Psychology Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology Intelligence - Essay Example His theory suggests that man's intelligence is made up of 7 core intelligences (Myers, 2004). It is only upon consideration of all of these intelligences that one can be judged as intelligent or not. Basically, intelligence covers a wide array of human capabilities, skills, and talents. In Susan's case, her intelligence test scores were only average even though she possessed exceptional talents in ballet dancing possibly due to the inability of the intelligence test used to measure creativity as part of an individual's intelligence. Furthermore, Susan's case brings forth the issue of the reliability and validity of intelligence testing. Susan's case demonstrates a scenario wherein an inappropriate test was used. Her low test scores may also imply that the intelligence test administered to her came up with a standardized score without giving consideration to her scores in each of the components of the test which is used to determine specific facets of her intelligence. Most of the time, the validity of intelligence tests is questioned primarily because a particular type of test may not properly measure the specific area of an individual's intelligence that is being assessed. Furthermore, a single score is often inadequate in explaining the multidimensional aspects of intelligence. In cases such as these, the reliability and validity of the intelligence test is questioned.

World War II Essay Example for Free

World War II Essay Together, Canada and the United States, on behalf of the Allies, made military contributions in the Second World War, albeit with varying results. Canada had declared war on the Axis Powers only a week after Great Britain and France had made their declarations. The war continued on, and Axis victory was being averted by sheer Allied bravery, even though Britain was near to collapse and France and the rest of Europe had long fallen. Allied victory seemed impossible, until the United States entered the war in December 1941. It was a turnaround and a triumph of American material and logistics superiority. Canadian contributions were not as decisive, yet helped provide stability and note-worthy support to America’s swift and decisive military actions, which helped to bring the war to a predictable end. The Canadian effort was more intrinsic, in nature, and was not very impactful; however Canada’s support to Great Britain proved to be crucial for the latter after the loss of their ally, France and before the Soviet alliance. The participation of Canada, in the Second World War was the largest combined national effort in their short independent history. Canada entered the war willingly, since it realised that Nazi success in Europe could definitely threaten the existence of Western civilization. During the â€Å"Phony War†, from 1940 to 1941, the Royal Canadian Navy helped protect convoys of troops and supplies to Britain. Canada was also the biggest British training ground, with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan based there. Its military was active in the war from early on – mainly in the Italian Invasion, Northern Europe and North Atlantic. Full-fledged Canadian involvement in war came with the Battle of Dieppe, which was, in reality, a failure for the Allies, but it gave them a first-view of German defences on the French coast, later to be very useful for future operations on D-Day. Canada was also involved in the Allied invasion of Sicily, in 1943 and the D-Day landings, at Juno Beach, in June 1944, both of which proved to be successes. Canada made some minor contributions in the Pacific Theatre including the Battle of Hong Kong, in order to help Britain to defend their royal colony from Japan, which, however, was a failure. Canadian involvement in the Second World War was largely self-gratifying, in a way, as it began to develop a huge war industry of aircraft, military vehicles and cargo carriers’ production, most of which went to Britain, which kept its factories working, which spurred them to keep alive their interest in elping to win the war. The major contribution by the Canadians was the usage of the Corvettes that acted as escorts for supply ships on the way to Britain. Without these supplies, D-Day would never have happened. These military skirmishes and actions kept the war alive, but did not initiate any significant results on their own; however they were a pivotal support force. America’s late entry into the war was made up with its efficient and strategic fighting in battles, which ended the Second World War. Most of American military contributions in Europe were in collaboration with troops from other Allied nations, such as the Italian Campaign, D-Day landings (under American General D. Eisenhower) and the Battle of the Bulge. Starting from the West, Allied forces moved further eastwards, with the United States leading from the front, while Soviet forces attacked westwards, trapping Berlin. Hitler committed suicide, Nazi Germany was in disarray, and the war in Europe was won. It was a victory for American troops, and an overall Allied victory; with this, it seemed to be the â€Å"beginning of the end† for the Third Reich’s rule. On the other hand, the Pacific Theatre was won practically single-handedly by the United States. The entry of the United States into the war was literally forced by Japanese actions, in attacking the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of a good portion of the US Navy. Ostensibly, US interests were physically attacked, for the first time in the war, by Japan, and this provoked the United States to enter the war, even though America, straight out of Depression, did not want to get involved in the war directly, but stay on the periphery. The Battles of Coral Sea and Midway followed, and prevented Japanese attack on Oceania. It was at Guadalcanal that America first took the offensive, resulting in a victory. The long-drawn Battle of Okinawa was the final push towards one of the greatest events of World War Two – the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to subsequent Japanese surrender, and the end of the Second World War. Most American battles were over a shorter span of time, but their strategies were effectual and precise and their military prowess helped to end the war. The American military contributions essentially led to an Allied victory and helped to finish a lingering and indecisive war conclusively. The United States and Canada witnessed no actual war on home soil, but together with Britain, USSR and other Allies, they played a decisive role in securing a victory against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Before the entered the war, both Canada and the United States possessed small militaries, but war mobilization and export of war materials transformed both these countries into mighty military powers by the end of the war, in their own respects. Canadian relations with the US became notably closer during the war. Both USA and Canada were reticent to enter the war, but once they did, their contributions were profound. The contributions of both the nations, albeit in slightly different aspects, helped to sustain and accelerate, and eventually end what became known as the most devastating war of all time.

Personal Narrative- Wearing Christian T-Shirts :: Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative- Wearing Christian T-Shirts A life defining moment of mine was when I started wearing Christian t-shirts instead of everyday t-shirts. The old t-shirts just seem so bland to me now, and I did not really care for them as much as the others. I also preferred the messages that were on the Christian t-shirts. Most of the time the messages would make fun of something, like laundry detergent Tide, or commonly use phrases, such as armed and dangerous. After a short period of time, I started to shop only at Sunshine for my t-shirts. It was one of the only Christian Book stores that had a decent selection of t-shirts in Brazoria County that was closes enough to go to. The best part is that Sunshine’s selection would be different every time. They also had ordering book at Sunshine, so if there was a shirt that they did not have it was probably in a catalog somewhere. Wearing the Christian t-shirts help me keep my focus on how I should act as a Christian. The t-shirts also help me strive to be a better Christian than what I am. Wearing Christian t-shirts have done sever thing in my relationship with God. There are several occasions were the t-shirts have affected the way I act. Many times while I was at high school some people would always pick on. Having the t-shirts on helped remind me that I was a Christian and that I should not act that way that the other people were. I also believe have the Christian t-shirts leaded to some persecution event though it was never said that way. However, I am here now so it could not have be that bad. I also strive to become a better Christian because of my t-shirts. One reason for this is if you need help who are you going to ask a friend you know is a Christian or a friend who is a Christian who wear a Christian T-shirt everyday.

The Theme of Death in Haydn Middletons The Lie of the Land :: Middleton Lie of the Land Essays

The Theme of Death in Haydn Middleton's The Lie of the Land Haydn Middleton's The Lie of the Land is a complex book filled with many themes. One of them, which I focused on, is the theme of death. Death seems to be shown as a means to an end. In the beginning, David sees death as an inevitable, horrible event that he must face up to all too soon. "I'm going to die" (p. 16) David states to Rachel during his first visit to the Samaritan Center. "I know I've got to die, Rachel but I'm a coward" (p. 18). David's death won't be one of the ordinary. David is one of the chosen. He is one of the sons of the sky. He is tormented by the woman's voice, the one who chose him, who is always overshadowing him. The woman, possibly the angel of death, has an elaborate plan laid out for David. It began when he was first conceived and will continue on until the day that he dies and beyound. "In her vindictiveness she would call these new sons of the sky westward. And, at the gateway to Albion, she would make them perform, in that brightest light that sits forever upon the darkness, the dance of death..." (p. 85). The island of Albion seems to be referred to as hell. David speaks of being in contact with "...the keeper of the gateway to hell" (p. 18). The island is believed to be a "...rendezvous for the souls of the dead" (p. 79). When the time comes the woman will call to the sons of the sky and take David to the island of the dead. David didn't fully understand his fate until it was explained to him by his stepfather, Emrys. Later in life, when David is married and a son of his own, the power of the woman took over his mind and body. She willed him to committ one of the worst crimes possible. He took the life of another human being. And in the process he lost his own life as well. Not literally, but he lost his family and his soul. He had nothing. "I am the son of the sky, he thought. And after so many years, he knew what that meant. He knew that he would dance before his time. And he knew, too, glancing down at his child, that there would be more than one end" (p. The Theme of Death in Haydn Middleton's The Lie of the Land :: Middleton Lie of the Land Essays The Theme of Death in Haydn Middleton's The Lie of the Land Haydn Middleton's The Lie of the Land is a complex book filled with many themes. One of them, which I focused on, is the theme of death. Death seems to be shown as a means to an end. In the beginning, David sees death as an inevitable, horrible event that he must face up to all too soon. "I'm going to die" (p. 16) David states to Rachel during his first visit to the Samaritan Center. "I know I've got to die, Rachel but I'm a coward" (p. 18). David's death won't be one of the ordinary. David is one of the chosen. He is one of the sons of the sky. He is tormented by the woman's voice, the one who chose him, who is always overshadowing him. The woman, possibly the angel of death, has an elaborate plan laid out for David. It began when he was first conceived and will continue on until the day that he dies and beyound. "In her vindictiveness she would call these new sons of the sky westward. And, at the gateway to Albion, she would make them perform, in that brightest light that sits forever upon the darkness, the dance of death..." (p. 85). The island of Albion seems to be referred to as hell. David speaks of being in contact with "...the keeper of the gateway to hell" (p. 18). The island is believed to be a "...rendezvous for the souls of the dead" (p. 79). When the time comes the woman will call to the sons of the sky and take David to the island of the dead. David didn't fully understand his fate until it was explained to him by his stepfather, Emrys. Later in life, when David is married and a son of his own, the power of the woman took over his mind and body. She willed him to committ one of the worst crimes possible. He took the life of another human being. And in the process he lost his own life as well. Not literally, but he lost his family and his soul. He had nothing. "I am the son of the sky, he thought. And after so many years, he knew what that meant. He knew that he would dance before his time. And he knew, too, glancing down at his child, that there would be more than one end" (p.

Operations Review on Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Inventory

Operations Review on Waste Reduction, Cost Reduction and Process This memo will discuss the efficient ways that Supply Chain Management, Inventory, and Logistics have been successfully implemented in the Intermountain Healthcare Supply Chain Center. Peggy Lee, Card Program Manager at IHC led the tour in the Supply Chain Center. The goal of IHC distribution center is reduce waste, cost and centralized the high volume supplies in one location and distribute across all their facilities. This gives Intermountain better control of their inventories and negotiation advantages.Using these methods has had a great impact in waste reduction, quality and cost savings. Supply Chain infrastructure is an important process at Intermountain Healthcare (IHC). They have learned that building strong relationships with their suppliers is critical and can help eliminate costs as well as allow them to share their savings. How IHC has achieved this, is by supplier involvement. IHC provides a mockup room sp ecifically designed for their suppliers to show off new products and equipment allowing doctors and clinicians to test the equipment at a no cost to the supplier.Suppliers then receive immediate feedback on their products and the hospital can test products before purchase. This is a valuable approach for IHC to see results, make improvements, and negotiate effective distribution for both the supplier and the hospitals. This is gain for both parties, and in particular to Intermountain since supplies are one of the highest expenses they incur. The distribution facility was built with the purpose to manage inventories more efficiently.This facility only holds 6,000 items out of 81,000 products that can be ordered. Only those items that are housed in this facility are the high volume items, with a fill rate of 98% and accuracy of 99%. IHC has a great control on their inventories by assuring that cost of obsolescence, deterioration, and loss are managed properly. The warehouse is equippe d with big fans that move the air around the facility reducing temperature fluctuations allows less than a 4Â ° deference from top to bottom in the warehouse.This prolongs the longevity of the products they house by reducing deterioration. Also, all the shelves are set up on a slope allowing older inventory to shift to the front. This is also known as the FIFO method, which ensures the older products are not aging on the shelves. Another method they use is barcoding. Barcoding is not a new invention, but IHC has taken advantage of this technology in the way they fill their internal orders by implementing some of their own inventory system, VoicePic.VoicePic is a voice activated inventory process where barcodes are placed on the container that will carry the order from one place to another around their facility. As the container moves along the conveyor belt, the person with that order hears the amount of items to be picked up in the current position and repeats the number via his v oice. Another quality check used for their inventory system is that once the level is placed in the container the system knows the weight that is to be at the end of the order. This provides a quality control measure.If the weight is correct then process continues. If the weight is off, the order gets rejected. This lets the operator know that there is an item that does not belong. By combining these two systems in their inventory, IHC has increased their accuracy in their orders by 60%. Logistics is another important part of IHC’s business processes they are trying to refine. The facility was strategically placed in a centralized location to allow moving supplies to all of their facilities since 80% are within a 50-mile radius.They also use their own fleet to distribute their merchandise among the hospitals and clinics, with the exception of the southern part of the state of Utah. The reason for this is they rather use a vendor for this location since the vendor is able to r eturn with a full trailer. This would not be the case for IHC. Another important point in the way their logistics is setup is how they receive and pick up shipments. These activities have a time set when they can be performed.They have divided morning to receive delivery from 4am to 12pm; all deliveries are done on a schedule, as well as pickups, pick up activities begin at 12pm. This is to increase efficiency of the location and the use of resources, thus reducing the chance of error and process flows. In addition, order placement is another key process. All IHC facilities must have their entire orders placed by 11:00 am every day to ensure order fulfillment. One other advantage at the supply chain facility is that it is built to allow shipments to be cross-docking.So, instead of products being housed they are immediately moved to another truck to deliver to the final destination. Logistics processes in this facility are designed to make resources more efficient and allow them to e liminate costs. IHC has increased their success by implementing new strategies on supply chain management, logistics and inventory. They have been able to cut costs and increase efficiencies in inventory on internal orders. Along with inventory, IHC has an added savings by testing for effectiveness of new products when negotiating with suppliers in the mock up room.By having this kind of interaction with supplies, ensures that the products will meet their needs and will contribute to their efficiency. They have also modified their logistics by reducing the number of trips needed to facilities by consolidating all the orders, to transport all necessary supplies in one trip. These are some of the many operational activities implemented in this facility. IHC has identified areas for improvement and made the necessary changes. With all the new improvements within their supply chain center, the facility will pay itself off in 8 years.

Process Performance and Quality at Starwood HotelsResorts

Process Performance and Quality at Starwood HotelsResorts Quality management Dimensions of Customer Satisfaction Starwood Hotels and Resorts employed the Six Sigma model to measure its performance and offer quality services to its clients. It had all the necessary inputs to ensure customers got what they wanted.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Process Performance and Quality at Starwood HotelsResorts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, it was unable to define or classify them and this means that customers were sometimes unable to get what they wanted yet the company had the potential of providing all the customer requirements. Therefore, the first stage involved defining or identifying the problem that customers were experiencing. This company managed to do this by introducing phones that contained the information about the services that clients wanted (Goldratt and Cox 2010). Guests were required to dial the numbers stored on the phones and hotel attendants woul d be on their doorsteps to serve them. The numbers were coded to represent various services. Secondly, the introduction of call logs enabled the company to track the efficiency of employees that handled specific tasks. The third stage involved the use of Pareto charts to analyze what employees could do within 15 minutes after receiving calls from clients. The fourth stage involved the introduction of improvement strategies that ensured clients got quality services from the company. This included improving how telephone operators handled requests from customers. In addition, it involved procedures that were used to determine the person to call when a client requests the services of this hotel (Krajewski, Ritzman and Malhotra 2012). Moreover, this organization faced serious challenges like engineering workloads, but it ensured that qualified people were assigned different roles in the control room to check technical issues that may affect communication between clients and employees.Ad vertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lastly, it was necessary to establish effective ways of controlling and measuring the performance of the telephone system. This ensured that this service produced the expected results within the specified time. The services were monitored for 12-18 months and the managers were supposed to be given monthly reports to ensure the Sheraton Service Promise program improved the quality of services offered by this company. Costs of Process Performance and Quality The costs included service delivery, time, quality and products. There was the need for the new program to facilitate coordination among these aspects to help the company to achieve its targets. This was important in helping the company to offer its services properly and eliminate the chances of being unable to supply products that were available due to poor communication syste ms (Krajewski et al., 2012). Secondly, the company saved time because clients were introduced to mobile phones and how to use them to request for room services. The use of phones ensured that clients got what they wanted because these gadgets offered a list of the services and products offered by the company. Customers did not waste time deciding where to get what they wanted. They were very happy that they could get the services of this company without struggling to ask or wait for long before being assisted. The Six Sigma Model The Six Sigma model is an efficient tool of measuring performance in an organization. However, it has various disadvantages that make it unsuitable in the hospitality industry. First, this model requires a company to define key factors that are necessary for problem resolution (Krajewski et al., 2012). This creates ambiguity and does not place the company in a good position to know its problems. Therefore, it becomes difficult for a hotel to know its challe nges because this process does not limit a manager’s scope of defining the speed and efficiency of employees and services offered (Sherwood and Barnsteiner 2012).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Process Performance and Quality at Starwood HotelsResorts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, the measures used to determine the efficiency of workers and services are abstract. There is no guarantee that short call durations mean that employees offer efficient services. The use of Pareto charts is an effective way of measuring performance; however, it falls short of defining the meaning of a reasonable time employees are supposed to use to serve their clients. Lastly, the time taken to measure the performance of a service is very long and this creates room for other inefficiencies that affect productivity (Krajewski et al., 2012). This model requires employees to submit responses to their managers or head s of departments, but the duration required to do this is too long. There is the need for hotel changes to produce immediate results because this is a delicate industry. In addition, this will limit the chances of creating room for customers to be fed up with inefficiencies because it enables employees to make immediate changes to their products or services. Case Study Implementing the Six Sigma Model in Starwood It is not easy to implement the Six Sigma program to improve and track the performance of employees and services offered in the hotel industry. This program required Sheraton hotel to employ the Top-Down Commitment model that required all employees to work together to improve the performance of this company. The hotel developed the Black Belts team to ensure it supervises the roles played by managers and subordinates to improve its efficiency. The measurement systems used to track progress involved giving clients research questionnaires (Guest Satisfaction Survey) to expres s their views regarding the services offered by the hotel. In addition, the Sheraton Service Promise program was established to help guests to report any problem regarding the quality of services offered by the hotel. The management had set high goals to compel employees to work hard to promote the image of this company. This was not an effective way of improving performance because it sets unrealistic goals for workers (Sherwood and Barnsteiner 2012). Education was an effective way of promoting performance because it enabled workers to acquire new knowledge and skills on how to do their jobs.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lastly, customers may be stubborn and thus affect the attitudes of employees. This hotel managed to establish ways of knowing how customers and employees treat each other. It is necessary to explain that this was an indispensable aspect that helped the management to know how to train its employees (Goldratt and Cox 2010). The New Sheraton Service Promise Process Prevention of poor process performance is a key aspect in all organizations. The new Sheraton Service Promise process enabled employees to predict the possibility of service failure and inform the management. Early preparation enables organizations to prepare to solve problems before they escalate to unmanageable levels (Krajewski et al., 2012). In addition, employee and service assessment were successful because the new process forced workers to be transparent and accountable. Internal failure was managed by developing a team that was responsible for periodic assessment and evaluation of the new program (Goldratt and Cox 20 10). This process ensured appropriate measures were taken to solve problems in good time. Lastly, the possibilities of external failures to affect this company were minimized. The questionnaires used to evaluate the response of guests regarding the quality of services offered; therefore, they helped it to train workers and improve its services (Sherwood and Barnsteiner 2012). Alternative Strategies Most organizations and individuals do not know the existence of the Six Sigma model of measuring performance. Moreover, most of them do not pay attention to theories and this makes them reluctant to use performance models. In addition, they are usually not ready and comfortable to use information from their clients to measure the performance of their employees (Krajewski et al., 2012). Lastly, they need quality assessment procedures that produce immediate results; therefore, this discourages them from using the Six Sigma model. Starwood Hotels and Resorts can use performance appraisal, ma rket penetration and the value of its shares in the stock market to measure the quality of its services. References Goldratt, E. M. and Cox, J. (2010). The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement. New York: Wiley. Krajewski, L. J., Ritzman, L. P. and Malhotra, M. K. (2012). Operations Management:  Processes and Supply Chains. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Sherwood, G. and Barnsteiner. (2012). Quality and Safety in Nursing: A Competency  Approach to Improving Outcomes. New York: McGraw-Hill.

The Study of Shell Middens in Archaeology

The Study of Shell Middens in Archaeology One type of site that some archaeologists love to investigate is the shell midden or kitchen midden. A shell midden is a heap of clam, oyster, whelk, or mussel shells, obviously, but unlike other types of sites, it is the result of a clearly recognizable single-activity event. Other kinds of sites, such as campsites, villages, farmsteads, and rock shelters, have their attractions, but a shell midden was created by and large for one purpose: dinner. Diets and Shell Middens Shell middens are found throughout the world, on coastlines, near lagoons, and tidewater flats, along major rivers, in small streams, wherever some variety of shellfish is found. Although shell middens also date from pretty much all of prehistory, many shell middens date to the Late Archaic or (in the old world) Late Mesolithic periods. The Late Archaic and European Mesolithic periods (around 4,000-10000 years ago, depending on where youre at in the world) were interesting times. People were still essentially hunter-gatherers, but by then were settling down, reducing their territories, focusing on a broader range of food and living resources. One often used way to diversify the diet was to depend on shellfish as a reasonably easy to obtain food source. Of course, as Johnny Hart once said, â€Å"the bravest man I ever saw was the first to devour an oyster, raw†. Studying Shell Middens According to Glyn Daniel in his great history 150 Years of Archaeology, shell middens were first explicitly identified as archaeological in context (i.e., built by humans, not other animals) during the mid-nineteenth century in Denmark. In 1843, the Royal Academy of Copenhagen led by archaeologist J.J. Worsaee, geologist Johann Georg Forchhammer, and zoologist Japetus Steenstrup proved that the shell heaps (called Kjoekken moedding in Danish) were, in fact, cultural deposits. Archaeologists have studied shell middens for all kinds of reasons. Studies have included Calculating how much dietary meat there is in a clam (only a few grams in comparison to the weight of the shell),Food processing methods (steamed, baked, dried),Archaeological processing methods (sampling strategies vs. counting the entire middenwhich nobody in their right mind would do),Seasonality (what time of year and how often were clambakes held),Other purposes for the shell mounds (living areas, burial sites). Not all shell middens are cultural; not all cultural shell middens are solely the remnants of a clambake. One of my favorite shell midden articles is Lynn Ceci’s 1984 paper in World Archaeology. Ceci described a series of weird donut-shaped shell middens, consisting of prehistoric pottery and artifacts and shell located on hillsides in New England. She figured out that they were, in fact, evidence of early Euro-American settlers reusing prehistoric shell deposits as fertilizer for apple orchards. The hole in the middle was where the apple tree stood! Shell Middens Through Time The oldest shell middens in the world are about 140,000 years old, from the Middle Stone Age of South Africa, at sites like Blombos Cave. There are fairly recent shell middens in Australia, within the last couple hundred years anyway, and the most recent shell middens in the United States that I’m aware of date to the late 19th century and early 20th century AD when the shell button industry was in progress along the Mississippi River. You can still find heaps of freshwater mussel shells with several holes punched out of them lying along the bigger rivers of the American midwest. The industry nearly obliterated the freshwater mussel population until plastics and international trade put it out of business. Sources Ainis AF, Vellanoweth RL, Lapeà ±a QG, and Thornber CS. 2014. Using non-dietary gastropods in coastal shell middens to infer kelp and seagrass harvesting and paleoenvironmental conditions. Journal of Archaeological Science 49:343-360. Biagi P. 2013. The shell middens of Las Bela coast and the Indus delta (Arabian Sea, Pakistan). Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 24(1):9-14. Boivin N, and Fuller D. 2009. Shell Middens,. Journal of World Prehistory 22(2):113-180.and Seeds: Exploring Coastal Subsistence, Maritime Trade and the Dispersal of Domesticates in and Around the Ancient Arabian PeninsulaShips Choy K, and Richards M. 2010. Isotopic evidence for diet in the Middle Chulmun period: a case study from the Tongsamdong shell midden, Korea. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 2(1):1-10. Foster M, Mitchell D, Huckleberry G, Dettman D, and Adams K. 2012. Archaic Period Shell Middens, Sea-Level Fluctuation, and Seasonality: Archaeology along the Northern Gulf of California Littoral, Sonora, Mexico. American Antiquity 77(4):756-772. Habu J, Matsui A, Yamamoto N, and Kanno T. 2011. Shell midden archaeology in Japan: Aquatic food acquisition and long-term change in the Jomon culture. Quaternary International 239(1-2):19-27. Jerardino A. 2010. Large shell middens in Lamberts Bay, South Africa: a case of hunter-gatherer resource intensification. Journal of Archaeological Science 37(9):2291-2302. Jerardino A, and Navarro R. 2002. Cape Rock Lobster (Jasus lalandii) Remains from South African West Coast Shell Middens: Preservational Factors and Possible Bias. Journal of Archaeological Science 29(9):993-999. Saunders R, and Russo M. 2011. Coastal shell middens in Florida: A view from the Archaic period. Quaternary International 239(1–2):38-50. Virgin K. 2011. The SB-4-6 shell midden assemblage: a shell midden analysis from a late prehistoric village site at Pamua on Makira, southeast Solomon Islands [Honors]. Sydney, Australia: University of Sydney.

Physical Education Surveys Essays

Physical Education Surveys Essays Physical Education Surveys Paper Physical Education Surveys Paper Define the following terms: Recreation and Sporting Pastime – Refreshment of health or spirits by relaxation and enjoyment. An activity or pastime that promotes this, also an interval of free time between school lessons. The reasons why people participate in their chosen form of recreation or sporting pastime are: Make new friends, Non – contact sports, Full contact sport, Desire and passion to win, To some day play professional sport, To become more physically fitter and healthier, To lose weight and something to do in your spare time. I did my survey on Ice Hockey because I play the sport and enjoy it very much. I have surveyed a number of people across a variety of ages, which shows the mixed results on my data table and graphs. I have noticed that most people surveyed enjoy the most out of Ice hockey is scoring goals and getting Encouragement from your team mates and crowd chants. Before games most players feel either very nervous or just nervous. Their were mixed reactions from the players surveyed when I asked them why they play Ice hockey, some sais they play it because of the desire and passion for the sport, some play because they hope some day to play in a professional league overseas and some just play to have fun. When asked how they fell when there on the Ice most players are either just confident or nervous and some have different feelings at different times depending on the game situation. Most players agree that training, commitment and teamwork are the three keys to a successful team winning a championship because it is so true and many players who have played over the years have experienced this. When players were asked When you look back on your Ice hockey carer what would be your greatest memories from playing that will be kept with you for life it them a while to answer this because you have so many to chose from, most said winning a championship though because you may play for 30 years and make the finals heaps of times but only win once in your lifetime and know one can take this away from you which makes it the most memorable point in your Ice hockey carer. CONCLUSION After reviewing the data and statistics collected I have come to one solid conclusion, which is perfect for this summary. Almost every player whom plays Ice Hockey isn’t there to lose weight or just plays it just to brag to friends that they play Ice Hockey. This sport is no place for people just to play it to lose weight or just have brag to their friends or even to just do it to have fun. Every player that plays Ice Hockey has fun while they are on the Ice but at the same time take it serious because there are players out their who are trying to make a profession out of this sport and play it for the desire and passion they have for the sport. Everyone still has fun out on the Ice but at same time they take it serious because it is the fastest team sport in the world and in just a matter of seconds a whole game can be decided or a player on the Ice can be seriously injured which is why you always keep your head up. This sport is played for enjoyment though and you do have fun when you score a goal and the adrenalin rush you get is unbelievable and when your home crowd gets behind you and your team you can get really exited and just go out on the Ice and really do some damage to the opposition, but you just have to remember to have fun at the same time so you can remember all those good times you had when you were skating out on the Ice. BIBLIOGRAPHY Collins English Addition dictionary Australian addition Key words: Recreation and sporting pastime.

Comparison of Two Religions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Comparison of Two Religions - Research Paper Example Buddhism originated in northeast Asia under the influence of an ancient Buddha known as Gautama Siddhartha who lived in the 5th century B.C. Siddhartha came up with Buddha teachings that enabled an individual to attain high levels of enlightenment. At this level, the individual completely detaches from the body through the process of meditations thereby alleviating worldly sufferings. Buddhism has undergone metamorphosis leading to divisions in the ancient traditions of Buddhism. The divisions include Vajrayana that represents the diamond vehicle, Theravada that symbolizes the doctrines from the elders and Mahayana that represents the great vehicle (Wilke, 2011). Hinduism entails numerous religious practices but the most prevalent practices include Hatha yoga, Ayurveda, and the Kundalini yoga. Hatha yoga is the process of meditating in order to attain self-awareness (Cush & York, 2008). Hatha yoga provides the oldest form of Hinduism that enabled individuals to achieve their objectives in life through the process of profound concentration. Ayurveda constitute the ancient traditions of Hindu whereby individuals received treatment and healing. In the contemporary societies, many individual have incorporated the practice into their religious practices especially in the West. Kundalini yoga enables an individual to unlock the psychic energy that exists at the root of the spine allowing it to diffuse to the upper parts of the spine, hence a heightened level of relaxation (Cush & York, 2008). Having undergone radical changes in its traditions, Buddhism retains specific ancient religious practices that incudes meditations, Mudras, and prayer wheels. Meditation is common in various sub sects of the religion. To achieve ultimate goals through meditations an individual engages in rigorous concentration. This helps the individual to attain detachment thereby developing ones reality.

Quality Outcomes Framework (measuring client outcomes in disability Research Paper

Quality Outcomes Framework (measuring client outcomes in disability and out of home care services) - Research Paper Example On the other hand, children with a disability/disabilities are those children who suffer an impairment in their health, communication, movement or learning, which adversely impact their social engagement and education (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Identification of National Standard of Quality Outcomes Model Out of Home Care Program for Children and Young People Ideally, the Best Outcomes Model was conceived to specify the best possible results for the Out of Home Care program for children and young people. While it is preferable and is even possible at the institutional level, as of this writing the Best Outcomes for Out of Home Care has not yet officially been specified for the national level. Efforts, however, are underway for the determination of the National Standards for Out of Home Care, which is in its consultation stage under the auspices of the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The aim of the National Standards for Out of Home Care is to  "drive improvements in the quality of care so that children and young people in care have the same opportunities as other children and young people to reach their potential in all the key areas of well-being.† These key areas of well-being referred to for children, young people and the disabled include health, safety, culture and community, spirituality, emotional development, learning and achieving (Australian Government DSS, 20 Aug 2013). The National Standards aims to identify the key factors in the delivery of care that directly impact upon the positive outcomes of quality of care for children and young people. Presently, there are 13 standards which comprise the National Standards for out-of-home care, and measures have been identified by which outputs could be gauged against these standards. The hope is that measurable standards will be defined and set at the best practice level, to ensure that all legal jurisdictions in Australia are aimed at driving improvements consis tent with each other. These factors that may form the bases for standard setting include (Australian Government DSS, 20 Aug 2013): Stability of placements and relationships Regular health and well-being checks Transition planning that involves children and young people (i.e. into during and existing care) Appropriate carer assessment, screening, training and support By setting the standards and defining the best practices, the goal of defining the desired outcome for children in care, in a manner that is identifiable, measurable and therefore capable of objective assessment, becomes possible. These desired outcomes for children in care, herein identified according to their respective areas of well-being earlier specified, include: Health, both physical and mental Attain and maintain good health Develop effective coping style Safety A stable environment that is free from physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse Develop social connections Learning and achieving Achievement of developme ntal milestones Participation and achievement in education Emotional development Stability in behaviour Positive and supportive relationships Culture and community Cultural identity and ethnic pride Participation in community Spirituality Positive sense of identity Connection to family

Treatment plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Treatment plan - Case Study Example It is important to consider what a good group counseling can assist Sarah to cope with the death of her father and learn the importance of having friends. Also, to learn the importance of socializing and talking out issues affecting her. Group counselling, in the case of Sarah, mainly intends to heal the new family structure after the loss of her father`s life, who seemed to have been very close to her. Therefore, it is up to the group to assist her to know that her mother is now there with her to assist her and talk to her. The group is set to assist her manage the crisis situations in her life. The intention of group counselling is finding solutions to problems that are existent through sharing with one another. Sarah has the potential of improving in a group setting to help her deal with the trauma of losing her father, and also, assist with her other trauma-based problems like improving her personal communication and social skills. The advantages of group counselling for Sarah are fundamental for improving her social skills. Sarah has an awkward relationship with her friends because she withdraws from communicating with them, as well as a non-existent communication with her mother, and also, learning new ways from the members of the counselling group that assist her in coping with her acting out and fits of anger (Prout & Brown 2007). Sarah can benefit from group counselling as she is bound to realize that she is not alone. Group counselling is a great eye opener for Sarah to realize that there are others like her who experience the same problems as she is, and hence, develop a sense of understanding and coping with the problems. Group counselling gives the participant a better understanding and a wider perspective of the problem. The disadvantages in group counselling do not have effective leadership for the clients that are debilitating to the group members. It can result to

A semiotic analysis of Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings Essay

A semiotic analysis of Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings - Essay Example Her mother who is deeply in love with their father ignores the ever-increasing abuse that her daughters are subjected to each day. Moreover, the exclusive part of this narrative is that in many occasions Corin and Marcin do not romanticize their dad, rather they disown him and call him by his name â€Å"Eddie† instead of dad. Thus, Marci prays for this to end one day. However, his prayers are not that his dad should die but just go away. He does not pray for the death of his dad because she has a second prayer that she sees will not be answered if she did so. Her second prayer is that God will change her physically from being a girl to a boy. Marci has a deep wish for a male body which thus create the foundation of her sexual fantasies and dreams. The main reason behind her deep desire for the male figure is because she wants to have relationships with girls, and the only way that she can appropriately express her feelings to them is by changing to a boy. Both wishes of Marcin somehow sounds impossible to achieve, but religious people say God can do miracles. In the meantime, the two girls found other techniques of surviving. Majority of their relatives had no idea on what to do with Eddie’s violence but were supportive and loving. In addition, other than her mother being blind to the actions of her husband, she is approachable. Considerab ly, the narrative holds the inventive attempts by the girls to outsmart their father and convince their mother and at least be able to see what a monster their father was. For instance, the most delightful one was where they were lent a camera by one of their uncles and tried to capture his father in implicating positions with his fiancà ©e. By all this, Marci becomes aware of his affection and desire for girls and hopes to become a boy one day. The lesbianism feelings are touching and subtle, and by no means inflexible. Glimpses of how varied religious and family

The Culture of the Organization and Conditions of the Industry Research Paper - 9

The Culture of the Organization and Conditions of the Industry - Research Paper Example The organization which has been selected for the analysis of the change management process that is implemented is ASDA. ASDA is a British supermarket chain that is the biggest subsidiary of the American giant WalMart, who boasts to be the world’s largest retailer. It is the second largest chain in the United Kingdom after Tesco; this is enough to understand the size of the organization in terms of market share and penetration. The international sales of Wal-Mart are more or less accounted for by this international subsidiary of theirs. They compete on a price basis; their main slogans since the birth of the company are to provide the cutting edge prices to their customers in the whole of the United Kingdom. Their major aim is to highlight themselves in the middle and lower strata of the population to gain maximum market penetration and market share. The organization is basically boasting to provide product and service both to its valued customers. It is more or less in the mid dle of the product-service continuum, sliding more towards to product end. This is because the organization has built a brand name in providing quality service in terms of retail housing to its customers. This requires high quality of the product. On the other hand, due to their sound brand name, they have this aspect of after sales service that is being associated with the organization, the customers are satisfied that their queries would be met with. The element we will be focusing on in the assignment is the product orientation of the organization.

A semiotic analysis of Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings Essay

A semiotic analysis of Carla Trujillo's What Night Brings - Essay Example Her mother who is deeply in love with their father ignores the ever-increasing abuse that her daughters are subjected to each day. Moreover, the exclusive part of this narrative is that in many occasions Corin and Marcin do not romanticize their dad, rather they disown him and call him by his name â€Å"Eddie† instead of dad. Thus, Marci prays for this to end one day. However, his prayers are not that his dad should die but just go away. He does not pray for the death of his dad because she has a second prayer that she sees will not be answered if she did so. Her second prayer is that God will change her physically from being a girl to a boy. Marci has a deep wish for a male body which thus create the foundation of her sexual fantasies and dreams. The main reason behind her deep desire for the male figure is because she wants to have relationships with girls, and the only way that she can appropriately express her feelings to them is by changing to a boy. Both wishes of Marcin somehow sounds impossible to achieve, but religious people say God can do miracles. In the meantime, the two girls found other techniques of surviving. Majority of their relatives had no idea on what to do with Eddie’s violence but were supportive and loving. In addition, other than her mother being blind to the actions of her husband, she is approachable. Considerab ly, the narrative holds the inventive attempts by the girls to outsmart their father and convince their mother and at least be able to see what a monster their father was. For instance, the most delightful one was where they were lent a camera by one of their uncles and tried to capture his father in implicating positions with his fiancà ©e. By all this, Marci becomes aware of his affection and desire for girls and hopes to become a boy one day. The lesbianism feelings are touching and subtle, and by no means inflexible. Glimpses of how varied religious and family

Performance Management at Lincoln Electric Company and Southwest Case Study

Performance Management at Lincoln Electric Company and Southwest - Case Study Example A common denominator that has been linked to their success is their concern for employees that trumps their concern for their shareholders (Schuler, 2012, p.572). These companies assert that if employees are well taken care of, they will do their jobs better, and doing so benefits customers and shareholders. Lincoln Electric is the top company that designs, develops, and makes arc-welding products, robotic arc-welding equipments, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting tools. It also leads in the brazing and soldering alloys industries. Lincoln owns 40% of the U.S. market share. Moreover, it provides its employees with a well-known Lincoln Incentive Management Plan, which results to above-industry-average productivity (Schuler, 2012, p.559). In 1995, the company attained $1 billion revenues, while at present, sales reached $2 billion (Schuler, 2012, p.559). Employee morale and productivity are good; while turnover is almost zero (Schuler, 2012, p.559). A similar company with strong employee f ocus is Southwest Airlines. It has led the low-cost airline industry by focusing on being the cheapest and most efficient operator in domestic regional markets (Jackson, Schuler, & Werner, 2012, p.578). Despite being a low-cost airliner, Southwest is known for on-time travels, excellent customer service, and safety (Jackson et al., 2012, p.578). In 2012, the company bought AirTran Airways for $1.4 billion. The acquisition is believed to increase revenue and capacity by almost 25%, although its direct impact on Southwest’s success remains to be seen (Schuler, 2012, p.580). Like Lincoln Electric, employee morale and productivity are high in Southwest through the joint efforts of its employee-based committees. This paper compares, contrasts, and evaluates the human resource management practices of Lincoln Electric and Southwest. Recruiting and Selection Recruitment and selection are attuned to the organizational needs and cultures of Southwest and Lincoln Electric. Recruitment i s restricted to internal recruitment for most jobs in Lincoln Electric. Only entry-level positions are open to external recruitment (Schuler, 2012, p.561). Selection is performed by HR, which also happens in Southwest. In Southwest, however, selection is more refined due to specific employee attitudes that it looks for. This can be explained by the fact that Southwest operates in a service industry, while Lincoln Electric works in the manufacturing industry. Southwest has a stringent selection policy, where it spends more time, energy, and money in recruiting people who can fit the fun and collaborative culture of the company (Jackson et al., 2012, p.584). It has a People Department that performs the decisive function of recruiting and selecting personnel (Jackson et al., 2012, p.584). Personality tests and interviews support the rigorous selection process (Jackson et al., 2012, p.584). Hence, though both companies ensure that their employees fit company goals and culture through th eir recruitment and selection practices, Southwest shows extra dedication and uses more resources in recruiting people with the right attitudes. Performance Management Management Styles Both Lincoln Electric and Southwest have charismatic founders, whom employees find be empathic of their employees’ welfare, although Southwest has a â€Å"wackier† attitude to managing employees. In an employee interview, Trahan remarked that James Lincoln â€Å"

Medical Marijuana Essay Example for Free

Medical Marijuana Essay â€Å"Marijuana is the finest anti-nausea medication known to science, and our leaders have lied about this consistently. [Arresting people for] medical marijuana is the most hideous example of government interference in the private lives of individuals. It’s an outrage within an outrage within an outrage†. Peter McWilliams Author and Advocate for Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana has found its place once again as the medical plant that is recognized for its healing potential and properties. How the Government has suppressed its positive potential and healing powers for over 25 years. With the help from many patients, loved ones, research departments and advocate groups to get the Government’s attention to see and understand that the terminally ill and the sick should not be treated as common criminals. They are only trying to find some peace and serenity in their last days. The struggle and fight that has been going on for the last 25 years against the Government. The people were finally heard, with the legalization of Medical Marijuana. The Government wants to regulate everything for their own best interest, the positive effect of decriminalizing marijuana for the terminally ill and the positive economic benefits for our community. Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Weed, Herb, Mary Jane these are just a few names that this little 5 leaf plant goes by. How could this life saving and healing plant get such a bad reputation? When clearly it has nothing but positive powers, people all over the world have been using marijuana for thousands of years. Cannabis has been around since the Garden of Eden, it is even mentioned in the Bible. Yes in the Bible, in Exodus (30:22-23) â€Å"Holy anointing oil, as described in the original Hebrew version of the  recipe in Exodus (30:22-23), contained over six pounds of kaneh-bosem, a substance identified by respected etymologists, linguists, anthropologists, botanists and other researchers as cannabis, extracted into about six quarts of olive oil, along with a variety of other fragrant herbs. The ancient anointed ones were literally drenched in this potent mixture† (Bennett, 2010). â€Å"Marijuana proponents suggest that the recipe for the anointing oil passed from God to Mos es included Cannabis, or kaneh-bosem in Hebrew. They point to versions calling for fragrant cane, which they say was mistakenly changed to the plant calamus in the King James Version of the Bible† (Kari, 2011). Cannabis was good enough for God and Moses, then how come it is not good enough for us now? The United States Government wants to be in control and regulate everything we do as a United State Citizens. Marijuana was once considered a pharmaceutical medication used for a wide verity of reasons. In fact cannabis has a deep rooted history in what is now known as the United States of America. â€Å"Christopher Columbus brought Cannabis Sativa to America in 1492† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"From 1000 to 1500, the use of marijuana spread further. In 1619, a law passed in Jamestown Virginia Colony, which required farmers to grow hemp. The French and British grew hemp in Colonies of Port Royal, Virginia, and Plymouth. Marijuana also became a major trade item between Central and South Asia during this time† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). The United States also had Presidents’ who grew cannabis. Yes Presidents’, â€Å"in Mount Vernon, George Washington grew hemp as his primary crop in 1797. Also Thomas Jefferson grew hemp as a secondary crop at Monticello. In 1840, medicines with a cannabis base were available in U.S. pharmacies. Hashish was available in Persian pharmacies† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). Therefore when did it become a crime to cultivate, possess, consume, and dispense marijuana? â€Å"In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in the U.S. and the Food and Drug Administration was formed. This was the first time drugs had any government oversight† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"In 1930, The Federal Government gave control of illegal drugs to the Treasury Department, they created the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Harry Anslinger a prohibitionist became the first commissioner  in 1930, he held that position until 1962. Anslinger declared war on drugs and effectively shaped America’s view’s and thought’s about marijuana† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). â€Å"October 2, 1937, Anslinger got Congress to enact the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act†, which is to imposed registration and reporting requirements and a tax on the growers, sellers, and buyers of marijuana† (Eddy, 2010 p.2). In Eddy’s report he also writes that â€Å"Dr. William C. Woodward, legislative counsel of the American Medical Association (AMA), opposed the measure. In oral testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, he stated that â€Å"there are evidently potentialities in the drug that should not be shut off by adverse legislation. The medical profession and pharmacologists should be left to develop the use of this drug as they see fit. Two Months later, in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, he again argued against the act: â€Å"That there is no evidence, however, that the medicinal use of these drugs [cannabis and its preparations and derivatives] has caused or is causing cannabis addiction. As remedial agents they are used to an inconsiderable extent, and the obvious purpose and effect of this bill isto impose so many restrictions on their medicinal use as to prevent such use altogether. Since the medicinal use of cannabis has not caused and is not causing addiction, the prevention of the use of the drug for medicinal purposes can accomplish no good end whatsoever. How far it may serve to deprive the public of the benefits of a drug that on further research may prove to be of substantial value, it is important to foresee†. â€Å"Despite the AMA’s opposition, the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act† was approved, causing all medicinal products containing marijuana to be withdrawn from the market and leading to marijuana’s removal† (Eddy, 2010 p.2). October 2, 1937, â€Å"On the very day the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Stamp Act† was passed; the FBI and Denver police raided the Lexington Hotel and arrested two people: Samuel R. Caldwell and Moses Baca. Three days later, Caldwell, a 58 year old unemployed laborer, became the first person in the U.S. to be convicted of selling of marijuana without a tax stamp. He was sentence to four years oof hard labor in Leavenworth Penitentiary. Presiding Judge J  Foster Symes, had previously stated that he considered Marijuana to be the worst of all narcotics and vowed to impose harsh sentences for violations of the â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act†. Caldwell was also fined $1,000 for the two marijuana cigarettes that were found in his possession. Baca, who was his customer, was found guilty of possession of Marijuana and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Both men served their full sentences. Caldwell died a year after his release† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). This is why that â€Å"we the people† stood up, banded together, and formed  Organizations. People became spokespersons, advocates, â€Å"a voice for the cause†. Take for example, Peter McWilliams. He is the man I quoted in the beginning. â€Å"Peter was a self-help author, who advocated for the legalization of marijuana. He wrote over 40 books including â€Å"How to survive the loss of love†, â€Å"Ain’t nobody’s business if I do†. Along with poetry and how to use microcomputers. In 1996, he was diagnosed with AIDS and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Like so many patients suffering from cancer or AIDS, he had extreme difficulty on keeping down the drugs that controlled his illnesses. He began to smoke marijuana to control the drug-induced nausea. It saved his life† (US: The Life and Death of Peter McWilliams, 2002). â€Å"NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, was founded in 1970, as a nonprofit public-interest advocacy group whose mission is to end marijuana Prohibition† (Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana, (n.d.), 2011). â€Å"In 1971, President Nixon declared war on drugs. In 1972,The bipartisan Shafer Commission [National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse], appointed by President Nixon at the direction of Congress [and chaired by former Pennsylvania Governor Raymond Shafer], considered laws regarding marijuana and determined that personal use of marijuana should be decriminalized. Nixon rejected the recommendation, but over the  course of the 1970s, eleven states decriminalized marijuana and most others reduced their penalties (Busted: Americas War on Marijuana., 2010). Possession of marihuana for personal use would no longer be an offense, but marihuana possessed in public would remain contraband subject to summary seizure and forfeiture. Casual distribution of small amounts of marihuana for no remuneration, or insignificant remuneration not involving profit would no longer be an offense (Busted: Americas War on Marijuana., 2010). 1973,â€Å"The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNND) and the Office of Drug Abuse Law Enforcement (ODALE) are merged to form the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)† (420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.), 2010). In November, 1976, a Washington, DC man [Robert Randall] afflicted by glaucoma employed the little-used Common Law Doctrine of Necessity to defend himself against criminal charges of marijuana cultivation† (US v. Randall). â€Å"On November 24, 1976, federal Judge James Washington ruled Randalls use of Marijuana constituted a medical necessity, Judge Washington dismissed criminal charges against Randall. Concurrent with this judicial determination, federal agencies responding to a May, 1976 petition filed by Randall, began providing this patient with licit, FDA-approved access to government supplies of medical marijuana. Randall was the first American to receive marijuana for the treatment of a medical disorder† (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] 1998).  1978, â€Å"New Mexico passed the first state law recognizing the medical value of marijuana  [Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act]. Over the next few years, more than 30 states  passed similar legislation. (Scott, 1994). Voters in California [pass] a state medical  marijuana initiative in 1996. Known as Proposition 215(45 KB), it permits  patients and their primary caregivers, with a physicians recommendation, to pos sess and cultivate marijuana for the treatment of AIDS, cancer, muscular spasticity, migraines, and several other disorders; it also protects them from punishment if they recommend marijuana to their patients (Joy, PhD. Mack, 2011) The New England Journal of Medicine publishes an editorial written by Jerome P. Kassirer, MD, titled Federal Foolishness and Marijuana. The article states: Federal authorities should rescind their prohibition of the medicinal use of marijuana for seriously ill patients and allow physicians to decide which patients to treat. The government should change marijuanas status from that of a Schedule I drug (considered to be potentially addictive and with no current medical use) to that of a Schedule II drug (potentially addictive but with some accepted medical use) and regulate it accordingly† (Kassier, 1997). In January 2004, California passed SB 420, which states the guidelines for growing marijuana. Yes this bill also went through the court system. In May 2008, second district court of appeals ruling in Kelley case that the possession limits set by SB 420 violate the California Constitution because the voters approved Prop 215 can only be amended by the voters. With Prop 215 you can legally be in possession of marijuana and with SB 420 you can legally grow. This has drastically reduce crime in our cities and form a more productive society through its positive uses. In 2013, medical marijuana is a thriving and growing business for all those involved from the growers, to the â€Å"caregivers clubs† with their green cross symbols above their doors (yes like the Red Cross, but green) making it possible for the medical community, and the consumer to know they have found the right place. As of this date there is a total of 18 states and DC now known as Medical Marijuana States. With 11 more states pending legalization to legalize medical marijuana. Now legal for others to seek and receive this healing and lifesaving plant. Since the Government has allowed each state to listen to its people, and as it stands today marijuana is legal and available for all those who have a recommendation card. Now it is not a crime for the terminally ill and sick to gain access to the medication that they so greatly need to function on day-to-day bases. You might wonder, â€Å"How do I know so much or even care  about marijuana being legal†? I am also a member, because I have a recommendation card. I have had mine for about a year now. My doctor prescribed it for me when I told him I was depressed (over the death of my baby boy Marshall) and I did not want to take any manufactured manmade pill and have to worry about the side effects. Medical marijuana has done the trick for me, I take as need by my doctors’ direction. I have to say, that it has saved me. Also The Government, State and City get to collect the taxes and the dispensaries make their money and the clients get their much need lifesaving medication. Crime is down and people are employed, and the Government gets to have their say, but in the end â€Å"We the People† were finally heard, and this little plant is finally back where it belongs. To quote one of my favorite comedians: ~It’s not a war on drugs, it’s a war on personal freedom it’s what it is ok, Keep that in mind at all times. Thank you†~ ~ Bill Hicks~ References Bennett, C. (2010). Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana. Retrieved from http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 Eddy, M. (2010). Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies.. Retrieved from Federation of American Scientist/Congressional Research and State Service Reports: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33211.pdf Hicks, B. (1996). Lateralus (Album). Retrieved from Tool (Group) Joy, PhD., J., Mack, A. (2011). Marijuana as Medicine Beyond Controversy, 200. Retrieved from http://www.brainz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana Kari, S. (2011). Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana. Retrieved from http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 Kassier, J. P. (1997). Federal Foolishness and Marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.brainz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana McWilliams, P. (1996). Quotes by Peter McWilliams: Finest Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.finestquotes.com/author_quotes_authors-Peter+McWilliams-page-0.html Scott, E. (1994). Marional: The Little Synthetic That Couldn’t. Retrieved from http://www.druglibrary.org/significate-legal-cases.htlm 420 Milestone History Marijuana, (n.d.). (2010). Retrieved from http://www.braniz.org/420-milestone-history-marijuana Busted: â€Å"America’s War on Marijuana. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org Historical Timeline Medical Marijuana, (n.d.). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceid=000143 National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. (1998). Retrieved from Provision of Marijuana and Other Compound for Scientific Research Recommendations of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Advisory Council, NIDA website US: The Life and Death of Peter McWilliams. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n948/a03.html

SWOT Analysis Wal Mart Stores Inc

SWOT Analysis Wal Mart Stores Inc To analyse or diagnose any business, we must examine closely the issues with which the company is confronted. We will need to look very hard to grasp the overall picture of what is happening try and establish a helicopter view of the company to discover and grasp the specific problems. Generally, a detailed analysis of any business should include seven areas: The history, development, and growth of the company over time The identification of the companys internal strengths and weaknesses The nature of the external environment surrounding the company A SWOT ANALYSIS The kind of corporate-level strategy pursued by the company The nature of the companys business-level strategy The companys structure and control systems and how they match its strategy Analyse the companys history, development, and growth A convenient way to investigate how a companys past strategy and structure affect it in the present is to chart the critical incidents in its history that is, the events that were the most unusual or the most essential for its development into the company it is today. Some of the events have to do with its founding, its initial products, how it makes new-product market decisions, and how it developed and chose functional competencies to pursue. Its entry into new businesses and shifts in its main lines of business are also important milestones to consider. Identify the companys internal strengths and weaknesses once the historical profile is completed, we can begin the SWOT analysis. Use all the incidents we have charted to develop an account of the companys strengths and weaknesses as they have emerged historically. Then we examine each of the value creation functions of the company, and identify the functions in which the compa ny is currently strong and currently weak. Some companies might be weak in marketing; some might be strong in research and development. Make lists of these strengths and weaknesses. 2) SWOT ANALYSIS AND MACRO ENVIRONMENT FOR DECISION MAKERS Many changes from the macro environment have the potential to cripple even the best of strategies and must therefore be watched. Managers should note any changes in the environmental factors as conducive to innovation. Potential changes in exchange rates, especially unanticipated large ones, central bank policies that raise interest rates, and taxation laws, along with demographic and socio political changes, all have the potential to impact firm strategies. Managers should examine them carefully for potential threats and opportunities. In particular, they should examine the potential impact of changes in tax policies concerning the Internet. This analysis of a firms current performance, appraisal of its business model, appraisal of its competitors business models, analysis of industry attractiveness, assessment of its macro environment, projection of the evolution of the Internet, and a forecast of its environmental changes is sometimes called a strengths and weaknesses, opportuniti es, and threats (SWOT) analysis. After an analysis of where the firm is now, a manager may also decide not to pursue profits as previously planned but to hone the firms capabilities to fit another firms portfolio of capabilities so that it can be acquired by the other firm. On the other hand, a firm whose exit strategy had been to be acquired, with no intention of ever making profits, may decide that it now wants to become profitable after all. In all these cases, a firm has decided to move into new areas. It is now intent on doing certain things that it had not done before. If moving into these new areas requires entirely new capabilities, the objective to do so is sometimes referred to as a firms strategic intent. 2.1) SWOT ANALYSIS AND COMPANYS STRATEGIES Having identified the companys external opportunities and threats as well as its internal strengths and weaknesses, we need to consider what our findings mean. That is, we need to balance strengths and weaknesses against opportunities and threats. Is the company in an overall strong competitive position? Can it continue to pursue its current business or corporate-level strategy profitably? What can the company do to turn weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities? Can it develop new functional, business, or corporate strategies to accomplish this change? Never merely generate the SWOT analysis and then put it aside, because it provides a succinct summary of the companys condition, a good SWOT analysis is the key to all the analyses that follow. Over all we can say that a good strategy is designed to fit organizational capability with environmental opportunity. It is best summarized by the SWOT approach. 3) ANALYSE CORPORATE-LEVEL STRATEGY AND SWOT ANALYSIS 3.1) Companys businesses. Do the company trade or exchange resources? Are there gains to be achieved from synergy? Alternatively, is the company just running a portfolio of investments? This analysis enable us to define the corporate strategy that the company is pursuing (for example, related or unrelated diversification, or a combination of both) and to conclude whether the company operates in just one core business. Then, using SWOT analysis, we debate the merits of this strategy. Is it appropriate, given the environment the company is in? Could a change in corporate strategy provide the company with new opportunities or transform a weakness into a strength? For example, should the company diversify from its core business into new businesses? We should consider other issues as well. How and why has the companys strategy changed over time? What is the claimed rationale for any changes? Often it is a good idea to analyse the companys businesses or products to assess its situation and identify which divisions contribute the most to or detract from its competitive advantage. It is also useful to explore how the company has built its portfolio over time. Did it acquire new businesses, or did it internally venture its own? All these factors provide clues about the company and indicate ways of improving its future performance. 4) ANALYSE BUSINESS-LEVEL STRATEGY AND SWOT ANALYSIS Once we know the companys corporate-level strategy and have done the SWOT analysis, the next step is to identify the companys business-level strategy. If the company is a single-business company, its business-level strategy is identical to its corporate-level strategy. If the company is in many businesses, each business will have its own business-level strategy. We will need to identify the companys generic competitive strategy differentiation, low cost, or focus and its investment strategy, given the companys relative competitive position and the stage of the life cycle. The company also may market different products using different business-level strategies. For example, it may offer a low-cost product range and a line of differentiated products. Be sure to give a full account of a companys business-level strategy to show how it competes. Identifying the functional strategies that a company pursues to build competitive advantage through superior efficiency, quality, innovation, an d customer responsiveness and to achieve its business-level strategy is very important. The SWOT analysis will have provided us with information on the companys functional competencies. You should further investigate its production, marketing, or research and development strategy to gain a picture of where the company is going. For example, pursuing a low-cost or a differentiation strategy successfully requires a very different set of competencies. Has the company developed the right ones? If it has, how can it exploit them further? Can it pursue both a low-cost and a differentiation strategy simultaneously? The SWOT analysis is especially important at this point if the industry analysis, has revealed the threats to the company from the environment. Can the company deal with these threats? How should it change its business-level strategy to counter them? To evaluate the potential of a companys business-level strategy, We need to perform a thorough SWOT analysis that captures the ess ence of its problems. Once we complete this analysis, we will have a full picture of the way the company is operating and be in a position to evaluate the potential of its strategy. WAL-MART 5) COMPANY HISTORY AND ITS FOUNDERVISION Samuel Moore Walton, the billionaire boy scout of Bentonville, Arkansas, built an empire on a fervid belief in value, pioneered by ideas like empowerment, and revolutionized retailing in the process. Dead at 74 after a long fight with cancer, he did not invent the discount department store, although it hardly seems possible that he didnt. He grabbed hold of the leading edge of retailing in 1962 and never let go, creating a value-powered merchandising machine that seems certain to outlive his memory.. In 1994, the still-young company earned $2.3 billion on sales of $67 billion. A $1,650 investment in 100 Wal-Mart shares in 1970, when they began trading, is worth $3 million today. He taught American business that the vast amount of American people want value. He saw the future, and he helped make the future. According to a retail executive, while Walton was one of the great showmen of retailing, if he had been a television preacher hed have become Pope. As a manager he applied such concepts as a flat organization, empowerment, and gain-sharing long before any one gave them those names. In the 1950s, he shared information and profits with all employees. He ingested as much data as he could to get close to the customer and closer to the competition. He stressed flexibility and action over deliberation. Wal-Mart is ultimately a monument to consumers: it has saved them billions. Sam Walton truly believed that nothing happens until a customer walks into a store with a purpose, buys some thing, and walks out. His philosophy was simple: satisfy the customer. Operating nearly 2,000 stores in 47 states, Wal-Mart remains the leader in the discount store industry. In addition, with over 400 Sams Clubs, Wal-Mart is a major factor in the Warehouse Club industry. Combining general merchandise and groceries, Supercenters represent the companys fastest growing segment, with 65 to 70 stores planned in fiscal 1995 on a base of 68. Walton long ago wanted manufacturers to see themselves, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers as parts of a single customer-focused process rather than as participants in a series of transactions. He personally and permanently altered the relationship between manufacturers and retailers, which has historically been, to put it politely, antagonistic. About five years ago he asked Procter Gamble executives to view a focus group of Wal-Mart executives talking about their prickly relationship with the packaged-goods company. It was sobering. His strategy clearly was that we ought to be able to work together to lower the costs of both the manufacturer and the distributor and get lower costs for consumers. Walton got both sides to focus on distribution costs and how to cut them. Wal-Mart linked PG with its computers to allow automatic reordering, thus avoiding bulges in order cycles. With better coordination of buying, PG could plan more consistent manufacturing runs, rationalize distribution, and lower its costs, passing on some of the savings. This systematic approach is now in broad use throughout the industry. Walton has been described as a visionary, and he clearly was that. His vision was apparent in 1956 as a Ben Franklin variety store owner. To lure one of his first store managers, Bob Bogle, away from the state health depart ment, Walton showed him the books and offered to pay him 25 percent of the stores net profit in addition to salary. 6) STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF WAL-MARTS SUCCESS Wal-Marts Competitive Capabilities What accounts for Wal-Marts remarkable success? Most explanations focus on a few familiar and highly visible factors: the genius of founder Sam Walton, who inspires his employees and has molded a culture of service excellence; the greeters who welcome customers at the door; the motivational power of allowing employees to own part of the business; the strategy of everyday low prices, which offers the customer a better deal and saves on merchandising and advertising costs. Strategists also point to Wal-Marts big stores, which offer economies of scale and a wider choice of merchandise. Such explanations only redefine the question. Why is Wal-Mart able to justify building bigger stores? Why does Wal-Mart alone have a cost structure low enough to accommodate everyday low prices and greeters? What has enabled the company to continue to grow far beyond the direct reach of Sam Waltons magnetic personality? The real secret of Wal-Marts success lies deeper, in a set of strategic business decisions that transformed the company into a capabilities-based competitor. 6.1) Competitive Environmental Change Rivals are constantly changing their strategies and such changes, especially new game strategies, have to be watched very carefully. A firm is said to pursue a new game strategy if by performing value chain, value shop, or value configuration activities that differ from what the dominant logic of the industry dictates, or by performing the same activities differently than the logic dictates, the firm is able to offer superior customer value. Wal-Marts early strategies were new game strategies. It decided to move into small towns, saturate adjoining towns with stores, build distribution centers, and improve logistics, with an empowering culture and information technology to match. This allowed Wal-Mart to achieve high economies of scale and bargaining power over its suppliers. This in turn allowed the firm to offer its customers lower prices than its competitors. The starting point was a relentless focus on satisfying customer needs. Wal-Marts goals were simple to define but hard to execute: to provide customers access to quality goods, to make these goods available when and where customers want them, to develop a cost structure that enables competitive pricing, and to build and maintain a reputation for absolute trustworthiness. The key to achieving these goals was to make the way the company replenished inventory the centerpiece of its competitive strategy. This strategic vision reached its fullest expression in a largely invisible logistics technique known as cross-docking. In this system, goods are continuously delivered to Wal-Marts ware houses, where they are selected, repacked, and then dispatched to stores, often without ever sitting in inventory. Instead of spending valuable time in the warehouse, goods just cross from one loading dock to another in 48 hours or less. Cross docking enables Wal-Mart to achieve the economies that come f rom purchasing full truck- loads of goods while avoiding the usual inventory and handling costs. Wal-Mart runs a full 85 percent of its goods through its warehouse system-as opposed to only 50 percent for Kmart. This reduces Wal-Marts costs of sales by 2 percent to 3 percent compared with the industry average. That cost difference makes possible the everyday low prices. Thats not all. Low prices in turn mean that Wal-Mart can save even more by eliminating the expense of frequent promotions. Stable prices also make sales more predictable, thus reducing stock- outs and excess inventory. Finally, everyday low prices bring in the customers, which translate into higher sales per retail square foot. These advantages in basic economics make the greeters and the profit sharing easy to afford. With such obvious benefits, why dont all retailers use cross-docking? The reason: it is extremely difficult to manage. To make cross-docking work, Wal-Mart had to make strategic investments in a variety of interlocking support systems far beyond what could be justified by conventional ROI criteria. For example, cross-docking requires continuous contact among Wal-Marts distribution centers, suppliers, and every point of sale in every store to ensure that orders can flow in and be consolidated and executed within a matter of hours. Wal-Mart operates a private satellite-communication system that daily sends point-of-sale data directly to Wal-Marts 4,000 vendors. Another key component of Wal-Marts logistics infrastructure is the companys fast and responsive transportation system. The companys 19 distribution centers are serviced by nearly 2,000 company-owned trucks. This dedicated truck fleet permits Wal-Mart to ship goods from warehouse to store in less than 48 hours and to replenish its store shelves twice a week on average. By contrast, the industry norm is once every two weeks. To gain the full benefits of cross-docking, Wal-Mart has also had to make fundamental changes in its approach to managerial control. Traditionally, in the retail industry, decisions about merchandising, pricing, and promotions have been highly centralized and made at the corporate level. Cross-docking, however, turns this command-and-control logic on its head. Instead of the retailer pushing products into the system, customers pull products when and where they need them. This approach places a premium on frequent, informal cooperation among stores, distribution cen ters, and suppliers-with far less centralized control. The job of senior management at Wal-Mart, then, is not to tell individual store managers what to do, but to create an environment where they can learn from the market-and from each other. The companys information systems, for example, provide store managers with detailed information about customer behavior, while a fleet of airplanes regularly ferries store managers to Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters for meetings on market trends and merchandising. As the company has grown and its stores have multiplied, even Wal-Marts own private air force hasnt been enough to maintain the necessary contacts among store managers. Therefore, Wal-Mart has installed a video link connecting all its stores to corporate headquarters and to each other. Store managers frequently hold video conferences to exchange information on whats happening in the field, such as which products are selling and which ones arent, which promotions work and which dont. The final piece of this capabilities mosaic is Wal- Marts human resources system. The company realizes that its frontline employees play a significant role in satisfying customer needs. Therefore, it attempts to enhance its organizational capability with programs such as stock ownership and profit sharing geared toward making its personnel more responsive to customers. Even the way Wal-Mart stores are organized contributes to this goal. Where Kmart has five separate merchandise departments in each store, Wal-Mart has 36. This means that training can be more focused and more effective, and employees can be more attuned to customers. 6.2) COMPETITORS AND THEIR STRATEGIES Kmart did not see its business this way. While Wal-Mart was fine-tuning its business processes and organizational practices, Kmart was following the classic textbook approach that had accounted for its original success. Kmart managed its business by focusing on a few product-centered strategic business units, each a profit center under strong centralized line management. Each SBU made strategy -selecting merchandise, setting prices, and deciding which products to promote. Senior management spent most of its time and resources making line decisions rather than investing in a support infrastructure. Similarly, Kmart evaluated its competitive advantage at each stage along a value chain and subcontracted activities that managers concluded others could do better. While Wal-Mart was building its ground transportation fleet, Kmart was moving out of trucking because a subcontracted fleet was cheaper. While Wal-Mart was building close relationships with its suppliers, Kmart was constantly switching suppliers in search of price improvements. While Wal-Mart was controlling all the departments in its stores, Kmart was leasing out many of its departments to other companies on the theory that it could make more per square foot in rent than through its own efforts. This is not to say that the Kmart managers do not care about the business processes. After all, they have quality programs too. Nor is it that Wal-Mart managers ignore the structural dimension of strategy: they focus on the same consumer segments as Kmart and still need to make traditional strategic decisions such as where to open new stores. The difference is that Wal-Mart emphasizes behavior-the organizational practices and business processes in which capabilities are rooted-as the primary object of strategy and, therefore, focuses its managerial attention on the infrastructure that supports capabilities. This subtle distinction has made all the difference between exceptional and average performance. Kmarts management did not pay attention to this new game strategy, which resulted in the firm being overtaken by Wal-Mart. Kmart has never recovered. 6.3) SWOT ANALYSIS (S)trengths Wal-Mart is a powerful retail brand. It has a reputation of value for your money, convenience and a wide range of production all in one store. Wal-Mart is a powerful retail brand. It has a reputation of value for your money, convenience and a wide range of products all in one store. Wal-Mart has grown substantially over the years both domestically anmd through acquisition globally. For example, it purchased the United Kingdom-based retailer ASDA. The Company has a core competence in information technology to support its international logistics system and IT also supports its efficient procurement. A focused strategy is in place for human resource management and development. Talent is key to Wal-Marts business, and its invests time and resources into the training and retention of its people. (W)eaknesses Wal-Mart is the worlds largest grocery retailer, and control of its empire, despite its IT advantages, could leave it weak in some areas due to the huge span of control. Since Wal-Mart sells products across so many sectors (clothing, food, electronics, etc) it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors. The Company is global; but has a presence in few other countries. (O)pportunities It has the opportunity to take over, merge with or from strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets such as Europe or the greater China Region. The Stores are only in a few countries and opportunity exists to expand in large consumer markets India and China. New locations and stores types are mobbing from large super centres to local malls. Continued strategy for the opening of large super centers. (T)hreats Being number one means that you are the target of competition, locally and globally. Being a global retailer exposes you tp political and social problems in countries where you operate. Intense price competition in a threat. 7) CONCLUSION Completing a SWOT would have identified the threat as a focus on immigration and the possibility of lost crops due to un-harvested products. That threat turned to a weakness for those organizations that did not develop alternative strategies. For those who made the investments in increased mechanical harvesting, no business interruption occurred. For those who waited, it became a competitive disadvantage. Being able to forecast changes in the market and business will lead to insight regarding potential issues and opportunities to be faced in the future. The insights gained from engaging in this forecasting exercise can then be used to create plans of action to deal with the issues before they can have detrimental effects on the functioning of the business.

Schlieffens Plan :: essays research papers

In 1904 France and Britain signed the Entente Cordiale. The reason for this alliance was to get a few countries grouped together against the perceived threat of Germany’s powerful army. Talk also began to add Russia to this alliance bringing all three, France, Britain and Russia together. As a result of these alliances the German military began to fear the possibility of being attacked from both sides all at once from France, Britain and Russia. Germany gave Alfred von Schlieffen, the German Army Chief of Staff, the responsibility for coming up with a plan to defeat the allies. This plan was called the Schlieffen Plan. The Plan involved hitting France hard, with 90 percent of the total German army. The remaining 10 percent of the army would stay back and defend again any Russian advances on Germany. Schlieffen thought that taking out France was the key to winning the war as quickly as possible. He thought that if France was defeated then Britain and Russia would not want to continue the fighting. Schlieffen estimated that it would take at least six weeks for Russia to organize there large army for an attack on Germany. This meant that it was very important that Germany was able to invade and defeat France before then. In August 1914 the Schlieffen Plan was put into effect and the German Army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium. Germany thought they would have no problem taking out the two cities but were unexpectedly held up by the Belgium army. While being held up there they were again surprised as to how quickly the Russian army was able to advance into East Prussia. Soon after which the British force also reached France and Belgium to fight against the Germans. The French and British fell back to the other side of the River Seine and regrouped. After which, another French moved in and attacked the Germans at full force and managed to cut a huge hole in the German army splitting them into two groups. The French then entered the gap between the German forces trying to keep them divided. The Germans came very close to defeating the French army until the French brought in reserve troops to reinforce the front line. The Germans could not break through the French and were soon after ordered by the German Chief of Staff to stop and retreat from the French.

Global Warming Essay -- Environment, Climate Change

How much global warming we are going to see from extra CO2 depends on how sensitive the climate system is. David C Frank, Jan Esper, Christoph C Raible, Ulf Bà ¼ntgen, Valerie Trouet and Benjamin Stocker have published a study to improve the estimations of the carbon cycle sensitivity to climate and climate projections for the future. The carbon cycle sensitivity-which is important for global warming projections-to climate is the increase or decrease of atmospheric CO2 concentrations which lead to an increase or decrease in temperature6. As we can observe from different estimations, the increase or decrease of carbon concentrations in the atmosphere have changed during the past millennium6.There were certain periods where the temperatures were low (Little Ice Age) and other periods where the temperatures were higher (Medieval Warm Period)6. The present geological period is the Holocene which began approximately 10000 years ago4. Even though the geological period is the same since mo re than 10000 years ago, many climatic variations have occurred. For example, the Little Ice Age is the period between 16th century and 19th century, being 1601-1630 the coldest of the past millennium6.In the opposite side we find that the warmest pre-instrumental period was during the Medieval Warm Period, and more precisely, between the years 1071-11006. Moreover the warmest instrumental period (with records back to 1850) was the period 1971-20006.There are many factors that influence the climate variability. These factors can be classified as internal or external to the climate system. Examples of external influence are anthropogenic activities and natural influences (e.g. volcanic activity) 11. Anthropogenic influence on CO2 variations in pre-industr... ...g Group I to the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Houghton, J.T., et al. (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 349–416. 15. Raupach, Michael R & Canadell, Josep G, 2010: Carbon and the Anthrpocene. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 2: 210-218. 16. Raupach, Michael R, Canadell, Josep G, Le Quà ©rà ©, Corinne. Anthropogenic and biophysical contributions to increasing atmospheric CO2 growth rate and airborne fraction. Biogeosciences 5: 1601-1613 (2008). 17. Richard Alley et al., 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 10th Session of Working Group I of the IPCC, Paris, February 2007. 18. Ruddiman W F (2003). The anthropogenic greenhouse era began thousands of years ago. Climatic Change 61: 261–293.