Substance Abuse Counseling- Family Roles and Dynamics Assignment

Substance Abuse Counseling- Family Roles and Dynamics - Assignment Example For instance, in cases where parents are users of such substances like alcohol, the dependents always tend to follow suite, and especially for those whose parents were very prone to alcohol. A research conducted in the US found that almost half of all children (35.6 million) live in a household where a parent or other adult uses tobacco, drinks heavily or uses illicit drugs. Family wrangles and divorce have been a significant source of substance addiction and abuse. In a research conducted, it was found that children who were subjected to parental divorce can lead to a child’s risk to substance use. It was found that over 50% of teens whose parents had divorced were likely to drink alcohol than those who had both their parents (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 2005). Members of family of substance abusers regularly live in constant fear that their flimsy surroundings could collapse. Those families affected by substance abuse are usually characterized by marital problems, increased exposure to diseases, child neglect or abuse, inconsistent childcare, exposure to crime, social isolation, children’s academic problems, domestic violence, shifting family roles, and financial difficulties. In financial problems, substance abusers are exposed to long-term unemployment, injuries/accidents at work, and job instability; this puts their families under intense financial pressure (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 2005). For instance, time spent assisting a substance abusing family member can minimize the time available for work and this ultimately minimizes family earnings. In another instance, substance abuse in a family increases the probability of divorce and unhappy marriages. It is suggested that substance abuse in a family can influence its quality. Poorer relations in a marriage are more likely in alcoholic men

An overview of IEEE 802.11 (wireless network standard) Essay

An overview of IEEE 802.11 (wireless network standard) - Essay Example It is the most widely used wireless network standard. 802.11b standard was ratified by IEEE in 1999. The main features of this standard are as given below.These features are adequate for most data transfer applications and for accessing internet but might be inadequate for multimedia acce It might also face problems when users in large number access the network from a single access point. The frequency of operation, i.e., 2.4 GHz, coincides with the spectrum used by cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. Therefore the interference problems are more likely to occur.802.11a suits to the conditions of multiple users accessing the network with high data rates. It is best suited for classrooms where students can access multimedia, digital video or database packages (BECTA, 2005).IEEE accepts the 802 standard logical link control (LLC) protocol. It also offers, for the purpose of wireless communication, physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) sub layers. There are two physical layers offered by 802.11 namely, direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). According to the transmission methods and frequencies 802.11 is categorised into three main groups; 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g. The main features of these three categories have already been stated above. The main drawback of 802.11a is that it is not backward compatible with 802.11b as both of them use a different frequency spectrum. This results in lesser interest of users towards 802.11a. The advantage of 802.11a, however, is that it operates in 5 GHz spectrum which can be used unlicensed. The 2.4 GHz spectrum used by other two standards interferes with that of other devices such as cordless phones and microwave ovens. The 802.11 MAC supports two basic medium access protocols: contention-based distributed coordination function (DCF) and optional point coordination function (PCF). (Zhu, Hua, Li, Ming, Chlamtac, Imrich & Prabhakaran, B., 2004). PCF causes the wireles s channel to be divided into super frames. Super frames in turn provides two periods, a contention-free period (CFP) for PCF and a contention period (CP) for DCF. There is a device known as point co-ordinator which is usually an access point (AP). The point co-ordinator polls for grant of access to the wireless channel at the start of CFP. On obtaining the channel, it checks the stations regularly and sets priorities to these stations as per their importance, i.e., their

Customer centrality within the organization of mcdonalds

Customer centrality within the organization of mcdonalds Introduction This report will assess the degree to which the organization of McDonalds is customer centred. Established in 1955 as a small Illinois neighbourhood restaurant, McDonalds has developed rapidly in becoming one of the worlds best known brands of fast food with over 30,000 restaurants in over 120 countries and with 2001 sales in excess of $40 billion the company claims to be the worlds largest food service organisation (Jones et al,2002). The McDonalds brand continues to enhance its worldwide reputation to this day, the main reason behind this continual success is because the organization listens to its customers needs and expectations. It is imperative that McDonalds remain customer focussed due to the vast amount of competition in the fast food sector, customer orientation is critical to business profitability (Donaldson,1993; Narver and Slater,1990) and is a necessary antecedent of competitive advantage (Ganesan,1994; Williamson,1991). The typical McDonalds customer cannot be stereotyped or defined. In an attempt to categorize the typical McDonalds customer market research has been carried out which identifies different types of customers, for example (www.mcdonalds.com): A parent with two children Visits the restaurant to give children a treat. Children View McDonalds as a fun place to eat. A Business Customer Visits during the daytime as service is fast, the food is good quality and can be eaten whilst on the move. Teenagers Attracted by the Saver Menu and the affordable food, Wi-Fi internet access is also an attraction. This report will attempt to assess specific parameters of focus for consideration with regard to customer centrality. The literature review will discuss several marketing concepts and models with the key concept being the 7 Ps Marketing Mix, by investigating how the 7 Ps model is integral to customer centrality various other concepts will arise as part of the marketing mix model. Literature Review An organization which realizes that profits come from customers, not from products, will establish systems to measure and manage customer profitability (Marketing Management,2003). In order to appreciate and understand how customer relationships are critical for profitable organisations we need to understand the key fundamental marketing principles. Once these key principles have been discussed the author will discuss how these fundamental principles are applied within the organization of McDonalds. The Marketing Mix Concept A consumer-centred organisation is focussed upon and structured around, identifying and satisfying the demands of its customers (Marketing-Management,2009). The marketing mix management paradigm has dominated marketing thought, research and practice since it was introduced almost 40 years ago (Gronroos,1994). The marketing mix comprises four levers, by utilising the mix an organization can position themselves or their products in a way that makes them attractive to target consumers. Kotler and Keller (2006) define an organisations marketing mix as a set of tools that work together to affect the marketplace. Todays marketing emphasis is on that of customer relations due to the competitiveness of the economy McCarthy (1964) developed the early marketing mix models and formulated the 4Ps concept consisting of product, price, promotion and place. Since its conception the 4Ps became treated as the unchallenged basic model of marketing (Gronroos,1994) resulting in most other models and approaches being overlooked and discounted in preference of this model. Traditionally the marketing mix has consisted of the 4 Ps however Gronroos (2000) points out that during the last two decades marketing researchers have increasingly found that the list of 4 Ps is too restrictive and morevariables have been suggestedsuch as people, processes and physical evidence. The 4Ps framework is thought to be most relevant for introductory marketing and consumer marketing as opposed to services marketing (Rafiq et al,1995). Gronroos (1994) argues that a list of categories of marketing variablescan never be considered a very one.A list never includes all relevant elements, it does not fit every situation and becomes obsolete. Crittenden (2007) backs up this statement with her view that relying upon the tactical aspects of the marketing mix (4Ps) is insufficient for long -term success . Gronroos (1994) argues that the four Ps constitute a production-orientated definition of marketing, and not a market-orientated or customer-orientated one. Swartz et al (1973) adds validity to this statement in observing that some experts feel that public relations should be recognized as a distinctive marketing mix variable. Gronroos (1999) also argues that customer relations should form part of the marketing mix concept the marketing mix approach does not cover all resources and activities that appear in the customer relationshipsof the customer relationship life cycle, he states that the 4Ps are far too simplistic. Crittenden (2007) argues this point in saying the successful simplicity of the 4P framework has allowed it to remain strong as an organizing method. The 4 Ps concept is perceived as too restrictive, as it is centred more towards short term transactions rather, the concepts failure is that it does not concentrate on the importance of building and maintaining long term relationships with customers (Marketing Management,2003). In order to achieve customer centrality within the marketing mix concept Booms and Bitner (1981) proposed that the existing four elements of the marketing mix be extended to include three additional elements: physical evidence, people and processes. This revised marketing mix model is known as the 7 Ps with the concept used mostly within service industries and knowledge intensive environments. McDonalds uses the marketing mix concept with regards to customer centrality by utilising the framework in the manner; Product This area covers all aspects with regards to creation, development and management of products (Brassington Pettitt,2003). Some are physical products; others intangible personal services, the product can include non-core items such as packaging and after-sales service. A huge amount of choice is available on the McDonalds menu, McDonalds places considerable emphasis on developing a menu which customers want (McDonalds,2009). McDonalds product popularity is supported by the following customer statement; you can always rely on them to get it rightfor convenience they cannot really be beaten (Jones et al,2002). Price Price represents on a unit base what the company receives for the product or service which is being marketed (Jobber,2001). The price of a product or service may portray it being a quality item or a desirable one (Brassington Pettitt, 2003). A customer statement with regards to the price at McDonalds; it is a real treat for the family and is very good valuegood cheap foodfits the student lifestyle (Jones et al,2002) McDonalds state that the danger of using low price as a marketing tool is that the customer may feel that a low price is indicative of compromised quality. McDonalds acknowledge that they are in a competitive market but realise they are market leaders benchmarking product quality against price. Promotions Promotion is concerned with how the product of service is made available to its target audience (Jobber,2001). McDonalds promotes its products and brand to customers through numerous methods such as sales promotions, direct mail, exhibitions, seminars, loyalty schemes, demonstrations and telemarketing. The McDeals in-store consumer communication and loyalty program provides customers with personal, customised purchase incentives, offers and sweepstakes at the point-of-sale (www.mcdonalds.com). With regards to customer centrality, promotion needs to be based on consumer-perception through use of the media to reach the target audience. McDonalds recently launched m-Venue which allows customers to access in-store digital content such as music, music videos and movie previews with their mobile phones or laptops whilst enjoying their food this service is of no cost to the customer (www.akoo.com). McDonalds customers are also given the chance to win various prizes ranging from food vouche rs to cash and sports cars via in-store game-based promotions (www.mcdonalds.com). Place Place is concerned with distribution channels and consumer service levels (Baker, 1999). Place refers to decisions about the ways in which products can be most effectively distributed to the final consumer, either directly or through intermediaries. Customers can interact with McDonalds on their website which can be used as an effective data gathering tool for relationship marketing. McDonalds restaurants are strategically placed in convenient locations, in retail outlets, motorway services and busy city/town centres the aforementioned locations are either associated with leisure or relaxation activities. By strategically placing their restaurants McDonalds position themselves within the required target market. Although many marketers agree that the 4 Ps model is limited in its application, some marketers still recognise the concept as the holy quadrupleof the marketing faithwritten in tablets of stone (Kent,1986). Crittenden (2007) argues that the marketing machine must rigorously reflect the 4 Cs axiom of marketing (customer centrality, competitive capabilities, company collaborations, cyclical connections). Crittenden (2007) states that the 4 Cs must be used in conjunction with the tactical components of the 4 Ps of the marketing mix, the 4 Cs are referred to as the strategic components. Crittenden argues that marketing as a truly integrated function must use its 4 Ps as necessary components, this statements conflicts with that of Gronroos (1999) who says that the 7 Ps concept should be viewed separately, with relationship marketing suggested as one new paradigm . Crittenden (2007) states that marketers would be wise to give attention to the 4 Cs of marketing and harmonize the Ps and Cs for a stronger, more powerful marketing machine it could be argued that in doing this the strategic Cs would effectively cover the relationship marketing aspect of the marketing mix. Interestingly the 4 C axiom states customer centrality as an element, Crittenden (2007) states that the customer is touted as the predominant theme of the marketing conceptthe satisfaction of customers wants and needs is a major force in the world of marketing she goes on to say that the customer must be central to the companys focus, as their satisfaction is crucial to company success. McDonalds chief operating officer, Charlie Bell, supports the core concepts of the marketing mix framework in the following statement; To achieve our four business objectives attracting more customers, increasing frequency, building brand loyalty, and increasing productivity we will concentrate on the five drivers of superior customers experiences: people, products, place, price, and promotion. (www.mcdonalds.com) Marketing orientation is critical for todays organizations, adopting a marketing function forms part of an organizations process but being market orientated is critical, Ottesen et al (2002). Gronroos (1994) states that along within the development of market orientation an organization needs to develop true market orientation and a real appreciation for the needs and desires of the customers. Within many organizations the marketing department, and organization unit is separate from the rest of the organization, the department is critical to taking care of the fulfilment of customer needs and desires (Gronroos,1994). Gronroos (1994) says that the psychological effect on the rest of the organization of a separate marketing department is, in the long run, often devastating to the development of a customer orientation or market orientation in a firm. Gronroos (1994) states that marketing specialists organized in a marketing department may get alienated from the customers with no interact ion between customer and marketing specialist the customer become mere numbers with a lack of qualitative data an organization will suffer. Moller (1992) emphasises the aforementioned Gronroos point by stating from the functional view of marketing mix management our focus has extended to the strategic role of marketing, aspects of service marketing, political dimensions of channel management, interactions in industrial networks; to mention just a few trends. Crittenden (2005) supports the strategic marketing concept by stating if firms are truly to become market-orientated, the marketing function itself must become more strategic in its orientation. Michaels (1982) stressed that No-one person, system, or technique will make a company marketing orientated whist also pointing out that a marketing orientation cannot be achieved overnight. Kotler and Keller (2006) also stress the importance of structuring the organization to focus on the customer by management educating themselves and their staff about their marketing focus to show how it will support long-lasting success in the marketplace. McDonalds takes a commitment to continuous training, from counter staff level, right through to senior executives (Tomkins, 1995). This rule applies to all levels and functions within an organization who must share a common commitment if they are to work together in the interest of the consumers. Kotler and Keller (2006) highlight the point that without the support of top management, the focus on customer satisfaction advocated by the marketing orientation will not become the guiding orientation for organisational decisions. Gronroos (1994) highlights the fact that most organizations the non-marketing specialists outnumber the marketing specialists, in order to achieve true market orientation the non-specialist or part-time marketer (Gummesson,1990) within an organization is critical as the part-time marketer interacts with the customer more frequently than that of the full-time marketer (specialist). Gummesson, (1990) states that the full-time marketers are not able to handle more than a limited portion of the marketing as its staff cannot be at the right place at the right time with the right customer contacts thus placing the customer interaction emphasis on the part-time marketer. Internal marketing is considered a prerequisite for successful external marketing (Compton et al,1987), if the internal market of employees are not s uccessfully taken care of..the success of the organizations operations on its ultimate , external markets will be jeopardised (Gronroos,1990). Gronroos introduced the perceived service quality concept in 1982, this new concept introduced the interactive marketing function. This function was brought in to cover the marketing impact on the customer during the consumption of usage process, where the consumer of a service typically interacts with the systems, physical resources and employees of the service provider (Gronroos,1994). The interactive marketing function recognizes that every component human as well as other in producing a service, every production resource used and every stage in the service production and delivery process, should be the concern of marketing as well, and not considered operations or personnel problems only (Gronroos,1990). Once Gronroos had introduced this system the servuction concept was developed which pioneered the field of services marketing (Eiglier and Langeard,1987)) of services marketing. Servuction is the process of producing services and is essential to any organization operating in the services segment and deals with, to great extent the employees and the inner organization (Eiglier and Langeard,1987). With respect to McDonalds service quality Ken Tomkins (1995) states the quality will be consistent, the service fast and friendly, the cleanliness exemplary, and the value second to none. Part-time marketers are key to the servuction concept with an organization as the impact of the part-time marketers as well as the customer orientation of systems, technology and physical resources is paramount to the success of interactive marketing (Gronroos,1990). The marketing success of a firm is only partly determined by the full-time marketersthe part-time marketers of a service provider may often hav e a much more important impact on the future purchasing decisions of a customer (Gronroos,1994). If a company was to abide by the principles set within the 4 Ps concept there would be no personalized relationship with the producer and marketer of a product due to the clinical approach, which makes the seller the active part and the consumer passive (Gronroos,1994) There are numerous other key issues within relationship marketing, with two vital concepts which should not be ignored, these are the promise concept and trust concept (belief is a direct resultant of trust). Calonius (1988) emphasizes that the responsibilities of marketing do not only, or predominantly, include giving promises and thus persuading customers as passive counterparts on the market to act in a given way. If an organization makes a promise to its customer and does not fulfil the promise the evolving relationship cannot be maintained and enhanced (Calonius,1988). Trust, a willingness to rely on an exchange partner in whom one has confidence (Moorman et al,1993). From this definition it can be seen that there has to be belief in the organizations trustworthiness that results from the expertise, reliability or intentionality of an organization (Gronroos,1994). The concept of relationship marketing as opposed to transaction marketing was introduced by Berry (1983) who observes that clearly, marketing to protect the customer base is becoming exceedingly important to a variety of service industries. Gronroos (1990) formulates a relationship definition of marketing which states Marketing to establish, maintain, enhance and commercialize customer relationships (often but not necessarily always long term relationships) so that the objectives of the parties involved are met. This is done by mutual exchange and fulfilment promises. Transaction-type strategys are usually facilitated in an organization pursuing a traditional marketing mix approach, whereas an organization applying a relationship marketing approach will focus specifically on the additional 3 Ps of people, physical evidence and processes which in turn will use the servuction concept to ascertain customer expectations and needs. An organization pursuing a relationship strategy has created more value for its customers than that which is provided by the core product alone (Gronroos,1994). As customer interaction is enhanced through relationship marketing the customer recognises this added value, Gronroos (1994) states relationship marketing makes customers less price sensitive. Philip Lempert (www.supermarketguru.com) supports Gronroos statement People understand they get what they pay for, and as long as the food is good and its a comfortable atmosphere, theyre willing to pay repeatedly for it. Marketing trend analysts suggest that slashing prices to attract the customer isnt always the answer, it will aid retention of existing customers but may deter new custom due to perceived quality (www.SupermarketGuru.com). Conclusion It is evident through this report that McDonalds as an organization is extremely customer focussed. By carrying out research within the marketing mix concept it can be seen that all of the 7Ps and associated models are utilised by McDonalds. Through use of the servuction concept McDonalds has succeeded in establishing a highly trained internal and external workforce which has resulted in high levels of customer service ultimately resulting in consistently high sales and customer retention and acquisition. The literature review further emphasises the fact that McDonalds have carried out extensive research within its market area by implementing a successful market segmentation strategy to satisfy the different customer needs and expectations within the marketplace. McDonalds service marketing strategy is testament to the additional three Ps of the marketing mix. Success of the overall service within the organization is due to the fact that the organization has critically identified all areas within the fundamental four Ps approach and emphatically succeeded in fulfilling all requirements with regards to segmenting, targeting, positioning and establishing an organizations which is customer central. The success of McDonalds customer centrality is not achieved by default, the organization has differentiated itself within a competitive market by excelling in customer relations. There are several fast food retailers within the sector who have a customer base achieved by default but it is not evident to the marketplace that they have focussed on customer centrality as a priority which is in vast contrast to the philosophy of McDonalds which structures its organization around the demands of the customer. The following statement typifies the way in which McDonalds views its organization; We strive to be a progressive market leader and we can only stay ahead of the rest by listening to the most important ambassadors of our brand our customers! (www.mcdonalds.com). The philosophy of customer centrality is imperative to service organisations as long as the relationship marketing concept is integrated within a successful marketing mix approach. Product orientated organisations could benefit from focussing on customer centrality by adopting relationship marketing. Transactional based marketing should not be viewed separately in its application as integration of relationship marketing within a transactional based model could result in increase in perceived quality, customer retention and overall satisfaction.

Clean Up Your Room! :: essays research papers

Clean Up Your Room! Short Story by: Laura Anne Gilman   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ever get woken up by your mom or robot, and they want you to clean up your room right away. Well in this novel Laura Anne Gilman makes this come true. She has been an author/editor for quite some time. In this particular book she makes the setting in a house. In this house a robot named Mum (Maternal Uplink and Monitor) controls every thing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clean Up Your Room! Even though it is a plain title it goes with the story. On one early morning the main character Jessy gets woken up. Usually she sleeps in forever, but not this morning. She is working on this program (MUM) to make it perfect. Made for parents to have the perfect baby sitter that they can trust. Mum can clean, cook, and make you exercise. But it always seems to have an error in it. Except this morning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This book is an Internal Conflict. Based on important decisions Jessy has to make. As Mum keeps surprising her with all that she knows she wants to keep going along with it. To see if she has created what she hopes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jessy has a partner Greg that helps program Mum. In the book it talks about him creating the tone of voice the Mum uses. When Mum tells Jessy to come to breakfast she uses a deep voice. Mum also doest want her to be working at the table. In some cases if she is on the phone but supposed to be exercising, she will disconnect the phones. Jessy doesn’t like this and tells mum. â€Å" I am the programmer you are the program. You have to consult me when completing an objective.† That is an complication that moves central action.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the end of the book they are ready to put Mum on the market. Maybe it will be a great success and very useful. Both Jessy and Greg or excited and can’t wait to see the outcome.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s time to review this short story. In my opinion this was a good Science Fiction book. Clean Up Your Room! :: essays research papers Clean Up Your Room! Short Story by: Laura Anne Gilman   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ever get woken up by your mom or robot, and they want you to clean up your room right away. Well in this novel Laura Anne Gilman makes this come true. She has been an author/editor for quite some time. In this particular book she makes the setting in a house. In this house a robot named Mum (Maternal Uplink and Monitor) controls every thing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clean Up Your Room! Even though it is a plain title it goes with the story. On one early morning the main character Jessy gets woken up. Usually she sleeps in forever, but not this morning. She is working on this program (MUM) to make it perfect. Made for parents to have the perfect baby sitter that they can trust. Mum can clean, cook, and make you exercise. But it always seems to have an error in it. Except this morning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This book is an Internal Conflict. Based on important decisions Jessy has to make. As Mum keeps surprising her with all that she knows she wants to keep going along with it. To see if she has created what she hopes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jessy has a partner Greg that helps program Mum. In the book it talks about him creating the tone of voice the Mum uses. When Mum tells Jessy to come to breakfast she uses a deep voice. Mum also doest want her to be working at the table. In some cases if she is on the phone but supposed to be exercising, she will disconnect the phones. Jessy doesn’t like this and tells mum. â€Å" I am the programmer you are the program. You have to consult me when completing an objective.† That is an complication that moves central action.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the end of the book they are ready to put Mum on the market. Maybe it will be a great success and very useful. Both Jessy and Greg or excited and can’t wait to see the outcome.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s time to review this short story. In my opinion this was a good Science Fiction book.

Public Health and Nutrition Essay

Final In-Class Essay: Fast Food Nation Choose one of the topics below, and brainstorm, plan and write an argumentative, thesis-driven essay of at least 600 words. You may use your copy of FFN; you will have two hours. Your essay, as always, should: Provide a short, separate introduction that presents the issue and then segues into an explicit thesis with several concrete reasons to back it up. Develop each reason in a body paragraph that offers textual evidence (quotes and/or paraphrases) and your own analysis of the issue. Provide a conclusion summarizing your main points and leaving a closing thought. Don’t forget to proofread for grammar errors, as they can bring your grade down. Good luck! Topic A: Fast Food and Worker Safety In the Fast Food Nation chapter â€Å"The Most Dangerous Job,† Eric Schlosser describes the gruelling, exploitive, injury-laden, low-paying jobs of meat-packing workers who handle the cattle that eventually become hamburgers. Schlosser explains how—for different reasons—the OSHA has been unable to enforce effective safety regulations needed to protect workers. Based on this chapter, discuss why the OSHA must have stricter regulations for the meatpacking industry. How has the OSHA been disempowered? To what extent has this federal agency’s enforcement abilities been reduced, and with what consequences? How will giving OSHA more power benefit the employees and the general public? What particular industries and jobs especially need OSHA to be given more enforcement powers? Why? Provide several (at least two or three) specific reasons to support this claim, and, of course, quote and paraphrase from FFN to develop your argument. Topic B: There’s S**t in the Meat! As we have read about and discussed this semester, one major problem with the  largely unregulated fast food industry is that—in the words of a character in the film Fast Food Nation—â€Å"There’s s**t in the meat!† As Schlosser explains in FFN, this is because a potentially deadly bacteria known as E. coli O157:H7 can and does get into the beef supply that makes the millions of hamburgers which people eat at fast food restaurants. Based on Schlosser’s discussion of this problem (and, if you’d like, the scenes we saw from the film version of FFN), explain why the government must implement stricter regulations and enforcement for beef producers in order to protect people’s health. Describe why the current, unregulated system is dangerous, and how greater government regulation will increase people’s safety. Provide several specific reasons to support this claim. Topic C: Fast Food and Communities In the Fast Food Nation chapter â€Å"Cogs in the Great Machine,† Eric Schlosser presents us with some ways in which the fast food industry changes communities for the worse. He provides examples like the town of Greeley, Colorado, as well as other places, whose communities have been irrevocably changed by the fast food industry when slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants set up shop there. For this topic, discuss several specific ways in which the fast food industry harms communities. According to Schlosser, what specific problems does a community often face when its economy is partly or largely based on fast-food related jobs, as is the case in Greeley? How do these problems form because of the fast food industry? What kinds of people (what specific groups—immigrants, young people, etc.) in communities like Greeley suffer, and how? In what ways does a town or city’s quality of life decrease with the arrival of a slaughterhouse, meatpacking plant, or perhaps eve n fast-food restaurants? Why should communities fight to keep these kind of facilities out?

Full Day Kindergarten Essay

Full day kindergarten should be mandatory and of no extra cost for all of the elementary schools. This will boost the children’s academic achievement. The children that are exposed to full day kindergarten will learn more in literacy and mathematics than those in half-day kindergarten. The students that are in a full day program get to spend more time on their math, writing, and reading activities. The full day students also get the advantage of being able to participate in gym, art, and music classes. The half-day students do not get to experience gym, art, or music class. I have seen results first hand because I chose to put my son in a full day kindergarten versus the half-day. I chose to bring my son to a school that is located in Fridley so that he could receive the benefits of the full day kindergarten. The half-day program that Blaine offers has a very undesirable schedule for parents who work. The half-day schedule for Blaine elementary school is full days Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday. I think that the earlier the educational intervention begins the higher the impact and the more likely the effects will be retained. Other than the health of a child, I think that nothing should be more important than their education. Giving children the opportunity to be in a full day kindergarten program gives them opportunities that the half-day students do not receive. One of the opportunities is being able to spend more time on reading, writing, and math. The teachers also have more time to sit one on one with each student one or in small groups and work on these skills. They also have a different theme for each month that they focus on. Some examples of the themes are the solar system, U. S.  presidents, maps, and the celebrations around the world. Children also absorb things more easily when they are younger. Being a mother of a full day kindergarten student, I see the results of the extra reading, writing, and math that the teacher does with him. My son is one of the youngest in his class and he is reading at a first grade level. As for his writing, he attempt to write big words using phonics. For example, I came home one day a few months ago and he had written on his dry erase board â€Å"I see a red ladebug†. He also brought home a worksheet that he had written about his favorite fruits. On this worksheet, he had written â€Å"watrmlon†. As far as his math goes, he is always measuring things in the house with a kid’s yard ruler. The themes that they work on each month give the students the ability to know what is going on in the world around them. My son came home from school one day and told me that there was a planet that was not considered a planet anymore. I did not know this and I was in complete awe. According to Debra Ackerman, â€Å"Children in full day kindergarten programs score higher on their achievement test than those in half-day programs. Full-day kindergarten advocates suggest that a longer school day provides educational support that ensures a productive beginning school experience and increases the chances of future school success. In both full-day and half-day programs, kindergartners spend most of their class time working on reading, language arts, and math activities, but the total number of minutes teachers devote to specific subjects differs. For example, 80 percent of full day but only about 50 percent of half-day programs devote more than 30 minutes each day to mathematics instruction. Sixty-eight percent of full day but only 37 percent of half-day classrooms dedicate at least 60 minutes to reading instruction each day. Perhaps most striking, 79 percent of full-day teachers read aloud to their students every day, compared to 62 percent of half-day teachers. Reading aloud is a critical activity in helping to develop children’s reading skills. Additional research shows children’s literacy learning is enhanced in full-day programs, as the full-day schedule provides a more intensive, ongoing, enriched language and literacy experience for the young child. † (Ackerman) Children in full day kindergarten programs score higher on their achievement test than those in half-day programs. I asked my son’s kindergarten teacher, Ms. Janssen, what the average for reading was for her class. Ms. Janssen stated that the majority of her students are already in the first grade reading level as of the end of the second trimester. As said by the Indiana Association of Public School Super Intendants, â€Å"Full day kindergarten programs are associated with greater reading achievement gains during the kindergarten year than half day programs†. (Plucker, 6) The students are graded on their writing and math abilities as well. According to the Kalamazoo Public Schools reports, â€Å"The group of kindergartners advanced in 2010 to first grade at Kalamazoo Public School, where 60 percent tested at or above the 50th percentile in reading on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills last April. That’s a 7-point increase compared to Kalamazoo Public School first-graders tested in April 2009, Rice said. On the Iowa Test Basic Skills math test, 52 percent of first-graders tested at or above the 50th percentile last spring, a 12-point jump over spring 2009. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills are administered in schools nationwide and is a norm-referenced test, which means scores are based on how students perform compared to other test-takers. The Kalamazoo Public School results show that 60 percent of Kalamazoo students are in the top half of first-graders nationwide in reading and 52 percent are in the top half in math. † (Mack) Children who are in full day kindergarten have better social and behavioral effects than those who are in half-day kindergarten. When children are in school for the full day they have more time to get to know the other students. They get more time to interact together socially and they are learning while they are interacting. The students also get to go to specialists and they go with their classmates. Some of the specialists that Hayes Elementary offers are music, art, Spanish, and gym. Going to the specialist is something that the full day kindergarteners get to do and the half-day kindergarteners do not get to do. These students also get to spend more time with the teacher. This means that they will be less hesitant to approach their teacher. According to Clark, â€Å"Some researchers have examined social and behavioral effects. According to researchers, a clear relationship emerged between the kindergarten schedule and children’s behavior. Teachers rated children in all-day kindergarten programs higher on 9 of the 14 dimensions; there were no significant differences on the other 5 dimensions. Other researchers who have studied social and behavioral outcomes found that children in all-day kindergarten programs were engaged in more child-to-child interactions and they made significantly greater progress in learning social skills†. (Clark) In the kindergarten classrooms of Hayes Elementary, the students get into groups called centers. During this center time, the teacher takes a group of five students to a table to do independent reading and the rest of the students go to a center. The centers are groups of three or four students and the students get to interact socially while doing something educational. Some examples of the centers are writing center, listening center, leapster center, and art center. The writing center is where the students can write freely. The listening center is where the students put on headphones, listen to directions, and write down what they hear. The leapster center is where the students get to play a handheld learning game that integrates math, reading, and spelling in the games. Finally, the art center is where the students get to draw and color what they want. When the time is up the students clean up as groups. A full day of learning offers many social and emotional benefits to kindergarteners. As stated by NEA, â€Å"They have more time to focus and reflect on activities, and they have more time to transition between activities. When children are taught by qualified teachers, using age-appropriate curricula in small classes they can take full advantage of the additional learning time—social, emotional, and intellectual— that a full day allows. Further, research finds that children adjust well to the full-day format. † (NEA) The full day kindergarten teachers plan and use the extra time in class well. The time in class is spent differently in both the full day kindergarten and the half-day kindergarten. According to the research that the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, â€Å"The research provides evidence that time in full day kindergarten programs is different both quantitatively and qualitatively from how time is used in half day programs† (Plucker, ii). Full day kindergarten offers benefits to teachers. Teachers prefer the full day program to the half-day program. If there is a child that is struggling with something, the teacher has the ability to find time to help that student. There is also more time to finish activities. According to Ms. Janssen, â€Å"With the full day program I am able to get through four reading groups versus two reading groups in one day. With the full day program we are able to go more in depth on our unit that we focus on in class. † (Janssen) According to the NEA, â€Å"Switching to full-day kindergarten gave teachers more time to plan the curriculum, incorporate a greater number of thematic units into the school year, and offer more in-depth coverage of each unit. † (NEA) In the half-day programs there is less time for multiple activities. According to Dr. Martinez, â€Å"Many kindergarten teachers favor full day kindergarten because they find it difficult to balance cognitive activities and affective social activities in the short kindergarten day. † (Martinez, 2) Teachers also prefer full day kindergarten because there is more instructional time than that of a half-day kindergarten program. As stated by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, â€Å" Across all of the schools in the Indiana sample, the proportion of instructional time is similar across program types, resulting in much greater instructional time in full day programs, representing approximately 40-50% more instruction in full day programs than half-day programs†. (Plucker, ii) Teachers also have the benefit of getting to know the students and their parents better. According to Dr. Martinez, â€Å"Teachers state that they have a chance to know children and parents better, to do more individualization of instruction, and to expand the curriculum horizontally. † (Dr. Martinez) There are so many benefits for the children. A very important benefit is that the full day kindergarteners have the opportunity to an easier transition into the first grade because they are already used to the full day schedule. The time that the students get to spend with the teacher is a great benefit as well. The extra time that is spent with the teacher is as much beneficial for the teacher as it is for the students. According to the research from Dr. Martinez, â€Å"Teachers thought children developed closer relationships and were more relaxed in the full-day program and felt more a part of the school. Teachers indicated they were able to give more individual attention to students and that children had more time to develop both academic and socialization skills. Teachers noted they could work more on the continuing development of each child and felt children showed more advancement. Teachers indicated they felt closer to the children and that they got to know both child and family better. Some indicated in the full day they felt more flexible, were more relaxed and spontaneous, and felt better prepared to meet with parents. † (Dr. Martinez, 6) The time that the students get to spend on activities is another great benefit. According to NEA, â€Å"in a study evaluating teachers’ views on full-day kindergarten, teachers reported a number of benefits for themselves as well as children and parents. Participating in full day eased the transition to first grade, helping children adapt to the demand of a six-hour day. Having more time available in the school day offered more flexibility and more time to do activities during free choice times. Having more time actually made the kindergarten program less stressful and frustrating for children because they had time to fully develop an interest in activities. Participating in  the full-day schedule allows more appropriate academic challenges for children at all developmental levels. Children with developmental delays or those at risk for school problems benefited from having more time to complete projects and more time for needed socialization with peers and teachers. † (NEA) Full day kindergarten offers more benefits to the students that are at risk and children that come from educational and economical disadvantaged homes. If the full day kindergarten programs cost money, as most do, they cost around 3000 dollars per child for the year. The 3000 dollars is charged to the parents of the child. The children that come from the educationally and economically disadvantaged homes would not be able to attend because of the cost. These children are the ones that benefit from the program the most. According to the Indiana Superintendents, â€Å"Students at or below the poverty level enrolled in full day kindergarten scored statistically significantly higher in math and reading than their half day counterparts. Poor children enrolled in full day kindergarten programs tested statistically significantly above half day pupils on reading, spatial, and verbal skills, naming colors and letters, and identifying numerals. †(Plucker, 6) Parents prefer full day kindergarten as well. I as a mother prefer the full day kindergarten program to the half-day program. One of the advantages is that I do not have to figure out childcare and who would bring my son to the childcare. Trying to figure out childcare and school between my job schedule would be undesirable. As said by Dr. Martinez, â€Å"Full-day kindergarten saves parents day-care problems, while providing children a comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate program. Parents said that children often feel more stress when they have to go from a school situation to a day-care environment, where different rules and philosophies apply. Therefore, parents favor a full-day program, which reduces the number of transitions kindergartners experience in a typical day. † (Dr. Martinez) Full day kindergarten also takes a huge cost out of many parents’ monthly budget including mine. Even though some people would be against this and say, â€Å"Why would I have to pay for your childcare? † I would say that many parents including myself pay taxes too. Their parents wanted them to have the best education that they could have gotten. Most importantly, I know that my son and many other children are getting the best out of their day while they are in school. They are having fun while they are learning. My son enjoys being in school. If he had a choice, he would go on Saturdays and Sundays. Children attending full day kindergarten spend the day learning instead of watching television or playing video games. Full-day kindergarten provides parents with better support for their children. According to NEA, â€Å"For parents who work outside the home, full-day kindergarten means that children do not have to be shuffled between home, school, and childcare. For all parents, there is more continuity and less disruption in the child’s day and more time for focused and independent learning. One study of parent attitudes found that after the second year of a full-day kindergarten program, 100 percent of full-day parents, and 72 percent of half-day parents noted that, if given the opportunity again, they would have chosen full-day kindergarten for their child†. (NEA). In conclusion, having full day kindergarten should be mandatory. There are many benefits of the full day kindergarten program. The benefits are not limited to the students. Teachers and parents also get great benefits out of the full day program. According to MaryBeth, â€Å"Research has shown that it is important to begin learning early in life. School systems that have implemented the academically based full day kindergarten are finding it to be successful. † (Calvin) If I had to choose again if a child of mine was going to go to full day or half-day kindergarten, I would not even have to think twice. A child’s education should be one of the most important things to think about. These children will be the future and they need a great education to get there. * Works Cited Calvin, MaryBeth. Expectations for Kindergarten in 2010. 3 February 2010. 3 March 2011. Clark, Patricia. Recent Research on All Day Kindergarten. 2004. 4 March 2011. Debra J Ackerman, W. S. Making the Most of Kindergarten. March 2005. 4 March 2011. Janssen.