The Importance of Studying Sociology - 1106 Words

The study of Sociology helps us to understand the human social relationships, why we are as we are and why we act as we do. Today’s world is a complex place, as the world continues to change and bring new ways to living with and relating to others new problems in society appeared. Sociology has a great importance as is the best approach to understand the social phenomena. The study of sociology includes the study of social behaviour and social change which can reveal how society shapes our lives and how our behaviour changes. It helps us to understand such things as diversity, globalization, the changing world, social interaction, economics and social work. Consequently the study of sociology is a guide for research in a truly scientific and empirical way of social phenomena. The study of sociology recognizes the problems of society and develops the capacity to provide solutions to social problems in order to have cohesion and stability in the society. It also helps to develop the individual capacity of having a critical view of large social trends. Sociology studies how our individual lives and personal troubles are shaped by institutions and formal organizations. How the development of those affect to the social interaction. As societies grow larger and more complex it is necessary to provide stable patters to support the human needs. It is through sociology that with the study of social institutions or formal organizations helps to have more precise knowledge about theShow MoreRelatedWhat Is the Importance of Studying Sociology?967 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is the importance of studying sociology? Of the various social sciences, sociology seems to be the youngest. It is gradually developing. Still it has remarkable progress. Its uses are recognized widely today. In modern times, there is a growing realization of the importance of the scientific study of social phenomena and the means of promoting what Prof. Giddings calls human adequacy (human welfare). The study of sociology has a great value especially in modern complex society. Some of theRead MoreSociology Is The Scientific Study Of Society And Human Behavior895 Words   |  4 Pagesto the Marriam Webster dictionary, the simple definition of sociology is â€Å"the study of society, social institution, and social relationships. Based on the textbook, â€Å"sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior† (G-6). Through the two definitions, one can deduce that the study of Sociology is a discipline that explains and analysis the human culture in terms of their social relationships and social institutions. Sociology is a study that explains the social world which human beingsRead MoreDifference Between Max Weber And Emile Durkheim1286 Words   |  6 PagesTwo of the fathers of sociology, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, each worked to establish sociology as a distinct subject of study. However, their understandings of the underpinnings of sociology, and there fore the methods best used to study it, were very different. Together, they give the modern sociologist competing, yet complimentary, tools with which to understand social phenomena. When writing his book, Suicide: A Study in Sociology, Emile Durkheim wanted to show that empirical data could be usedRead MoreEssay about Personal Statement: My Reason to Study Law556 Words   |  3 PagesThe main reason why I wanted to study Law was the importance it takes in the world. Law builds civilization, protect fundamental rights and protect ideas and inventions through patenting. Anyone can defend his or her right through the legal system. Law can bind an agreement to allow an aircraft to fly from country A to country B. Law is continuously relevant in many context including banking, construction, sports, land, media, commerical, human rights etc. And this excites me more, as it is veryRead MoreThe Social Action Theory and Symbolic Interactionism Essay918 Words   |  4 Pagesattention to the importance of the individual and their conscious actions. It does not however place enough emphasis on class divisions, as it tends to concentrate more on status. Symbolic interactionists reject structure and believe that to study society, the only way to do so is to concentrate on the individual. Both theories believe in understanding the individual through the use of empathy. George Herbert Mead was mainly concerned with the importance of languageRead MoreThe Social Setting Within Jelly s1438 Words   |  6 Pageswrote about in your book it didn’t seem like a good place to eat. I hope the food and service here is better. How did you like your time there? EA: I enjoyed spending that time in Jelly’s. The people were very interesting, and I got a lot out of studying them. By the end of my work I really felt like I was a part of that community, instead of an outsider trying to fit in. My friend Herman helped a lot with making me feel comfortable over there in the liquor store. AL: I found it interesting thatRead MoreMoral Value Of Science By Max Weber Essay1575 Words   |  7 Pagesare seen as two comparative analysts in regards to the issue of sociology history. During their work, they were faced with a lot of issues that come up during comparative analysis which the sought ways to overcome them and some of the techniques they used are still considered intrusive till today. They both came up with major statements in the course of their carriers which were both methodological and theoretical concerning the sociology program being the values of science, and for Weber he achievedRead MoreThe Rise Of Natural Science1425 Words   |  6 Pagesof this idea, Comte also established the term ‘sociology’ as one of the scientific fields, the ‘science of society’ (Giddens and Sutton, 2013: 11). In fact, Comte’s idea had not been accepted for a long time but after his death some philosophers or sociologists such as Herbert Spencer hav e developed it further (Gollin, 1970: 6; Turner, 2001: 30). However, the idea of positivism seems to have some issues; for example, basically the origin of sociology is biology though the goal is regarded to reachRead MoreFunctionalism : Functionalism And Functionalism1100 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent tasks. On the other hand, Weberianism focused on acknowledging people surviving with social inequality and social conflicts. Max Weber and Marx were the most powerful theorists in sociology and their main concern was bureaucracy and social inequality. According to functionalist, Durkheim, sociology was not a study of a person or person’s behaviour it was for those individuals who built their social life towards religion and the economy. (Giddens2001). Therefore, through all of his workRead MoreSocial Facts Versus Social Action Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesSociology is the objective and systematic observation of human interaction. These interactions routinely take the form of ideas that are established by that society; these ideas disclose values held by that society and in turn explain how/why certain behaviors become customary. In a broader scope, sociologists also consider aspects of context such as race, economic class, gender, and age, because all of these things are responsible for shaping values, beliefs, and behavior. Social facts can be

Solution-Focused Therapies Essay - 1092 Words

Although we did not have time for the lecture on Chapter 15, I found myself intrigued with the information I read on solution-focused therapies. The term solution-focused therapy kept coming up in my classes, but I really did not have an understanding of exactly what it entailed. In reviewing this chapter, I not only learned a lot, but also found myself in agreement with much of what I read. While there is no such thing as a one size fits all therapy, Solution-focused therapy has a lot to offer clients. In several ways, solution-focused therapy reminded me of behaviorism. This is especially true from the aspect of not examining the past. Norcross and Prochaska state in Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis (8th ed), â€Å"We†¦show more content†¦406). Empiricism focuses on scientific methods while constructivism views science as just another social construct. The constructivist believes that scientist have simply constructed their theories based on their ind ividual reality and their time periods. In my view, this could be problematic in that randomized clinical trials are needed in order to establish a form of therapy as an evidence based practice. â€Å"Constructivism converged into formal constructivist therapies in the 1990s as the popularity of the postmodern movement in academia filtered into clinical practice† (Norcross, p. 407). Solution-focused therapy is one of the therapies that are based on social constructivism. With solution-focused therapy, the client is the professional. We know that people overcome great adversity daily and often this occurs without any psychotherapy. Often the client just needs to be guided in the right direction. â€Å"We cannot change our past; we can change our goals. Better goals can break us out of stuck places and can lead us into a more fulfilling future† (Norcross, p. 408). The value of goal setting is something that has been discussed in every class I have taken since beginning t he masters of arts in counseling (MAC) program. â€Å"This process of goal setting and action planning is not something we do to people, but rather with them. The assessment process, as well as the working agreements we strike with our clients, should reflect high degrees ofShow MoreRelatedSolutions Focused : Solution Focused Therapy1055 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract Solution-focused therapy has been criticized for abandoning the expressive progressions of clients, yet, an analysis of works challenges this argument and shows that the use of positive self-talk within the changing process of Solution-focused therapy has been existing since its beginning expansion. This paper will explore the historical context of Solution Focused Therapy and how the theory has evolved. The author will also examine the underlying assumptions of the theory and causes,Read MoreSolutions Focused Therapy ( Sfbt ) Solution Focused Essay1906 Words   |  8 Pages Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) places focus on a person s present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. In this goal-oriented therapy, the symptoms or issues bringing a person to therapy are typically not targeted. Instead, a qualified therapist encourages those in treatment to develop a vision of the future and offers support as they determine the skills, resources, and abilities needed to achieve that vision successfully. HistoryRead MoreSolution Focused Therapy And Experiential Therapy1937 Words   |  8 Pages This term paper is about solution-focused therapy and experiential therapy. In solution-focused therapy, the therapy does not emphasize the problem at all; it stresses and highlights the solution. The client is the expert and not the therapist. The experiential approach is often used to facilitate meaningful changes in individuals. SFBT is a short-term goal focused therapeutic approach which directs clients to focus on developing solutions, rather than on dwelling on problems. The theoretical frameworkRead MoreSolution Focused Therapy ( Sft )1614 Words   |  7 Pagesthose clients. Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is one of those approaches. Examined are the treatment approach of SFT, the theory associated, evidence to support the treatment, the effectiveness with youth and culturally diverse clients, and the limitation of the approach. SFT treatment approach can be used with an individual and or families. The treatment emphasizes the strengths and sources of resiliency that a client or family has to promote positive change (Hook, 2014). The therapy enables theRead MoreSolutions-Focused Therapy Discussion Essay1122 Words   |  5 PagesSolutions-focused therapy is a relatively new and welcomed therapy developed by Steve de Shazer and his wife Insoo Kim Berg, in 1979 at their institute, the â€Å" Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin† (Guterman, 2010, p. 350). Shazer was interested in how to â€Å"influence change† (Nichols, 2008, p. 346). Solution-focused therapy deals in solutions as opposed to dwelling on problems. Increasingly stringent budgeting constraints emphasize the need to develop shorter and more focused therapyRead More Solution Focused Therapy Essay example2295 Words   |  10 PagesSolution Focused Therapy   Solution focused therapy is a model of therapy developed by  Steve de Shazer  and  Insoo Kim Berg  in the late 1970s (Dolan, n.d.). This model has become well known for its non-traditional approach to client problems as it does not explore clients issues in relation to their cause and affect but rather the goals and solutions to achieving a future free of any present issues. i will be discussing the evident concepts, principles and intervention techniques of this particularRead MoreThe Emergence Of Solution Focused Brief Therapy2413 Words   |  10 Pages Introduction The emergence of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) marked a changing of the guard within the realm of psychotherapy. For the previous century, the profession had been dominated by theories and practices, which was focused on unearthing a client’s repressed memories or family issues in hopes of identifying cracks in their mental and/or their emotional foundation that needed to be fixed. The change in perspective and approach presented by Steven de Shazer and his counterparts providedRead MoreSolution Focused Brief Therapy And Its Goals1401 Words   |  6 Pagesdefines the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and its goals, strategies and techniques. This approach focuses on individuals devising solution for problems rather than solving problems. Solution building is a collaborative effort between therapy and client. SFBT concentrates on the clients’ strengths and resources and belief that the therapist is not the expert but rather client is the expert. SFBT was develope d by Steve De Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg and their team at the Brief family Therapy Center inRead MoreCase Analysis : Solution Focused Therapy1309 Words   |  6 PagesUnderstanding that solution-focused therapists operate under the assumption that clients already have the necessary skills to solve their problems, it is our job as therapists to help them regain insight into their problems. Therefore, it is understandable why solution-focused therapy is considered a brief therapeutic approach. If the clients already have the ability to solve their own issues then they just need to be reminded of their strengths and resources, shifting the focus. In the vignetteRead MoreSolution Focused Therapy : Joel And Julia Graham1433 Words   |  6 PagesSolution-Focused Therapy: Joel and Julia Graham Introduction Solution-focused therapy focuses on the strengths and resources of individuals and families. It is based on five beliefs. The first is that problems do not occur continuously, that exceptions occur. Secondly, families and individuals have strengths and techniques to solve their own problems. Thirdly, success brings hope about the future and one’s own abilities. Fourth, reality is co-created and therefore solutions are co-created with

Classic Model of Language Neurobiology †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Classic Model of Language Neurobiology. Answer: Introduction: The biological basis of human behaviour refers to the extensive study of all kinds of behavioural functions that are associated with the nervous system, the brain in particular. Physical structure of the human body plays a crucial role in governing the behaviour of an individual. Hence, the biological basis of behaviour is entirely controlled by the mammalian nervous system that is a complex biological organ that enables the body to function in a coordinated manner (Nebylitsyn Gray, 2013). Cognition refers to the mental process or action that helps to acquire knowledge, followed by gaining a clear understanding of experiences, thought process, and senses. The process of cognition also involves judgment, working memory, reasoning, evaluation, problem solving, language comprehension and decision making. This essay will illustrate the mechanism of cognition that is brought about by neural communication. Thus, human cognition often analyses processes from different perspectives. The nervous system is made up of two basic types of cells: neurons and glial cells.The glial cells, outnumber neurons and have been found to provide physical and metabolic support to the neurons. These glial cells act as scaffolding system that forms the foundation of the nervous system (Dimou Gtz, 2014). These facilitate the neurons to carry out effective neuronal communication. In addition, other functions encompass providing insulation to the neurons, transporting waste products and nutrients, and mediating immune responses (Wake et al., 2013). They act as the building blocks of the nervous system and consist of three main parts namely, the cell body or cyton, dendrites and an axon. Synapse refers to specialized junctions located at the end of nervous cells that facilitate communication with adjacent neurons. Synapse encompasses the axon terminals of a neuron, which release neurotransmitters in response to specific impulse (Hruska Dalva, 2012). Neurotransmitter or endogenous che micals facilitate neurotransmission. The neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting signals across the chemical synapses at the neuromuscular junction. Most common neurotransmitters are classified into a range of categories such as, amino acids, monoamines, trace amines, purines and peptides (Deutch, 2014). Transmission of nerve impulse along one neuron to the adjacent one occurs due to several electrical changes across the semi permeable membrane. Arrival of a stimulus leads to the development of an action potential that brings about a response. Parts of the brain involved in behaviour The amygdala contains two almond shaped nuclei groups that are located in the temporal lobes of the brain and control emotions. Sensory stimuli reach the amygdala basolateral complex, during emotional events, such as, fear and form connects with stimuli memories. These emotional memories are stored in the neuronal connections (Townsend et al., 2013). The hippocampus is the principle structure involved in various memory functions. It is located adjacent to the limbic system and contains cognitive maps that help an individual encode, store and retrieve memory. Thus, damage to the hippocampus and adjacent regions often lead to development of anterograde amnesia (Tanaka et al., 2014). The Brocas area and Wernickes area are regions that are responsible for processing and production of speech. Lesions in these areas result in disruption to speech production and comprehension. The areas also play an essential role in grammar, syntax processing and maintaining sentence structure (Tremblay D ick, 2016). There exist a range of cognitive processes that involve sophisticated functions that are unique to primates. Thus, cognition often involves a plethora of controlled processes One common example is the protection of information that is maintained in mind from some distracting stimuli (Gross, 2013). A major example of aneural correlate associated with specific cognitive process pertains to the sustained firing of cells that are located in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Advent offunctional MRI studies provided evidence for origin of cognitive processes from the cortical regions of thehuman brain. Neural mechanisms have evolved with the aim of allowing social interactions (Winecoff et al., 2013). One of the major achievements of humans, compared to other primates refers to their ability to reflect on their actions and memories. Learning behaviour The major neural mechanisms related to reward learning involve conducting an update of the estimated value that is related to rewards. This is brought about by prediction of error signals that are related to primary reinforces or monetary rewards. The ventral stiratum is thought responsible for reward learning. In addition, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex also helps in demonstrating behaviour that pertain to a smiling face, gaining reputation, agreement with others and obtaining experience from cooperation and fairness. Mechanisms related to orientation to different agents and faces often play a role in portrayal of behaviour that encompasses imitating other people (Steinberg et al., 2013). Social learning involves similar neural systems as found in nonsocial learning based on rewards. Several researchers have illustrated the fact that reward prediction are often represented in the ventral striatum (vSTR) of the brain (Daniel Pollmann, 2014). Investigations conducted to evaluate the mechanism of gaze following suggested that the neural basis of gaze involves a complex mechanism that gets activated or triggered upon imitating the actions observed in others. The behaviour involves several steps such as, primary recognition of the agent by the observer and its orientation towards the eyes and the face. This behaviour is presumed to be mediated by the subcortical route. The lateral interparietal area (LIP) that has often been correlated to saccade planning and attention is found to play a role in this process. The mirror neurons get fired and lead to development of an action potential, while imitating an action (Brooks Meltzoff, 2015). The process that underlies these different forms of imitation have also been associated with social neural mechanisms that are brought about by mirror neurons. Memory formation and retrieval Self-interest and coping are another major manifestation of human behaviour that are related to trial-and-error based learning process. Most commonly, the human brain is seen to avoid making errors, by retrieving memories. This forms a crucial part of the trial-and-error based learning behaviour. In addition, the human brain also modulates selective performance of certain actions that were initially found beneficial. On the other hand, memory is considered as the process that involves retention, reactivation, and reconstruction of experiences. This process of internal representation helps in categorizing memory into two components, namely, memeory expression at the behaviour level and the underpinning neural changes that accompany the process (Takeuchi, Duszkiewicz Morris, 2014). Encoding of working memory often involves spiking of a range of neurons that are triggered by sensory inputs and persist even after disappearance of the stimulus. Episodic memory encoding is found to involv e persistent changes in structures that play a role in altering synaptic transmission of nerve impulse between cells. Working memory signals originate from the medial temporal lobe. The pre-frontal cortex is found to play a role in development of long-term memory. Synaptic consolidation involves synthesis of proteins in the medial temporal lobe, subsequently followed by transformation of the memory to long term independent memory (Tonegawa et al., 2015). In addition to the hippocampus, other brain areas that are involved in memory formation are the striatum, and the amygdala. Hence, learning and memory are considered direct manifestation of changes in the neuronal synapses and are often considered mediated by long-term potentiation and depression. Attention refers to the behavioural and cognitive process that focuses on selective concentration on some discrete aspects of objective or subjective information. This is often accompanied by ignoring perceivable information. Researchers have demonstrated the fact that attention modulates the firing rate of the neuronal cells, where the receptive fields receive the stimulus. Presence of stimulus in the receptor increases the firing rate. The most common neurotransmitter that regulates attention is norepinephrine, This excitatory neurotransmitter helps in controlling stimulatory behaviour. Problems in signaling mechanism that involve dopamine and norepinephrine signaling often result in attention deficits (Wang et al., 2013). The prefrontal cortex, specifically the inferior frontal junction is responsible for controlling visual processing areas that help in providing attention, thereby facilitating recognition of several objects. The parietal cortex is believed to process attentional awareness, related to the environment and helps in representing numbers or manipulating objects (Benedek et al., 2014). Thus, spatial attention is brought about by the parietal cortex. Language refers to the way of communication of ideas and feelings and also helps in processing of such communication. The Brocas area and the Wernickes area are thought to facilitate language processing (Rogi?, Deletis Fernndez-Conejero, 2014). The Wernicke's area located between theauditory andvisual cortex is present in the posterior region of the superior temporal gyrus. On the other hand, the pars triangularis and pars opercularis located in the inferior frontal gyrus form the Brocas area. These structures help in speech production and comprehension (DeWitt Rauschecker, 2013). Firing of the mirror neurons are also thought to play a role in language formation. Conclusion To conclude, it can be stated that human behaviour results from an interaction between chemical and neural systems that work together inside the brain. Human behaviour involves interaction of both the mind and the body. This intersection between neural communication and different parts of the brain lead to the development of several mental capacities such as, perception, memory, language and emotions. Thus, all forms of behaviour displayed by humans arise from brain function. References Benedek, M., Schickel, R. J., Jauk, E., Fink, A., Neubauer, A. C. (2014). Alpha power increases in right parietal cortex reflects focused internal attention.Neuropsychologia,56, 393-400. Brooks, R., Meltzoff, A. N. (2015). Connecting the dots from infancy to childhood: A longitudinal study connecting gaze following, language, and explicit theory of mind.Journal of Experimental Child Psychology,130, 67-78. Daniel, R., Pollmann, S. (2014). A universal role of the ventral striatum in reward-based learning: evidence from human studies.Neurobiology of learning and memory,114, 90-100. Deutch, A. Y. (2014). Neurotransmitters. InFundamental Neuroscience (Fourth Edition), 117-138. DeWitt, I., Rauschecker, J. P. (2013). Wernickes area revisited: parallel streams and word processing.Brain and language,127(2), 181-191. Dimou, L., Gtz, M. (2014). Glial cells as progenitors and stem cells: new roles in the healthy and diseased brain.Physiological reviews,94(3), 709-737. Gross, J. J. (2013). Emotion regulation: taking stock and moving forward.Emotion,13(3), 359. Hruska, M., Dalva, M. B. (2012). Ephrin regulation of synapse formation, function and plasticity.Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience,50(1), 35-44. Nebylitsyn, V. D., Gray, J. A. (Eds.). (2013).Biological bases of individual behavior. Academic Press, 1-11. Rogi?, M., Deletis, V., Fernndez-Conejero, I. (2014). Inducing transient language disruptions by mapping of Broca's area with modified patterned repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol.Journal of neurosurgery,120(5), 1033-1041. Steinberg, E. E., Keiflin, R., Boivin, J. R., Witten, I. B., Deisseroth, K., Janak, P. H. (2013). A causal link between prediction errors, dopamine neurons and learning.Nature neuroscience,16(7), 966. Takeuchi, T., Duszkiewicz, A. J., Morris, R. G. (2014). The synaptic plasticity and memory hypothesis: encoding, storage and persistence.Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B,369(1633), 20130288. Tanaka, K. Z., Pevzner, A., Hamidi, A. B., Nakazawa, Y., Graham, J., Wiltgen, B. J. (2014). Cortical representations are reinstated by the hippocampus during memory retrieval.Neuron,84(2), 347-354. Tonegawa, S., Pignatelli, M., Roy, D. S., Ryan, T. J. (2015). Memory engram storage and retrieval.Current opinion in neurobiology,35, 101-109. Townsend, J. D., Torrisi, S. J., Lieberman, M. D., Sugar, C. A., Bookheimer, S. Y., Altshuler, L. L. (2013). Frontal-amygdala connectivity alterations during emotion downregulation in bipolar I disorder.Biological psychiatry,73(2), 127-135. Tremblay, P., Dick, A. S. (2016). Broca and Wernicke are dead, or moving past the classic model of language neurobiology.Brain and language,162, 60-71. Wake, H., Moorhouse, A. J., Miyamoto, A., Nabekura, J. (2013). Microglia: actively surveying and shaping neuronal circuit structure and function.Trends in neurosciences,36(4), 209-217. Wang, G. J., Volkow, N. D., Wigal, T., Kollins, S. H., Newcorn, J. H., Telang, F., ... Fowler, J. S. (2013). Long-term stimulant treatment affects brain dopamine transporter level in patients with attention deficit hyperactive disorder.PloS one,8(5), e63023. Winecoff, A., Clithero, J. A., Carter, R. M., Bergman, S. R., Wang, L., Huettel, S. A. (2013). Ventromedial prefrontal cortex encodes emotional value.Journal of Neuroscience,33(27), 11032-11039.

Proposal For An Advanced Art Project Essays - Light Art, Sculpture

Proposal for An Advanced Art Project First off, I need to propose my theme that will encompass the majority of my art works in my stated media. Out of painting, print making and sculpture, I am choosing to work with the latter for two main reasons. One, I'm not that great at capturing visual ideas on the somewhat two-dimensional surface of paper or canvas. Adding to that I thought that sculpture would allow me to have a greater release of creativity as my work can explode into the third dimension with many added features. After pondering upon ideas for a theme, I hit upon four major factors that I want to incorporate within my work. Firstly, I want it to make a definite immediate visual contact with the viewer through use of thought provoking forms and features. Next, I may wish at times to incorporate audible stimuli to further draw the viewer into my work. Thirdly, I want some interaction of the sculpture with the viewer, so that they can make a more intimate contact with the piece through tactile and kinesthetic action, so that they thus may "get into it" more and begin to experience some of the passion & feeling that I put into my work as it is thus conveyed to and impressed upon them. As a title theme for my year's work I have come up with "Multifaceted Interactive Involvement With The Electro- Magnetic Spectrum." This includes many different forms of radiation, light and waves. I am also integrating sound to give an added flair. Some practical project examples that I intend to carry through and actually construct can be found in ideas 11 and 12. As my topic theme is fairly limiting, this is quite challenging, but great, as it allows me to create many different forms of work, all tied in to a common specific point. I thought it also might be interesting though if I deviated slightly from the main theme and as a secondary little theme chose something to do with the people in the class surrounding me. There are six in total, including myself and the teacher. There are six sides on a cube and this gave rise to idea for a project. The final result of this co-relates to idea number 9. Soon after, idea 10 followed as I got to thinking about the "average" student of art. This can also include the teacher, because no matter what level we are, we still may always learn more. One thing I seem to find is that by working around the late night/early morning period, my creative juices just seem to flow better and I get a lot more productive work done. Also I need many special tools and thus maybe I will spend the majority of my project time in my room where I have all the things I need all around me. That way I can also work in bits and pieces, working whenever I get the inspiration to do so. This way, my art will benefit in the fact that it was made in the most fruitful portions of my labour. It can also be made more enjoyable this way, if I know I don't have to work within a structured time on the project. Maybe the time I spend in the classroom can be spend on finishing touches with paint and other items that I don't have available to me in my room. Also I can do sketches and drawings of improvements and modifications to existing proto-sketches. I have had considerable difficulty finding a main mentor, first of all because I think my style is fairly obscure, and I also use such a variety of materials, that I couldn't seem to locate an artist that I could relate myself and my work to. By a twist of fate, while looking through Canadian Art magazines, I came across an article titled "The Body Electric." This article describes Jana Sterbak, originally native to Czechoslovakia, she came to Canada in 1968 at the age of 13. She has been educated in New York and Vancouver, having also lived there and now shifts between Montreal and Toronto, where she frequently exhibits her work. In a way she reminds me of Van Gogh in that she creates her work for herself, and then attempts to impress the vigor and zest that she feels with her work upon others in an enthusiastic way. She utilizes many different forms of materials, and likes to use electricity to her advantage to bring

Leasing Buildings Advantages and Disadvantages

Table of Contents Introduction Advantages Disadvantages Sale of the Company’s Headquarters Building Reference List Introduction The purpose of this business report is to analyze and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of leasing buildings, medical equipment and office furniture and equipment. This analysis should explain how the company will benefit (or lose) from selling its headquarters and leasing them back from the buyer.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Leasing Buildings Advantages and Disadvantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is essential to understand the pros and cons of such an action before embarking on it. Thus a professional investigation should reveal the advantages and disadvantages of selling and then leasing the company’s headquarters as opposed to maintaining them. Through understanding this breakdown, the management will be in a better position to decide whether to sell or maintain them. Advantages Leasing can be defined as the act of obtaining something (for example property, equipment, or building) from another person (the owner) for a specific period of time under a lease agreement and payment of lease charges. One benefit of leasing is that it trims down the cost of ownership of essential assets whose expenditure involves colossal amount of cash. Through leasing, an individual can be able to finance many assets compared to purchasing only one brand new asset. Another advantage of leasing is that, one is relieved off the worry of disposing an asset once it is worn out. All assets (except land) depreciate in value and become obsolete with time (Anon. â€Å"Advantages and disadvantages of lease financing for businesses†, 2005). The owner has to dispose off the assets that can no longer be used and obtain new ones. However, the person leasing the equipment is under no obligation liable for replacing the assets once they are worn out an d leaves them as they are once the lease period is over. Under leasing, one pays a fixed rate every month which is also inflation friendly. That is, as inflation rises the lease rate remains constant over a period of up to five years. Another advantage of leasing is that, one is able to utilize equipments by renting only the necessary equipments. Once a lease period is over, a person can be able to upgrade with technology by leasing new equipments as opposed to owning old and outdated equipments which would be difficult or rather expensive to dispose and buy the new ones. Leasing also has tax benefits that depend on the structure of the lease (Anon. â€Å"Leasing in Business- advantages and disadvantages†, 2009).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Disadvantages Leasing is a form of financing that is preferred by many businesses, although not all. Before leasing, certain things has to be put into consideration such as the type of equipment required, and the kind of business. Also one has to consider the tax implications between leasing and purchasing the equipment. One of the bad things about leasing is that it becomes expensive in the long run as opposed to owning the item. In leasing one can rent an item over long periods of time and will never own the item (Wakelin, et al 2003). If the money spent on leasing can be accumulated it would by far be more than the actual money that would have been spent if the item was bought from the very start. Another disadvantage is that, if the lease agreement is terminated before it expires, mainly because of damage, then the person leasing the item in question will be expected to pay additional charges on top of the lease charge. Not everyone can lease equipment, before being allowed to get any equipment through leasing; one has to prove credit worthiness and good employment history. This becomes an advantage for one who is buying the item since there are no qualifications that have to be met. Sale of the Company’s Headquarters Building One advantage the company stands to benefit from by selling its headquarters building is an increase in its current liquidity status which can be used to expand production. By leasing the building, the company will have to pay a small amount of money every month giving it a chance to expand the business and concentrate on more productive ventures. Another advantage is that it will not have to lease the entire building but can lease some offices and utilize them for maximum production. By leasing, the company is not required to cater for depreciation but will only pay the lease charges as agreed irrespective of the period of time it remains on the leased building (Enterprise Financial solutions, Inc 2002). One disadvantaged of selling the buildings is that, the company will receive a significant less amount of money than it had spent to put up the b uilding or to purchase it when it was still new. By leasing the building, the company will not have equal rights over the building like before and will be expected to maintain it in a good condition. The new owner has a right to terminate the lease agreement if the company messes around with it and will be expected to pay an additional charge to repair the building. In the long run, the company will pay a higher amount of money that the amount obtained at the time of sale (Spiritleo, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Leasing Buildings Advantages and Disadvantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More I would therefore advice the management of the company not to dispose the building because the long run benefits of maintaining it surpass the proceeds obtained from selling it. The building can also be used as collateral for borrowing loans from financial institutions which would otherwise be difficult if the comp any has no tangible assets. Reference List Anon. (2005). Advantages and disadvantages of lease financing for businesses. Allbusiness.com. Web. Anon. (2009). Leasing in Business- advantages and disadvantages. Web. Enterprise Financial solutions, Inc (2002). Advantages of leasing. Web. Spiritleo (2010). Advantages and disadvantages of leasing. Web. Wakelin, et al (2003). Leasing equipments for business. Web. This report on Leasing Buildings Advantages and Disadvantages was written and submitted by user Hug0 to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Deferred Compensation

Deferred Compensation Deferred compensation plans are arrangements by which a part of an employee’s compensation is paid at a later date, or put into investment instruments that the employee can only access at some point in the future Benefits and Hazards of Deferred Compensation There is a large variety of deferred compensation plans, arrangements by which a part of an employee’s compensation is paid at a later date, or put into investment instruments that the employee can only access at some point in the future. There are two basic reasons for deferred compensation. From the employee’s point of view, it reduces  or at least postpones his income tax liability. For employers, deferred compensation helps to manage payroll costs and can be used as an incentive for better employee performance. Types of Deferred Compensation The most common type of deferred compensation plan is the â€Å"defined contribution plan†: A  portion of the employee’s pay is deducted and invested on his behalf, usually in some form of mutual fund.   These are familiar to workers in the US as the â€Å"401(k)†, named after the section of Internal Revenue Code that pertains to them. The deferment from the employee’s salary is made before income taxes are withheld, which is a benefit to both employees and the employer. Employees do not pay taxes on their investments until they withdraw them sometime in the future, and employers are able to reduce the amount of withheld taxes they must remit to the government. Many employers also match all or part of the employee’s contribution, providing an extra incentive for employees to participate in the program; this helps to reduce the company’s transactions costs for maintaining the investment package. In the US, 401(k) programs have the added security of being protected by law from creditors in case of the company’s bankruptcy, although the value of the employees’ investments can fluctuate; in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, millions of US workers saw the value of their 401(k) savings drop as stock markets plummeted. Other kinds of deferred compensation packages not covered by the same regulations as 401(k) programs are more risky, although they generally offer higher returns. Non-401(k) programs are generally only offered to the highest-earning employees who also pay the highest rates of income tax. The main reason for these kinds of programs is that there are legal limits on the amount of money that can be deferred into a 401(k). The main risk is that there is much less regulation of non-401(k) programs, and they are not protected from bankruptcy. Many workers in the US discovered they had lost their investments in the wake of the financial crisis when their employers declared bankruptcy. Read also:  Financial Rewards  |  Money Makes the World Go Around Stock purchase plans and stock option plans are also common forms of deferred compensation: In a stock purchase plan, the company establishes a trust to receive employee contributions, which are converted to shares of the company’s stock.   Stock purchase plans are regulated in much the same manner as 401(k) programs, the only real difference being that instead of contributions being invested in an array of mutual funds, they are only reinvested in the company. The plan is popular with employers and employees alike; for employers, the stock purchase program is reflected in better cash flow and tax savings and is seen as a useful tool to increase employee productivity. Employees benefit by gaining an ownership stake in the company, and some small degree of control over the growth in value of their investments. Stock option plans differ in that the employee is not actually compensated in the form of stock, but â€Å"earns† options to purchase the company’s stock at a low fixed price in the future.   A stock option plan has most of the same benefits as a stock purchase plan  but allows the company to keep control over its shares for a longer period. Employees in rapidly-growing companies benefit the most from stock option plans; a well-known recent example is Facebook, which launched a highly-publicized – and unintentionally controversial – IPO in 2012. Facebook employees who had exercised their options prior to the IPO were able to profit handsomely from the high price Facebook shares fetched in the market, but their returns were reduced somewhat by a condition that they hold their shares for a time before selling them; Facebook’s share price dropped rapidly after the IPO, so employees who waited too long to sell shares saw very little profit, or even lost money in some cases. Another less well-known version of a stock-based deferred compensation plan is called the â€Å"phantom† stock plan: It provides employees benefits similar to those they would receive from owning company stock, without actually giving stock to the employees.   For example, employees might be compensated in â€Å"stock credits† equivalent to shares of stock, from which they can receive bonus payments based on the stock’s performance or dividends paid. Because phantom stock plans are hard to regulate and do not provide many benefits to employers as conventional purchase or option plans. What Should  Employees Look for in Deferred Compensation Plans? Because deferred compensation programs are based on investments that can lose as well as gain value, employees considering a compensation offer should make sure they understand the details of the deferred compensation package. 401(k) programs are the most highly-regulated and most secure  but vary in the specific funds or investment instruments they contain. In the 2008 financial crisis, many 401(k) holders watched their investments vanish  because a large number of 401(k) funds were heavily invested in popular but ultimately worthless mortgage-backed securities. For stock-based deferred compensation plans, the biggest issue is what part of the employee’s compensation the plan is supposed to represent since it is very difficult to quantify the future value of stock. Employees should ask for details about whether a certain level of returns or other incentives is guaranteed, and what limits are imposed on stock purchases or sales. Compensation is compensation, whether deferred or not, and it is up to an  employee  to decide whether or not what he can expect to earn, in whatever form he will receive it, is a fair exchange for his work.

Non- cash payment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Non- cash payment - Assignment Example Nonetheless, the counteraction measures have become better too to reduce the risk of fraud when using non-cash payment methods. I have learnt that according to a report compiled by Australian Payments Clearing Association, card fraud cases have increased from 43.6 cents to 48.7 cents for every $1000 spent by consumers and businesses. People have abandoned use of cheques and instead prefer to use cards to make payments. The report also revealed that 4% of the total amount of money transferred by use of cards in Australia has landed in the hands of fraudsters. The situation was worse in UK. In 2013, there was a 3% increase in non-card fraud for 43.4 million euros spent. Counterfeiting and skimming increased at an alarming rate (Australian Payments Clearing Association, 2014). Using cards has proved riskier than using cheques when making payments given the statistics from the Australia and UK of 2013. It could be because of the simplicity and wide acceptance of using cards to make payments that have made it easy for fraudsters to improve on their game. They are by financial institutions and mobile payments outlets too. The APCA report also indicated that the fraud cases have increased following a massive shift from physical shopping to online shopping for most of the Australian consumers. The last four years have seen 35% expansion in online shops in Australia (Apca.com.au, 2014). The trend is catching up in other parts of the world. Since card is the preferred mode of payment, domestic and cross-border frauds have increased. I would prefer to use cheques other than a card to make payments putting into consideration that the rate has decreased in the last two years. APCA reported indicates that cheque fraud fell from 0.8 cents to 0.6 cents for every $1000 spent by Australian users (Australian Payments Clearing Association, 2014). The trend is attributed to the fact that it is hard to counterfeit, dishonour and to breach its mandate in financial institutions All