Abstract
In this paper the author reflects on his true identity and culture as an American with Nigeruan roots. He discusses how his cultural identity does not come to him from a skin color or a nation, but from the Ibo tribe from which he has descended.

From the Paper
"Because of this, hard work has been as much a part of my life as my dedication to my studies. I used to come home in the evenings after working in the fields with my father with blisters forming on my hands on top of the blisters that had barely begun to heal the day before; it was painful, and exhausting, but satisfying. A great emphasis is placed on the ability to produce a finished product and not simply on the wealth one can attain, and farming definitely provides this sense of hard work for a real payoff. In the Ibo world, I and my family were successful because our endeavors led us to be educated, showed our willingness and ability to work, and provided a livelihood. Of course we dreamed of earning greater wealth and possibly moving to the city, but the sense of work and pride is what drove this desire, and not a simple desire to be lazy or to live a life of luxury without any effort--this is antithetical to Ibo ideals.
"Another of my father's stories concerning my grandfather is the immense respect he had earned as a traditional healer, and somewhat ironically as a fighter in the inter-tribal wars (even the Ibo do not get along with others and with themselves at times). Being a member of the ruing class of chieftains did not exempt him from work in any way, but on the contrary it demanded a higher level of service and commitment form him. These are the ideals that still exist in the Ibo culture despite the massive changes that have occurred since the Westernization of Nigeria. The Christian religion has done much to supplant traditional beliefs and customs, and other Western traditions and ideas have followed, but the sense of pride that is taken in both the Ibo heritage and in our individual accomplishments and work ethic have not been eroded, but perhaps actually strengthened as other sources of cultural identity have faded."

Tags:skin, color, status, destiny

Abstract
This paper examines self funded healthcare plans, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages to a company offering them to employees. The paper also considers when a self funded plan is appropriate and what precautions should be taken. First, the paper defines a self funded healthcare plan, noting the role of the employer in this choice and the individual. Next, the paper addresses the advantages and disadvantages of these plans, with an emphasis on fiscal issues and control. Finally, the paper explores when self funded plans are appropriate and the factors one should be aware of when choosing such a health care plan. The paper concludes by stating that organizations should take the implementation of self funded plans into careful consideration before going through with it, and the organization should be certain that a self funded plan will be of benefit to the company.


Outline:

Introduction
Definition of Self Funded Plans
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Funded Plans
Advantages
Disadvantages
When is Self-Funding Appropriate
Factors Organizations should be Aware of
Conclusion

From the Paper
"According to an article published by the state of Colorado, there are two types of employee benefit plans: fully insured or self-funded. The article explains that under a fully funded plan the employer actually contract with a commercial health insurance company ("Erisa"). Under this type of plan "the insurer covers the employees and dependents ("What is a self funded plan?)." Under such a plan all of the risk is assumed by the insurance company ("Erisa"). When a fully insured plan is utilized by employees there are certain state and federal laws that must be followed ("Erisa"). A self funded plan is defined as a kind of job-based health insurance plan, that is paid for by the employer ("What is a self funded plan?). It is also important to point out that although the aforementioned plans are referred to as self funded ("What is a self funded plan?). Employers are not usually forced to assume all the responsibility associated with claims that are catastrophic. Instead the employer purchases a type of insurance called a stop-loss or excess-loss insurance. This type of insurance allows the employer to be reimbursed when claims surpass a particular amount..."

Tags:insurance, claim payments, state mandates, flexibility

Abstract
This paper outlines the structure and function of modern bureaucracy based on Max Weber's original characteristics. These are presented in a list, then further elaborated upon within the paper. According to the paper, these central characteristics are common to most organizational structures. These include job descriptions and systems of supervision and the division of labor between managers and workers. Various contemporary scholars are cited and their outlooks analyzed as they related to Weber's work on organizational structure. It also highlights the modern issue of vast quantities of paper work and the need for change to occur in this situation. The paper concludes by discussing the difficulty of change in an organization, particularly when it involved red tape.

From the Paper
"Anthony Downs felt that control operates by providing structural coordination and uniformity. But that control in bureaucratic structures is flawed in several respects. He explored several regularities which he called laws. The first was the Law of Hierarchy: which was the coordination of large-scale activities without markets requiring a hierarchical authority structure. The second was the Law of Imperfect Control in which no one can fully control the behavior of a large organization. The third was the Law of Diminishing Control in which the larger any organization becomes, the weaker is the control over its actions exercised by those at the top. The fourth was the Law of Decreasing Coordination in which the larger any organization becomes, the poorer is the coordination among its actions. The fifth law is the Power Shift Law which is unrestrained conflict shifts power upward. The sixth law is the Law of Progress through Imperialism in which the desire to aggrandize breads innovation and the seventh law being the Law of Counter Control in which the greater the effort made by a sovereign or top-level official to control the behavior of subordinate officials, the greater the efforts made by those subordinates to evade or counteract such control..."

Tags:Max Weber, bureaucracy, job description, unity of command, supervision, division of labor

Abstract
The paper assesses the business environment in Nigeria and specifically explores how the global economic crisis has affected the export of oil and other commodities and how the Nigerian authorities have responded to the crisis. The paper provides a review of the literature and details the methodology utilized. Finally, the paper presents and analyzes the data and includes color graphs and tables.

Outline:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Methodology
Presentation and Analysis of Data

From the Paper
"In terms of measured gross domestic product for 2008, Nigeria is ranked as the 34th largest economy of the globe, with a GDP of $338.1 billion. Business operations in the African country are primarily focused on the usage of the land's natural resources, mainly natural gas and petroleum, tin, iron ore and arable land - agriculture is a great part in economic development, accounting for 18 percent of the national income, together with services with 31 percent and industry with 51 percent. Despite this structure, the labor force by occupation reveals a reduced efficiency of the agricultural operations as the field only generates 18 percent of the GDP but employs 70 percent of the entire labor force; 10 percent are employed in industry and 20 percent in services (World factbook, 2009).
Oil operations are the main contributor to national income, with significant GDP increases being registered in 2007 and 2008 in a context of growing international oil prices. Businesses in Nigeria are currently registering increased operational costs due to the need to adequately respond to environmental challenges. The country's main difficulties include soil degradation, deforestation, water pollution, desertification or the growing loss of arable land. Additionally, the pressure to respect environmental issues has increased in Nigeria and Shell for instance, the largest oil producer in the African country, has been subjected to fierce criticism (Manby, 1999).

Tags:oil, commodities, goods, exports, trade

Abstract
This paper studies the economic, sociopolitical, competitive, technological and international environment that Verizon faces, providing insight into the types of changes that can be expected and what Verizon's management team can do to deal with these anticipated changes. The paper finds that Verizon faces a rapidly changing external environment, but it has been successful in responding to the needs of America's changing demographics and has kept pace with technological development. The paper posits that Verizon's ability to take advantage of the economic recovery by leveraging these strengths will allow it to build the market share and economies of scale it will need to survive the expected increase in competitive intensity in the coming years.

Outline:
Introduction
Economic Environment
Sociopolitical environment
Competitive Environment
Technological Environment
International Environment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Leading economic indicators are generally positive. The stock market is one major leading indicator. As we can see in Appendix A, the S&P 500 has been slowly improving over the course of the year. This is the broadest of the three major indices, and as such is reflective of the market's view on the economy overall. It is also the most relevant of the three to Verizon because of the firm's broad customer base.
"There are several other leading indicators as well. The most important ones have been aggregated into the Conference Board Leading Economic Index. This basket of leading indicators increased 1% in September, 0.4% in August and 1% in July, as well as improving the six months previous (Conference Board, 2009). This corresponds with the stock market's assessment that the economy is generally expected to improve slowly over the coming months and years.
"With an economy that is expected to improve steadily, Verizon should see some organic growth in its business. It will, however, need to be wary of a couple of things. The first is that it must continue to focus on the other business drivers such as technology and marketing. These have helped it to weather the worst of the economic storm and should not be ignored simply because the economy is set to improve."

Tags:economy, stocks, demographics, suppliers, competition

Abstract
This paper describes the challenges faced by a Navy SEAL and what a candidate must do to pass the entrance requirements for this elite unit. First, the paper highlights the physical and mental characteristics of a Navy SEAL. Then, it gives a brief history of the unit. Next, the paper notes the requirements for an applicant to apply to the unit, which includes being able to hurdle the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and passing the Physical Screening Test. Additionally, the paper describes "Hell Week" for the SEAL applicants which they must pass to enter the unit. Finally, the paper describes the structure of the Navy SEALs, such as where the bases are located and the number of platoons. The paper concludes by stating that there is indeed no dull moment for someone seeking a career as a Navy SEAL.

From the Paper
"Navy SEALs are often called "supermen" because of the superhuman deeds they accomplish. Ask any current and former Navy SEALs and they will tell you that it is not superhuman strengths and abilities but the mental attitude of being able to do it. The can-do attitude is inculcated in Navy SEAL's training and is part and parcel of being a member of the Navy's elite Special Forces unit. Becoming a Navy SEAL is no easy task though and there are numerous requirements to be able to make it to the short list of those who will undergo the rigorous training. Becoming a Navy SEAL not only means having the can-do attitude but living up to the memories of former members of this elite profession who gave their lives for the fulfilment of the mission and adhere to the beliefs of the American way of life."
"The Navy SEAL has its humble beginnings during World War II where immediately after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 7, 1941; there was a requirement to have teams "specially trained to go safely ashore and clear the path of obstacles and other hazards and return intelligence on enemy locations..."

Tags:Special Forces, combat arms, non-combat arms, elite forces, unconventional warfare

Abstract
The paper discusses the human resource department's role in fighting identity theft and in protecting trade secrets. The paper describes how human-resources people typically follow the "Need to Know" confidentiality guideline; the paper offers the opinion that unless the information or confession breaks any company policies or laws it should be kept confidential. The paper also addresses whistleblower laws and how HR confidentiality breaches can be grounds for lawsuits.

From the Paper
"The human resource department exists in a company to help their workers. The workers are the backbone of the company, and without them, the company would fail miserably for they would have no product. However, an employee cannot go to their HR department with everything. According to the Bloomberg Businessweek article, "Caution: Don't Count on HR", "Human-resources people typically follow a confidentiality guideline known as the "Need to Know" standard. Here's how it works: When an employee comes to HR with a problem and asks that the conversation stay in confidence, the HR person can say, 'Oh, absolutely. I will only share our conversation with others on a 'Need to Know' basis'"(Ryan). In other words, if you are complaining about your boss, be prepared for your boss to find out. This practice is appalling. While I understand that there is an exception to every rule, I think that unless the information or confession breaks any company policies or laws it should be kept confidential. The human resource department is there to help its HUMAN RESOURCES, which to me means that part of their job should be to give even the lowliest worker a voice without the threat that the employee bringing attention to the problem will be fired."

Tags:privacy, whistleblowers, data, security

Abstract
This paper argues against the emerging beliefs and legislation that states and communities should hold bartenders accountable for the behavior of their patrons. The paper describes the various roles of bartenders in addition to serving alcoholic beverages. Then, it points out various reasons why the bar tender should not be responsible for a patron's actions once he leaves the bar. Several newspaper editorials are cited which concur with this belief. Then, the paper cites the opinion of critics who feel bartenders do bear onus in situations involving accidents related to excessive drinking. The paper outlines what a bartender is responsible for, such as checking an ID. The paper concludes by stating that bartenders have a job to do, as do the police, and people should not confuse the two.

From the Paper
"In many areas, courts are agreeing with the theory that bartenders are not accountable. In a case in Calgary Canada, a legal case against a bartender was dropped when the courts decided he was not responsible. An Alberta reporter writes, "Two years after a young Alberta woman died of alcohol poisoning after a night at the bar, the criminal charges against the man who served her have been dropped" (Zabjek). The bartender did have to pay a fine, which is not right, because the charges were dropped. Ultimately, the woman drank far too much, but she and her family were responsible for that. Her family should have taught her the danger of drinking too much, and she should have had the common sense to know when to stop. Dieing of alcohol poisoning means she drank an incredible amount of liquor, not just "drunk," but far over the line. She drank herself to death, and the bartender could have no way of knowing what her tolerance was or how much she consumed. Often, more than one server or bartender serves patrons, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with what patrons are consuming."

Tags:DUI, drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, Alcohol Server Training Intervention

Abstract
This paper explains that the newest high tech equipment in modern hospitals and clinics can never replace a thorough and complete bedside assessments of patients, which can gain insights into the lives of individuals thus enabling the nursing community to establish possible remedies for easing their discomfort. Next, the author relates the essential the biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual variable factors of this assessment, including their sub-classifications. The paper concludes that the right combination of query, performance and documentation as well as a sound understanding of a person's subsystem of selected variable factors or classifications are necessary for nurses to help their patients recover in a harmonious way.

From the Paper
"Another area where nurses could get a much clearer understanding of their patient is in the area of the second classification. The psychological variable factors may at times be more difficult to get in some interview scenarios depending on the mental capacity of a patient. But, even approximate knowledge in this area can go a long way in promoting a clearer path to health and harmony. For example, distinguishing if a patient acting out has been doing drugs the last 24 hours or if they are actually in a manic episode of their bipolar syndrome can make a very different hospital stay for a patient. Knowing the psychological variable factors is a key aspect of assessing a patient. For example; rather than utilizing a verbal analogue scale for assessing whether if a patient wants to continue with an I.V. morphine drip, understanding a person's coping methods may suggest allowing the patient to have more input to stimulate his or her own adaptation processes. The associated variables for the psychological classification are the attitudes, basic needs, body image, communication, defense and coping methods, feeling states, mental task resolution skills, self and external perception and values. These insights into the mental processing of a patient allow healthcare professionals to get more of a feel for the patient's thought processes, memory and overall cognitive knowledge."

Tags:rhythms, adaptation processes, culture, hands-on approach, spirit

Abstract
The paper uses a soft drinks company to illustrate the basic concepts associated with a monopolistic competition. The paper specifically looks at supply, demand and price in the short and the long term, the reasons for changes within a monopolistic market, the three types of production factors required to operate the soft drinks business, their applications and how they can be used to generate competitive advantage.

Outline:
Introduction to the Situation
Supply, Demand and Price on the Short Term
Supply, Demand and Price on the Long Term
Reasons for Differences in Supply, Demand and Price
Economic Factors
Using Economic Factors to Create Competitive Advantages

From the Paper
"Each of the three categories of production factors outlined throughout the previous section can be successfully used to generate competitive advantage. The lines below reveal some examples as to how this could be achieved:
(a)The company could decide to use cleaner water from less populated natural sources; such a decision would significantly improve customer satisfaction, would enhance organizational reputation, and as a result, would improve competitive strength.
(b)The company could place an increased emphasis on developing HR policies which improve employee on the job motivation, and as such enhance their levels of performance. This translates into higher levels of productivity, and an increased volume of the offer, to once again strengthen the company's competitive position
(c)Finally, the means in which the financial resources could be used to generate competitive advantages include the ability to invest in newer and better technologies, motivate the staff members, purchase the most adequate commodities, promote the organization and so on."

Tags:supply, demand, price, competitive, advantage