Happiness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Happiness - Assignment Example Travelling allows me to do all this alongside giving me mental peace, which I require every now and then to regain my sanity. My earliest memories of happiness stretch back to the time when I was a small kid. What I cherish most about that time was how I used to visit my extended family and friends and how doing so used to bring about a smile on my face. I still remember the time when I once went out for a picnic with my extended family when I was six years old, and back then I thought that life couldn’t have been any better than this. If I look at what’s missing in my life according to the balance wheel, then that would have to be absence of a good financial condition. What I feel my problem is that I usually spend way more than what I have and end up worrying about how I would deal with my future financial needs. I feel I should work on controlling my spending habits so that I lead a happy, peaceful and stress less

Checklists and Rating Scales Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Checklists and Rating Scales - Assignment Example Checklists provide a list of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that may be demonstrated by the individual, and may be filled in by either an evaluator or may be reported by the person themselves. Most checklists provide the symptoms associated with some kind of challenge (Gregory, 2004). Each symptom that is demonstrated is marked and once the entire list is completed, the total number of symptoms is totaled. Checklists are thus called additive methods of evaluation (Merrell & Harlacher, 2008). These are objective and easy to understand, and do not require as much time or expertise as interviews. They are also comprehensive, and allow the evaluator to identity less visible symptoms that could be missed during observation (Merrell & Harlacher, 2008). The main issue with a checklist is that they do not allow one to estimate the magnitude of the symptom. While one person may exhibit the symptom rarely, another may exhibit it almost every day. At such times rating scales provide an advantage over checklists in that each selected item is also rated on a 3 point or 5 point scale ranging from never/rarely to always/frequently (Gregory, 2004). Thus, each symptom is provided with a weighted score all of which may be added to get a composite score. Rating scales are algebraic in nature, and the value assigned to each item provides a detailed understanding of the experience of the person (Merrell & Harlacher, 2008). Checklists are valuable screening instruments that help in identifying person’s who need help; while rating scales are useful when trying to understand which symptoms are more dominant for a particular person (Gregory, 2004). Both these instruments are objective and easy to use, but are unable to provide the meaning associated with the symptoms by the individual. The validity of the responses depends on the honesty of the responses and it may become

Business plan for PARAMOUNT SENIOR CARE SERVICES

Business plan for PARAMOUNT SENIOR CARE SERVICES Paramount Senior Care Services Inc. (Paramount) is a new home health care company in its start up stages. It will offer in-home care services to patients and clients from Halton-Peel region of the province of Ontario, Canada. Our value proposition is to offer quality, personalized, customized care, support and assistance to seniors and families to help them maintain their independence at the comfort of their own homes at reasonable cost. Paramount has a unique competitive advantage; it is offering a one-stop-shop home care service for senior: skilled home health care, companionship; cleaning and housekeeping services; home repair, renovation and maintenance at reasonable price. Paramount is providing the senior and families the benefits of living in an assisted facility in the comfort of their own homes. There is an expected growth in the demand of health care in Canada over the next 30 years, largely due to unprecedented growth in the number of seniors. According to Statistics Canada there will be a 30% increase in Canadas senior population annually from 2006 to 2016 or 4.3M to 9.0M respectively. The population based in Canada is aging, including residents of Halton-Peel Region, and more of the seniors opting to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Even after their hospitalization for example, they rather recuperate at home rather than proceeding to a nursing home or rehabilitation clinic. At the rate of 57% growth of senior population in Halton-Peel region from 1996 to 2016 as projected by Statistics Canada, the senior population aged 65 to 85+ in the region for the next five years will be from 222,921 to 242,459; trend is growing by 30% annually in succeeding years. Paramount customer base will be through referrals from physicians, social workers, other health care profess ionals and community care facilities in the region. There is a strong competition in the market, however, Paramount will position itself as unique one-stop-shop home care service for seniors with competent, caring caregivers and professional management. Our companys business model includes several revenue streams from services we offer such as skilled care-nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy; companionship; housekeeping; and home repair, renovation and maintenance. In the home care business, the terms of payment for services rendered usually takes up to 30 days. In this regard, Paramount is looking for additional funding to support the cash flow for the initial operation, in the form of a 5-year loan in the amount of $50,000 at the prevailing interest rate. The company will not take up any further loans, as it plans to support the growth through its cash flow. Company Overview Paramount Senior Care Services Inc. is a start-up company in its initial year of operation. Our company will be located in Mississauga. It will offer in-home care services to patients and clients, who prefer to be assisted and taken care of in the comfort of their own homes, from Halton and Peel District region which includes the cities of Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Milton, Oakville, Halton Hills Burlington. Offering: Skilled Care- Nursing, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist Personal Support Care Companionship Housekeeping Home Repair, Renovation and Maintenance Value Proposition Our value proposition is to offer quality, personalized, customized care, support and assistance to seniors and families to help them maintain their independence at the comfort of their own homes at reasonable cost. Mission Statement Paramount Senior Care Services strives to offer superior and reasonably priced home health care to individual and families in Halton-Peel Region providing with competent, reliable health care and professional management. Company Ownership Paramount Senior Care Services Inc. is a limited liability partnership owned and operated by: Severina Saliva-Parayaoan Arlyn Gardon, RN Ben Dimaano Business Model Our company have several revenue streams from services it offers that includes income from skilled care, companionship, personal support and services, housekeeping and companionship, and other special services in home repair, renovation, maintenance and security services as outlined in the diagram below. PARAMOUNT SENIOR CARE SERVICES INC. Business Model Profit Key Personnel /Resource Cost/Expenses Revenue Streams Customer Segments Strategic Goals Objectives Key Strategic Areas of Focus Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales Revenue 10% annual growth 10% annual growth 10% annual growth Profit before Interest Taxes 40% of sales 40% sales 40% of sales Net Profit At least 20% of sales At least 20% of sales At least 20% of sales Geographic coverage- # of locations Focus in Halton-Peel Region Expand nationwide thru franchising the companys business in Edmonton and B.C. Expand internationally- US East coast and the Islands of Bermuda Customer satisfaction At least 80% customer retention At least 80% customer retention At least 80% customer retention Service Overview Paramount Care Services Inc. offers excellent home health care services such as skilled nursing care, nursing aide, speech therapy, physical therapy, or personal support services; companionship: personal hygiene, meals preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and shopping. We also provide home repair, renovation, security and maintenance to upgrade home facilities adaptable to seniors changing lifestyle and physical mobility. The following are the list of services and its features. All aims to benefit the seniors and family with peace of mind, convenience and assurance of excellent personal health care and care of property- providing the benefits of assisted living facility in the comfort of their own homes. Skilled Care features: Nursing Care Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Personal Support Care features: Assist in personal hygiene and grooming Morning Care/Bedtime Care Catheter care Etc. Companionship features: Companionship on travel Respite care while in the hospital or at home Meals preparation Grocery shopping Medical appointment Beauty Salon or Barbers appointment Engage in interactive activities Pet Care Etc. Housekeeping features: Cleaning inside the house Cleaning windows Laundry, etc. Home Repair, Renovation and Maintenance features: Toilet and bathroom renovation Installation of handrails in bathrooms or stairs Plumbing Electrical Carpentry Gardening and Lawn Maintenance Snow removal Country Analysis- PEST PEST Analysis- Canada Establishing a senior home care business in a democratic country like Canada is projected to be successful. Canada has a strong and stable economy where seniors are protected and covered with health care insurance and benefits, and labor laws pertaining caregivers and health care professionals are in place to support the growing and changing needs of the countrys demographics, supported with highly advanced technological infrastructure with a general hospital in every major city and good route accessibility. Political and Legal Factors Democratic country Health insurance for seniors are mandatory and well-established Laws and regulations supporting and encouraging seniors home care health services Labor laws and immigration laws encouraging caregiver programs Economic Factors Strong, stable economy Senior citizens are provided with health care benefits and allowances Growing population of seniors at the rate of 30% annual growth rate Increase in demand in seniors home health care services Growth in immigration particularly in health care profession Socio-Cultural Factors Seniors in Canada are usually taken care of caregivers other than family members Family members are usually busy with careers and can afford to hire caregivers for elderly members of the family rather than to give up their work Seniors prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes as long as there will be proper caregiver to assist Technological Factors Highly technological infrastructure with very good access to telecommunications including telephone, internet, etc. Service Business-Industry Analysis To summarize the industry analysis using Porters Five Forces: Barriers to Entry is low, considering home care services are considered as home-based business threats of new entrants is high. Suppliers Power is low, although nurses and health-care related professionals are in demand there are more people who are also getting qualifications in health care as second career as well as qualified new immigrants coming to the country. Buyers Power is high, considering there are many choices referrals and recommendation from key partners is highly important. Threat of Substitute is high, as there are many alternative service providers in the market. Competition/Rivalry is high, existing large private companies are dominating the market plus the presence of major franchise companies. Due to the increasing demand and growth of the industry, senior home care business is still consider to be an attractive industry even though the rivalry is high. Marketing Plan Market Analysis Summary There is an expected growth in the demand of health care in Canada over the next 30 years, largely due to unprecedented growth in the number of seniors. The forecasted numbers are below*. Year Number of Seniors Population Share Ratio of Seniors 2006 4.3 million 13.3% 1 in 7 people 2016 5.7 million 16.6% 1 in 6 people 2026 7.7 million 21.4% 1 in 5 people 2036 9.0 million 24.5% 1 in 4 people * Statistics Canada, CANSIM, Table 052-0004 and Catalogue no. 91-520-X. 2005. Based on the above information, there will be a 30% increase in senior population annually from 2006 to 2016. The consumer base for Paramount Senior Care Services Inc will be patients referred by social workers, physicians, health care facilities and other health care professionals as well as satisfied clients and their families. The majority of these patients will be covered by OHIP with a smaller portion being shouldered by the patients and/or families. Market Segmentation The population based in Canada is aging, including residents of Halton and Peel Region, and more of the seniors opting to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Even after their hospitalization for example, they rather recuperate from home than proceeding to a nursing home or rehabilitation clinic. Population Estimates and Projections by CSD for Halton-Peel Region, 2001-2016 Census Subdivision 1996 Population 2001 Population 2006 Population 2011 Population 2016 Population Peel Mississauga 563,000 613,000 653,000 676,000 694,000 Brampton 277,600 321,000 382,000 445,000 510,000 Caledon 41,200 49,000 58,000 67,000 76,000 Total 881,800 983,000 1,093,000 1,188,000 1,280,000 Halton Oakville 132,300 146,300 161,300 184,900 214,900 Burlington 141,100 154,800 164,300 172,200 178,900 Milton 33,100 37,100 58,000 71,000 84,200 Halton Hills 43,700 49,000 54,800 60,000 65,000 Total 350,200 338200 438,400 488,100 543,000 Grand Total 1,232,000 1,321,200 1,531,400 1,676,100 1,823,000 From 1996 to 2016, Halton-Peel regions population is projected to experience a growth rate of over 50%, compared to a provincial average of approximately 25%, as per Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term care Provincial Health Planning Database in 2001. Population in Halton-Peel Region, by Age and Sex, 2000 (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term care Provincial Health Planning Database in 2001) Halton Region Peel Region Target Market Segment- Trends and Growth Based on the above data, at the rate of 57% growth of population from 1996 to 2016 as projected by Statistics Canada, the senior population aged 65 to 85+ in Halton-Peel region for the next five years will be as follows: Year Halton Region Estimated Population Peel Region Estimated Population Estimated Total Population Projected Senior Population (65 and above) (13.3% of Total) 2011 488,100 1,188,000 1,676,100 222,921 2012 497,862 1,211,760 1,709,622 227,380 2013 507,819 1,235,995 1,643,814 231,927 2014 517,976 1,260,715 1,778,691 236,566 2015 528,335 1,285,929 1,814,265 241,297 2016 543,000 1,280,000 1,823,000 242,459 The total size of the market representing projected senior population in the Halton and Peel region is 222,921 in 2011 to 242,459 in 2016; and expected to increase by 30% in the succeeding years. Out of the total market size, Paramount Senior Care Services, Inc target market share for the first three years of operation is 0.12%, 0.13%, and 0.14% or 276, 303 and 333 patients/clients respectively, at 10% sales annual growth as illustrated in the table below. Year Projected Senior Population (65 and above) (13.3% of Total) Target Market Share in % Target Number of Clients/Patients/day (year) Growth Rate 2011 222,921 1st-2012 227,380 0.12% 23 (276) 10% 2nd-2013 231,927 0.15% 25 (303) 10% 3rd-2014 236,566 0.20% 27.5 (333) 10% Our primary market segment includes those seniors 65 years old and above who require health care services or companionship by home health nursing staff or personal support workers. As well as, individuals who have suffered stroke, and other physical ailments resulting to personal injury requiring rehabilitation care, respite care, speech therapy, physical therapy, or care management from skilled nurse or therapist or personal support worker in their own homes. These patients and their families may also require other home services such as meals preparation, cleaning, housekeeping, transportation and shopping as well as home repairs, renovation, including property and lawn maintenance, home security and emergency alarm. Target Market Segment Strategy Initially, our company will focus on those market segments that require only home-based services where our services are mostly needed. This will greatly decrease overhead, since additional office or facilities will not be required. In the long term, maybe after five years of successful operation opening of an assisted living facility will be an option. Competition and Buying Patterns The following are key factors considered by the consumer and healthcare professionals when referring home health care services: Trust in the reputation of the service provider Reliability and timely delivery of services Quality of services by the service provider Price comparative to other providers Competitive Analysis Key Factors Paramount Care Services Home Instead (Private) Nurses Next Door (Private) Guardian Angel Care (Private) Public sector-i.e. Red Cross, Victorian Order of Nurses,etc Strength One-Stop-Shop care for seniors Franchise proven business and strong support Franchise proven business and strong support Hospice, palliative end of life care Community services and link with government/ Hospitals Weakness New company with no strong clients base yet Categorize as more expensive in the industry Categorize as more expensive in the industry Lack of personalize care Limited to health care service only (no cleaning/ housekeeping) Unique Selling Proposition One-Stop-Shop care for seniors Patented CAREgiver program Guaranteed nurses just next door of the clients Specialized in hospice, palliative end of life care Community service supported by the government Trust in the professional reputation Medium-as we are a start-up company High-due to brand image High-due to brand image High-due to number of years in the business High- due to established and proven organization and community service Reliability High-24/7 service High-24/7 service High-24/7 service High-24/7 service High-24/7 service Quality of Services High- regulated by law High- regulated by law High- regulated by law High- regulated by law High-regulated by law Price Lower than franchise competitors Expensive Expensive Competitive As per OHIP Notes: The table above shows a strong competition in the home health care industry. However, Paramount Senior Care Services Inc is positioning itself as health care company providing affordable rates for seniors and families having a limited budget which represents a majority of seniors in the target market areas with our unique offering of one-stop-shop services for seniors. Competitive Advantage Paramount Senior Care Services Inc. is a newly set up business that has a unique competitive advantage offering a one-stop-shop for senior care: home health care and companionship; cleaning housekeeping services; home repair, renovation and maintenance at reasonable price. Paramount Senior Care Services is providing the senior and families the benefits of living in an assisted facility in the comfort of their own homes. Strategy and Implementation Summary Paramount Senior Care Services Inc. will initially focus on Halton and Peel District within the province of Ontario, Canada. Within this geographical area we will target on senior home care program. Within this area we have two target markets: the individual client, and the regional physicians, hospitals and other health care facilities and insurance companies. Marketing Strategy Product/Services Our primary focus is home health care services to seniors. We will provide seniors a One-Stop-Shop in all their home health care services need; it will provide convenience for seniors and their families. Pricing Strategy Our company pricing system will be set according to OHIP and other private insurance regulations, and is reasonable and competitive. We will do so by developing a contracted service from health-care staff on hourly, daily or weekly basis and only limited full-time employees as full-time staff. Distribution Strategy Our company will focus in the Halton-Peel Region where the projected growth of seniors is higher than the national average. Our company will build strategic alliance with health care facilities in the region primarily Trillium Hospital in Mississauga, Credit Valley hospital, and the new general hospital in Milton as well as community centers and health care practitioners in the region. Promotion Strategy Marketing our company as a service-oriented business requires establishing a good reputation for expert care and superior quality service. It starts with our existing contacts currently in positions to make recommendations and referrals to us, and we will continue with our efforts to network, integrate with the community health care professionals in the region. We will participate in community events in the region to build contacts and generate more referrals. We will create marketing communications and promotion materials in a business, professional manner, as well as our marketing tools such as flyers, brochures, business cards and advertisements. Sales Strategy Our patients and their families, as well as referring physicians and healthcare professional must be satisfied with our service, as we sell superior care, 24/7 availability, reliability and good relationships. Growth in service industry often resulted to loss of quality control that causes client dissatisfaction, increase in complaints and eventually loss of customers. In this regard we will constantly focus on superior quality of service. Sales Forecast The companys projected annual sales for the first three years of operation are as follows based on the assumption: Using conservative estimates Assuming to acquire a share of only 0.12% to 0.13% of target market An average of six hours service per client An average rate of $25/hour Target growth rate of 10% annually Sales Forecast Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales Target Market Size 227,380 231,927 236,566 Target Market Share 0.12% 0.13% 0.14% No. of Patients or Clients 23 25 28 Ave. Hours/Patient/Day 8 8 8 Total Service Hours/Day 184 200 220 Ave. Rate/Hour $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 Total Sales/Day $4,600.00 $5,000.00 $5,500.00 Total Sales/Month $92,000.00 $100,000.00 $110,000.00 Total Sales/Year 100% $1,104,000.00 $1,200,000.00 $1,320,000.00 Direct Cost of Sales at 6% of Sales 6% $ 66,240.00 $ 72,000.00 $ 79,200.00 Gross Profit 94% $ 1,037,760.00 $ 1,128,000.00 $ 1,240,800.00 Geographic Expansion Plan Year 1- Halton Peel Region in the Province of Ontario, Canada Year 2- To expand operation nation-wide by second year of operation by expanding in British Columbia and Edmonton. Year 3- To expand operation internationally by third year of operation; to start in the United States by entering New York City in US East Coast; and the Islands of Bermuda in the Atlantic. Operations Day-to-day Operations Office Location: Main office in Mississauga with sub-office in Milton Office hours: 8:30 am- 5:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays at the main office location in Mississauga. Operating hours: 24/7 on call in case of appointment schedule, clients visit or emergency. There will be an assigned manager to handle calls during out-of-office hours on rotation basis. Client call and visit schedule. Staff and sub-contracted parties work schedule and assignment making sure clients/patients will be attended as required. Office Requirements Telephone 4-in-1 printer, copier, fax and scanner machine Computer for office use Office table and chairs Office supplies- stationary, etc, Legal Compliance Business license and registration Incorporation Taxes Bond, security and liability insurance Legal documentations CPA retainer Health Compliance Accreditation and certification from government agencies Certification and qualification of staff and skilled professionals Management Information System QuickBooks software program for accounting, finance and payroll recording and management Company website Internet connection and email Data Base Management Customer Relationship Management Communications Brochures Print ads Presentation folders for clients and partners in health care Medical Supplies Equipments Basic supplies in handling patients such as clinical gloves and masks Risk Management There are several identified potential risks in home health care industry, our company have identified some of them and have established mitigation plan to manage the risk accordingly as described in the table below. Potential Risks Mitigation Plan Injury, accidents and/or death Loss/theft on clients property Internal breach of security (i.e. credit card use, unauthorized use of data by employees or third parties) Health care recording process quality control management in place to prove proper care or negligence Bond and insurance coverage Liability waiver Background check on staff and sub-contractors/partners is mandatory Bond and security liability insurance Liability waiver Organization policies and procedures in handling documentations must be in order Data encryption Electronic form and signature Offsite storage Management and Organization Summary Paramount Senior Care, Inc. initial management team will consist of a Managing Director, a Case Manager, a Maintenance Manager, six employees, and contracted caregivers and housekeepers, a contracted agency to fulfill the need for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists. Initially, all managers will also provide direct service. Severina Saliva-Parayaoan has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration major in Accounting and currently finishing a post-graduate certificate in Global Business Management. She has over ten years experience in business development, management and administration. She will provide all administrative direction and will perform most of the administrative functions with assistance from the Administrative Assistant. She will also supervise housekeeping service. Arlyn Guardon is a registered nurse and has experience as a Skilled Nurse and Care Manager for a Home Health Agency will be the Case Manager. She will also provide direct nursing services during the initial stages of the business, as well as supervising the nursing and caregiver staff. As the need for the service providers grows, both managers will assume primary roles in management and will delegate direct service to employees. Ben Dimaano is a licensed home technician in Ontario and has over 10 years of experience in home repairs, renovation and maintenance. He will be the Maintenance Manager responsible for the HRRM Department. Organizational Chart Personnel Plan Assumptions: Owners will not receive salaries rather it will be in the form of a draw. Number of full-time employees will be kept to a minimum, any increase in labour requirements will be fulfilled through contracting. 10% annual increase in cost of living allowance for the full-time employees. Managing Director- This full-time position will be held by Severina Saliva-Parayaoan. As owner compensation will be made in the form of a draw. Case Manager- this part-time position will be held by Arlyn Gardon. As owner compensation will be made in the form of a draw. Maintenance Manager- this part-time position will be held by Ben Dimaano. As owner compensation will be made in the form of a draw. Administrative Assistant (1)- this full time position is based on 40-hours per week reimbursed at $12.00 per hour, with benefits assume at 30% of total payroll. Skilled Nurse (1) this full-time position will be paid $22.00 per hour for direct service hours, with benefits assume at 30% of total payroll. Personal Support Workers (12)- This full-time position will be paid for $12.00 per hour for direct service hours, with cost of benefits assume at 30% of total payroll. Housekeepers (10)- This position will be paid for $10.25 per hour for direct service hours with cost of benefits assume at 30% of total payroll. Physical therapist/Occupational Therapist/Speech Therapist- these positions will be contracted at a rate of $30.00 per hours. There will be no benefits attached to these positions as they are contracted on a fee-for-service reimbursement only. Personnel Plan Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Managing Director $ $ $ Case Manager $ $ $ Maintenance Manager Administrative Assistant $ 29,952 $ 32,947 $ 36,241.92 1-Skilled Nurse $ 54,912 $ 60,403 $ 66,443.52 12-Personal Support Worker $ 359,424 $ 395,366 $ 434,903.04 10-Housekeeper/Companion $ 255,840 $ 281,424 $ 309,566.40 Total People 23 23 23 Total Payroll $ 700,128 $ 770,164 $ 847,178 Personnel Summary Position Admin Assistant Skilled Nurse Personal Support Worker Housekeeper Qualification College Graduate At least one year experience Registered and license in Ontario At least 3 years of experience Certified in Ontario At least 2 years of experience Secondary School graduate At least one year of experience Type of employment Full time Full Time Full Time Full time Salary +Benefits $29,952 $54,912 $29,952 $21,320 No. of Positions 1 1 12 10 VIII. Start-up Capital Requirements The following is the summary of the start up costs which includes: Business Development Rental Expenses Office Equipment Nursing Supplies Start-up Capital Requirements Business Development Attorney Fees- Setting up a limited company $ 1,000.00 Business Licence $ 200.00 Medisoft Billing Program $ 5,000.00 Professional Liability Insurance $ 3,000.00 *Assuming 25% down of $12,000.00 Workmans Compensation Insurance Deposit $ 500.00 Premises and content Insurance Deposit

The Science of Religion :: Spiritual History Bible Papers

The Science of Religion The cover of the latest Newsweek caught my eye as I was running out the door to class: a vaguely futuristic, androgynous ascetic was basking in the glow of an ethereal ray of light, face calm, hands uplifted to receive inspiration. In the center of this enlightening beam, the title professed, "God and the Brain: How We're Wired for Spirituality." Who could resist such an evocative article? I flipped through it - it started with some stuff about how to achieve a spiritual state (by turning off environmental fear and orientation sensors in the brain), proudly confirmed that scientists can now track brain activity of Tibetan Buddhist meditation and Catholic prayers?I was starting to grow bored and skim faster; then my eye caught, "Neurotheology is stalking bigger game than simply affirming that spiritual feelings leave neural footprints?By pinpointing the brain areas involved in spiritual experiences and tracing how such experiences arise, the scientists hope to learn whether anyone can have such experiences, and why spiritual experiences have the qualities they do" (54). The article went on to discuss how certain key religious figures from history are hypothesized to have had temporal-lobe epilepsy, a condition that yields "focused bursts of electrical activity called 'temporal-lobe transients' [which] may yield mystical experiences" (55). In order to test this, neuroscientist Michael Persinger built an electromagnetic helmet to directly stimulate the temporal lobes of the brain. The helmet produced the intended results, encouraging "out-of-body experience" and "a sense of the divine" in its users; thus Persinger concluded that "religious experiences are evoked by mini electrical storms in the temporal lobes, and that such storms can be triggered by anxiety, personal crisis, lack of oxygen, low blood sugar and simple fatigue - suggesting a reason that some people 'find God' in such moments" (55). The article moves on to suggest that people capable of "dissociation" - identified by their creativity, innovative tendencies, open-mindedness, and close in teraction of the conscious and subconscious mind - "may be genetically or temperamentally predisposed to mystical ability" (56). Finally, after boasting that scientists can both monitor and produce "spiritual" experiences in the laboratory, after defining the physical causes of out-of-body experiences and divine inspiration as malfunctions or misinterpretations of the brain, and after claiming a sort of personality-based predestination, the article concedes that "it is likely that [scientists] will never resolve the greatest question of all - namely, whether our brain wiring creates God, or whether God created our brain wiring. The Science of Religion :: Spiritual History Bible Papers The Science of Religion The cover of the latest Newsweek caught my eye as I was running out the door to class: a vaguely futuristic, androgynous ascetic was basking in the glow of an ethereal ray of light, face calm, hands uplifted to receive inspiration. In the center of this enlightening beam, the title professed, "God and the Brain: How We're Wired for Spirituality." Who could resist such an evocative article? I flipped through it - it started with some stuff about how to achieve a spiritual state (by turning off environmental fear and orientation sensors in the brain), proudly confirmed that scientists can now track brain activity of Tibetan Buddhist meditation and Catholic prayers?I was starting to grow bored and skim faster; then my eye caught, "Neurotheology is stalking bigger game than simply affirming that spiritual feelings leave neural footprints?By pinpointing the brain areas involved in spiritual experiences and tracing how such experiences arise, the scientists hope to learn whether anyone can have such experiences, and why spiritual experiences have the qualities they do" (54). The article went on to discuss how certain key religious figures from history are hypothesized to have had temporal-lobe epilepsy, a condition that yields "focused bursts of electrical activity called 'temporal-lobe transients' [which] may yield mystical experiences" (55). In order to test this, neuroscientist Michael Persinger built an electromagnetic helmet to directly stimulate the temporal lobes of the brain. The helmet produced the intended results, encouraging "out-of-body experience" and "a sense of the divine" in its users; thus Persinger concluded that "religious experiences are evoked by mini electrical storms in the temporal lobes, and that such storms can be triggered by anxiety, personal crisis, lack of oxygen, low blood sugar and simple fatigue - suggesting a reason that some people 'find God' in such moments" (55). The article moves on to suggest that people capable of "dissociation" - identified by their creativity, innovative tendencies, open-mindedness, and close in teraction of the conscious and subconscious mind - "may be genetically or temperamentally predisposed to mystical ability" (56). Finally, after boasting that scientists can both monitor and produce "spiritual" experiences in the laboratory, after defining the physical causes of out-of-body experiences and divine inspiration as malfunctions or misinterpretations of the brain, and after claiming a sort of personality-based predestination, the article concedes that "it is likely that [scientists] will never resolve the greatest question of all - namely, whether our brain wiring creates God, or whether God created our brain wiring.

American Westward Movement: Significance of the Contributing factors

American Westward movement, advocated by many as the divine destiny of the United States, is the movement of the people from the settled regions of the United States to lands farther west between early 17th and late 19th century. The earliest and most significant of the factors which contributed to the westward spread of ‘American frontier’ was the economic motives of the colonists.Fur traders in New England, New York and Pennsylvania bartered with the Native Americans in the Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes for beaver pelts. Southerners reached to the Mississippi and beyond to trade with native Americans for deerskins. Later, the farmers who could not meet their mortgage payments on their lands as a result of the depression caused by the financial collapse in 1837 also moved westward for free land. Epidemics was another major contributing factor for the westward movement.In the East, more people died of such diseases as typhoid, dysentery, tuberculosis, scarlet fev er and malaria than from any other cause. Yellow fever so decimated the population of New Orleans and settlements along the Mississippi River to the north that the regional death rate exceeded its birth rate for nearly a century and in the 1830s an epidemic of cholera, which had started in Asia, rampaged through Europe, and came across the Atlantic on passenger ships, struck the East Coast and spread inland.The third significant contributing factor was The American Civil War. The civil war caused so much misery that thousands of people looked upon west as a means of escape from their devastated homes. To these people the West was the means to achieve health, wealth and happiness. The significance of these factors lies in the fact that the western expansion they caused resulted in making United States one of the most powerful countries in the world.Further, the American expansion also meant that the west was dominated by Anglo-American ways of life and institutions rather than French or Spanish ones; because latter were also trying to expand in North America in 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. However, the American westward movement curbed their efforts in this regard. Nonetheless, though the American westward movement was very beneficial for the United States, it proved fatal to the Native Americans who were the indigenous people settled in these lands. Their culture and way of life suffered destruction as a result of the westward expansion.

Business information and their sources Essay

This report aims to show the different forms of information used in H&M. It will tell us if we need to improve on any of our methods of communication, or if we need to enhance any methods we use. Internal information is when it can be found from inside the business, such as previous sales records. External information is when the information needs to be found from outside the company, for example in books or customer feedback forms. Primary information is when you have received the information fist hand, either through a report or through surveys. We need internal information for evidence so nothing is mis interpreted within the business. Internal information can be previous records, we need these to write reports and to make sure the business isn’t at a loss. H&M need external information to monitor new trends so we can stay ahead of fashion. We do this by getting our internal and external customers to complete questionnaires. It is important that we do this so our customers always stay interested in the clothes that we have on offer so we do not lose any business. Combining internal and external information is very effective because your ideas can be expanded by using existing ideas but with our own unique twist. So we can take an existing idea on a clothing range, but then add something to it based on the feedback and ideas we get from our customers. Internal information can be more important for H&M than external information because it includes private details and information of the company that cannot be found anywhere else. This would be needed if we were to start a sale because we’d have to know what products are not selling well to put them in the sale. However, external information can be seen as more important that internal information because it includes new information from customer feedback. This is much needed because it would help our business form fresh ideas and to help us move forward. Internal information cannot help us do this. H&M need primary information to help the business run smoother and gain new  ideas. We can do this by getting surveys from the public to get more ideas on things we can sell or do in store. Primary information is very useful because it can be used for a lot of different things, for example customer service or new clothing ranges. Also it is usually very reliable because you have created it. Secondary information can also be used to gain new ideas. We can use secondary information to do this because the information has already been created so we could just expand on the information to make it unique and our own. A combination of primary and secondary information is important because it means that we can monitor our own records and also monitor our competitor’s records so that we can always try to stay on top. Primary can be more important than secondary information because we are actually creating the informatio9n so it is 100% reliable whereas secondary information is not always be reliable because it was created by an unknown source. Verbal information is when it can be spoken, for example a phone call. In our company, we give verbal information to our staff and customers. We verbally give information to our staff because it is quick and easy. Written information is written down to pass information, for example a letter or email. We use written information to communicate because it can be used as confirmation and it is harder to be forgotten if you have it written down. We also give written confirmation to our customers all the time, for example receipts. We do this so there is proof of purchase and there is no mis understanding between the business and the customers. Multimedia can be shown through moving adverts or audio. It is a very effective way to present information because it engages the reader a lot more than a bit of writing on a piece of paper. We use multimedia in different ways, for example, on our website there are videos of our products being modelled and shown on the catwalk. We use multimedia in this way so our customers will stay engaged and will be more interested in our products if they see them on top models. Using a combination of verbal and written information is more effective than just using either one of them. Having a staff meeting is quick, easy and usually there isn’t any miscommunication. To guarantee that there has been no mis communication, you can send an email after the meeting has taken place just too highlight was said in the meeting. Verbal information is  sometimes better than written information because if we needed to pass information on to our team, having a meeting where we could easily speak to them all at once is more appropriate than using written information by sending an e-mail or letter where there could be mis-communication. Written information can be better than verbal information when for example we needed to confirm a purchase with a customer. We would need to give them a type of written confirmation because if the sale was done verbally, information could easily be forgotten or mis-communication could occur. To conclude I am going to summarise this report. The way we use internal and external information is very successful because H&M uses original ideas combined with ideas from customer feedback to improve the way the company functions. How primary and secondary information is used in the company is also successful. This is due to us using our own reliable information (primary) and comparing it to our competitor’s information (secondary) to monitor whether we are currently popular or not. Verbal and written information is the most effective way of transferring information within H&M. This is because there is a very small chance of mis-communication if verbal and written information is given properly. To fully conclude, H&M are transferring information successfully in all different ways.

Common Application Institutes Word Limit for College Application Essays

Common Application Institutes Word Limit for College Application Essays Preview of Common Application Available Now! Although the Common Application for college applications will not officially be available until August 1, commonapp.org has made a preview available so that on-the-ball upcoming seniors can get a head start on planning their application content.   The Common App Preview, complete with highlighted new or noteworthy information, is available now. There are several changes to the Common Application form since last year, including the addition of 48 new colleges and universities.   College consultant Nancy Griesemer   has already written about them quite eloquently, so I will not detail all the changes. I invite you to read her article, The Common Application Shares Changes for Next Year. Implications for the College Admissions Essay My particular interest is the essay portion of the application, and so it is pertinent to me that although the Common Application essay topic choices have not changed, the suggested length of the essay has.   Students are now requested to write 250-500 words on their chosen topic. Two hundred fifty to five hundred words?   That’s one short essay!   You may think initially, â€Å"Great!   Less to write!† But in actuality, it is harder to write a short essay than a long one.   I have pointed this phenomenon out and provided a few essay-shortening tips in a prior blog article, Cutting Your Writing Down to Size.   I encourage you to read it! Phrases to Eliminate from your College Application Essay If you are gearing up to write a 250-500 word college application essay, make sure to get clear about your priorities.   Don’t make the mistake of spending precious words or phrases like the following: Boring writing puts man to sleep â€Å"As I sat down to write this essay†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"I will always remember the time when†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  YAWN!! Look   you simply don’t have space to burn with such extraneous material.   Eliminate it, and focus, focus, focus. To help in the process of planning and writing your essay, read my series on specific essay topics, which you will receive as part of your subscription if you sign up for my College Admissions topic list.   You can sign up HERE. Note:   Another change to be aware of is that the short answer questions will be limited by characters (1000) instead of words (150).   Again, crafting pointed, clear answers is paramount. If you want highly personalized assistance with your college application essays, contact The Essay Expert for your FREE 15-minute consultation and to work with one of our Ivy League educated consultants.   We will make sure you have the best possible chance of getting in to the college of your choice.