Bank Mergers Essays - Finance, Financial Services, Banks

Bank Mergers In many cases bank mergers happen on the grounds that there are such a large number of banks, an excessive number of branches, and an excessive number of contenders. A merger is when two organizations consolidate to frame a bigger all the more impressive firm. Numerous business analyst have restricting perspective focuses on the job that mergers play in the economy. In the previous five years numerous mergers have happened in the financial business for instance; Chase Manhattan and Chemical Bank, BankAmerica and NationsBank, and Banc One and First Chicago. These are just a couple of the many mergers that have occurred in the previous five years. In spite of the fact that solidification can make the financial business progressively gainful, blending and lessening costs give just a fleeting lift to income. Over the long haul we will wind up with greater banks confronting a similar issue, less and less individuals who need them. Like some other industry in the present society the financial business is evolving. Some financial specialist even say its getting wiped out. Bank rivals are squeezing from all bearings. Business Loans that was at one time a selective financial industry has been attacked by organizations, for example, GE Capital and Merrill Lynch. In the course of recent years advance movement at GE Capital effectively one of the nations greatest moneylenders has climbed 11%, while the financial business advance development has crawled along at a 3% yearly rate. Or then again take a gander at Merrill Lynch. Over the previous year, it has begun $4.2 billion in business advances, equivalent to around 33% of KeyCorp's all out business credit portfolio toward the finish of 1994.1 Even the purchaser advance establishment is being caught. Charge cards for example, have been quite a while productive business for banks. That industry too has been taken over by organizations, for example, First USA. Since 1991, First USA, a Visa organization close to ten years of age , has prospected angrily, raising its card receivables 650%, to $15 billion, during a period when development in general card obligation became simply 36%. Since 1991, NationsBank, regardless of its unremitting gaining has expanded complete charge card receivables simply 16%.2 Larger mergers make bigger resources for the organization, yet investors are left in obscurity with how to manage those advantages. Automobile vendor are inclined to deal with vehicle advances, Visas are gotten through the mail, and better arrangements on home loans can be given by contract merchants. Lets not overlook PC banking. There are online administrations that wi ll look through the Internet to get the best cost on a CD, charge cards, purchaser credits, and home loans. Banks are starting to wind up contending with programming organizations. 1998 was by a wide margin the greatest year for takeovers. Eight of the ten greatest arrangements ever occurred in 1998. This super merger year has been stock driven. Close to the pinnacle of the last merger wave, in 1988, stock represented 7% of the estimation of arrangements. This year it was 67%, by a wide margin the most significant level in the previous decade, as indicated by JP Morgan.3 Banking represented one-fourth of all out arrangement esteems. Mergers have upheld bank stocks fundamentally. In banking it appears like greater is better, why put resources into a little organization when it will be obtained by a bigger organization. These mergers have collected immense organizations. Albeit stock costs are generally high, financial specialists consider it to be contributing solid money to those organizations to make bigger acquisitions with. The inquiry is are the investors making a benefit off of these mergers or are the main individuals coming out of these arrangements well off the person who are making the arrangements. Megamergers may not be solid for investors. Imprint Sirower, a teacher at NYU's Stern School, followed the loads of 100 major organizations that made significant acquisitions somewhere in the range of 1994 and 1997. By and large, a year after the arrangement declaration, the procures' stock trailed the S&P 500 by 8.6%. Not exclusively completed 60 stocks fail to meet expectations the market, yet 32 of these posted negative returns, with costs beneath their level five days before the merger became public.4 We have come to perceive that over the long haul these immense organizations are not bringing in any cash for the investor. A portion of those mammoths - Citigroup, to name one- - have watched their stock take off, however bank stocks by and large have

Ratification of the US Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Endorsement of the US Constitution - Essay Example Contemporary researchers portray this day as follows: â€Å"two hundred years prior, the United States Constitution supplanted the Articles of Confederation as the key rule that everyone must follow when New Hampshire turned into the ninth state to approve the Constitution on June 21, 1788.† (McGuire and Ohsfeldt 219) At that point in American history, there were the individuals who were against the possibility of a government that would have the option to practice control and oversight over the States. In this way, there were two essential groups with unique viewpoints on the issue: the antifederalists and the federalists. While the Constitutional Convention was progressing, strong discussions were likewise occurring in the roads, in townhalls and such. The federalists had a place with the higher classes in the public eye, while the counter federalists would in general have a place with the center to bring down classes. The Federalists and the Anti-Federalists The federalists had for its delegates statemen and American legends as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who were in enormous part liable for exciting help for the government state. In the brains of the federalists, a solid government and progressively joined together, incorporated states would be increasingly useful and practical in accomplishing the interests of the American individuals. They likewise felt that it was a stage over the Articles of Confederation. It was their conviction that a frail relationship between the states will just make it powerless against outer and even interior dangers. The counter federalists, then again, were joined by the view that the United States was such a huge nation and it is hard to join together and oversee a nation of the size and decent variety as that. They likewise censured the Federalists for â€Å"overreaching† †in other words, practicing power in an over the top, if not authoritarian way. They communicated an inclination for neighbo rhood rule, saying that a central government would just act as if there was a government. A significant issue that the federalists raised was the absence of the bill of rights in the received Constitution. This was a significant issue for the counter federalists. For present day supporters like Nedelsky, (340), â€Å"the Anti-federalists contended for a country where the resident stands in close connection to the State, wherein dynamic and capable investment is a genuine concern, and in which fairness holds a high place.† It was in certainty on account of the substantial issues on common freedoms raised by the Anti-federalists that the Amendments to the Constitution was presented †a sacred bill of rights articulating our valued standards. The counter federalists additionally felt that the Constitutional Convention violated its limits when it received the Constitution. The main consent conceded to the Convention was to alter the Articles of Confederation, not cancel them through and through to make a totally extraordinary Constitution. Curiously, the Federalists were against the Bill of Rights. As indicated by them, since the administration was in power through the command of the individuals and so as to speak to them, it appeared to be nonsensical to build up a Bill of Rights to control government’s activities

The Significance of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle free essay sample

This paper depicts how the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle characterizes the national and etymological history of the start of England. This paper inspects the substance of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as an essential verifiable hotspot for the production of English and England. It shows how crafted by student of history Venerable Bede archives England before the Chronicle and subtleties strict and social life in that period, while the Chronicle centers around the more extensive authentic size of war. It likewise centers around the semantic essentialness of the Chronicle the principal significant bit of English composition. From the paper: One of the most significant parts of The Angle-Saxon Chronicle is that it is the principal constant national history of any western individuals in their own language. Recorded by a progression of ages of copyists, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle covers such in a general sense significant occasions throughout the entire existence of early England as the relocation of the Saxon war-rulers, the aftereffects of the Romanization of Britain, the assault of the Vikings, the Norman Conquest and on the rule of Stephen. We will compose a custom paper test on The Significance of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle or on the other hand any comparable theme explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page

Study On The International Financial Markets Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

The financial system and the commodity market play a vital in economic performance and development. In order to provide a clear understanding, we begin with definitions of international finance as the branch of economics that studies the variations of exchange rate, foreign investment and how these affect the international trade. We introduce financial market with direct transactions between the savers e.g. household, firms and the government and financial intermediaries which transform the direct obligation of savers into indirect obligation of financial which have attributes that savers prefer. Intermediaries engage in receiving funds from the savers and lending to borrowers by means of purchasing from borrowers primary debt, equity or mixed type securities. The main objective of international finance is the undisturbed flow of funds from savers to borrowers regardless of national borders. The second section begins with detail explanations of commodity market and the roles they played in the economics market and the opportunities in supporting an efficient financial sector. The financial sector mobilizes savings and allocates credit across space and time. It provides not only payment services, but more importantly products which enable firms and households to cope with economic uncertainties by hedging, pooling, sharing, and pricing risks. An efficient financial sector reduces t he cost and risk of producing and trading goods and services and thus makes an important contribution to raising standards of living, investment production and consumption. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE. International finance is defined as a branch of economics that studies the variation of exchange rates, foreign investment, and how these affect international trade. Money is moved and the credit made available to the promotion of trade, reconstruction and development across national boundaries. The scope of international finance is classified into three major parts. International Financial Economics which is concerned with causes and effects of financial flows among nations application of macroeconomic theory and policy to the global economy. International Financial Management is concerned with how individual economic units cope with the complex financial environment of international business. International Financial Markets which is concerned with international financial or investment instruments, foreign exchange markets, international banking, international securities markets, financial derivatives, etc. In international finance, Borrowers, primarily corporations raises cash in two principal ways by issuing equity or by issuing debt. The equity consists largely of common stocks, but companies may also issue preferred stocks. Internationally, the raising of cash takes primarily the form of international debt issuance in the form of international debt securities offerings or international equity issuance in the form of international share offerings to investors, often combined with a foreign stock exchange listing. INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FINANCE. Equity is an ownership claims to a share in the profit and assets of a firm. According to the journal of Legal Aspects of International Finance (LAIF) 2011, A share also referred to as equity share of stock represents a share of ownership in a corporation. Equity ownership represents an ownership interest in a corporation. It comes in several forms and the most important is Ordinary Shares (Common Stock) ownership of which entitles the holder of dividend and a share of net assets value of the company. Common stock typically carries voting rights that can be exercised in corporate decisions, the right to share in distributions of the companys income, the right to purchase new shares issued by the company, and the right to a companys assets during a liquidation of the company. With preferred shares, the holder is entitled to certain level dividend payment before any dividends are distributed to ordinary share holders. Preferred stock holders do not carry voting rights like common stocks holders and cannot place the firm into liquidation. As part of international finance, international equity finance involves the issuance and sale of shares of common stock to non-residents of the country regardless of the location of the shareholders. Firms usually use equity financing when they are unable to raise sufficient funds through retained earnings or when they have to raise additional equity capital to offset debt. 1.3. INTERNATIONAL DEBT FINANCE. Is the act of a business raising operating capital or other capital by borrowing for a specific purpose. When companies borrow money, they promise to make regular interest payments and to repay the principal amount of the borrowed funds. Debt financing is divided into two categories which include, long term Debt financing such as equipment, buildings, land, or machines. The scheduled repayment of the loan and the estimated useful life of the assets extend over more than one year and short term debt financing such as purchasing inventory, supplies, or paying the wages of employees usually applies to money needed for the day to day operations of the business. Short term financing is less than one year. As part of international finance, international debt issuance comes with a disconcerting choice of legal forms of debt such as international bank loans, commercial paper, senior unsecured bonds and debentures, subordinated and unsecured notes and debentures. Other types of debt i nstruments all reflect a basic agreement on behalf of the lender to advance the borrowed funds and a promise on behalf of the borrower to return the funds lent. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKET. According to the McKinsey Global Institutes (MGI) annual analysis of long term trends that are reshaping global capital markets, the total value of the worlds financial assets including shares, private and government debt securities, and bank deposits. Financial markets such as stock market or bond market, issue claims on individual borrowers directly to savers. Savers surpluses are transferred to borrowers. FINANCIAL SYSTEM. Financial system provides channels to transfer funds from individuals and groups who have saved money to individuals and groups who want to borrow money. Savers (or lenders) are suppliers of funds, providing funds to borrowers in returns for promises of repayment of even more funds in the future. Borrowers are demanders of funds for consumers durables, houses or business, plants and equipment, promising to repay borrowed funds based on their expectation of higher incomes in future. (Hubbard (1996)). They channel household savings to the corporate sector and allocate investment funds among firms; they allow intertemporal smoothing of consumption by households and expenditures by firms; and they enable households and firms to share risks. FINANCE SYSTEM CHANNEL FUNDS This shows that the financial system channels flow of funds from savers or investors to borrowers and channels returns back to the savers, both directly and indirectly. Financial markets, such as the stock market or the bond market, issue claims on individual borrowers directly to savers. Financial institutions or intermediaries, such as banks, mutual funds and insurance company act as a go betweens by holding a portfolio of assets and issuing claims based on that portfolio to savers which is made possible by the activities of financial intermediaries and financial markets. Regarding the mode of financial flows, funds flow from savers to borrowers either directly or via the operations of a financial intermediary. In the first case, borrowers receive funds directly from savers. In return, savers acquire debt, equity or mixed-type claims in the form of primary securities. Financial intermediaries facilitate this process, assisting in the design, marketing and completion of the transa ction. These financial instruments are marketable in secondary markets. The ultimate objective and benchmark of international finance is the undisturbed flow of funds from savers to borrowers regardless of national borders. FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET. The Foreign Exchange Market is vast in size and scope and exists to fulfill a number of purposes ranging from the finance of cross-border investment, loans, trade in goods and services and of course, currency speculation. The Foreign Exchange Market encompasses of conversion of purchasing power from one currency to another; bank deposits of foreign currency; credit denominated in foreign currency, foreign trade financing, trading in foreign currency options futures, and currency swaps. The trade of different currencies takes place on the foreign exchange markets, at prices called exchange rates. Trading occurs 24 hours a day and London is the largest Foreign Exchange center. Trading may be for spot or forward delivery. A spot contract is a binding obligation to buy or sell a certain amount of foreign currency at the current market rate. A forward contract is a binding obligation to buy or sell a certain amount of foreign currency at a pre agreed rate of exchange, on or befor e a certain date. Forward contracts are available for any period up to two years longer periods are available in certain currencies. The main players on the foreign exchange market are commercial banks, firms, nonbank financial institutions, and central banks. DERIVATIVES. Derivatives are financial instrument whose value is based on an underlying asset. Derivatives can be used to acquire risk, rather than to insure or hedge against risk, it allows investors to hedge when buying a certain asset. Hedging is a way to protect against a loss in value of an investment. For example, if the holder of a certain stock is concerned that the stock price will fall, he or she might purchase a type of option whose value will increase if the stock falls in price. The option thus provides a kind of insurance against loss for the stockholder. Derivatives have a great amount of leverage, such that a small movement in the underlying value can cause a large difference in the value of the derivative. Speculate and make a profit if the value of the underlying asset moves the way they expect. One of the types of derivatives is over the counter which is the largest market for derivatives and is largely unregulated with respect to disclosure of information between the part ies. They are contract that are traded and privately negotiated directly between the two parties without going through other intermediary. The second type of derivatives is Exchange traded derivatives which acts as an intermediary to all related transactions, and takes Initial margin from both sides of the trade to act as a guarantee The three major classes of derivatives include: Futures/Forwards which are contracts to buy or sell an asset on or before a future date at a price specified today. Options are contracts that give the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy in the case of a call option or sell in the case of a put option an asset. Swaps are contracts to exchange cash (flows) on or before a specified future date based on the underlying value of currencies/exchange rates. While the major classes of derivatives of underlying asset are interest rate derivatives, foreign exchange derivatives, credit derivatives, equity derivatives and commodity derivati ves. COMMODITY MARKET AND ECONOMIC PERFORMACE Commodity markets are markets where raw or primary products are exchanged and where organized traders exchange in which standardized, graded products are bought and also the right to sell goods that plays a major role in the global economic scenario. These goods may be mineral based such as oil and natural gas, metals such as gold or copper, agricultural, cotton or wool, livestock, or foodstuffs like rice, wheat, soy and corn. These raw commodities are traded on regulated commodities exchanges, in which they are bought and sold. A commodity exchange is a market in which multiple buyers and sellers trade commodity-linked contracts on the basis of rules and procedures laid down by the exchange .Worldwide, there are 48 major commodity exchanges that trade over 96 commodities, ranging from wheat and cotton to silver and oil. Before World War II London was the centre of international trade in primary goods, but New York City has become at least as important. It is in these two cities that the international prices of many primary products are determined. Although New York often has the bigger market, many producers prefer the London market because of the large fluctuations in local demand in the United States that influence New York market prices. In some cases international commodity agreements have reduced the significance of certain commodity markets. The focus on commodity exchanges in the traditional sense that is, exchanges trading agricultural commodities, metals or energy products, as opposed to financial products (annex I). These exchanges are, however, described in the context of global futures trade, including financial contracts (annex II). 2.1 TYPES OF COMMODITY MARKET 1. SPOT MARKETS. Spot markets are markets in which a commodity is bought or sold for cash and delivery is immediate, money is exchanged and a product is obtained. Spot contracts, a less widely used form of trading, call for immediate delivery of a specified commodity and are often used to obtain the goods necessary to fulfill a futures contract. 2. FORWARD MARKETS. Forwards are advance payment for future supply, like reserving your share of next years yield. Forward contract are for future delivery of a commodity. 3. FUTURE MARKETS. Futures are a contract on future supply that wont actually be delivered. The purpose of trading in futures is either to insure against the risk of price changes (hedging) or to make a profit by speculating on the price trend. The great bulk of commodity trading is in contracts for future delivery. The operation of futures markets requires commodities of uniform quality grades in order that transactions may take place without the buyer hav ing to inspect the commodities themselves. A futures contract is an agreement to deliver or receive a certain quantity of a commodity at an agreed price at some stated time in the future. 2.2 THE ROLE OF COMMODITY MARKETSÂÂ  IN ECONOMIC. They play a very important role in the global economy in three major ways. First, reducing the price volatility and risk, the market mechanism helps to reduce price volatility by letting human nature work freely. Thereby reducing excess supply of some product in the market by producing less and if there is a shortage of some product in the market, the producers raise their prices and produce more. This brings things in balance as the market constantly adjusts to the current market situation. The system of hedging reduces risk and helps to promote economic growth as farmers, consumers, producers, distributors, etc. can lock in prices of their crops, raw material costs or other input costs. This allows market participants to better plan for their production output, consumption and capital spending budgets. Commodity markets provide the perfect system and place for buyers and sellers to use all of the available information in the market in determination of price at that moment for investment. And finally, the market helps to keep a balance between consumption and production as price adjustments are constantly being made in the market based on supply and demand. Producers and consumers alike decide how much to produce or consume based on market prices and their decisions on production and consumption levels based on daily pricing through commodity futures exchanges around the world helps to keep levels in balance. 2.3 THE ROLES OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IN ECONOMIC PERFORMANCES. The most three basic decisions which influence economic performance are; How much to save and how to allocate the flow of savings in investment. How much to consume. How to allocate the existing stock of wealth which would depend on each independent households opportunities, present and expected future income, health, family composition, the costs of goods and services. To examine how a financial sector affects the economy we introduce the direct financial claims. Financial claims are reflected in the flow of funds accounts as liabilities of firms, but as assets of households. Financial market infrastructure which have involved in most developed countries reduces costs e.g. accounting standards, disclosure laws and ratings agencies which would otherwise be borne by individual savers. These markets, conventions and institutions may make it possible for small savers to hold direct claims on firms and achieve a greater return for any given level of risk in allocating th eir wealth. The development of secondary markets in which direct claims are traded helps in increasing the willingness of savers to exchange real assets for direct financial claims and encourages savers to accept longer maturity claims. Brokers, which match savers and investors, as well as organized markets, which publish prices at which direct claims have recently been traded, reduce search and information costs for issues of new direct financial claims and increase the efficiency of direct financial transactions. They provide valuable price to help price new issues of direct claims and to coordinate decentralized economic activity. As indirect financial claims is by means of financial intermediaries. Financial Intermediaries purchase direct financial claims and issue their own liabilities; in essence they transform direct claims into indirect claims. Financial intermediaries monitor changes in the borrowers creditworthiness, collect and evaluate information regarding creditw orthiness at lower cost and with greater expertise than the household sector. Financial intermediary transform a direct financial claim with attributes which the borrower prefers into an indirect claim with attributes which savers prefer, this occurs when the borrower needs large amounts for relatively long periods of time, while savers prefer to hold smaller-denomination claims for shorter periods of time. By pooling the resources, the financial intermediary may be able to accommodate the preferences of both the borrower and savers. Financial intermediary transform the risky, long-term, illiquid direct claims on borrowers into safer, shorter-term, liquid claims on itself that savers prefer by diversifying reducing the financial intermediarys net exposure to a variety of risks and thus reduces the cost of hedging which makes an important contribution to raising standards of living. In addition, governments foster an elastic financial infrastructure which can withstand the u nstable in financial market prices without increasing the shocks to the real economy. 2.4. OPPORTUNITIES ARISING FROM INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT. The opportunities arising from international context is that first, we need to better understand capital markets and the products available and also todays globally reliant economies. The accessibility to foreign markets information products increases everyday and this represent a huge opportunity. Cross-border financial transaction of all kinds has become a common place for investors to make choices in different products. Diversifying in both international and domestic companies will lower their overall risk of their investment portfolio. Opening a country to trade in financial assets offers advantages similar to those that we observed introducing financial instruments in the primitive economy. International specialization on the basis of comparative advantage in financial services, like international specialization in production is likely to enhance efficiency. Confidence in the financial system encourages investors to allocate their savings through financial markets and institutions rather than to invest in non-productive assets in order to hedge against inflation or the risk of financial collapse. 2.5 RISK RISING FROM INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT. Risk is the possibility that something unpleasant, undesirable which might happen in international finance. Consequently, risk cannot be eliminated, it can only be managed and controlled and this process required proper identification and monitoring. The most risk associated with international finance is credit risk, which can be defined as the possibility of the failure of the debtor to perform its legally binding agreement in accordance with the relevant credit agreement. Market risk is associated with the trading activities of investors in securities and other financial instruments and refers to the possibility of losses arising from unfavorable movements in market prices. Traditional financial risk focuses on risks within the financial system, and then efficiency should plainly be the central goal. Foreign exchange or currency risk, which refers to the possibilities of losses attributed to fluctuations and volatility of foreign exchange rates and these can have impa ct on the return on the investment invested. International politics risk where by the government destabilization and consequent impacts on the foreign corporations. Interest rate risks refer to the exposure of the institutions financial condition to contrary the movements in interest rates. Liquidity risk is the lack of ability of a lender or borrower to accommodate decreases in liabilities or to fund increases in assets. Finally, operational risk refers to the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events. Such failures can lead to financial distress through error, fraud, or failure to perform in a timely manner or cause the interests of the financial institution to be compromised in some other way. 2.6. CONCLUSIONS The financial sector mobilizes savings and allows the allocation of credit across space and time. As seen, this not only provides payment services but more importantly products which enables firms and households to cope with the economics uncertainties. An efficient financial sector helps reduce cost and risk for production and trading of goods and services thereby play an important role in raising the standard of living. As seen, are some advantages to international equity issues. It increases as well as diversifies shareholders base. This also improves a firms image and also offering less cumbersome listing the procedures. For most investors, international equities offer the benefits of portfolio diversification and make it possible and also favorable tax treatment. Commodity market plays a vital role in international market, hedging reduces the risk for producers, consumers etc there by helping to promote economic growth. Market infrastructure helps to reduce cost which would have been borne by the individual. Its sustained the economic strength and progress in an increasingly competitive global economy and with access to advance technol ogy. Indeed, we can see how the financial system and the commodity play a vital role in international and their economics performances.

Cirque Du Soliel s Life Essay - 1626 Words

During August of 2015 I took a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada where I had the pleasure of watching Cirque Du Soliel’s, Kà  . Known by many as the most daring and expensive Cirque show ever produced. I watched an evening performance at its resident home at the MGM Grand, a luxurious home for a show that has been seen by millions of people. Having seen previous Cirque Du Soliel shows I had high expectations for the hit show. For the first time in the Cirque Du Soliel’s rich history, the company wanted to produce a show that would depart from the idea of telling a story through complex abstract visuals and tell it in a more candid, simple way that could be understood by the most novice of theatre goers. To help take on this gargantuan task they acquired the skills of director Robert Lepage, an award winning, actor, director and producer. With an eye watering budget of $165 million ( £134 million) Lepage created and directed Kà   which first premiered on February 3rd, 2005. The word Kà  , originates from an Egyptian belief that the human has a spiritual duplicate that accompanies them throughout their living life into the next. The shows plot follows two themes that run parallel to each other throughout the scenes. â€Å"Conflict and Love†. Through death defying acrobatics, martial arts and various other incredible physical feats the cast of the show tell the story of Imperial twins who are separated during their youth. They must proceed through their own rite of passage of self-discovery.

Employee Productivity And Effectiveness †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Employee Productivity And Effectiveness? Answer: Introduction The report is arguing about the performance of the person and the points where the individual lacks. The person selected is intelligent enough but is weak at delivering and imparting the knowledge to the other end. Because of the introvert nature, he usually does not suggest any idea and is poor at the time of presentation because the individual faces problem at the time of public speaking. The person is unable to face the public as there is a lack of self-belief and anxiety level is high. At the initial level, the problem of the person is analysed and reasons behind such personality are studied and measures are taken to improve the performance of the person. Through performance diagnostic, the wheel of motivation is researched and traits motivating the person are figured out to use them for encouraging the person. The action plan is build up where FFOCR feedback is briefly discussed and actions upon the wheel of motivation are taken for further improvisation in the nature of the per son and making him extrovert so that person is able to react as per the situation. At the end, further improvisation and leadership goals are decided using the SMART strategy. In nutshell, it could be said that the personality differs from person to person and it highly affects the performance of an individual and in an organisation, the top level management needs to focus on this particular aspect to boost up the morale of the person and raising the belongingness of an individual within the enterprise. For this motivational factor has to be selected from the wheel of motivation. Finally, establish a leadership goal and within the time limit, the specified goal has to be accomplished to improve the overall situation of organisation and the individual. Performance Analysis Performance is the activity performed by the person. It involves the way in which the work has been accomplished. Performance varies from person to person. It depends upon the quality and capability of a person. Some people are good at certain specific things which might be lacking in another person[1]. For instance, former is better in decision-making but communication skills are not better enough while later is better in communication but lacks in making a decision. Therefore every person has some or the other quality and demerits. The analysis will be made on the particular person whose performance is lacking. The gap will be analysed and data will be collected to review the performance, the reasons should be figured out by meeting the person and measures will be taken to improve the performance and evaluate the root cause of mistake so that development could be made and performance get improved. The actual situation There is a person who persists keen general knowledge and highly aware of the external environment. The problem that actually exist is that the individual is not able to deliver the knowledge to the other end.[2] The communication skills are even good but the confidence level is not up to the mark. The individual is unable to face the public or in other words, the public speaking skill is lacking in the person. This might be business of the introvert nature of the person which does not allow the one to speak up the thoughts[3]. In this way, the persons abilities are not clearly understood and they get deprived of the areas which they actually deserve. Analysing and improvisation in performance On analysing the situation it could be accessed that the person is carrying the reserved nature and despite having a lot of knowledge it could not be delivered to the peers. Though the skills and knowledge are reflected from their conduct and the way the work performed by them when it is about public speaking the person fails and is not able to utter a single word. In this way, the individual lacks in rendering presentations and giving ideas in public meetings[4]. Thus, measures will be taken to improve such an introvert nature and making the person extrovert by building the surroundings generous and involving him along with the other people and staff of the office. He will be made to share his views on the current situations, praising him and motivating the person to speak up so that better ideas from his end could also be generated which would be beneficial for the individual as well as organisation. As per the analysis and figuring out the area of improvement it could be hypothetically stated that the basic issue that is occurring might be due to lack of confidence and this could either be from the childhood or there are hidden reasons which need to find out to know the root cause.[5] For that, a meeting with the person has to be fixed and interaction has to be made and questioning must be made to know the correct answer so that better solution could be derived out. Performance diagnostic The performance diagnostic helps in analysing the problem and where the person is lacking on the wheel of motivation. Wheel of motivation comprises of positive motivation, positive engagement, negative motivation and negative engagement.[6] The wheel consists of various attributes and behaviour of the person which will be clearly understood by studying the performance diagnostic. The performance diagnostic of the prevalent problem goes as follows: Initial purpose: The original purpose of this diagnostic is to find out the actual problem with the person and after being so knowledgeable and talented why the person is not able to gain the deserved position. Performance variables: Through performance variables, the three levels of performance are taken into consideration and the problem of performance management is studied using these three levels of performance which stands like Organisational level, process level and job level. The area which is highly affected by this problem is identified. Due to the performance problem the person is affected at the organisational level because the presentation and public facing tasks are not accomplished. Also, the job/ performer level is deprived as adequate performance does not take place because the hidden knowledge and abilities are not shown to the outer world and lot more skills are hidden which could reward him on the later stage or enhancement of position might take place. Performance measures: This diagnostic measures the performance of the individual at the organisational, process and performer level and what improvement are needed could also be identified at this level only[7]. Performance needs: At this level, the need of performance is studied at the organisational, process and job performer level. The classification could be done using the taxonomy of the performance. The taxonomy helps in changing and managing the system through invention, improvisation, troubleshoot operation and understanding. Improvement proposal: This diagnostic helps in improving the phase of the proposal. The ideas and innovation to cure the problem are involved in this particular proposal where modification takes place and weaken area identified is improved for the betterment. On considering the performance diagnostic the following issues are marked on the wheel of motivation. There is a lack of self-belief in the person and anxiety surrounds him which does not let the real person speak up and perform the best on-field i.e. present the view and raise the view by successfully delivering the knowledge and ideas in the meetings. Action plan The action plan will include the procedure of resolving the issue that the person is facing. For this what steps are needed to be taken are studied thereafter the measures will be initiated to gather the information about the problem[8]. The first step will be marked out so that the beginning could be made to resolve the personality issue of the person. FFOCR Feedback Frame: Initially the objective will be framed to analyse the individual performance gap. For that, the perspective of the person must be understood and actual performance has to be evaluated. The previous records of the person must be scrutinized and a background check has to be made. Facts have to be collected by gathering the information about the person. The latent qualities must be figured out and the individual should be encouraged to showcase his quality and crack the opportunities and position that he deserves.[9] Facts: Facts are the information that should be collected to know the person closely. The friends, family and another fellow person should be contacted and for gaining the better results the person himself must be interviewed because only that person could clarify the exact problem as that is the one who is being through it. The reasons will be asked of such a low confidence and lack of self-belief. The cause of anxiety should be analysed and cure has to be made to convert the introvert into the extrovert. The root of the problem should be studied and also this is not a one-way task even the person himself has to make attempts to bring this improvement[10]. Outcome: The results that will arrive after having one to one with the person should be implemented. On analysing and studying the situation it was summed up that the person was facing low confidence problem and self-belief was lacking in the individual due to whom he was unable to speak up the views even on having the knowledge. Because of the anxiety and shyness the hidden knowledge, skills and abilities were not introduced ever. The public fear never let him come up with the competencies he possesses. On conversing and making a background check it was analysed that the nature of a person is this only. Also, there are certain past factors that suppressed the person to speak up at times. For improvising, this thing the meeting helped was open discussion took place. In order to bring confidence in the person, certain trips and trips within the organisation could be made where he could mix up with the staff and informally share the ideas which will be the first step towards the growth process. Some activities should be inculcated within the free time where small quiz short festive and many more can be conducted to boost up such people and bring up a sense of belongingness so that they could open up in the environment to perform outrageously.[11] Consequences: Consequences those are figured is that such performance issue occurs firstly because for the nature that prevails by birth. Another consequence faced is due to fear of being wrong, there are certain people which have a tendency to lose faith when being wrong. Therefore because of such shyness communication get curbed and expectations are not raised, which if communicated could have resulted in better conclusion for the company as well as the organisation and surroundings.[12] Recommendations: It could be recommended that extra cares to such people are required to make them feel the belongingness. The potential appraisal should be made of such person and specific motivational theory has to be applied because the motivational factor differs from person to person. Some might get motivated with job security while others may feel beneficial in job satisfaction and then there are a lot of people who get motivated with financial resources.[13] Actions as per wheel of motivation In the wheel of motivation, there are four bifurcations upon which the personality of the person and their performance are measured. There is primarily the positive motivation which could be monetary like incentives, benefits, the rewarding and yearly increment in the salary.[14] Then there is a positive engagement that includes the involvement that an employee holds within it is highly connected with persistence, planning and managing the task. Also, as discussed earlier there are people that get motivated when terrorised or pressurise. Their efficiency gets an increase when the workload is given to them or salary deduction is the end they know. Thus, negative motivation is equally important as the positive is. The negative motivation inculcates the feeling of anxiety to do the work, the failure might threaten the person so that he could react to the situation and work accordingly and lastly, there is uncertain control as well which curbs the personality of the individual and he is not able to express himself. Negative engagement depicts that the employees are not involved in the organisation. These are the personality traits which might lead to disengagement for the introvert and self-sabotage to the extrovert.[15] As far as the person is considered there is a problem of self-belief and anxiety in him. This depicts that the person is positively and negatively motivated. When the positive motivation is encouraged it would result in the development of persons attachment and the individual could open up with the colleagues. Such acts increase the flow of energy and communication gaps are reduced to create the understanding and build up better employer-employee relations. The negative motivation results in anxiety and pressurises the person with the burdens of work. This lead to mistakes in the tasks and degrading the performance and the person cut off the way to people so that he could avoid the comparisons. The comparison and discrimination might be the problem of the person that the performance is decreased and he is not able to interact with the people to understand the mistake because strict actions are taken by top management.[16] The main issues are that firstly the person is introvert and reserve so in such situation top management should adopt differential activities to interact and make the person comfortable. There should be a genuine and required gap between the managers and link between both should not get lost and managers must timely take the report upon the performance and adjustment of the person within the environment and the problems if any must be immediately solved out. Peer comparisons have to be avoided and individuality must be respected so that organisational commitment could be gained. Time should be imparted to the person to make an adjustment and superior, subordinate and peers must support him to build confidence and increase the comfort. Speak up session can be conducted where every person can speak up any point or topic of their choice and other should perform the effective listening, in this way the knowledge area will be analysed and more about a person is known which would result in the relaxation and soothing environment of the organisation and the person feels confident and attachment is ensured.[17] Further improvisation As per the strength and weakness of the researcher the implementation program might take a turn. As per the strength, the positive activities will be paid more emphasis and the weakness might be converted into the opportunity. There could arouse the situation where the weakness of one might be the strength of other and the former may get to learn a lot from the later. [18]The opportunity of the former could be the threat to the later which shall be solved out to remove the shyness and increasing the compatibility among the staff[19]. Such sessions and converting ones weakness into strength would result in opening up of the person and make him a little extrovert which will improve gradually if such sessions and relaxation are timely provided to the person. Leadership goals and its application The leadership approach to achieve the goal and improve the personality SMART criteria could be adopted. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound[20]. A brief description goes as under: Specific: For the leader, it is essential to be specific and set a predefined goal in the mind of. Concerning the situation, the specific goal is to collect the people and have interaction with one and all to know the problem so that solution could be derived. Measurable: the Measurable goal is the specific thing that is made as the target. The goal of the manager is to initiate and enhance the unity among the staff in one month and solving the personality problem and performance within the specified time to prove oneself as the best leader. Achievable: The goals that are constructed should not be vague and reality as to be attached to it. The promissory words do not make any sense if such are not even followed. The objective should be to improving the trait of the person and making him involved in the company. Raising the employees position to the director and fulfil the desires and connecting the minds of people. It is not a solution as this might demotivate other members and situation may get worse. Relevant: The goal should be relevant to the organisational problem and it must not divert from the topic. The issue is to solve the performance problem of the person and increase the personality to enhance the performance of the employees. An adequate solution must be derived to resolve the issue and emphasis should be paid so that moral values are not lost. Time-bound: For every problem, there is a need to set a time limit because entire time cannot be devoted to the single problem. Thus only specific concentration for a particular time is given to concentrated problem only in order to increase the performance of the individual and making him comfortable within the environment so that further development of the organisation and the employees may take place. Conclusion Hence, it could be concluded from the entire report that there are certain people comprising of divergent attitudes and personality traits which affect the performance of the person. There are people with the introvert nature who feel shy to share their knowledge and do not easily get connected to other people or the organisation. For that, the personality analysis has to be made. In performance analysis initially, the actual situation must be understood thoroughly and afterwards analysing of the situation will take place so that improvising areas could be identified. Performance diagnostic is used to study the wheel of motivation for the person. When the analysis has been done thereafter action plan is conducted where FFOCR feedback was constructed to completely learn about the situation. The study of the performance analysis could be better evaluated on understanding the actions as per the wheel of motivation. The areas of problems are identified an appropriate theory of motivation should be applied to get better results. Negative motivation should be avoided because it might cause the harassment and tension on the mind of the person and which may result in depression or even worse situation. Top management should pay attention to such people in order to involve them because the nature of every person is different from the other. Lastly, the improvisation has been made followed by the leadership goals and adopting the SMART technique to appropriately solve the issue of the person and achieve the organisational goal which is fixed and focused. References Awadh, Alharbi Mohammad, and Mohammed Saad Alyahya. "Impact of organizational culture on employee performance."International Review of Management and Business Research2, no. 1 (2013): 168. Aylin Ates, Patrizia Garengo, Paola Cocca, and Umit Bititci. "The development of SME managerial practice for effective performance management."Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development20, no. 1 (2013): 28-54. Bain company, Performance improvement diagnostic, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.bain.com/consulting-services/performance-improvement/performance-improvement-diagnostic.aspx. Besl, Alli. Introversion vs. extraversion and job performance, Select International, 2017, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.selectinternational.com/blog/introversion-vs.-extraversion-and-job-performance. Bilanich, Bud, Solving the 11 most common performance problems, Contracting Business, August 1, 2006, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.contractingbusiness.com/hvacrdb/solving-11-most-common-performance-problems. Dausend, Linda SMART goals for leaders managers, Flash Point Leadership Consulting, March 23, 2017, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://blog.flashpointleadership.com/what-if-leadership-was-a-smart-goal. Exponential programs, Top 5 Responsibilities of a manager, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.exponentialprograms.com/professional/blog/top-5-responsibilities-of-a-manager/. Hills, Jan, The role of feedback in performance management- the conditions for success, HRZone, November 17, 2016, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.hrzone.com/perform/people/the-role-of-feedback-in-performance-management-the-conditions-for-success. Jensen, Jaclyn M., Pankaj C. Patel, and Jake G. Messersmith. "High-performance work systems and job control: Consequences for anxiety, role overload, and turnover intentions."Journal of Management39, no. 6 (2013): 1699-1724. Jiang, Kaifeng, David P. Lepak, Jia Hu, and Judith C. Baer. "How does human resource management influence organizational outcomes? A meta-analytic investigation of mediating mechanisms."Academy of Management Journal55, no. 6 (2012): 1264-1294. Karl, Bryson Performance management: 5 solutions to challenges we all face, BambooHR, September 2016, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/performance-management-5-solutions-challenges-face. Lifelong achievement, The Wheel, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.lifelongachievement.com/the-wheel-i7/. Lin, Raz, Sarit Kraus, and Yaniv Mazliah. "Training with automated agents improves people's behaviour in negotiation and coordination tasks."Decision Support Systems60 (2014): 1-9. Mackay, Tarina, Motivation and engagement, Wordpress, October 21, 2014, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://tarinamackay.wordpress.com/. Michie, Susan, Lou Atkins, and Robert West. "The behaviour change wheel: a guide to designing interventions."Needed: physician leaders26 (2014). Pierce, W. David, and Carl D. Cheney.Behavior analysis and learning. Psychology Press, London, 2013. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=enlr=id=zYF_AAAAQBAJoi=fndpg=PP1dq=analysing+peoples+behaviourots=K6m2oEeNDgsig=s6Bpx0JMdWzWKrZPCy7z9e_e39A#v=onepageqf=false. Schiffer, Eric, Must-know facts for better business performance, Forbes, January 19, 2015, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericschiffer/2015/01/19/12-must-know-facts-of-performance-in-business/#2d4c8ade797d. Sullivan, John, The top 30 most common (and critical) interview problems, Talent Management and HR, February 8, 2012, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.tlnt.com/the-top-30-most-common-and-critical-interview-problems/. Trinka, James A., Action plan to achieve breakthrough improvement in employee productivity and leadership effectiveness, Gov Leaders, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://govleaders.org/action-plan.htm. Vinel, Bruno, 5 challenges with organisational and employee performance, LinkedIn, September 29, 2015, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-challenges-organisational-employee-performance-bruno-vinel. [1] Awadh, Alharbi Mohammad, and Mohammed Saad Alyahya. "Impact of organizational culture on employee performance."International Review of Management and Business Research2, no. 1 (2013): 168. [2] Bruno Vinel, 5 challenges with organisational and employee performance, LinkedIN, Septe,ber 29, 2015, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-challenges-organisational-employee-performance-bruno-vinel. [3] Alli Besl, Introversion vs. extraversion and job performance, Select International, 2017, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.selectinternational.com/blog/introversion-vs.-extraversion-and-job-performance. [4] W. David Pierce, and Carl D. Cheney.Behavior analysis and learning ( Psychology Press, London, 2013). https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=enlr=id=zYF_AAAAQBAJoi=fndpg=PP1dq=analysing+peoples+behaviourots=K6m2oEeNDgsig=s6Bpx0JMdWzWKrZPCy7z9e_e39A#v=onepageqf=false [5] Raz Lin, Sarit Kraus, and Yaniv Mazliah. "Training with automated agents improves people's behavior in negotiation and coordination tasks."Decision Support Systems60 (2014): 3 [6]Performance improvement diagnostic, Bain company, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.bain.com/consulting-services/performance-improvement/performance-improvement-diagnostic.aspx. [7] John Sullivan, The top 30 most common (and critical) interview problems, Talent Management and HR, February 8, 2012, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.tlnt.com/the-top-30-most-common-and-critical-interview-problems/. [8] James A. Trinka, Action plan to achieve breakthrough improvement in employee productivity and leadership effectiveness, Gov Leaders, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://govleaders.org/action-plan.htm. [9] Jan Hills, The role of feedback in performance management- the conditions for success, HRZone, November 17, 2016, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.hrzone.com/perform/people/the-role-of-feedback-in-performance-management-the-conditions-for-success. [10] Eric Schiffer, Must-know facts for better business performance, Forbes, January 19, 2015, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericschiffer/2015/01/19/12-must-know-facts-of-performance-in-business/#2d4c8ade797d. [11] Kaifeng Jiang, David P. Lepak, Jia Hu, and Judith C. Baer. "How does human resource management influence organizational outcomes? A meta-analytic investigation of mediating mechanisms."Academy of management Journal55, no. 6 (2012): 1265. [12] Jaclyn M. Jensen, Pankaj C. Patel, and Jake G. Messersmith. "High-performance work systems and job control: Consequences for anxiety, role overload, and turnover intentions."Journal of Management39, no. 6 (2013): 1700. [13] Aylin Ates, Patrizia Garengo, Paola Cocca, and Umit Bititci. "The development of SME managerial practice for effective performance management."Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development20, no. 1 (2013): 30. [14] The Wheel, Lifelong achievement, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.lifelongachievement.com/the-wheel-i7/. [15] Susan Michie, Lou Atkins, and Robert West. "The behaviour change wheel: a guide to designing interventions."Needed: physician leaders26 (2014). [16] Tarina Mackay, Motivation and engagement, Wordpress, October 21, 2014, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://tarinamackay.wordpress.com/. [17] Top 5 Responsibilities of a manager, Exponential programs, accessed on September 16, 2017, https://www.exponentialprograms.com/professional/blog/top-5-responsibilities-of-a-manager/. [18] Bryson Karl, Performance management: 5 solutions to challenges we all face, BambooHR, September, 2016, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/performance-management-5-solutions-challenges-face. [19] Bud Bilanich, Solving the 11 most common pereformance problems, Contracting Business, August 1, 2006, accessed on September 15, 2017, https://www.contractingbusiness.com/hvacrdb/solving-11-most-common-performance-problems. [20] Linda Dausend, SMART goals for leaders managers, Flash Point Leadership Consulting, March 23, 2017, accessed on September 16 2017, https://blog.flashpointleadership.com/what-if-leadership-was-a-smart-goal.

Ruiz v. Estelle Essay Example

Ruiz v. Estelle Essay In 1974, the petition was Joined by seven other inmates and became a class action suit known as Uric v. Estelle. The trial ended in 1979 with the ruling that the conditions of imprisonment within the DC prison system constituted cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the United States Constitution, with the original report Issued In 1980, a 118 page decision by Judge William Justice. There followed decades of further litigation In the form of consent decrees, appeals and other legal actions, until a final Judgment was rendered In 1992. But problems In enforcement continued, and in 1 996 U. S. Congress enacted the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLEA) to address these issues as well as abuse of the prison litigation process. However, in October 1 997, the district court, still not satisfied with the compliance of the DC, gave permission for continuing site visits by attorneys and experts for the inmate class, and this continued into 1999. In response to this, the DC issued more than 450,000 pages of evidence and accepted 50 additional site visits. In 2001, the court found that the DC was in compliance on the issue of use of Orca against inmates and had adequate policies and procedures in place. However, the court continued to have issues with the current and ongoing constitutional violations regarding administrative segregation In the conditions of confinement and the practice of using administrative segregation to house mentally Ill Inmates that It found. Judge Justice ordered sweeping and dramatic changes in the states prison system. Texas officials filed appeals that lead to reversing parts of Justices 1980 ruling. An agreement was reached that there would be a 95 percent prison capacity, he separation of hardcore offenders from other inmates, the hiring of more prison guards and improving of the medical treatment of prisoners. Judge Justice had an iron hand on the oversight of the prison system until 1994, and maintained limited control until 2003. To comply with the 95 percent cap, prisoners were given early releases for good behavior and others, usually nonviolent criminals, served only a fraction of their prison sentences. In 2007, In the consolidated case of Jones v. Bock the U. S. Supreme Court, In a unanimous decision, set forth limitations on the extent of prison allotting. The states rapidly growing population meant that even If crime rates stayed the same, the Texas prison system would need much greater capacity. Aerogram. At the time of the Uric trial the state operated Just eighteen prison facilities for approximately 25,000 inmates. In the late sass and early sass the state built an additional eighty-nine units of varying sizes and types to accommodate more than 140,000 prisoners. New units have continued to come on line over the past decade to accommodate a state prison population whose number s have leveled off at approximately 142,000. Work Cited Jackson, Bruce. We will write a custom essay sample on Ruiz v. Estelle specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Ruiz v. Estelle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Ruiz v. Estelle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Caribbean Studies, History Essays

Caribbean Studies, History Essays Caribbean Studies, History Essay Caribbean Studies, History Essay Peasantry Peasantry in the Caribbean dates back to 1838. Technically, peasantry is a combination of the cultivation of a variety of goods and the raising of a variety of animals on fairly small pieces of property without the aid of hired labour and largely for subsistence purposes. Brierly and Ruben (1988) describe peasants as typically economically deprived people at the lower strata off society. Characteristics of Caribbean peasantry Historically existed on the crevices of society – any area where the main economic activities of the Europeans did not have control. Historically the peasantry existed in opposition to and in competition with the plantation despite their interdependence. According to Marshall, Caribbean peasantries incorporated non-agricultural activities such as fishing, shop keeping, and casual estate work. Caribbean peasantries have always involved the production of some goods for sale in local markets. Types of peasant communities in the Caribbean Europea n peasant communities Runaway slave communities – The maroons of Jamaica, Spanish Santo Domingo and Suriname for examples. (Many of these maroons traded products for weapons and or clothes. ) Slave farms on the plantation Significance and contribution of the peasantry to Caribbean society – â€Å"Emancipation in Action† (Sidney Mintz and Woodville Marshall) Social Enhanced money and time management skills of slaves and later ex-slaves. Engendered self-reliance, planning and political awareness among ex-slaves. Maintaining social and economic stability in rural and non-plantation areas via attempts to build self-generating communities, villages, churches, schools etc. Soften the rigid class divisions that existed Cultural New and renewed cuisines Artistry and artisanship Economic Slaves learnt cultivation skills and soil management. Added to the establishment of the local cooperatives movement and P. C. Banks Added to the export and trade of Caribbean c ountries via the diversification of agricultural produce Increases self-sufficiency especially in the export markets Difficulties Ex-slaves had tremendous difficulty in legally acquiring land due largely to government polices and planters’ activities. Completion from non-agricultural activities such as bauxite, tourism and oil in Trinidad; Migration particularly after 1945; Poor living standards for many peasants; Shortage of resources (capital, knowledge, storage and transportation facilities) Completion from cheaper imports Wasteful agricultural practices.

Astronomy_xtra2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Astronomy_xtra2 - Essay Example â€Å"Beyond the Big Bang† is a must see video for beginning or advanced students. The concepts taken for granted today, like the planets revolving around the sun, gravity, and star compositions were unknown thousands of years ago. This led to the Greeks and Romans to create Gods out of the stars. Astrology was born out of the superstitious thoughts of events happening due to star and planet position. The Greeks and Romans could only view the sky with the naked eye. Without modern technologies or telescopes, the ancient world believed the Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus, Keppler, and Galileo built upon each other’s work. Despite religious interference, the sun was proven to be the center of the universe. However, Galileo’s attempt to interpret the Biblical passage to fit his theories caused his downfall. From the beginning religious dogma interfered with astronomy and science. Although the telescope was proving Church doctrine wrong, Galileo was silenced due to Church belief. It is amazing how humans wanted to stay ignorant in the name of faith. Gravity was proven by Newton. This helped prove how planets revolve around the Earth. Gravity holds our universe together. Newton’s formula for gravity and mathematics has built the study of physics. The science and mathematical merger of physics helped future scientists create new theories. Einstein built upon Newton’s theories. The idea of a finite universe scared Einstein, who wanted an infinite universe. After studying gravity, Einstein came to the conclusion the universe did have a beginning. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was arrived by shear thought. He was an intelligent man that could think out experiments in his head. Einstein figured out that the universe was expanding or contracting. Despite his reservations, Einstein proved that the universe was moving away. Einstein could not have imagined that his research would prove the

Interior Design Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Interior Design Program - Essay Example That is what people want; to adjust with environment. Adjustment takes place in two basic steps: one is judgment where one tries to inspect the level of satisfaction by comparison and another is selection which comes into mind if first one directs to do so. Fashionable clothes, jewelries, rich food etc are common example of this. But what about shelter All these luxurious wants go to slum if you don't have place to take deep breath. After daily hard work when we return home, we look for peace, relaxation and happiness. It's a place which refreshes our mind and gives us energy to face daily problems. So home also needs designing and proper arrangements with all facilities within that in order to bring ease and comfort in our life. This work can be beautifully done with help of interior designer. Nowadays Interior designer has more responsibilities, as everybody has different needs and level of satisfaction; and he needs to satisfy customers' thinking after maintaining his own constrai nts (budget, profit, house area etc...). Design is a term related to creativity. Interior design is a process to improve human interaction with the living environment. An interior designer is a qualified person who works on interior spaces to improve its quality and with a vision to enhance the lifestyle of human being, making it healthier and safer (Znoy, Jason A, 2004). It's not about profession and revenues; but the art reflects to his personal life too as society is not a group of families rather individuals! One dominating factor comes and that is financial effort. One designer will do the work for mankind but a large class of people is not in a position to adopt it. Here comes the challenge. What's that contribution where all are not getting the chance to feel pleasure So, design must be flexible and easily acceptable. Nowadays People misunderstand with the meaning of renovation. Many historical structures are being demolished and replaced by modern efficient high-rise buildings. Renovation is part of designing, but doesn't mean removing ancient things. Destruction is not the ultimate way to resolve problem. A doctor never hurts patient but fights against his diseases. Removing these structures, means rubbing out all the histories associated with them. So solution to this conflict between new needs and old culture is restoring and recycling, which bring to sustainability. Renovation needs new resources to replace old ones, but available resource cannot meet wants. In order to get a green country we have to give our hands together forgetting about me but not us. We should remember that child is a father of man. Future is unpredictable, but not impossible to visualize. Doing is believing and we have to believe in what we are doing. As Designing combines all different perspectives to bring out an innovation, teaching interior design and spreading knowledge is very important. Today's challenges are inspiration for designer to come up with solutions that can help the world. Conclusion It's the time now to think higher and dream bigger. We are those drops of rain which can flood the whole world. Interior design gives us the awareness of what is happening in the real life. The only thing that is

Illinois Employers Essay Example for Free

Illinois Employers Essay The Illinois WARN reduces the number of employees required for an employer’s notification, which should be done 60 days advance, in case of layoffs or closing. It reduces from 100 (as set by the federal WARN) to not less than 75 full-time employees who has a combined working time of 4,000 hours or more per week. Also, 33% and at least 25 full-time employees or at least 250 full-time employees are required for mass lay offs which is half the requirement of the federal WARN. Other government officials must also be informed in case of reallocation. Noncompliance with the Act can be brought in the federal court by the concerned employees. COMMENT 1: Indeed, theses laws will have good impact in the community and may also decrease the unemployment rate. However, it will also trigger a fear on the side of the employer. Upon receiving a notice 60 days before the closing or lay off, the employees will surely look for a job. There, they may be times when the employees will leave their job even before the closing period once they find a new job. However, notification in such cases (closing or lay off and reallocation) will surely benefit the community will surely benefit the community as a whole for unemployment is sure to decrease. WARN really secures the employees interest by taking away the fear of being fired all of a sudden. Thus, employees will really feel secure as long WARN is in place since there is a law that protects their interest and work security. They are also more secure because noncompliance to the laws imposed by WARN can be brought to the federal court in which employers can be required to pay for the 60 days of non-notification. ESSAY 2 Almost all members of the community will be affected by the decision especially the smokers or costumers as well as the tobacco growers, manufacturers and the stores. The store has no obligation to not hurt tourism since every business is free to offer what product or services that they want provided that they didn’t violate the law. Neda does not set aside business ethics since even business ethics does not impose compulsory selling of tobacco. It is more like being responsible to the community since they aim to prevent lawsuits and criminal penalties due to unavoidable selling of tobacco to minors. COMMENT 1: Smokers and non-smokers are the ones that are truly affected by the decision to ban tobacco selling within the community. Neda does have the right to sell whatever she see fit thus, business ethics was not violated. Neda also have no responsibility on the tourism industry since what the decision she had made was meant for her own store only and not for the whole community. It just so happen that more and more agreed to her decision. However, there are times that business and personal ethics does not go hand in hand. There are times that in order to protect your personal ethics, you must violated business ethics and vice versa. Personal ethics is not a requirement of business ethics although most of the time, personally ethical are also business ethical. COMMENT 2: The stake holders that are mentioned are indeed the affected people by the decision. However, the most affected remains the consumers of the product, the smokers. They are the most affected because they are the ones that really depend on the use of the product. Regarding Neda’s decision, it is also right to say that both personal and business ethics had been taken for consideration. Another proof that showed that business ethics was also considered is that Neda protected not only the citizens but as well as the workers who are legally punished for selling tobacco on minors. It is also the concern of business ethics to ensure that their employees are doing legal jobs. Also, rather than decrease in tourism, the decision may also serve as a ground to increase tourism because of the good image that the community is able to portray. The tourists do not visit the community to smoke in the first place. It is also natural there are people that will accommodate those smokers who are suffering from the decision. Reference Craft, M. Diljohn, J. (2005). New Illinois WARN Act Imposes Additional Requirements on Illinois Employers. Retrieved July 19, 2008 from http://library.findlaw. com/2005/Mar/10/163974. html Employment and Training Administration United States Department of Labor. (No Date). Workers Guide to Advance Notice of Closing and Layoffs. Retrieved July 19, 2008 from http://www. doleta. gov/layoff/pdf/WorkerWARN2003. pdf. Federwisch, A. (June 2006). Assessing for Ethics. Retrieved July 19, 2008 from http://www. scu. edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/business/assessing. html. White, Maj Gen Jerry. (1996). Personal Ethics Versus Professional Ethics. Retrieved July 19, 2008 from http://www. airpower. maxwell. af. mil/airchronicles/apj/apj96/sum96/white. html.

The History of Rollerblades :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Roller skating is said to have been born during the summer months when ice was not available. The first documented inventor of roller skates was John Joseph Merlin who was born September 17, 1735, in the city of Huys, Belgium. Merlin was well known for his abilities for making musical instruments and other interesting mechanical gadgets. Through various incarnations, roller skates strove to replicate the streamlined speed and maneuverability of ice skates, but without ball bearings or shock-absorbent wheels it would take 200 years before that dream was achieved. Even as late as 1960, the Chicago Skate Company attempted to market an inline skate that looked much like today's skate, but it did not offer sufficient comfort, stability or a reliable brake (Zaidman 1). Although the Chicago Skate Company’s attempt of the inline skate was not successful, it did play a pivotal role in the molding of what is now known as inline skating. In 1980, two hockey-playing Minnesota Olson brothers discovered the in-line skate that the Chicago Skate Company had manufactured while rummaging through a sporting goods store and decided that this design would make an ideal off-season hockey-training tool. They refined the skate and began assembling the first Rollerblade skates in the basement of their parents' Minneapolis home. Working in their garage, they modified the design to add plastic wheels, a molded boot shell, and a tow brake. The Olsen brothers sold their product, which they dubbed â€Å"Rollerblade Skate,† out of the back of their truck to off-season hockey player and skiers (Kerin 5). It was that same year, when they founded the company that would become Rollerblade ® (Rollerblade.com). In 1984, Minneapolis businessman Bob Naegele, Jr. purchased Olson's fledgling company, which eventually became Rollerblade, Inc. Though not the first company to manufacture inline skates, Rollerblade, by offering a comfortable skate with a reliable and easy-to-implement brake, took inline skating out of the exclusive domain of hockey players and introduced millions to the sport that now has the whole world on a roll (Zaidman 1). The History of Rollerblades :: essays research papers fc   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Roller skating is said to have been born during the summer months when ice was not available. The first documented inventor of roller skates was John Joseph Merlin who was born September 17, 1735, in the city of Huys, Belgium. Merlin was well known for his abilities for making musical instruments and other interesting mechanical gadgets. Through various incarnations, roller skates strove to replicate the streamlined speed and maneuverability of ice skates, but without ball bearings or shock-absorbent wheels it would take 200 years before that dream was achieved. Even as late as 1960, the Chicago Skate Company attempted to market an inline skate that looked much like today's skate, but it did not offer sufficient comfort, stability or a reliable brake (Zaidman 1). Although the Chicago Skate Company’s attempt of the inline skate was not successful, it did play a pivotal role in the molding of what is now known as inline skating. In 1980, two hockey-playing Minnesota Olson brothers discovered the in-line skate that the Chicago Skate Company had manufactured while rummaging through a sporting goods store and decided that this design would make an ideal off-season hockey-training tool. They refined the skate and began assembling the first Rollerblade skates in the basement of their parents' Minneapolis home. Working in their garage, they modified the design to add plastic wheels, a molded boot shell, and a tow brake. The Olsen brothers sold their product, which they dubbed â€Å"Rollerblade Skate,† out of the back of their truck to off-season hockey player and skiers (Kerin 5). It was that same year, when they founded the company that would become Rollerblade ® (Rollerblade.com). In 1984, Minneapolis businessman Bob Naegele, Jr. purchased Olson's fledgling company, which eventually became Rollerblade, Inc. Though not the first company to manufacture inline skates, Rollerblade, by offering a comfortable skate with a reliable and easy-to-implement brake, took inline skating out of the exclusive domain of hockey players and introduced millions to the sport that now has the whole world on a roll (Zaidman 1).

Nursing and Mrs. Newman

Mrs. Newman has been experiencing hoarseness and a change in her voice, but she did not seek medical help until she began to have difficulty swallowing. After being seen by her healthcare provider, she is scheduled for outpatient surgery for a direct laryngoscope to obtain a culture and take a biopsy. Mrs. Newman arrives at the outpatient surgical department at 6:30 am and is escorted to her room. The admitting nurse begins her assessment; 1. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask Mrs. Newman? A) Have you had anything to eat or drink since midnight?B) Are you taking any medications? C) Have you smoked any cigarettes in the last 24 hours? D) When was the last time you drank any alcohol? The admission nurse completes the admission assessment and starts an IV. Mrs. Newman is taken to the operating room for the biopsy. Sifter the procedure, Mrs. Newman is admitted into the PACU. 2. Which intervention will the PACU nurse implant first? A) Check the healthcare providerâ€⠄¢s prescriptions B) Monitors Mrs. Newman’s pulse OX C) Contain Mrs. Newman’s vital signs D) Assess Mrs. Newman’s gag reflex After 2 days Mrs.Newman calls the oncologist and reluctantly agrees to a total laryngectomy. Mrs. Newman comes to the oncology office to meet with the oncology nurse specializations to discuss the preoperative and postoperative care. Mrs. Newman tells them that she is very scared about having this surgery. She says that she has no questions about the medical aspects of the procedure, but states she is concerned about how her life will change. She tells the nurse she realizes she need to have the surgery but is ambivalent and doesn’t know is she will be able to go through with it after all. . Which nursing intervention is most helpful to mars Newman? A) Refer mars Newman to a psychologist to discuss her fears about having this surgery B) Give Mrs. Newman literature provided by the American cancer society C) Ask Mrs. Newman if she wou ld like to talk to someone who has had this surgery D) Tell Mrs. Newman iota is OK to be scared and hold her hands Mrs. Newman is concerned about singing in the country and western club and asks the ONS â€Å"how long do you think it will be before I can sing with my band again† 4. How should the ONS RESPOND?A) Request that the oncologist visit with Mrs. Newman and explain the procedure to her again B) Explain that her vocal cords will be removed, and that she will not be able to sing C) Reassure her that she will be able to sing with the band, but her voice may be different D) Ask Mrs. Newman if she understands what a total laryngectomy is The ONS has given verbal and written information to Mrs Newman answered any questions and is completing the physical assessment 5. Which question is important for the nurse to ask Mrs. Newman?A) When did you first notice any hoarseness in your voice? B) How long did you say have you been singing w/the band? C) How much alcohol do u drink a week? D) What foods are difficult for you to wallow? Mrs. Newman reports that she drinks occasionally, mainly on the weekends with friends. The nurse is more concerned that Ms Newman smokes one pack of cigarettes a day. She discusses this issue with mars Newman, who says â€Å"Don’t worry about my smoking. I will never smoke another cigarette again† 6. How should the nurse respond to help Mrs.Newman in her attempt to stop smoking? A) I know it will be hard and I am very proud of u B) You will kit be able to smoke after urn surgery C) anyone else in urn household smoke D) What steps is u going to take to stop smoking? Mrs. Newman discusses the surgery with her family and a woman from a laryngectomy support group. Mrs. Newman decides to go ahead and he a total larygectomy. 7. A referral to which member of the indiciplinary team will be most important for mars Newman prior to surgery: A) Case mangerB) Social worker C) Physical therapist D) Speech therapist The speech the rapist discusses with mars Newman alternative tech inquest for restoring her speech after surgery. Selection of the best techniques varies from person to person depending on their age and personal preferences. Esophageal speech is popular among laryngectomies because it costs less and can provide a more normal sounding voice than some of the other options. 8. Which statement describes esophageal speech?A) Generator held to the neck creates vibrations those form words when the client speaks B) Swallowed air used to create around and words in a controlled belch C) Vibration and sound are used to form words by occluding a valve over the stoma D) A handheld device delivers tone via a plastic tube that is inserted into the mouth After discussing her options with a speech therapist mars Newman demonstrates her ability to use esophageal speech she comments† I used to hear my son and his friends rack like this. Won’t he be surprised? Two days later, mars Newman is admitted to t he hospital accompanied by her husband and her two grown children.She is in the preoperative holding area. 9. Which interventions will the nurse implement? A) ask mars Newman if she has any concerns about the upcoming surgery B) Notify the surgeon that mars Newman has been admitted to the hospital C) Reassure mars Newman that her family can stay with her until surgery D) Retrained if mars Newman has any problems hearing or writing Mrs. Newman shares with the nurse that she is scared that no one will help her if she needs help and that she will not be able to talk anymore. 10. Which intervention should the nurse implement? A) Assure Mrs.Newman that someone will be with her at all times B) Provide a bell that she can ring as another means of communication C) Show her how to work the nurses call light and have her perform a return demonstration D) Tell her that whiles her fears are justified; she should not try to worry. Following a seven –hour surgery mars Newman was first plac ed in the PACU, before being transferred to the intensive care unit. 11. Which nursing intervention should the ICU nurse implement? A) Discourage coughing for the first 24 hrs B) Notify the healthcare provider during roundsC) Determine when mars Newman received her last antibiotic D) Assist mars Newman to gargle w/warm salty water The nurse is completing the shift assessment and notes that Mrs. Newman has white and dark brown patchy areas on her tongue and oral mucosa. 12. Which action should the nurse implement? A) Document this finding and take no action B) Notify the health care provider during rounds C) Determine when Mrs. Newman received her last antibiotic D) Assist Mrs. Newman to gargle with warm water, salty water Because of the cancer mars Newman is at risk for potential complications, such as neck would fistula and carotid arty blowout 13.When anticipating these possible complications, the nurse should place which equipment at miss newness bedside? A) Several packages of s terile 4Ãâ€"4 gauze B) Two non sterile hemostats C) A syringe filled w/calcium glaciate D) The intensive care unit crash cart While assessing mars Newman, the nurse notices that Mrs. Newman’s blood pressure is 92/60 and her pulse is 112. Mrs. Newman reports feeling very tired. 14 What action should the nurse implement first? A) Check mars Newman’s pervious vital signs B) Suction mars Newman tracheotomy C) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula D) Slip a gloved hand under the client’s neckThe nurse also calls the nurses’ station and requests a CBC stat 15 which laboratory result consistent w/blood loss through hemorrhaging A) A hematocrit 40 % B) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 8 mm/hr C) Red blood cell count 5. 2 million/mm^3 D) Hemoglobin 11. 3g/dl. Mrs. Newman’s gag reflex has returned and she is preparing to eat her first meal. 16 which action should the nurse implement A) Place cold packs around the clients neck prior to eating B) Remind her to pl ace the food on the front of the tongue and flex her head backward to swallow C) Ensure the client has a variety of thin liquids to drink D) Provide Mrs.Newman with soft foods when eating for the first time after surgery 17. What action should the nurse take regarding Mrs. Newman’s concern? A) Explain to the client that this is normal following this type of surgery B) He the client smell a variety of aromas to ensure that the client cannot smell C) Reassure he client that these senses will return after post-operative edema subsides D) Notify the healthcare provider about these findings when making rounds Mrs.Newman has a tracheotomy that has an inner canola. The nurse is performing routine tracheotomy care 18 Which action should the nurse implement first? A) wash the flange of the outer cannula with normal saline B) Pour hydrogen peroxide and normal saline into separate containers C) Cleanse the inner cannula using a small pipe brush D) Remove the tracheotomy dressing with cl ean disposable gloves What should the nurse do before inserting the inner canola? A) Tap or shake inner cannula to remove excess moistureB) Dry the outside of the inner cannula with non sterile gauze C) Remove the outer cannula, reinsert the inner cannula, then place back into stoma D) Clean it w/hydrogen peroxide An unlicensed assistive personnel UAP is assisting the surgical floor nurse w/morning care for mars Newman 20. Which task should the nurse delegate to the UAP? A) Empty the Foley and record the output B) Clean Mrs. Newman’s bathroom C) Change the intravenous bag on the pump D) Perform the routine tracheotomy careThe charge nurse notices that the primary nurse caring for mars Newman is cutting 4Ãâ€"4 gauze to use as a tracheotomy dressing 21. What action should the charge nurse implant? A) Praise the primary nurse for using a cost saving technique B) Instruct the primary nurse not to cut gauze for the tracheotomy dressing C) Take no action since Mrs. Newman is the p rimary nurse’s responsibility D) Determine why commercially prepared dressings aren’t being used The night nurse is preparing to administer the 12:00 midnight dose of gentamicin, an intravenous amino glycoside antibiotic that was started when Mrs.Newman was in the PACU. The nurse notices the empty IV antibiotic bag that was administered during the day shift is labeled ampicilllin. The nurse checks the medication administration record and realizes client does not have a prescription for ampicillin. 22. Which action should the night nurse implement? A) Notify the pharmacist about the medication error B) Complete a medication error report c) Call the day nurse to determine what occurred D) Asses Mrs. Newman’s white blood cell count WBC The next time the nurse enters Mrs. Newman room Mrs.Newman writes on the communication inboard is there something wrong? I heard someone in the hall say something about me receiving the wrong medication? 23. How should the nurse resp ond? A) Please don’t worry about anything. I am sorry you overheard that conversation B) No Mrs. Newman you did not receive the wrong medication C) C) You are concerned that you might have received the wrong medication D) you were supposed to receive gentamcin but you received ampicillin 24. Which intervention should the nurse provide to Mrs. Newman?A) Insert a suction tube into the stoma while applying suction, the remove while twisting the tube B) Take a deep breath, occlude the tracheotomy with urn finger cough and remove your finger C) Insert a small amount of sterile normal saline into the stoma and cough in a normal manner D) Take a deep broth in through the nose, cough and expel the secretions through the tracheostomy The nurse is discussing activities of daily living with Mrs. Newman. Which instruction should the nurse include? A) Caution Mrs. Newman to take only tub baths B) Encourage Mrs.Newman to use aerosol deodorants C) Advise Mrs. Newman not to wear any types of perfumes D) Explain the need to wear a plastic bib when showing 26. Which intervention has highest priority to discharge? A) encourage the client to wear attractive coverings over stoma B) Ensure that Mrs. Newman carries a special identification card C) Stress the importance of returning to as normal a lifestyle as possible D) Discuss the importance of attending support group meetings Mrs. Newman is being discharged home today after five days in the hospital.Mr. Newman stops the nurse in the hallway and says that he is really scared about taking his wife home 27 what is the best response by the nurse? A) Have you discussed your fears w/ur wife B) It sounds like you can’t take care of her C) I know this must be very scary but u and ur wife are strong D) Let’s sit down and discuss what u are worried about Mr. Newman hesitantly shares with the nurse that he is afraid to touch his wife How should the nurse respond? A) Would u like to talk to your wife’s doctor, I c an call him for u?B) You can touch ur wife all u want, u will not hurt her C) You are worried about touching ur wife but she needs ur support right now D) Tell me more about what you mean by touching ur wife A home healthcare nurse has been assigned to care for Mrs. Newman and is making the initial visit. After completing the admission assessment the home healthcare nurse develops a nursing care plan for Mrs. Newman 29 of the nursing diagnosis included in Mrs. Newman’s careplan, which one has the highest priority? A) Deficient of knowledge B) Anticipatory grievingC) Ineffective airway clearance D) Impaired verbal communication Then home healthcare nurse is discussing the plan of care with Mrs. Newman and her husband, she instructs them to keep the rooms humidified at all times. Mr. Newman asks why this is important. 30. Which explanation should the nurse provide? A) It will decrease the amt of foreign material that enters the stoma B) Humidified air decreases the need for ora l fluids C) Humidified air will keep mucous membranes and secretions moist D) The lower airway responsible for humidification was removed during surgery

Geothermal Energy - Tapping the Earths Heat Supply

As the costs of fuel and electricity rise, geothermal energy has a promising future. Underground heat can be found anywhere on Earth, not just where oil is pumped, coal is mined, where the sun shines or where the wind blows. And it produces around the clock, all the time, with relatively little management needed. Heres how geothermal energy works. Geothermal Gradients No matter where you are, if you drill down through the Earths crust you will eventually hit red-hot rock. Miners first noticed in the Middle Ages that deep mines are warm at the bottom, and careful measurements since that time have found that once you get past surface fluctuations, solid rock grows steadily warmer with depth. On average, this geothermal gradient is about one degree Celsius for every 40 meters in depth or 25 C per kilometer. But averages are just averages. In detail, the geothermal gradient is much higher and lower in different places. High gradients require one of two things: hot magma rising close to the surface, or abundant cracks allowing groundwater to carry heat efficiently to the surface. Either one is sufficient for energy production, but having both is best. Spreading Zones Magma rises where the crust is being stretched apart to let it rise—in divergent zones. This happens in the volcanic arcs above most subduction zones, for instance, and in other areas of crustal extension. The worlds largest zone of extension is the mid-ocean ridge system, where the famous, sizzling-hot black smokers are found. It would be great if we could tap heat from the spreading ridges, but that is possible in only two places, Iceland and the Salton Trough of California (and Jan Mayen Land in the Arctic Ocean, where no one lives). Areas of continental spreading are the next-best possibility. Good examples are the Basin and Range region in the American West and East Africas Great Rift Valley. Here there are many areas of hot rocks that overlie young magma intrusions. The heat is available if we can get to it by drilling, then start extracting the heat by pumping water through the hot rock. Fracture Zones Hot springs and geysers throughout the Basin and Range point to the importance of fractures. Without the fractures, there is no hot spring, only hidden potential. Fractures support hot springs in many other places where the crust is not stretching. The famous Warm Springs in Georgia is an example, a place where no lava has flowed in 200 million years. Steam Fields The very best places to tap geothermal heat have high temperatures and abundant fractures. Deep in the ground, the fracture spaces are filled with pure superheated steam, while groundwater and minerals in the cooler zone above seal in the pressure. Tapping into one of these dry-steam zones is like having a giant steam boiler handy that you can plug into a turbine to generate electricity. The best place in the world for this is off limits—Yellowstone National Park. There are only three dry-steam fields producing power today: Lardarello in Italy, Wairakei in New Zealand and The Geysers in California. Other steam fields are wet—they produce boiling water as well as steam. Their efficiency is less than the dry-steam fields, but hundreds of them are still making a profit. A major example is the Coso geothermal field in eastern California. Geothermal energy plants can be started in hot dry rock simply by drilling down to it and fracturing it. Then water is pumped down to it and the heat is harvested in steam or hot water. Electricity is produced either by flashing the pressurized hot water into steam at surface pressures or by using a second working fluid (such as water or ammonia) in a separate plumbing system to extract and convert the heat. Novel compounds are under development as working fluids that could boost efficiency enough to change the game. Lesser Sources Ordinary hot water is useful for energy even if it isnt suitable for generating electricity. The heat itself is useful in factory processes or just for heating buildings. The entire nation of Iceland is almost completely self-sufficient in energy thanks to geothermal sources, both hot and warm, that do everything from driving turbines to heating greenhouses. Geothermal possibilities of all these kinds are shown in a national map of geothermal potential issued on Google Earth in 2011. The study that created this map estimated that America has ten times as much geothermal potential as the energy in all of its coal beds. Useful energy can be obtained even in shallow holes, where the ground isnt hot. Heat pumps can cool a building during summer and warm it during winter, just by moving heat from whichever place is warmer. Similar schemes work in lakes, where dense, cold water lies on the lake bottom. Cornell Universitys lake source cooling system is a notable example. Earths Heat Source To a first approximation, Earths heat comes from radioactive decay of three elements: uranium, thorium, and potassium. We think that the iron core has almost none of these, while the overlying mantle has only small amounts. The crust, just 1 percent of the Earths bulk, holds about half as much of these radiogenic elements as the whole mantle beneath it (which is 67% of the Earth). In effect, the crust acts like an electric blanket upon the rest of the planet. Lesser amounts of heat are produced by various physicochemical means: freezing of liquid iron in the inner core, mineral phase changes, impacts from outer space, friction from Earth tides and more. And a significant amount of heat flows out of the Earth simply because the planet is cooling, as it has since its birth 4.6 billion years ago. The exact numbers for all these factors are highly uncertain because the Earths heat budget relies on details of the planets structure, which is still being discovered. Also, Earth has evolved, and we cannot assume what its structure was during the deep past. Finally, plate-tectonic motions of the crust have been rearranging that electric blanket for eons. The Earths heat budget is a contentious topic among specialists. Thankfully, we can exploit geothermal energy without that knowledge.