Strategic Planning For Wounded Warrior Project

Executive Summary Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was started in 2002 by John Melia who was wounded in Somalia in 1992. The members of his family and other veterans, Al Giordano and Steven Nardizzi, supported Melia’s efforts to establish WWP. Until 2005, WWP operated as a division of another nonprofit organization the United Spinal Association of New York.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Strategic Planning For Wounded Warrior Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2005, the WWP separated from the associated organization and moved its headquarters to Jacksonville, Florida. Thus, by 2010, the nonprofit organization started by several activists has rapidly grown into an influential project employing 118 workers and raising millions of dollars to support veterans. Over the years, WWP has shown impressive progress culminating in her appearing among the very top performing organizations in the nonprofit ca tegory. However, with the rising number of volunteer soldiers to war and, the economic crisis experienced in the recent years, there is a need for WWP to reexamine their position with a view to fit into the new realities. It is important that she continues to serve the interest of wounded soldiers while coping with the high numbers which are expected and still remain steadfast in its mandate. To achieve this goal, a medium term strategic plan for WWP, is deemed inevitable. The purpose of this strategic plan is to define the goals for WWP with respect to the results it envisages within the stated period of 5 years. The basis of the plan is a report collected from performances over a time period. This will be followed with an analysis of the external and internal environment through a SWOC analysis and a stakeholder analysis respectively. With these results as a basis, the strategic plan aims to lay out the strategies for successful implementation and action plans to close the gap fro m the current position to the desired position within this period. To be successful, the process intends to have a ‘buy in’ strategy that allows for vivid participation of all stakeholders concerned. The Board and Top management will have stated their support by signing on the sheet provided.Advertising Looking for proposal on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The goals and the plans to achieve them must remain realistic and as such, must involve the immediate implementers in the team. It shall incorporate workable performance monitoring and evaluation component as well as a provision for any arising changes hence the need for flexibility. Background information Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was started in 2002 by John Melia who had been wounded in Somalia in 1992. Melia’s initiative was supported by the members of his family and other veterans Al Giordano and Steven Nardizzi. Until 200 5, WWP operated as a division of another nonprofit organization the United Spinal Association of New York. In 2005, the WWP separated from the associated organization and moved its headquarters to Jacksonville, Florida. Thus, by 2010, the nonprofit organization started by several activists has rapidly grown into an influential project employing 118 workers and raising millions of dollars to support veterans (Wounded Warrior Project, n. d.). Mission The mission adopted by WWP is to provide support to the veterans of the US military forces by honoring and empowering them. The phrase concerning the greatest casualty that is being forgotten used as an epigraph on the website of this nonprofit organization implies the inability of the society to provide the necessary and deserved social and financial support to the veterans. The vision The vision of the organization is formulated as an ambition to foster the generation of wounded veterans which would be best adjusted to the realities of modern society and the most successful one in the history of the nation. The purposes of this nonprofit organization include the improvement of the social awareness on the special needs of the injured service members and motivate the community to provide the necessary aid to the wounded warriors. Additionally, WWP is aimed at providing the injured veterans with opportunities to assist each other. These goals are achieved through the implementation of the unique programs complying with the needs of injured warriors. Aims To improve the social awareness of the special needs of the injured service members and motivate the community to provide the necessary aid to the wounded warriors and their families.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Strategic Planning For Wounded Warrior Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Core Values The core values of WWP are defined as FILIS: Fun Integrity Loyalty Innovation Service The core values formulated in the form of FILIS are coupled with the culture of teamwork in WWP that is beneficial for enhancing the performance of the staff and even motivating each of the employees to give extra effort to make their organization succeed (Wounded Warrior Project, n. d.). Programmatic activities The programs of WWP are structured in a unique way to nurture the mind and body of the wounded veterans and foster their economic empowerment and social engagement. Thus, all the programs activities are divided into four main subgroups, including mind, body, economic empowerment and, social engagement. The participation in all of these programs is free. However, the verification of military service experience and service-connected wounds, injuries or illnesses is obligatory for participating in these programs (Wounded Warrior Project, n.d). For example, the wounded warriors eligible for the participation in WWP projects can be enrolled into Combat Stress Recovery Program, Tr ansition Training Academy, Physical Health and Wellness, Soldier Ride and other programs (Wounded Warrior Project, n.d). The reported outcomes of the programmatic activities of WWP are striking. Thus, 325 families took advantages of Physical Wealth and Wellness Program, 945 warriors enrolled into Warriors to Work Program and were assisted in finding a job. Furthermore, 5929 phone and e-mail cases were resolved through the support center. Departments The executive staff of WWP includes 14 members. The organizational structure of WWP consists of 9 main departments, including the development, financial, special projects, direct response, mental health and warrior engagement, physical health and wellness, communications, government affairs, and economic empowerment departments.Advertising Looking for proposal on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As the ones responsible for the implementation process, these leaders will be an integral part of the team. They bring their practical knowledge which is invaluable creating action plans. Planning for the Plan The changing environment, both fiscal and in number of beneficiaries legible for this program leaves no doubt that WWP needs to lay firm strategies to help her maintain relevance and, remain true to its mandate. By prove of the executive boards consent and pledge of cooperation, the agency has expressed desire to conduct this exercise. The next stage will involve selection of committee members, and we shall be guided by their decision making power and importance in the implementation exercise. The plan shall encompass whole organization, and as a medium term 5year strategic plan. The module to be adopted for this project shall be vision based where we align functions relative to a shared vision. Given the success enjoyed by WWP thus far, the concurrent approach to implementati on suffices. By maintaining most of what already works, WWP should use the good working relationship of employees to draw up the plan ((Bryson, 2004a). The committees mandate shall be to draw up a schedule for the strategic plan development. This schedule will show who will be involved, when and how and putting to consideration their authority, role, knowledge. It will ensure stakeholder as well as a champion of the process. The committee shall also set forth the materials needed as well as terms and titles to be used (Clolery, 2011). The schedule spells out when and how the planners will be trained to ensure better understanding of process. The membership and participation will be arranged in such a way as to have ‘buy in’ by direct involvement of key implementers and stakeholders. To ensure implementation we will develop smart goals, action plans, and institute monitoring and evaluation measures while leaving a provision for enactment of new changes to the plan as may be deemed necessary (Poister, 2003). Stakeholder Analysis The stakeholder audit for the Wounded Warrior Project requires mapping the universe of various stakeholders, defining who they are, how they can affect the organization and performance of this nonprofit agency and how they relate to the agency. Applying the power vs. interest grid to the analysis of the stakeholder universe and the roles performed, depending upon the extent of their power and interest, the main groups can be divided into four main categories, including subjects with high interest but low power, players with high power and high interest, context setters with high power but low interest and crowd characterized with low power and low interest. WWP must strive to consult, listen to and empower all these stakeholders (Bryson, 2004b). The first category has wounded veterans and their families, the employees of the agency and the private contractors providing certain services to the agency which are characterized w ith high interest in the effective performance of the organization and fulfillment of its mission. The second subgroup of players would include the senior management of the organization. The category of the context setters encompasses all individuals, firms and corporations making donations, government bodies, and policymakers responsible for the regulation of the nonprofit sector. Finally, the fourth group of the crowd would include the general public which has low interest and low power but still is affected by the performance of the agency that is aimed at creating public value. The Revelation from SWOC Analysis Conducting a SWOC analysis for WWP, helps identify internal strengths and weaknesses it possesses and external opportunities and challenges it faces as it embarks on a strategic planning process. This sets the primary data or skeleton upon which the strategic plan is developed. Strengths This looks at WWP agency does well. Includes the unique assets or resources it can dr aw from to take advantages of external opportunities or overcome challenges and describes its unique competencies. The WWP successfully empowers veterans who received service-connected wounds during or later September 11, 2001. Its distinctive competencies include psychological and social support of wounded warriors and their families through engaging them into specialized programs and employing them. WWP could benefit from current legislation supporting the rights of veterans, including those warriors who have service-connected disability, such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2011). Weaknesses Weaknesses demonstrate where WWP has fewer assets or resources than others and would be target for areas of improvement. One of the weaknesses of WWP is its policy declining government funding. As a non-profit donation based organization, WWP does no t accept government money not to compromise its independence from government’s money (Wounded Warrior Project, 2010). As a result, when $ 3.2 million was allocated to WWP in 2011, the non-profit organization declined these funds (Dixon, 2011). This decision was compliant with one of the principles adopted by this organization but was not in the best interests of the community of wounded veterans to whom the organization serves. Opportunities This looks at changes taking place in the external environment that the organization could take advantage of. It includes an assessment of political, economic, social, technological, demographic, or legal trends might present opportunities for WWP. The WWP might take advantage of the growing concerns of the population over the destinies of the wounded warriors. As to the changes taking place in the technological domain, the organization might use the innovative methods of e-marketing for popularizing its programs and attracting new donati ons, volunteers and wounded veterans. In addition, the organization can use social networks to attract attention of wider audiences. This might reduce the advertising costs and increase the effectiveness of the strategies at the same time. Challenges This looks at the changes taking place in the external environment that the agency should guard against, or prepare for, to avoid disruption of their activities. The may be political, economic, social, technological, demographic, or legal trends that might present obstacles to WWP achieving her mission. The organization should be prepared for the growing number of veterans because more volunteers want to join the Army after the events of September 11, 2001 (Wounded Warrior Project, n.d.; Holder, 2007). Furthermore, the global economic crisis can have a negative impact upon the willingness of individuals and organizations to make donations. The firms are frequently forced to cut their staff. This also may have a negative impact upon the employment options for the wounded veterans. The Strategic Issues The stakeholder analysis gives a clear indication of the relative importance of these organizations in influencing the outcome of any plans WWP, would want to take. As a result, the first and second category of stakeholders will be considered from the beginning as mentioned above. The SWOC analysis has revealed the areas of opportunity that if given enough consideration will result in the organization being able to achieve its original mandate and adopt effectively to tackle the arising challenges. Goal 1: Improve decision making and effectiveness of the WWP financing program Strategy 1: Funding is a major issue facing WWP and given the foreseeable elements listed above, this issue needs to be addressed amicably. The first step is to engage stakeholders on revising the policy on non acceptance of government funds. This may be followed by an enactment of strict accounting procedures to restore stakeholder confidence in government fund utilization. In the same vein, both internal, and external auditors will be engaged to facilitate the process. Books of account would be reviewed semi-annually and reports published in reputable journal. Strategy 2: By employing qualified staff and empowering them as WWP has done before, staff which is one of the most valuable assets of this organization would be able to develop effective strategies for facing the challenges in the external environment. Goal 2: Support for more veteran soldiers and their families Strategy 1:Â  The organization strengths intersect with the opportunities in the external environment in the new opportunities for advertising the programs for the wounded warriors and raising the community awareness on the activities of this nonprofit organization. By discussing the noble goals of this organization on various websites and social networks, WWP would b able to attract new donations. Strategy 2:Â  The agency will have a continuous surveilla nce mechanism which gives monthly reports on the traffic to the sites and releasing trends for quarterly reviews for prompt improvement. Goal 3: Implementation of the organizations core values Strategy 1:Â  The flexibility of WWP management and the core values adopted by this organization can be used for converting the challenges into opportunities. Taking into account the fact that WWP is recognized as one of the best employers in nonprofit sector, it can be stated that it can attract talented employees. Strategy 2:Â  The organization needs to employ an international benchmark for analysis and reporting its performance. This is a tool that will effectively demonstrate the organizations commitment to the veterans it serves and market WWP as an organization worth the support. Use of Balanced score card as a tool for monitoring the success of the implementation strategies will be effected. This method suggests indicators of performance in all sectors and notes the degree of achievem ent for review and hence prompt action. Goal 4: Increasing the number of corporate sponsors and the amount of donations Strategy 1:Â  The WWP will strive to improve their visibility through media outlets. The new social media on the Internet is a plat form that if well targeted shall improve awareness and improve people’s participation. So far the success of the agency’s program has showed a great need among organizations to encourage sponsorship. At the same time, by attracting advertisements from organizations to attract funds will be most appropriate. Strategy 2:Â  The programs of WWP are structured in a unique way to nurture the mind and body of the wounded veterans and foster their economic empowerment and social engagement. The most experience will be used by this organization to ensure that all the participants not only enjoy the program, but also proactively help open more activities to cater for all their needs. Goal 5:Â  Improve the participation of famili es participating in the programs by at least 30% over the next five years Strategy 1:Â  Improve support for the Physical Wealth and Wellness Program from the current, 325 by 30%, through improved. At the same time, increase number of families taking part in the Warriors to Work program families from the current 945 warriors enrolled into Program and while improving the number of those assisted to find jobs by the same margin over the period. Strategy 2:Â  Increase the service staff effectiveness in handling of phone and email cases by enhancing the capacity of the support center to handle the increased demand. The plan shall include an operation plan, a monitoring and evaluation schedule and a statement explaining the process of effecting any change arising from the implementation process. The action plan shall define all the roles and responsibilities over the mentioned period including a time frame for implementation of each of the strategies. Alternative Visions for the Future Given the magnitude help WWP offers to her war veteran clients, it demands a long term vision to ensure sustainability as well as satisfactory implementation of the programs they set to achieve. First, WWP should look at establishing an endowment and revolving funds that may be lent to her members to do business and refund at very low interest. Second, WWP need to set up collaboration with organizations that may create an academy for handling of the needs of the veterans and their families. Last, WWP should engage the international community in drawing policies that will minimize war options as this will decrease the number of those affected and ensure high treatment to the few who must go through war. Conclusion Given the enormous task that the implementation of the strategic plan entails, a team leader for the program will be identified. He shall help with advice on continuous implementation while his or her office shall provide the needed support throughout the process. With this five year strategic plan, WWP has a goal and a way to achieve those goals. With the proper implementation, the agency can be sure to build on their good reputation to cater best for their clientele and their stakeholder interests. This is the first step in ensuring proper stakeholder involvement that also gives a clear framework for corporation including mechanisms for conflict resolution. References Bryson, J. (2004a). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A Guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Bryson, J. (2004b). What to do when stakeholders matter: Stakeholder identification and analysis techniques. Public Management Review, 6(1), 21-53. Clolery, P. (2011). 50 best nonprofits to work for in 2011. The NonProfit Times, 17–23. Web. Dixon, M. (2011). Wounded Warrior Project turns down $ 3.2 million from Florida. The Florida Times Union. Web. Holder, K. (2007). Comparison of ACS and ASEC da ta on veteran status and period of military service: 2007. Web. Poister, T. (2003). Measuring performance in public and nonprofit organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2011). Veterans with service- connected disabilities in the workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Web. Wounded Warrior Project. (n.d.). Who we serve. Web. This proposal on Strategic Planning For Wounded Warrior Project was written and submitted by user Colten Holt to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How to Ask for Information - ESL Education

How to Ask for Information - ESL Education There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the most common: Could you tell me...?Do you know...?Do you happen to know...?Id like to know...Could you find out...?Im interested in...Im looking for.. These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone: Im calling to find out...Im calling about... After you study these constructions, take the asking for information quiz to check your understanding. More English Functions DisagreeingContrasting IdeasMaking ComplaintsAsking for InformationGiving AdviceGuessingBeing Imprecise or VagueSaying No NicelyShowing PreferencesMaking SuggestionsOffering HelpGiving WarningDemanding Explanations Construction Formula Question Word Example Finish Could you tell me when the next train leaves? Do you know how much that vase costs? Do you happen to know where Tom lives? Id like to know what you think about the new project. Could you tell me when the next train leaves? Could you find out when she is going to arrive? Formula Gerund (-ing) Example Finish Im interested in buying a boat Formula Noun Example Finish Im looking for information on holidays in Spain. Formula used only on the telphone Question Word Example Finish Im calling to find out... if flight AZ098 will leave on time today. Formula used only on the telphone Noun Example Finish Im calling about... the offer published in todays newspaper.

Confidence Intervals Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Confidence Intervals - Statistics Project Example In addition, this paper will also compare male and female BMI values with the national averages and with the International Classification of adult underweight, overweight and obesity according to BMI. The average mean body index for men is about 27.62 (SD = 10.88). The margin of error (half width) for a 99% confidence is about 4.66 (See Appendix B for calculation). The 99% lower and upper confidence limits of BMI for men are Therefore, the 99% confidence interval for the mean body mass index for men is between 22.96 and 32.28. Thus, there is 99% chance that the mean body mass index for men falls in the interval (22.96, 32.28). The average mean body index for women is about (26.70 SD = 6.93). The margin of error for a 99% confidence is about 2.97 (See Appendix B for calculation). The 99% lower and upper confidence limits of BMI for women are Therefore, the 99% confidence interval for the mean body mass index for women is between 23.73 and 29.67. Thus, there is 99% chance that the mean body mass index for women falls in the interval (23.73, 29.67). It is known that men have a mean weight that is greater than the mean weight for women, and the mean height of men is greater than the mean height of women. The results suggest that men (M = 27.62, SD = 10.88) also have a mean body mass index that is greater than the mean body mass index of women (M = 26.70, SD = 6.93). However, the 99% confidence interval for the mean body mass index for women (23.73, 29.67) is narrower as compared to the 99% confidence interval for the mean body mass index for men (22.96, 32.28). Thus, the mean body mass index for women is less variable as compared to the mean body mass index for men. The U.S.  National Institutes of Health  and the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  uses World Health Organization  guidelines for classification of adult underweight, overweight and obesity according to BMI.

Financial and Management Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

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The Business Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Business Report - Essay Example The selection of simple accounting software may yield losses because of high chances of misplacing information. Besides, some of these strategies have limited capacities to enable smooth integration of all facets of business, as well as the centralization of the data sources. Therefore, a start-up IT company will begin with Excel software because it is the cheapest. However, with increasing demands, growing customer base and the complexity of financial, sales, logistics, and other operations, such companies will be forced to seek alternative packages that match with the robustness of the work. Therefore, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) would be the most appropriate solution. However, ERP services are provided by different vendors, the most genuine and global leader being SAP. Packages from SAP exist in four categories, which depend on the size of the company and the cost available for investment. SAP packages are most robust approach because they synchronize and integrates dat a from the customers with the data from the sales of product and other related items. For this reason, the system makes it possible to store huge data and connect the various items and access them when needed or update the information when needed as opposed to excel. Selection of appropriate SAP package is necessary for the IT firm along its growth process. It minimizes the cost of operation and increase the output because of the efficient coordination of the business and the ability to run multiple items simultaneously. The startup companies lack enough resources to invest in purchasing and implementing the ERP packages. Such companies would need to use the cheapest available packages like Excel. The spreadsheet is the most appropriate package for recording and storing information on purchasing, sales, storage, customer information, and finances. The package

Two Stroke And Four Stroke Engine

Two Stroke And Four Stroke Engine To understand the differences between a two stroke and four stroke engines, we need to know how the four stroke engine works. In four stroke engine there are four stages: Intake: The piston travels down the cylinder while the intake valve is opened to allow a mixture of fuel and air to enter the combustion chamber. Compression: The intake valve is closed and the piston travels back up the cylinder compressing the gasses. Combustion: The spark plug ignites the compressed gas causing it to explode, which forces the piston down. Exhaust: The piston rises up the cylinder as the exhaust valve is opened, allowing the piston to clear the chamber to start the process over. Each time the piston rises and falls it turns the crankshaft that is responsible for turning the wheels. This is how fuel is converted into forward motion. The spark plug doesnà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t fire in each revolution but instead fires once every other revolution. A camshaft must alternately tip a rocker arm attached either to the intake or exhaust valve. The rocker arm returns to its closed position according to the movement of a spring. The valves must be seated properly in the cylinder head to avoid compression leaks. Now that the four stroke engines mechanism is explained, it is inevitable to learn about the two stroke engine. The main difference between the two engines is that all four stages in the four stroke engine are integrated into only two phases, one downward stroke, and one upward stroke. Intake and exhaust are both integrated into the compression and combustion movement of the piston, eliminating the need for valves. This is accomplished by an inlet and exhaust port in the wall of the combustion chamber itself. Induction: the piston travels down the cylinder head, and it applies suction to the air-fuel mixture and exerts it into the cylinder. Compression: as the piston travels up to the top of the cylinder head, it applies pressure to the air-fuel mixture from the inlet port in the top of the cylinder head, making the air-fuel mixture ready for igniting by the spark plug. Ignition: the spark plug ignites the pressurized air-fuel mixture (otherwise known as the compressed air-fuel mixture), sometimes referred to as the power stroke. Exhaust: as the piston returns back to the top of the cylinder head after the air-fuel mixture has been ignited, the piston pushes the burnt gases out of the cylinder and through the exhaust system. Transfer Port: The port in a two stroke engine that transfers the air-fuel mixture from the bottom of the engine to the top of the cylinder. two-stroke-exhaust.gif 0003EDA6CENGIZ B9A1592C: Fig2: 2-Stroke engine After the fuel and air experience a relatively small explosion, the piston is driven down to the bottom of the stroke where the exhaust port is uncovered. Most of the gases are driven out in this phase. This process is easily seen with an outboard motorboat, evident by the multicoloured oil slick surrounding the engine, but it happens with all two stroke engines, which is considered one of the disadvantages that makes a designer overlook the use of a two stroke engine in their design. And that is because this process itself (along with burning oil) creates pollution and fuel efficiency issues. Development The idea to build a two-stroke engine goes back to the year 1879. But this engine became a qualitatively good product only after many years, when the German DKW company accelerated its development. Because of its disadvantages compared with the four-stroke engine, the two-stroke engine is used practically just in a small range of capacity, e.g. in small motorcycles considering that the processes involved in the two stroke engine only require the use of a small amount of parts and chambers, and that is why they are used in small applications. Formerly the engine was even used to power tiny cars. The main disadvantage of the two stroke engine would be the loss of fuel and oil (as oil is mixed with fuel, or induced with fresh air to lubricate the piston). And this oil is burnt and sent through the exhaust, as some of the fresh mixture would leave the combustion chamber unburnt. This would basically cause more emissions and dirtier exhaust that would damage the catalytic converter. In recent years, the re-appearance of direct fuel injection (as it already existed in diesel, and 1960s petrol Mercedes), is the main cause of this interest. As direct fuel injection (meaning the fuel injector would be in the combustion chamber such as the spark plug, and would induce the fuel directly in there, as opposed to standard injection where fuel is induced in the intake manifold on top of the valve). This direct injection would limit the fresh mixture loss in exhaust. The thermal post combustion: there is an air pump, called secondary air pump, pumping fresh air into the exhaust when engine is cold. As on cold starts you have a very rich mixture, meaning raw fuel leaving through the exhaust. The fresh air induced, along with the high temperatures of the exhaust, would cause the fuel in exhaust to burn, this would render the emissions cleaner, and would heat up the exhaust faster for the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors to work (as catalytic converters and oxygen sensors need temperatures around 600 degrees C to operate and clean the emissions). This thermal post combustion would clean the remaining raw fuel or hydrocarbons, and heat the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, so they always work at optimal temperatures. Problems of the two-stroke engine Actually, the two stroke engine should perform twice the performance of a four stroke engine with the same cubic capacity. Although it is just possible to gain a performance that is about 50% better, but still the reasons are obvious; the cylinder cannot be filled up with the same amount of fuel as in the four-stroke engine, because the individual strokes are separated not so clearly which will reduce the amount of space and eventually reduce the capacity for carrying more fuel. If more fuel is induced, it leaves the combustion chamber through the ejection pipe without being burnt. Many concepts were developed to provide a better expulsion of the exhaust in way that the fresh gas doesnt leave the combustion chamber. Though all these inventions, the filling of the two-stroke engine is always worse than in the four-stroke engine, which loses fresh fuel only because of the overlap of the valve times (both valves are open for an instant). Beside these performance-technical problems, ther e are also increasing difficulties with the environment. The fuel mixture of the two-stroke engine often gets shifted with a certain quantity of oil because of the necessary lubrication. Unfortunately the oil gets burnt partly, too, and harmful gases are expulsed by the engine. Two stroke engines already have a lot of advantages over the standard four stroke engines Two-stroke engines do not have valves, which simplifies their construction and lowers their weight. Two-stroke engines fire once every revolution, while four-stroke engines fire once every other revolution. This gives two-stroke engines a significant power boost. Two-stroke engines are lighter, and cost less to manufacture. Two-stroke engines have the potential for about twice the power in the same size because there are twice as many power strokes per revolution. Disadvantages of 2 Stroke Engines: -Two-stroke engines dont live as long as four-stroke engines. The lack of a dedicated lubrication system means that the parts of a two-stroke engine wear-out faster. Two-stroke engines require a mix of oil in with the gas to lubricate the crankshaft, connecting rod and cylinder walls. Two-stroke oil can be expensive. Mixing ratio is about 4 ounces per gallon of gas: burning about a gallon of oil every 1,000 miles. Two-stroke engines do not use fuel efficiently, yielding fewer miles per gallon. Two-stroke engines produce more pollution from: 1- The combustion of the oil in the gas. The oil makes all two-stroke engines smoky to some extent, and a badly worn two-stroke engine can emit more oily smoke. 2- Each time a new mix of air/fuel is loaded into the combustion chamber, part of it leaks out through the exhaust port. http://www.deepscience.com http://www.whitedoglubes.com http://www.atzonline.com/index.php;do=show/site=a4e/sid=10470432604d6722a19884c564334027/alloc=3/id=829

Is Psychotherapy More Effective When Therapist Disclose Information Ess

â€Å" Is Psychotherapy More Effective When Therapist Disclose Information About Themselves? † In the world of psychology therapist raise a question whether or not they should â€Å"disclose personal information during psychotherapy. Several therapists â€Å"have suggested that therapist self-discloser can have a positive impact on treatment. From this view, self-discloser by the therapists may elicit greater discloser by the client enhancing the possibilities for client self-exploration†(e.g., Bugental, 1965, chap. 7; Jourad, 1971, chap. 17; Strassberg, Roback, D’Antonio & Gable, 1977). In addition, â€Å"self-discloser is thought to encourage an atmosphere of honesty and understanding between client and therapist, fostering a stronger and more effective therapeutic relationship†). However many other therapist disagrees with that statement. They reply â€Å" psychodynamic theorist since Freud have generally regarded therapist self-disclosure as detrimental to treatment because it might interfere with the therapeutic process, shifting the focus of therap y away from the client†(e.g., see cutis, 1982b; Freud, 1912/1958; Greenson, 1967, chap. 3). In addition, it is argued that therapist self-discloser may adversely affect treatment outcome by exposing therapist weakness or vulnerabilities, thereby undermining client trust in the therapist†(e.g., see cutis, 1982b, 1981) According to the journal â€Å"These differences in identifying therapist self-disclosures may be of importance in the evaluation of their impact on treatment. For example, theoretical concerns about therapist self-discloser have emphasized the risk of shifting the focus of therapy away from the client. However when therapist self-disclose, are in direct response to comparable client disclosers the presumed risk of alerting the focus of treatment is likely to reduced†. The study: clients There are a total of 36 clients that participated in the study, 15 being men and 21 being women. All of the clients requested therapy and also the clients are over the age of 18. â€Å"Exclude from the study were clients exhibiting sings of psychotic behavior, disoriented thinking, or neurological impairment†. The mean age of the clients is 27, the range 18-42. The client â€Å"presenting problem included issues such as depression, social or performance anxiety, relationship conflicts or lack of impulse control. None of the client where ... ...erapist self-discloser may adversely affect treatment outcome by exposing therapist weakness or vulnerabilities, thereby undermining client trust in the therapist†(e.g., see cutis, 1982b, 1981). In reading this study, the main aspect I realize was none of the clients had any sever problem. This might have been one of the reason why the study came out so positive. If a therapist disclose personal information to a client without a sever problem, I feel there could be a good chance of a positive outcome. However, I feel that if a client has a sever problem this act should not take place because the therapist is now â€Å"shifting the focus of therapy away from the client†(e.g., see cutis, 1982b; Freud, 1912/1958; Greenson, 1967, chap. 3) and that it self is damaging the client. In summation I feel that this study is true to a certain point what was not put to study was the levels of problem the clients were facing and to determine the level of improvement. I feel that this act should only take place when clients have minor problem and not major problem. In addition, if a therapist decided to disclose personal information it should be in the interest of the client and not the therapist

The Systematic Study of Organizational Behavior

A country's culture is the conventional behavior of a society that constitutes beliefs, customs, knowledge, and practices. Evidently, it influences human behavior, even though it is rare that it enters into their conscious thought. People depend on culture as it gives them stability, security, understanding, and the ability to respond to a given situation. Culture complements their well-being. This is why people fear change. They fear the system will become unstable, their security will be lost, they will not understand the new process, and they will not know how to respond to the new situations (Knoster, Villa ; Thousand, 2000). The organization's base depends on a company' philosophy, values, vision and goals. A company's mission and vision are its very core. This, in turn, drives the organizational culture, which is composed of the formal organization, informal organization, and the social environment. A country's culture determines the type of leadership, communication, and group dynamics within the organization. The workers perceive this as the quality of work life, which directs their degree of motivation. The final outcomes are performance, individual satisfaction, and personal growth and development. All these elements combine to build the archetype or framework that the organization operates from. A social system is a complex set of human relationships interacting in many ways. Within an organization, the social system includes all the people in it and their relationships to each other and to the outside world. The behaviors that come about within organizations are of utmost concern and importance. Studying these behaviors may help the consumers to comprehend why some sales agents or employees are able to introduce and sell their products and services with efficiency and effectiveness (cited in Johns, 1988). Also, the social system does not have boundaries. It exchanges goods, ideas, culture, etc. with the environment around it (cited in Knoster, Villa ; Thousand, 2000). A matter like this could become quite a balancing act. Individualism favors individual rights, loosely knit social networks, self-respect, and personal rewards and careers. One aspect begets another aspect, which is why it is integrated in nature.   Socialization or collectivism favors the group, harmony, and asks â€Å"What is best for the organization?† Organizations need people to challenge, question, and experiment while still maintaining the culture that binds them into a social system (Knoster, Villa ; Thousand, 2000). Autocratic – The basis of this model is power with a managerial orientation of authority. The employees in turn are oriented towards obedience and dependence on the boss. The employee need that is met is subsistence. The performance result is minimal. Custodial – The basis of this model is economic resources with a managerial orientation of money. The employees in turn are oriented towards security and benefits and dependence on the organization. The employee need that is met is security. The performance result is passive cooperation. Supportive – The basis of this model is leadership with a managerial orientation of support. The employees in turn are oriented towards job performance and participation. The employee need that is met is status and recognition. The performance result is awakened drives. Collegial – The basis of this model is partnership with a managerial orientation of teamwork. The employees in turn are oriented towards responsible behavior and self-discipline. The employee need that is met is self-actualization. The performance result is moderate enthusiasm. Individualization is when employees successfully exert influence on the social system by challenging the culture: Less socialization and too little individualization create isolation. More socialization and too little individualization create conformity. Less socialization and too high individualization creates rebellion. While the match that organizations want to create is high socialization and high individualization for a creative environment. This is what it takes to survive in a very competitive environment having people grow with the organization, but doing the right thing when others want to follow the easy path (Knoster, Villa ; Thousand, 2000). Compensation as a motivational factor Many companies mistakenly assume that what works for one organization will work well for all organizations. Companies often attempt to create incentive programs without thinking in detail about how each program feature will best suit their targeted audience. Providing pie and ice-cream when employees desire flexible work hours, paid time off, training, or the ability to work from home is an example of a negative incentive. To facilitate the creation of a profitable program, every feature must be tailored to the participants’ interests. A successful incentive program requires clearly defined rules, suitable rewards, efficient communication strategies, and measurable success metrics. By adapting each element of the program to fit the target audience, companies are better able to engage program participants and enhance the overall program effectiveness (â€Å"Incentive†). An incentive program represents a substantial investment to most organizations. Receiving a sufficient return on that investment requires the full participation of the program participants. Incentive programs are based upon the concept that effort increases as people perceive themselves progressing towards their goal. In â€Å"The Art of Motivation: An Incentive Industry Primer,† the Incentive Marketing Association ties incentive programs to the psychological equation: Ability x Motivation = Performance. In order to properly motivate, programs must be designed to offer a variation of products and services to program participants based on their unique interests and diverse needs. Successful programs need to carefully develop their reward methods to keep participants eager to approach a new goal once they have achieved a reward (â€Å"Incentive†). In order to create an effective program, organizations must keep the overall objective in mind when considering program design and implementation. Objectives should be formed based on the organizations overall goals and should be straightforward and specific so participants clearly understand the expectations. Program objectives can vary depending on the needs of each individual organization. They must be challenging, yet achievable. If objectives are viewed as unattainable, the program will be destined for failure. Management By Objectives is crucial for a company to achieve progress and success in order to manage the company in an objective manner. With this in mind, Companies have set various standard order procedures for employees. Managers are always at the forefront of this matter. Objectives may include motivating employees, recognizing performance, persuading customers to make a purchase, or even reinforcing a marketing message. Once the program's goals have been determined, every aspect of the program must be measured against this goal in order to ensure the programs success in goal achievement. Whenever successful, objectives should provide measurable results allowing the organization to monitor performance and measure the overall success of the program. References Borne, P.A. (February 21, 2007). Organizational Behavior. Retrieved December 12, 2007 from http://www.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?aid=144899&c=1. Incentive Marketing Association. The Art of Motivation: An Incentive Industry Primer. Retrieved December 12, 2007, from   http://incentivemarketing.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=51. Knoster, T., Villa, K.T., & Thousand, J. (2000). Restructuring for Caring and Effective Education: Piecing the Puzzle Together. A Framework For Thinking About Systems Change. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. Johns, G. (2004). Organizational Behavior: Understanding and Managing Life at Work 6th Edition. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.   

Free Essays on War Photographer Opened Windows

With the push of a button, and a click of a camera, photographer Robert Capa brought images to the world never seen by man before. One of the more famous war photographers, Capa’s photos showed us what our soldiers faced. When the German army occupied France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg, Capa was there to capture it all. Over 6,500 ships, 12,000 in aircraft were supposed to take one million men and their supplies to England. To toy with the Germans, they even sent a fake first army, including dummy soldiers, tanks, and tent encampments. The night before D-Day, airborne divisions discovered German’s hidden batteries, obstacles, and mines along the French coast. When thousands of U.S. troops invaded, Germans, unexpected of our arrival, were caught off guard. Capa and the unit, to which he was assigned, were dropped off 100 miles from the beach. There he fought bullets above, below, dodged German obstacles, and dove for cover so that he could get two rolls of snapsh ots i! n as well. He developed and sent the pictures to Life magazine, then rushed back to the war scene because after we finally got through the German line, the invasion of Europe had just begun. Capa had been counted a casualty, and many were surprised to see him rejoin his troop at Bayeux. Germany hid in bushes and War Photographer Opened Windows made traps so that U.S. tanks got stuck in mud and then was seized. Finally the U.S. struck back and saturated German troops with explosives. Capa and the U.S. soldiers were unable to walk a few steps without stepping on the dead, of those who were dying. Capa’s next mission was to capture the liberation of Paris. He captured cheering crowds and soldiers again and seemed to think it was dull. Returning to the front, he went to Bastogne and saw the last of Adolf Hitler’s reign. He captured U.S. troops parachuting in, and then he himself spent the night in a parachute and went back to Paris. When concentration camps... Free Essays on War Photographer Opened Windows Free Essays on War Photographer Opened Windows With the push of a button, and a click of a camera, photographer Robert Capa brought images to the world never seen by man before. One of the more famous war photographers, Capa’s photos showed us what our soldiers faced. When the German army occupied France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg, Capa was there to capture it all. Over 6,500 ships, 12,000 in aircraft were supposed to take one million men and their supplies to England. To toy with the Germans, they even sent a fake first army, including dummy soldiers, tanks, and tent encampments. The night before D-Day, airborne divisions discovered German’s hidden batteries, obstacles, and mines along the French coast. When thousands of U.S. troops invaded, Germans, unexpected of our arrival, were caught off guard. Capa and the unit, to which he was assigned, were dropped off 100 miles from the beach. There he fought bullets above, below, dodged German obstacles, and dove for cover so that he could get two rolls of snapsh ots i! n as well. He developed and sent the pictures to Life magazine, then rushed back to the war scene because after we finally got through the German line, the invasion of Europe had just begun. Capa had been counted a casualty, and many were surprised to see him rejoin his troop at Bayeux. Germany hid in bushes and War Photographer Opened Windows made traps so that U.S. tanks got stuck in mud and then was seized. Finally the U.S. struck back and saturated German troops with explosives. Capa and the U.S. soldiers were unable to walk a few steps without stepping on the dead, of those who were dying. Capa’s next mission was to capture the liberation of Paris. He captured cheering crowds and soldiers again and seemed to think it was dull. Returning to the front, he went to Bastogne and saw the last of Adolf Hitler’s reign. He captured U.S. troops parachuting in, and then he himself spent the night in a parachute and went back to Paris. When concentration camps...

GM Crops essays

GM Crops essays Imagine growing the most powerful crop in the world to benefit mankind! You are probably wondering, how can this be possible? This method is called GM crops or named genetically modified crops. Few general questions are asked about this new biotechnology. First question is, what is this or what is this method? Second, question may be, is product beneficial or desirable? Thirdly, are there any risks involved in this new biotechnology? These three questions will be discussed in this paper. The first thing might be some general history and background of GM crops. It was first introduced in 1996 for commercial production. Today, these crops are planted on more than 109 million acres worldwide (Pew initiative on food and biotechnology. 2002). The largest producers of GM crops are in the United States, while Canada came in close second. The United States has two thirds of GM crops (p. 2). In 1999, it had grown to 350 million acres worldwide. This rapid increase grew concerns in Europe over the health and environmental impacts. With all this in mind, businesses had to change labeling, planting, marketing, and other things to sell and inform the consumers (Peterson, G. In addition, what are the GM crops? The scientists will select desired gene or genes from donor organisms and inject these traits into recipient organisms without the long process of cross-pollination trails that emerge with the same result (English Nature. 2000). The genetically modified organisms are the biological characteristics, through means other than conventional breeding programs or natural selection (p.2). These advances in biotechnology have allowed scientist to accomplish genetic alter...

Financial Accounting coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial Accounting coursework - Essay Example Thus the accrual method of accounting measures the position and performance of the company based on the transactions made in the course of business irrespective of the cash receipts and payments done for the business transaction. The accrual method of accounting combines the current and expected cash inflows and outflows to determine the consolidated financial position of the company (Sofat and Hiro, 2008, p.36). Marks and Spencer has used the accrual method to determine the expected value of the cash flows based on the historical sales returns so that the accrued figures could be allocated accurately in the financial statements. Assumptions related to Going-Concern for preparing financial statements The assumptions related to going concern for preparing financial statements are that the company would continue its business in near future unless the management decides to liquidate the company or decides to stop operations. When the financial statements are prepared by assuming the goi ng concern of a business entity, the assets and liabilities are allocated with the assumption that if the company continues its operations, it would be able to acquire the same amount of assets or would be able to service the same amount of liabilities (Bhattacharyya, 2011, p.48). Ex. Marks and Spencer have prepared their financial statements with the assumption of going concern after considering the risk and uncertainties of the business. The assessment of the assets and liabilities for the foreseeable future has been done based on projections after consideration of risk. Key accounting concepts used in preparation of financial statements The accounting method is a tool based on which the financial statements are prepared and the information given in the financial statements are meant for the users. Thus the preparation of financial statements involves key accounting concepts which are standardized for the companies. The key accounting concepts are combined together to form the gen erally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The accounting concepts that are used in the preparation of the financial statements are such as money measurement, entity, cost, going concern, objectivity, dual aspect, time period, realization, conservatism, consistency, matching, materiality. The consideration of an entity and its distinction from the owners is important for preparation of the financial statements. The business, sales and receipts in accounting are done in terms of money measurement. The business is considered to carry on its economic activities for a sustainable period of time unless the operations cease to exist on the basis of decision of owners. This concept forms the basis of a going concern that is used in accounting method (Crosson and  Needles, 2010, p.52). The accounting measurements takes into consideration the cost incurred by the company for running the business. This includes the cost of capital, cost of goods sold, etc. The dual aspect in accounting s tates that the assets are equal to the liabilities of the company. The objectivity in accounting met

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflection paper - Essay Example In addition, such a culture will attract investors that keep the share price high thus protecting the business from takeover (The Times 100, 2002). The biggest challenge that financial planners are primarily faced with is selecting the mode of compensation, this is where financial planners are categorized into two, which are commission-based planners and fee-based planners. The main difference between the two is that commission-based planners are subject to a constant commission for every transaction, whereas fee -based planners are entitled to a commission based on the assets for which they have been made responsible. The ethical dilemma for commission-based planners arises from the temptation to generate additional transactions regardless of there being no actual sales done. This is because their income is independent of any gains made on the overall portfolio of a business. As for fees-based planners, their ethical dilemma stems from the fact that their income comes from their abi lity to grow an investment. This implies that they would be motivated to make use of aggressive investment strategies that may be unethical (Cussen, 2012). Therefore, it is evident that financial planners require a tool to guide their actions and develop a relationship of trust with clients. This is because they have to make their own benefits a secondary concern to that of clients. On the other hand, they are faced with responsibility of ensuring their clients make financially sound decisions regarding their investments rather than basing their decisions on emotions. In this case, the ethical dilemma arises where the financial planner has to insist on a particular investment choice, all for the benefit of the client, but in so far as, it does not come out as fear-induced. The financial planner has to illustrate to the client the benefits of an investment decision as realistically as possible without striking fear in them. Many investment companies have resulted in making their fina ncial planners sign a disclaimer in order to protect them from clients who may come up and say that they were not given sufficient advice regarding a particular investment choice (Cussen, 2012). Nevertheless, financial planners are bound to act according to the seven ethical principles established by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and the Financial Planning Association. They are Integrity, Objectivity, Competence, Fairness, Confidentiality, Professionalism and Diligence; therefore, upholding these principles will create a relationship of trust between financial planners and their clients. This is because the client will be assured that their best interests will be paramount to any procedures employed or proposals made. The client does have the burden of looking into a financial planner’s prior relationships with other clients in order to evaluate their performance properly and behavior (Gambone, n.d). There are ten must-do’s for developing a financial p lanning practice that include: Selecting a practice structure- this refers to a mode of operation which may either be a sole proprietorship, corporation or partnership; depending on the financial pla