Epic Heroes Archetypes throughout History free essay sample

After Athena fooled Hector into confronting Achilles, their competing fight brought about Achilles as the victor. His wrath and quality was conspicuous to such an extent that the God of Fire contacted his lance tip similarly as he assaulted, â€Å"Brightest star that rides the sky, so fire flared from the sharp purpose of lance Achilles waved high in his correct hand. † As Hector lay kicking the bucket, Homer, the creator, portrays him as, â€Å"Godlike Achilles gloried over him. † Gilgamesh also had god-like quality that helped him succeed. Gilgamesh’s undertakings depended on the god-like quality he had. He had taken on and won each conflict he’d been in and before long got exhausted. The Gods detected this and sent Enkidu, a more grounded, better form of Gilgamesh, to battle and engage the exhausted ruler. They battled for some time, yet after neither would one be able to up the other, they chose to turn out to be closest companions. To scrutinize their qualities, and to likewise engage themselves, Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out to overcome Humbaba, a beast from the backwoods. Humbaba nearly showed signs of improvement of Enkidu, yet Gilgamesh utilized his god-like solidarity to remove his head. Other than quality, each of the three epic saints shared the characteristic of boldness too. The thing about superheroes isn’t simply that they will in general have astonishing superpowers. It’s that they have the grit to hazard their lives to help others. Beowulf’s primary battle was to spare a realm that he was not separated of. Herot’s ruler was a companion of his dad, so Beowulf boldly volunteered to get them out. He succeeded as well, removing Herot from harm’s way. At that point, when Grendel’s mother wanted retribution, Beowulf by and by chose to chance his like to secure the realm. He almost lost it as well, notwithstanding his junk mail and a blade. At that point, during his last fight, Beowulf and a gathering of knights went to battle a monster. Despite the fact that he didn't prevail all alone, and lost his life after the winged serpent was dead, he courageously confronted the mammoth in order to protect his realm. Be that as it may, courage doesn’t simply have to do with battling beasts, it likewise has to do with confronting your human adversaries. Achilles’ boldness was energized by his craving to vindicate his dead companion. He pursued Hector, the killer, for quite a while, never vacillating yet never making up for lost time either. At the point when Athena got him out, he boldly held fast against Hector. At the point when the two met, Hector offerened him a settlement, return the body of the person who is murdered. Knowing there was an opportunity he probably won't win, Achilles turned down the offer so he could get his full vengence. Achilles’ first strike missed Hector, he provoked him for it a short time later. Be that as it may, he kept a collected mind and proceeded with battle his hardest, subsequently ending up as the winner as the victor. At times fortitude isn’t consistently appeared from the outset, particularly when Gilgamesh and Enkidu face Humababa. Gligamesh faced numerous conflicts with his companion Enkidu, overcoming numerous beasts en route. Be that as it may, their greatest fight tried their grit the most. Not exclusively was Humbaba the most fearsome beast in the land, however his timberland that he lived in was practically similarly as risky. During the night, Enkidu and Gilgamesh both had bad dreams of the battle to come. Enkidu attempted to quiet Gilgamesh by transforming the entirety of his terrible dreams into great signs, for example, â€Å"’What does that mean, Enkidu? ‘That you will be successful against Humbaba’ Enkidu said. † He demonstrated right as well. Toward the beginning of the day Humbaba came hurtling through the timberland, his sights set on assaulting the pair. Gilgamesh stood incapacitated with dread as Humbaba began pummeling Enkidu almost to death, yet courage overwhelmed once again into him when he understood he needed Enkidu to live more than he was apprehensive. In the wake of sparing him and beheading the head, Gilgamesh and Enkidu head home to get ready for additional undertakings. These epic saints appear to be great, however they each remain imperfect that give them a shortcoming. Beowulf was immaculate in everyone’s eyes, including his own however he additionally had little yet urgent blemishes that made him not all that ideal. For one, he had a mortal’s body. Despite the fact that he was god-like solid and amazingly fearless, when he went to battle Grendel’s mother she nearly defeated him. Notwithstanding his junk mail and the beast’s blade, Beowulf would have been another nibble in her stomach. He was likewise presumptuous, which he reserved each option to be since he won the entirety of his fights. In any case, as mature age unfolded upon him and he took a gathering to battle a winged serpent, Beowulf’s mortal body couldn’t polish off the monster without anyone else. His blade, which he utilized in each fight, was separated of his defeat, â€Å"infallible before that day, bombed when he unsheathed it, as it never ought to have. † After the mythical beast was dead, and Beowulf lay biting the dust, he passed his seat onto Wiglaf, who helped Beowulf to remember himself when he was more youthful. Achilles’ ruin additionally had to do with his body, however their were different elements in it. At the point when his mom dunked him into the River Styx and invigorated him his god-like, she lowered everything except for his lower leg. Despite the fact that it was not in the section of him executing Hector, that was a definitive destruction of Achilles. Shot in the lower leg with a bolt was the passing of him. Be that as it may, he likewise had different shortcomings as well. For one, he was not so god-like as everybody suspected, for in the event that he was, at that point there ought to have been no motivation behind why couldn’t he get up to speed to Hector as he was pursuing him. The main way that he did at last figure out how to arrive at Hector was with the assistance of his partner Athena, who fooled Hector into pivoting and confronting him. So however Achilles was an extremely influential individual, he couldn’t have gotten anyplace without the assistance of others. Gilgamesh was a solid, daring individual with an instability issue. As he and Enkidu rest in the timberland before the fight with Humbaba, both are whining in dread. Enkidu needs to quiet Gilgamesh’s nerves by disclosing to him that everything he could ever want mean hints of something to look forward to. Furthermore, when the fight at long last came, Gilgamesh was solidified in dread and Humbaba beat Enkidu. It wasn’t until Enkidu was weeping for help and he understood he didn’t need his companion dead that he at long last ventured up and got him out. So however he was solid and bold, he wasn’t sure in himself enough to go battle out all alone. Originals since the beginning have formed the present day superhuman. Quality, fortitude, and a potential shortcoming are everything numerous epic saints share for all intents and purpose. Beowulf, Achilles, and Gilgamesh are three distinctive saints that discover shared belief in their character attributes. So if turning into a hero is in anyone’s likely arrangements, they can seek epic sonnets for the angles they’ll need.

Organic Foods and the Endocrine System

List of chapters Introduction Organic Foods The Endocrine System How the Endocrine System is influenced by pesticides The Way Forward Conclusion Works Cited Introduction everyone is continually attempting to show signs of improvement their lives by guaranteeing great wellbeing and a reasonable situation. Natural nourishments appear to give neighborly answers for these two issues. The natural food creation makes an enormous commitment to enhancing of diets.Advertising We will compose a custom research paper test on Organic Foods and the Endocrine System explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More A fascinating actuality is that natural cultivating is additionally demonstrating valuable for the earth. In spite of the fact that there are sure perspectives which should be considered in regard to natural food creation, it has by and large been demonstrated that natural cultivating superior to inorganic cultivating. This paper will inspect how natural nourishments help the endoc rine framework in guaranteeing the prosperity of the body all in all. Natural Foods Organic nourishments allude to those nourishments created with the utilization of â€Å"synthetic synthetic compounds, hereditarily built materials, sewage muck of irradiation† (NRDC 1). The domesticated animals are likewise not saved in this crusade either since it isn't just yields that give food. The animals must be raised with natural feed, in the outside and must not have any admissions that mean to impact their development (FMI 1). For example in the United States nourishments named as natural â€Å"must meet or surpass the guidelines of the National Organic Program (NOP)† (FMI 1) and furthermore that of United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, (NRDC 1). This implies natural nourishments need to meet certain necessities without which they would not affirmed. The developing enthusiasm for natural nourishments is astonishing, measurements starting at 2007 indicated that 1.2 mi llion individuals were â€Å"organic producers† and 32.2 million hectares of land all around was guaranteed for natural creation (Oates et al. 2). An article in 2005 indicated that 81% purchase natural nourishment for â€Å"nutritional† reasons, 77% for â€Å"freshness† while 67% to improve their wellbeing (FMI 1). It is even obvious that there is assorted variety in reasons that lead to utilization of natural nourishments. What started enthusiasm for natural nourishments? Natural nourishments owe quite a bit of their notoriety to individuals avoiding nourishments that were created in habits that hurt the earth and put their wellbeing in danger since they rely upon synthetic substances (NRDC 1). Numerous individuals are persuaded that these nourishments can be utilized as measures taken so as to advance great wellbeing in this way staying away from illnesses over the long haul (FMI 2). The earth is a recipient of natural creation as in since the utilization of p esticides and synthetic substances is diminished, at that point â€Å"local wildlife† isn't influenced and the homestead ends up being progressively beneficial since they â€Å"produce less waste† (Birgenheier 1). The inquiry at that point is how are natural frameworks associated with the endocrine system?Advertising Looking for explore paper on wellbeing medication? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Endocrine System The endocrine framework is an interior arrangement of organs in the human body (they are additionally found in creatures) whose fundamental work is to deliver hormones (GreenFacts 1). These hormones are answerable for â€Å"reproduction, digestion, development and development† (Hormone 1). Instances of hormones incorporate insulin and sex hormones for example estrogen (in females) and testosterone (in guys). Instances of the organs with different unmistakable capacities in the body are: t he nerve center, pituitary organ, thyroid organ, pancreas, adrenal organs, pineal organs and the gonads for example ovaries and testicles (GreenFacts 1). How the Endocrine System is influenced by Pesticides and different synthetic concoctions regularly utilized in ranches results in their â€Å"residues† being available in the nourishments gathered and furthermore in our environmental factors for example air, water and soil (Ken 64). These poisons have been connected to â€Å"respiratory issues, neurological scatters, malignancy and conceptive problems† (NRDC 1). Other undisputable confirmations have been affirmed by specialists in better places: at the University of Missouri, examine demonstrated men in â€Å"agricultural areas† have a less sperm include contrasted with those in New York or Los Angeles, at the University of Rochester connected the utilization of a fungicide to Parkinson’s malady and at the University of Wisconsin, the impact pesticides a nd manures on the insusceptible and endocrine frameworks was set up (Ken 65). These antagonistic impacts forced on our wellbeing can't be overemphasized. The poisons will prompt what is known as the endocrine interruption which is the change experienced by the endocrine framework because of a â€Å"foreign substance instigated in the body† (GreenFacts 1). The endocrine upsetting synthetic compounds (EDCs) are the dependable specialists of progress and they influence our framework in the accompanying manners: they connect to the body’s â€Å"hormone receptors and copy the hormone† (EDCs 1) coming about to the hormones not playing out their work thus the body will either deliver or stop the creation of proteins that will manage the hormonal awkwardness made (EDCs 1). A few sicknesses related with this hormonal irregularity include: â€Å"cardiovascular endocrinology, diabetes, development issue, hormone misuse, menopause, osteoporosis, pituitary issue, polycystic ovary disorder, conceptive endocrinology, thyroid conditions† (Hormone 1) among others. Since there is a choice out, at that point natural nourishments are the best approach and all endeavors ought to be aimed at appropriate alternatives.Advertising We will compose a custom research paper test on Organic Foods and the Endocrine System explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Way Forward There are difficulties confronting the natural creation at present. Exact and modest examinations looking at natural nourishments and inorganic nourishments and their precise wellbeing impacts are yet to be completely done (Oates et al. 5). The present investigations, best case scenario set up connections and results acquired are not standard since they would vary with topographical area. Another test is the variety in â€Å"certification requirements† overall methods there is absence of a lot of standard of â€Å"uniformity† (Oates et al. 4). On the consumerâ⠂¬â„¢s side, natural nourishments cost more and else it would even have had greater ubiquity (FMI 6). Endeavors are being set up to neutralize this, for instance promoting is a powerful apparatus that will get a consumer’s consideration and have positive impact toward natural food utilization (FMI 6). Natural nourishments are additionally being fused in schools and eatery menus as it keeps on developing (FMI 6). Not all ranchers need to look for affirmation gave they are working on cultivating that targets lessening natural damage and wellbeing dangers (NRDC 1). End Organic nourishments however costly starting at now, with greater exposure and persistent use, the costs will descend and thus empowering individuals to receive the rewards of its admission. Research relating to natural food creation is fundamental in settling consumer’s minds who are acquainted with inorganic nourishments. Since they unquestionably demonstrate to have lesser substance of utilization of pes ticides and different manures, individuals should fall back on them as they nearly ensure no endocrine related maladies. Affirmation settles the consumer’s minds since it shows that the nourishments were made under exacting guidelines that have been clung to. There is a requirement for more research to be completed to demonstrate that natural food creation isn't destructive to the body and in the event that it is, at that point way ought to be created to make it ok for human utilization. Works Cited EDCs. How EDCs influence our Endocrine System. Natural Food Directory, 2008. Web. FMI. Normal and Organic Foods. Food Marketing Institute, 2007. Web.Advertising Searching for look into paper on wellbeing medication? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More GreenFacts. Logical Facts on Endocrine Disruptors. Green Facts, 2011. Web. Hormone. The Endocrine System: Diseases Conditions. Hormone Foundation, 2011. Web. Ken, Rose. The Organic Food Handbook. New York, NY: Greenwood. Print. NRDC. The Benefits of natural Food. National Resources Defense Council, 2009. Web. Oates et al. Human Consumption of Agricultural Toxicants from Organic and Conventional Foods. Natural System, 2009. Web. This exploration paper on Organic Foods and the Endocrine System was composed and put together by client Jacob Hale to help you with your own investigations. You are allowed to utilize it for research and reference purposes so as to compose your own paper; notwithstanding, you should refer to it as needs be. You can give your paper here.

Why i want to be an engineer

Why I need to be a specialist? What are the attributes of succesfull engineer? Through my secondary school life, I have watching my dad was filling in as a temporary worker as far as it matters for him time work other than his changeless employment. I am so captivated by his activity and get fascinated by all respectful designing stations on TV. As I am on my undertaking to characterize myself, I likewise recognize the estimation of life and seek to esteem everything that stays inside It. My drive as structural designers triggers when my nearest cousins succeded her vocation as structural specialist and working at JKR.I have become more confidents to choose this way as my profession. There are numerous purposes behind why I need to take an interest in turning into a specialist. My most noteworthy nervousness for individuals Is their requirement for wellbeing and solace. Experiencing childhood In a protected neighborhood, I comprehend the significance of security. Other than that, it' s an occupation that pays an essentially high salary because of the degree of abilities and aptitude required, and the continuous obligations to guarantee protected, exact, and suffering building outcomes.On the other hand, Clvll architects can work in an assorted variety of workplaces, remembering for the open area, as temporary workers, advisors, or even as a component of a firm cap attempts work redistributed from districts and government. That Is the reason im still satisfied with my decisions in this field as I despite everything can choose which way would I like to participate with. All through my Internship when I learned at polytechnic, I have been working in an expert firm. I have felt that it suits me better than functioning as contractor.But, I never get Involved at this point working in a development firm. On my Journey to turn into a succesfull engineer, there are numerous highlights that should be fullfil. I think to turn into a fruitful designer; you have to gain the alue of collaboration, participation, ceativity and the executives abilities. At that point, having a major picture as attitude, creatMty, the capacity to work as an individual from a group, the capacity to work without oversight and to deal with elevated levels of responsibility.The significant thing is to gain the required declarations to Justify our vocation and persuade fit the bill to be a Professional Engineer. Other than that, we should be result arranged, have great authority characteristics, great relational abilities and duty towards work. My good example in this field is my previous manager when I was working during my temporary position. He has become my famous designer that truly rouses me since he was striking his way since youthful to have his own his advisor firm.Astonishingly, he has his own expert firm that he worked with his own to serves individuals. Other a regarded individual, he never insulted his representative's conclusions. I am likewise fantasizing of havi ng my own expert's firm. I am completely committed to turning into a fruitful designer and will work unfathomably so as to accomplish my objectives. Im distinctly to complete my degree and created as a certified structural architects and getting my fantasies become reality.

Strategy Project McDonalds and Beef - Free Essay Example

The Category Strategy Project McDonalds and Beef Introduction Commodities are necessities for the success of numerous businesses throughout the world. Preparation and research concerning a commodity must be completed in order for a company to source that commodity successfully. The purpose of this study is to provide purchasing management and top management with specific information that can be used to construct an advantageous procurement strategy. If a company does not have reliable useful about a commodity, that commodity’s market, and that commodity’s suppliers it will be very hard for them to be able to source that commodity efficiently and effectively which will greatly diminish their ability to succeed in the market place. We chose McDonald’s because of its tremendous success in the global market place. We wanted to choose a company who everyone is familiar with and has been successful at what they do. Another reason why we choose this company is becaus e we believed that, given its huge popularity, it would not be too hard to find information about it. We chose beef because we believed that beef was the company’s most critical commodity. Company Description The McDonalds Corporation is one of the worlds largest chains of hamburger fast food restaurants; it serves nearly 47 million customers daily. The first McDonald’s restaurant was opened in San Bernardino, CA in 1940; it now serves customers at over 31,000 locations in over 120 countries. The McDonald’s restaurant serves a wide variety of items on their menu including a large number of beef items. The most popular of these beef items include: the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder, the Hamburger, the Cheeseburger, and the Big N Tasty. Our report will focus on the sourcing of the beef for these beef items. â€Å"McDonald’s beef procurement is operated through its four global geographic divisions; North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia/Pacific/M iddle East/Africa† (Murphy, 2009). â€Å"They form what is termed the ‘McDonald’s Global Beef Board’† (Murphy, 2009). â€Å"All four procurement functions are involved in any significant changes in procurement in any of the other divisions† (Murphy, 2009). â€Å"McDonald’s is currently looking to leverage its global scale in order to improve its long term beef sourcing capabilities† (Murphy, 2009). Their new Worldwide Beef Supply Chain director Jose-Luis Bretones is â€Å"planning on working towards creating a more integrated global supply network, more open global beef trading options and a procurement system with greater flexibility overall† (Murphy, 2009). However, since McDonald’s is a global corporation with an extremely complex worldwide supply chain, our report will focus predominantly on the procurement of beef by McDonald’s to their locations in the United States. In the past McDonalds has bought mostly American beef for use in their U. S. estaurants and much of their beef still comes from within the country. However, according to McDonalds, â€Å"due to a well-documented shortage of lean beef in the U. S. , and to meet the needs of (their) customers, (they have started to)†¦ purchase a relatively small percentage of high quality imported lean beef from New Zealand and Australia. (They) do this to supplement (their) domestic beef purchases† (McDonalds Customer Response Center, personal communication, November 7, 2009). Description of the Commodity Beef is the name of meat that comes from cattle and other bovines (Travisl, 2009). It is typically served to consumers in the form of steak, burger patties and other ground beef products, hot dogs, beef jerky, roast beef as well as other dishes (Travisl, 2009). The United States, Japan, Brazil and China are world’s largest consumers of beef products (Travisl, 2009). It is a staple of the diet of a very large n umber of Americans (Travisl, 2009). The largest exporters of beef are Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Canada (Travisl, 2009). It is also heavily sourced from of Uruguay, Nicaragua, Russia and Mexico (Travisl, 2009). McDonalds’ hamburger patties are made of 100% pure beef, the beef is hand-seasoned on the grill with salt and pepper (McDonalds). The hamburger patties are grilled to a temperature of at least 155 °F which is in accordance with the Food Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (McDonalds). Two substitutes for beef that are served at McDonald’s are chicken and fish. However, many of McDonald’s customers would not be satisfied if they were forced to settle for fish or chicken due to beef being unavailable. Therefore, McDonald’s must make sure that they are able to consistently meet their customers beef demand. Part of this effort entails having an efficient and effective purchasing strategy. Some companies may use beef to feed animals but M cDonald’s has no use for it other than serving it to their customers to be consumed. Most of McDonald’s beef comes from USDA-inspected United States suppliers (McDonalds). In order to maintain demands, they import a small percentage of USDA-inspected quality beef from Australian and New Zealand suppliers (McDonalds). Angus burgers such as the Angus Bacon Cheese, Angus Deluxe, and Angus Mushroom Swiss are also menu items (McDonalds). The patties for these burgers are made of Angus beef â€Å"come from two Scottish breed of cattle (Black and Red Angus), which are naturally polled; that is, they do not have horns† (Drakew, 2009). McDonalds started to test hamburgers made with Angus beef at some of their restaurants in the United States of America. According to McDonald’s customer’s response to the burgers was positive and so they began selling the burger at all of their US locations in July 2009. Angus burgers are generally more expensive due to their beef being of higher quality than what goes into typical hamburgers. A portion of McDonald’s Angus beef currently comes from New Zealand. Since Angus is a specific type of beef, whose supply may differ from that of regular beef, McDonald’s should monitor its domestic production and supply and to determine if they might need to increase their foreign importation of the product or perhaps find a way to increase its domestic supply. Depending on to what degree market forces for Angus beef differ from that of regular beef McDonald’s might have to pursue a different sourcing strategy for it. Industry Analysis McDonald’s Industry Although McDonald’s is a fast chain superpower and the largest buyer of domestic beef, they must still concern themselves with the competitive forces within their market to maintain their position as a market leader. Porter’s five forces model best outlines these forces, taking into account: market internal co mpetition, threats of new entrants, pressure from substitutes, supplier bargaining power, and buyer bargaining power (Monczka, 207, SCM355). First it is necessary to define McDonald’s industry as the fast food industry, specifically the burger fast food industry, in which it is the industry leader. It’s key competitors, or market internal competition, are Jack in the Box, Carl’s Junior, Burger King, and Wendy’s/Arby’s (Northrop, 3). The high cost of entry into the fast food industry makes it unlikely that McDonald’s will face increased competition from new entrants in the near future. A new entrant would need to be able to achieve similar economies of scale to McDonald’s in order to be a real threat and that is unlikely to happen. However, the threat from substitutes is one that McDonald’s should be concerned over. Subway has nearly as many locations and differentiates its products from McDonald’s as the healthy alter native. With an increasingly health conscious consumer base and a menu that consist of primarily red-meat, high calorie items, McDonald’s is at a disadvantage when it comes to offering a healthy eating experience. In addition, YUM! Brands (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, AW, Long John Silver’s, KFC) has just as many locations collectively and competes with McDonald’s by offering fast food alternatives to burgers. Their menu items are similarly priced and served up just as quickly and conveniently as in McDonald’s. The buyer is the consumer in McDonald’s industry and in the food industry it is the consumer who has the last say. As previously stated, U. S. consumers are more health conscious than ever and there is increased pressure on McDonald’s to provide an overall healthier menu. Lastly, there is the force of supplier power. There is no real substitute for beef from their perspective; McDonald’s cannot continue to do business if they do not procure the beef they need. McDonald’s has to be concerned over the cyclical shortages of U. S. lean beef because if their suppliers’ capacity is fully utilized they need to know where they are in the pecking order for their suppliers (Conagra, SCM455). Fortunately, as stated previously, McDonald’s is the largest buyer of U. S. beef and that allows them mitigate this risk. Supplier Industry Australia, the U. S. , and Canada are the dominant participants in world beef production, with McDonald’s sourcing the large majority of beef from the U. S. (Brocklebank, 7). There is internal competition between suppliers of beef for large, condensed farmland suitable for grazing. However, the strongest force for the supplier beef industry is the threat of substitutes. The poultry industry is blessed with both multiple offspring and a short generation interval – an ideal situation for rapid genetic improvement† (Brocklebank, 5). U. S. fast food re staurants including McDonald’s continue to diversify menu offerings in an effort to decrease their dependence on beef. Economies of scale are greater for poultry and pork, and therefore so are their costs. Poultry and pork production has moved to large scale proportions and standardization levels that beef is likely never to meet. The beef industry faces the buying power of McDonald’s as well. McDonald’s buy is so great that they do not have to pay wholesale for beef. Although there is no data on exactly what McDonald’s pays for beef, it is reasonable to assume that they pay significantly less than the market wholesale price. It is possible that McDonald’s buys all of many of its suppliers supply, forcing the suppliers to meet most of McDonald’s demands, leaving them no other option but bankruptcy if they don’t oblige. Although we have no idea if this is actually the case. Demand Analysis The total amount of beef that was consumed by the United States in 2008 was 27. 3 billion pounds (Mathews, 2009). McDonald’s U. S. purchases about 1 billion pounds of beef per year (Ishmael, 2003). Approximately 1/27 of all beef consumed by the United States is consumed by McDonald’s U. S. This should afford McDonald’s a huge economies of scale benefit. McDonald’s U. K. states that their current sourcing strategy includes: not searching on the commodity market for the lowest cost suppliers and sourcing only from dedicated suppliers who do not compromise on safety or quality, and not squeezing suppliers too hard on price but instead paying more for high performance (Food Chain Centre). Since McDonald’s U. S. alleges to have â€Å"the highest standards for food quality and food safety (including feed certification) in the fast food industry† (McDonalds Customer Response Center, personal communication, November 7, 2009) it is reasonable to assume that their sourcing strategy is si milar to that of their British counterpart’s. The immense amount of product that McDonald’s demands, puts them in a very powerful position. A beneficial course of action for McDonald’s would be to pursue a strategy of supply base rationalization and optimization, as opposed to sourcing from many different suppliers. This would put them in a good position to take advantage of economies of scale from those suppliers as well as insist on certain quality requirements (Monczka, 318 SCM355). If McDonald’s were to rationalize its supply base down to its best most dedicated suppliers and offer very large contracts to those chosen few, the use of economies of scale could help them achieve a price closer to, if not at the price offered by the lowest cost suppliers. This way the company can stay within the confines of their current philosophy of only sourcing from the most dedicated suppliers while simultaneously minimizing costs. Additionally, with the size o f the orders which McDonald’s would be able to place with a supplier it should not be too hard to get that supplier to comply with whatever reasonable quality requirements McDonalds might desire. One supply base improvement that McDonald’s might be able to achieve through supplier rationalization and optimization could be obtaining more American grass-fed beef. Although McDonalds currently sources most of the beef used at their U. S. establishments from within the country, a portion of it is sourced from Australia and New Zealand (McDonalds Customer Response Center, personal communication, November 7, 2009). This is because, according to McDonalds, â€Å"it cannot satisfy its need for lean beef by buying solely from American sources and has to turn to beef exporters outside the USA to make up the shortfall† (Mikkelson, 2009). â€Å"American beef cattle are primarily grain-fed and produce fattier meat, while grass-fed cattle (raised in Australia and New Zeala nd) produce leaner beef† (Mikkelson, 2009). Clearly, the company must incur significant logistics costs from having to transport the beef to America from the other side of the Earth. American ranchers claim that McDonalds leanness standards are too high, and that if McDonalds lowered its standards they would be able to supply the company with the lean beef that they need (Mikkelson, 2009). Or perhaps McDonalds could take advantage of their huge demand by giving contracts to American farmers that are large enough for the farmers to justify changing their cattle feeding practices. This would be a win-win supplier optimization solution (Monczka, 695 SCM355 and SCM455). The farmers would be able to increase their revenue and McDonald’s would be able to save money on distribution costs by sourcing the beef from within the country in which it will actually be consumed as opposed to having to source it from all the way across the world. Additionally, buying beef for Amer ican restaurants from only American farmers would be better for McDonald’s from a public relations perspective. Supply Analysis The beef supply chain is not a cooperative one; there is little trust between those who engage in transactions up and down the supply chain. This puts it at a competitive disadvantage when compared to the supply chain of poultry and pork which has achieved much greater levels of coordination through vertical integration and complex contracts (Brocklebank, 6). Such a lack of integration across the beef supply chain makes it difficult for them to respond to changing consumer demands quickly. In 2008, the production of meat animals comprised over $66 billion of added value to the American economy (AssociationNational, 2008). In 2008, 34. million cattle were slaughtered and 26. 6 billion pounds of beef was produced (AssociationNational, 2008). More than 660,000 cattle are harvested in the U. S. on a weekly basis (AssociationNational, 2008). McDonaldâ €™s has to be concerned that it is highest in the pecking order for fulfilled orders by its suppliers. This is due to the fact that a â€Å"†¦large portion of beef production in the U. S. is boxed and sent to retailers for further processing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Brocklebank, 8). Suppliers of beef are at a production crossroads however. Although artificial insemination has increased the rate of breeding of beef cows, â€Å"†¦a beef cow only typically produces one offspring and there is a long lag between when a heifer is born and when it can be bred† (Brocklebank, 5). The point is the process of beef cow breeding is close to being optimized and that makes it difficult for farmers to keep the rate of increase of production even with the increasing rate of demand for beef. Cargill, Tyson Foods, OSI, Keystone and Lopez Foods are five of the American suppliers of beef to McDonald’s (McDonald’s, 2006: Gigeman76, 2009). Silver Fern Farms and Anzco are th e two suppliers of beef to McDonalds from New Zealand (Morgan, 2009). FJ Walker Foods and Australian Food Corporation are the two suppliers of beef to McDonald’s Australia and are likely the Australian suppliers of beef to McDonald’s in the U. S. (Austrade, 2007). Due to shortages in the U. S. lean beef supply, McDonald’s was forced to look to foreign suppliers. A trend that is likely to increase as McDonald’s grows its business and increases market share as well as the world demand for beef increases. However, McDonald’s has to consider its brand image when deciding how much of its beef it sources outside of the U. S. When McDonald’s first began sourcing some of its beef from outside the U. S. there was an up rise by its U. S. suppliers. There were also concerns over the quality and production standards of beef sourced from other countries. For example, beef sourced from South America was thought to have traces of dangerous pesticides be cause grazing areas were sprayed with them. However, all beef used by McDonald’s is USDA approved even if it is not necessarily raised in the U. S. Price Analysis Market Structure McDonald’s accounts for 19% of market share in the fast food industry. However, they dominate the Fast Food Hamburger Restaurant (FFHR) industry with 90% of the market share in 2008. Because each fast food hamburger restaurant offers similar menus and prices, the purchasing of beef is highly competitive (McDonalds). Because of McDonald’s large market share in the fast food industry, especially in United States, the company has significant advantages when it comes to lowering production costs, lowering input costs and bargaining power over suppliers. However, they like every other company are susceptible to conditions of supply and demand when it comes to products they source. Also, external factors such as natural disasters and mad cow disease can cause changes in beef price. McD onald’s pricing strategy needs to account for these aforementioned factors. The U. S. Cattle Supply and Trends Weather has significant control over the cattle supply because the availability of grass and wheat that is used to feed cattle in the summer and fall is dependent on weather conditions (McDonalds). In order to make sure farmers have enough hay for the winter, they send surplus cattle to market, increasing supply in the short term, but reducing breeding stock and decreasing supply in the long run† (McDonalds). Considering this fact, it might be beneficial for McDonald’s to purchase excess beef before the winter and stockpile it for when prices inevitably increase later on. Strong Demand for Beef and Forces Consumer spending on beef has grown $26. 9 billion over the past ten years, last year it was $76 billion (Association National, 2008). Per capita spending for beef in retail and foodservice was about $249 last year, an increase of approximately $50 f rom 2001 (Association National, 2008). â€Å"In 2008, per capita consumption of beef was 59. 9 pounds, compared to 59. 2 pounds for chicken† (AssociationNational, 2008). McDonald’s needs to take overall beef into account in their procurement strategy because it has an effect on price. The United States has historically banned cattle imports from other countries when tainted beef becomes an issue causing a decrease in available supply and a spike in price (Wolcutt, 2003). Such was the case in 2003 when an incident of mad-cow disease in Canada led to a ban of Canadian beef imports to United States, this decreased U. S. supply by 8% and caused a 30% rise in cattle prices (Wolcutt, 2003). McDonald’s must stay alert to any possible incidents of mad-cow disease or other beef tainting problems for both price and quality control reasons. Managing Price Changes in beef prices are predominantly effected by economic conditions of supply and demand. Hence McDonaldâ€℠¢s, in their pricing strategy, needs to be conscious of the flow of market price fluctuations. There are two indexes that the company can use to do this: the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) both of which are maintained by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A consumer price index (CPI) is a measure that estimates the average price of consumer goods and services as well as changes in the price of those goods and services from one period to the next within a certain area (Cretog8, 2009). The percent change in the CPI indicates estimated inflation, the prices of a variety of different items such as beef, chicken, bananas, and eggs are available to be investigated in addition to their average price data. In addition to price fluctuations and inflation, McDonald’s should also take quality into consideration when deciding on what price to negotiate. When McDonald, as a buyer, purchases beef from their suppliers, the PPI may also give McDonaldâ €™s useful information concerning price fluctuations. The Producer Price Index (PPI) â€Å"measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output† (Bureau of Labor Statistics), â€Å"it allows buyers to shift their pricing strategies by historical suppliers’ price change compared with the PPI† (Bureau of Labor Statistics). If beef suppliers are not following the market price trends and either not decreasing prices as much as they should or increasing prices too greatly, McDonald’s can use this tool to negotiate with suppliers while also taking into account such considerations as the company’s break-even analysis, quality requirements, or quantity discounts based on competitors’ pricing (Monczka, 398, 404, 275, 595 SCM455). Other sources of commodity price data are â€Å"Pink sheets†, and global commodity market data which are available at the World Bank website (Monczka, 398 SCM355). Through this price information about the domestic and international market, McDonald’s can observe economic market situations and commodity trends and alter their pricing strategy to confront them. Based on the price data from the â€Å"Pink sheets†, quarterly price changes of USDA Choice beef are as follows in the graph below. [pic] A USDA chart showing past beef production and average market prices is shown below: average market price per 100 pounds, and beef production in hundred million pounds (McDonalds). [pic] [pic] The volatility of beef price is shown to the chart above (Triarc Companies). McDonald’s can use this information to estimate when to stockpile larger quantities of beef in order to hedge against anticipated rises in price. Cost Analysis The production of beef incurs costs at many different levels. Beef production starts out with the cattle being raised. At this point the farmers who raise them incur such costs as the cost of the farm land, labor, and feed for the cows. After the cows are ready they are sent to a slaughterhouse and from there to a meet processing plant. The meat processing plants are where McDonald’s purchases their beef from. Since these plants are where McDonald’s gets their beef directly from, this is where they have good opportunities to cut costs. We do not have information about exactly what costs are incurred by each step at a meet processing plant but we do know that there are certain things that these plants can do in order to control their costs. McDonald’s should encourage their current suppliers to control costs as far as possible in order to obtain cost savings for both of them. For example, when it comes to what quantities of beef the plants should be ordered at a time; when frequent order are economical and it is possible to implement just-in-time inventory replenishment it is recommended that the plants use a lot-sizing technique called â€Å"lot-f or-lot†. This is when the organization only orders exactly what quantities of inventory are needed for a certain period (Pearson, 214, SCM432). If making frequent order and implementing just-in-time inventory replenishment is not practical for the processing plant then it is recommended that they place orders in accordance with their â€Å"economic order quantity†. The Economic order quantity is the level of inventory that minimizes the total inventory holding costs and ordering costs† (Faridani, 2009). EOQ is a good lot sizing technique especially when demand is relatively constant (Pearson, 214, SCM432). Other ways of controlling costs include building and implementing close to accurate forecasts for labor schedules in order to make sure that there are enough workers to perform the necessary tasks for the day while ensuring that the company does not end up paying workers who do not need to be present. Also, the plants should make sure that their processing eq uipment is set-up and laid out in a way that minimizes errors and inefficiencies in their operations. If McDonald’s pursues a strategy of supply base rationalization and optimization and maintains close open relationship with their suppliers it will be easier for them to encourage their suppliers to take these actions. After the beef is finished being processed it is sent to McDonald’s who sells it to the final customer. McDonald’s should also keep some of these aspects of cost control in mind if they want to keep costs down on their end as well. They also need to find to most cost effective way to order, store and transport the inventory. For example, it would be inefficient for the overall supply chain for them to order small lot sizes from a supplier that requires long runs to minimize costs. If they cause the supplier to incur greater costs those costs may end up being passed on to McDonald’s. Recommendations Since we do not have access to infor mation regarding any price bids given by suppliers to McDonalds, the price that McDonald’s themselves or any of their fast food competitors pay for beef, or the costs that go into making a beef patty, our price recommendation will be market-based as opposed to cost-based. The change in the quarterly wholesale price of beef over the past few years has exhibited no discernable pattern or trend (Figure 1). Therefore, we believe that a moving average forecast is appropriate for forecasting the price of beef in the future (Pfund, lecture, SCM432). By taking a five year moving average for the wholesale price of beef we find that in the near future beef will probably cost around $2. 27 per pound for those buying it wholesale (Figure 1). However, given McDonalds’ tremendous demand and their opportunity to take advantage of economies of scale in procurement, they should clearly be paying much less. One large American buyer of beef whose price information we were able to a ccess was the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA has purchased about 31,384,000 lbs. of beef so far this year for various purposes (Figure 2). Although it is unclear exactly how many different beef suppliers the USDA has, it is likely that they take advantage of large economies of scale in their procurement practices because the price that they paid for beef in 2009 was about 69% of the average wholesale price for beef this year. The average wholesale beef price for 2009 was $2. 18 per pound (Figure 1) and the price that the USDA bought it for this year was about $1. 49 per pound (Figure 2). If the USDA, making a purchase of 31,384,000 lbs of beef, is able to buy it for that price through the use of economies of scale or other price reduction practices, then McDonalds who purchases 1,000,000,000 lbs of beef per year should be able to get it for at least an equivalent price if not less. 69% of $2. 27 (the projected price of beef in the fourth quarter of 2009) is $1. 56. Therefore, we suggest that McDonalds should set their target negotiating price for $1. 56 per pound for beef. The greatest amount that McDonalds should pay for beef should be around $2. 27 per pound or whatever the average wholesale price turns out to be in the future because there is no way that an organization with the buying power of McDonalds should be having to pay full wholesale price for the item. If any supplier tried to charge them full wholesale price for beef we are sure that they could easily get a lower price by going with another supplier. According to the USDA efficiency gains obtained through larger and more commercialized livestock systems will cause a long-term increase in beef production after 2010 (Westcott, 2003). This increase in production however will be counteracted by a simultaneous increase in the domestic demand for beef, resulting in a net increase in beef prices in the future (Westcott, 2003). As a result, in order to ensure a continued steady supply of beef McDonald’s might have to increase their sourcing of beef from outside the United States in order to access cheaper markets. If the price of beef is expected to rise McDonald’s might want to try to establish fixed-price contracts with their current beef suppliers in order to lock in a price at the current market rate before it increases (Monczka, 508 SCM355). However, since suppliers might not agree to that type of contract, and since contracts do have to get renegotiated at some point, we have outlined procurement strategies below that go beyond simply locking in a low market price with a supplier. As we previously stated in the demand analysis, McDonalds needs to take advantage of economies of scale in their procurement process. They buy roughly 1/27 of all the beef that is consumed by the United States. Exactly what quantities of beef McDonalds buys from each of their suppliers is proprietary information. However, what we do know is the more product a company sources from a certain supplier the lower of a per unit price they will probably be able to get. Therefore, it makes sense for a company who buys so much of a certain product to use economies of scale in procurement to their benefit to as great of a degree as reasonably possible. McDonalds says that they do not want to simply seek out whichever supplier will offer them the lowest price, and they do not want to compromise on quality and safety (Food Chain Centre). We also know that beef is a critical commodity for McDonalds. We know this because it is critical to the success of McDonalds, it is a large expenditure for the company, its quality is critical, and because as a result of McDonald’s high quality standards there are probably not a very large number of suppliers for them to choose from (Monczka, 211, SCM355/SCM455). In order for McDonalds to get high quality beef at a low price they need to determine a small group of highly performing, well-trusted, strat egic preferred suppliers and source their beef exclusively from them (Monczka, 211, SCM355/SCM455). In addition to allowing McDonalds to gain from economies of scale and guarantee that they are sourcing high quality products this will also allow them to achieve a high level of information sharing and continuous process improvement with each of these chosen providers (Monczka, 211, SCM355/SCM455). Of course before McDonalds chooses who these suppliers will be they must first go through a process of supplier evaluation. One criterion that McDonalds might want to look at might be the supplier’s process capabilities; McDonalds must make sure that any supplier they choose has sufficient capability to process the amount of beef that they require (Monczka, 214, SCM355/SCM455). McDonalds should also asses each potentials supplier’s management capabilities, they need to make sure that they choose a company whose management is committed to continuous process and quality im provement, has a high level of professional ability, has sufficient experience, can sustain a good relationship with their workforce, and is willing and able to develop a close working relationship with the buyer (Monczka, 214, SCM355/SCM455). The financial condition of a supplier is also something that McDonalds should look at. McDonalds should also look at each potential supplier’s financial ratios in order to determine if a supplier can invest in the resources necessary to supply the company, if they can pay their own suppliers as well as their workforce, and if they can continue to meet their financial obligations (Monczka, 214, SCM355/SCM455). McDonalds would not want to begin a strategic sourcing relationship with a supplier who ends up going out of business. McDonalds should also evaluate the suppliers planning and control systems, these systems can have significant impact on the performance of the supply chain (Monczka, 214, SCM355/SCM455). Another important cri terion for McDonalds to consider is the extent to which the potential supplier complies with environmental regulations, if the supplier is hurt by fines or sanctions from the government for violating environmental regulations it could hurt their customers too (Monczka, 214, SCM355/SCM455). Furthermore, since McDonalds claims to have â€Å"the highest standards for food quality and food safety (including feed certification) in the fast food industry (and state that they) use only the products that meet or exceed (their) highest standards† (McDonalds Customer Response Center, personal communication, November 7, 2009) we are sure that they would want to thoroughly inspect any potential supplier’s operational practices to make sure that they meet McDonalds’ safety and quality requirements. Finally, McDonalds should make certain that the suppliers that they choose are able and willing to share the company’s goals, establish metrics to ensure an ongoing i mprovement of processes, and commit to having discussions on how to resolve issues in a manner that is mutually beneficial (Monczka, 215, SCM355/SCM455). Since we do not have access to any of this information concerning any of McDonalds’ actual potential or current suppliers, we cannot actually make any recommendations as to which beef suppliers McDonalds should purchase from. However we do believe, based on the information that we do have, that if McDonalds were to follow this strategy of sourcing from a few carefully selected strategic suppliers, it would help their ability to maintain a steady flow of beef in order to meet their customer’s demand at a price that is good for them. Pursuing a strategy of supply base optimization and rationalization will not only allow McDonalds to achieve a lower product cost, be better equipped to ensure the safety and quality of their beef, and be able to work towards continuous process improvement with their suppliers. It wil l also allow them to achieve lower administrative costs. By having to interact with fewer suppliers McDonalds will save money on the costs associated with those interactions in terms of time, effort and having to clear up any miscommunications (Monczka, 318, SCM355). The costs that McDonalds saves here could serve as a buffer against any price increases the suppliers may ask for during negotiations (Brown, lecture, SCM455). However, McDonalds should be aware that there are risks associated with the strategy of supply base optimization and rationalization (Monczka, 319, SCM355). Yet, most of these risks can be mitigated. McDonalds should make sure that they do not lose the advantage of a competitive market place and get taken advantage of by a supplier (Monczka, 319, SCM355). McDonalds can avoid this through selecting suppliers carefully and constructing contracts that emphasize continuous supplier improvement with them (Monczka, 319, SCM355). Supplier disruption is also something that McDonalds should look out for (Monczka, 319, SCM355). Occurrences such as natural disasters, labor strikes, vandalism, or problems with the supplier’s suppliers can prevent McDonalds from obtaining the inventory that they need (Monczka, 320, SCM355). This is one of the reasons why we suggest that the company source beef from a small group of suppliers as opposed to just one. Moreover, McDonalds might want to practice cross-sourcing which is a practice in which a company selects suppliers with multiple capabilities so that the buying company can source more than one product from them if they have to (Monczka, 319, SCM355). For example, when choosing chicken suppliers McDonalds may want to choose ones who could sell them beef too just in case something happens to all of their beef suppliers. Another strategy that McDonalds could utilize to keep their procurements costs down is stockpiling. The price of beef is somewhat volatile due to factors such as weather conditi ons, mad-cow disease, and economic situations in the area from which the beef is sourced. McDonalds should purchase large amounts of beef when they know they can get it for a relatively low price in order to stockpile it for the future when beef prices rise. McDonalds is well equipped to do this because they freeze their beef after it is bought. This gives them an advantage over competitors like Wendy’s who insist on never freezing their beef and would therefore have a harder time stockpiling this inventory (Wikinvest, 2009). Of course this approach should only be pursued to the extent that the increased holding costs that will be incurred from stockpiling the beef do not outweigh the cost savings gained from not having to buy beef at a higher price. One more way for McDonalds to decrease the overall costs of their beef procurement is through the use of commodity derivatives to hedge against the fluctuations of beef price. â€Å"A derivative is a financial instrument whos e payoffs and values are derived from, or dependent on, something else† (Ross, 2008, FIN303). If McDonalds believes that the price of beef is going to increase they could purchase a commodity derivative for beef for a certain price and date anticipating that that the actual price of beef on that date will be higher than the price stated on the derivative (Dye, 2009). This will allow McDonalds to purchase the beef on that date for the (hopefully) lower price stated on the derivative as opposed to the (hopefully) higher market price at that time (Dye, 2009). Although this investment tool, like all other investment tools, carries with it a certain egree of risk, some of McDonalds’ competitors already use it as a method of controlling procurement costs (Wikinvest, 2009). This strategy would also be in-line with McDonald’s new Worldwide Beef Supply Chain director Jose-Luis Bretones’ wish to implement the use of more global beef trading options into McDonaldà ¢â‚¬â„¢s beef supply chain (Murphy, 2009). Appendix Figure 1 |Quarterly averages |Retail Wholesale Farm Byprod. Net Farm Total Whl. to Rt. Farm to W Fr. share 5mkt steer Fresh Rt. | 2006 |IV. |394. 4 |223. 1 |209. 9 |21. 3 |188. 6 |205. 8 |171. 3 |34. |47. 8 |87. 44 |363. 0 | |2007 |I. |405. 4 |235. 8 |218. 6 |22. 8 |195. 8 |209. 6 |169. 6 |40. 0 |48. 3 |91. 09 |368. 2 | |2007 |II. |426. 5 |241. 5 |226. 8 |24. 8 |202. 0 |224. 5 |185. 0 |39. 5 |47. 4 |94. 48 |379. 4 | |2007 |III. |417. 7 |222. 5 |221. 6 |25. 6 |196. 0 |221. 7 |195. 2 |26. 5 |46. 9 |92. 34 |381. 9 | |2007 |IV. |413. 4 |224. 4 |223. 2 |26. 1 |197. 1 |216. 3 |189. 0 |27. 3 |47. 7 |93. 01 |380. 1 | |2008 |I. |416. 3 |224. 8 |218. 5 |27. 3 |191. 2 |225. 1 |191. 5 |33. 6 |45. 9 |91. 05 |386. 9 | |2008 |II. |423. 6 |235. 3 |223. 0 |27. 3 |195. 7 |227. 9 |188. 3 |39. 6 |46. 2 |92. 0 |389. 2 | |2008 |III. |445. 9 |249. 7 |236. 9 |29. 5 |207. 4 |238. 5 |196. 2 |42. 3 |46. 5 |98. 72 |406. 5 | |2008 |IV. |444. 0 |229. 5 |214. 3 |20. 7 |193. 6 |250. 4 |214. 5 |35. 9 |43. 6 |89. 29 |404. 0 | |2009 |I. |433. 1 |216. 3 |197. 8 |16. 4 |181. 4 |251. 7 |216. 8 |34. 9 |41. 9 |82. 43 |396. 1 | |2009 |II. |429. 4 |221. 5 |202. 6 |17. 4 |185. 2 |244. 2 |207. 9 |36. 3 |43. 1 |84. 43 |391. 4 | |2009 |III. |417. 6 |216. 8 |200. 1 |21. 6 |178. 5 |239. 1 |200. 8 |38. 3 |42. 7 |83. 37 |381. 5 | |(Hahn, 2009) Figure 2 USDA 2009 Beef Purchases [pic] (USDA, 2009) Works Cited Association, N. 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Essay Child Abuse and Neglect - 946 Words

Child Abuse and Neglect Abuse of children has become a major social problem and a main cause of many peoples suffering and personal problems. Neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse have an immediate and long-term effects on a childs development. The long-term effects of abuse and neglect of a child can be seen in psychiatric disorders, increased rates of substance abuse, and relationship difficulties. Child abuse and neglect is a huge problem. People that abuse are people who have been abused and neglected themselves. There are links between neglect and abuse and later psychological, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal disorders. The basis for this linkage is the impact that abuse and neglect have on brain development.†¦show more content†¦Abused and neglected children have poorly integrated cerebral hemispheres. 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I will try to cover in this paper the subject of child abuse, its definitionsRead MoreChild Abuse And Neglect Of A Child817 Words   |  4 PagesC hild Abuse and Neglect The meaning of child abuse is the mistreatment of a child in the form of injury, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. The signs of possible child abuse include, but are not limited to sudden behavior change, untreated medical issues, difficulties in school, lack of adult attention, the child makes excuses to stay away from home. Parents can also show signs such as showing little interest in the child, blaming the child for the child’s problems. The parent could ask theRead More Child Abuse and Neglect814 Words   |  4 Pages Child Abuse Child abuse and neglect is frightfully high. As a country this is unacceptable. We need to come up with better ways to fight this â€Å"disease† before we destroy our children, our future. 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A Day with the County Juvenile Probation Officer Essay

A Day with the County Juvenile Probation Officer I followed employees of the County Juvenile Probation Department for a day. I spent most of the day with the Victims Information Coordinator (VIC), although I did get to speak with many probation officers as well as the drug counselor in the department. I learned many things while I was visiting the department. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;For the better part of the day, I spent time with Pat, the Victims Information Coordinator. She is the person that explains the court process to the victims of juvenile delinquent crimes, as well as does all the side work. This work includes filing as well as taking many phone calls from concerned parents, confused kids, and people that just have†¦show more content†¦They are strong willed, dedicated, they know their own strengths and weaknesses and that makes the more able to help others in need. Many of theses people are very unwilling to receive the services this facility offers. Despite the reluctance, the officers do their best to help the kids. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;One major thing that the officers have to deal with is cultural differences. Although Madison County is culturally diverse, most of the probation officers are Caucasian. This proves to be a difficult thing to manage when it comes to dealing with kids of other cultures. From what I saw when I spent the day with them, the officers didnt have any problems with cultural differences, but they did say they had some problems in the past. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In conclusion, I learned many things when I spent the day at the Madison County Juvenile Probation Facility. They deal with many things throughout the day. They have several appointments, take many phone calls from concerned people, as well as have to make time to finish all the paper work that needs to be done for each kid. The Victims Information Coordinator is a very vital aspect in the probation process. She makes sure that the victims in the juvenile crimes know how and when to get back what has been taken from them. She assures them that they will help them with whatever it is that they need. I enjoyed spending my day withShow MoreRelatedFor My Research Paper, I Desired To Learn More About Juvenile1474 Words   |  6 Pagesdesired to learn more about juvenile delinquency in Frederick County by researching and finding what crimes are most common and what sentences or court dispositions are common for juveniles found guilty of crimes. I know that court d ispositions frequently result in probation and that Frederick County does not have a Juvenile Detention center, therefore I was most interested in how probation was implemented in Frederick County and other counties in Maryland and what other probation programs Maryland currentlyRead MoreRebound Drug Court Intern1110 Words   |  5 Pagesterritory that comprises of DeKalb County (The DeKalb History Center). 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They are not only supervising the offenders that live within the community, but monitoring each probationer’s progress. The offender must stay away of any trouble, and comply with the rules and regulations required. A probation officer should help the offender resume a better, productive lifeRead MoreChoosing A Juvenile Probation Officer2033 Words   |  9 Pagesbecome a Juvenile probation officer. Juvenile probation officers work with youths that have been placed on probation and or have been court order to attend an alternative consequence school to continue their education. Most juvenile probation officers work with youths at a particular stage of their probation process, for an example supervision or investigation. This paper will cover information on the juvenile justice system and my career choice by touching bases with my interviewee a Juvenile ProbationRead MorePositive Effects Of Juvenile Offenders1434 Words    |  6 Pagesaverage cost of $240.99 per day per youth. Imprisoning youth can have severe detrimental effects on youth, their long-term economic productivity and economic health of communities. Youth who are imprisoned have higher recidivism rates than youth who remain in communities, both due to suspended opportunities for education and a disruption in the process that normally allows many youth to Age-out of crime. Detention: The holding of youth, upon arrest, in a juvenile detention facility for two main

Cross Cultural Reflective Journal Report free essay sample

Introduction Smith stated, â€Å"unity is enhanced not when differences disappear but when people remain committed to one another and use structures and resources to maintain open and ongoing relationships (2004, p. 6). Multiculturalism is about the process of handling differences. Unity recognizes differences and rather than argue about them, it looks for strengths in relationships. Being present, having peace and wisdom are elements that encourage finding strengths. If defensiveness, hostility, contempt, criticism, withdrawal or demands are present, a relationship is at risk of being damaged or destroyed (Smith, 2004). 1968. I was born in a year of hostility, demands and fights for independence and human rights. Americans were fighting in Vietnam, and protesting at home for African-American civil rights. Bra-burning protests demanded women’s rights. Activist Martin Luther King Jr and politician Robert F Kennedy were assassinated for humanitarian beliefs (1968 Timeline, 2013). Amidst the fights for civil rights, independence was granted to a tiny island in the South Pacific, the republic of Nauru. Here I was born, to Australian parents, the first of four children. I was a sixth generation Australian from my Scottish ancestors, also born overseas. At three years old, I came to Australia. As an adult, I took it for granted that all Australians had the same birthrights as me. I thought easy access to education, housing and employment and family unity, were opportunities available for everyone. In doing this course for cross-cultural therapy however, I have come to understand that my ‘white’ privilege is not afforded by all Australians, especially Indigenous ones. I have learned that despite Indigenous and other marginalised non-white Australians having the same hopes as me for birthrights, unfortunately their desires have been denied and taken away. Historically, Aborigines were considered disposable, and not as valuable to society as the white British  people who founded this nation. Now, with my great ‘white’ Australian ancestry, I am left with feelings of shame and sadness for the marginalised Australians who grew up beside me, with less. Sadly, marginalised Australians have been left with feelings of separation, denial and desperation, but through cross-cultural competence, I realise hope is not lost. This report expresses my appreciation for the beauty found in differences and the ever present potential for unity, if diversity can remain. I believe that unity is available and necessary for all, through awareness, knowledge of ‘others’ and their difficulties, expressing empathy, cooperation and a desire for everyone to receive rights of equality, together. Definition of Cross-Cultural Competence Cross-cultural competence is the ability to engage awareness, knowledge and skills, to allow for a meaningful encounter of effective communication between peoples of different cultures (Hopkins, 2013). In becoming cross-culturally competent, Sue (2008) proposes the need for the following competencies in awareness, knowledge and skills. Firstly, to practice awareness of cultural competence, one must identify their own cultural heritage and respect differences in others. Personal values, fears and biases should be considered as they may create barriers. One must be comfortable with differences regarding age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation, which provides an environment whereby clients are free to disclose or not. Consequently, sensitivity to a client needing referral to another professional’s help may be appropriate, when uncomfortable feelings arise. (Sue, 2008). Secondly, Sue recommends gaining knowledge and information on culturally different people and an awareness of a nation’s politics and the affect of marginalisation on minority groups. Particular reference to counselling practices is valuable. Plus, an awareness of institutional difficulties for mental health services. Finally, one needs to utilise skills for verbal and non-verbal reactions, plus have an ability to communicate correctly and with an interpreter where appropriate. In closing, Sue maintains that one must understand personal limits and the affect of different approaches for assisting, whilst  maintaining an open mind for creating new opportunities that still provide help for people. Understanding Culture I grew up in Townsville in the 1970’s and 1980’s, where Eddie Koiki Mabo lived. I was unaware of the fight Mabo was having for independence and land rights for his family (Perkins, 2008). Obliviously pursuing all I knew about culture in ballet and theatre, I was ignorant of racial tensions around me, from the late White Australia Policy (NSW Government, 2013). Politician, Joe Bjelke-Peterson was in the news, but I did not understand the racist attitudes being perpetuated that Australia was still better off ‘white’ than as a multicultural place to live. I am embarrassed now at my sheltered and ignorant upbringing during times of Indigenous racial attacks and discrimination. Just as embarrassing is the racial abuse being hidden from school lessons in Australian history, as though ignorance of Indigenous suffering might be acceptable to consider. Watching the film, â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† (Woods, 2000), gave me another perspective on culture and other tensions, not between cross cultures, but more between individuals and generational cultures. The film highlighted the tensions felt by adolescents as they struggled to gain identity and independence from their parents. Peer pressure norms dominated, leaving teenagers fighting for new individual values of their own. However, just as adolescents were fighting for their identity to be separate and identifiably different from their parents, the adults were also struggling for their individual needs to be met. It seemed that everyone was struggling with a desire to be someone important, in his or her own right, even if the struggle was within the family or individually. I think this is no different for anyone of us, within any culture. We are all struggling to be heard, valued, wanted, loved and needed by others, no matter what age, gender, ethnicity or social status. Ap preciating the value of differences with diversity gives individuals unity in developing themselves and families. Developing Awareness Karen Anderson (personal communication, August 14, 2013) suggested we are shaped by the culmination of our thoughts about events and social interactions. Knowing our self is being aware of what has shaped us and who we are. Cross-cultural competence requires self-knowledge, before we can begin to relate to or understand others in their experiences. Watching a YouTube Blue Eyes Brown Eyes experiment by Jane Elliot (South, 2013) certainly opened my eyes on prejudice and racism. This film vividly displayed in role-play, the spoken and unspoken power struggles that occur between inferior marginalised groups and superior dominating groups. I listened to the superior authority figure hurl false accusations of idiocy at the inferiors and I felt the powerless humiliation of the inferior people being told to shut up. This was reminiscent of the same pain the Indigenous people suffered during the invasion and occupation of their land, from white colonialists (Cunneen, 2010). Coming to an understanding of the power of prejudice and discrimination that occurs almost naturally between groups of unequals, helps me appreciate the powers of social influence where ostracism continues to offend people in struggles for power (Sue, 2008). I can personally relate to this where I have felt ostracised by church friends. Since I decided to stop going to church and I have felt inferior or less than them, because I no longer attend church. I have had limited and even restricted in formation regarding my children who remain in the church. This experience has been quite discriminatory against me, considering I am still a mother and believe a relationship with my children is still important. Becoming a multiculturally competent professional requires an awareness of power struggles, knowledge of cultural differences and skills in communicating these relationships of supremacy and inferiority to people, in ways that engender change for the better (Hopkins, 2013). In realising this, I have discovered the kernel of starting with myself, to develop awareness of my own positions of power and powerlessness. I appreciate that by knowing me and my biases, I can better help people to know themselves and the implicit and explicit struggles they face, as they continue to work through challenges that are solvable and unsolvable. Appreciating the value of differences with diversity gives individuals unity within families and with others. Gaining Knowledge Since 1814 Aboriginal assimilation into white domination has been practiced, with the hope of breeding out Aboriginality from Indigenous people (Fact Sheet, 2013; Saggers, 2003). The movie, Rabbit Proof Fence (Noyce, 2002) depicts this in the 1930’s with the inhumane enforcement of removal of Indigenous children from their families, under the Aboriginal Protection Act of 1915. Two hundred years later, the impact of this destructive policy has lead to chronic grief and shorter life spans for the Indigenous (Reconcilliaction, 2007). Gaining this knowledge was disturbing, but without it, hope of understanding the plight of Indigenous and other minorities would continue to have me living in ignorance. Van Krieken, 2005 suggests individuals encounter personal problems from public issues when unaware of their association with communal, financial and governmental change. Thompson (2004) adds that personal peace for individuals is not readily available in the face of psychological blindness. Thompson suggests when individuals become aware of the external forces that impact their psychological blindness; an expansion of awareness can help ease the distress experienced. For example, Eddie Koiki Mabo was a unique individual who seemed to be psychologically fully sighted, in light of the government restrictions precluding him from possessing his land of inheritance on Murray Island. Determined to claim what was rightfully his land, he pressed forward in an unknown legal land of racial justifications. Mabo took his claim to the high court and by so doing helped many Indigenous people reclaim their lands and seas from the institutional power of Terra Nullius (Perkins, 2008). By contrast, the movie of Samson and Delilah (Thornton, 2009), demonstrates the psychological blindness Thompson speaks of where Indigenous people are blindly living lives of poverty, financial, sexual and drug abuse. Sadly, this movie illuminates the chronic sorrow of descendants from the Stolen Generations (NSW Government, 2013). Adolescents are unaware of the external source causing their grief and ongoing difficulties, which is really born of financial, political and institutional racism. In 2007 the Government delivered an official apology for the devastation of identity for Indigenous families (Reconcilliaction, 2007). Despite Government attempts for reconciliation, Roos (2002) predicts that people who remain in grief about incomplete losses, will continue to experience stress and disorders. This is where Sue’s ideology to use  perception in understanding difference would be useful, rather than what is right or wrong (2008). The value of perception could help with institutional problems experienced by people in ethnic and racial groups. Readings from Van Krieken (2005) on the social identities of colonialism, capitalism and globalism helped me appreciate my own cultural history. I now perceive that appreciating individual differences with diversity allows for unity with others, despite racial world-views. Practising Multiculturalism Remembering what has culturally shaped us, knowing the differences, and maintaining respect for individual differences, is being aware of multiculturalism (Hopkins, 2013). Sue and Smith argue that the art of practising multiculturalism is having a mutual relationship of sensitivity for cultural differences, care and concerns for power and beliefs, and respect for diversity between client and counsellor. This environment offers most potential for growth between all parties (2004; 2008). Understanding for identity values, world-views, security, mental health and of socio-political factors helps to stimulate positive interactions as well (Hopkins, 2013). Where these elements exist with openness and trust, a client is more inclined to disclose or not; and an individual’s most precious thoughts and feelings may be realised, in finding relief and growth (Karen Anderson, personal communication, September 19, 2013). A competent multicultural counsellor is also sensitive to institutional and individual issues and works to make them known in gentle ways, that provide support and strength (Sue, 2008). Where necessary, a competent multicultural counsellor employs an interpreter to help bridge any communication gaps for cultural differences (Sue, 2008). Using a particular counselling approach of the relational perspective helps benefit the personal growth potential for the counselling relationship. In this way, personal choices are invited which help promote self-development and responsibility in the client-counselling relationship (Hopkins, 2013). In reflection of my expectations for being culturally competent when I began this course, I note that I personally have changed and developed in my world-views on external authority and power struggles. For twenty years I had a religious belief in God, as a Mormon. I left that patriarchal faith last year. In the  process, I am freed of that authority, yet with children still in the church, I am still tied to the religious power of abuse and hypocrisy. I recognise my personal losses for children separated from me, but I am not without hope. Through employing Sue’s ideology of noticing my perceptions, I have come to appreciate there is beauty for diversity in life for people who celebrate differences (2008). In practising multiculturalism, I continue to find a greater unity within myself and with others. I appreciate that my experiences carry great resources that can strengthen others who also endure marginalisation and separation. Strengths of mutual difficulties in past, present or future circumstances shared with clients, will help to encourage unity from differences in diversity. Conclusion Thinking about differences with an open mind encourages creativity and growth for experiences in our own lives and with others. As a multicultural counsellor I am preparing to value others as I value myself. I will listen attentively and as I notice my own responses arise for cultural privileges, inequities, needs and biases, I will work to reduce them. I respect that I need to remain aware of my own views whilst allowing others their views and by listening thoughtfully, I will increase my knowledge of a client’s perspective. In developing myself, I can help others develop and together we can help to grow a greater consciousness for all, that there is beauty in unity, where differences in diversity can remain.