The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 11 CULT

EACH TIME THAT I OPENED MY EYES TO THE MORNING light and realized I'd lived through another night was a surprise to me. After the surprise wore off, my heart would start to race and my palms would sweat; I couldn't really breathe again until I'd gotten up and ascertained that Charlie had survived as well. I could tell he was worriedwatching me jump at any loud sound, or my face suddenly go white for no reason that he could see. From the questions he asked now and then, he seemed to blame the change on Jacob's continued absence. The terror that was always foremost in my thoughts usually distracted me from the fact that another week had passed, and Jacob still hadn't called me. But when I was able to concentrate on my normal lifeif my life was really ever normalthis upset me. I missed him horribly. It had been bad enough to be alone before I was scared silly. Now, more than ever, I yearned for his carefree laugh and his infectious grin. I needed the safe sanity of his homemade garage and his warm hand around my cold fingers. I'd half expected him to call on Monday. If there had been some progress with Embry, wouldn't he want to report it? I wanted to believe that it was worry for his friend that was occupying all his time, not that he was just giving up on me. I called him Tuesday, but no one answered. Were the phone lines still having problems? Or had Billy invested in caller I.D.? On Wednesday I called every half hour until after eleven at night, desperate to hear the warmth of Jacob's voice. Thursday I sat in my truck in front of my housewith the locks pushed downkeys in hand, for a solid hour. I was arguing with myself, trying to justify a quick trip to La Push, but I couldn't do it. I knew that Laurent had gone back to Victoria by now. If I went to La Push, I took the chance of leading one of them there. What if they caught up to me when Jake was nearby? As much as it hurt me, I knew it was better for Jacob that he was avoiding me. Safer for him. It was bad enough that I couldn't figure out a way to keep Charlie safe. Nighttime was the most likely time that they would come looking ior me, and what could I say to get Charlie out of the house? If I told him the truth, he'd have me locked up in a rubber room somewhere. I would have endured thatwelcomed it, evenif it could have kept him safe. But Victoria would still come to his house first, looking for me. Maybe, if she found me here, that would be enough for her. Maybe she would just leave when she was done with me. So I couldn't run away. Even if I could, where would I go? To Renee? I shuddered at the thought of dragging my lethal shadows into my mother's safe, sunny world. I would never endanger her that way. The worry was eating a hole in my stomach. Soon I would have matching punctures. That night, Charlie did me another favor and called Harry again to see if the Blacks were out of town. Harry reported that Billy had attended the council meeting Wednesday night, and never mentioned anything about leaving. Charlie warned me not to make a nuisance of myselfJacob would call when he got around to it. Friday afternoon, as I drove home from school, it hit me out of the blue. I wasn't paying attention to the familiar road, letting the sound of the engine deaden my brain and silence the worries, when my subconscious delivered a verdict it must have been working on for some time without my knowledge. As soon as I thought of it, I felt really stupid for not seeing it sooner. Sure. I'd had a lot on my mindrevenue-obsessed vampires, giant mutant wolves, a ragged hole in the center of my chestbut when I laid the evidence out, it was embarrassingly obvious. Jacob avoiding me. Charlie saying he looked strange, upset. . . . Billy's vague, unhelpful answers. Holy crow, I knew exactly what was going on with Jacob. It was Sam Uley. Even my nightmares had been trying to tell me that. Sam had gotten to Jacob. Whatever was happening to the other boys on the reservation had reached out and stolen my friend. He'd been sucked into Sam's cult. He hadn't given up on me at all, I realized with a rush of feeling. I let my truck idle in front of my house. What should I do? I weighed the dangers against each other. If I went looking for Jacob, I risked the chance of Victoria or Laurent finding me with him. If I didn't go after him, Sam would pull him deeper into his frightening, compulsory gang. Maybe it would be too late if I didn't act soon. It had been a week, and no vampires had come for me yet. A week was more than enough time for them to have returned, so I must not be a priority. Most likely, as I'd decided before, they would come for me at night. The chances of them following me to La Push were much lower than the chance of losing Jacob to Sam. It was worth the danger of the secluded forest road. This was no idle visit to see what was going on. I knew what was going on. This was a rescue mission. I was going to talk to Jacobkidnap him if I had to. I'd once seen a PBS show on deprogramming the brainwashed. There had to be some kind of cure. I decided I'd better call Charlie first. Maybe whatever was going on down in La Push was something the police should be involved in. I dashed inside, in a hurry to be on my way. Charlie answered the phone it the station himself. â€Å"Chief Swan.† â€Å"Dad, it's Bella.† â€Å"What's wrong?'† I couldn't argue with his doomsday assumption this time. My voice was shaking. â€Å"I'm worried about Jacob.† â€Å"Why?† he asked, surprised by the unexpected topic. â€Å"I think I think something weird is going on down at the reservation. Jacob told me about some strange stuff happening with the other boys his age. Now he's acting the same way and I'm scared.† â€Å"What kind of stuff?† He used his professional, police business voice. That was good; he was taking me seriously. â€Å"First he was scared, and then he was avoiding me, and now I'm afraid he's part of that bizarre gang down there, Sam's gang. Sam Uley's gang.† â€Å"Sam Uley?† Charlie repeated, surprised again. â€Å"Yes.† Charlie's voice was more relaxed when he answered. â€Å"I think you've got it wrong, Bells. Sam Uley is a great kid. Well, he's a man now. A good son. You should hear Billy talk about him. He's really doing wonders with the youth on the reservation. He's the one who† Charlie broke off mid-sentence, and I guessed that he had been about to make a reference to the night I'd gotten lost in the woods. I moved on quickly. â€Å"Dad, it's not like that. Jacob was scared ofhim.† â€Å"Did you talk to Billy about this?† He was trying to soothe me now. I'd lost him as soon as I'd mentioned Sam. â€Å"Billy's not concerned.† â€Å"Well, Bella, then I'm sure it's okay. Jacob's a kid; he was probably just messing around. I'm sure he's fine. He can't spend every waking minute with you, after all.† â€Å"This isn't about me,† I insisted, but the battle was lost. â€Å"I don't think you need to worry about this. Let Billy take care of Jacob.† â€Å"Charlie† My voice was starting to sound whiney. â€Å"Bells, I got a lot on my plate right now. Two tourists have gone missing off a trail outside crescent lake.† There was an anxious edge to his voice. â€Å"This wolf problem is getting out of hand.† I was momentarily distractedstunned, reallyby his news. There was no way the wolves could have survived a match-up with Laurent â€Å"Are you sure that's what happened to them?† I asked. â€Å"Afraid so, honey. There was† He hesitated. â€Å"There were tracks again, and some blood this time.† â€Å"Oh!† It must not have come to a confrontation, then. Laurent must have simply outrun the wolves, but why? What I'd seen in the meadow just got stranger and strangermore impossible to understand. â€Å"Look, I really have to go. Don't worry about Jake, Bella. I'm sure it's nothing.† â€Å"Fine,† I said curtly, frustrated as his words reminded me of the more urgent crisis at hand. â€Å"Bye.† I hang up. I stared at the phone for a long minute. What the hell, I decided. Billy answered after two rings. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"Hey, Billy,† I almost growled. I tried to sound more friendly as I continued. â€Å"Can I talk to Jacob, please?† â€Å"Jake's not here.† What a shock. â€Å"Do you know where he is?† â€Å"He's out with his friends.† Billy's voice was careful. â€Å"Oh yeah? Anyone I know? Quil?† I could tell the words didn't come across as casually as I'd meant them to. â€Å"No,† Billy said slowly. â€Å"I don't think he's with Quil today.† I knew better than to mention Sam's name. â€Å"Embry?† I asked. Billy seemed happier to answer this one. â€Å"Yeah, he's with Embry.† That was enough for me. Embry was one of them. â€Å"Well, have him call me when he gets in, all right?† â€Å"Sure, sure. No problem.† Click. â€Å"See you soon, Billy,† I muttered into the dead phone. I drove to La Push determined to wait. I'd sit out front of his house all night if I had to. I'd miss school. The boy was going to have to come home sometime, and when he did, he was going to have to talk to me. My mind was so preoccupied that the trip I'd been terrified of making seemed to take only a few seconds. Before I was expecting it, the forest began to thin, and I knew I would soon be able to see the first little houses of the reservation. Walking away, along the left side of the road, was a tall boy with a baseball cap. My breath caught for just a moment in my throat, hopeful that luck was with me for once, and I'd srumbled across Jacob without hardly trying. But this boy was too wide, and the hair was short under the hat. Even from behind, I was sure it was Quil, though he looked bigger than the last time I'd seen him. What was with these Quileute boys? Were they feeding them experimental growth hormones? I crossed over to the wrong side of the road to stop next to him. He looked up when the roar of my truck approached. Quil's expression frightened me more than it surprised me. His face was bleak, brooding, his forehead creased with worry. â€Å"Oh, hey, Bella,† he greeted me dully. â€Å"Hi, Quil Are you okay?† He stared at me morosely. â€Å"Fine.† â€Å"Can I give you a ride somewhere?† I offered. â€Å"Sure, I guess,† he mumbled. He shuffled around the front of the truck and opened the passenger door to climbin. â€Å"Where to?† â€Å"My house is on the north side, back behind the store,† he told me. â€Å"Have you seen Jacob today.† The question burst from me almost before he'd finished speaking. I looked at Quil eagerly, waiting for his answer. He stared out the windshield for a second before he spoke. â€Å"From a distance,† he finally said. â€Å"A distance?† I echoed. â€Å"I tried to follow themhe was with Embry.† His voice was low, hard to hear over the engine. I leaned closer. â€Å"I know they saw me. But they turned and just disappeared into the trees. I don't think they were aloneI think Sam and his crew might have been with them. â€Å"I've been stumbling around in the forest for an hour, yelling for them. I just barely found the road again when you drove up.† â€Å"So Sam did get to him.† The words were a little distortedmy teeth were gritted together. Quil stared at me. â€Å"You know about that.?† I nodded. â€Å"Jake told me before.† â€Å"Before,† Quil repeated, and sighed. â€Å"Jacob's just as bad as the others now?† â€Å"Never leaves Sam's side.† Quil turned his head and spit out the open window. â€Å"And before thatdid he avoid everyone? Was he acting upset?† His voice was low and rough. â€Å"Not for as long as the others. Maybe one day. Then Sam caught up with him.† â€Å"What do you think it is? Drugs or something?† â€Å"I can't see Jacob or Embry getting into anything like that but what do I know? What else could it be? And why aren't the old people worried?† He shook his head, and the fear showed in his eyes now. â€Å"Jacob didn't want to be a part of this cult. I don't understand what could change him.† He stared at me, his face frightened. â€Å"I don't want to be next.† My eyes mirrored his fear. That was the second time I'd heard it described as a cult. I shivered. â€Å"Are your parents any help?† He grimaced. â€Å"Right. My grandfather's on the council with Jacob's dad. Sam Uley is the best thing that ever happened to this place, as far as he's concerned.† We stared at each other for a prolonged moment. We were in La Push now, and my truck was barely crawling along the empty road. I could see the village's only store not too far ahead. â€Å"I'll get out now,† Quil said. â€Å"My house is right over there.† He gestured toward the small wooden rectangle behind the store. I pulled over to the shoulder, and he jumped out. â€Å"I'm going to go wait for Jacob,† I told him in a hard voice. â€Å"Good luck.† He slammed the door and shuffled forward along the road, his head bent forward, his shoulders slumped. Quil's face haunted me as I made a wide U-turn and headed back toward the Blacks'. He was terrified of being next. What was happening here? I stopped in front of Jacob's house, killing the motor and rolling down the windows. It was stuffy today, no breeze. I put my feet up on the dashboard and settled in to wait. A movement flashed in my peripheral visionI turned and spotted Billy looking at me through the front window with a confused expression. I waved once and smiled a tight smile, but stayed where I was. His eyes narrowed; he let the curtain fall across the glass. I was prepared to stay as long as it took, but I wished I had something to do. I dug up a pen out of the bottom of my backpack, and an old test. I started to doodle on the back of the scrap. I'd only had time to scrawl one row of diamonds when there was a sharp tap against my door. I jumped, looking up, expecting Billy. â€Å"What are you doing here, Bella.'† Jacob growled. I stared at him in blank astonishment. Jacob had changed radically in the last weeks since I'd seen him. The first thing I noticed was his hairhis beautiful hair was all gone, cropped quite short, covering his head with an inky gloss like black satin. The planes of his face seemed to have hardened subtly, tightened aged. His neck and his shoulders were different, too, thicker somehow. His hands, where they gripped the window frame, looked enormous, with the tendons and veins more prominent under the russet skin. But the physical changes were insignificant. It was his expression that made him almost completely unrecognizable. The open, friendly smile was gone like the hair, the warmth in his dark eyes altered to a brooding resentment that was instantly disturbing. There was a darkness in Jacob now. Like my sun had imploded. â€Å"Jacob?† I whispered. He just stared at me, his eyes tense and angry. I realized we weren't alone. Behind him stood four others; all tall and russet-skinned, black hair chopped short just like Jacob's. They could have been brothersI couldn't even pick Embry out of the group. The resemblance was only intensified by the strikingly similar hostility in every pair of eyes. Every pair but one. The oldest by several years, Sam stood in the very back, his face serene and sure. I had to swallow back the bile that rose in my throat. I wanted to take a swing at him. No, I wanted to do more than that. More than anything, I wanted to be fierce and deadly, someone no one would dare mess with. Someone who would scare Sam Uley silly. I wanted to be a vampire. The violent desire caught me off guard and knocked the wind out of me. It was the most forbidden of all wisheseven when I only wished it for a malicious reason like this, to gain an advantage over an enemybecause it was the most painful. That future was lost to me forever, had never really been within my grasp. I scrambled to gain control of myself while the hole in my chest ached hollowly. â€Å"What do you want?† Jacob demanded, his expression growing more resentful as he watched the play of emotion across my face. â€Å"I want to talk to you,† I said in a weak voice. I tried to focus, but I was still reeling against the escape of my taboo dream. â€Å"Go ahead,† he hissed through his teeth. His glare was vicious. I'd never seen him look at anyone like that, least of all me. It hurt with a surprising intensitya physical pain, a stabbing in my head. â€Å"Alone!† I hissed, and my voice was stronger. He looked behind him, and I knew where his eyes would go. Every one of them was turned for Sam's reaction. Sam nodded once, his face unperturbed. He made a brief comment in an unfamiliar, liquid languageI could only be positive that it wasn't French or Spanish, but I guessed that it was Quileute. He turned and walked into Jacob's house. The others, Paul, Jared, and Embry, I assumed, followed him in. â€Å"Okay.† Jacob seemed a bit less furious when the others were gone. His face was a little calmer, but also more hopeless. His mouth seemed permanently pulled down at the corners. I took a deep breath. â€Å"You know what I want to know.† He didn't answer. He just stared at me bitterly. I stared back and the silence stretched on. The pain in his face unnerved me. I felt a lump beginning to build in my throat. â€Å"Can we walk?† I asked while I could still speak. He didn't respond in any way; his face didn't change. I got out of the car, feeling unseen eyes behind the windows on me, and started walking toward the trees to the north. My feet squished in the damp grass and mud beside the road, and, as that was the only sound, at first I thought he wasn't following me. But when I glanced around, he was right beside me, his feet having somehow found a less noisy path than mine. I felt better in the fringe of trees, where Sam couldn't possibly be watching. As we walked, I struggled for the right thing to say, but nothing came. I just got more and more angry that Jacob had gotten sucked in that Billy had allowed this that Sam was able to stand there so assured and calm Jacob suddenly picked up the pace, striding ahead of me easily with his long legs, and then swinging around to face me, planting himself in my path so I would have to stop too. I was distracted by the overt grace of his movement. Jacob had been nearly as klutzy as me with his never-ending growth spurt. When did that changed? But Jacob didn't give me time to think about it. â€Å"Let's get this over with,† he said in a hard, husky voice. I waited. He knew what I wanted. â€Å"It's not what you think.† His voice was abruptly weary. â€Å"It's not what I thoughtI was way off.† â€Å"So what is it, then?† He studied my face for a long moment, speculating. The anger never completely left his eyes. â€Å"I can't tell you,† he finally said. My jaw tightened, and I spoke through my teeth. â€Å"I thought we were friends.† â€Å"We were.† There was a slight emphasis on the past tense. â€Å"But you don't need friends anymore,† I said sourly. â€Å"You have Sam. Isn't that niceyou've always looked up to him so much.† â€Å"I didn't understand him before.† â€Å"And now you've seen the light. Hallelujah.† â€Å"It wasn't like I thought it was. This isn't Sam's fault. He's helping me as much as he can.† His voice turned brittle and he looked over my head, past me, rage burning out from his eyes. â€Å"He's helping you,† I repeated dubiously. â€Å"Naturally.† But Jacob didn't seem to be listening. He was taking deep, deliberate breaths, trying to calm himself. He was so mad that his hands were shaking. â€Å"Jacob, please,† I whispered â€Å"Won't you tell me what happened? Maybe I can help.† â€Å"No one can help me now.† The words were a low moan; his voice broke. â€Å"What did he do to you?† I demanded, tears collecting in my eyes. I reached out to him, as I had once before, stepping forward with my arms wide. This time he cringed away, holding his hands up defensively. â€Å"Don't touch me,† he whispered. â€Å"Is Sam catching?† I mumbled. The stupid tears had escaped the corners of my eyes. I wiped them away with the back of my hand, and folded my arms across my chest. â€Å"Stop blaming Sam.† The words came out fast, like a reflex. His hands reached up to twist around the hair that was no longer there, and then fell limply at his sides. â€Å"Then who should I blame?† I retorted. He halfway smiled; it was a bleak, twisted thing. â€Å"You don't want to hear that.† â€Å"The hell I don't!† I snapped. â€Å"I want to know, and I want to know now.† â€Å"You're wrong,† he snapped back. â€Å"Don't you dare tell me I'm wrongI'm not the one who got brainwashed! Tell me now whose fault this all is, if it's not your precious Sam!† â€Å"You asked for it,† he growled at me, eyes glinting hard. â€Å"If you want to blame someone, why don't you point your finger at those filthy, reeking bloodsuckers that you love so much?† My mouth fell open and my breath came out with a whooshing sound. I was frozen in place, stabbed through with his double-edged words. The pain twisted in familiar patterns through my body, the jagged hole ripping me open from the inside out, but it was second place, background music to the chaos of my thoughts. I couldn't believe that I'd heard him correctly. There was no trace of indecision in his face. Only fury. My mouth still hung wide. â€Å"I told you that you didn't want to hear it,† he said. â€Å"I don't understand who you mean,† I whispered. He raised one eyebrow in disbelief. â€Å"I think you understand exactly who I mean. You're not going to make me say it, are you? I don't like hurting you.† â€Å"I don't understand who you mean,† I repeated mechanically. â€Å"The Cullens,† he said slowly, drawing out the word, scrutinizing my face as he spoke it. â€Å"I saw thatI can see in your eyes what it does to you when I say their name.† I shook my head back and forth in denial, trying to clear it at the same time. How did he know this? And how did it have anything to do with Sam's cult? Was it a gang of vampire-haters? What was the point of forming such a society when no vampires lived in Forks anymore? Why would Jacob start believing the stories about the Cullens now, when the evidence of them was long gone, never to return? It took me too long to come up with the correct response. â€Å"Don't tell me you're listening to Billy's superstitious nonsense now,† I said with a feeble attempt at mockery. â€Å"He knows more than I gave him credit for.† â€Å"Be serious, Jacob.† He glared at me, his eyes critical. â€Å"Superstitions aside,† I said quickly. â€Å"I still don't see what you're accusing the†¦ Cullens†wince†of. They left more than half a year ago. How can you blame them for what Sam is doing now?† â€Å"Sam isn't doing anything, Bella. And I know they're gone. But sometimes things are set in motion, and then it's too late.† â€Å"What's set in motion? What's too late? What are you blaming them for?† He was suddenly right in my face, his fury glowing in his eyes. â€Å"For existing,† he hissed. I was surprised and distracted as the warning words came in Edward's voice again, when I wasn't even scared. â€Å"Quiet now, Bella. Don't push him,† Edward cautioned in my ear. Ever since Edward's name had broken through the careful walls I'd buried it behind, I'd been unable to lock it up again. It didn't hurt nownot during the precious seconds when I could hear his voice. Jacob was fuming in front of me, quivering with anger. I didn't understand why the Edward delusion was unexpectedly in my mind. Jacob was livid, but he was Jacob. There was no adrenaline, no danger. â€Å"Give him a chance to calm down,† Edward's voice insisted. I shook my head in confusion. â€Å"You're being ridiculous,† I told them both. â€Å"Fine,† Jacob answered, breathing deeply again. â€Å"I won't argue it with you. It doesn't matter anyway, the damage is done.† â€Å"What damage?† He didn't flinch as I shouted the words in his face. â€Å"Let's head back. There's nothing more to say.† I gaped. â€Å"There's everything more to say! You haven't said anything yet!† He walked past me, striding back toward the house. â€Å"I ran into Quil today,† I yelled after him. He paused midstep, but didn't turn. â€Å"You remember your friend, Quil? Yeah, he's terrified.† Jacob whirled to face me. His expression was pained. â€Å"Quil† was all he said. â€Å"He's worried about you, too. He's freaked out.† Jacob stared past me with desperate eyes. I goaded him further. â€Å"He's frightened that he's next.† Jacob clutched at a tree for support, his face turning a strange shade of green under the red-brown surface. â€Å"He won't be next,† Jacob muttered to himself. â€Å"He can't be. It's over now. This shouldn't still be happening. Why? Why?† His fist slammed against the tree. It wasn't a big tree, slender and only a few feet taller than Jacob. But it still surprised me when tht trunk gave way and snapped off loudly under his blows. Jacob stared at the sharp, broken point with shock that quickly turned to horror. â€Å"I have to get back.† He whirled and stalked away so swiftly that I had to jog to keep up. â€Å"Back to Sam!† â€Å"That's one way of looking at it,† it sounded like he said. He was mumbling and facing away. I chased him back to the truck. â€Å"Wait!† I called as he turned toward the house. He spun around to face me, and I saw that his hands were shaking again. â€Å"Go home, Bella. I can't hang out with you anymore.† The silly, inconsequential hurt was incredibly potent. The tears welled up again. â€Å"Are you breaking up with me?† The words were all wrong, but they were the best way I could think to phrase what I was asking. After all, what Jake and I had was more than any schoolyard romance. Stronger. He barked out a bitter laugh. â€Å"Hardly. If that were the case, I'd say ‘Let's stay friends.' I can't even say that.† â€Å"Jacob why? Sam won't let you have other friends? Please, Jake. You promised. I need you!† The blank emptiness of my life beforebefore Jacob brought some semblance of reason back into itreared up and confronted me. Loneliness choked in my throat. â€Å"I'm sorry, Bella,† Jacob said each word distinctly in a cold voice that didn't seem to belong to him. I didn't believe that this was really what Jacob wanted to say. It seemed like there was something else trying to be said through his angry eyes, but I couldn't understand the message. Maybe this wasn't about Sam at all. Maybe this had nothing to do with the Cullens. Maybe he was just trying to pull himself out of a hopeless situation. Maybe I should let him do that, if that's what was best for him. I should do that. It would be right. But I heard my voice escaping in a whisper. â€Å"I'm sorry that I couldn't before I wish I could change how I feel about you, Jacob.† I was desperate, reaching, stretching the truth so far that it curved nearly into the shape of a lie. â€Å"Maybe maybe I would change,† I whispered. â€Å"Maybe, if you gave me some time just don't quit on me now, Jake. I can't take it.† His face went from anger to agony in a second. One shaking hand reached out toward me. â€Å"No. Don't think like that, Bella, please. Don't blame yourself, don't think this is your fault. This one is all me. I swear, it's not about you.† â€Å"It's not you, it's me,† I whispered. â€Å"There's a new one.† â€Å"I mean it, Bella. I'm not† he struggled, his voice going even huskier as he fought to control his emotion. His eyes were tortured. â€Å"I'm not good enough to be your friend anymore, or anything else. I'm not what I was before. I'm not good.† â€Å"What?† I stared at him, confused and appalled. â€Å"What are you saying? You're much better than I am, Jake. You are good! Who told you that you aren't? Sam? It's a vicious lie, Jacob! Don't let him tell you that!† I was suddenly yelling again. Jacob's face went hard and flat. â€Å"No one had to tell me anything. I know what I am.† â€Å"You're my friend, that's what you are! Jakedon't!† He was backing away from me. â€Å"I'm sorry, Bella,† he said again; this time it was a broken mumble. He turned and almost ran into the house. I was unable to move from where I stood. I stared at the little house; it looked too small to hold four large boys and two larger men. There was no reaction inside. No flutter at the edge of the curtain, no sound of voices or movement. It faced me vacantly. The rain started to drizzle, stinging here and there against my skin. I couldn't take my eyes off the house. Jacob would come back. He had to. The rain picked up, and so did the wind. The drops were no longer falling from above; they slanted at an angle from the west. I could smell the brine from the ocean. My hair whipped in my face, sticking to the wet places and tangling in my lashes. I waited. Finally the door opened, and I took a step forward in relief. Billy rolled his chair into the door frame. I could see no one behind him. â€Å"Charlie just called, Bella. I told him you were on your way home.† His eyes were full of pity. The pity made it final somehow. I didn't comment. I just turned robotically and climbed in my truck. I'd left the windows open and the seats were slick and wet. It didn't matter. I was already soaked. Not as bad! Not as bad! my mind tried to comfort me. It was true. This wasn't as bad. This wasn't the end of the world, not again. This was just the end of what little peace there was left behind. That was all. Not as bad, I agreed, then added, but bad enough. I'd thought Jake had been healing the hole in meor at least plugging it up, keeping it from hurting me so much. I'd been wrong. He'd just been carving out his own hole, so that I was now riddled through like Swiss cheese. I wondered why I didn't crumble into pieces. Charlie was waiting on the porch. As I rolled to a stop, he walked out to meet me. â€Å"Billy called. He said you got in fight with Jakesaid you were pretty upset,† he explained as he opened my door for me. Then he looked at my face. A kind of horrified recognition registered in his expression. I tried to feel my face from the inside out, to know what he was seeing. My face felt empty and cold, and I realized what it would remind him of. â€Å"That's not exactly how it happened,† I muttered. Charlie put his arm around me and helped me out of the car. He didn't comment on my sodden clothes. â€Å"Then what did happen'† he asked when we were inside. He pulled the afghan off the back of the sofa as he spoke and wrapped it around my shoulders. I realized I was shivering still. My voice was lifeless. â€Å"Sam Uley says Jacob can't be my friend anymore.† Charlie shot me a strange look. â€Å"Who told you that?† â€Å"Jacob,† I stated, though that wasn't exactly what he'd said. It was still true. Charlie's eyebrows pulled together. â€Å"You really think there's something wrong with the Uley kid?† â€Å"I know there is. Jacob wouldn't tell me what, though.† I could hear the water from my clothes dripping to the floor and splashing on the linoleum. â€Å"I'm going to go change.† Charlie was lost in thought. â€Å"Okay,† he said absently. I decided to take a shower because I was so cold, but the hot water didn't seem to affect the temperature of my skin. I was still freezing when I gave up and shut the water off. In the sudden quiet, I could hear Charlie talking to someone downstairs. I wrapped a towel around me, and cracked the bathroom door. Charlie's voice was angry. â€Å"I'm not buying that. It doesn't make any sense.† It was quiet then, and I realized he was on the phone. A minute passed. â€Å"Don't you put this on Bella!† Charlie suddenly shouted. I jumped. When he spoke again, his voice was careful and lower. â€Å"Bella's made it very clear all along that she and Jacob were just friends Well, if that was it, then why didn't you say so at first? No, Billy, I think she's right about this Because I know my daughter, and if she says Jacob was scared before† He was cut off mid-sentence, and when he answered he was almost shouting again. â€Å"What do you mean I don't know my daughter as well as I think I do!† He listened for a brief second, and his response was almost too low for me to hear. â€Å"If you think I'm going to remind her about that, then you had better think again. She's only just starting to get over it, and mostly because of Jacob, I think. If whatever Jacob has going on with this Sam character sends her back into that depression, then Jacob is going to have to answer to me. You're my friend, Billy, but this is hurting my family.† There was another break for Billy to respond. â€Å"You got that rightthose boys set one toe out of line and I'm going to know about it. We'll be keeping an eye on the situation, you can be sure of that.† He was no longer Charlie; he was Chief Swan now. â€Å"Fine. Yeah. Goodbye.† The phone slammed into the cradle. I tiptoed quickly across the hall into my room. Charlie was muttering angrily in the kitchen. So Billy was going to blame me. I was leading Jacob on and he'd finally had enough. It was strange, for I'd feared that myself, but after the last thing Jacob had said this afternoon, I didn't believe it anymore. There was much more to this than an unrequited crush, and it surprised me that Billy would stoop to claiming that. It made me think that whatever secret they were keeping was bigger than I'd been imagining. At least Charlie was on my side now. I put my pajamas on and crawled into bed. Life seemed dark enough at the moment chat I let myself cheat. The holeholes nowwere already aching, so why not? I pulled out the memorynor a real memory that would hurt too much, but the false memory of Edward's voice in my mind this afternoonand played it over and over in my head until I fell asleep with the tears still streaming calmly down my empty face. It was a new dream tonight. Rain was falling and Jacob was walking soundlessly beside me, though beneath my feet the ground crunched like dry gravel. But he wasn't my Jacob; he was the new, bitter, graceful Jacob. The smooth suppleness of his walk reminded me of someone else, and, as I watched, his features started to change. The russet color of his skin leached away, leaving his face pale white like bone. His eyes turned gold, and then crimson, and then back to gold again. His shorn hair twisted in the breeze, turning bronze where the wind touched it. And his face became so beautiful that it shattered my heart. I reached for him, but he took a step away, raising his hands like a shield. And then Edward vanished. I wasn't sure, when I woke in the dark, if I'd just begun crying, or if my tears had run while I slept and simply continued now. I stared at my dark ceiling. I could feel that it was the middle of the nightI was still half-asleep, maybe more than half. I closed my eyes wearily and prayed for a dreamless sleep. That's when I heard the noise that must have wakened me in the first place. Something sharp scraped along the length of my window with a high-pitched squeal, like fingernails against the glass.

Intramuscular Injection Techniques Essay

The synthesis of art and science is lived by the nurse in the nursing act JQSEPHINE e PATERSON If you would like to contribiito to the art and science section contact: Gwcn Clarke, art and science editor, Nursing Standard, The Heights, 59-65 Lowlands Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex H A l 3AW. email: gwen.clarkeva rcnpublishing.co.uk Intramuscular injection techniques Hunter J (2008) Intramuscular injection techniques. Nursing Standard. 22, 24,35-40. Date of acceptance: October 29 2007 Summary The administration of intrairiLiscLitar (IM) injections is an important part of medication management and a common nursing intervention in clinical practice, A skilled injection technique can make the patient’s experience less painful and avoid unnecessary complications. Intramuscular injections AnIM injection is chosen when a reasonably rapid systemic uptake of the drug (usually within 15-20 minutes} is needed by the body and when a relatively prolonged action is required. The amounts of solution that can he given will depend on the muscle bed and range from 1 -5ml for adults. Much smaller volumes are acceptable in children (Rodger and King 2000, Corben 2005). The medication is injected into the denser part ofthe muscle fascia below the subcutaneous tissues. This is ideal because skeletal muscles have fewer pain-sensing nerves than subcutaneous tissue and can absorb larger volumes of solution because ofthe rapid uptake ofthe drug into the bloodstream via the muscle fibres. This means that IM injections are less painful when administered correctly and can be used to inject concentrated and irritant drugs that could damage subcutaneous tissue (Rodger and King 2000, Greenway 2004). Examples of drugs administered via this route are analgesics, anti-emetics, sedatives, immunisations and hormonal treatments. It is important to recognise and understand potential complications associated with IM injections and that rapid absorption of the drugs may increase these risks (Foster and Hilton 2004). The administration of any medication can present a risk and, therefore, the nurse must be able to recognise the signs of an anaphylactic (allergic) reaction, with signs of, for example, urticaria, pruritus, respiratory distress, shock or even cardiac arrest. Inappropriate selection of site and poor technique can increase the risk of patient injury and lead to pain, nerve injury, bleeding, accidental intravenous administration and sterile abscesses caused through repeated injections at one site with poor blood flow (Rodger and King2000). Author Janet Hunter is lecturer in adult nursing, City Community and Health Sciences, incorporating St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University, London. Email: j.a.hunter@city.ac.uk Keywords Clinical procedures; Drug administration; Injection technique Tliese keywords are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index. Tliis article has been subject to double-blind review. For author and research article guidelines visit the Nursing Standard home page at www.nursing-standard.cD.uk. For related articles visit our online archive and search using the keywords. THE NURSING and Midwifery Council’s (NMC’s) (2007) Standards for Medicines Management state that administration of medicines ‘is not solely a mechanistic task to be performed in strict compliance with the written prescription of a medical practitioner (now independent/supplementary prescriber). It requires thought and the exercise of professional judgement.’ Therefore, the administration of intramuscular (IM) injections requires the healthcare practitioner to possess the knowledge and rationale of the guiding principles that underpin these clinical skills. It is essential that all aspects of these techniques -anatomy, physiology, patient assessment, preparation and nursing interventions – are evidence based so that the nurse can perform safe and accountable practice (Shepherd 2002, NMC 2007). The aim of this article is to update the nurse’s knowledge and skills on injection techniques. This article describes the practical, step-by-step approach for administering IM injections, which will assist nurses to perform this skill safely and competently. NURSING STANDARD Intramuscular injection sites There are five sites that can be considered for IM february 20 :: vol 22 no 24 :: 2008 35 art & science clinical skills: 37 injections (Figure 1). The two recommended sites for IM injections are the vastus lateralis and the ventrogluteal sites (Donaldson and Green 2005, Nisbet 2006). However, when the patient is obese, rhe vastus laterahs is a better option (Nisbet 2006). When choosing an appropriate site for administration, the nurse needs to ensure that the medication will be absorbed. The nurse needs to consider whether the patient is receiving regular ]M injections because the site will need to be rotated to avoid irritation, pain and sterile abscesses. Choice will also be influenced by the patient’s physical condition and age. Active patients are more likely to have a greater muscle FIGURE 1 Sites for intramuscular injections (IM) Mid-deltoid site The mid-deltoid site is easily accessible but due to the size of the muscle the area should not be used repetitively and only small volumes shouid be injected. Tlie maximum volume should be 1ml (Rodger and King 2000). Tlie denser part of the deitoid must be used. It is Lisef j l to visualise a triangle whereby the horizontal line is located 2.5-5cm below the acromial process and the midpoint of the lateral aspect of the arm in line with the axilla forms the apex. The injection is given about 2.5cm down from the acromiai process, avoiding the radial and brachial nerves (Workman 1999, Rodger and King 2000). Dorsogluteal site Tliis a’&3. is used for deep IM and Z-track injections. Up to 4mi can be injected into this muscle (Workman 1999, Rodger and King 2000). Commonly referred to as the outer upper quadrant, it is located by using imaginary lines to divide the buttocks into four quarters. To identify the gluteus maximtis, picture a line that extends from the iiiac spine to the greater trochanter of the femur. Draw a vertical line from the midpoint of the first line to identify the upper aspect of the upper outer quadrant This location avoids the superior gluteal artery and sciatic nerve (Workman 1999, Small 2004). Rectus femoris site This site is used for deep I M and Z-track injections. Between mass than older or emaciated patients, so individuals will need to be assessed to see if they have sufficient muscle mass. If not, the muscles may need to be ‘pinched’ up before the injection (Workman 1999, Rodger and King 2000). Any area or presence of inflammation, swelling or infection should be avoided (Workman 1999). Patient preparation It is important to explain the procedure so that the patient fully understands and is able to give his or her informed consent and co-operation. The discussion should include the choice of site for the injection and information about the medication, action and side effects. The patient can then express any concerns or anxieties relating to the procedure and the patient’s knowledge can be l-5ml can be injected, although for infants this would be 1-3 mi. The rectus femoris is a large and well-defined muscle and is the anterior muscle of the quadriceps. I t is located halfway between the superior iliac crest and the patella (Workman 1999), Vastus lateralis site The vastus lateralis site; used for deep IM and Z-track injections. Up to 5ml can be administered (Rodger and King 2000). The muscle forms part of the quadriceps femoris group of muscles and is located on the outer side of the femur. If is foLind by measuring a hand’s breafh from the greater trochanter and the knee joint, which identifies the middle third ofthe quadriceps muscle (Workman 1999). There are no major blood vessels or structures which could cause an injury in this area (Rodger and King 2000). Ventrogluteal site This site is used for deep IM and Z-track injections. This site is located by placing the palm ofthe nurse’s hand on the patient’s opposite greater trochanter (for example, the nurse’s right palm on the patient’s left hip), then extending the index finger to the anterior superior iliac spine to make a ‘V. The injection is then given into the gluteus medius muscle, which is the centre of fhe V (Workman 1999, Rodger and King 2000). Evaluated. It is important to check whether the patient has any known allergies to identify potential reactions to the medication. FVeparation ofthe equipment All the necessary equipment shouid be prepared before commencing the procedure to avoid any delays or interruptions during rhe procedure. The equipment required for administering IM injections is listed in Box I and preparation of rhe equipment is described in Box 2. The techniques used for administering IM injections are outlined in Box 3. Skin cleansing There are inconsistencies regarding skin preparation for IM injections. It is known rhar cleansing the injection site with an impregnated alcohol swab before an IM injection reduces rhe number of bacteria on the skin (Workman 1999, Lister and Sarpal 2004). However, if rhe injection is given before rhe skin is dry this procedure is ineffective and rhe patienr may experience pain and a sdnging sensation from rhe antiseptic. This may allow entry of bacteria inro rhe injection site and cause local irritation (Workman 1999, Lister and Sarpal 2004). Therefore, when using an alcohol swab ro prepare the skin it should be used for 30 seconds and then allowed to dry (Lister and Sarpal 2004). Some local policies no longer recommend skin cleansing ifthe patient’s skin is physically clean (Little 2000, Wynaden et al2005) and the nurse maintains rhe required standard of hand washing and asepsis during rhe procedure (Workman 1999). Equipment for intramuscular injections I 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Prescription chart. Prescribed drug to be administered. If required, diluent for reconstitution. Clean tray or receiver for equipment, Syringe of appropriate size (2-5ml), Sterile 21G (green) needle for adult patients. Alcohol-impregnated swab with isopropyi alcohol 70%. Gloves. Tissue or clinical wipe. 10. Clinical sharps container. Preparation for intramuscular (IM) Injection administration The following steps describe the procedure when preparing the equipment for an I M injection. †¢ Wash and dry hands thoroughly with bactericidal soap and wafer or use bactericidal handrub to prevent any contamination of the equipment or medication. Put on gloves. Gloves are required for all invasive procedures including IM injection (Pratt etal2Q07). Check the patient’s prescription chart and determine the: – Drug that is to be administered. – Required dose. – Route for administration. – Date and time of administration. – Prescription is legible and signed by an authorised prescriber. These actions ensure that any risk to the patient is minimised and that the patient is given the right dose of medication at the correct time by the prescribed route (Jamieson et al 2002, Lister and Sarpal 2004). If any errors are noticed withhold the medication and inform the medical team. Check the drug against the prescription chart. As all medications deteriorate over time, check the expiry date – this shows when a drug will no longer be guaranteed to be effective. To prepare the syringe for medication: (a) Check all packaging is intact to retain sterility. Check the expiry date. If any packaging is damaged or has expired, discard. (b) Open the packaging of the syringe at the plunger end and remove the syringe. Make sure that the plunger moves freely inside the barrel. Take care not to touch the nozzle end to prevent contamination. (c) Open the needle packaging at the hilt (coloured) end. Hold the syringe in one hand and then attach the needle firmly onto the nozzle of the syringe. Loosen the sheath but do not remove it. Place the syringe on the tray. This prevents contamination or any potential injuries. †¢ Examine the solution in the ampoule for cloudiness or sedimentation. This may show that the medication is contaminated or unstable. Make sure that all the contents are in the bottom o f t h e ampoule by tapping the neck gently. To prevent injury, splashing or contact with the medication use a clinical wipe or tissue to cover the neck of the ampoule and break it open. Observe the solution for any glass fragments because these pose a risk to the patient if injected. Discard the ampoule and contents if any foreign matter is visible. !f you are using a plastic ampoule, break the top off, making sure not to touch the top. †¢ Pick up the syringe and allow the sheath to fall off the needle onto the tray and insert the needle into the solution of the ampoule. Avoid scraping the needle on the bottom of the ampoule, because this wilt blunt the needle. †¢ Pull back the top of the plunger with one finger on the flange and draw up the required dose. I t may be necessary to tilt or hold the ampoule upside down to make sure the needle remains in the solution to prevent drawing in air (Figure 2). Take care not to contaminate the needle. †¢ Re-sheathe the needle carefully using the aseptic non-touch technique to to maintain sterility (Figure 3). †¢ Expel the air. Hold the syringe upright, at eye level and let any air rise to the top of the syringe To encourage air bubbles fo rise, lightly tap the barrel ofthe syringe. Slowiy, push the piunger to expel the air until the solution is seen at the top of the needle. Needles Re-sheathing a needle betore the medication is administered to a patient is safe. This method is achieved hy using the aseptic non-touch technique (Figure 3) and prevents droplets of the medication from heing sprayed onto the skin or inhaled when air is heing expelled from the syringe (Nicol etal 2004). When giving an !M injection a ‘green’ or size 21 gauge needle is used for all adult patients to ensure that rhe medication is injected into the muscle. This also applies to patients who are cachectic or thin, except that the needle is not inserted as deeply. If a smaller gauge needle is used the nurse needs to apply more pressure to inject the solution, which will increase the patient’s discomfort (King 2003). Single and multi-dose powder vials Some medications come in single or multi-dose vials and need to he reconstituted before heing drawn up and mjected. The following steps should be undertaken when administering I M injections to patients: †¢ Take the tray with the syringe, ampoule, impregnated alcohol swab, tissue, prescription and sharps container to the patient’s bedside. Re-check the prescription and medication with the patient’s name band according to local policy. Draw the curtains for privacy and assist the patient into a comfortable position to allow access to the injection siteandto make sure that the identified muscle group is flexed and relaxed. †¢ Clean the skin with an impregnated alcohol swab for 30 seconds and then allow to dry to minimise the risk of infection (Lister and Sarpal 2004), or alternatively it should be cleansed in accordance with local policy, †¢ With the non-dominant hand stretch the skin slightly over the chosen injection site to displace the underlying subcutaneous tissues and to aid the insertion of the needle. †¢ With the dominant hand hold the syringe like a dart Having informed the patient, quickly and firmly in a ‘dart-like’ motion insert the needle into the patient’s skin at a 90 ° angle until approximately 1cm of the needle is left showing (Nicol et al 2004, Corben 2005) (Figure 4). †¢ Hold the skin with the ulnar edge of the hand and with the thumb and index finger hold the coloured part of the needle to maintain stability and prevent movement. †¢ Withdraw the plunger slightly to confirm that the needle is in the correct position and has not entered a blood vessel. If blood is not present, depress the plunger and carefully inject the solution at a rate of 1ml per 10 seconds until the syringe is empty to allow the tissues to expand and absorb the solution (Workman 1999, Lister and Sarpal 2004). This rate also reduces patient discomfort. If blood is present stop the procedure and withdraw the needle and syringe. Start again with new equipment and drug and explain to the patient what has happened to reduce patient anxiety. †¢ Wait ten seconds to allow the drug to diffuse into the tissues then quickly and smoothly withdraw the needle. Use a tissue to apply pressure to the injection site or until any bleeding ceases. It is not necessary to massage the area because this may cause the drug to leak from the injection site and cause local irritation (Rodger and King 2000). †¢ Discard the needle and syringe immediately into the sharps container to prevent any injury. Do not re-sheathe the needle. Remove gloves and wash hands, †¢ Record the administration of the medication on the prescription chart to show that the drug has been given. Report any abnormalities or complications. †¢ Replace any clothing and make sure that the patient is comfortable. Return to the patient after 15-20 minutes to observe and check the effectiveness ofthe medication, especially anti-emetics and analgesics. Observe the injection site within two to four hours for signs of local irritation {Rodger and King 2000), involves some key principles to ensure safe practice. †¢ Before reconstiruting any medication, the nurse should first read rhe manufacturer’s information sheet. †¢ It is important that the powder is at the bottom of the vial so thnt all the medication is dissolved. †¢ The cap must be cleaned with an alcoholimpregnated swah and allowed to dry to prevent bacterial contamination. * It is vital that the correct volume of diluent is used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to provide the most therapeutic concentration. †¢ The diluent should be injected slowly into the vial so that the powder Is wet before mixing. †¢ When mixing, ensure the needle remains inside the vial to maintain sterility. If there is pressure In the vial hold the plunger down while doing this to avoid the separation ofthe needle and syringe from the vial {Nicol etal 1004}. To mix the medication, agitate or roll the vial until the powder has dissolved. For some powder multi-dose vials, a needle is inserted into the cap before adding the diluent because this allows air to escape and releases the vacuum in the vial. Then with a second needle and syringe, inject the diluent into the vial. Remove the needle and syringe and place a sterile swab over the venti ng need le to prevent contamination ofthe drug and the atmosphere. Agitate or roll the ampoule until the powder has dissolved (Jamieson etal2002., Lister and Sarpal 2004). All solutions need to be inspected for precipitation and cloudiness. Continue to agitate until the powder and diluent have fully mixed to form a solution. †¢ Todrawuprhedrug, hold the ampoule upside down to avoid drawing in air, insert the needle so that it is below the level ofthe solution and pull back the plunger to withdraw the correct amount of solution. For multi-dose vials, clean the cap with an impregnated alcohol swab and allow to dry before inserting the needle and syringe to prevent bacterial contamination.

Leadership Interaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leadership Interaction - Essay Example The Japanese business leader would certainly feel more confident and upbeat when he is allowed to speak in his mother tongue yet this does not happen in the business world. This is because there is Nigerian, French and Indian business leader sitting across the table and they would have difficulty understanding his language yet alone the manner in which he conveys the gestures, the nonverbal actions and other related aspects. Similarly, the Nigerian has an accent and style which is more suited to African nations than say for instance a European or Asian country. The French business leader would be attuned properly towards the European business leaders and hence would make his point in a much clearer fashion. Lastly the Indian business leader would suit someone who can understand his South Asian accent and can relate to his regional and cultural facets in a much more better manner than the Japanese, French and Nigerian business leaders combined could do. The communication styles that these business leaders bring with them to the meeting table are varied and thus offer room for each other’s understanding and comprehension. Thus it is advisable if they could bring their managers along so that they could properly understand what is being said and discussed during the length of the meeting. Even if there is no problem at reaching a point of consensus as far as the communication aspect is concerned, it would be in their best interest to openly address each other’s needs without feeling any awkwardness towards their respective non-understanding attitude since none of these business leaders adequately comprehend what is actually being conveyed. They could all make use of slide presentations on projectors so that they are assisted at delivering their ideas to each other as well as look after the desires of the respective parties which are

Physician assisted suicide ( for an ethics in healthcare class) Research Paper

Physician assisted suicide ( for an ethics in healthcare class) - Research Paper Example Euthanasia is classified into two types; active euthanasia and passive euthanasia. This paper compares active and passive euthanasia and analyzes the arguments in favor and against performing physician assisted suicide. Physician Assisted Suicide In the United States, physician-assisted suicide is legal only in Oregon. The Oregon Death With Dignity Act was passed in November 1994 by a margin of 51% to 49%. After multiple legal proceedings prevented its enactment, the Act became law on October 27, 1997. In November 1997, 60% of voters voted against Measure 25, which would have repealed the Act. The Death With Dignity Act legalizes physician-assisted suicide but prohibits euthanasia (Facts and Statistics on Euthanasia, 2010) Physician assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia are slightly different even though the purpose of both remains the same. PAS is a kid of suicide performed with the help of a physician as the name suggests whereas euthanasia is the intentional ending of life of a pe rson by the physician. Euthanasia or PAS are normally performed when a patient happens to be in a no hope condition and suffers severe pain and agony. Proponents of PAS believe that there is no point in sustaining the life of a patient in pathetic condition, if the hope for survival is zero. ... Earlier people like to live in larger families whereas current generation likes to live in nuclear families. In other words, earlier, helping or assisting old people or patients during the end of their life periods, was considered as a duty and responsibility. At present people do not believe in such things. Everybody wants to safeguard their interests at present and they do not bother much about the necessities of older generation or patients who are fighting for their lives. Current generation is more selfish and they give priority to their personal wellbeing and do not bother much about the interests of others. Under such circumstances, old people or patients in no hope conditions would like to terminate their lives and PAS is an option available in front of them. On the other hand, religions or critics argue against PAS citing moral reasons. For them, human do not possess the right to terminate his life under any circumstances because of the immense value of human life. They also argue that God has certain plan on each person’s life which is difficult to realize with human abilities. Religions argue that the life in this world is only a temporary assignment and a permanent life is waiting for each human after his death. The life after death is associated with the merits and demerits of the activities in present life. In short, there are different views about the topic physician assisted suicide. Before analyzing the above issue in detail, it is better to identify different types of euthanasia prevailing in the present society. Wrong evaluation or assessment about the conditions of a patient may sometimes motivate others in performing euthanasia.

If you had to recommend either a presidential or a parliament system Essay

If you had to recommend either a presidential or a parliament system for a new democracy which would you choose and why - Essay Example However, Spain’s transition into democracy is not the only case where in a parliamentary system has proven its value and strength. In fact, according to Von Mettenheim (1997), most of the strong democratic regimes across the globe at present are parliamentary systems, where executive rule is made by law-making majorities and relies on these majorities for continued existence. On the contrary, the United States is the sole presidential democratic regime with an extensive history of constitutional stability. Besides the United States, Chile is the only country that has a record of a lengthy, fairly uninterrupted constitutional stability under the system of presidentialism, but Chile’s democratic regime collapsed in the 1970s (Cheibub, 2007). Thus this essay recommends a parliament system, instead of a presidential regime, for a new democracy. This argument is substantiated by an analysis of Angola’s case, a country struggling to finally establish a true democratic government. The Merits of Parliamentarism Parliamentarism is a system where in the sole democratically constitutional body is parliament. Within a parliamentary system, the power of the state is totally subjected to the confidence of the parliamentary. Parliamentary regimes may consist of presidents who are chosen through direct popular election, but they generally do not have the capacity to vie forcefully for authority with the Prime Minister (Diamond, Plattner, & Costopoulos, 2010). By contrast, in presidentialism an executive or president with extensive constitutional powers is directly elected by the public and free from parliamentary confidence votes. The president is not just the executive but the symbolic head of state as well and can be overthrown through impeachment (Diamond et al., 2010). In reality, presidentialism may be relatively reliant on the support of the legislative branch; the harmony or symmetry between the legislative and executive branch in these systems can hence differ greatly. Historically, the superiority of parliamentary democratic regimes over presidentialism is not unexpected. A thorough comparative analysis of presidentialism and parliamentarism reveals that, all things considered, the latter is more advantageous to established democracy than the former. This is true specifically for countries with several political parties and entrenched political rifts, like Angola; for these nations, a parliamentary system is usually more effective in strengthening democracy. Therefore, the question is what are the justifications for arguing that the parliamentary system, when totally executed, is better than the presidential system? A particular advantage of a parliamentary system is that it puts into practice the separation of powers, even though merely partially. Parliamentarism takes the judiciary apart from the legislative and executive branches, but it assures that the executive is subjected to the legislature through a specific machine ry of trust between the government and the parliament. A parliamentary system also stresses the function of the legislature according to the principle of legislative dominance (Cheibub, 2007). Provided that the parliament is chosen in a democratic voting system, a parliamentary system provides a strong safeguard for democracy by highlighting the popular

Guardian ad litem Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Guardian ad litem - Assignment Example In this regard, the GAL must need to consider certain essential factors while investigating a child. A few of the major factors to be considered while asking questions to Cathy have been provided hereunder. Understanding the needs and ensure to defend the child from any type of physical and emotional harm Comprehending the views of the child and her relationship with each parent and/or other people Identifying possible changes on the child while being separated from the parents Considering practical problems of the child in terms of contacting his/her parents Considering and understanding of the child’s personal and psychological characteristics including cognitive and physical behaviors among others. Therefore, it can be affirmed that the aforementioned considerable factors would be more beneficial for both Cathy and the GAL to share along with understand the feelings while asking various types of questions (UC Davis School of Law, â€Å"In the Child’s Best Interest?à ¢â‚¬ ). DISCUSSION OF LEGAL TERMINOLOGIES With reference to the guiding principles that are often represented by the Federal and State Statutes, it can be viewed that certain essential policies ensure to protect and serve paramount interests of the child. A brief discussion about the legal terms or standards determining the best interests of the child i.e. Cathy have been provided hereunder. Ala. Code  § 12-15-101 (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Spec. Sess.). The Federal and/or State Constitution tends to protect the child from different emotional or physical harms and ensures to select appropriate individual amid the parents with whom the child is likely to be stayed (UC Davis School of Law, â€Å"In the Child’s Best Interest?†). In relation to the case scenario, the GAL should highly focus on justifying and understanding the emotional along with the physical characteristics of Cathy and making effective decisions of identifying appropriate parent. Moreover, the provi sions in this legal terminology also ensures the deliverance of fundamental rights and needs incorporating adequate care, food, appropriate medical care facilities, cloths along with other remedial elements of the child. D.C. Code Ann.  § 16-2353 (LexisNexis through 7-18-12). With reference to the sections of the Federal and State Statutes, the court is authorized to protect the child through applying standards concerning the rights and responsibilities of the parents. Moreover, the section also tends to ensure extent feasibility of the child’s opinions regarding his/her own personal interests (UC Davis School of Law, â€Å"In the Child’s Best Interest?†). Therefore, it can be stated that the primary roles of the parents generally include adequate care and welfare of the child along with proper arrangement of shared responsibilities to nourish the child as per her basic needs. Moreover, maintaining effective cooperation amid the parents has also been identifie d to ensure serving best interests of the child. Fla. Stat. Ann.  § 39.810 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.). In order to act with the purpose of serving paramount interests of Cathy, the guiding principles of the Federal and State constitution can also ensure keeping the child in a suitable custody with a relative or any close caregiver (UC Davis School

Change Management Ass 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Change Management Ass 2 - Essay Example This has resulted in a multi-racial and multi-cultural workplace. Moreover the mergers and acquisitions have caused diverse organizational cultures to come together resulting in a clash of cultures. Bolman and Deal state that "managers regularly face an unending barrage of puzzles or "messes." To act without creating more trouble, they must first establish an accurate picture of what is happening. Then they must proceed to a deeper level, asking, "What is really going on here?" This important step in reading a situation is often overlooked. As a result, managers may form superficial analyses and leap on solutions nearest at hand or most in vogue. Market share declining? Try strategic planning. Customer complaints? Put in a quality program. Profits down? Time to reengineer or downsize† (Bolman & Deal 33). Taking hasty decisions in the name of adaptability and dynamism through superficial analysis can cause negative consequences especially in the long run. This paper reviews orga nizational change with reference to the multi-frame approach to organizational diagnosis. The consequences of superficial analysis will be done first. This will be followed by the multi-frame approach for understanding organizations. A contingency approach to change and the sociological matrix of organizational culture by Goffee and Jones will also be reviewed. a few examples of organizations with regard to the multi-frame approach will also be provided. Bolman and Deal argue that even apparently brilliant managers act in dumb ways in change management scenarios. They are of the view that such many of these problems are caused not because the managers are stupid or inexperienced, but due to other (mostly personal) factors. This attitude is referred to as the ‘self-destructive intelligence syndrome’. Referring Feinberg and Tarrant who coined the phrase, the authors state that â€Å"people act stupid because of personality flaws – things like pride,

What is the significance of new communication technologies for Essay

What is the significance of new communication technologies for contemporary community or youth work - Essay Example The daily lives of youths in the present days are dominated by live communications such as internet chats, use of phones and SMS messaging, among many others. It is not possible to understand the lifestyles of the young people without considering the roles played, in their lives, by internet, mobile phones and other forms of new and modern technology. The teenagers and young people are spending a substantial part of their lifetime using modern technology such are computers, the internet, and mobile phones – hence this issue is incessantly becoming more significant. The new and modern technology has some positive as well as negative impacts on the lives of the youths and the community at large. Although I am aware that Internet has many advantages not only for young people but for the society in general, in my professional role as a youth worker, I only work with young people affected by the negative aspects as they are young people in need. It is through this forum that I have realised the strong need to protect this vulnerable group from the negative impact of new technology, as it will be discussed in this paper. Sociality – private/public boundaries There are various anthropology-based perspectives through which any technology can be studied including creation of social relations, the resultant rituals, the values fostered and the practices developed around the said technology by different users. On the other hand, cyberculture can be associated with new technologies in two areas, including biotechnology and artificial intelligence - such as information and computer technologies. The computer and information technologies have brought about a system of technosociality, which is an extensive process of sociocultural construction built in two systems originated from the so-called cyberculture. In contrast, biotechnologies are the origins of biosociality - a new system for production of nature, life and the body through biological innovations. All in all, cyberculture originates from modernity form of social and cultural matrix, which is seen as a step towards readjusting the dominant tradition. The computer is a reminiscent object and a predictive medium for the creation of various public and private worlds. As the culture of computers continues to spread, more peoples perceive themselves in terms of computers (Escobar 215). It is common to find the term ‘private’ being compared with ‘public’. The field of communication media has been synonymous with the creation of the situations of either being public of private. The private/public boundaries are shaped by the way humans have interacted with the world around them. For a case in point, modern technologies and communications such as televisions, radios, telephones and the internet have practically enjoined the outside and public worlds within the people’s private spheres, breaking the barrier between the two worlds. In addition, the modern te chnology has toughened the boundary of privacy within homes. By intervening in the external world within the home, and at the same time allowing people to interact with the external worl

Choose 1 of the 4 questions I will upload on the file Essay

Choose 1 of the 4 questions I will upload on the file - Essay Example s the biggest competition on the market, public service broadcasting (PBS) has a lot to offer to its audience in order to stay competitive and up-to-date. Growing internet penetration represents another challenge for broadcasters. Governmental intervention has always represented a constant danger for media independence. According to the official website of UNESCO public broadcasting â€Å"is broadcasting made, financed and controlled by the public, for the public. It is neither commercial nor state-owned, free from political interference and pressure from commercial forces (Public Service Broadcasting).† What does it mean â€Å"financed and controlled by the public†? Does the government serve the interests of the public when impose regulations or censor the actions of the PBS? In this paper I would like to address these questions and issues that public broadcasters are facing. The role and importance of public service broadcasters has changed over the time, but the services that broadcasters provide are still valued, appreciated and needed. It is hard to define what public service broadcasting is since the role of the PBS is changing and there is no clear universal and accepted model in the world. However majority of scholars, journalists and media professionals agree that public broadcasting should be independent from the state interference and regulation, even though public broadcasters use public funds and serve the public interest. PBS should provide examples of professional journalistic standards and practices. At the same time transparency and accountability are also vital for the effective work of PBS. These ideas provide a definition of a perfect system of PBS, while things are different in reality. I would definitely support Richard Berry who believes that public services, such as enhancing democratic changes, supporting cultural values and educational norms should go first and broadcasting second (Jakubowicz 2007). The question is: â€Å"should PBS give

Today's College Students Are Serious Minded When It Comes To Academics Essay

Today's College Students Are Serious Minded When It Comes To Academics - Essay Example In this topic the main problem says that today’s students are serious minded when it comes to academics. Many dictionaries define academics as a part of higher education. Hence it is strongly argued that academics does not relate to the education alone that the students receive within colleges, it can also be linked to other curricular activities that are being offered within an large educational institute such as a University. Author says, that nowadays academics become very challenging and it is difficult to obtain an admission in well renowned Universities because of very high concurention between applicants. Autor refers to the Ivy League. This hard competition leads to the shifted focus towards excessive education from students. However, students became far more serious in academics. Reduced job opportunities in the global market have also led to the aumentation of the student’s interest in the proceeding of further academics in universities/colleges. Author agrees with the statement that nowadays grades/ GPA has a great impact for every student with respect to scholarships and future employment prospects after graduation. Grades and GPA’s are associated with scholarships and jobs. If a student is unable to attain a prescribed level of GPA, he may not be entitled to scholarships offered within a university. These scholarships are considered really helpful because of the fact that education has become really expensive in recent years and there is a reduction in the number of people who can actually afford to get their children enrolled at the current surcharge offered by universities.

Foreign Market Entry and Diversification Essay Example for Free

Foreign Market Entry and Diversification Essay Create An Argument For Diversification Of Your Business That Will Be Presented To The Board Of Directors Or Business Investors. Diversification is going to be the key to the longevity of our label. Our smallest competitors, Simply Fashion and Cato, offer shoes and accessories; while our largest competitors, Lane Bryant and Avenue have begun to offer minimal exercise wear. â€Å"†¦diversifying entrants pose a bigger threat in increasing rivalry and challenging incumbents’ market share†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Klein Lien, 2009, p. 299). Right now, Lane Bryant is the leader in diversified product lines, although our competitors offer a variety of products in plus size fashion. Our company will improve on quality in order to become a threat to the competitors. If we do not diversify, we will quickly become irrelevant in the market, like our smaller competitors. If we plan to succeed and increase longevity we must diversify and improve upon what our competitors offer. Develop A Strategy For Diversification Indicating The Products And Industries For The Diversification And How Synergies May Be Gained From The Diversified Activity. As a way to increase popularity and customer base loyalty, marketing, research and development will work with designers and distributors on a costume accessories line for plus size women. Currently plus size women are hard pressed to find bracelets for the larger wrist, rings for the larger finger and necklaces that fall where they are supposed to. Lane Bryant is the leader in accessories but they are extremely expensive at twenty to thirty dollars for a ring or bracelet. Costume jewelry is not an item that is meant to last forever. Metals tarnish, plastic’s color fades after repeated use. Our company can come in and offer the correct size accessories at the correct price. Claire’s is a leading accessories line for average women. They are successful because they offer an extremely wide variety of accessories at varying price levels but they do not have many pieces for larger fit. They do offer extenders for necklaces and some bracelets but the extenders are generic and most times do not match the jewelry purchased. We see a synergy with them as a way of increasing sales and market for both companies. Another area for diversification is the exercise clothing line. Collaboration with Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig will put us ahead of our biggest competitor. The need for properly fitted, comfortable exercise clothing is great enough for our company to corner this market. The collaboration will give the weight losing industry a chance to enter another market. Identify And Discuss The Foreign Market That The Company Should Enter And Discuss The Strategy It Should Use To Enter The Market. According to the demographic population statistics of 2011, pu blished by MINTEL (Mintel Group Ltd., 2011), England has the next highest population of plus size women. Almost 25% of the women wear size 18 and over. Nearly 40% of the female population in the UK wears size 16 and over. With these demographics, our company plans to enter the global market in those countries. They have seen an increase in the sale of plus size clothing but the numbers are still small, leaving the industry open for infiltration. Plus size attire only accounted for 17% of total women’s clothing sales in the European market in 2011. The strategy for entering the market will start with opening the online boutiques. As popularity increases we can look into established a brick and mortar location. The store will be a representation of our American locations but also blend with the local atmosphere. â€Å"Purchasing locally [is] a key strategy as it pleases the local authorities and meets the needs of the local consumers. European retailers are more likely to export retail formats that add value by catering to the needs and tastes of the local market, they are likely to enter foreign markets that are developing and are likely to scale up profitably, keeping pace with the economic development of the market place† (Bell, Lal, Salmon, 2004, p. 312). We will establish relationships with local designers and fabric retailers. The building of this relationship will help us gain trust and loyalty within the local economy. Discuss The Challenges That Company May Face In The Foreign Market, And How It Might Respond Strategically To Minimize The Impact Of These Challenges. Even though all the research shows the industry being ripe for new entries, the target market is a challenge. Plus size women don’t necessarily want to be plus size women. The ones who wear sizes under 18 will shop in regular stores if possible because once they start shopping in a specialty store they have to admit facts to themselves that they may not want to address. Plus size figures are not always bigger replicas of the average sized female. With being larger there sometimes are different shapes that have to be accounted for when buying clothing. The best way to combat that would be to align ourselves with the different coalitions that are forming in the European to help understand and beat obesity. We could donate time, supplies and some proceeds from special campaigns to their cause. Our company will avoid being seen as an enabler to obesity. â€Å"Obesity and overweight among children in Europe is also associated with the socio-economic status of their parents, especially their mothers. Furthermore, cross-country comparisons show the prevalence of childhood overweight is linked to a Member State’s degree of income inequality or relative poverty† (Robertson, Lobstein, Knai, 2007, p. 9). Since studies have shown that obesity is mostly a socioeconomic problem, we can take on a â€Å"Be Beautiful Being You† motto. We can work with local groups and organizations to bring awareness to the community. Helping to create positive self-image and awareness of affordable healthy choices will be a goal of our compa ny. Create A Scenario When It Would Not Make Sense For The Company To Diversify Or Expand Into A Foreign Market. Provide Support For Your Rationale. The clothing industry as a whole has been branching into China because of their expanding economy and large population. According to Business of Fashion, China has seen a 33% increase in the purchasing of luxury fashion goods (Harilela, 2012). Normally, this would make it a prime target for global expansion for our company. However, China is country where our company would not likely prosper. China has only seen an increase in waistlines in the past few decades. Even with the increase in size, the numbers are enough to validate entry into their economy. â€Å"The obese are roughly one out of 70 people in China, as opposed to one out of three in America† (Suarez, 2010) Even though those statistics are from 2010, they still warn against expansion into their market. Assess How The Company Will Create A Business Environment Conducive To Ethical Behavior. Ethical business practices will start in upper management and pass down to lower level employees. The company handbook will have a section on the importance of ethical policies and how to conduct business as such. Employee interactions will involve speaking truthfully, taking responsibility for one’s actions and learning to be upfront about opinions. Customer service ethical standards will include providing quality products at fair pricing, being honest about features of the clothing and the floor sales clerk will not be allowed to give judgment on customer apparel choices. Employees will be encouraged and required to report safety issues, theft, harassment issues or any other work related problem. Our company will be committed to conducting business in a way that meets the needs of our present market goals without compromising the company brand image. Works Cited Bell, D. E., Lal, R., Salmon, W. J. (2004). Globalization of Retailing. In J. A. Quelch, The Global Market: Developing a Strategy to Manage Across Borders (pp. 290-312). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Harilela, D. (2012, April 8). The Top 20 Movers, Shakers and Decision-Makers in China Fashion. Retrieved from The Business of Fashion: http://www.businessoffashion.com/2012/04/the-top-20-movers-shakers-and-decision-makers-in-china-fashion-2.html Klein, P. G., Lien, L. B. (2009). Diversification, Industry, Structure, and Firm Strategy: An Organizational Economics Perspective. Economic Institutions of Strategy Advance in Strategic Management, 299. Mintel Group Ltd. (2011). Fifth of Brits are Plus Size but clothing selection is thin on the ground. Mintel Group Ltd. Robertson, A., Lobstein, T., Knai, C. (2007). Obesity and socio-economic groups in Europe: Evidence. European Commission. Suarez, R. (2010, June 1). Reporters Notebook: Obesity on the Rise in China. Retrieved from PBS News Hour: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2010/06/reporters-notebook-obesity-rising-in-china.html

My Life Essay Example for Free

My Life Essay Above anything else, I still think that the most ambiguous term, concept, and thing in the world aside from its existence is life. A persons life can be the most difficult thing to describe, to define, to expound, and to measure. It will always be very challenging for an individual to summarize his of her entire life in nothing but words that do not even measure up to lifes vague beauty, wonders, and mysteries. But in the very best way that I can, combining everything I learned from writing, recounting history, and expressing my thoughts, I shall try to tell you what and how my life is so far. I will choose to tell how my life was in the past, what it is like now, and how I envision it to become in the future in my own tone and perspective. Simplicity is a very relative and subjective term. Some would associate this term with peace and serenity, but I would rather connect it with the ideas of non-extravagant beauty and non-chaotic momentum. And so, I would rather call my life a simple one in this sense. As for my childhood, I realized that this phase is not a completely natural incident and event which happens to everyone. In one way or another, and at least in my own life, I have come to understand that having a childhood is also partly an individual choice that people have to make. More importantly, having a happy childhood is the greater choice which people have to decide on whether they would have it or not. With regard to my own, I chose having a childhood and a worthwhile one. Twenty-three years ago, I cried meaningfully on the [insert date of birth; ex: 25th of December, 1986] which told my parents that I am already existing as a person. Throughout my entire childhood, I cried for various reasons — whenever I got hurt, got disappointed, felt sad, felt annoyed, and felt overwhelmingly happy. All these cries, my life proved, are part of growing up. In my lifes context, these things made me realize that I am but a human being who feels and learns to express what he feels whenever he feels the need for it. Growing up in Turkey, I can say that my past is as colorful and vibrant as my country. My mind never ran out of iridescent and crazy ideas when I was going through my primary and secondary levels of education. I think I owe to my parents the considerable amount of effort they had to sacrifice in order to give me and my one and only sister the kind of education which we can both be proud of. My heart never skipped a beat as it vigorously lived with the glorious days of my childhood and adolescent years when I felt like I was the most powerful and liberated man that God has ever created. In a nutshell, my childhood is something I would always want to reminisce over and over again. And so, I rekindle that vibrant feeling every now and then, especially now that I write this chronicle of my life. Excellence and being well-molded never fascinated me until my parents, together with my mentors at the previous schools that I attended, injected into my consciousness the significance of education to an individuals betterment. I think that it safe to say that generally, young people dislike going to school very much; however, it was during those days, when I was on the verge of hating school, when I started to realize that education is actually the strongest foundation I could ever have that will equip me with the skills and knowledge to become a competent person in the future. As an average person who grew up with his parents in Istanbul, Turkey and who is still spending his days as a university student under the custody of his parents, I can say that I now have a considerably complete idea of what being a well-molded individual is like. Upon seeing and knowing successful people around me, I have to realize that all their authority, wealth, honor, valor come from a sufficient amount of education and dedication to it. But for me, aside from this, one thing which also aids in creating a well-molded individual in each person is his or her choice of submitting and staying under the guidance of his of her parents, for no parent shall wish for his or her child to go astray. And so, I chose to stay aligned with my parents guidance and proved to myself that indeed, parents have the innate ability to know the best and only the best for their children. I have never learned and realized the power of material things. I may have become fascinated with some, but one of the most amazing and valuable things I have learned in my life is that most of the things that can actually give true happiness to people are the intangible things that money cannot purchase in anyway. In several instances, I have also experienced the most typical emotional and psychological milestones that a human being goes through in life. As I entered adulthood, I have realized the value of true friendship and the value of having a special person caring for me. I have also been able to go through several rites of passage that defined my membership to the so called â€Å"in-circles† in my youth. Many times I fell hard and stood up again, never surrendering to the most miserable heartbreaks yet the most meaningful lessons that I can consider indispensable for the rest of my life. Truly, no material form of wealth and luxury can ever compare to the most special things that I regard as my greatest achievements in my life so far; and these include my self-dignity, the seemingly everlasting friendship that I share with my peers, the love I constantly receive from the people around me, and the bright future that shines ahead of me in this point of my life. I chose to value these intangible treasures that will last longer than me and than the ones that will fade after I passed. Yet, no matter how colorful or pleasant my writing will turn out to be, I also believe that life is not always a bed of roses. For several instances, I have received harsh criticisms from people who tried to judge me from a far and tried to measure me as a person without knowing me completely. I have faced several failures that brought me serious humiliation and deep self-disappointment. I also have failed to live up to other peoples expectations a number of times. At one point, I thought these falls were bound to identify and label me as an individual and as a man. But my hopes, aspirations, and visions inside of me that have been kept hidden behind these failures always manage to float above everything else and take over my consciousness. Thus, I chose to believe that I as an individual can only be judged and measured according to how strong and triumphant I succeeded after a fall and not by how hard I fell flat on the ground. I chose to tell you this tale of my life in my endeavor to give myself a hint on how I would want to envision myself in the future. If there is one thing this chronicle has taught me and made me understand about myself, it is that my life is truly made up of great choices, and each choice is a fruit of a trial-and-error process of learning. Right now, the life of being a university student is giving me all the positive thoughts of what my life ahead would become. I could be successful like todays powerful and affluent people, yes I can say, but I would choose to follow this tale and make a success story of my own, keeping in mind all the vibrant memories I have had from my childhood, all the valuable lectures my parents and my mentors taught me, the inspiration that my sister, my friends, and loved ones gave me, and the indispensable lessons my failures made me realize. Most especially, I would choose to remember my own ambiguous yet insightful definition of what my life is right now and what it will be tomorrow. Thus, I would still choose, and in the future, I know there will still be more choices to make, but I guess that is what life is to me basically — a never-ending ball of choices which define who we are.

Boeing Capital Company Analysis

Boeing Capital Company Analysis Introduction The importance that is associated with air travel cannot be undermined in any manner since provides a fast means of traveling and ensuring that business is conducted in an efficient manner by availing people where they are needed to be within a very short time. Additionally, it creates diversity by taking people to different places where they can interact with individuals from various cultures which eventually helps to enhance the spread of diverse cultural practices to the entire world. Through air travel, many economies of the world have been transformed in a manner that cannot even be comprehended, and this has helped a lot in building some of the largest economies in the world. People are provided with a chance to experience new things in life. For instance, this has helped to diversify the manner in which education is being carried out since students can now travel all over the world in search of knowledge. The Aerospace space industry continues to grow each and every other day, and this is made possible by more than 8 million individuals undertake air travel daily. On top of that, defense and security have been further enhanced by air travel since it is possible to avail safety where it is required in a matter of minutes. Description of the Company or Agency (Basically what business are you in) Boeing is one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. It does not only specialize in the manufacture of commercial jetliners, but it is also involved in the production of various other products such as space security systems and defense systems such as the fighter jets. Boeing is the largest exporter company that is located in the United States. Apart from supporting most of the airlines in the country by providing commercial airplanes, it also provides its products to other customers who are mostly government organizations in over on hundred and fifty countries. Some of the products that are designed by Boeing are customized while others are only mass produced and sold to customers why dont need to specifications to be associated with the products that they intend to buy. Most of the tailored products include satellites machines, weapons, defense systems that are electronic in nature, military aircraft, commercial aircraft, launch systems, advanced communication systems, pe rformance-based handling and training systems and even simulator machines. The company has been involved in the production of aerospace equipment for many years, and it is considered to be a leading company in this field due to the experience and the reputation that is associated with the organization. With time, it continually strives to tap into sections of the market that other aerospace companies have failed to explore. It is through the provision of a variety of services and products that can help to meet the needs of the clients in the most accurate manner. Some of the capabilities associated with Boeing Company include the ability to develop more advanced and better types of commercial airplanes because it is continually undertaking research into the market so as to understand the level of customers satisfaction based on the products that it has already availed to the market. Additionally, it can integrate the available defense systems and the military platforms, develop technology solutions that are more advanced than the ones that were already avai led in the market thanks to the team of researchers in the company that is continually looking for ways of improving the available systems. Finally, it is capable of coming up with financing options for the potential customers so as to enable more clients to gain access to its products since they normally are very expensive. Operation Description The company has an extensive knowledge about its clients, and this is enabled by an in-depth research of the market. Therefore, the company is able to understand the type of equipments that are needed by its customers. Boeings Capital Corporation (BCC) also has a collection of financial professionals why have been practicing the skill for an extended period hence they understand precisely how the market operates. BCC is one of the best financial corporations that provides support to clients who have subscribed to its services. The business is closely associated with the production of commercial planes, and Security Space Defense. The Corporation helps its customers to raise the required finance that will enable them to purchase and transfer Boeings products to their promises successfully. By the end of 2015, the company had earned a value of about four billion dollars. BCC has managed to achieve its success basically by incorporating its power of finance and its extensive network, therefore, enabling it to reach customers who are not only located in the United States but all over the World. Equipment or Aircraft For very many years, Boeing has been one of the major companies involved in the manufacture of commercial airplanes that are used in most countries. Its line of products is usually preferred by many clients simply because they are of high quality. Currently, the company can manufacture many commercial airplane versions which include Boeing 747, 743, 777,767 and finally the 787. These are in the range of the biggest commercial airplanes produced by Boeing. Other products that are still in the production line include the Boeing 777X, 737 Max, and the 787-10 Dreamliner. With each version of him Boeing, various characteristics are continually changed, and one of the most important aspects is the size which is steadily increasing for each version. Since the company started production of the Boeing line of products, it has managed to avail into the market about ten thousand commercial jets in the whole world which make about half of the fleet of the total airplanes that have ever been prod uced by any company. Additionally, the company provides cargo-carrying airplanes, which make up ninety percent of the total cargo planes in the world. The company offers its client with Commercial Aviation Services. By doing this, the company can provide unmatched all year support services to its customers which enable most of the airline companies and also the leasing companies that have subscribed to the company services to achieve operational efficiency. The Commercial Aviation Services department helps to provide aftermarket parts, modification, informations logistics services, engineering, and customer care support services. Other services provided include overhauled services, repair, and maintenance labor (Wen, 2003). Maintenance Requirements The Shared Services Corporation provides Boeing business units associated with a common pool of services so as to help in supporting the worldwide operations of the company. The shared services are of a wide variety, and they range from the maintenance and protection of Boeings international sites, Sales management, and acquisition of any property that may have been leased. The corporation is also involved in the purchasing of products that are not necessarily used in the production process and other office equipment supplies. Various human resource services which also include the recruitment of new employees are some of the services that are offered by this corporation to Boeing. Finally, Shared Services Corporation Actively participates in the management of Boeings financial matters, any expenses that may be incurred by the company as a result of travels to and from various destinations, and in availing communication services that have been customized (Holsapple, 2000). The Site Se rvices Corporation also offers Boeing with the maintenance and repairs services, reals estate management, planning of the manner in which property will be acquired, and finally the process of implementing projects that involve the construction of structures (Saraph et al 1989). Managers Roles and Responsibilities All the activities that are typically undertaken in Boeings offices are finalized by the company employees, corporation officers, and managers with the help and guidance of the Board of Directors together with Chief Executive Officers. The organizations corporate governance policies and practices are typically reviewed continuously by the organization committee. The Board of directors and the corporations officers have a long-term interest in the company. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the corporation clients, public officials, employees, suppliers, surrounding communities, and shareholders gain positively out of the operations of the organization. On top of that, the Board has managed to develop its own Code of Ethics that helps in the conducting the daily activities of the corporation so that they are in line with the various legal stipulations (Zahra, 1989). Having these regulations helps the company to continually stay on the right track as they deal with the different ethical issues that arise within the business premises as a result of the operations being carried out by various employees. Through the use of the code of ethics, the company is also able to enhance the mechanisms that already exist within the organizations and can help in reporting cases of unethical behavior occurring as this plays a crucial role in ensuring that a culture of accountability and honesty is enforced within the company premises (Pronovost et al, 2009). Staff Qualifications, Certifications, and Responsibilities Within the Shared Services Corporation, Boeing constitutes has a percentage of shares since it has employed approximately forty thousand employees who are responsible for availing about forty types of unique services all day long throughout the year. The Sites services have a bee assigned a budget of about three billion dollars which is specifically meant for the operations services. By doing this, the company can leverage scale economies so as to enable the delivery of value-added services to clients and its business partners who are involved in the manufacture and provision of defense and security and additionally the commercial airplanes that need to be availed to the company (Waldron, 2006). The company has it corporate offices located in Chicago, and it has managed to employ over one hundred and fifty employees within the United States and sixty-five more countries. The companys continued existence is a reflection of its diversity and ease in adapting to the changing market conditions such that it can last for a very long time. Additionally, one important factor that supports the continuous positive progress of the company is the fact that it has a very innovative and hardworking workforce. Our business continues to outsource more of the talented youth in the world so that they can join its workforce and continue to make it rise higher. The company does not necessarily look for academic qualification so that it can employ an individual, but rather, it explores the various ways that it can use the talent of individuals to encourage innovation in the society. Regulations and Laws The various operations of the company are guided by different by-laws that regulate the manner in which meetings will be carried out by the board of directors and various stakeholders to ensure inclusive of all parties that are interested in the operations and management of the company (Berkes, 2000). According to the laws of the company, the Annual General Meeting is supposed to be held on a particular date and time that is precisely determined by the board of directors. During such meetings, the leaders will be elected, and any other significant business transactions that need to be addressed also have to be discussed during such meetings. The board of directors has the power to call a meeting with all the stakeholders at any time that it wishes to do so. Also, in case the Secretary makes a special request for a meeting, then the board of directors is supposed to summon all the stakeholders for the meeting. The secretary can only write a special request for a meeting when there is a need to undertake an election so as to dispose of about 25% of shares held by the company. For such a request, each of the stakeholders provides a signature stating the number of shares that they own. Any business that is transacted in the course of a particular meeting is only supposed to be limited to the purpose for which the meeting was called upon, and it should not deviate to any other general matters. Any meetings that are held together with the stakeholders shall be conducted within specified premises as directed by the board of directors or as it is indicated in notices. However, there is a default location in which the meetings should be held. Notice of any meeting that should be held will be availed to stakeholders through any suitable methods but most specifically mail or an electronic transmission option. All Stakeholders have the right to vote at any meeting called forth. They also have the right to express any form of dissatisfaction towards any actions that may have been taken by the board of directors without the need of having to wait until a meeting is held (Delmas Toffel, 2004). Safety Security The shared services organization provides Boeing with various specialized services. For instance, it is responsible for offering the company with international insurance services that cover the company in case of the occurrence of a risk factor. The Shared Services is responsible for ensuring that the Security maintenance at all Boeing premises is at the highest level possible. Any premise associated with Boeing should be fully protected and most importantly the information that helps to support the continuous operation of the business. Any other risk mitigation measures should be fully installed to prevent an occurrence of damage to the company property (Tipton, 2012). The Defense, Security and Space Corporation is very diverse since it avails most advanced solutions to the market which can be used in the designing, production process, customization and offering support to clients who purchase rotorcrafts, satellite systems, weapons and fixed wings military aircraft. The organization is involved in providing clients with solutions to some of the major customer requirements by availing a full range portfolio which incorporates the 702 model of satellites. Some other defense products include the AH-64 helicopter, EA-18G aircraft that is electronics and is mostly used to attack enemies, KC-46 refueling planes, P-8 anti-aircraft/ submarine atropine (derived from the 737 commercial airliners). This organization is motivated by its capability to offer clients custom-made solutions that can address customers needs adequately and promptly and at the most suitable cost. Apart from producing products that are designed to be used by clients, this unit is responsible for the general management of security within all branches associated with Boeing. This is an operation cost reduction method since the company managers decided that it would be wise to use the services its own business units in the provision of security rather than make use of a different business organization that would only end up increasing the operation costs (Kaplan Norton, 1996). Environmental Responsibilities Working with stakeholders is important since it helps to ensure that activities that enhance environmental conservation are promoted. Due to its growth, Boeing targets to be a leader in promoting a sustainable environment as it also strives to provide its employees with the best services that can be availed in the industry. The three top tenets that Boeing aims to address are; encouraging worldwide collaboration in environmental conservation, design the future in a sustainable manner and finally coming up with sustainable innovations (Selin, 1995). The company intends to avail the best and most fuel-efficient planes in the industry. Also, it plans to provide highest quality services to its customers. All this will be achieved through; ensuring that it complies with various environmental regulations as it conducts its daily operations. Boeing has also come up with its policies and procedures that can help to ensure that environmental conservation is enhanced. Preventing environmental pollution through conservation of energy resources as this will contribute to the reduction of the levels of waste that gets disposed of by researching on the various mitigation measures. The company has managed to develop a management system that will help in improving the state of the environment both for the current and future generation through the reduction of waste that is normally released into the environment (Born, 1995). Other Management Factors Considered The Company is organized into three major business units. They are; Defense, outer space security department, and the Commercial production and supply unit. The whole company is majorly supported by a corporation known as Boeing Capital which is the primary provider of financial solutions to all the company branches worldwide (Probst, 2004). This financial firm also helps to finance other businesses that may have subscribed to its services. Other Corporations involved in supporting the major units at the company include Shared Services Organization (it avails some services to all the company branches), Boeing Engineering, Operations and Technology (this organization helps to create, purchase, implement and provide protection to the various innovations that are developed at Boeings premises) (Council, 2007). The business and finance organization is responsible for offering shared services in accounting, cost management, and financial management. The agency is responsible for providin g account payroll/payable functions to all business units associated with Boeing (Jensen, 1997). References Berkes, F., Folke, C., Colding, J. (2000). Linking social and ecological systems: management practices and social mechanisms for building resilience. Cambridge University Press. Born, S. M., Sonzogni, W. C. (1995). 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