Essay --

Introduction A ward handover is a continuous and effective process to circulating essential information about a patient which is necessary to ensure the promotion of safe patient care. Ward handovers require effective communication to ensure correct clinical care delivery to all patients. This takes the form of both verbal and non-verbal communication and requires valuable leadership skills. Following a specific communication model or framework can result in a successful handover and therefore, continuity of care for each individual patient, overall ensuring high quality patient care. Ward handovers are essentially used to improve communication through the sharing of patient information between professionals, improve patient safety by certifying reliable care and improving quality and productivity, this will help reduce inaccuracies in information sharing and the quality of patient care. There is also a growing recognition within ward handovers that enhanced training to ensure effective handover s are crucial in maintaining high standards of clinical care. To ensure that an effective handover takes place all healthcare areas must have a handover policy and compliance to this policy must be ensured. Rfjhskdgnd () said a ward handover†¦ MORE ON WARD HANDOVER SBAR SBAR (Leonard, et al., 2006) is a communication framework which can structure conversations within healthcare settings, particularly those which require immediate action and which may require another member from the multidisciplinary team. (Bomba and Prakash, 2005) revealed that 95% believed that there were no set procedures to assist a ward handover, this is where a communication framework such as SBAR should be brought in to ensure that handovers are produced in... ...e process, using SBAR to prepare the ward handover could help noticeably as it can ensure that the team have based and formatted the handover information correctly. However, information which could be considered relevant should also be used, although this should not overwrite the most essential material which needs to be communicated. Implications for communication in a team Within a team communication can be hindered, this means that within a ward handover communication can be really affected. During a ward handover there is very little time to communicate what information needs to be delivered to each team member, therefore, an understanding and a consensus of this is needed. Conclusion Communication within a ward handover is imperative as this is a designated time to communicate information about patients which could be vital for nurses on the upcoming shift.

Vampire Academy Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN A FEW DAYS LATER, LISSA found me outside the commons and delivered the most astonishing news. â€Å"Uncle Victor's getting Natalie off campus this weekend to go shopping in Missoula. For the dance. They said I could come along.† I didn't say anything. She looked surprised at my silence. â€Å"Isn't that cool?† â€Å"For you, I guess. No malls or dances in my future.† She smiled excitedly. â€Å"He told Natalie she could bring two other people besides me. I convinced her to bring you and Camille.† I threw up my hands. â€Å"Well, thanks, but I'm not even supposed to go to the library after school. No one's going to let me go to Missoula.† â€Å"Uncle Victor thinks he can get Headmistress Kirova to let you go. Dimitri's trying too.† â€Å"Dimitri?† â€Å"Yeah. He has to go with me if I leave campus.† She grinned, taking my interest in Dimitri as interest in the mall. â€Å"They figured out my account finally – I got my allowance back. So we can buy other stuff along with dresses. And you know if they let you go to the mall, they'll have to let you go to the dance.† â€Å"Do we go to dances now?† I said. We never had before. School-sponsored social events? No way. â€Å"Of course not. But you know there'll be all kinds of secret parties. We'll start at the dance and sneak off.† She sighed happily. â€Å"Mia's so jealous she can barely stand it.† She went on about all the stores we'd go to, all the things we'd buy. I admit, I was kind of excited at the thought of getting some new clothes, but I doubted I'd actually get this mythical release. â€Å"Oh hey,† she said excitedly. â€Å"You should see these shoes Camille let me borrow. I never knew we wore the same size. Hang on.† She opened her backpack and began rifling through it. Suddenly, she screamed and threw it down. Books and shoes spilled out. So did a dead dove. It was one of the pale brown mourning doves that sat on wires along the freeway and under trees on campus. It had so much blood on it that I couldn't figure out where the wound was. Who knew something so small even had that much blood? Regardless, the bird was definitely dead. Covering her mouth, Lissa stared wordlessly, eyes wide. â€Å"Son of a bitch,† I swore. Without hesitating, I grabbed a stick and pushed the little feathered body aside. When it was out of the way, I started shoving her stuff back into the backpack, trying not to think about dead-bird germs. â€Å"Why the hell does this keep – Liss!† I leapt over and grabbed her, pulling her away. She had been kneeling on the ground, with her hand outstretched to the dove. I don't think she'd even realized what she was about to do. The instinct in her was so strong, it acted on its own. â€Å"Lissa,† I said, tightening my hand around hers. She was still leaning toward the bird. â€Å"Don't. Don't do it.† â€Å"I can save it.† â€Å"No, you can't. You promised, remember? Some things have to stay dead. Let this one go.† Still feeling her tension, I pleaded. â€Å"Please, Liss. You promised. No more healings. You said you wouldn't. You promised me.† After a few more moments, I felt her hand relax and her body slump against mine. â€Å"I hate this, Rose. I hate all of this.† Natalie walked outside then, oblivious to the gruesome sight awaiting her. â€Å"Hey, do you guys – oh my God!† she squealed, seeing the dove. â€Å"What is that?† I helped Lissa as we rose to our feet. â€Å"Another, um, prank.† â€Å"Is it†¦dead?† She scrunched up her face in disgust. â€Å"Yes,† I said firmly. Natalie, picking up on our tension, looked between the two of us. â€Å"What else is wrong?† â€Å"Nothing.† I handed Lissa her backpack. â€Å"This is just someone's stupid, sick joke, and I'm going to tell Kirova so they can clean this up.† Natalie turned away, looking a little green. â€Å"Why do people keep doing this to you? It's horrible.† Lissa and I exchanged looks. â€Å"I have no idea,† I said. Yet as I walked to Kirova's office, I started to wonder. When we'd found the fox, Lissa had hinted that someone must know about the raven. I hadn't believed that. We'd been alone in the woods that night, and Ms. Karp wouldn't have told anyone. But what if someone actually had seen? What if someone kept doing this not to scare her, but to see if she'd heal again? What had the rabbit note said? I know what you are. I didn't mention any of this to Lissa; I figured there were only so many of my conspiracy theories she could handle. Besides, when I saw her the next day, she'd practically forgotten the dove in light of other news: Kirova had given me permission to go on the trip that weekend. The prospect of shopping can brighten a lot of dark situations – even animal murder – and I put my own worries on hold. Only, when the time came, I discovered my release came with strings attached. â€Å"Headmistress Kirova thinks you've done well since coming back,† Dimitri told me. â€Å"Aside from starting a fight in Mr. Nagy's class?† â€Å"She doesn't blame you for that. Not entirely. I convinced her you needed a break†¦and that you could use this as a training exercise.† â€Å"Training exercise?† He gave me a brief explanation as we walked out to meet the others going with us. Victor Dashkov, as sickly as ever, was there with his guardians, and Natalie practically barreled into him. He smiled and gave her a careful hug, one that ended when a coughing fit took over. Natalie's eyes went wide with concern as she waited for it to pass. He claimed he was fine to accompany us, and while I admired his resolve, I thought he'd be putting himself through a lot just to shop with a bunch of teenage girls. We rode out the two-hour trip to Missoula in a large school van, leaving just after sunrise. Many Moroi lived separately from humans, but many also lived among them, and when shopping at their malls, you had to go during their hours. The back windows of the van had tinted glass to filter the light and keep the worst of it away from the vampires. We had nine people in our group: Lissa, Victor, Natalie, Camille, Dimitri, me, and three other guardians. Two of the guardians, Ben and Spiridon, always traveled with Victor. The third was one of the school's guardians: Stan, the jerk who'd humiliated me on my first day back. â€Å"Camille and Natalie don't have personal guardians yet,† Dimitri explained to me. â€Å"They're both under the protection of their families' guardians. Since they are Academy students leaving campus, a school guardian accompanies them – Stan. I go because I'm Lissa's assigned guardian. Most girls her age wouldn't have a personal guardian yet, but circumstances make her unusual.† I sat in the back of the van with him and Spiridon, so they could dispense guardian wisdom to me as part of the â€Å"training exercise.† Ben and Stan sat up front, while the others sat in the middle. Lissa and Victor talked to each other a lot, catching up on news. Camille, raised to be polite among older royals, smiled and nodded along. Natalie, on the other hand, looked left out and kept trying to shift her father's attention from Lissa. It didn't work. He'd apparently learned to tune out her chatter. I turned back to Dimitri. â€Å"She's supposed to have two guardians. Princes and princesses always do.† Spiridon was Dimitri's age, with spiky blond hair and a more casual attitude. Despite his Greek name, he had a Southern drawl. â€Å"Don't worry, she'll have plenty when the time comes. Dimitri's already one of them. Odds are you'll be one too. And that's why you're here today.† â€Å"The training part,† I guessed. â€Å"Yup. You're going to be Dimitri's partner.† A moment of funny silence fell, probably not noticeable to anyone except Dimitri and me. Our eyes met. â€Å"Guarding partner,† Dimitri clarified unnecessarily, like maybe he too had been thinking of other kinds of partners. â€Å"Yup,† agreed Spiridon. Oblivious to the tension around him, he went on to explain how guardian pairs worked. It was standard stuff, straight from my textbooks, but it meant more now that I'd be doing it in the real world. Guardians were assigned to Moroi based on importance. Two was a common grouping, one I'd probably work in a lot with Lissa. One guardian stayed close to the target; the other stood back and kept an eye on the surroundings. Boringly, those holding these positions were called near and far guards. â€Å"You'll probably always be near guard,† Dimitri told me. â€Å"You're female and the same age as the princess. You can stay close to her without attracting any attention.† â€Å"And I can't ever take my eyes off her,† I noted. â€Å"Or you.† Spiridon laughed again and elbowed Dimitri. â€Å"You've got a star student there. Did you give her a stake?† â€Å"No. She's not ready.† â€Å"I would be if someone would show me how to use one,† I argued. I knew every guardian in the van had a stake and a gun concealed on him. â€Å"More to it than just using the stake,† said Dimitri in his old-and-wise way. â€Å"You've still got to subdue them. And you've got to bring yourself to kill them.† â€Å"Why wouldn't I kill them?† â€Å"Most Strigoi used to be Moroi who purposely turned. Sometimes they're Moroi or dhampirs turned by force. It doesn't matter. There's a strong chance you might know one of them. Could you kill someone you used to know?† This trip was getting less fun by the minute. â€Å"I guess so. I'd have to, right? If it's them or Lissa†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You might still hesitate,† said Dimitri. â€Å"And that hesitation could kill you. And her.† â€Å"Then how do you make sure you don't hesitate?† â€Å"You have to keep telling yourself that they aren't the same people you knew. They've become something dark and twisted. Something unnatural. You have to let go of attachments and do what's right. If they have any grain of their former selves left, they'll probably be grateful.† â€Å"Grateful for me killing them?† â€Å"If someone turned you into a Strigoi, what would you want?† he asked. I didn't know how to answer that, so I said nothing. Never taking his eyes off me, he kept pushing. â€Å"What would you want if you knew you were going to be converted into a Strigoi against your will? If you knew you would lose all sense of your old morals and understanding of what's right and wrong? If you knew you'd live the rest of your life – your immortal life – killing innocent people? What would you want?† The van had grown uncomfortably silent. Staring at Dimitri, burdened by all those questions, I suddenly understood why he and I had this weird attraction, good looks aside. I'd never met anyone else who took being a guardian so seriously, who understand all the life-and-death consequences. Certainly no one my age did yet; Mason hadn't been able to understand why I couldn't relax and drink at the party. Dimitri had said I grasped my duty better than many older guardians, and I didn't get why – especially when they would have seen so much more death and danger. But I knew in that moment that he was right, that I had some weird sense of how life and death and good and evil worked with each other. So did he. We might get lonely sometimes. We might have to put our â€Å"fun† on hold. We might not be able to live the lives we wanted for ourselves. But that was the way it had to be. We understood each other, understood that we had others to protect. Our lives would never be easy. And making decisions like this one was part of that. â€Å"If I became Strigoi†¦I'd want someone to kill me.† â€Å"So would I,† he said quietly. I could tell that he'd had the same flash of realization I'd just had, that same sense of connection between us. â€Å"It reminds me of Mikhail hunting Sonya,† murmured Victor thoughtfully. â€Å"Who are Mikhail and Sonya?† asked Lissa. Victor looked surprised. â€Å"Why, I thought you knew. Sonya Karp.† â€Å"Sonya Kar†¦you mean, Ms. Karp? What about her?† She looked back and forth between me and her uncle. â€Å"She†¦became Strigoi,† I said, not meeting Lissa's eyes. â€Å"By choice.† I'd known Lissa would find out some day. It was the final piece of Ms. Karp's saga, a secret I'd kept to myself. A secret that worried me constantly. Lissa's face and bond registered complete and utter shock, growing in intensity when she realized I'd known and never told. â€Å"But I don't know who Mikhail is,† I added. â€Å"Mikhail Tanner,† said Spiridon. â€Å"Oh. Guardian Tanner. He was here before we left.† I frowned. â€Å"Why is he chasing Ms. Karp?† â€Å"To kill her,† said Dimitri flatly. â€Å"They were lovers.† The entire Strigoi thing shifted into new focus for me. Running into a Strigoi I knew during the heat of battle was one thing. Purposely hunting down someone†¦someone I'd loved. Well, I didn't know if I could do that, even if it was technically the right thing. â€Å"Perhaps it is time to talk about something else,† said Victor gently. â€Å"Today isn't a day to dwell on depressing topics.† I think all of us felt relieved to get to the mall. Shifting into my bodyguard role, I stuck by Lissa's side as we wandered from store to store, looking at all the new styles that were out there. It was nice to be in public again and to do something with her that was just fun and didn't involve any of the dark, twisted politics of the Academy. It was almost like old times. I'd missed just hanging out. I'd missed my best friend. Although it was only just past mid-November, the mall already had glittering holiday decorations up. I decided I had the best job ever. Admittedly, I did feel a little put out when I realized the older guardians got to stay in contact through cool little communication devices. When I protested my lack of one, Dimitri told me I'd learn better without one. If I could handle protecting Lissa the old-fashioned way, I could handle anything. Victor and Spiridon stayed with us while Dimitri and Ben fanned out, somehow managing not to look like creepy stalker guys watching teenage girls. â€Å"This is so you,† said Lissa in Macy's, handing me a low-cut tank top embellished with lace. â€Å"I'll buy it for you.† I regarded it longingly, already picturing myself in it. Then, making my regular eye contact with Dimitri, I shook my head and handed it back. â€Å"Winter's coming. I'd get cold.† â€Å"Never stopped you before.† Shrugging, she hung it back up. She and Camille tried on a nonstop string of clothes, their massive allowances ensuring that price posed no problem. Lissa offered to buy me anything I wanted. We'd been generous with each other our whole lives, and I didn't hesitate to take her up on it. My choices surprised her. â€Å"You've got three thermal shirts and a hoodie,† she informed me, flipping through a stack of BCBG jeans. â€Å"You've gone all boring on me.† â€Å"Hey, I don't see you buying slutty tops.† â€Å"I'm not the one who wears them.† â€Å"Thanks a lot.† â€Å"You know what I mean. You're even wearing your hair up.† It was true. I'd taken Dimitri's advice and wrapped my hair up in a high bun, earning a smile when he'd seen me. If I'd had molnija marks, they would have shown. Glancing around, she made sure none of the others could hear us. The feelings in the bond shifted to something more troubled. â€Å"You knew about Ms. Karp.† â€Å"Yeah. I heard about it a month or so after she left.† Lissa tossed a pair of embroidered jeans over her arm, not looking at me. â€Å"Why didn't you tell me?† â€Å"You didn't need to know.† â€Å"You didn't think I could handle it?† I kept my face perfectly blank. As I stared at her, my mind was back in time, back to two years ago. I'd been on day two of my suspension for allegedly destroying Wade's room when a royal party visited the school. I'd been allowed to attend that reception too but had been under heavy guard to make sure I didn't â€Å"try anything.† Two guardians escorted me to the commons and talked quietly with each other along the way. â€Å"She killed the doctor attending her and nearly took out half the patients and nurses on her way out.† â€Å"Do they have any idea where she went?† â€Å"No, they're tracking her†¦but, well, you know how it is.† â€Å"I never expected her to do this. She never seemed like the type.† â€Å"Yeah, well, Sonya was crazy. Did you see how violent she was getting near the end? She was capable of anything.† I'd been trudging along miserably and jerked my head up. â€Å"Sonya? You mean Ms. Karp?† I asked. â€Å"She killed somebody?† The two guardians exchanged looks. Finally, one said gravely, â€Å"She became a Strigoi, Rose.† I stopped walking and stared. â€Å"Ms. Karp? No†¦she wouldn't have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I'm afraid so,† the other one replied. â€Å"But†¦you should keep that to yourself. It's a tragedy. Don't make it school gossip.† I went through the rest of the night in a daze. Ms. Karp. Crazy Karp. She'd killed someone to become Strigoi. I couldn't believe it. When the reception ended, I'd managed to sneak off from my guardians and steal a few precious moments with Lissa. The bond had grown strong by now, and I hadn't needed to see her face to know how miserable she was. â€Å"What's wrong?† I asked her. We were in a corner of the hallway, just outside the commons. Her eyes were blank. I could feel how she had a headache; its pain transferred to me. â€Å"I†¦I don't know. I just feel weird. I feel like I'm being followed, like I have to be careful, you know?† I didn't know what to say. I didn't think she was being followed, but Ms. Karp used to say the same thing. Always paranoid. â€Å"It's probably nothing,† I said lightly. â€Å"Probably,† she agreed. Her eyes suddenly narrowed. â€Å"But Wade isn't. He won't shut up about what happened. You can't believe the things he's saying about you.† I could, actually but I didn't care. â€Å"Forget about him. He's nothing.† â€Å"I hate him,† she said. Her voice was uncharacteristically sharp. â€Å"I'm on the committee with him for that fund-raiser, and I hate hearing him run his fat mouth every day and seeing him flirt with anything female that walks by. You shouldn't be punished for what he did. He needs to pay.† My mouth went dry. â€Å"It's okay†¦I don't care. Calm down, Liss.† â€Å"I care,† she snapped, turning her anger on me. â€Å"I wish there was a way I could get back at him. Some way to hurt him like he hurt you.† She put her hands behind her back and paced back and forth furiously, her steps hard and purposeful. The hatred and anger boiled within her. I could feel it in the bond. It felt like a storm, and it scared the hell out of me. Wrapped around it all was an uncertainty, an instability that said Lissa didn't know what to do but that she wanted desperately to do something. Anything. My mind flashed to the night with the baseball bat. And then I thought about Ms. Karp. She became a Strigoi, Rose. It was the scariest moment of my life. Scarier than seeing her in Wade's room. Scarier than seeing her heal that raven. Scarier than my capture by the guardians would be. Because just then, I didn't know my best friend. I didn't know what she was capable of. A year earlier, I would have laughed at anyone who said she'd want to go Strigoi. But a year earlier, I also would have laughed at anyone who said she'd want to cut her wrists or make someone â€Å"pay.† In that moment, I suddenly believed she might do the impossible. And I had to make sure she didn't. Save her. Save her from herself. â€Å"We're leaving,† I said, taking her arm and steering her down the hall. â€Å"Right now.† Confusion momentarily replaced her anger. â€Å"What do you mean? You want to go to the woods or something?† I didn't answer. Something in my attitude or words must have startled her, because she didn't question me as I led us out of the commons, cutting across campus toward the parking lot where visitors came. It was filled with cars belonging to tonight's guests. One of them was a large Lincoln Town Car, and I watched as its chauffeur started it up. â€Å"Someone's leaving early,† I said, peering at him from around a cluster of bushes. I glanced behind us and saw nothing. â€Å"They'll probably be here any minute.† Lissa caught on. â€Å"When you said, ? ®We're leaving,' you meant†¦no. Rose, we can't leave the Academy. We'd never get through the wards and checkpoints.† â€Å"We don't have to,† I said firmly. â€Å"He does.† â€Å"But how does that help us?† I took a deep breath, regretting what I had to say but seeing it as the lesser of evils. â€Å"You know how you made Wade do those things?† She flinched but nodded. â€Å"I need you to do the same thing. Go up to that guy and tell him to hide us in his trunk.† Shock and fear poured out of her. She didn't understand, and she was scared. Extremely scared. She'd been scared for weeks now, ever since the healing and the moods and Wade. She was fragile and on the edge of something neither of us understood. But through all of that, she trusted me. She believed I would keep her safe. â€Å"Okay,† she said. She took a few steps toward him, then looked back at me. â€Å"Why? Why are we doing this?† I thought about Lissa's anger, her desire to do anything to get back at Wade. And I thought about Ms. Karp – pretty, unstable Ms. Karp – going Strigoi. â€Å"I'm taking care of you,† I said. â€Å"You don't need to know anything else.† At the mall in Missoula, standing between racks of designer clothes, Lissa asked again, â€Å"Why didn't you tell me?† â€Å"You didn't need to know,† I repeated. She headed toward the dressing room, still whispering with me. â€Å"You're worried I'm going to lose it. Are you worried I'll go Strigoi too?† â€Å"No. No way. That was all her. You'd never do that.† â€Å"Even if I was crazy?† â€Å"No,† I said, trying to make a joke. â€Å"You'd just shave your head and live with thirty cats.† Lissa's feelings grew darker, but she didn't say anything else. Stopping just outside the dressing room, she pulled a black dress off the rack. She brightened a little. â€Å"This is the dress you were born for. I don't care how practical you are now.† Made of silky black material, the dress was strapless and sleek, falling about to the knees. Although it had a slight flair at the hemline, the rest looked like it would definitely manage some serious clinging action. Super sexy. Maybe even challenge-the-school-dress-code sexy. â€Å"That is my dress,† I admitted. I kept staring at it, wanting it so badly that it ached in my chest. This was the kind of dress that changed the world. The kind of dress that started religions. Lissa pulled out my size. â€Å"Try it on.† I shook my head and started to put it back. â€Å"I can't. It would compromise you. One dress isn't worth your grisly death.† â€Å"Then we'll just get it without you trying it on.† She bought the dress. The afternoon continued, and I found myself growing tired. Always watching and being on guard suddenly became a lot less fun. When we hit our last stop, a jewelry store, I felt kind of glad. â€Å"Here you go,† said Lissa, pointing at one of the cases. â€Å"The necklace made to go with your dress.† I looked. A thin gold chain with a gold-and-diamond rose pendant. Emphasis on the diamond part. â€Å"I hate rose stuff.† Lissa had always loved getting me rose things – just to see my reaction, I think. When she saw the necklace's price, her smile fell away. â€Å"Oh, look at that. Even you have limits,† I teased. â€Å"Your crazy spending is stopped at last.† We waited for Victor and Natalie to finish up. He was apparently buying her something, and she looked like she might grow wings and fly away with happiness. I was glad. She'd been dying for his attention. Hopefully he was buying her something extra-expensive to make up for it. We rode home in tired silence, our sleep schedules all messed up by the daylight trip. Sitting next to Dimitri, I leaned back against the seat and yawned, very aware that our arms were touching. That feeling of closeness and connection burned between us. â€Å"So, I can't ever try on clothes again?† I asked quietly not wanting to wake up the others. Victor and the guardians were awake, but the girls had fallen asleep. â€Å"When you aren't on duty, you can. You can do it during your time off.† â€Å"I don't ever want time off. I want to always take care of Lissa.† I yawned again. â€Å"Did you see that dress?† â€Å"I saw the dress.† â€Å"Did you like it?† He didn't answer. I took that as a yes. â€Å"Am I going to endanger my reputation if I wear it to the dance?† When he spoke, I could barely hear him. â€Å"You'll endanger the school.† I smiled and fell asleep. When I woke up, my head rested against his shoulder. That long coat of his-the duster-covered me like a blanket. The van had stopped; we were back at school. I pulled the duster off and climbed out after him, suddenly feeling wide awake and happy. Too bad my freedom was about to end. â€Å"Back to prison,† I sighed, walking beside Lissa toward the commons. â€Å"Maybe if you fake a heart attack, I can make a break for it.† â€Å"Without your clothes?† She handed me a bag, and I swung it around happily. â€Å"I can't wait to see the dress.† â€Å"Me either. If they let me go. Kirova's still deciding if I've been good enough.† â€Å"Show her those boring shirts you bought. She'll go into a coma. I'm about ready to.† I laughed and hopped up onto one of the wooden benches, pacing her as I walked along it. I jumped back down when I reached the end. â€Å"They aren't that boring.† â€Å"I don't know what to think of this new, responsible Rose.† I hopped up onto another bench. â€Å"I'm not that responsible.† â€Å"Hey,† called Spiridon. He and the rest of the group trailed behind us. â€Å"You're still on duty. No fun allowed up there.† â€Å"No fun here,† I called back, hearing the laughter in his voice. â€Å"I swear – shit.† I was up on a third bench, near the end of it. My muscles tensed, ready to jump back down. Only when I tried to, my foot didn't go with me. The wood, at one moment seemingly hard and solid, gave way beneath me, almost as though made of paper. It disintegrated. My foot went through, my ankle getting caught in the hole while the rest of my body tried to go in another direction. The bench held me, swinging my body to the ground while still seizing my foot. My ankle bent in an unnatural direction. I crashed down. I heard a cracking sound that wasn't the wood. The worst pain of my life shot through my body. And then I blacked out.

Starbucks Organizational Culture - 2278 Words

How Culture Affects Productivity Organizational culture and productivity are closely related. Simply stated, productivity is the art of getting the company s products and/or services to the customer at the lowest possible cost. But it is more than that - it is related to quality, to customer needs and to labour relations. In other words, productivity and good management are inseparable. Productivity is a result of motivation, and motivation thrives in a good climate. If management is to transform this fragile good climate into a long-lasting culture for success, it will have to focus on the following seven areas of improvement: 1. Organizational Clarity The degree to which the goals and plans of the organization are clearly perceived by†¦show more content†¦All of us are self-centred, seek praise and recognition, think of ourselves as winners and not losers. We operate as much by gut feelings as we do by logical, rational thinking. We are creatures of our environment, sensi tive and responsive to external rewards and punishment, but we are also strongly motivated by internal pressures. We are looking for meaning in our lives and will make great sacrifices for those employers who will provide us with meaning. At the same time, we need to feel that we are in charge of our own destinies. Employee behaviour is influenced by the organization s expectations of how employees act. If the company creates rules and regulations to apprehend offending employees, employees will be caught and disciplined. The cycle repeats and repeats ... if a manager believes employees are lazy, his belief is confirmed when an offending employee is caught. Furthermore, if the only way an employee can get recognition is by breaking the rules, then he or she will break the rules because negative recognition is preferable to none at all. Behavioural scientists, such as McGregor and Likert, based their management theories on the belief that man is by nature an experimenter, a thrill-seeker and an inventor. They indicated that management should provide meaningful work and equitable compensation, that jobs should be whole and exciting work modules. Given this,Show MoreRelatedStarbucks s Organizational Culture And Its Impact On Organizational Success1210 Words   |  5 Pages Preston Lindsay Assignment 1: The Starbucks Strategy MBU 516: Managing People and Performance Dr. Stanley Randolph The Effectiveness of Starbucks’ Organizational Culture and its Impact on Organizational Success in Global Economy It is thoroughly clear that since 1990 The Starbucks Company had a major impact on, first the American, then the global coffee shop market. In the US alone, America housed just under 200 â€Å"freestanding† coffee houses, today, there are well overRead MoreOrganizational Culture of Starbucks1070 Words   |  5 PagesOrganizational Culture of Starbucks Benjamin A Chesney Com/530 Communications for Accountants January 28, 2013 Jon Zimmerman Organizational Culture of Starbucks Starbucks Coffee Company is a worldwide conglomerate. Their specialty is coffee. In addition to working as global leader of coffee distribution, Starbucks is also trying to be a global leader in responsibility. They want to show and teach the world that positive thinking, conflict resolution, and giving back to the communityRead MoreEssay on Starbucks: Organizational Culture1048 Words   |  5 PagesStarbucks: Organizational Culture When people think of the most popular coffee house in the country and world, they immediately think of Starbucks. 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General Sir William Howe in the American Revolution

General Sir William Howe was a central figure during the early years of the American Revolution (1775-1783) when he served as commander of British forces in North America. A distinguished veteran of the French and Indian War, he took part in many of the conflicts campaigns in Canada. In the years after the war, Howe and his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, were sympathetic to the concerns of the colonists. Despite this, he accepted a post to fight the Americans in 1775. Assuming command in North America the following year, Howe conducted successful campaigns that saw him capture both New York City and Philadelphia. Though victorious on the battlefield, he consistently failed to destroy General George Washingtons army and departed for Britain in 1778. Early Life William Howe was born August 10, 1729, and was the third son of Emanuel Howe, 2nd Viscount Howe and his wife Charlotte. His grandmother had been the mistress of King George I and as a result Howe and his three brothers were the illegitimate uncles of King George III. Influential in the halls of power, Emanuel Howe served as Governor of Barbados while his wife regularly attended the courts of King George II and King George III. Attending Eton, the younger Howe followed his two elder brothers into the military on September 18, 1746 when he purchased a commission as a coronet in Cumberlands Light Dragoons. A quick study, he was promoted to lieutenant the following year and saw service in Flanders during the War of the Austrian Succession.  Elevated to captain on January 2, 1750, Howe transferred to the 20th Regiment of Foot. While with the unit, he befriended Major James Wolfe under whom he would serve in North America during the French and Indian War. Fighting in North America On January 4, 1756, Howe was appointed major of the newly formed 60th Regiment (re-designated 58th in 1757) and traveled with the unit to North America for operations against the French.  Promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1757, he served in Major General Jeffery Amhersts army during its campaign to capture Cape Breton Island. In this role he took part in Amhersts successful siege of Louisbourg that summer where he commanded the regiment. During the campaign, Howe earned a commendation for making a daring amphibious landing while under fire. With the death of his brother, Brigadier General George Howe at the Battle of Carillon that July, William attained a seat in Parliament representing Nottingham.  This was aided by his mother who campaigned on his behalf while he was overseas as she believed that a seat in Parliament would aid in advancing her sons military career. Battle of Quebec Remaining in North America, Howe served in Wolfes campaign against Quebec in 1759. This began with a failed effort at Beauport on July 31 that saw the British suffer a bloody defeat. Unwilling to press the attack at Beauport, Wolfe decided cross the St. Lawrence River and land at  Anse-au-Foulon to the southwest. This plan was executed and on September 13, Howe led the initial light infantry assault which secured the road up to the Plains of Abraham. Appearing outside of the city, the British opened the the Battle of Quebec later that day and won a decisive victory. Remaining in the region, he helped defend Quebec through the winter, including participation in the Battle of Sainte-Foy, before aiding in Amhersts capture of Montreal the following year. Colonial Tensions Returning to Europe, Howe took part in the siege of Belle ÃŽle in 1762 and was offered the military governorship of the island.  Preferring to remain in active military service, he declined this post and instead served as the adjutant general of the force that assaulted Havana, Cuba in 1763.  With the end of the conflict, Howe returned to England. Appointed colonel of the 46th Regiment of Foot in Ireland in 1764, he was elevated to governor of the Isle of Wight four years later. Recognized as a gifted commander, Howe was promoted to major general in 1772, and a short time later took over training of the armys light infantry units. Representing a largely Whig constituency in Parliament, Howe opposed the Intolerable Acts and preached reconciliation with the American colonists as tensions grew in 1774 and early 1775. His feelings were shared by his brother, Admiral Richard Howe. Though publicly stating that he would resist service against the Americans, he accepted the position as second-in-command of British forces in America. American Revolution Begins Stating that he was ordered, and could not refuse, Howe sailed for Boston with Major Generals Henry Clinton and John Burgoyne. Arriving May 15, Howe brought reinforcements for General Thomas Gage. Under siege in the city following the American victories at Lexington and Concord, the British were forced to take action on June 17 when American forces fortified Breeds Hill on the Charlestown Peninsula overlooking the city. Lacking a sense of urgency, the British commanders spent much of the morning discussing plans and making preparations while the Americans worked to strengthen their position. While Clinton favored an amphibious attack to cut off the American line of retreat, Howe advocated a more conventional frontal attack. Taking the conservative route, Gage ordered Howe to move forward with a direct assault. Bunker Hill In the resulting Battle of Bunker Hill, Howes men succeeded in driving off the Americans but sustained over 1,000 casualties in capturing their works. Though a victory, the battle deeply influenced Howe and crushed his initial belief that the rebels represented only a small part of the American people. A dashing, daring commander earlier in his career, the high losses at Bunker Hill made Howe more conservative and less inclined to attack strong enemy positions. Battle of Bunker Hill. Photograph Source: Public Domain Knighted that year, Howe was temporarily appointed commander-in-chief on October 10 (it was made permanent in April 1776) when Gage returned to England. Assessing the strategic situation, Howe and his superiors in London planned to establish bases in New York and Rhode Island in 1776 with the goal of isolating the rebellion and containing it in New England. Forced out of Boston on March 17, 1776, after General George Washington emplaced guns on Dorchester Heights, Howe withdrew with the army to Halifax, Nova Scotia. New York There, a new campaign was planned with the goal of taking New York. Landing on Staten Island on July 2, Howes army soon swelled to over 30,000 men. Crossing to Gravesend Bay, Howe exploited the light American defenses at Jamaica Pass and succeeded in flanking Washingtons army.  The resulting Battle of Long Island on August 26/27 saw the Americans beaten and forced to retreat. Falling back to fortifications at Brooklyn Heights, the Americans awaited a British assault. Based on his earlier experiences, Howe was reluctant to attack and began siege operations. Battle of Long Island by Alonzo Chappel. Public Domain This hesitation allowed Washingtons army to escape to Manhattan. Howe was soon joined by his brother who had orders to act as a peace commissioner. On September 11, 1776, the Howes met with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge on Staten Island. While the American representatives demanded recognition of independence, the Howes were only permitted to extend pardons to those rebels who submitted to British authority. Their offer refused, they began active operations against New York City. Landing on Manhattan on September 15, Howe suffered a setback at Harlem Heights the next day but ultimately forced Washington from the island and later drove him from a defensive position at the Battle of White Plains. Rather than pursue Washingtons beaten army, Howe returned to New York to secure Forts Washington and Lee. New Jersey Again showing an unwillingness to eliminate Washingtons army, Howe soon moved into winter quarters around New York and only dispatched a small force under Major General Lord Charles Cornwallis to create a safe zone in northern New Jersey. He also dispatched Clinton to occupy Newport, RI. Recovering in Pennsylvania, Washington was able to win victories at Trenton, Assunpink Creek, Princeton in December and January. As a result, Howe pulled back many of his outposts. While Washington continued small-scale operations during the winter, Howe was content to remain in New York enjoying a full social calendar. Two Plans In the spring of 1777, Burgoyne proposed a plan for defeating the Americans which called for him to lead an army south through Lake Champlain to Albany while a second column advanced east from Lake Ontario. These advances were to be supported by an advance north from New York by Howe. While this plan was approved by Colonial Secretary Lord George Germain, Howes role was never clearly defined nor was he issued orders from London to aid Burgoyne. As a result, though Burgoyne moved forward, Howe launched his own campaign to capture the American capital at Philadelphia. Left on his own, Burgoyne was defeated in the critical Battle of Saratoga. Philadelphia Captured Sailing south from New York, Howe moved up the Chesapeake Bay and landed at Head of Elk on August 25, 1777. Moving north into Delaware, his men skirmished with the Americans at Coochs Bridge on September 3. Pressing on, Howe defeated Washington at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11. Outmaneuvering the Americans, he captured Philadelphia without a fight eleven days later. Concerned about Washingtons army, Howe left a small garrison in the city and moved northwest. Fighting around Cliveden during the Battle of Germantown. Photograph Source: Public Domain On October 4, he won a near-run victory at the Battle of Germantown. In the wake of the defeat, Washington retreated into winter quarters at Valley Forge. Having taken the city, Howe also worked to open the Delaware River to British shipping.  This saw his men defeated at Red Bank but victorious in the Siege of Fort  Mifflin. Under severe criticism in England for failing to crush the Americans and feeling he had lost the kings confidence, Howe requested to be relieved on October 22. After attempting to lure Washington into battle late that fall, Howe and the army entered winter quarters in Philadelphia. Again enjoying a lively social scene, Howe received word that his resignation had been accepted on April 14, 1778. Later Life Arriving in England, Howe entered into the debate over the conduct of the war and published a defense of his actions. Made a privy counselor and Lieutenant General of the Ordnance in 1782, Howe remained in active service. With the outbreak of the French Revolution he served in a variety of senior commands in England. Made a full general in 1793, he died on July 12, 1814, after a prolonged illness, while serving as governor of Plymouth. An adept battlefield commander, Howe was beloved by his men but received little credit for his victories in America. Slow and indolent by nature, his greatest failure was an inability to follow up on his successes.

Examination Questions On African Americans - 1239 Words

Student’s Name Teacher’s Name Course Title Date Exam Questions Q1. If the negative attitude that the whites hold against the African Americans does not change, then the demographic trends that place the African Americans at the bottom of the social class hierarchy will not change any time soon. The other thing that could reduce the segregation and the discrimination the African Americans in the United States face is increasing the currently scarce resources. This will enable the African Americans to rise to the middle class as the rest of the white population. The demographic trends could also change for the better if more and more African Americans intermarried with people from different races. This way discrimination, prejudice, and segregation against them would slowly lose their credibility thus making it possible for the African Americans to rise along the social ladder. However, if these changes do not take place, then, the historic demographic trends are prone to remain the same. Q2. The invisible knapsack of privileges is the undeserved benefits that a person or a particular group of people though oblivious about them. One of such privileges is the male privilege. The male privileges are the advantages that the males tend to enjoy over their female counterparts. The male privilege benefits the men more than the women. For example, men have more power in the society than the women. Men hold the highest leadership positions including the government and in corporateShow MoreRelatedA Study of Factors Contributing to the Lack of Success and Participation of African American in Males in Advance Placement Classes1538 Words   |  7 Pagescontribute to the academic achievement gap between African American males. A sample of 25 8th grade, African American, male students from Dent Middle School will be identifyied as participates for the research. Although there has been research written about the achievement gap between African American and their counterparts, the lite rature is limited regarding strategies tailored specifically to address the achievement gap between African American males. Participant’s data will be collected in relationRead MorePresident Obama And His Agencies826 Words   |  4 Pagesconcluded that per research that African American s do not engage in riskier HIV behaviors than other Americans. So the question is why are the rates of HIV infection increased in the Black community? One reason is the lack of access to healthcare. General Public: According to Impressions of HIV/AIDS in America, Americans don’t seem to have the same strong concern about HIV/AIDS today compared to the 1980’s when the first case was diagnosed. However, African Americans and New Yorkers seem to be moreRead MoreUnfair Treatment during the Scottsboro Trials1739 Words   |  7 Pagesprostitutes falsely accused nine African American youths of rape on a freight train car; the boys were convicted in every trial due to the prejudices of an all white jury, and they had an attorney with little to no motivation to put any effort into their defense. The boys of the Scottsboro trials were never treated fairly from the beginning. The whole journey was filled with misconception. The journey began on the freight train, there was nine African Americans on a train car and with them, wasRead MoreThe Gap Between The White And Black Workforce1106 Words   |  5 PagesData Methods: Roscigno et al (2012) rely on a pool of African-Americans from the 1980s to 2007 to define the barriers to managerial and administrative positions in the workforce within a white hegemonic American labor market. Dependent variable is based on the overarching economic conditions that effect both whites and blacks, and the Independent variable of managerial positions available in the workforce. Quane et al (2015) provide data collected from the U.S. meta-data that describes the economicRead MoreReligion in Rap Music1550 Words   |  7 Pagesof black churches are called into question by the religious rhetoric and existential posture of artists who claim a relationship with the divine, but whose activities on the surface might suggest a lack of the ethical posture; one might assume such a commitment might entail. Connoted here is a paradigm shift that impacts cultural studies, religious studies and African American theological reflection in different ways, a conceptual alteration of African American theological reflection that promotesRead MoreStereotypes And Stereotypes Of African American Students Essay1148 Words   |  5 Pagesbiological or racial characteristics. Focusing on education, African American students had consistently been negatively stereotyped about their intellectual abilities. Research indicates that racial stereotypes negatively affect African American s tudents’ academic performance. This correlation, though, is clearest among salient African American students, implying that psychological factors may result from these discriminations. African American children demonstrate early awareness of ethnic stereotypesRead MoreHypertension In Nursing1340 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is the organization that creates the examination that is required to obtain a nursing license. The NCSBN categorizes the content of the examination into four different categories: assurance of a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance of health, preservation of patient psychosocial and physiological health (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2015). Health promotion and maintenance includesRead MoreEffects Of The White Standards Of Beauty On African American Women923 Words   |  4 PagesHairstyles that the Africa American population came up with has either had an inspiration or they were criticized from other ethics as well. Stereotypes are the main reason why Africa American hair is judged so hard. In 2006 a researcher name Tracey Owns Patten did her research on different ethics standpoints. Throughout this article the effect of the White standards of beauty towards African American w omen by questioning the societal definitions of beauty, body image, and hair. (Patton, 2006,Read MoreEssay on Middle Passage1227 Words   |  5 PagesINTRO Examination into the true heart of experience and meaning, Charles Johnson’s Middle Passage looks at the structures of identity and the total transformation of the self. The novel talks about the hidden assumptions of human and literary identity and brings to view the real problems of these assumptions through different ideas of allusion and appropriation. As the novel tells Rutherford Calhoun’s transformation of un-awareness allows him to cross â€Å"the sea of suffering† (209) making him forgetRead MoreAfrican Americans : Low Socioeconomic Status Increase The Risk For Diabetes1081 Words   |  5 PagesThe PICO question chosen was, In African Americans does low socioeconomic status increase the risk for diabetes compared to high economic status in relation to diet. African Americans are at greater risk of diabetes and other medical issues. It was researched if one that was African American was at a greater risk of developing diabetes because the cost of food . The data bases used for the research were, CINAHL and MEDLINE. The terms used in this search were socioeconomic factors, African Americans

Taxation Capital Gains Tax

Question: Discuss about the Taxation for Capital Gains Tax. Answer: Introduction: Under Irish taxation law, the capital gains resulting from the clearance of assets are liable to tax under Capital Gains Tax. Under the provision of Irish taxation law, to determine tax value of the resulted capital gains in asset transfers, with either given or inward for consideration, the market value is likely to be substituted, as in certain circumstances, there are no actual purchase or the value of transfer does not replicate the asset value. The market value of asset is likely to be substituted but not applicable when transaction is involved at arms length but valid in case wherein transmit of assets has taken place under bargains (Chartered Accountants Ireland, n.d.). The circumstance in which such provision will be applicable when an individual makes transaction in the form of gifts, transmit of capital to shareholders by a corporate, all such transactions wherein consideration is difficult to be valued, acquisition related with any loss due to employment and salary decreas es due to past services. It can be affirmed that market value is also substituted in circumstances in the environment when company allots share to any individual who is involved with the corporate at a value lower than its actual valuation. Development land refers to properties, which may include lands and buildings in the geographic region that is transferred with a valuation higher than its present value. The present value reflects the valuation of land if no development takes place apart from minimal natural development (1Irish Tax and Customs, 2015). Reflecting to Esthers planning to sale land in Wicklow, which she brought during 1990s and did not develop, it is suggested that if total consideration receivables on the development land were not more than 19,050, it would not be subjected to entitle the benefits of a special provision. In accordance with the Irish tax provision, if value of consideration is subjected to more than 19,050 in sale of property, an individual is not entitled to obtain relief related with tax exemption in capital gains. Additionally, as Esther did not develop the land in the tenure from purchase until now, thus, it can be suggested to her that gains that she made in such act of selling of non-development lands are likely to be subjected to be taxed. It is worth mentioning to her that she will not be entitled to get indexation relief on the prosperity, because such reliefs are deemed as confined to the use of property. Evidently, the scenario clearly reflected that she did not use the property from the period when she brought the property, thus, she will not be entitled to avail benefits from the relief on the capital gains that will be made in selling the property. Esther will not be entitled to gain provisional benefits to offset her loss resulting from sales of shares, as in accordance with tax laws, losses that are accumulated in selling of any asset, will not be categorised as development land, and are not adjusted with the profit from sale of development land (CPA Ireland, n.d.). Based on the notion that Esther incurred no development expense in the property, it can be suggested that she should not sell the property now, as it will not allow her to offset the losses she had incurred from the sale of shares. Setting Up a New Company in Ireland Various perspectives are required to be considered when incorporating a business, which is a complex and a challenging process that involves many risk drivers. However, in order to assist entrepreneurs in Ireland, certain support mechanisms and regulatory provisions are applied throughout the process of business commencement (1Citizen Information Board, 2016). Apparently, the period between quitting employment in Twilight Ltd and setting up a new business by Bertie Dunne ranges around 2 years. Thus, as per the Irish law, Bertie Dunne is unemployed and possesses an intention to form a business. He is entitled and qualified for the benefits under the provision of Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) or Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA). He is also eligible for certain benefits, which will be applicable in his case. The government provides additional support and necessary benefits in accordance with the mentioned schemes, including arrangement of training, conducting market research, assisting in business planning and buying necessary equipments with loans. In keeping with Irish governmental purview, Bertie Dunne remained unemployed for more than a year thus he is deemed to be eligible for income tax exemption of a maximum limit of 40,000 annually until 3 years in the new business. The maximum amount of relief or exemption under the Irish tax provision in three year that Bertie Dunne can have will be 120,000. This relief is available only on the share of income tax that is payable on the profits obtained from the business operations. It must also be noted in this context that if Bertie Dunne incurred losses in the initial years, the deficit amount can be forwarded for adjustments in the subsequent years as a relief from tax. Illustratively, suppose the business incurs a loss of 15,000 in its first year of operation and in the second year, the profit made amounts to 30,000. Under the scheme, the relief of tax payment will be available for the second year and loss of 15,000 from the first year will be subjected to adjustments in the third year, if profit is equal to or more than 40,000. If not, it can be adjusted in later years (3Irish Tax and Customs, 2014). Prior to the incorporation of Finance Act 2011, the owner of new businesses can avail full relief from corporate tax (2Citizen Information Board, 2016; ACCA, 2012). In addition, Bertie Dunne can register the business as a limited company, which will create its separate entity, making the firm eligible for corporate tax reliefs, in the initial three years of business operations. Contextually, post amendment of the Finance Act 2011, the amount of relief linked with Employers PRSI is to be paid by the company on an annual basis, with a minimum wage per employee amounting to 5,000 and a maximum to 40,000. This implies that the overall amount of corporate tax payable by the qualified new business must not exceed 40,000 annually. The amount of corporate tax on the income and gains is subjected to Employers PRSI as well, wherein the adjusted amount should not exceed in comparison with the contribution in Employers PRSI (OHanlon Tax Limited, 2014; 4Irish Tax and Customs, 2012). However, regardless of exemption on this provision, payment of certain contribution in Pay Social Insurance (PRSI), which is a social insurance fund and in Universal Social Charge (USC), which is a special tax levy on the income above 13,000 annually, will be compulsory for Bertie Dunne with respect to operating his business. The amount paid by Bertie Dunne under PRSI will be adjusted with the relief that he is entitled to receive for the three years. As under the provision, employers contribution in PRSI and USC is compulsory for the business (Irish Department of Finance, 2015; 4Irish Tax and Customs, 2012). Considering the assumption that Bertie Dunnes business in initial five years of operations makes profit of 12,000, 15,000, 50,000, 120,000 and 150,000, the corporate tax will be applicable at a prevailing rate of 12.5%. The relief that Bertie Dunne will be entitled to availed under the provision of Irish tax law has been presented below: Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Profit 12,000 15,000 50,000 120,000 150,000 Corporation tax 1,500 1,875 6,250 15,000 18,750 Contribution in Employers PRSI 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 Unused and Excess carried forward 6,500 6,125 1,750 N/A N/A Aggregate amount (carried forward amount) 3 years 12,000 Relief claimed (after 3 years) 8,000 4000 Remaining carried forward amount 4000 Nil Tax liability Nil Nil Nil 7,000 14,375 Based on the above presented tax liability calculation, it can be affirmed that aggregate amount carried forward after 3 years for adjustment is 12,000 rather than 14,375, as under the provision of Irish law, reliefs allowable to the business after three years (if unadjusted) will be amounted to the maximum limit of 12,000. Moreover, if the company of Bertie Dunne tax is determined to be liable for more than 60,000 payment of tax in any accounting period, it will not be considered as eligible for any relief related to the deduction of corporate tax in that financial year. In the process of commencing a business, relief or deduction of tax can be claimed by Bertie Dunne on certain expenses paid before the business formal commencement. Under the provision to determine the taxable value, such expenses will be treated as losses, as it occurred before starting up the trade operations. Those expenses that will be available for relief to Bertie Dunne include leasing costs, which are related to business, costs required to develop the concepts of business, bear the legal fees and for conducting feasibility studies. The relief of tax initiatives related to Research and Development (RD) can also be availed by Bertie Dunne under the provision. In terms of profits of the business, tax deduction is likely to be materialised for all such business expenses, which are wholly or partially incurred to conduct business trade, such as those included in the financial statements of the business as revenue expenses. The capital allowances (i.e., expenses paid over buying capital equipments) are also allowed for tax deductions (Department of Social Protection, 2016; 2Irish Tax and Customs, 2016; Bank of Ireland, 2016). For instance, if Bertie Dunnes Company gets hold of certain qualified intangible assets, the business will be entitled to avail reliefs on its related costs required for acquisition. Such intangible assets include name of company, brand, goodwill and copyright among others. Disposal of the Company in the Future In the event of selling of business, Bertie Dunne needs to consider two different perspectives, which include selling of share of the company and assets. Selling of business by share liquidation will provide advantage of personal gains but tax on the capital gains will be applicable. Thus, considering the selling price of the company shares, tax will be due on the capital gains. The prices that will be considered will include the nominal and addition of premium values. The retirement benefit reliefs will also be entitled on the capital gains from selling of the business, as the age of the owner will be above 55 after 5 years. Under the provision of law, if the owner of the business is more than 55 years and sells the business then he/she is entitled for the tax relief on the capital gains made with the selling transactions (AIB Corporate Finance, 2008). Besides, the trade of the business will be ceased with selling of assets and accordingly, the provisions of company cessation will be applicable in the case (McAteer Hegarty, 2015). Any loss in the final accounting year is likely to be offset against the available capital gains to the owner in tax calculation. With regard to determining the amount of tax, balance charged will be evaluated by comparing sales proceedings of the assets with assets Tax Written Down Value (TWDV). The overall tax payable amount will also reduce, if sales value is inferior than TWDV and vice versa. The amount of balance charged will be limited to assets previously claimed for capital allowances. However, negative valuation in the capital allowances is expected to be subjected to the corporation tax. Selling of any of the inventory in profit will further increase the tax value, as it will be trading receipts in the hand of the seller. In the selling agreement, if assets including plants and properties are sold, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applicable at that time. As the selling of business will include trade transfer, exemption can be claimed in accordance with the provisions of going concern indemnity. However, such exemption will be applicable, if the purchase of business is registered to claim the advantages of VAT and is entitled to full relaxation of VAT recovery (McAteer Hegarty, 2015). At the time of liquidation, Bertie Dunnes Companys intangible assets will also be subjected to taxable income, as it will be treated under the head of capital gain; for instance, selling of goodwill. Nevertheless, during selling of certain assets, including debtors and inventories, if the sales proceeding is equivalent to debtors value, no tax will be chargeable (Corporate Finance in Europe, 2016). Bertie Dunne is therefore suggested that he should not sell the business after 5 to 7 years because to entitle the relief of retirement, the assets and shares must be owned for at least a period of 10 years. References ACCA 2012, New companies start-up relief, Company Start-Up Reliefs, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/acca/global/PDF-students/2012s/sa_feb12_p6_startup.pdf. AIB Corporate Finance 2008, Selling a business Ireland, MergerMarket, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.aib.ie/servlet/BlobServer/708/779/Selling%20a%20Business%20Ireland.pdf?blobcol=urldatablobheader=application/pdfblobkey=idblobtable=MungoBlobsblobwhere=1214390540042csblobid=1220890827190. Bank of Ireland 2016, Startup tax relief in Ireland, Reliefs and Incentives, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/start-up-tax-relief-in-ireland/. Chartered Accountants Ireland n.d., Disposals and acquisitions treated as made at market value, Sec 547, viewed 04 July 2016, https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/taxsource/1997/en/act/pub/0039/nfg/sec0547-nfg.html. Citizen Information Board 2016, Starting a business, Self-Employment, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/types_of_employment/self_employment/setting_up_a_business_in_ireland.html. Citizen Information Board 2016, Start your own business relief, Income tax credits and reliefs, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/start_your_own_business_scheme.html. Corporate Finance in Europe 2016, Tax aspects when selling a business in Ireland, Tax Aspects Selling Company, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.corporatefinanceineurope.eu/ireland/sell-business/tax-aspects.htm. CPA Ireland n.d., CGT and capital losses, Taxation, viewed 04 July 2016, https://www.cpaireland.ie/docs/default-source/media-and-publications/accountancy-plus/taxation/cgt-june.pdf?sfvrsn=2. Department of Social Protection 2016, Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions and classes, Operational Guidelines, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/PRSI---Pay-Related-Social-Insurance---Contributions-and-Clas.aspx. Department of Finance 2015, Tax and entrepreneurship review, Corporate Tax, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.budget.gov.ie/Budgets/2016/Documents/Tax_and_Entrepreneurship_Review_pub.pdf. Irish Tax and Customs 2015, CGT1 Guide to capital gains tax, Irish Tax and Customs, pp. 3-46. Irish Tax and Customs 2016, Universal social charge, Irish Tax and Customs, pp. 11-30. Irish Tax and Customs 2014, Frequently asked questions, Relief Exemption, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/reliefs/own-business-scheme/faqs.html#section3. Irish Tax and Customs 2012, Tax relief for new start-up companies, Irish Tax and Customs, pp. 1-10. McAteer, C S Hegarty, C 2015, Taxation considerations on the sale and purchase of a business: Asset sale v share sale, CPA Ireland, pp. 1-5. OHanlon Tax Limited 2014, Tax relief for new start-up companies, OHT Guide to Tax Relief On Start-up Companies, viewed 05 July 2016, https://www.ohanlontax.ie/downloads/TaxReliefsforStart-UpCompanies.pdf.

Impact of Interactivity of Electronic Word

Question: Discuss about the Impact of Interactivity of Electronic Word. Answer: Introduction This study is a marketing audit that aims to identify and evaluate the business opportunities and threats in the market. The focus is made on Aldi, which is a supermarket chain, operating the business at international level. The aim of the organization is to provide high quality grocery products at the minimum possible price. Currently, the company has total 10000 stores, which are situated in 18 different countries. However, as the market competition has increased nowadays, it is important for the company to verify its current opportunities and threats in the market. Apart from identifying the market opportunities and threats, the study or the marketing audit also evaluates the organizations segments and decision-making process of the consumers. Identifying the market opportunities and threats Aldi is a supermarket chain, which is operating its business since 1913. The market of the company covers the countries like, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Germany, France, Hungary, Spain and 11 others (Aldi.com.au, 2016). As per the current report on the grocery retail industry in Australia, it can be said that the annual growth rate of the industry is not bad. The industry report shows that the annual growth rate of Australias grocery retail industry is 4.1% (Mahmud, 2015). The industry report also shows that Aldi is one of the top most performers in this industry. In last five years, the company has achieved tremendous growth. The overall revenue of the industry is $105 billion (Voigt, Buliga Michl, 2016). In the market researches, the experts have identified that the growth of Australias grocery retail industry will continue for next 3 to 4 years. Therefore, it is good news for Aldi that along with the industrial growth, Aldi will also enjoy the growth opportunities for next 3 to 4 years (Berman, 2015). In order to identify the macro environment of the company in a better manner, the analysis of the industry can be done with the help of PESTLE framework. The PESTLE analysis is shown below: Factors Current situation Political Australia is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. The stable political condition has also helped the grocery industry operating business successfully. The level of corruption is very low, which helped the companies maintaining their price at the standard level (Voigt, Buliga Michl, 2016). The new federal government in Australia helped the small and large organizations in operating their business activities by providing proper infrastructure. Economic The economy in Australia is currently facing fiscal deficit. Due to the fiscal deficit, the Australian Government became failure to meet or fulfill all of the promises that it has made to different industries in the country. Per capital GDP of the company has decreased in the last five years (Ododo, Mulholland Turner, 2015). Due to this, the investments in the companies in Australia have also dropped down. Social The Australian society includes a mixed culture. The people in this society like to maintain the tradition and at the same time, they also adopt the new things or changes. This actually helps the companies bringing new products in the market. In case of grocery products, the people always prefer the fresh, healthy and hygiene products (Berman, 2015). Technological The technological infrastructure in Australia is much developed. The companies and the supermarkets in the country get the opportunity of improving their business by utilizing the advanced technological infrastructure of the country. Legal In Australia, the companies are required to follow the legal guidelines provided by the government of the country. The laws related to the minimum wage level, workplace safety and employment rights must be maintained by each company in the country (Brandes Brandes, 2015). At the same time, the legal boundaries implemented by the government for protecting the environment are also needed to be maintained. Environmental The people in Australia are much conscious about the natural environment of the country. Due to this, the companies in this country require to take part in the CSR activities related to the protection of natural environment. Therefore, in the above analysis of the macro environment and the current industrial situation, it can be stated that there is high growth opportunity for Aldi in the coming financial years. At the same time, it can also be said that if the company is able to maintain the quality of the products, then it can easily attract the new customers in the Australian market (Weisenfels, 2015). However, the major threat for the company is the economic condition of the country. The continuous fiscal deficit in the last five years has decreased the investment opportunity, which is creating problem for the company. Apart from that, the growth of grocery industry indicates that there is high competition in the market, which is another threat for Aldi. Describing the nature of competition in the industry and comparing Aldi with its competitors In the above discussion, it has been identified that the competition in the supermarket industry in Australia is very high. The industry has positive growth rate in the market and there is much scope of business expansion in this particular industry. Apart from Aldi, there are two more major player in this industry and those are Woolworths Limited and Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (Haddock-Millar Rigby, 2015). These two business organizations are not only operating successful business in Australia, but they are also throwing high level of competition to Aldi. If the current business condition of Aldi is analyzed, then it can be identified that the wide business base is one of the major strengths of the company. Aldi has expanded its business in many areas in Australia (Aldi.com.au, 2016). On the other side, the product range of the company is also large. The company is more popular for the quality of its grocery products. Many people in Australia are the loyal to Aldi. This means the loyal customer base is also the strengths of the company. Apart from these, the company also has strong financial base (Aldi.com.au, 2016). As the business of Aldi is expended in several areas and the company is capable of earning good amount of revenue per year, the financial health of the company is much strong (Aldi.com.au, 2016). This strong financial base helps the company in continuous improvements. However, if the comparison is made with the other two giant organizations that are Woolworths and Coles, then it can be identified that most of the strengths of Aldi are not unique. Woolworths Limited and Coles Supermarkets are also having loyal customers. Moreover, Bder (2015) mentioned that the business expansion of Woolworths is more in Australia in comparison to Aldi. At the same time, it is also true that the competitors of Aldi also have strong financial base. However, in this context it can be said that in recent past, the financial strength of Woolworths Limited has declined. At the same time, it is also true that though the financial strength of Woolworths Limited has declined, it is still the major player in the supermarket industry in Australia (Block et al., 2016). On the other side, in comparison with the competitors, it can be identified that the product ranges of Woolworths Limited and Coles are much wider than that of Aldi. This means it is the weakness of Aldi that i t has failed to increase its product range much. There is another weakness of Aldi and that is lack of experienced employees. It has been identified that in comparison with Woolworths Limited and Coles Supermarkets, the company has recruited fresher employees than that of experienced people (Karimi, Papamichail Holland, 2015). Due to this, many times the company faces problems at the time of managing the outlets as well as the stores. Another weakness of Aldi is that the price range of the products of Aldi is much lower than that of the other competitors in the market. Though most of the time customers look for the products at low price range, very low price range sometimes creates questions in the minds of the customers regarding the quality of the products (Yoo, Kim Sanders, 2015). Aldi is facing this particular problem. As the price range of the company is low from the beginning, it cannot increase the price suddenly. At the same time, the company is also loosing many customers due to the very low price range of the products. Therefore, from this discussion, it can be said that Aldi has several strengths in this current business scenario. However, the high level of competition from the side of Woolworths Limited and Coles Supermarkets is creating some problems for the company. Wide product range and strong financial base of the competitors have increased the weakness of Aldi (Simkin, 2016). Though the company has expanded in many areas in Australia, it requires more business expansion as well as business improvements for future growth. Identifying and analyzing the market segments of Aldi Aldi is operating its business in the market of Australia for many years. In order to identify the market segments of the company, it is very important to analyze the customer base of Aldi with the help of STP model. This particular model helps understanding the market segments, target markets and positioning strategies of a particular company. If the customer base of Aldi is analyzed with the help of STP model, then it can be identified that the company has segmented the market on the basis of the demographic and psychographic factors. In case of demographic segmentation, the company has concentrated on the elements like, income and age of the people (Aldi.com.au, 2016). The company has divided the market in three segments based on the income group of the people. These three segments are High income group, Middle income group and Low income group. After segmenting the market, the company has targeted the middle income group only (Aldi.com.au, 2016). This is because the number of people in the middle class income group is more in Australia. Due to this, the company has more scope of increasing the market share by targeting the people in the middle class income group (Adner, Ruiz-Aliseda Zemsky, 2016). On the other side, the company has also divided the market into two segments based on the age group of the people. These two segments are People in the age group between 20 to 30 years and People of above 30 years age group (Aldi.com.au, 2016). The company has primarily targeted the people, who are above the age of 30 years because most of the grocery items are purchased by the people of this particular age group. However, the people between the ages of 20 to 30 years are the secondary target market of the company. The number of customers in this particular age group is less and so the company has considered these people in the secondary target market (Aldi.com.au, 2016). Apart from the demographic segmentation, the company has also segmented the market based on the psychographic factors. The company has mainly concentrated on the lifestyles of the people and divided the market into two segments people, who prefer fast lifestyle and people, who prefer to lead traditional lifestyle (Aldi.com.au, 2016). Between these two segments, the second one is the primary target market of Aldi and the first one is the secondary target market for the company. Discussion on the decision-making process of the target market of Aldi In the above discussion, it has been identified that the primary target markets of Aldi are the middle class income group, who are in between the age group of 20 to 30 years and like to lead the traditional lifestyle. If the buying behavior or the decision-making process of the primary target market of Aldi is analyzed with the help of the generic theory of consumer buying behavior, then it can be identified that the people in the primary target market of Aldi prefer their actual need first while taking the purchasing decision people (Karimi, Papamichail Holland, 2015). The price level is the most important factor that the primary target market of Aldi considers first. The people in this particular target market have limited capacity of purchasing the products. Due to this, they always look for the products at moderate price level (Block et al., 2016). At the same time, quality is another important factor that the consumers under the primary target market of Aldi always consider while taking the purchasing decision. The people always prefer to have the quality at satisfactory level as per the prices of the products (Adner, Ruiz-Aliseda Zemsky, 2016). Apart from the price and quality, the consumers also consider the looks or packaging of the products. Therefore, the decision making process of the primary target market of Aldi is as follows: In the above diagram, it can be identified that there are five stages included in the decision-making process of Aldia customers. The first stage of consumers decision making process is awareness creating. At this stage, the consumers or the target market of the company becomes aware of the products and services of the company. This is very vital stage because this stage creates the first impression of the company (Haddock-Millar Rigby, 2015). Due to this, Aldi always takes care of the promotional activities. The second stage is verifying the products and services of the company by discussing with the other people. As the target market of Aldi includes the people of middle income group, they always clearly verify the products before investing the money in purchase. People generally ask their friends who already have used the products of Aldi. After that, the third stage is visiting the stores of Aldi (Weisenfels, 2015). At this stage, the consumers physically come at the stores of A ldi to verify the products closely. The fourth stage is verifying the products closely. At this stage, the consumers closely check the products and try to match that with the feedbacks given by their friends. The last stage is taking the final decision. If the consumers become satisfied during the verification, then they take the purchasing decision (Brandes Brandes, 2015). Therefore, the above discussion is indicating that in order to influence the decision making process of the primary target market, Aldi always requires focusing on the promotional activities. The positioning statement of the company can be as following: The positioning of Aldi aims to provide the best quality products at the affordable price range. The company focuses on the providing the proper worth to the consumers spending, so that it can deliver the best products and services to the customers. Conclusion In this study, it has been identified that the macro environment and the industrial condition is much favorable for the business development of Aldi. However, there is huge competition in the market and the company is trying hard to compete with the competitors. The major competitors of the company are Woolworths Limited and Coles Supermarkets. The company has several strengths though it requires focusing on its product range. The company has segmented the market as per the demographic and psychographic factors and the primary target market of the company follows five stages during the decision making process. Reference list: Adner, R., Ruiz-Aliseda, F., Zemsky, P. (2016). Specialist versus generalist positioning: Demand heterogeneity, technology scalability and endogenous market segmentation.Strategy Science,1(3), 184-206. 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