The University of Findlay The Academic Support Center Essay

The University of Findlay The Academic Support Center - Essay Example According to the director of the ASC, the center is ever full of students in search of academic assistance. Although most of the students access the center individually, there are also others that come as a group. According to the director, when one enters the center, one cannot fail to note how busy the place is especially during the day as well as in the afternoon when most of the students are through with the day’s classes.   According to the director, most of the students that visit the center always improve in their academics. However, for these improvements to be achieved, students ought to be dedicated. According to the director, for the students to progress in their academics, they also need to be dedicated and focused in their work. For this to be achieved, the ASC always seeks the assistance of tutors; hence tutors are ever there to offer support to students accessing the facility. Although tutors are ever present in the center to offer educational support, not all tutors are present; hence it is normally advisable for the students to make appointments to know the tutors that will be present on a particular day and time.  According to the director, the oiler success center is a facility that can be used for quite a number of things. First, students can use this center for the purpose of conducting their studies, and this is because the center is calm and has study tables, and hence it is an ideal place for conducting personal studies or taking part in study groups.  

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce Essay Example for Free

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce Essay 1. Micro-payments – Among the most revolutionary changes in the coming months—not years—is the use of micro-payment systems from a variety of financial firms, e.g., Paypal, Visa, WesternUnion, among others, including banks. This trend is facilitated by the W3C working group that approved these protocols and technical standards for the interworking. These systems will change not only how we carry money but how we value money and think about purchases. (Consider how a purchase of $4.99 feels in a mobile app store vs. at Dunkin Donuts.) Payment systems that make it easier to buy online, coupled with mobile technologies will accelerate the usage of global e-commerce applications. 2. Mobile technologies – More people access the Internet on their mobile devices than on any other device. We are rapidly approaching the time (if we are not already there) where designs must be created for the mobile Web first, and for the desktop second. Mobile technologies facilitate comparison shopping; with the advent of barcode reader apps and price-comparison databases, a consumer could snap a bar code in Walmart and quickly reference product reviews and prices on walmart.com (or compare prices with Walmart competitors). Mobile technologies also facilitate impulse buys – especially with the advent of micro-payments tied to the mobile device. Just recently, Starbucks customers can not only place an order with their Smartphone, but also make a purchase. 3. Social media – As Facebook has become the most visited site on the Web, the role of social media, including Facebook and its local clones such as Twitter, is increasingly important. Social media sites increasingly act as points of entry to e-commerce sites, and vice versa, as e-commerce sites build rating, loyalty and referral systems tied to social media. Group buying (e.g., Groupon) is also gaining mainstream ground, with many deal of the day sites competing for an increasingly savvy consumer base, but improvements lie ahead as the social aspects and user experience are refined. 4. Fulfillment options – I believe that users will want to have multiple fulfillments and return options when interacting with a vendor: ship to address, courier, pick-up in store, return to store, etc. Having many fulfillment options is how customers view their overall customer experience. Some companies have made a business proposition online by being exceptional in service to the online channel (e.g., Zappos). 5. Global availability –Â  Increasingly, consumers want the availability to buy products from foreign sites and have them delivered locally. Thus, currency and customs will be of growing concern to many online retailers. Along with this, there will be concerns with local privacy laws and restrictions on related data collection and storage. 6. Localization – While the trend is to globalize, what’s often more important is to localize. User Centric’s research clearly shows that sites that ‘feel’ local – with proper imagery, language, time/date, weights/measures, currency, etc. – resonate far more than sites that seem culturally distant or sterile. 7. Customizability – Consumers want control, and want to be able to design the details of the items they purchase. 8. Time-based availability – Some of the hottest and most successful sites are those that have a time-critical response component. Sites like Groupon, Gilt and others capitalize on the perception of limited-time availability. Creating a sense of urgency drives traffic and purchase behavior.

Tensions in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening :: Stopping Woods Snowy Evening

Tensions in Stopping by Woods The poem as a whole, of course, encodes many of the tensions between popular and elite poetry. For example, it appears in an anthology of children's writing alongside Amy Lowell's "Crescent Moon," Joyce Kilmer's "Trees," and Edward Lear's "Owl and the Pussy-Cat." Pritchard situates it among a number of poems that "have ... repelled or embarrassed more highbrow sensibilities," which suggests the question: "haven't these poems ['The Pasture,' 'Stopping by Woods...,' 'Birches,' 'Mending Wall'] been so much exclaimed over by people whose poetic taste is dubious or hardly existent, that on these grounds alone Frost is to be distrusted?" The views represented--and the representations of the poem itself, affiliated with the work of Dickinson, Longfellow, Dante, and the Romantics--range from emphasis on its gentility to its modernist ambiguity. Nevertheless, more than one critic underscores its threat to individualism, its "dangerous pro spect of boundarilessness," which suggests the masculine conception of poetic selfhood with which the poem is commonly framed. Seasons were a conventional means to illustrate feelings, as in Helen Hunt Jackson's "'Down to Sleep'": November woods are bare and still; November days are clear and bright; Each noon burns up the morning's chill; The morning's snow is gone by night; Each day my steps grow slow, grow light, As through the woods I reverent creep, Watching all things lie "down to sleep." I never knew before what beds, Fragrant to smell, and soft to touch, The forest sifts and shapes and spreads; I never knew before how much Of human sound there is in such Low tones as through the forest sweep When all wild things lie "down to sleep." Each day I find new coverlids Tucked in and more sweet eyes shut tight; Sometimes the viewless mother bids Her ferns kneel down full in my sight; I hear their chorus of "good night," And half I smile, and half I weep, Listening while they lie "down to sleep." November woods are bare and still; November days are bright and good; Life's noon burns up life's morning chill; Life's night rests feet which long have stood; Some warm soft bed, in field or wood, The mother will not fail to keep, Where we can "lay us down to sleep."

People do not treat others as equals Essay

There is a problem with the way the world works right now. People do not treat others as equals. Regardless of race, age, creed, color, or sex, people have found a way to escape from treating humans with common decency. As we walk through our lives, we are disrespected at least once a day, and probably more than that. We are brought up in a world where winners are just that, they are winners, and because they win, we are supposed to revere and envy them. We are in constant competition, rarely is anything settled without a clear winner, and this is how we live. We are the true essence of a Dominator Model in this sense. But we do not draw the line there. We can extend it out to personal relationships to. The line can be extrapolated because we, an editorial â€Å"we† mind you, treat our personal relationships in much the same manner. Arguments rarely end in compromise, and when it does it is not what comes naturally. So this is the life we have set up and in order to shift the paradigm we must first discover what is wrong and move on. We must attack the issues that keep us closer to Cro-Magnon man than evolved individuals. And that is what my intention is for today’s radio program. One of the main concerns when talking about compromise is the fact that things end without one being over another; we are talking about ending things, in dominator language, in a tie. But we cannot look at this as being bad; we must look at this as being a win. This is what we are talking about, a complete paradigm shift which lends no glory to the dominator, or androcratic society. One of the keys to making this shift occur is to first recognize what is on the other side of the androcratic model, which is the partnership or Gylanic model. The Gylanic model is based on the idea of mutual well being, and for a society such as ours that has always pleasured male over female, straight over gay, etc this is a hard concept for us to grasp. Tearing these historical walls that have been built for us is the birth of a new paradigm. And there are many ways to get to this idea, I will focus on a few that will get us started, and hopefully it will snowball, over a period of time of course, but hopefully it will pick up steam and lead us into a society that places emphasis on every individual who resides in the realm of partnership. Effective listening: This is one of the main concerns when shifting from androcratic to Gylanic models. Over time our conversational skills have excelled while or listening skills have fallen by the way side. We have seen great leaders, and great icons of pop-culture speak without listening, and it is not just something that the trained specimen can see, it is painfully obvious. In order to start us on our way this is the first baby step that must be taken. Emphasis needs to, once again, be placed on communication. Interruptions are just that, they interrupt that which somebody is trying to say, so we must understand that cutting somebody off from speaking is a facet of the Dominator Model. Listen to those that you speak with, and let them know that you are listening. Showing that you are listening is not the most difficult of tasks, it is quite simple really. Here are some things that one can do to show that he/she is listening: eye contact, a simple nodding of the head when it is appropriate, not interrupting, are just a few things that could improve a conversation dramatically. It is amazing what you hear when you actually listen without having to speak at the same time. Too, this helps to create a comfortable environment, in which exchange is welcome. After a conversation and this is the true test, tell the person that you are speaking with what you just heard them say. It may be difficult at first, to be able to listen and not speak, and then to be able to reiterate what you had just heard, but it helps to strengthen a relationship. â€Å"True Listening, total concentration on the other, is always a manifestation of love. An essential part of true listening is the discipline of bracketing, the temporary giving up or setting of one’s own prejudges, frames of references and desires so as to experience as far as possible the speaker’s world from the inside, stepping inside his or her shoes. This unification of speaker and listener is actually an extension and enlargement of ourselves and new knowledge is always gained from this. Moreover since true listening involves bracketing, a setting aside of self, it also temporarily involves a total acceptance of the other.† – A Road Less Traveled Scott, Peck [emphasis mine] Now we will be moving listening, from just an aspect of everyday life, to the inclusion within interpersonal relationships. This is obviously a necessity in relationships, as is so stated by Peck, but true listening is not asking anything that is â€Å"easy†. It is work. In many relationships one party is always subverted under another party, and for this reason a successful relationship is hard to find. We must not think along the lines of mimesis either, because to find power through ones subversion of power, is once again striding to find a winner. We must drop the idea of â€Å"the last word† or the idea that there must be a â€Å"winner.† Arguments can be settled within the parameters of effective communication. As Peck says it is an act of love, listening is an act of true love, and with the absence of true listening, true love in turn takes on another meaning. We are talking about moving from north to south here; we must learn that compromise is winning, and that there is not a single winner and a single loser. Listening is part of communicating, and in order to be successful, as is with anything else, we must be able to communicate. In summation being able to listen effectively is the first step in the long line of steps of communication, which must be taken in effort to escape the life of the Androcratic model. I know that Rome was not built in a day, and that I am not going to change our society in one conversation about how to change, but I do want to focus on one aspect that will start us on the path of partnership, and that aspect I am focusing on is the aspect of communication. So I will not get into â€Å"bedroom† subject matter. The next aspect of communication that is important is called leveling. Virginia Satir says, â€Å"What the leveling response does is make it possible for you to live as a whole person †¦ real, in touch with your head, your heart, your feelings, and your body.† Leveling is a system in which we speak our minds but not at anybody’s expense. We speak without thinking that we might make a mistake, or we might be criticized, or impose on somebody. All leveling is is â€Å"responding to real people in real situations that permit you to agree because you really do† (Satir, Virginia). She uses The Matrix as one example. In the Matrix people are hungry for the directness that is offered by Morpheus, but not many are willing to except it. It is the reality that is stated through our own constructed reality. The â€Å"I† statement is the best way to begin the leveling process. I feel . . . . (an emotion or feeling, not a belief) Because . . . . (feelings come out of YOU and your various Experiences in your life; explain the basis of your feelings rather than blaming or â€Å"psychologizing† the other person or yourself) And What I’d To do or see Happen now is . .(how both of you can take into account one another’s needs, and work toward an acceptable solution for/with each other) It is the idea of taking responsibility rather than placing blame. It is very effective. The final idea that I will discuss today is the idea of being a mindful learning. We are students of life, we are constantly learning based on what occurs in our lives. We must actually learn what we go through though. We must take the time and be energized in our lives in order to learn from mistakes that we have made, and hold on to the things that we do well. I suggest that we mindfully improve the way we learn so that we can create our own understanding of the process that will help live our quality of life. Become interested in your own live and it will create interest in others. Focus on the other person and listen to his/her stories and life experiences and communicate in an effective manner that will allow for a steady relationship.

Management and Planning Essay

Planning involves in every aspect of people’s life. If an individual wants to achieve success, he or she must have a proper preparation. It is also the same in business. † Organizations that fail to plan are planning to fail†, I do agree with this opinion. A plan demonstrates your intentions, mission, vision and method to carry it out. It is an important part of doing business. Without planning, an organization may not operate smoothly and may lead to failure. This essay will examine both the advantages and disadvantages of planning and show why planning is essential in business. In this era of hyper-competition, globalization and technological revolution, companies are forced to make speedy decisions in order to keep up with the market. Responding to the pressure of making quick and right choices, many firms have reduced or even emulated the time allocated to planning. Based on how rapid the market change in today business, cut down planning in doing business seems to be appropriated since the uncertainty and fast timing of entrepreneurial warrant quick action. (Matherne, 2004, p. 156) But should founders of new ventures plan or should they act immediately? Is planning still a useful activity in doing business? Let’s take a look at planning and what benefits it brings to business. Planning is an activity which consists of defining the organization’s goals, establishing an overall strategy for achieving those goals and developing a comprehensive set of goals to integrate and coordinate activities. It is the primary functions of management since it sets the basic path for managers in organizing, leading and controlling their cooperation. Planning can also be defined in terms of formal or informal. (Robbins, DeCenzo, Coulter & Woods, 2012, p. 6). Most managers do planning in their works whether it is informal like planning in their head or setting up a formal plan after carefully examined the situation and collect ideas from the staffs. Informal plans are rarely written down onto paper and publicly announced to other people. In contrast, formal planning always takes lots of time and effort of many people. The goals are specific and set with a period of time to achieve. Although it takes time, effort and not always guarantee success but formal planning is still remain as a priority thing to do for every manager. Planning establishes goals and direction for organizations. With a clear mission and vision, employees can coordinate their work together and managers can make sure that they are on the right track. Goals can also improve the performance of a firm. Latham (2004, p. 216) stated that â€Å"a goal is a standard of for assessing one’s satisfaction†. Achieving a goal will not only bring rewards and praises to individual but it can increase their satisfaction. When one’s morale is high, he or she will have a tendency to work better and expect a more difficult challenge. It is always a benefit for companies when staffs commit to their work and demand harder mission. Also, with a step by step direction, people will not be distracted from outside factors that affect performance. Wasteful, overlapping activities and uncertainty are reduced through planning. In the process of planning, managers have to anticipate changes, gather information and develop responses which help avoid mistakes. (Robbins et al. , 2012, p. 86). It allows people to make faster decisions since things have been predicted and unnecessary trials do not have to be conducted. Planning also helps people manage their resources, minimizing factors that can slow down their activities. By giving an idea about the availability of resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of works will be increased. (Delma & Shane, 2003, p. 1167). Furthermore, planning provides time for each mission so that each person can track their own process and organize the work to keep up with the whole company. One thing that contributes to the important of formal planning in business is strategic planning. It is proved that the relationship between strategic planning and organization performance is positive. The standard theory of strategic management surrounds planning of a mission and objectives, implementing a hierarchy of strategies to achieve and controlling to ensure the goals are achievable. The purpose of strategic planning is to make organization’s management become more effective. Combine these two things, indirect improvements of performance could occur. (Falshaw, Glaister & Tatoglu, 2006, p. 12). Moreover, making a strategic plan means manager have to go through the process of collecting data, forecasting, modeling and creating alternatives to respond to unexpected scenario. Strategic planning also promotes long term thinking, reduces uncertainty, identifies and evaluates alternatives strategies. By doing that organization with proper plans has already had an advantage to those that don’t. There is a link between company size and the use of strategic instruments. As smaller companies possess less time, resources and knowledge, they have a tendency to cut down on planning process and focus more on operational activities. The more the companies grow, the more formal the plan will be. Big enterprises have stable structure so it is more suitable to planning. Also with more resources in term of personnel, knowledge and time, it will be easier to have a good strategic plans. (Kraus, Reiche & Reschke, 2007, p. 11-12). However, new ventures should not skip the planning process since it is a guideline for long term success. Plans will remind managers about the goals and giving clues on responding to changes. If a new firm just focus on operational details, it might be hard for them to grow bigger. Therefore, a plan could be useful in maintaining as well as developing the company. Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana is an example of successful planning. The university was severe damaged in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. By 2006, it was reopened thanks to the renewal plan created by its students. The plan is based on the current situation of the university at that time. After going through many processes and revisions, taken student affairs goals accordingly, the university could face the disaster’s aftermath in the best way. (Cherry & Clark, 2010). Having a plan does not guarantee success. There are criticisms about how formal planning were long and does not bring as many worthwhile suggestions as it should. As the business environment is often changed with a fast pace, a long process like making strategic plans may not give managers suitable choices at certain time. In order to respond to an uncertain environment, plans have to be flexible, but that is what formal planning lacks. A traditional strategic plan is created with specific goals and limited time to achieve those goals. It creates rigidity and may lead to failure if the managers follow the plan strictly without paying attention to changes. Strategic planning is useful when it drive decision making. Surprisingly, according to Mankins and Steele (2006, p. 77), the structure and timing of strategic planning make it hard to produce a good decision. In their survey which confirmed what they observed over many years, only 2. 5 major strategic decisions are made from companies with standard planning. It demonstrates the fact that, traditional planning model is out of sync from what executives and managers want or need. Therefore, organizations should change their approach in planning. Plans must be specific but also flexible so that managers can respond to changes better without going off track. A successful plan can also be a path leading to disaster. Since it is hard for people to leave their comfort zone and try something new. Success may breed success, but it can also breed failure, especially in an uncertain environment. (Robbins et al. , 2012, p. 87). Unfortunately, business environment is very unpredictable and with the development of new technology, a plan can be out of date in a short period of time. In order to remain successful, managers must face uncertainty and brave enough to make changes. Nowadays, in some organizations, planning just contributes a small part in their success. The decisions are made based on sparse information and rely upon shortcuts or heuristics to save time. (Kirsch, GoldFarb & Gera, 2008, p. 487). Another way is making decisions based on actual works. Some of those organizations do success with that method. The best example must be Google. It is a company well-known for freedom at workplace and the majority of its plans are informal. Employees can do whatever they want, work with whoever they like and they can spend 20% of time on their own project. A company with little structure like that is now very successful and consistently outperformed their competitors in stock market since 1998 (Gargiulo, 2011). Google’s success does not come from those long and unrealistic plans but come from the way they manage people. Motivation, giving benefits and making employees excited going to work are the keys to their success. Managers at Google make their staffs feel like family at workplace. Although there is downside of not having a plan. It could be difficult to figure out the responsibility of each person. Google had no legal representative for the company at a Belgian law suit. (Schjndel, 2012, p. 17). Still, the benefits are more than enough to make up for problems caused by unstructured way of operating. At the age of 18, I know the important of planning in a person’s life. Most of my failure in the past came from not having a suitable plan or having no plan at all. I used to do thing at the last minutes, therefore, the result was not as good as it should be, especially in study. I now pay more attention to planning and after practicing for a period of time, my planning skill has improved a lot. When making a plan, I analyze what I need to do, then arrange the task in order and give time to each task. Since the works have become structure, I not only save my time but the efficiency and effectiveness of my works have increased. However, I still have a lot to improve in my planning skill. The plans cannot make impact if you do not carry it out. Sometimes, I made plans and did not do it. Moreover, some of my goals were very hard to achieve. These kinds of goals need a lot of effort and you may not achieve it after all. In order to prepare for future management challenge, I will practice analyzing the situations, setting more realistic goals and arrange my work more logically. I also find some part time jobs that demand planning or management skills to have practical experience. Practicing in a business environment will help me have a better understanding of all the things I studied as well as give me an idea of how managers do their work. Spending more time research about management theory to expand my knowledge and finding a suitable style to manage people. By doing that my skill will theoretically and practically improved. I will make a plan to develop my skill in a short time so that I can be more confident in dealing with future challenges in my life. In conclusion, planning is still a useful process for any organization regardless of its size. Formal planning give companies a structure way of operating. Based on the plans managers can at least maintain a stable level of performance and avoid unnecessary mistake. It is also a stepping stone for developing organizations. Although it still remains some disadvantages but nothing is perfect. Planning is just a tool to help managers run the business comfortably. Whether an organization success or not depends on variety of factors: the environment, personnel and so on. It is up to the managers to make adjustment when unexpected things occurs and make the right decisions. In an era where changes happen at a fast paced, having a plan means better preparation and better chances to achieve success. That is why planning is essential and every business should take planning seriously even though it is a long as well as hard process. The benefits it brings worth the effort. If you fail to plan, there is a high chance that you are planning to fail.

Missing ACT Score How to Check ACT Scores

Missing ACT Score How to Check ACT Scores SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips There’s nothing quite like the white-knuckle feeling you get when you realize your ACT scores might be missing. You studied, you stressed, you planned, soit makes perfect sense to be feeling a little crazed with frustration. But before you lose yourself in missing-score panic, let mereassure you that in the vast majority of cases the problem is small and easily solved. In this article, I'll explain what to do whether you are having trouble finding your scores yourself, or whether it's your target college that seems to have lost the score report from your application. I'll go through some probable – and improbable – reasons for your missing score, and describehow to fix each one. How to Check Your ACT Scores Before diving into what to do about missing scores, let's start with a quick refresher about where your scores can normally be found. Score reports areposted toyour onlineACT student account–usuallywithin 2 to 8 weeks after yourtest date. For a super detailed, step-by-step guide for how to navigate this online tool, check out our guide to getting your ACT scores. Now, if you've tried that to no avail, let's explore some reasons why you might be having trouble. What to Do If You Can't Find Your Scores Scores don't show up on the ACT website for a variety of reasons, so let's go through them one by one. Are Your Scores Not Ready Yet? If you're checking 2 weeks after your test date and still don't see your scores, you should know that ACT is working as hard as it can to get your scores to you. The scoring process can take up to 8 weeks, but you should check your ACT student accountevery Wednesday and Friday to see whether your score has been posted. An ACT score is like a boiling egg - open it too early and it's just a runny mess. If it's been 8 weeks since you took the test, your scores might be taking longer because of a very solvable answer sheetissue.Sometimes, your answer sheet might have arrived late from your test center. Most often the problem is that the "Matching Information" you provided on the answer document isn't exactly the same as the Matching Information on your admission ticket, or maybe some of that information is missing. Don't feel bad if you made this mistake – it happens to 8-10% of students. The last possibility is that you still owe registration fees to ACT. If this is the case, try to get the money to them as soon as you can. Once the delaying situation is resolved, scores start coming outtwice weekly, on Wednesday and Friday. Did You Take the ACT With Writing? Thewriting section of the ACT takes longer to score than the multiple choicesection.Even if your multiple choice scores have been posted but your writing score hasn't, itdoesn’t mean that your writing score ismissing. It willbe posted as soon as itis available –usually about 2 weeks after yourmultiple choice scores are. Did You Take the ACT at an Alternative Testing Site? The process of posting scores online is different if you took the ACT throughState and District, School or DANTES Testing. Your scores won't be onlineuntil after you've gotten a score report in the mail. Wait until you get a letter from ACT, and then log in to your ACT account to see your scores posted. If you took the ACT outside the US or Canada, it'lltake an extra 1 to 2 weeks to process and post your scores online. Did Something Unusual Happen at Your Test Center? Do you remember there beingany distractions or odd goings-on at your test center? Scores can be delayed because of these kinds of irregularities. For example, ifyour test was rescheduled or the testing center was closed because of badweather,scores from the rescheduled test will come out later than scoresfor the originaltest date. Also, if you or someone else complained about something that happened during testing or at the test site, ACT has to look into this. No scores will come out until their investigation is resolved. Well, there was that one kid sitting in a corner of the ceiling... didsomeone complain about him? (Image: Rob Sheridan/Flickr) Are Your Scores From a Long Time Ago? If you are out of high school and your scores are from more than a year ago, they are now in the ACT archives. There are several ways to get them, each with its own associated fees. If you think you tested sometime afterSeptember 2013, fill out the onlinescore report inquiry form. If you took the test between 1966 and 2013, you can get your scores in a number of ways: Request your scores online by creating anACT Web account Senda letter of request to ACT Student Services - Score Reports, PO Box 451, Iowa City, IA 52243-0451 Call (319) 337-1270 Don't worry if you can'tremember your exact test date: if you can remember your approximate test year, ACT can check a range of years in their records for you. If you took the ACT in the original hieroglyphics format, you might have to contact ancient Egypt for your scores. What to Do If Your College Is Missing Your Scores Sure, it's stressful when you can't seem to get your hands on your ACT scores. But it's a whole different level of alarm when your target college is telling you thattheycan't find your scores. If you've been notified that your score report hasn't been received, here are theoptions you should investigate. Did You Use the Correct ACT College Code? A college only receives your score report when you list itscorrect ACT College Code on your score request. If you chose to use the 4 free reports you got with ACT registration, check the college codes you listed by looking atyour copy of the score report. If you ordered scores from the ACT website, go online and check the college codes you entered there. If you made a college codemistake, you can call or email the admissions office at your targetcollege and provide them with your name and ACT ID. Are Your Scores Missing From Your College Application? During application season, a college's admissions office is a whirlwind of files, documents, and electronic records. Because of this sort of chaos, sometimes when thecollege says that your score report ismissing, this "missing" document simply hasn't been processed and logged yet. Sorting your scores into your application file can take as long as a week! To see whether this is the case, feel free to call the admissions office to calmly and respectfully ask them to double check whether your scores are actually already there. I recommend waiting 3 weeks after sending your scores before you call. Your college might also be receiving ACT scores on a slightly different schedule. Each college chooses how often to download score reports. Some do it as infrequently as once every 2 weeks! All that being said, it's true that sometimes things do go missing or get misfiled. If the college can’t find your scores, don't freak out. Instead, as quickly as you can,resend your scoresso you can still get them in as close to the application deadline as possible. Pro tip: Don’t simply send a copy of your score report to the college!Colleges will only accept score reports sent directly to them from ACT, so your copy won't count as a score submission. Your copied ACT reports are like this Olaf: adorable, but not real. Sometimes Disaster Strikes, But Don't Panic! Sometimes the world just spins a little bit off its axis. Every now and again ACT answer sheets just up and disappear seemingly into the vacuum of space. This is a good time to seek guidance from your school counselor, and to be aware that in these cases, a reasonable and equitable solution (sometimes helped along by some press coverage) is sure to follow. For example, ACTs were lostin at least two places on the June 13 test date. In Kings Park, NY, 61 tests vanished from Kings Park High School despite the test being administered by the ACT itself.Similarly, atWinter Park High School in Orlando, Florida, 50 ACT examsgot lost in the mail and remain missing.ACT has given all the students an offer to retake the test for free. Black holes consume light, energy, and, of course, random ACT answer sheets. What’s Next? If you’re planning to retake the test, read our advice on figuring out your best test datesand best testing locations. Wondering how your ACT scores measure up? We break down good scores, bad scores, and how to figure out your own target score. Want to learn how to boost your ACT scores? Check out our guides on getting a 36 on each of the ACT sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. Disappointed with your ACT scores? Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Depiction of Native Americans in American Film Essays

Depiction of Native Americans in American Film Essays Depiction of Native Americans in American Film Essay Depiction of Native Americans in American Film Essay In today’s society there are many people populating in poorness. All across America there are different undertakings and reserves where the less fortunate reside. Statisticss show that largely minorities live in these different locations. Native Americans and African Americans are two of the more popular races populating in these topographic points. The group enduring the most in these state of affairss is the young person. Although both Native American and African American kids populating on a reserve or in the undertakings experience a awful community. hold small to no religion. and a broken household construction. African American young person life in the undertakings have it worse than Native American kids populating on a reserve. First. one of the most common life state of affairss for less fortunate African Americans is in the undertakings. A undertaking is a public life environment that is authorities owned. Although these edifices are authorities owned they are far from nice looking. Most of the edifices have no Windowss. are run down. dirty. and old. The government’s chief end is to keep low-cost lodging non to do them the best looking places in town. The undertakings aren’t a good environment for a kid to be raised. Throughout these vicinities different packs can be found. These packs are built to support the different countries in the undertakings. The packs bring major force to the country and are one of the chief causes of decease. At a immature age kids join these packs and are raised to be violent. Many of them decorate the edifices they are populating in with graffito showing their pack colourss. symbols. or slogan. In contrast. while Native American young person besides live in hapless lodging. the environment is safer than the undertakings. A reserve is an country set aside for a specific type of land usage or activity. or for usage by a peculiar group of people. largely Native Americans. Similar to the undertakings. houses on a reserve are old. crush down. and dirty. The houses on a reserve are authorities owned as good. Although these two locations are really similar they besides differ. The reserve is a safer topographic point so the undertakings. On the reserve there is a couple instances of mild force but they aren’t every bit terrible as the force in the undertakings. Therefore. the reserves environment is a better environment than the undertakings. Second. many of the immature people have no religion turning up in the undertakings. A batch of them believe their lone manner out of the undertakings is to go a hoops or football participant or to go a top merchandising blame creative person. At every bit immature as 16 old ages of age most African American males end up in gaol. deceased. or selling drugs. A batch of them are besides lead to believe that if they don’t do what every other adult male on the streets is making. so they won’t make it anyplace in life. On the reserve the childs believe their lone manner out is to go NBA participants or powwowers . Powwower’s are traditional Native American cheerleaders or terpsichoreans. Much like the African Americans turning up in the undertakings. the life anticipation rate for those populating on a reserve is in the mid mid-fortiess. Sing that both of these locations are in the United States mid mid-fortiess is really immature of age. Many of these people don’t unrecorded really long because they don’t have adequate money to take attention of themselves every bit good as their households. They besides aren’t able to populate a healthy life style which shortens their yearss. Death is common in the two locations which leaves these two immature groups inquiring what’s beyond the age 40. Last. household construction is really of import in a family. In the undertakings many of the places lack a really strong household construction. Children turning up in the undertakings nine times out of 10 don’t have both parents in the place. Most of them are drug traders. alkies. cocottes. or making any and everything to seek and supply for the kid. Although these parents are seeking to supply for their kids a batch of the clip they are besides on public assistance. Furthermore. these children’s parents aren’t of all time about. they sometimes go yearss without holding anything to eat. Many of the immature work forces follow after the footfalls of their male parent. older brother. or uncles which is why this rhythm has continued for so long. Native Americans typically lodge together as a unit. Harmonizing to Sherman Alexie. an award winning writer who grew up on a reserve. Native American kids are taught to be leery of Caucasic people. Native Americans teach this to their kids because there are many people in America that are against minorities and believe that merely because they are the bulk they’re better. A batch of the parents on a reserve go from occupation to occupation non being able to maintain one occupation for a long period of clip. Many of these parents are besides alkies. On the other manus. some of these households on these reserves are really household oriented unlike the African American households in the undertakings. These Native American households have up to seventeen household members populating in one house. They keep their households really near and are really supportive of one another instead so being against each other like African Americans. The parents watch over their kids to do certain they don’t travel down the incorrect way in life. Although these households are sing difficult times they cheer each other up and pull off to smile every one time in a piece. Therefore. the Native Americans household construction is stronger so African Americans. In decision. Native American young person populating on a reserve have it better so African American young person life in the undertakings. Both of these minorities are traveling through some adversities. From alcoholic parents to non holding anything to eat they both are enduring as immature kids. Native American households provide a safer life environment. work harder. and expression after one another. where as African Americans are against one another. on the streets all twenty-four hours. and are strongly associated with force. As the old ages go on these households are trusting that the authorities will divide people in the undertakings and those populating on reserves and supply them both with a better life state of affairs. If these environments are separated the United States will be one measure closer to extinguishing force in America.

Courses Recommended for Medical School Applicants

Courses Recommended for Medical School Applicants Perhaps it goes without saying that getting into medical school is challenging. With about 90,000 applicants each year and an acceptance rate of 44%, you cannot afford to slack on any entry requirements. It becomes even more challenging  gaining admission to medical school  when you are applying to the top 100 schools in the U.S., whose acceptance rate is a mere 6.9 percent in 2015.   One very simple prerequisite for entry to med school is completing all the required courses necessary to apply. These courses are nonnegotiable because they are required by the Association of American Medical Schools (AAMC), the organization that accredits medical schools. Make sure you have all of the following courses completed (or in the process of being completed) when you apply to medical school. Required Courses Since the medical field is heavy in sciences that concern the body and its environment, one would be right to assume a full year (two semesters) of biology and physics are needed to meet the AAMC prerequisites for applicants. Some schools may also require a semester of genetics and to ensure the applicant receives a well-rounded education and has the skills necessary to communicate well, a full year of English is also required.   Additionally, the AAMC requires applicants to complete one year each of organic and inorganic chemistry. These specific fields of study improve applicants understanding of the fundamentals of science as it relates to the medical field, be it for the chemicals needed in aesthetic treatment or for the chemical components of living matter.   Although thats all of the required courses specific to applying to medical schools, you also have to abide by your colleges curriculum  guidelines in order to earn your degree. Be sure to consult your counselor about which courses are required for your degree and how best to integrate the required courses into your schedule.   Recommended Courses You should also discuss courses that your counselor recommends that will give you a competitive advantage in your admission to medical school. Although these courses are not required, they could greatly help simplify your graduate-level studies. Taking Calculus- which many schools do require- could, for instance, lend to simplifying later chemistry equations youll need to use to pass advanced classes.   Many of the recommended courses also help prepare the potential med school student for being a doctor. Molecular biology, neuroscience, and upper-level psychology are often recommended to help the hopeful doctorate better understand more advanced lessons detailing the body and the brain. Statistics or epidemiology and ethics will help the doctor to understand the variety of patients and potential outcomes he or she may face in his or her career. These recommended courses illustrate the basic educational themes that med schools look for in applicants: the capacity and interest for understanding science, logical thinking,  good communication skills, and high ethical standards.  Ã‚  You don’t need to be a premed major  to complete these courses and meet the prerequisites for medical school, but make no mistake that a premed major certainly helps.

Health of the UK Automobile Industry Research Paper

Health of the UK Automobile Industry - Research Paper Example The automobile industry contributes 0.73% of the entire UK GDP but over the last decade, the industry has not been witnessing as much growth as the other sectors (Jones 1983; NAIGT 2008). The survey by the New Automotive Innovative and Growth Team (NAIGT) suggested a few success factors. (NAIGT, 2008) The survey revealed that one of the success factors of the industry was the low level of unionization and the flexible working hours that were allowed in the automobile industry that reduced labor costs. In addition, it was discovered that although the UK government does not necessarily provide more subsidies than do governments in Western Europe, they do however provide a sufficient number of them and most of the subsidies are direct i.e. in the form of grants which helps the industry to function better in the region. Furthermore, the report said that the quality of the R&D resources in the UK was very high and that in relation to Western Europe and the BRIC countries the UK offered better after sales service. In comparison to the rest of the countries in the EU, the UK government has a system of lower taxation as well as R&D tax benefits in terms of tax rate relaxation. To this end, the scope for investing in the UK Automobile Industry increases especially since England offers a more hassle-free way of exiting the industry, given lower barriers to closing down. The NGAIT team collected a variety of information about what industry professionals thought was the drawbacks faced by the companies in the sector. Firstly, they all agreed that there was a shortage of skilled labor specific to the industry. Mostly, companies suffered from lack of skilled mid-level management and engineers. It came to be understood that most of the university an college going students do not opt for engineering and those of them who do predominantly take jobs in the financial rather than the manufacturing sector. Trends over the last decade show that although, as mentioned in the success factors, the quality of the R&D resources in the UK is very high, contrariwise, the expenditure on R&D has declined. In the UK, Ford, Jaguar, and Land Rover together spend about $1 billion annually on R&D, which accounts for 80% of the industry investment.

Simplify the answer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Simplify the answer - Essay Example This additional expertise distinguishes auditors from accountants. GAAS are ten general guidelines that help auditors carry out their responsibilities. GAAS have: three general standards focusing on competence, independence, and due professional care; three on field work and four on reporting. GAAP on the other hand are specific rules for accounting for transactions in an enterprise. Examples of such include any of the opinions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board  (FASB). 4. The first standard of field work requires the performance of the audit by a person or persons having adequate technical training and proficiency as an auditor. Discuss three ways in which auditors can fulfill the requirements of the standard? Auditors can obtain technical training and proficiency through formal education by specializing in auditing and accounting, enough practical experience and continuing professional education. They can show proficiency by becoming CPA licensed, which demands that the Uniform CPA Examination of the U.S. or the equivalent must be completed. Independence of mind means the auditor maintains an unbiased attitude throughout the audit. Independence in appearance is based on others’ interpretation of the auditor’s independence of mind and hence their faith in him. Some of the activities that may only affect independence in mind are: These are appropriateness and sufficiency. Appropriateness is the relevance and reliability of evidence. Appropriateness relates to the audit procedures selected, and the timing of these procedures. Finally, sufficiency is the quantity of evidence and is related to sample size and items selected. Business failure refers to the risk that a business will finically fail and hence be unable to pay its financial obligations. Audit risk refers to the risk that the auditor will conclude that the financial statements are stated fairly and hence an unmodified opinion can be used when in reality they are

The Restructuring of Royal Dutch Shell Research Paper

The Restructuring of Royal Dutch Shell - Research Paper Example This paper seeks to discuss and analyze these developments, as well as an attempt to recommend further actions that Shell management could take. Royal Dutch Shell PLC is a multinational joint venture corporation comprising two founding companies, Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. of The Hague, Netherlands., and Shell Transport and Trading Co., PLC, of London. Although starting as rivals, the two companies merged in 1907 as Royal Dutch/Shell Group, which acquired producing concerns in the Middle East, the Americas, and Eastern Europe, including Romania and Russia. It is engaged mainly in oil and natural gas. At present its five business segments are as follows: 1) exploration and production (E&P), an upstream activity that explores, recovers, and produces oil and natural gas worldwide; 2) gas and power, where it liquefies and transports natural gas to customers, as well as turns natural gas into cleaner-burning synthetic fuels; 3) oil sands, where bitumen is extracted and converted into synthetic crude oils; 4) oil products where a range of petroleum-based products are sold for domestic, transportation and industrial use; and 5) chem icals, which produces petrochemicals for industrial use. (Company report). Renewables were recently added to its range of business activities. Complexity. The organizational structure of Royal Dutch Shell prior to 1995 was unique in its complexity: It was a joint venture that had been in existence for over a century, at the apex of which was a Committee of Managing Directors that provided a link between them. From the viewpoint of ownership and control, the CMD exercised what it referred to as governance responsibilities. The Group was managed on a day-to-day basis by officers who had been given executive responsibilities. Coordination and control were vested in the CMD, composed of 3 members from Royal Dutch Petroleum and 2 members from the  Shell Transport and Trading. The chairmanship was rotated between the two counterparts.

Children's Reading Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Children's Reading Behavior - Essay Example Some of these things are discussed here. Certain characteristics of a good reader are also identified. The role of a teacher is more important in teaching a child any language skill than that of a parent. Hence some guidelines of how to become a good teacher are also mentioned. The main idea is to inculcate a good reading habit in our younger generation which will help them in future. Reading is one of the basic skills that children must acquire at an early age. Not being able to read in present times is a great handicap. Some children are natural readers and have the ability to start reading at the early age of 3, whereas others need a push. Natural readers are not to be confused as born readers. They do not just wake up one morning and start reading. They go through a developmental process in which parents and teachers play a vital role. Children of this age are given a favorable environment in which they are encouraged to participate in educational activities such as reading. A teacher is specially trained to help guide the children in learning to like reading whereas a home environment cannot always do this. A colorful classroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. ... assroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. I believe that is because they have a certain tune which is easy for the young minds to memorize and the lyrics also make up an interesting tale about a character that appeals to them .It has been seen from experience that reading rhymes to this age group is one of the best ways to promote reading habits. Children will love to pick up a nursery rhyme book for reading. Parents can contribute to this easily since the rhymes being taught at school re still the same ones that were taught in their times and I am sure parents still remember them I sure do! Children of this age enjoy being read to. It has been my personal experience that at the story telling time when children gather around the teacher to listen to a story being told, they are most focused. They love to make guesses about what is going to happen next. I think that is the correct time to encourage a child to read further by himself in order to find out how the story progresses. Moreover, I believe that phonics has also made reading easier and interesting. Previously, when this practice wasn't followed, a child had to be told repeatedly and also had to memorize which letter made which sound. Phonics has made that simple. Now it is easy for a child to associate a sound with a letter thus making it comparatively simpler to form words and read them. Some children also enjoy reading at this age as they are provided encouragement from home. Parents who read aloud to their children for at least 30 mins a day are more likely to

CONTRACT LAW - Consideration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CONTRACT LAW - Consideration - Essay Example In accordance, with the principle of promissory estoppel, Peter cannot go back on his promise to Rapid Builders and thereby causing a loss to the latter1. The realisation of a practical benefit to the promisor can be treated as consideration for the extra bonus or incentive offered by him. In CTN Cash and Carry Ltd v. Gallaher Ltd, the Court held that the promisor had received the practical benefit from the promise. The Court further opined that this practical benefit constituted the consideration for the additional payment promised by the promisor2. The reasoning of the Court in Williams v. Roffey suggested that if one party to a contract had promised to perform the existing contractual duty, and if there had been no detriments to the other party, and if the promisor had benefitted, then it could be said that there had been good consideration3. Promissory estoppel can be used as an instrument of defence and not as a cause of action. It was first employed in Central London Property Trust Ltd v High Trees Ltd4 and the ruling in Coombe v Coombe5 relied upon it. Due to financial setbacks and the Yuletide season not proving to be as lucrative as Peter had hoped that it would; he was unable to pay Keg Ltd the agreed upon amount of  £8,000 for the supply of champagne. As per the extant case law, a part payment of a debt cannot be considered as full settlement of the outstanding debt. Hence, Peter has to pay Keg Ltd the remaining  £2,000. The relevant case law has been discussed in the sequel. In D & C Builders v. Rees, the plaintiff sustained substantial financial loss. The defendant agreed to pay just  £300 towards the complete repayment of her debt. The plaintiff accepted this lesser amount due to financial duress. Later on, the plaintiff company sued the defendant, in order to recover the remainder of the amount due from her. The Court held that the plaintiff was

Children's Reading Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Children's Reading Behavior - Essay Example Some of these things are discussed here. Certain characteristics of a good reader are also identified. The role of a teacher is more important in teaching a child any language skill than that of a parent. Hence some guidelines of how to become a good teacher are also mentioned. The main idea is to inculcate a good reading habit in our younger generation which will help them in future. Reading is one of the basic skills that children must acquire at an early age. Not being able to read in present times is a great handicap. Some children are natural readers and have the ability to start reading at the early age of 3, whereas others need a push. Natural readers are not to be confused as born readers. They do not just wake up one morning and start reading. They go through a developmental process in which parents and teachers play a vital role. Children of this age are given a favorable environment in which they are encouraged to participate in educational activities such as reading. A teacher is specially trained to help guide the children in learning to like reading whereas a home environment cannot always do this. A colorful classroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. ... assroom, vocabulary and letter charts on the wall, objects beginning with the same letter placed together, and more similar settings will surely encourage a child to learn more eagerly. This environment is difficult to provide at home. Nursery student's specially enjoys reading nursery rhymes. I believe that is because they have a certain tune which is easy for the young minds to memorize and the lyrics also make up an interesting tale about a character that appeals to them .It has been seen from experience that reading rhymes to this age group is one of the best ways to promote reading habits. Children will love to pick up a nursery rhyme book for reading. Parents can contribute to this easily since the rhymes being taught at school re still the same ones that were taught in their times and I am sure parents still remember them I sure do! Children of this age enjoy being read to. It has been my personal experience that at the story telling time when children gather around the teacher to listen to a story being told, they are most focused. They love to make guesses about what is going to happen next. I think that is the correct time to encourage a child to read further by himself in order to find out how the story progresses. Moreover, I believe that phonics has also made reading easier and interesting. Previously, when this practice wasn't followed, a child had to be told repeatedly and also had to memorize which letter made which sound. Phonics has made that simple. Now it is easy for a child to associate a sound with a letter thus making it comparatively simpler to form words and read them. Some children also enjoy reading at this age as they are provided encouragement from home. Parents who read aloud to their children for at least 30 mins a day are more likely to

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Case Study - Essay Example For the general information from the Head Office a mail feedback form should be available on the system of the employee. Since the employees are not functioning from offices Instant Messages through virtual messengers can’t be used because simultaneous online presence of employees is impossible. The Daily Correspondence can be effectively handled through emails and single text message can be used to convey information to all the employees instantaneously. In case of inter personal communication with a personalised message on the mobile phone, to check email can help. Alternately, all employees can be asked to activate mobile phone message flash for every email received with help Internet service provider and mobile phone operating company. Another effective way to coordinate communication will be by asking all employees to check their emails at least thrice a day. This will ensure deliverance of routine correspondence and messages. Another alternate way is to flash a message o n the telephone asking the employees to check their emails for time sensitive information. Telephonic conversation should be used to convey bad news messages. The employee delivering the message can add a sobering influence in such a case. In case of some bad news or emergency messages, that relates to all the employees, email should be used and a simultaneous message to check emails can be delivered on the cell phones. ii) When most of the staff are telecommuters and operate largely from virtual offices, the cheapest, the fastest method, the most reliable and foolproof method of communication is through online Instant Messaging. The messenger of any commercial operator like AOL, Yahoo, or Google can be used. Alternately, a small and a specific web application can be developed that is installed on the telecommuter’s computer system. The moment, the computer is switched on, the telecommuter goes online. A buddy list on everybody’s messenger can be

Business Model of Nike Essay Example for Free

Business Model of Nike Essay Introduction Nike Inc. was founded in 1962 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight as a partnership under the name, Blue Ribbon Sports. Nike’s main products are sports shoes, sportswear, sports goods. In this paper, we will talk about ‘The Challenge of Entrepreneurship’ ‘Competitive Business Model’ ‘Solid Strategic Plan’ ‘Feasibility Analysis’ and ‘Business Plan’. All of these topics are very important when we study the ‘EOE and SBM’, and in each topic have more than one point. We got ‘The Benefits of Entrepreneurship’ ‘Competition’ of ‘The Challenge of Entrepreneurship ’; ‘Core Competencies’ ‘Innovations’ ‘Sustainable Competitive Advantage’ ‘Key Success Factor’ of ‘CBM’; ‘Vision and Mission’ ‘Objectives and Goals’ ‘SWOT’ ‘Competitor’ ‘Business strategy’ of ‘Solid Strategic Plan’; ‘Industry and Market Feasibility’ ‘Product or Service Feasibility’ ‘Financial Feasibility’ and ‘5Forces Model’ of ‘Feasibility Analysis’. Now, we are going to show you the detail. The Challenge of Entrepreneurship The Benefits of Entrepreneurship Surveys show that owners of small businesses believe they work harder, earn more money, and are more satisfied than if they worked for someone else. (Via Dr. Josà © A. Torres Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Powerpoint) Opportunity to Create Your Own Destiny. Nike, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), was founded by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in January 1964. The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger(now ASICS), making most sales at track meets out of Knights automobile. According to Otis Davis, a student athlete whom Bower man coached at the University of Oregon, who later went on to win two gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics, Bower man made the first pair of Nike shoes for him, contradicting a claim that they were made for Phil Knight. Says Davis, I told Tom Brokaw that I was the first. I dont care what all the billionaires say. Bill Bower man ma de the first pair of shoes for me. People dont believe me. In fact, I didnt like the way they felt on my feet. There was no support and they were too tight. But I saw Bower man make  them from the waffle iron, and they were mine. (Via HTTP://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc.) Opportunity to Make a Difference. In 1979, Nike Air cushion technology Air, by the inventor of the m. Frank Rudy patented, first applied on the Tailwind running shoes, the gas film in running shoes soles for the protection of the cushion. And Nike has created many print and television advertisements with Wieden+ Kennedy, Wieden+ Kennedy remains Nikes primary ad agency. It was agency co-founder Dan Wieden who coined the now-famous slogan Just Do It for a 1988 Nike ad campaign, which was chosen by Advertising Age as one of the top five ad slogans of the 20th century and enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution. Walt Stack was featured in Nikes first Just Do It advertisement, which debuted on July 1, 1988. Wieden credits the inspiration for the slogan to Lets do it, the last words spoken by Gary Gilmore before he was executed. Throughout the 1980s, Nike expanded its product line to encompass many sports and regions throughout the world.[16] In 1990, Nike moved into its eight-building Wo rld Headquarters campus in Beaverton, Oregon. (Via HTTP://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc.) Opportunity to Real Improve profits. In 2005, Nike Air Jordan 20 generations. Nike Free series, also in protecting the foot, like barefoot training is provided for the wearer. Nike as of May 31, total annual profits had 13.7 billion dollars, a 12% growth in the past fiscal year. On December 19, 2013, Nike Incs quarterly profit rose as a result of global orders for merchandise for delivery by April increased 13 percent. Future orders of shoes or clothes for delivery between December and April, rose to $10.4 billion. Nike shares (NKE) rose 0.6 percent to $78.75 in extended trading. (Via HTTP://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike,_Inc.) Opportunity to Contribute to Society and Be Recognized for Your Efforts. NIKE Charity Organization, is a Non-Governmental Organization Headquartered in PORT HARCOURT RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA. It is autonomous and submissive to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They are determined to achieve our dreams and purpose of giving hope to the less privilege and to discharge our duties as members of non-profit organization in accordance to our core  values at National, State and Local Government levels. We are prepared to harness, strengthen and efficiently direct our efforts as much as we are out to join hands with other organizations, and individuals in the fight against the Girl Child Abuse. (Via HTTP://saccharinity.com/about_us.php) Competition NIKE is a consumer products company and the relative popularity of various sports and fitness activities and changing design trends affect the demand for our products. The athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment industry is highly competitive in the United States and on a worldwide basis. We compete internationally with a significant number of athletic and leisure footwear companies, athletic and leisure apparel companies, sports equipment companies, and large companies having diversified lines of athletic and leisure footwear, apparel, and equipment. We also compete with other companies for the production capacity of independent manufacturers that produce our products and for import quota capacity. Our competitors’ product offerings, technologies, marketing expenditures (including expenditures for advertising and endorsements), pricing, costs of production, and customer service are areas of intense competition. This, in addition to rapid changes in technology and consumer preferences in the markets for athletic and leisure footwear and apparel, and athletic equipment, constitute significant risk factors in our operations. If we do not adequately and timely anticipate and respond to our competitors, our costs may increase or the consumer demand for our products may decline significantly. (Via Nike-2013-form-10K) Designing a Competitive Business Model Core Competencies Nike’s quality , technology and brand is famous . Nike’s Air cushion technology is almost using in every basketball shoes ,it’s good for athlete’s foot . the Nike having its own core competence due to organizations own skills and core competence it has taken a competitive advantage and now is taking a large market share. The core competence of Nike is to specialize in athletes foot wear and other sports items. As we know every organization has its R D department .The R D department of Nike is playing a vital role because of its innovations in foot wear how the  consumers can feel comfort by wearing their shoes and the quality thats the most important factor to be given in shoes and they have different categories of shoes which is running shoes nick shocks, Jordan, and other types that is targeting different type of consumers having different perceptions. But most important thing of Nike is they dont make shoes they design and then give their design to the production companies in Korea and china or Vietnam. Due to which they are more specialized in their innovation and in this way they have made their core competence in making innovative design of athlete shoes. Innovations Nike believe his research and development efforts are a key factor in nis success .NIKE strives to produce products that help to reduce injury , enhance athletic performance and maximize comfort success . (Via Nike 2013 Annual Report) Nike also find many expert in chemistry, exercise physiology, engineering, industrial design, sustainability and related fields ask they advices to fixed Nike’s shoes and clothing . Nike’s air cushion shock absorption technology is famous in the basketball shoes area .Nike’s Brand shoes like LBJ , Kobe and KD has many color and types . Sustainable Competitive Advantage External Analysis : Nike’s brand awareness is famous all over the world ,everyone buying shoes first chose is Nike . Nike sponsored the top athletes and gained valuable coverage. , like Jordan , LeBron James , .From the Nike’s 2013 annual report will find that Nike growing up every years . Nike has many competitors , like Adidas , Puma , Reebok and so on , but Nike’s market share is more than any other . Internal Analysis :As we know ,Nike’s product is quality , Nike’s has own RD center to creative new technology ,like air cushion shock absorber technology ,environmental technology and so on .It’s basic technology to Nike’s product .Nike always find many creative thing to put in Nike’s product ,like knitting technology in his shoes .That’s awesome . Nike has employed creative marketing and advertisement platforms in building brand awareness and equity of its diversified products. For instance, the company uses Tiger Woods a skilled golfer to build its line of golf products. It further employs professionals in various departments that include distribution, marketing, finance,  product management, research and design, information technology, and product development so as to sensitize the market of its diversified products Nike also operates an internship program every summer lasting for three months giving students an insight on the diverse brands. Other avenues Nike accomplishes diversification strategy is through mergers, joint ventures, takeovers, and acquisitions. The company also has an RD unit called the innovation kitchen located in the main parent company in Oregon, to enable it to continue producing unique products such as the cushioning system in shoes. Key Success Factor Jordan Brand : Jordan brand is a big part of the Nike. Jordan’s shoes is popular in all over the world .Jordan shoes occupy the USA 10.8% market share in 2009 .Jordan shoes sales almost two times of Adidas . (Via :http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2009-09-12/16084584096.shtml)So Jordan brand is a key success factors of Nike .) Jordan brand is popular in young people , every young people want a Jordan’s shoes it’s beautiful and comfortable .Especially Jordan’s air cushion technology , using in every basketball shoes . Technology :In addition to Nike’s own staff of specialists in the areas of biomechanics ,chemistry , exercise physiology, engineering , industrial design, sustainability ,and related fields , we also utilize research committees and advisory boards made up of athletes , coaches, trainers , equipment managers , orthopedists , Podiatrists , and other experts who consult with us and review designs , Materials , concepts for product and manufactur ing process improvements and compliance with product safety regulations around the world . (Nike Annual Report ) Advertisement : Advertisements play a significant role in the athletic apparel industry, as consumers rely on catalogues and online advertisements . Nike has many endorsers ,like Jordan ,James ,Durant and so on. These guys bring many customers .Nike has online store ,you can buy many things in this store ,before new product star sales ,you’ll get an e-mail about this product .Nike’s advertisement not only online but also in everywhere .It’s very amazing! Adidas :Adidas is a very famous company ,it’s very popular in world too .But in these years, Adidas’s market in decrease very fast .Because Adidas’s endorsers did not famous than Nike’s endorses .Adidas’s endorses including Yao Ming ,A.I ,D.Rose and so on .But they hurt or retied .Adidas’s  quality and technology is also well known .But Adidas lost because the endorses . New Balance :New Balance (I will call New Balance as NB for short ) is known as a most comfortable shoes .They has many new technology ,such as BIOSHIELD ,ABZORB EX ,REVAX ,ENCAP ,and so on .And NB is popular in young people ,you will find many youn g people wear NB in the street .IT’s a huge market to NB. Building a Solid Strategic Plan It’s a significant part of a successful business. It keeps the company to where they oriented, to meet their mission, goals and objectives, and lead it on the right way. A Strategy plan is to build a competitive advantage. It involved Vision and Mission Statement, also Objectives and Goals, SWOT Analysis, Competition Analysis and Formulate Strategies. We are going to find out what does Nike different from others, why it is unique, and what it has that others don’t. I am about to use Five Forces Model to analyze the competitive advantages for Nike. Vision, Mission, Goal and Objective Nike’s vision is â€Å"To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.† The legendary University of Oregon track and field coach, and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman said, â€Å"If you have a body, you are an athlete.†. It’s their mission. (Via http://help-en-us.nike.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/113/p/3897) Their goal is to become and keep the number one sportswear brand all over the world. Their objective is keep down the manufacturing cost and keep their price down then they can occupied the market in some less developed countries who can become the economically dependent in the industry. (Via http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_objectives_of_Nike_company) SWOT Analysis. Strengths As one of the ‘Fortune 500’ company, Nike has numerous strengths. It is positioned at being the number one sportswear brand globally, it Offers their products worldwide, it has a very strong marketing campaign that increases brand familiarity, and it has no factories, it uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to get the work done. It has contracts with above 700 shops globally in about 45 different countries. it also has offices in these different countries. It has chains of retail stores like  Niketown so that it can sell there. Its famous Swoosh is instantly recognizable, and Phil Knight even has it tattooed on his ankle. Weaknesses The organization does have a diversified range of sports products. However, the income of the business is still heavily dependent upon its share of the footwear market. This may leave it vulnerable if for any reason its market share erodes. The retail sector is very price sensitive. Nike does have its own retailer in Nike To wn. However, most of its income is derived from selling into retailers. Retailers tend to offer a very similar experience to the consumer. Can you tell one sports retailer from another? So margins tend to get squeezed as retailers try to pass some of the low price competition pressure onto Nike. Opportunities Product development offers Nike many opportunities. The brand is fiercely defended by its owners whom truly believe that Nike is not a fashion brand. However, like it or not, consumers that wear Nike product do not always buy it to participate in sport. Some would argue that in youth culture especially, Nike is a fashion brand. This creates its own opportunities, since product could become unfashionable before it wears out i.e. consumers need to replace shoes. There is also the opportunity to develop products such as sport wear, sunglasses and jewelry. Such high value items do tend to have associated with them, high profits. The business could also be developed internationally, building upon its strong global brand recognition. There are many markets that have the disposable income to spend on high value sports goods. For example, emerging markets such as China and India have a new richer generation of consumers. There are also global marketing events that can be utilized to support the brand such as the World Cup (soccer) and The Olympics. Threats Nike is exposed to the international nature of trade. It buys and sells in different currencies and so costs and margins are not stable over long periods of time. Such an exposure could mean that Nike may be manufacturing and/or selling at a loss. This is an issue that faces all global brands. The market for sports shoes and garments is very competitive. The model developed by Phil Knight in his Stamford Business School days (high value branded product manufactured at a low cost) is now commonly used and to an extent is no longer a basis for sustainable competitive advantage. Competitors are developing alternative brands to take away Nikes market share. As discussed above in weaknesses, the retail sector is becoming price competitive. This  ultimately means that consumers are shopping around for a better deal. So if one store charges a price for a pair of sports shoes, the consumer could go to the store along the street to compare prices for the exactly the same item, and buy the cheaper of the two. Such consumer price sensitivity is a potential external threat to Nike. (Via Nike 2013 Annual Report, http://www.quality-assurance-solutions.com/swot-analysis-nike.html, http://www.ukessays.com/essays/marketing/account-management-provides-special-treatment-in-marketing-administration-marketing-essay.php http://www.marketingteacher.com/swot/nike-swot.html) Analyze the Competition. Nike has some competitive Direct competitors- Adidas, New Balance and Li Ning. They offer the product that Nike does, and all of these companies have different key success factors. Adidas, is the most competitor od Nike with do doubt, they compete with Nike for No.1 sportswear branding for over 40 years But in these years, Adidas’s market in decrease very fast .Because Adidas’s endorsers did not famous than Nike’s endorses .Adidas’s endorses including Yao Ming ,A.I ,Derrick Rose and so on .But they hurt or retied .Adidas’s quality and technology is also well known .But Adidas lost because the endorses; New Balance is known as a most comfortable shoes .They has many new technology ,such as BIOSHIELD ,ABZORB EX ,REVAX ,ENCAP ,and so on .And New Balance is popular in young people ,you will find many young people wear New Balance in the street . IT’s a huge market to New Balance; Some Significant competitors like Under Armour and Skechers, they offer similar products like apparel or footwear, they compete with Nike in some fields. Some Indirect competitors like The North Face or Columbia, both of them are the most of the famous outdoor brand, they offer windbreaker or accessories that Nike does. They have impacts to Nike in some mutual markets. Conclusion: Nike does perfectly in quality and endorsement, they almost signed all significant players and teams all over the world. Adidas has no most strength but all factors are averaged. New Balance does best in technology, it can makes sneakers more comfortable. (New Balance has never signed any endorsers since it founded, so its score is little bit lower) Cost leadership. Nike uses Business Simulation Strategy. It has no factories, it uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to get the work done, and it doesn’t has stores mostly. It offers products to Franchised retailers, and let them sell the products. It saved money from factories and rent, so its overhead is low. No shop, no labors,. quantity of materials, low too. If a supplier increases costs, Nike can easily change a new one with lower cost, Nike can do this because of its ability. Nike definitely has low cost access to factors of production. The enormity of Nike in respect to their suppliers gives them a huge advantage in production negotiations. Due to their high volumes for products, the cut-throat low cost nature of selecting a manufacturer, and coupled with the fact that Nikes suppliers depend so heavily on them for their own success that they have little to no bargaining room toward raising prices, allows Nike to continuously enjoy low costs of production. Nikes hardware and software technology implementations of using the not only using the best materials but creating them in a vertical fashion and housing an innovation culture from the top down, allow Nike a first move advantage into cost savings. However most of these advances only bring definite savings for a short time due to competitive parity within the industry, their creative nature definitely does benefit over the long run. Nike reduced costs by cutting some of its endorsements. Company research suggested the endorsement by the Italian soccer team, was not achieving the desired result. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and a few other endorsers were retained while some other like Italian soccer team, were eliminated, to saving over $100 million. Nike does incredible in cost control. (Nike 2013 Annual Report) Differentiation. Differentiation strategy by Nike is used to gain market share advantage in the broad foot ware market. Aside from foot wear, the company boasts of products such as clothing, equipment, and even accessories. The strategy is achieved by producing consumer goods and services that customers perceive to be of high quality or have added unique features. This has been achieved by the company innovating state of the art athletic shoes that are publicized through dramatic â€Å"guerrilla† marketing. Marketing of the different products is designed to coerce customers that Nike’s shoes are not only superior but also a high fashion statement which is a necessary part of a lifestyle based  on athletic or sporting interests. The company has also differentiated itself by using highflyers that are best used in distinguishing sporting disciplines hence enabling the company reach its target market, for instance, the Brazilian national soccer team or even Michael Jordan. Also, Nike is different from others in their Ads. They show not only their technology but also leading endorsers like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Cristiano Ronaldo in their Ads of new products. At the same time, their Ads are also very creative and with imagination, make people who watched them unforgettable. (Via Nike 2013 Annual Report) Focus.

Feminist Sociological Study And Gender Inequality Sociology Essay

Feminist Sociological Study And Gender Inequality Sociology Essay The feminist perspective is the political stance of someone committed to changing the social position of women to bring about gender equality (Pilcher and Whelehan, 2004), whilst gender is described as the characteristics taken on by males and females in social life and culture through socialisation. Gender is a process and not a permanent state, implying that gender is being produced and reproduced, whereas inequality refers to the unequal rewards or opportunities for different individuals or groups within a society (Wharton, 2005). This essay will define how the feminist perspective has influenced the sociological study of gender inequality. It will summarise how the three founding fathers of sociology viewed mens oppression and womens subordination and discuss how earlier feminists viewed their counterparts attitudes. In the late 19th and early 20th century sociology remained a male dominated discipline with the classical theorists Marx, Durkheim and Weber. This was surprising due to the fact that the pre-existing patterns of gender inequality brought about modernisation. Womens labour contributed vastly to industrial capitalism. Although the classical theorists had literature and theories of contemporary feminist movements they never addressed the gendered process of modernisation, they saw women in more traditional roles within the family (Bilton et al, 2002). According to Giddens (2009) Marx viewed gender differences in power and status between men and women in the divisions of class. Gender inequality only appeared when industrial capitalism was formed; men went out to work and controlled the family income and the women stayed at home doing the housework whilst looking after the children. Fulcher and Scott (2003) noted that Marx viewed womens oppression as serving the capitalists society. Durkheim (1897 cited in Simpson 1952) viewed gender inequality as entrenched in society. In his discussion of suicide, Durkheim stated that men are a product of society while women are a product of nature. Durkheim suggested that women and men have different identities because women are less socialised then men. Likewise, Giddens (2009:91) stated Womens social position and identity are mainly shaped by their involvement in reproduction and childrearing. Durkheim (1897 cited in Simpson 1952) argued that women bear and rare children whereas men are active in the public spheres of politics and work. Yet, today feminists would argue that women are shaped as much as men through socialisation. Waters (1994) pointed out that Webers theory on gender inequality is confined to a system of organisational domination rather than power. Weber used the word patriarchalism rather than patriarchy to describe his category of traditional domination, where a person in authority inherits a particular status at birth. Weber indicated that the power of the man in the household is unimpeded and that women and children are his property. Women, Weber (cited in Roth, G. Wittich, C. 1968:1007) argued, are dependent because of the normal superiority of the physical and intellectual energies of the male. According to Waters (1994) Weber viewed the status of women and children under patriarchalism as similar to slaves in that they are capable of being bought, sold and rented. The first wave of feminism coincided with the classical theorists Marx, Durkheim and Weber. Giddens (2009) highlighted the fact that from 1800 to 2000 there had only been five feminist sociologists: Harriet Martineau 1802-76, Simone de Beauvoir 1908-86, Betty Friedan 1921-2006, Judith Butler 1956 and Vandana Shiva 1952. Martineau, the earliest sociologist and feminist was famous for introducing sociology to Britain through her transcript of Comtes thesis of sociology. In Giddens (2009) Martineau argued that if a society is to be studied, sociologists must focus on political, religious and social institutions. Secondly, that a society must include an understanding of womens lives. Thirdly, issues of marriage, children and domestic life should be left unchallenged and that sociologists must do more than view but act in ways to benefit society. Erstwhile influential figures of first wave feminism were Mary Wollstonecraft, Harriet Taylor Mill and her husband John Stuart Mill. Wollstonecraft (1792 cited in Abbott and Wallace, 1990:191) emphasised that inequalities between men and women were not the outcome of natural (biological) differences but due to the influence of the environment, and especially the fact that women were excluded from education. Wollstonecraft argued that it was essential to educate women and change society so women and men were seen as equal (Abbott et al, 2005). In Harriets essay, The Enfranchisement of Women 1851, published under her husbands name she campaigned that women should be given equal rights to the same jobs as men and that women should not live in separate spheres. Harriets views were seen as more radical than that of Johns however, they both argued in their book The Subjection of Women 1869 that women should have the same rights as men under law (Mill 1851, 1869 cited in Abbott, Wallace, 1990). The suffragettes and other campaigners of the 19th and 20th century campaigned for change. In 1839 women won the right to custody of an infant child, in 1882 the right to own their own property, in 1918 the right to vote and in 1934 they won the right to divorce on the same grounds as men. The 19th and 20th century feminism was all on the subject of change and having the same legal rights as men. Although women did not achieve equality with men in the 19th or early 20th century, most rights had been won. This first wave of feminism saw social change and therefore sociologists could no longer ignore gender inequality (Abbott, Wallace, 1990). Whilst the feminist theories had developed independently to sociology, the study of gender in sociology came from the second wave of the womens movement. Academic subjects like sociology appeared to ignore women. Women were rarely the subjects of research, and activities dominated by women such as house work and childcare received little interest. Oakley (1972) criticised sociology for generating knowledge more to do with mens lives rather than womens. At the time sociology was expressed in a quote by sociologist Jessie Bernard (1973 cited in Wharton, 2005:4) Can sociology become a science of society rather than a science of a male society? According to Waters (1994) feminist sociologists used the expression malestream to illustrate the mainstream discipline of sociology. Feminists implied that sociology was blind to gender and that it viewed gender difference and male oppression as symbolic, thus, sociological explanation was not needed. Giddens (2001) pointed to the fact that feminism and the womens movements had forced fundamental changes in sociology. Feminists argued that men and women had different experiences and viewed the world differently they did not build their understandings in equal ways. According to Waters (1994) womens experiences are intentionally ignored and the ways in which men dominate women is seen as natural. Additionally, when women were included in research, they were presented from a male perspective. Oakley (1972) suggested sociology had been biased from the beginning. Sociology was predominately a male profession and the principles of gender resulted in assumptions about differences between males and females. She argued that despite the criticism of the discipline for its malestream views little has changed over the years. Although women are studying the subject, the majority of lecturers are male. According to Abbott Wallace (1990) there has been some change in that sociologists can no longer afford to ignore the feminist perspective and there has been converse about the changes needed for male bias in sociology to be overcome. It has been noted that gender is a generally formed perception which contributes differing social roles and identities to males and females. According to Giddens (2009) gender differences are rarely neutral and that gender is a significant form of social stratification. Giddens (2009: 614) emphasised that gender is a critical factor in structuring types of opportunity and life chances faced by individuals and groups, and strongly influences the roles they play within social institutions from the household to the state. Fulcher and Scott (2003) stated that for many feminists, social stratification has been seen as entrenched in relations of sexual power that are built around natural differences of sex. Similarly, Giddens (2009) stressed that even though men and womens roles vary from society to society, there is no known society in which women are more dominant than men. Mens roles are usually highly rewarded and valued more than womens. Firestone (1971) argued that societies are sepa rated into opposed sex classes and that all men oppress all women, thus the struggle between men and women is the driving force in human history. Although women have made a number of advances around the globe, gender differences serve the foundation for gender inequality. There are many academic perspectives relating to gender inequality and how men dominate women in the public and private sphere (Giddens, 2009). The functionalist theory searches to show that gender differentiation contribute to social stability and integration. According to Waters (1994) Parsons and Murdoch studied the family in industrial societies and how children were socialised. They noted that the stability of the family contributed to successful socialisation. Parsons argued that the family operated more efficiently were women acted in an expressive role, caring for the children and offering them emotional support. Whereas the men performed better in an active role by going out and earning money for the family, Murdoch added that males and females are best suited to the roles they are biologically determined to perform. According to Giddens (2009) Femin ists argued that women are not prevented from occupations on the basis of biological features, they suggested humans are socialised into roles that are culturally expected of them and there is nothing natural about the distribution of tasks in society. Liberal feminists looked for explanations of gender inequality in social and cultural attitudes. They also fought for the equal rights of women through democratic means (Waters, 1994). The Liberal theory came to light with the suffragist movement in the early 20th century and fought against laws that gave rights to men and not women. They campaigned to pass laws to outlaw discrimination against women and to give women rights in the workplace, educational institutes and the media. Abbott et al (2005) criticised liberal feminists of not dealing with core issues of gender inequality, they do not acknowledge the nature of womens oppression. According to Bilton et al (2002) radical feminists alleged that men had an interest in controlling women through various tactics, including rape, genital mutilation, domestic violence and sexual harassment. The violence that women were exploited to showed a source of male supremacy. Giddens (2009) noted that radical feminists concentrated on the family home as one of the primary areas of womens oppression. Radical feminists argued that men exploited women by relying on unpaid domestic labour. Firestone (1971 cited in Giddens, 2009:617) expressed that ..because women are biologically able to give birth to children, they become dependent materially on men for protection and livelihood. Radical feminists argued that men see women as sexual objects whose main purpose is to entertain and please them. Additionally, radical feminists see patriarchy as a phenomenon. They suggest gender equality can only be gained by overthrowing the Patriarchal order. Marxist and socialist feminists argued that womens oppression was a symptom of capitalism rather than patriarchy. Like radical feminists, Marx feminists argued that the household was the location of womens oppression arising from the fact that women took part in unpaid work in the private sphere, that is, caring for the labour force and raising the next generation of workers to benefit the capitalists at no cost to them (Bilton et al, 2002). However, Marx had little to do with gender inequality, according to Giddens (2009) it was Engels who did more than Marxs in relation to gender inequality. Engels did so through the Marxist perspective. Engels (in Giddens, 2009) argued capitalism strengthens patriarchy by putting wealth in the hands of capitalists which underpins womens subordination to men. Both Marxist and radical feminists saw how capitalism effected gender relations in both the public and private spheres. They wanted to see a restructuring of the family and an end to domestic slavery, however Marx argued this would only be achieved through a revolutionary change. hooks (1981 cited in Haralambos Holborn, 2008) criticised white feminists of failing to acknowledge how race and racism impacts on womens experiences. She argued that white feminist theories of oppression applied to all women; therefore this institutionalised racism. Giddens (2009) pointed out that although black feminists stood next to their suffragette counterparts for womens rights they realised race could not be ignored. Black women were at a disadvantage on the basis of their colour, race, gender and class position. Black feminists concluded that if gender equality is to prevail then racism needed to be addressed in mainstream feminism. Post-modern feminism came about in the 1980s and challenged the definition of modern feminism. Post-modern feminists argued that woman is a debatable category, complicated by issues of class, ethnicity, sexuality and other facets of identity. They rejected the claim that there is a grand theory that can explain the position of women in a society because each society has complex social relations and women do not actually have a fixed identity. Post-modern feminists accept that there are many different points of view that are all equally valid (Marsh and Keating, 2006). Characteristics of Masculinity and femininity differ from one society to another, not only do the characteristics differ but so do the sexual activities in which people engage. Connell (1995 cited in Macionis Plummer, 2008: 366) described this as part of a gender order in which societies shape notions of masculinity and femininity into power relationships. Connell argued that femininity and masculinity were arranged around hegemonic masculinity and suggested that men produced and maintained gender inequality. According to Giddens (2001) Connell used pragmatic data on gender inequality to show how women were kept in subordinate positions to men. Connell categorised societys gender order into three facets: labour that referred to the sexual divisions of labour in the home and place of work, power that referred to domestic violence within the home and cathexis which related to the mechanics within emotional sexual relationships. According to the Office for National Statistics (2010) the pay gap for full-time employees in 2009 is down from 12.2% to 10.2%. For women, full-time earnings increased more across the bottom 10% of the distribution with a growth of 1.8% compared to 0.8% for their male counterparts. Similarly, the hourly earnings of the top 10% women went up by 2.1% compared to the 0.8% for men. In addition, the Office for National Statistics (2008) noted that in 2007/08 women were five times more likely to suffer from domestic violence than men, this accounted for 85% of women compared to 15% of men. Up until 1970, crime and deviance like other areas of sociology had ignored women. Sociologist, Carol Smart (1979 cited in Haralambos Horn 2008) criticised criminology for being male dominated and sexist. She argued that because women committed fewer and less insignificant crimes then men, women were undeserving of research. The Office for National Statistics (2008) reported that in 2006 males where more than likely to be found guilty of crime than women. In England and Wales between 82% and 94% of males were found guilty of a violent crime and 97% of males were found guilty of sexual offences. Criminologist Otis Pollock (1950 cited in Haralambos Horn 2008) claimed that women were more deviant then men. He argued that statistics on crime and gender were deceptive and that certain crimes women committed were likely to go unreported. Firstly, Pollock stated that the police and magistrates tended to be men and were chivalrous. Secondly, women were clever in hiding their crimes; Pollock linked this to female biology. Thirdly, Pollock saw womens domestic role as an opportunity to commit crime in the private sphere and that this type of crime went undetected. Although, Pollocks theories have been heavily criticised by other criminologist, his critics do give him creditability for being the first to say statistics did underrate female criminality. In summary, it is evident that in the 19th century men dominated society, early sociological theories ignored gender issues in particular women. Feminists such as Martineau fought against these sexiest ideologies arguing that malestream research did not relate to the lives of women or indeed their concerns. Feminists stressed that society could not be fully understood without taking women into consideration. The first wave of feminism was all about how men viewed and marginalised women and equal rights. As feminism developed in sociology, individual theories formed within feminism thinking. These theories highlighted and explained how women viewed gender inequality and how men oppressed women in the public and private sphere. Feminists believed that developing such theories would help them understand their subordination and help liberate themselves from mens control. Feminism has also helped sociologists understand how masculinity and femininity is arranged around the dominance of men and how the power relations of gender order keep women in subordinate positions within the home and at work. Whilst the feminist perspective has influenced the study of gender inequality by obtaining the same civil rights as men, acquiring rights in the workplace, the home and in politics. Some feminists still argue that there needs to be a total rethinking of sociological theory around the issues of women, although some progress has been made. It would appear that women still have a considerable way to go in closing the gendering gap and having the same equal opportunities as men. Yet, it remains to be seen if women will ever break through the glass ceiling and reach the top of the social mobility ladder or earn the same wage as men in high flying positions.