White Collar Crime Fbi Investigation - 1552 Words

Introduction: It was 13 years ago that the announcement of bankruptcy by Enron Corporation, an American energy, commodities and service firm at the time, would unravel a scandal resulting in what is regarded as the most multifaceted white-collar crime FBI investigation conducted in history. High-ranking officials at the Houston-based company swindled investors and managed to further their own wealth through intricate, shifty accounting practices such as listing assets above their true value to increase cash inflows and earnings statements. This had the effect of making the company and its shares look more enticing than they really were to potential investors. Upon their declaration of negative net worth in December 2001, shareholders filed a $40 billion lawsuit against the company, citing a drop of shares from around $90 per share to around $1 per share within only a few months. In light of these events, officials at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SCE) were prompted to initiate further in vestigation to figure out how such a drastic loss occurred. White-collar crime can be summed up in a nutshell by the following three deviant behaviors, all of which we hope to establish as morally wrong to our youth: lying, cheating and stealing. The term, coined in 1939, has become an umbrella term encompassing a full spectrum of frauds committed by business (potentially corporate), government professionals and a growing number of individuals capable of cyberspace hijacking. TheShow MoreRelatedFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI Essay550 Words   |  3 Pages The mission and values of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is up held with strong Constitutional values. Over the years since the FBI was created in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte during the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. As a progressive during this time period Bonaparte applied his philosophy to forming the FBI with several corps of agents. His thought was that these men should have expertise and not political connections. With the U.S. Constitution based on â€Å"federalism†Read MoreExplain the Differences Between Criminologists, Criminalists, and Forensic Psychologists and What Is the Difference in Their Disciplines of Expertise.1550 Words   |  7 Pages CRJS105 –1103b-04 Theories of Crime Causation August 28,2011 Abstract In this paper I will explain the differences between Criminologists, Criminalists, and Forensic psychologists and what is the difference in their disciplines of expertise. As well as looking at blue collar crime vs. white collar crime, how they are reported and measured by the FBI in their uniformed crime reporting. Also how blue collar crime is much more popular culture by the media. AndRead MoreCrime and Forensic Psychology1117 Words   |  5 PagesBambam2 Because  crime is one of the more appealing themes in popular culture, the public receives a skewed version of crime. The public’s knowledge may be particularly lacking with regard to the entire field of criminology, the differences between blue-collar and white-collar crime, and the general perception of the incidence of crime in the United States. You are asked, as the public relations representative of your police department, to provide an information session on the field of criminologyRead MoreHistory of the Fbi and Women1574 Words   |  7 PagesBureau in 1924, he inherited two female agents: Jessie B. Duckstein and Alaska P. Davidson, who both resigned within a few months as part of the Bureau’s reduction of force. In 1972, JoAnne Misko and Susan Malone were the first two women to enter the FBI Academy. In 1978, Special Agent Christine Karpoch (Jung) would become the first female firearms instructor—and she would shoot the coveted â€Å"possible,† a perfect score on the FBI’s Practical Pistol Range. In 1990, Special Agents Susan Sprengel andRead MoreA White Collar Criminal s Social Position Should Not Determine The Length, Term And Type Of Punishment1522 Words   |  7 PagesInformation Should Set You Free A white-collar criminal’s social position should not determine the length, term and type of punishment. The circumstance and type of white-collar crime should influence state and federal officials on the punishment. Some high profile crimes have been thoroughly planned and taken years or decades to execute. More than likely, the people that have planned and executed these crimes can detect the patterns and signs of similar crimes when presented with information orRead MoreWhite Collar And Organized Crime Essay900 Words   |  4 PagesWhite Collar And Organized Crime In the twentieth century, White Collar and Organized Crimes have attracted the attention of the U.S. Criminal Justice System due to the greater cost to society than most normal street crime. Even with the new attention by the Criminal Justice System, both are still pretty unknown to the general public. Although we know it occurs, due to the lack of coverage and information, society does not realize the extent of these crimes or the impact. White Collar and OrganizedRead MoreCounterterrorism In Cyber Enforcement1376 Words   |  6 Pagesof influence into the cybersphere. Cyber related crime in all area; terrorism, espionage, white collar crimes, criminal enterprises, etc.., has grown exponentially and the Bureau is doing its best to keep up. The FBI’s area of threat responsibility today is widespread and rapidly expanding to include seven major areas; Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Cyber, Public Corruption, Civil Right, Transnational and National Crime, and White Colla r Crime. In essence, there is very little that is not coveredRead MoreEssay about History of the FBI953 Words   |  4 PagesThe early 1900’s gave rise to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Founded in appalling times filled with tension, the FBI would slowly transform American law to apprehend the nation’s most notorious criminals, and become one of the vital agencies that protect American sovereignty. Influenced by the Progressive Movement and the belief that the federal government’s intervention was required to alleviate injustices in a dark society of corruption where a war between capital and labor raged, PresidentRead MoreWhite Collar Crime: Ponzi Scheme with a Focus on Bernard Madoff1652 Words   |  7 PagesWhite Collar Crime: Ponzi Scheme with a Focus on Bernard Madoff NAME College White Collar Crime: Ponzi Scheme with a Focus on Bernard Madoff Most people, when they hear the word â€Å"crime,† think about street crime or violent crime such as murder, rape, theft, or drugs. However, there is another type of crime that has cost people their life savings, investors’ billions of dollars, and has had significant impacts of multiple lives; it is called white collar crime. The Federal Bureau of InvestigationRead MoreCrimes Of Privilege: White Collar Crimes And The One Percent.1970 Words   |  8 PagesCrimes of Privilege: White Collar Crimes and the One Percent White collar crime has been recognized as something that is an issue since 1939 when it was brought up in a political meeting by Edwin Sutherland. Sutherland was interested in the fact that people of the working class were not being noticed for the crimes that some of them are involved in. The concern was that the criminal activity that was being addressed during this time were predominantly trivial crimes. While they were getting all

Cultural Wedding Ceremony Comparison Free Essays

Every country has their own way of marrying two people that want to spend the rest of their life together. Each has their own unique ritual of how they go about a wedding ceremony. African and Chinese cultures both have very intriguing ways of how they proceed with their ceremony. We will write a custom essay sample on Cultural Wedding Ceremony Comparison or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is found that there are many differences between the two of these cultures. This is a result of their own independent beliefs and traditions which causes them to go about their own unique ritual, although there are few similarities between the two countries. In the Chinese culture the wedding date is chosen based upon astrological signs and birthdates. Every Chinese ceremony commences on the half an hour which is the belief that will guarantee good fortune for the new couple. The night before wedding day the bride is bathed in citrus-infused water in another belief that it will cleanse her of her evil influences. This is the only way in which the two ceremonies are similar because they both consist of the bride being bathed before the wedding, although which is done in their own individual style. The bride in a Chinese wedding will be seen wearing three different dresses throughout wedding day. These dresses include a traditional white dress, a traditional Chinese bridal dress, and a cocktail dress. Also the groom will be placed through a series Mitchell2 of tests and stunts to prove that he is worthy to claim his future wife. When the bride arrives at the grooms’ home she is always greeted with firecrackers, gongs, and is forced to jump over an iron basin lit with charcoal to represent prosperity and to again cleanse of all evil spirits. The Chinese culture with also uphold their traditional tea ceremony. The bride will serve tea to her parents as a sign of respect. The Chinese wedding ceremony is always filled with symbolism. Their ceremony represents a ladder that the new couple will climb to success. On the other hand the African wedding ceremony is a tradition that stems all the way back to the days of slavery when slaves were not allowed to marry. Their marriage ceremony is a ritual well-known as â€Å"jumping the broom†. This ritual was created to represent the beginning of their new life together. The new couple will jump over a broom at the same time and are pronounced married after they have done so. The broom is often decorated with ribbon and tulle. On wedding day the bridesmaids bathe the bride in hammam before dressing her previous to the ceremony. During a libation ceremony a prayer is said and an elder presents water and liquor as an offering to god and their ancestors for their blessing. Then the groom will ask permission from the brides’ mother to marry her daughter while presenting her father with gifts to symbolize his ability to care. Another tradition is the tasting of the four elements during the ceremony. The four elements consist of lemon for sour, vinegar for bitter, cayenne for hot, and honey for sweet. The four tastes are a symbol of the different moods of married life. Sometimes tribes will mound the couples’ wrists with plaited grass when walking down the aisle, and others just hold hands. Mitchell3 The difference between these two countries with their ceremonies represents their freedom of independent beliefs, which leads to separate traditions. Although, the similarities between the two ceremonies are also intriguing. Both wedding rituals consist of a lot of symbolism. Most of the symbolism that is present for both cultures also represents their beliefs, and every time their beliefs are symbolized is how their cultures are shown to be unique. How to cite Cultural Wedding Ceremony Comparison, Papers

Company Valuation - Accenture free essay sample

Return on equity of Accenture for 2008 at 80.21%   shows higher level performance than the industry   2.86% . Even if the basis of comparison is on the average for a five year period , that of the company has outperformed the industry by more than four times that in industry at 62.86% for ACN as against that industry average of 14.12%.   See Table 1 above.   An average return on equity of 62.86%   for the past would definitely attract   investors as it would mean that for every US$100   investment, the investors would be getting more than half of the amount every years.   That would me in effect earning even more than 100% compared with the US base rate of 0.25%.   ACB indeed could be envy of many companies not only within the industry but also from other industries. The company is likewise very efficiently managed using the company’s ROA of 21% as against the industry average of 0.93%.   Such could be further proved in terms   of operating margin for the latest twelve-month period of   12. We will write a custom essay sample on Company Valuation Accenture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 42% as against 1.34%   industry average and in terms of net profit margin for the latest twelve-month period of 8.91% as against industry average   of 0.97%. See Table 1 above. Operating margin represents the margin after deducting cost of sales or services and operating expenses. Things need to be added or deducted further to arrive at net profit margin computation.  Ã‚   The extracted ratios mean that the management of Accenture   is doing well in the management of company assets with the participation of employees in delivering value to customers, therefore, thus the company is both profitable and operating efficiently (Meigs, Meigs and Meigs, 1995).   Liquidity connotes being able to meet a company’s currently maturing obligations and is measured normally using the current ratio and the quick asset ratio (Brigham and Houston, 2002).   Computing current ratio uses current assets to be divided to current liabilities while quick assets ratio is almost the same except that the inventory and prepaid expenses are being removed from the current assets to have a new numerator but the denominator is the same. Quick assets therefore normally include cash, marketable securities and accounts receivable and the use of quick asset ratio is very much relevant for one intending to have higher form of measuring liquidity. In such case, one would prefer quick asset ratio to that of the current ratio. If the principles   are applied now, the quick ratio of Accenture is 1.38 as against industry average of 1.85, while its current ratio was also lower at 1.38 as against industry average 2.02. Both ratios have shown lower than average but the company may still be considered liquid since a current ratio of at least 1.0 would mean that the company has sufficient current assets to pay its currently maturing obligations. In fact its interest coverage was 19.07 as against industry average of 0.39 thus indicating capacity to pay by a large margin. See Table 2 above.   Solvency Solvency refers to the company’s long-term capacity to keep up it stability over the long term (Meigs, Meigs Meigs, 1995). Normally measured by the debt to equity ratio, with the formula of having the total debt of the company divided by its total equity, a company solvency should inform investors that the company   will not survive   in the short term but it must also have a long life to recover long term investments which takes years to produce the needed returns. The debt to equity ratio of Accenture for 2008 was 0.06 as against industry average of 70.92.   See Table 2 above. The company ratio is indeed very low which means that ACN is very much solvent and stable as the company is financed mainly the stockholders’ investment. Given the very high profitability of the company under its present capital structure, it would mean the it may not resort to more borrowing in the short run and the benefits appear to accrue mainly to stockholders.   Ã‚  With its good solvency as a proof of good capital structure,   Accenture   has great changes of expanding in the future. With good solvency also, the company faces less risks than its competitors. On company’s earnings quality by comparing income statement with cash flow, looking at the company’s use of accounting principles and financial statement disclosure and foreign currency translation and earnings management. The company’s cash flows   reflected positive increase in net cash inflow per year after considering cash from operating, financing and investing activities except in 2005, which was too small compared with the average. The good results would confirm the good profitability of company as found earlier in the income statement as validated in the profitability ratios (Reuters, 2009a). The company appears also to have complied with requirements of the generally accepted accounting   principles   (GAAP)   in terms of the use of accounting principles and financial statement disclosure on foreign currency translation and earnings management. This finding is supported by the company’s external auditor having issued an unqualified opinion as to compliance with GAAP for 2008 (Reuter.com, 2009a). Having seen no ground to make adjust on the financial information, this researcher has left unchanged the information as basis of preparation of the financial ratios used earlier.   Hence the company’s earning’s quality may be considered credible as presented, audited and further verified by this researcher. To conclude, this paper has found Accenture to be more profitable, more liquid, and more solvent than the many of the rest of the players in the industry.   Its earnings quality was also found to reliable based in the unqualified opinion of the auditor, which validates compliance with GAAP.   The company is a recommended target for stock investment. References; Brigham and Houston (2002) Fundamentals of Financial Management, Thomson South-Western, London, UK Meigs, Meigs and Meigs (1995) Financial Accounting, McGraw-Hill, London, UK Reuters.com (2009a), Financial Statements for 2004 through 2008, {www document} URL,   http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/incomeStatement?symbol=ACN.N, Accessed April 30,2009 Reuters.com (2009b), Financial Ratios, {www document} URL,   http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/ratios?symbol=ACN.N,   Accessed April 30,2009

Social Stratification

In the case of the United States, economic, gender and social stratification has changed over the centuries (Tischler, 2010). The significant changes in economic, gender and social stratification are brought about by changes in the political, economic, and social landscape of this nation. There is one major transition point that played a critical roles in the said transformation.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Stratification specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is the transitions from an economy dependent on manual labor to an economy based on mechanization and other forms of technology that resulted in the industrialization of the nation. These transitions on the other hand were aided by the effective expansion and development of the education system in this country. Before the United States became a geopolitical nation, it was a colony controlled by the British Empire. In that period of time before Ame rica was a sovereign state, the British introduced slave labor. Therefore, the social stratification during this period was simplified into farmers, plantation owners and slaves. The farmers will be considered poor by today’s standards but they are better off if compared to the Negro slaves. The economy was based on agriculture. It was also a male dominated society. Women played minor roles in nation building and focused on domestic work. The industrialization of the United States coincided with the emancipation of the Negro slaves. Beginning in the latter part of the 19th century the issue of race became a major bone of contention in different social spheres. Former Negro slaves were no longer forced to work under a slave master or a plantation owner. However, they were treated second-class citizens. More importantly the former slaves did not own any property; have very little money; and mostly illiterate. The Southern states can be characterized by extreme poverty especiall y if one considers the plight of the former slaves. In the Northern states, the social, gender and economic stratification was affected by industrialization. Farmers who used to work in the farms migrated to the cities. Industrialization created new social classes because the workers are paid on an hourly basis. They have no share of the profits and those who had the capital to establish factories raked in the majority of the income of the said enterprise.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Industrialization was not only limited to the Northern states, factories began to sprout all over America. Industrialization proved to be an efficient way to harness resources and it did not take long before the economic benefits trickled down to the masses. A new social class was created in the 20th century and these are: Upper class; Corporate class; Middle and working class; Those who are po or (Andersen Taylor, 2011). Technology enabled many to achieve greater economic success. Based on the new social order and economic power of individuals, many Americans were able to access higher education. As a result the feminist movement succeeded in promoting gender equality in the workplace and the homes (Kendall, 2011). Conclusion The transformation of the economic, gender and social stratification in this country was brought about by changes in the political, economic and social landscape. The highpoint was the transition from manual labor to industrialization as well as the rapid changes in technology that paved the way for new social classes in the 21st century. It has to be pointed out that when America was still a colony of the British empire, the socio-economic stratification was simple. The upper class was comprised of plantation owners and the rest were farmers. The introduction of Negro slaves created another social class, nevertheless, the stratification was simple . But the advent of industrialization, coupled with significant changes in the economic and political spheres paved the way for greter social mobility. References Andersen, M., Taylor, H. (2011). Sociology: The essentials. OH: Cengage Learning. Kendall, D. (2011). Sociology in our times. OH: Cengage Learning. Tischler, H. (2011). Introduction to sociology. OH: Cengage Learning.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Stratification specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Social Stratification was written and submitted by user Korath to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

William Burghardt DuBois and Black Equality essays

William Burghardt DuBois and Black Equality essays The struggle for social and economic equality of Black people in America has been long and slow. It is sometimes amazing that any progress has been made in the racial equality arena at all; every tentative step forward seems to be diluted by losses elsewhere. For every "Stacey Koons" that is convicted, there seems to be a Texaco executive waiting to send Blacks back to the past. Throughout the struggle for equal rights, there have been courageous Black leaders at the forefront of each discrete movement. From early activists such as Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B. DuBois, to 1960s civil rights leaders and radicals such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and the Black Panthers, the progress that has been made toward full equality has resulted from the visionary leadership of these brave individuals. This does not imply, however, that there has ever been widespread agreement within the Black community on strategy or that the actions of prominent Black leaders have met with strong support from those who would benefit from these actions. This report will examine the influence of two "early era" Black activists: Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois. Through an analysis of the ideological differences between these two men, the writer will argue that, although they disagreed over the direction of the struggle for equality, the differences between these two men actually enhanced the status of Black Americans in the struggle for racial equality. We will look specifically at the events leading to and surrounding the "Atlanta Compromise" in 1895. In order to understand the differences in the philosophies of Washington and Dubois, it is useful to know something about their backgrounds. Booker T. Washington, born a slave in 1856 in Franklin County, Virginia, could be described as a prag matist. He was only able to attend school three months out of the year, with the remaining nine months spent working in coal mines. He develo...

International Baccalaureate vs Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate vs Advanced Placement Most people are familiar with AP, or Advanced Placement courses, but more and more families are learning about the International Baccalaureate, and wondering, whats the difference between the two programs? Heres a review of each program, and an overview of how they differ.   The AP Program AP coursework and exams are developed and administered by  CollegeBoard.com  and include 35 courses and exams in 20 subject areas. AP  or Advanced Placement Program consists of a three-year sequence of course work in a specific subject. It is available to serious students in Grades 10 to 12. The course work culminates in rigorous examinations held in May of the graduating year. AP Grading The examinations are scored on a five-point scale, with 5 being the highest mark attainable. The course work in a given subject is generally equivalent to a first-year college course. As a result, a student who achieves a 4 or 5 is usually permitted to skip the corresponding course as a freshman in college. Administered by the College Board, the AP program is guided by a panel of expert educators from around the U.S.A. This great program prepares students for the rigors of college-level work. AP Subjects Subjects offered include: Art HistoryBiologyCalculus AB BCChemistryComputer Science AEconomicsEnglishEnvironmental ScienceEuropean HistoryFrenchGerman LanguageGovernment PoliticsHuman GeographyInternational English Language (APIEL)LatinMusic TheoryPhysicsPsychologySpanishStatisticsStudio ArtUS HistoryWorld History Each year, according to the College Board, more than half a million students take over a million  Advanced Placement exams! College Credits and AP Scholar Awards Each college or university sets its own admissions requirements. Good scores in AP coursework indicate  to admissions staff that a student has achieved a recognized standard in that subject area. Most schools will accept scores of 3 or above as the equivalent of their introductory or first-year courses in the same subject area. Consult university websites for details. The College Board offers a series of 8 Scholar Awards which recognize outstanding scores in AP examinations. Advanced Placement International Diploma In order to earn the Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) students must earn a grade of 3 or higher in five specified subjects. One of these subjects must be chosen from the AP global course offerings: AP World History, AP Human Geography, or  AP Government and Politics: Comparative. The APID is the College Boards answer to the  IBs international cachet  and acceptance. It is aimed at students studying abroad and American students who wish to attend university in a foreign country. Its important to note, however, this is not a replacement for a high school diploma, it is only a certificate. Description of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program The  IB  is a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for liberal arts education at the tertiary level. It is directed by the  International Baccalaureate  Organisation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The mission of the IBO is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. In North America over 645 schools offer IB programs. IB Programmes The IBO offers three programmes: the  Diploma Programme  for juniors and seniorsthe  Middle Years Programme  for students aged 11 to 16the  Primary Years Programme  for students aged 3 to 12 The programmes form a sequence but can be offered independently according to the needs of individual schools. The IB Diploma Programme The IB Diploma is truly international in its philosophy and aims. The curriculum requires balance and research. For instance, a science student has to become familiar with a foreign language, and a humanities student must understand laboratory procedures. In addition, all candidates for the IB diploma must undertake some extensive research into one of over sixty subjects. The IB Diploma is accepted at universities in over 115 countries. Parents appreciate the rigorous training and education which the IB programs offer their children.   What do AP and IB have in common? The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) are both  about excellence. A school doesnt commit to preparing students for these rigorous examinations lightly. Expert, well-trained faculty must implement and teach the courses which culminate in those examinations. They put a schools reputation squarely on the line. It boils down to two things: credibility and universal acceptance. These are key factors in a schools graduates gaining admission to the colleges and universities which they wish to attend. College admissions officers usually have a pretty good idea of a schools academic standards if the school has previously submitted applicants. The schools track record is more or less established by those prior candidates.  Grading policies  are understood. Curriculum taught has been examined. But what about a new school or a school from a foreign country or a school which is determined to upgrade its product? The AP and IB credentials immediately convey credibility. The standard is well-known and understood. Other things being equal, the college knows that a candidate with success in the AP or IB is ready for tertiary level work. The payoff for the student is exemption for many entry-level courses. This, in turn, means that the student gets his or her degree requirements completed more quickly. It also means fewer credits have to be paid for. How do APandIB differ? Reputation:  While the AP is widely accepted for course credit and recognized for its excellence at universities throughout the U.S., the IB Diploma Programmes reputation is even greater. Most international universities recognize and respect an IB diploma. Fewer U.S. schools offer the IB program than the AP- over 14,000 AP schools vs less than 1,000 IB schools according to  US News, but that number is on the rise for IB.  Style of Learning and  Courses:  The AP program has students focus deeply on one particular subject, and usually for a short period of time. The IB program takes a more holistic approach that focuses on a subject by not only delving in deep, but also applying it to other areas. Many IB courses are two-year continuous courses of study, vs. the APs one-year-only approach. IB courses related to each other in a coordinated cross-curricular approach with specific overlapping between the studies. AP courses are singular and not designed to be a part of an overla pping course of study between disciplines. AP courses are one level of study, while IB offers both a standard level and a higher level.   Requirements:  AP courses can be taken at will, in any manner at any time according to the schools discretion. While some schools do allow students to enroll in IB courses in a similar manner, if a student specifically wants to be a candidate for an IB diploma, they must take two years of exclusive IB courses in accordance with rules and regulations from the IBO. IB students aiming for the diploma must take at least 3 higher level courses.  Testing:  Educators have described the difference between the two testing methods as follows: AP tests to see what you dont know; IB tests to see what you do know. AP tests are designed to see what students know about a specific subject, pure and simple.  IB tests ask students to reflect on the knowledge they possess in order to test a students skills and abilities to analyze and present information, evaluate and make arguments, and creatively solve problems.  Diploma:  AP students who meet specific criteria receive a certificate that has an international reputation, but still only graduate with a traditional high school diploma. On the other hand, IB students who meet the required criteria and scores at schools in the US will receive two diplomas: the traditional high school diploma as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma.   Rigor:  Many AP students will note that their studies are more demanding than non-AP peers, but they have the option to pick and choose courses at will. IB students, on the other hand, but take only IB courses if they wish to qualify for the IB diploma. IB students regularly express that their studies are extremely demanding. While they report high levels of stress during the program, most IB students report being incredibly prepared for college and appreciative of the rigor after they complete the program.   AP vs. IB: Which is Right for Me? Flexibility is a major factor in determining which program is right for you. AP courses provide more wiggle room when it comes to choosing courses, the order in which they are taken, and more. IB courses require a strict course of study for two solid years. If studying outside of the US is not a priority and youre unsure about the commitment to an IB program, then an AP program may be right for you. Both programs will prepare you for college, but where you plan to study may be a deciding factor in which program you choose. Article edited by Stacy Jagodowski

Influence and Change in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Influence and Change in Organizations - Essay Example The ‘best practices’ primarily suggest clarity of purpose. This implies that the underlying problem needs to be identified – why is change needed and how these surveys could influence change. To implement best practices, the organization must be able to communicate and have a clear understanding with the employees on why the organization is undertaking the 360 degree feedback survey (Wimer & Nowack, 2006). There should be no assumptions that it would inevitably lead to enhanced leadership skills (McCarthy & Garavan, 2007). This necessitates that the entire process must be explicitly explained which could help overcome management resistance. This would also ensure rater receptivity because unless the managers accept the feedback they would not engage in development planning. Beliefs about change influence acceptance and hence perceptions of fairness is essential. Multisource feedback is supposed to limit biases and hence anonymity of some raters may have to be main tained. Anonymous raters tend to be candid and positive and usually provide a higher rating (CCL, 2011). However, who rates who is important and if managers are not receptive to certain raters, the effect of MSF is nullified. Thus while some raters should be anonymous, managers should also be allowed to choose some raters. If they are allowed to choose all the raters biases could creep in. Raters should be selected on the basis of the objective criteria and should be jointly selected by the rater and the rate. This would enhance acceptance and perceptions of fairness. To ensure employee readinesss, organizational culture should be supportive to conduct the 365-degree feedback survey (Morgeson, Mumford & Campion, 2005). If the managers have the confidence in the system and perceive fairness, they would be highly likely to make changes. Specific training interventions could help educate the managers about the process, the intentions and the expected outcome (McCarthy & Garavan, 2007). Rater training may help eliminate errors and also help eliminate cynicism from within the organization as cynicism can reduce the impact of the MSF. Rater training should include, in addition to training in reliable and accurate ratings, discussions on how the survey instrument was created and how the information will be used. Besides, anonymity should be assured through confidentiality (Morgeson, Mumford & Campion, 2005). Confidentiality of the rating process is also important and critical to the success of the process. The recipients or the raters too need to be trained in acceptance of the ratings and on how to handle negative feedback. Morgeson, Mumford and Campion (2005) found that most organizations used the surveys for developmental purposes and that it should categorically not be used to determine salaries. When used for developmental purpose the data is the property of the people being rated while when used for administrative purposes, the organization owns the data. To ac hieve the best results, people should be given control of their own data (Wimer & Nowack, 2006). People will feel empowered if they can choose with whom and to what extent they share their feedback. However, the feedback recipient should have access to a trained feedback giver who has experience with assessment. The recipients should also be provided guidance on how to share data and use it constructively. However, an overwhelming amount of data may