employees are screened to ensure that their productivity is optimal. They have a substandard internal system. Access to some of the most confidential document and files is not limited. The job descriptions are not respected by all employees because job description is not clearly defined. This means that there are those who are exploited and this is unfair. The supervision is not adequate as the supervisors lack sufficient information to know and detect fraud within the company. The rest of the employees do not know about fraud by management overrides and this exposes the organization to higher fraud risks. There are annual budget reviews in the organizations that reflect the expenditure and income of the business (Pasiuk Vault, 2005). Recommendations I recommend asset identification and registration, which includes revenue collection, expenditure, supplies ad computers at the organization. The management should also recognize the risks involved with protecting these assets. The risks involve knowing when assets are being misused and if they are getting lost within the company and finding ways of preventing this (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). Positive control should be made aware to all the staff members to demonstrate responsibility. The internal control system in the company should be effective. This includes sufficient supervision, inventories and appropriate documentation. This will ensure that there is no unofficial use loss or damage of company assets. Every employee should be allocated specialized responsibility for effective and efficient cohesion in terms of fraud prevention in the work place. The responsibilities should be clearly defined for instance they should know the different levels of authority within the organization . This will also reduce over reliance on one person and prevent abuse. I recommend the managers to take keen supervision measures to ensure that productivity is optimum. Supervision includes control checks of lower level staff and it will help them to detect any cases of fraud (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). Random checks by the supervisors will be an effectual anti-fraud measure. Kroger’s should adopt an audit trail as a measure of fraud detection. It ensures that all controls are checked and reviewed through a system. Effective monitoring and evaluation should be done periodically by an independent team. This will make clear any fraudulent activity within the company. Satisfactory staffing should be made to ensure that the system works effectively. Staffing should not be done without thorough vetting and interviews. Financial and accounting controls should be done by the delegated people in the company. This will reduce risks of fraud. The systems within the company should be developed, modified and upgraded to the latest versions for efficiency. Tr eatment of staff members is important. They should be allowed leave days, promotions, health benefits and they should not work under stress (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). All these are contributors of fraudulent activities within companies. As an anti-frau preventive measure, Kroger’s should have an auditing committee. This committee identifies fraud risks and implements their prevention procedures. It will also ensure transparency by the senior management team. The committee should be assisted by anti-fraud specialists. The management should provide the rest of the employees with opportunities to report concerns about suspected fraud within and without the company. They should have both internal and external auditors. Internal auditor will help in the deterrence of fraud and the external auditors should liaise with internal auditor to ensure zero tolerance for fraud (Biegelman Bartow, 2012). It is important to have an ethics policy and a fraud policy within an organization. This is made available to the employees upon employment and sporadically during their term of employment. Adoption of these measures will guarantee a prevention and reduction of fraudulent activities within the company. Reference Biegelman, M. T., Bartow, J. T. (2012). Executive roadmap to fraud prevention and internal control: Creating a culture of compliance. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Print. Pasiuk, L., Vault (Firm). (2005). Vault guide to the top retail employers. New York: Vault Inc. Print.

Free Essays on Nucors Bisiness

Nucor Corporation is a successful â€Å"mini-mill† steel company with a reputation for cost efficiency and streamlined management. CEO, Ken Iverson, operates the firm with a minimum of staff. This helps the company achieving a low cost position. He uses the philosophy of putting daily decision making into the hands of his operating people. While many larger steel companies have typically eight or nine management levels, Nucor only operates with half as many with about 9,800 employees. Iverson feels that by eliminating any differences between management and the rest of his employees, the employees will feel that they are a real part of the company, which will add to the overall success of the company. The goal of most companies is a sustainable competitive advantage. In order to obtain this advantage, a company must develop long-term strategies. These strategies should cover low switching costs, continuing growth and diversity, exit barriers, and product differences. For a business to remain successful, it must be able to formulate strategies to compete with larger, more profitable organizations in the same industry and it must also formulate strategies in which to adapt to changes in their external environment while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit. A company must be able to compete with other corporations in the same industry if it is to stay in business. Cost and quality are key factors and are major opportunities for a business to gain a competitive advantage. An emphasis must be put on operating efficiency and product quality. Porter’s model of competitive strategy identifies three major generic strategies, which include differentiation, cost leadership, and focus . Organizations pursuing a deferential strategy seek to gain competitive advantage through a uniqueness of goods and services from other competitors. Because Nucor uses scrap steel that contains a variety of alloys and impurities in the production of thei... Free Essays on Nucor's Bisiness Free Essays on Nucor's Bisiness Nucor Corporation is a successful â€Å"mini-mill† steel company with a reputation for cost efficiency and streamlined management. CEO, Ken Iverson, operates the firm with a minimum of staff. This helps the company achieving a low cost position. He uses the philosophy of putting daily decision making into the hands of his operating people. While many larger steel companies have typically eight or nine management levels, Nucor only operates with half as many with about 9,800 employees. Iverson feels that by eliminating any differences between management and the rest of his employees, the employees will feel that they are a real part of the company, which will add to the overall success of the company. The goal of most companies is a sustainable competitive advantage. In order to obtain this advantage, a company must develop long-term strategies. These strategies should cover low switching costs, continuing growth and diversity, exit barriers, and product differences. For a business to remain successful, it must be able to formulate strategies to compete with larger, more profitable organizations in the same industry and it must also formulate strategies in which to adapt to changes in their external environment while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit. A company must be able to compete with other corporations in the same industry if it is to stay in business. Cost and quality are key factors and are major opportunities for a business to gain a competitive advantage. An emphasis must be put on operating efficiency and product quality. Porter’s model of competitive strategy identifies three major generic strategies, which include differentiation, cost leadership, and focus . Organizations pursuing a deferential strategy seek to gain competitive advantage through a uniqueness of goods and services from other competitors. Because Nucor uses scrap steel that contains a variety of alloys and impurities in the production of thei...

Commodore George Dewey in the Spanish-American War

Commodore George Dewey in the Spanish-American War Born December 26, 1837, George Dewey was the son of Julius Yemans Dewey and Mary Perrin Dewey of Montpelier, VT. The couples third child, Dewey lost his mother at age five to tuberculosis and developed a close relationship with his father. An active boy who was educated locally, Dewey entered the Norwich Military School at age fifteen. The decision to attend Norwich was a compromise between Dewey and his father as the former wished to go to sea in the merchant service, while the latter desired his son to attend West Point. Attending Norwich for two years, Dewey developed a reputation as a practical joker. Leaving the school in 1854, Dewey, against his fathers wishes, accepted an appointment as an acting midshipman in the US Navy on September 23. Traveling south, he enrolled at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. Annapolis Entering the academy that fall, Deweys class was among the first to progress through the standard four-year course. A difficult academic institution, only 15 of the 60 midshipmen who entered with Dewey would graduate. While at Annapolis, Dewey experienced firsthand the rising sectional tensions that were gripping the country. A known scrapper, Dewey took part in several fights with Southern students and was prevented from engaging in a pistol duel. Graduating, Dewey was appointed a midshipman on June 11, 1858, and was assigned to the steam frigate USS Wabash (40 guns). Serving on the Mediterranean station, Dewey was respected for his devoted attention to his duties and developed an affection for the region. The Civil War Begins While overseas, Dewey was given the opportunity to visit the great cities of Europe, such as Rome and Athens, before going ashore and exploring Jerusalem. Returning to the United States in December 1859, Dewey served on two short cruises before traveling to Annapolis to take his lieutenants exam in January 1861. Passing with flying colors, he was commissioned on April 19, 1861, a few days after the attack on Fort Sumter. Following the outbreak of the Civil War, Dewey was assigned to USS Mississippi (10) on May 10 for service in the Gulf of Mexico. A large paddle frigate, Mississippi had served as Commodore Matthew Perrys flagship during his historic visit to Japan in 1854. On the Mississippi Part of Flag Officer David G. Farraguts West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Mississippi participated in the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the subsequent capture of New Orleans in April 1862. Serving as executive officer to Captain Melancton Smith, Dewey earned high praise for his coolness under fire and conned the ship as it ran past the forts, as well as forced the ironclad CSS Manassas (1) ashore. Remaining on the river, Mississippi returned to action the following March when Farragut attempted to run past the batteries at Port Hudson, LA. Moving forward on the night of March 14, Mississippi grounded in front of the Confederate batteries. Unable to break free, Smith ordered the ship abandoned and while the men lowered the boats, he and Dewey saw to it that the guns were spiked and the ship set afire to prevent capture. Escaping, Dewey was later reassigned as executive officer of USS Agawam (10) and briefly commanded the screw sloop of war USS Monongahela (7) after its captain and executive officer were lost in a fight near Donaldsonville, LA. North Atlantic Europe Brought east, Dewey saw service on the James River before being appointed executive officer of the steam frigate USS Colorado (40). Serving on the North Atlantic blockade, Dewey took part in both of Rear Admiral David D. Porters attacks on Fort Fisher (Dec. 1864 Jan. 1865). In the course of the second attack, he distinguished himself when Colorado closed with one of the forts batteries. Cited for bravery at Fort Fisher, his commander, Commodore Henry K. Thatcher, attempted to take Dewey with him as his fleet captain when he relieved Farragut at Mobile Bay. This request was denied and Dewey was promoted to lieutenant commander on March 3, 1865. With the end of the Civil War, Dewey remained on active duty and served as executive officer of USS Kearsarge (7) in European waters before receiving an assignment to the Portsmouth Navy Yard. While in this posting, he met and married Susan Boardman Goodwin in 1867. Postwar Moving through assignments on Colorado and at the Naval Academy, Dewey steadily rose through the ranks and was promoted to commander on April 13, 1872. Given command of USS Narragansett (5) that same year, he was stunned in December when his wife died after giving birth to their son, George Goodwin Dewey. Remaining with Narragansett, he spent nearly four years working with the Pacific Coast Survey. Returning to Washington, Dewey served on the Light House Board, before sailing for the Asiatic Station as captain of USS Juniata (11) in 1882. Two years later, Dewey was recalled and given command of USS Dolphin (7) which was frequently used as the presidential yacht. Promoted to captain on September 27, 1884, Dewey was given USS Pensacola (17) and sent to Europe. After eight years at sea, Dewey was brought back to Washington to serve as a bureau officer. In this role, he was promoted to commodore on February 28, 1896. Unhappy with the climate of the capital and feeling inactive, he applied for sea duty in 1897, and was given command of the US Asiatic Squadron. Hoisting his flag at Hong Kong in December 1897, Dewey immediately began preparing his ships for war as tensions with Spain increased. Ordered by Secretary of the Navy John Long and Assistant Secretary Theodore Roosevelt, Dewey concentrated his ships and retained sailors whose terms had expired. To the Philippines With the beginning of the Spanish-American War on April 25, 1898, Dewey received instructions to immediately move against the Philippines. Flying his flag from the armored cruiser USS Olympia, Dewey departed Hong Kong and began gathering intelligence regarding Admiral Patricio Montojos Spanish fleet at Manila. Steaming for Manila with seven ships on April 27, Dewey arrived off Subic Bay three days later. Not finding Montojos fleet, he pressed into Manila Bay where the Spanish were located near Cavite. Forming for battle, Dewey attacked Montojo on May 1 at the Battle of Manila Bay. Battle of Manila Bay Coming under fire from the Spanish ships, Dewey waited to close the distance, before stating You may fire when ready, Gridley, to Olympias captain at 5:35 AM. Steaming in an oval pattern, the US Asiatic Squadron fired first with their starboard guns and then their port guns as they circled around. For the next 90 minutes, Dewey attacked the Spanish, while defeating several torpedo boat attacks and a ramming attempt by Reina Cristina during the fighting. At 7:30 AM, Dewey was warned that his ships were low on ammunition. Pulling out into the bay, he soon learned that this report was an mistake. Returning to action around 11:15 AM, the American ships saw that only one Spanish vessel was offering resistance. Closing in, Deweys squadron finished the battle, reducing Montojos fleet to burning wrecks. With the destruction of the Spanish fleet, Dewey became a national hero and was immediately promoted to rear admiral. Continuing to operate in the Philippines, Dewey coordinated with Filipino insurgents led by Emilio Aguinaldo in attacking the remaining Spanish forces in the region. In July, American troops led by Major General Wesley Merritt arrived and the city of Manila was captured on August 13. For his great service, Dewey was promoted to admiral effective March 8, 1899. Later Career Dewey remained in command of the Asiatic Squadron until October 4, 1899, when was relieved and sent back to Washington. Appointed president of the General Board, he received the special honor of being promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Navy. Created by a special act of Congress, the rank was conferred on Dewey on March 24, 1903, and back-dated to March 2, 1899. Dewey is the only officer to ever hold this rank and as a special honor was permitted to remain on active duty beyond the mandatory retirement age. A consummate naval officer, Dewey flirted with running for president in 1900 as a Democrat, however several missteps and gaffs led him to withdraw and endorse William McKinley. Dewey died at Washington DC on January 16, 1917, while still serving as president of the US Navys General Board. His body was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on January 20, before being moved at his widows request to the crypt of Bethlehem Chapel at the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral (Washington, DC).

To what extent does an understanding of the history and evolution of Assignment

To what extent does an understanding of the history and evolution of business and globalization help in our understanding of business today; and what value could this have for your career - Assignment Example world reach unprecedented levels of globalisation; this has been as a result of liberalising economic trade, which has seen human capital flow from regions where it is surplus to the regions where there is shortage (Gerdes, 2006, p87). Businesses have also capitalised on the opportunities brought about by globalisation and expanded their market in different regions in the world, which has necessitated them to send expatriates in those regions. Initially, when protectionism and imperialism were the order of doing business in the world, movement of people from one country to another was restricted and countries attempted to be self sufficient; both in terms of technology, human capital and goods (Boudreaux, 2008, p107). However, when countries realised that opening up their boarders to trade provided more opportunities for them, the process of globalization began. One of the greatest effects of globalization was movement of human capital from areas where there it was in surplus to wher e it was needed. This movement of people created several challenges due to different cultures and competitions. In order to overcome this barrier, there was need for businesses to develop intercultural competencies in order to deal with people from different cultures (James, 2007, p90). The desire to develop people with such skills has made organizations to train their employees, a practise that has been developing with time and which s currently very popular with a large number of international NGO’s and multinational corporations. Opening up of trade between countries which saw a shift in trade policies from protectionism to open economic systems is also part of history that can be used to understand why countries trade the way they do, for instance, countries are interested in making bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. In understanding the inspiration between these agreements, it is important to define open and closed economic systems as countries are moving from

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 16

Human Resource Management - Essay Example Given the significant changes in the demand of a company’s goods and services, the number of required employees also changes. Human resource management plays a crucial role over the success of implementing organizational downsizing. In the absence of human resource management, it would be difficult on the part of the human resource managers to effectively handle employees when organization change becomes inevitable. As part of the study of human resource management, human resource managers are encouraged to have competitive leadership and communication skills. Aside from providing the readers a list of recommended solutions on how to minimize and prevent the lost of business opportunities associated with the negative consequences of implementing organizational downsizing strategy, this study will discuss the importance of using transformational and authentic leadership style which are suitable when implementing organizational downsizing. As an end result of globalization, many businesses today are restructuring their organizational and business approach in order to keep the local firms competitive in the local and global market. (Business Week, 1997) One of the most common restructuring strategies that aim to increase the efficiency of a company is organizational downsizing. Although many firms have enjoyed the benefits from organizational downsizing in terms of increasing the profitability of the company by reducing its operational cost and making its operational process more efficient, it remains inevitable that most encounter internal problems related to its existing employees. Each organizational downsizing event could result to predictable outcomes in terms of having similar issues related to the feelings of betrayal, loss of trust in the management of the company, and experiencing internal conflicts between the corporate management and employees in line with retaining and losing their job. (Strom, 2008) As a result, the lack

History- Modern latin america Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

History- Modern latin america - Assignment Example 2. Outcome of Mexico Independence Mexicans, won independence from Spanish colonial authorities in 1821. Stephen Austin’s settlers were then, directed to become Mexican citizens; members of the Roman Catholic Church and learn Spanish. When Mexican government condemned slavery, Texans (Americans in Austin’s colony) rebelled and were declared republic in 1839. Post colonial era witnessed major conflicts, the  War of the Triple Alliance  (1864–1870) and the  War of the Pacific  (1879–1884).  Porfirio Diaz (1884-1910) tried to maintain law and order in Mexico. He helped modernize economy by boosting foreign investment; export of the natural resources and expanding railroads though majority of land and resources remained concentrated in hands of wealthy owners, resulting majority population poor. In the second decade of 20th century uprisings held by Francisco Madero against autocrat Diaz led to largest upheaval, â€Å"Mexico revolution†. Refere nce: 1. Stephen, Lynn.  Zapata Lives: Histories and Cultural Politics in Southern Mexico, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002 Print.

Accounting ds Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Accounting ds - Coursework Example A number of businesses use computerized systems to handle each step in their process of accounting. Companies usually improve their AISs to remain competitive in the industry and comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Simkin, 2014). There are three types of Accounting Information Systems, namely manual systems, legacy systems and modern, integrated IT systems. An organization’s choice of the system to use depends on its size, business needs, and types of business and how sophisticated the business is (Simkin, 2014). A well and carefully designed AIS usually makes a business to run smoothly on daily basis, however, a poorly-designed one hampers its operations. Just like in the cases of Lehman brothers and WorldCom, the data in AIS can be used in uncovering the story of what actually went wrong. A successful business normally has an efficient and accurate accounting information system that is well maintained. Q2 A company purchased a cash register on January 1 for $5,400. This register has a useful life of 10 years and a salvage value of $400. What would be the depreciation expense for the second year of its useful life using the double-declining-balance method? Firstly, we record the ending balances from the bank statement. Secondly, prepare a detailed list of all the deposits in transit. Then we sum the two items. Thirdly, we prepare a detailed list of all the outstanding checks, checks written or sent but not cleared. We then correct any errors before getting the difference between the ending balance and the total outstanding to get adjusted bank balance. Fourthly, we adjust the general ledger balance by adding any interest received, subtracting NSF checks, correcting any errors and subtracting any service charges to get the adjusted general ledger balance. Finally, we compare the adjusted general ledger balance to the adjusted bank balance and the two items should agree. Q4 A company

Marketing decisions and planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing decisions and planning - Essay Example For Hemopure, competitive market is represented by the donor blood market and substitute products. The main competitors of Biopure are Baxter and Northfield. Both companies are market leaders relying on the high quality of products and selling history. Competition refers to the creation of differential advantage particularly by the effective management of innovation to meet changing marketing opportunities (Cooper et al 133). Programmed innovation, like Hemopure, is the method of achieving continuous market adjustment; competition is its stimulus. The main difference between Baxter’s and Northfield’s products and Hemopure is that the latter is based on cattle blood used as the main source of hemoglobin. External factors that place a limit on competition and innovation include various types of governmental regulation, accepted industry practices and agreements, and the social. The main strengths of Hemopure are innovative methods of production and hemoglobin extraction. The main weakness is that the product is not ready for immediate launch and will need two additional years of research and development. Also, Northfield laboratories received FDI approval in 1999 (Biopure Corporation 8-9). Veterinary market proposes enormous opportunities for Biopure because it will be the only company producing such products. The main strength is that for the next 3-5 years, Biopure will be the only market leader in this sector. The main weakness is that any other company can enter this market and reduce the price level. Thus, even such lead

Accounting ds Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Accounting ds - Coursework Example A number of businesses use computerized systems to handle each step in their process of accounting. Companies usually improve their AISs to remain competitive in the industry and comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Simkin, 2014). There are three types of Accounting Information Systems, namely manual systems, legacy systems and modern, integrated IT systems. An organization’s choice of the system to use depends on its size, business needs, and types of business and how sophisticated the business is (Simkin, 2014). A well and carefully designed AIS usually makes a business to run smoothly on daily basis, however, a poorly-designed one hampers its operations. Just like in the cases of Lehman brothers and WorldCom, the data in AIS can be used in uncovering the story of what actually went wrong. A successful business normally has an efficient and accurate accounting information system that is well maintained. Q2 A company purchased a cash register on January 1 for $5,400. This register has a useful life of 10 years and a salvage value of $400. What would be the depreciation expense for the second year of its useful life using the double-declining-balance method? Firstly, we record the ending balances from the bank statement. Secondly, prepare a detailed list of all the deposits in transit. Then we sum the two items. Thirdly, we prepare a detailed list of all the outstanding checks, checks written or sent but not cleared. We then correct any errors before getting the difference between the ending balance and the total outstanding to get adjusted bank balance. Fourthly, we adjust the general ledger balance by adding any interest received, subtracting NSF checks, correcting any errors and subtracting any service charges to get the adjusted general ledger balance. Finally, we compare the adjusted general ledger balance to the adjusted bank balance and the two items should agree. Q4 A company

A survey on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of young adults about Essay

A survey on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of young adults about health promotion and heart disease - Essay Example The study can also include the Preventive Medicine Attitudes and Activities Questionnaire (PMAAQ). Survey type research studies usually have larger samples because the percentage of responses generally happens to be low. Thus, the survey method gathers data from a relatively large number of cases at a particular time. The degree of precision increases if the sample size is larger and decreases if the sample size is smaller. Power analysis helps to determine the sample size. About 500 subjects can be included for this study. Purpose of this research is to explore the young adults' knowledge, attitudes and behavior about health promotion and heart disease. In health and human development, young adulthood is considered to be the stage between adolescence and adulthood, roughly ages 16 to 30. Literatures show that generally young adults had a poor degree of knowledge and poor health behavior related to heart disease. The study participants will be administered with a structured questionnaire. Otherwise, the questionnaire can be mailed to the respondents with a request to return after completing the same. The participants are informed to answer all the questions.

Lee Harvey Oswald Essay Example for Free

Lee Harvey Oswald Essay Oswald was born in New Orleans on October 18, 1939, to Robert Edward lee Oswald, Sr. and Marguerite Frances Clavier. Oswald had two older siblings. Brother Robert Edward lee Oswald, Jr. and half-brother John Edward Pic. Oswald’s father died prior to Oswald’s birth, marguerite raised her sons alone. On may 7,1945; his mother married Edwin Adolph Ekdah in Fort Worth, Texas. As a child, Oswald was withdrawn and temperamental. In august 1952, while living with half-brother John Pic, at the time a U.   S. coastguardsman stationed in New York City, Oswald and marguerite were asked to leave after Oswald allegedly threatened Pic’s wife with a knife and struck their mother, marguerite. Charges of truancy, led to psychiatric assessment at a juvenile reformatory. The psychiatrist, Dr. Renatus Hartogs, described Oswald’s â€Å"vivid fantasy life turning around the topics of omnipotence and power, through which he tries to compensate for his present shortcomings and frustrations. Finding a â€Å"personality pattern disturbance with schizoid features and passive-aggressive tendencies,† Dr. Hartogs recommended continued treatment. However, in January 1954, Oswald’s mother returned with him to New Orleans. At the time, there was a question pending before a New York judge as to weather Oswald should be removed from the care of his mother to finish his schooling, although his behavior appeared to improve during his last months in New York. In New Orleans, in October 1955, Oswald’s left the 10th grade after one month. He worked as an office clerk or messenger around New Orleans, rather than attend school. Planning for his enlistment, the family returned to Fort Worth in July 1956, and he re-enrolled in 10th grade for the September session, but quit in October to join the marines, he never received a high school diploma. By the age of 17, he had resided at 22 different locations and attended 12 different schools. Oswald enlisted in the united states marine corps on October 24, 1956, just after his 17th birthday . e idolized his older brother Robert. Enlistment may also have been an escape from oswalds overbearing mother, oswalds primary training was a radar operator, a position requiring a security clearance. A 1957 document states that he was â€Å"granted final clearance to handle classified matter up to and including confidential, afer careful check of local recorda had disclosed no derogatory data. â€Å"in the aircraft control and warning operator course, he finished seventh in a class of 30. he course included instruction in aircraft surveillance and the use of radar. † He was assigned first to marine corps air station el toro in july 1957, then to naval air facility atsugi in japan in september as part of marine air control squadron 1. Like all marines, Oswald was trained and tested in riflery, scoring 212 in December 1956 (slightly above the minimum for qualification as a sharpshooter) but in may 1959 scoring only 191( barly earning the lower

The Convergence Of Television Networking Media Essay

The Convergence Of Television Networking Media Essay The long-indicated convergence of broadcast TV and internet is reaching a tipping point. Viewing TV text via internet has changed PC savvy TV viewers expectation dramatically. The rise in synchronized use of internet and TV has resulted in a unique off screen and on screen relationship of users with TV content (Grady, 2010). Gradys view of Television describes onscreen engagement of audience with online TV content and off screen interaction amidst peers and friends that Jenkins (2006) terms as water cooler conversations. The onscreen and off screen experience together brings the sociability factor among viewers that supports the water cooler conversation. TV cultivates sociability in many ways (Lull: 1990) for instance, TV plays a vital role in constructing and maintaining interpersonal relationship amongst family and social units. Likewise, when TV content is viewed on websites and other networking sites, it sparks sociability amongst users that influence users to react in numerous ways. For instance, Spoiler fandom of TV shows Survivors was one of the forms of users that used sociability to spoil the show. Although, fandom is not the only form practiced on networking sites, but many more that influences users to build a community around a specific TV content. Online TV content cultivates sociability in networked communities and gives a platform to practice Mc Luhans (1874) living room experience. But online sociability has charted changes in traditional concept of TV and audience. As Fiske (1987: 63-4) states revaluation of viewer requires a revaluation of text. Hence such a convergence needs to be studied in context to dramatic changes in TV industry such as changes in production, distribution and content management. This section of my literature review highlights dramatic changes in TV and TV entry in a post network era. The section also makes a general understanding about TV culture and TV (content) flow. A separate section discusses proliferation of TV text across social networking sites and social use of technology with relevance to online viewing. 1.3.1 Television Concepts Fiske (1987:1) defines TV, a bearer/provoker of meanings and pleasures, and of culture as the generations and circulation of variety of meanings and pleasures within the society. TV as culture is deeply interwoven in our society that it persistently produces and reproduces; meanings and pleasures and their distribution influences audience to behave in a desired way. Meanings are interpreted differently by audience and are part of flow of TV that are experienced by viewers ( Fiske: 1987,15). Audiences are makers of meaning; consume TV text as readers that are capable of producing meanings and pleasure with respect to socio-cultural frameworks ( Fiske: 1987,17). Therefore, to understand audience, TV needs to be understood as culture and a flow that extends meanings and pleasures to meaning makers in social structures. TV as Culture Culture is complex and difficult to understand, it signifies set of values acquired by set of social groups that results in patterned behavior. Theorist like Richard Hoggart (1957), Raymond William (1958) and EP Thompson (1968) has contributed much to the concept of culture. Hall Jefferson (1976, hall.et.al) states, culture is multi-faceted and plural that contains element from past and layers within it. A culture is a culmination of past and present that shapes existing ideas and insights in a society. Culture is diverse, versatile and contains popular forms of dominant culture in a society (Matthew, 1869). As Turner, explains culture is part of our lives that are so powerful and unquestioned that it almost goes invisible and unnoticed (Turner, 1990). Similarly TV and its text has become integral part of our culture that induces viewers to become readers. Television, its content and the industry forms significant aspects of our culture that affects social structures in many ways. TV has become one of the primary forms of culture in most industrialized society (Kompare, 2002). TV as flow Williams (1958) determines flow; a technology and a cultural form. Flow in context to TV, refers to the movement from one program to other or from one segment to the other. Network channels (producers) hold audience via flow of TV text from one interesting segment to another interesting segment making flow continuous. Kompare (2002) explains flow, a broadcasting property that constitutes the overall experience of broadcasting on the minds of audience. Network channels use flow as a strategy to overcome gaps created by commercials and public message; to grab the attention of audience to fill up those gaps and breaks by moving to another program or a segment of a program making viewing experience as effortless endless experience. Gaps are the visible characteristics that define television experience. Williams (1958) believed gaps are not mere gaps but are planned breaks that happens because of interaction between television and audience, he termed it as planned flow. Flow relates to th e appointment based television that involves audience to experience, TV as an endless narrative flow that intensify their continuity. Continuity engages and sustains audience that results in economic exchange, gratifying needs of network channels (advertisers) and audience. Engagement with TV results in cultural capital where as financial front releases economic capital that is necessary for TV to function as culture good andeconomic good. Flow is an essential concept for the growth and survival of TV as culture in a social structure. John Ellis, John Fiske, Jane Feuer, Richard Dinest, John corner and many others have challenged the operations that Williams described in the process of contributing to the formation of discursive field of flow (Urichho, 2004). Corner (2003) argues flow is a pessimistic discourse of TV culture that disregards television characteristics as a diverse medium. Ellis (1982) discusses the scheduling of different genres of programs that are organized in a TV network should be focus of study. His argument focuses on schedule (time) other than programs (flow) as determined by Williams and emphasizes how a different genre of programs gets fit into scheduling of television by organization of time is more relevant than movement from program to program. His way of determining flow underlines the concept of audience that engage themselves in different ways, provided what has been offered to them. This signifies not only how time handles text but how time passage in the text has imbrications on the life who viewed a particular content. Thus, time is an important factor in the study of TV flow. Flow to be understood in present TV culture, it needs to be studied in relation to current advancement in technologies and new digital systems that has converged different mediums at a single platforms. With introduction of converging technologies, so called mass communication mediums , including TV does not always flow ( Kompare : 2002). TV has come long way from traditional form of viewing TV text that was time based and continuous. New media offers content as flexible package than continuous narrative wiping away factors such as when, where and how that has charted changes in the identity of television as culture. Urichho (2004) sketches flow, a fundamental shift in the interface between television and viewer and so in the viewing experience. He describes flow as an interface and explains how the introduction of metadata system and filter technologies has resulted into a new kind of interaction that suggests TV has entered to a new phase. New devices have provided tools to capture television text and produce ways of asynchronous viewing that has altered the interaction of medium with the culture in many ways (Lotz: 2007:35). New mechanism to view varied TV text has charted changes in the concept of flow making it flexible and malleable. The current phase shows us deepening convergence of technologies at single platform and TVs shift from broadcasting to other modes of carriage like VOD, cable, satellite has given an opportunity to distribute content to wider platforms that reaches beyond the audience of broadcast TV. Recent BARB figures of 2009 indicated that most of the people in UK, recorded the first episode of fifth series of Lost (Guardian, 2009). The distribution of TV text to various alternative carriers has affected TV, its identity and TV as a cultural form. TV as culture is transformed by recurring changes in its components such as TV text, changing preferences of audience, advancement in technologies and network channels stance to produce relevant content in accordance with socio-cultural frameworks. For instance, a popular broadcasting network like BBC or CBS when started uploading programs on their websites, audience discussion rise from dinning room to virtual communities, effecting culture in a different way. As discussed, Television is still evolving; its identity is unstable (not fixed). Its difficult to define what television is and what it will be in near future and what changes it will pose to the culture. Urichho (2004) discusses the difficulties approaching TV as he cites Heath (1998; Urichho : 2004,165) who states increasing inadequacy of existing terms and standards of analysis bounds TV with a specific bound of representation, a certain coherence of object and understanding TV in a complex social-political-individual meaning. TV as flow has been transformed by everyday technologies, economy and by network channels posing specific bearing on culture. To conclude, flow is an essential concept for the growth of television as a culture in a society. Although, many scholars has interpreted flow in different ways, but the concept of flow remains vital to the critical understanding of the medium. . 1.3.2 The changing television The convergence of broadcast model and broadband has defeated traditional appointment based television and has produced a new avatar of the medium. The series of transformation in the medium has changed television over the time, changes in terms of distribution of TV content across different media platforms due to technological convergence and changes in TV content to gratify entertainment needs of varied niche social sets of audience. The broadcasting model in no terms can be stated as single technological medium, thereby affecting social and cultural practices that have grown around the medium over the time (Askwith: 2003). Mc Luhans( 1978) living room experience refers to the culmination of social experiences among family members (audience) lasting an evening. When TV became a product of convergence culture, TV audience discovered new ways to engage with TV content via internet, mobile phones and I phones. Personal computers when added to techno mix convergence; TV audience got a platform to expand their social experiences across variety of channels and engaged themselves with TV content as never before. Loyal viewers used these platforms to contemplate about and discuss varied things about TV content such as characters, plots, locations etc resulting in a never ending collective intelligence (Jenkins: 2000) that engage users in different ways across different social platforms. The distribution of TV text to different channels (mediums) and platforms has designed content as malleable packages in accordance to varied media outlets. Jenkins (2000: 95) describes such a phenomenon as transmedia storytelling, as he explains TV content in the present era is more of a story telling experience involving viewers in different ways. He discusses about popular media franchises such as the matrix, Harry potter, Star Wars and states that such media content are entertainment for convergence age that integrates multiple texts to form a single narrative where each text lays its own individuality and originality. In other words, a transmedia content when unfolds to different media outlet, each text (medium) should be able to contribute solely to respective media franchise, for instance in Matrix a film offers a more immediate rapport with audience where as matrix game would involve players in much different way as experienced in film. Thus it reveals that each medium has got different characteristics and engage audience in different ways. Distribution of TV text across different channels gives rise to new experiences and new ways of engagement with the medium. Not only changes in modes of distribution have contributed much to the changed broadcast model of TV, but also its content has transformed over the years. Mapplebleck (1998) describes a general shift from general formats of TV shows such as current affairs, daily show to a more factually based light entertainment programs. This shift was a direct result of changes in culture -media and popular culture, and the space shared by media and social publics. Although, network channels produce TV text in accordance with the entertainment needs of the audience, but experiments on new ideas and concepts play a vital role in gratifying entertainment needs of existent audience and grabbing new audience. The biggest implication of convergence has been the distribution of national identity content to global media markets thereby removing the boundaries of exclusivity and availing content on multiple channels has resulted in cross-cultural interaction ( Jenkins : 2000). Indian Idol much on the lines of American Idol (reality show on Sony TV India) has become a hybrid format in many countries, with a tint of socio-cultural frameworks practiced at each place. Such experiments with the broadcast model have lifted audience from the monotonous everyday routine soap operas to range of interesting formats that are completely new to them. This phenomena has been described as a shift towards first person media (Dovey: 2000) and a post documentary culture (Corner: 2000). With changes in content, there have been major changes in the production techniques to engage audience at different levels of pre production, production and post production. New production practices with TV literate fans have fo stered changes in the way fiction series construct story world (Scones: 2008:67). Sometime various textual strategies are employed for a direct interaction between producers and audience to build rapport with audience. Network channels apply strategies like distribution of content to various platforms, content management and changes in production techniques to engage audience in different ways at different levels, for instance, CBS has become the most viewable network by telecasting some formulaic crime and drama series like survivors and early days of CSI (Lotz: 2007:215). Jenkins (2000:25) adds Survivor is a TV for internet age-designed to be discussed dissected, debated, predicted and critiqued. Survivors (reality show on CBS) brings a new lively format where contestants competes in side the show and show lovers (audience/fandom) competes outside as spoilers to leak the information inside out. The transformation in TV content has affected audience activities and engagement with the medium in numerous ways, moving to a lean forward approach other than sit back approach as practiced by passive audience (Urichho: 2004). Fiske (1987:73) confronts the concept of TV audience as passive consumers and states; television audience might be incapable of influencing the content of TV programs, but the involvement with medium requires significant forms of audience engagement, such as individual viewer interpret TV text in accordance with socio-cultural frameworks to construct meanings to the text, social viewers (set of social group ex family, friends) that discuss TV text with friends and peers to find shared meanings and insights of cultural significance. Corner (1999) explains the pleasure of para-sociability, the enjoyment and excitement we derive from discussing TV content, Jenkins (2000) terms those discussion as water cooler conversation, a natural desire to discuss, express and exchange ideas. However, varied content appears on living room screen and all must not be relevant to an individual or a set of social group. Content must do more than to appear on TV to distinguish itself for better cultural relevance. ( Lotz, 2007:35). She suggests phenomenal TV that lays on the foundation of selected themes and topics that appears on multiple or varied outlet. Programs that achieve special conversation and break the cluttered media are relevant; they gain attention by word of mouth and resonates culture in many ways. As discussed in this section TV has come long way from traditional broadcast model and activities such as distribution, malleable content and changes in production techniques has changed the medium and has produced a new avatar. Transmedia storytelling has distributed content at different platforms with varying technology (specific medium with specific technology ex matrix film {different technology} book {different technology}) and national identity content to be transformed and adjusted in accordance with socio-cultural framework (American Idol in US Indian Idol in India). 1.3.3 TV in the post network era L.A. Times cites post network era as age of fast food TV.(Times, 2005).As Amanda describes, Television as a medium to be organized around networks(Amanda D lotz,2007:5)Lynn spigel cites a more comprehensive phase of TV in the post network era, ( Spigel, Lynn and Olsson,2004:2) indeed, if TV refers to the technologies, industrial information, government policies and practices of looking that were associated with the medium in its classical public service and three network age, it appears we are now entering the phase that comes after TV. Lynn Spigel notes TV to be reinventing in numerous ways, new platforms, channels; multiplicity of visual text at alternative medium has given many ways to think, what TV will be? The way we are experiencing TV needs to be addressed and how we will perceive TV in future needs to be defined. The social aspects clubs with the cultural, economic and institutional aspect to define the broadcast model which vary from place to place. TV cultivates sociability in many ways, Lull (J.Lull:1990) described TV as a vital force in constructing and maintaining interpersonal relationship between family and social units interacting normatively. Antonio(2008) adds audience decodes message on the basis of their identity and background, he adds Media are hegemonic institutions that work to secure social consensus by incorporating dissent and conflict(Antonio Gramsci,2008) Lull and Antonios argument can be seen with reference to the potential social and cultural environment within the medium context, that facilitate sociability among the viewers in the post network era. Technological innovations and society as a whole have been affecting the ways and means viewers experience TV and entertainment in general. As Amanda D lotz cites websters (Amanda D lotz,2007:15) who argues programming multiplicity resulting in audience fragmentation and polarization as new media make content available at different mediums. Cable networks creat es audience loyalty by associating themselves with a kind of genre combining with old genres to niche demographics of TV(Turner, 2001:4-6). Necessary modification and adjustment in digital transition technologies has shifted TV in to a new horizon. Henry Jenkins (Henry Jenkins: 2000, Amanda D lotz :2007:7) calls it a post network era where convergence is intersecting the broadcast model and revolutionizing the society. But I argue TV is certainly not loosing its grab, but the ways and means which are employed by the viewer as in how and where to view has convoluted, how we think and understand TV. I would rather call it a hybrid medium, whose offerings are becoming unique and platforms to showcase those offerings are versatile. Though many contemporary TV scholars tried to figure out TV in the post network era, many relates it to a cultural experience others technology. William Urichhio, maps broad changes in TV technology from old TV console to smart TVsystem. (Urichhio,2008:163) . Michael Curtin relates TV on more cultural grounds and argues that TV needs to be studied cross culturally to understand how TV has evolved in different cultural, economical, and industrial and regulatory conditions.( Michael Curtin,2008:272-275). The entire culture to view TV has been transformed. During the network era (before post network), sources were scarce and no alternative ways were available to receive TV content other than the network channels. With the emergence of the post network era, the restricted access reduced and more options got available to choose from. Technical innovations ranging from recording programs on DVD to downloading videos has brought up a change, with new ways of distribution. Networks delivered content irrespective of what, when and where at a minimal cost resulted a revolutionized way to view content. Lynn Spigel notes changes in programming and sponsorship are met with similar changes in the entire culture of watching TV.(lynn Spigel,2008:5).Jenkins transmedia storytelling, explains TV content is so designed that appear on various media outlet subjects for a flexible consumption (Henry Jenkins,2000:25). Convergence among TV, phones , social platforms offered at internet, presents a limitles s expansion of television presence by enabling reception of TV content almost anywhere. (Amanda D lotz,2007:50). Social platforms such as daily motion and you tube has redefined the role of networks by harnessing online video content. You Tube, when launched streamed about 35 millions video a day and drew the double size of audience (Los angles times.com:2006). As Amnda T Lotz cites Adam Berry, VP of bright cove, who explains online videos as treasures, its not only meant to watch your favorite shows, but to watch whole bunch of stuff which you havent seen. (Amanda D lotz,2007:137). Convergence culture(2000) proposed by Henry Jenkins offers distribution of national identity content for global distribution limiting the boundaries of exclusivity resulting in availability of visual text on multiple platforms and resultant trans media culture. TV in the post network era has offered flexibility in what, when and where to view and has opened up a vast arena to the audience, to practice TV viewing in different ways. TV text fuels a dominant way of thinking among its viewers; it communicates social beliefs and value of the society. I argue TV reincarnates with every technology, with every effort of Network/TV channel content to present diverse text across globe; making it available at different medium and viewers to make sense of visual text within the context of social, economic and cultural condition. The three elements which I described above; technology, Producers and viewers, moves in a cycle and has set the conditions for POST NETWORK era. 1.3.4Network/TV channel content on social network Social element might not be new to TV as J. Lull says, TV cultivates sociability in many ways (J.Lull:1990). But the concept of watching network/TV channel content online on social platforms has added a new social paradigm to television studies. Experiencing TV text with other functional tools embedded in social software like voice chat, peer ratings and integration with social media (networking sites) has engaged viewers in a unique innovative way. In past, many ethnographic researches have shown that people enjoy watching television as a part of socializing in groups. According to an ethnographic research conducted by Lora Oehlberg, Nicolas Ducheneaut, James D. Thornton, Robert J. Moore, Eric Nickell (2006), TV can foster multiple forms of sociability. To analyze the patterns of interaction of TV text, they categorized TV sociability as : direct (e.g. when chatting with friends and family while watching network channel content) or indirect (e.g. when discussing previously viewed programs). Mc luhans (1874) global village conveys the sense of synchronicity created by the electronic medium(TV radio) and the living room,he depicts an event where Television is ON, so as the sharing and continuous participation of members of living room, who discuss, debate and experience TV text in many ways. Mc Luhans(1874) global village highlights two factors that has formed the basis for communication in the current age: sociability in groups and simultaneity between the group and the medium. The idea of sociability and simultaneity in the internet age is same, what has changed is the positioning of participants and members, which has introduced complexities in the current communication process. Castells(2000) visionary idea of culture of real virtuality, explains this phenomenon better in which he explains we are not living in a global village, but in customized cottages globally produced and locally distributed. (Castells 2000: 370). Kitchen(1998) cites that one of the major outcome of internet is the interactivity of online relations based on reception of TV text. (Kitchen,1998:15). Henry Jenkins(2006) explains in convergence culture television provides fodder for so called water cooler conversations and online forums offer an opportunity for participants to share knowledge and expression (as original;Henry Jenkins, 2006:21). TV content leverage and integrate the wisdom of social networking, the combination of duo has resulted into a new type of interactive, participative and user-directed environment. Jenkins cites young people, forming communities using popular (social) media to expand their collective wisdom and from many types of publics (groups) to interact in an innovative unpredictable ways. For instance, in his very first chapter he takes us to the secret world of spoiling survivors, where he outlines the impact of reception of TV show survivors. He analyzes survivors fandom interaction with spoilers of the show calling it collective intelligence in practice.(Henry Jenkins, 2006:28).As he cites Pierre Levy who argues that one person might not know everything, everyone knows something that can bring some relevance to the discussion and leads to participation. (Henry Jenkins, 2006:26). In another case study, Jenkins(2006) discuss American Idol (a reality TV show made for audience participation). He cites participation in such communities not only leads to brand affiliation but empowers a control to assert their demands, which influences the show to move forward.( Henry jenkins:2006:80). American Idol popularity shows us the diversified context adopted by the network/TV channel producers to shape the programming and distribution to suit the consumption patterns of consumers. This reminds me of Derek Compare(2002) who says media content comes as malleable packages other than a seamless continuous narratives. The kind of changes introduced in programming gives a platform for interactivi ty and participation. Analyzing interactivity and participation jenkins writes, Interactivity refers to the ways that new technologies have been designed to be more responsive to consumer feedbackParticipation, on the other hand, is shaped by the cultural and social protocols (Henry Jenkins, 2006:137). So, the creators (content producers) decide interactivity, and users (content consumers) may interact with what is given where as participation allows users to become creators and consumers of the content. In this way both network operators and non network players create and capture value while dramatically changing how consumers interact about TV text on social platforms. With the rise of social platforms and new technological innovation, TV is changing. How we are experiencing TV is also transforming with introduction of online virtual communities (social publics) accessed by personal devices like mobile phone, I phones etc. Social publics form communities that extend beyond friends and peers, neighborhood, cities, countries, and across the continents. As Natalie Klym and Marie Jose Montpetit(2008:2) cites Robet putman(2000), who explains the phenomenon of social as a function of consuming and engaging in amusing activities in public spaces experiencing TV as Mc Luhans(1874) living room experience. Personalization of media device leads to granulation of media space where publics practice Mc Luhans(1874) living room experience on castells(2000) social morphology of networks. Putmans(2000) idea of social engagement contributes well to the TV experience on social networks and explains how individualization of technology enables contacts on social media. Emerging social platforms like joost , Hulu and many other embeds functional features like blogs, discussion forum , chat session and program rating to make online videos more meaningful and interactive. Facebook, orkut and Myspace has recently added video applications to adjust and adapt with more user generated environment. As Natalie Klym and Marie Jose Montpetit(2008:7) adds social network becomes a virtual operator performing a customized and personalized programming habits based on what a user or a community may like. For example, you tube automatically share an individual ratings, favorites, and more on Face book, Twitter, and Google Reader with YouTube Autoshare. (You tube). You Tube, a user generated social platform has grown accustomed to watch video on personal devices. Personal devices are paired and networked and results in a global virtual community, where every individual is interacting with every other. In this sense, personal devices (PC, laptop, I phone) etc and its personalization can be viewed as the foundation of new way to access TV content. Though still at early stage, but this new frontier of TV is evolving at a very faster pace and needs to be researched more. 1.3.5 Technology and social framework Technology has transformed the way, TV is today. Not only the structure, but TV as a medium, culture, industry has lot been changed since its inception. Though, TV has a long standing history with reference to technology; but my area of study concentrates on contemporary social technological innovations and models appropriate for understanding Tv text in relation to social media. Technology in simple terms: is by the people and for the people. As, Liela Green (2002:3) suggests that society is responsible for the development and deployment of particular technologies. Social determinism counters the notion of technology determinism and states society develops technology for the benefit and progress of human kind. I agree to Liela greens view and present an account Mc luhans technological determinism theory to mark the flaws that disturbs the ways in which society and technology interact. The appeal and problems can be viewed in light of a technological determinism theory by Mcluhan(Mc,luhans,1964) where he attempted to explore how culture is affected through various types of media? McLuhan believed that advances in technology of a medium will lead to change in a culture (Mc luhan,1964). From this, McLuhan states that a culture is affected by a kind of medium are being employed, that can be TV, radio, newspapers and magazines. Each medium defines, it own kind of standards like, in order to get information one can turn on TV, which is the most dominant form and can easily be absorbed by ear and eyes where as obtaining news over the Internet on the other hand can make the process complicated for those who are not computer literate. And in that case, if a person cannot translate experiences into the conscious then those experiences will be repressed and the message will be lost. Such was the case with, Alltop, which launched its Personalized Feed Reader. Alltop is an online magazine rack that

Public Safety or Public Trickery :: Proposition 197 Mountain Lions Wildlife Essays

Public Safety or Public Trickery In past years, the debate over human and mountain lion interaction has been quite heated. The California Legislature has addressed issues concerning the hunting of mountain lions for over 80 years. On March 26, 1996, the most recent ballot measure deciding the fate of the California cougar (Felis concolor), Proposition 197, was not passed. This would have repealed the 1990 passing of Proposition 117, which banned all trophy hunting of mountain lions, allowing only trained Department of Fish and Game officials to kill lions that became a threat to public safety and welfare. While compassion is felt for the victims of the relatively few mountain lion attacks, the denial of Proposition 197, which would have ended a 25 year ban on cougar hunting, was a victory for the California cougar as well as the welfare of California wildlife. Traditional Beliefs Before current knowledge of mountain lion activity had been researched, it was commonly believed that mountain lions were ferocious killers which crept down from the mountains to indulge in midnight feasts on livestock and pets. Of course, the worst harbored fear was the possibility of losing children, family and friends to these wild predators. Besides the past 25 years, little concern was given to the condition of mountain lion populations in California and much of the western United States. Between 1916 and 1971, more than 12,000 mountain lions were killed for bounties and for sport in California (California Wildlife Protection Coalition, 1995). Past Legislation By 1968 mountain lion populations plummeted to an estimated 600, resulting in rapid action of wildlife organizations and state officials. Governor Ronald Reagan became convinced that a moratorium on hunting mountain lions was necessary to protect California's last cougars from extinction. In 1971, he signed a moratorium against trophy hunting of mountain lions (California Wildlife Protection Coalition, 1995). The moratorium lasted 25 years until it was finalized in 1990 by the passing of Proposition 117 : California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Knowles, 1995). In 1994, the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) and supporters of hunting organizations used the media to spawn public paranoia regarding recent attacks and population resurgence of California mountain lions. With this public support, trophy hunters hoped the passing of Proposition 197 would once again allow them to decimate the lion population for the sake of à «decorative wall-mountings. Recent Controversy The past 25 years have proven quite prosperous for the mountain lion population as their numbers have been currently estimated at 4,000-6,000.