Counseling Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Individuals

Counseling Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Individuals Free Online Research Papers Homosexuality is defined as sexual attraction to a person of the same sex (Sue Sue, 2008). Because gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals are reluctant to identify themselves it is difficult to get an accurate estimates of their numbers. Sue and Sue (2008) estimate that approximately 4-10 percent of the U.S. population is homosexual. It is impossible to describe a unified reality that fits every GLBT individual because within this large and diverse group there are multiple realities (Brown, 1989). The experience of each individual within this group is different depending on ethnic group, religious background, age, degree of â€Å"outness†, and gender. Even within this group there are divisions and hierarchies. According to one bisexual person: Transgendered people are the second-class citizens, and bisexuals are below even them. We’re the white trash of the gay world, a group whom it is socially acceptable not to accept. Feeling awkward among straight is what it feels like to be bi. Being distrusted among gays is what it feels like too. (as cited in Sue Sue, 2008) Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals are often viewed as a threat to the structure of society and face anger, threats, and hostility each day, often in the name of God (Deeb-Sossa Kane, 2007). Issues in Counseling Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Clients Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered individuals face many of the same issues as heterosexuals including: depression, low self-esteem, physical or sexual abuse, and difficulties with relationships and careers (Brown, 1989; Sue Sue 2008). In addition, GLBT individuals also face issues that are associated with their sexual minority status. As a sexual minority GLBT individuals still face discrimination and hostility (Frost Meyer, 2009; Herek, Gillis, Cogan, 2009). Gays and lesbians are more than twice as likely as heterosexuals to experience sexual abuse as adults. They are also at higher risk for Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and substance and alcohol related problems (Sue Sue, 2008). While the American Psychiatric Association has removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) many therapists continue to see homosexuality as a mental illness (Sue Sue, 2008). Gender identity issues and cross-dressing are still i ncluded in the DSM (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Kirk and Belovics (2008) explored some of the unique issues faced by transgender individuals including discrimination in hiring practices and problems with supervisors over how to dress and which restroom to use. Many of the problems that bring GLBT individuals into counseling are the result of internalizing society’s negative view of homosexuality (Herek, et al. 2009; Sue and Sue, 2008). The term sexual stigma refers to the negative regard and inferior status that society places on anyone not associated with heterosexual activities and relationships (Herek, et al. 2009; Frost Meyer, 2009). According to Herek et al. (2009) Heterosexuality is viewed as the norm, and children are socialized to believe that everyone is heterosexual (the â€Å"heterosexual assumption†) and that they will grow up to be heterosexual. As a result sexual minorities are viewed as abnormal, unnatural and inferior (Brown, 1989). Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals grow up with these messages and they become internalized and lead to negative feelings toward themselves and other GLBT individuals. Frost and Meyer (2009) showed that there is a strong correlation between internalized homop hobia and relationship problems among GLBT couples. The issue of â€Å"coming out† is another problem unique to the GLBT population. Unlike many other minority groups that may find a sense of belonging with their shared racial or ethnic background within their family circle, GLBT individuals are often ostracized by their family of origin or find it necessary to hide their sexual orientation from those to whom they are closest (Sue Sue, 2008). The revelation of sexual orientation is often met with anger, grief or guilt. It is the role of the counselor to help the client decide to whom and how to come out, and to help them find support among their family, friends or community after coming out. As in working with any person or couple in therapy it is important to see GLBT clients first and foremost as unique individuals. Counselors need to be aware of their personal beliefs and biases when working with GLBT clients and avoid focusing on sexual orientation when it is not necessary (Brown, 1989; Mohr, Weiner, Chopp, Wong, 2009; Sue Sue, 2008; Williams, 2005). Mohr et al. (2009) found that â€Å"client bisexuality had a strong effect on judgments regarding the relevance of clinical issues that were related to bisexual stereotypes but not directly related to the presenting problem† (p. 172). Many of the mental health issues faced by GLBT individuals are the result of internalizing society’s negative messages about homosexuality (Herek, et al., 2009). By challenging society’s assumptions about gender and gender roles feminist therapy provides a framework for exploring the sources of internalized stigma and bias. Feminist counselors also work to depathologize traits that have historically been associated with women and are therefore seen as undesirable (Corey, 2009). This can be extremely beneficial in helping clients to see themselves in a positive light instead of as mentally ill. Feminist Theory Unlike many other theories feminist theory does not have a single founder, but is the result of decades of scholarly conversation and collaboration among women across many disciplines from politics to religion (Corey, 2009; Walters, 2005). According to Walters (2005) women began to speak for themselves and their sex as early as the 1600s. The consciousness raising groups of the 1960s led to changes in the way female therapists practiced (Corey, 2009). Feminist therapy moved from what Williams (2005) described as the eurocentric counseling therapies that held white, middle-class, heterosexual men as the norm and equated mental health with the masculine traits of individualism, independence, and autonomy, to a more egalitarian form of counseling that valued women’s experiences and looked at the way women were constrained by traditional female roles (Corey, 2009). In the 1970s the â€Å"second wave† of feminism attempted to unite all these ideas into a set of philosophies of feminism: liberal, cultural, radical and socialist feminist (Corey, 2009; Walters, 2005). The prominent feminists of the 1970s tended to be white, middle-class and heterosexual and were criticized for excluding the voices of women of color, sexual minorities and women of lower socioeconomic status (Calhoun, 2000). In response, contemporary feminism, embraces diversity and attempts to be more culturally sensitive and inclusive of all women, including lesbians (Corey, 2009). Feminist Therapy and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Client Although it has traditionally focused on women and women’s issues feminist therapy is appropriate for exploring many of the issues facing GLBT individuals. Through techniques such as gender-role analysis, gender-role intervention and power analysis, feminist therapists help clients to recognize how they have internalized society’s negative messages about gender and the way they have been socialized into gender-roles. They work with their clients to understand how sexist and oppressive beliefs affect them in negative ways (Corey, 2009). In exploring how gender-roles are the result of socialization gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals become free to explore their own heterosexual biases and to determine that they have the freedom to define themselves and their identity as â€Å"man† or â€Å"woman† in ways that are more authentic and beneficial (Brown, 1989; Calhoun, 2000). A basic tenet of feminist theory is â€Å"the personal is political† (Corey, 2009). One of the main goals of feminist therapy is to help clients become empowered to change the sociopolitical environment that has historically oppressed them. Calhoun (2000) cautions against assuming the political agenda for GLBT individuals is the same as for white, heterosexual women. Marriage, which has historically been an institution of subordination for women, should be viewed as empowering GLBT individuals. It not only grants access to material and social benefits, but is also the core normative institution around which society is based. To bar sexual minorities from this institution is displace them from entering fully into society. Brown (1989) argues that feminist therapy can be accused of being heterosexist as it still relies on defining people according to the labels â€Å"women† and â€Å"men† and doesn’t take into account the unique experiences and traits of GLBT individuals, the â€Å"third sex†. She proposes a new paradigm that includes the unique experiences of lesbians and gays. Like many biracial individuals gay and lesbians are able to pass as members of the dominant culture and may disown parts of themselves or others that don’t fit with cultural ideals. Counselors need to be sensitive to this issue and help their clients to be comfortable with expressing the full range of their identity and experience. Summary As a minority group GLBT individuals face discrimination and violence and are not allowed to participate fully in society (Calhoun, 2000). A feminist framework can be very effective in counseling GLBT individuals by challenging the negative messages about sexual orientation and gender roles they have internalized from society, by empowering them to take personal and social action, and by allowing them to explore ways to live authentically. This paper has touched on only a few of the issues counselors may face in working with GLBT individuals. This group is made up of many unique individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and a variety of issues they wish to work on in counseling. They also share common issues as a result of their sexual minority status. While these issues are complex, it is important for counselors to treat each client as a person first, and to be sensitive to the culture and experiences of each client. Counselors should use their experience and knowledge to understand the issues their client’s bring into the therapeutic relationship and to discern whether sexual orientation has any bearing on the issues presented. In order to work effectively with GLBT clients it is necessary for counselors to examine their own personal biases and gender socialization process. It is also important that they respect the needs of each client, and avoid pushing their personal feminist agenda on any client (Corey, 2009). References American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.). Text Revision. Washington, DC: Author. Bitter, J. R. (2009). Theory and Practice of Family Therapy and Counseling. Canada: Brooks/Cole. Brown, L.S. (1989). New voices, new visions: toward a lesbian/gay paradigm for psychology. Psychology of Women Quarterly, (13) 445-458. Retrieved from ERIC database Calhoun, C. (2000). Feminism, the Family, and the Politics of the Closet. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. Deeb-Sossa, N., Kane, H. (2007). It’s the word of god: student’s resistance to questioning and overcoming heterosexism. Feminist Teacher, (17)2. 151-159. Retrieved from ERIC database Frost, D.M., Meyer, I.H. (2009). Internalized homophobia and relationship quality among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 53(1). 97-109. Retrieved from ERIC database Herek, G.M, Gillis, R.J., Cogan, J.C. (2009). Internalized stigma among sexual minority adults: Insights from a social psychological perspective. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 53(1). 32-43. Retrieved from ERIC database Kirk, J., Belovics, R. (2008). Understanding and Counseling Transgender Clients. Journal of Employment Counseling, 45(1), 29-36. Retrieved from ERIC database Mohr, J.J., Weiner, J.L., Chopp, R.M., Wong, S.J. (2009). Effects of client bisexuality on clinical judgment: when is bias most likely to occur?. Journal of Counseling Psychology, (56)1, 164-175. Retrieved from ERIC database Sue, D.W., Sue, D. (2008). Counseling sexual minorities. Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice (5th ed.). 443-454. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Walters, M. (2005). Feminism: a Very Short Introduction. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Williams, C.B. (2005). Counseling African American women: Multiple identities-multiple constraints. Journal of Counseling and Development (83). 278-283. Retrieved from ERIC database Research Papers on Counseling Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered IndividualsInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andThree Concepts of PsychodynamicResearch Process Part OneThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseTwilight of the UAWHip-Hop is Art19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraLifes What IfsNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice

ENTERPRISE-WIDE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (ERP) BEST PRACTICES Essay

ENTERPRISE-WIDE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (ERP) BEST PRACTICES - Essay Example Hence, the essay intends to review and present the assessment of the Delphi study on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) towards assessing impact of ERP in the supply chain management (Akkermans et al., 2003). The review of the article propounded that ERP plays a vital role in the process of SCM of an organization. In the article, few prominent aspects regarding ERP in supply chain management are highlighted. The first aspect deals with the various problems that may arise in the near future, if enterprise resource planning gets implemented in the process of SCM. Accordingly, it has been postulated that the delivery of products gets integrated between suppliers and consumers in the process of supply chain. Thus, a need to enhance supply chain process is advocated due to the due to consistent change as per the requirements of the suppliers and customers. It has been argued that excess time is consumed in the supply chain process and inventory management. The second aspect is associated with the effectiveness of ERP in the enterprise-wide resource management. Accordingly, it has been determined that ERP not only deliver positive involvement in the four issues of the supply chain, but it also provides support towards the enhancement in customization of goods and services. In addition, the review of the article revealed that ERP leads towards increasing the level in the process of supply chain and information management. It also linked world-wide market through the support of IT systems and generates transparency of the market. At the same time, the review of the article rendered few major limitations of ERP implementation that may hinder the smooth functioning of supply chain process (Akkermans et al., 2003). The exploratory findings by European executives lead to the justification that implementing ERP in the supply chain management renders positive impact on the growth of an organization as well as it creates hindrances in terms of strategic businesses.

Internal Resistance of a Battery Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Internal Resistance of a Battery - Lab Report Example The rheostat’s resistance is then varied a number of times, taking the current and voltage readings for each turn. The equation V = ÃŽ µ - Ir, is then used to determine the internal resistance of the battery, where V is the recorded total voltage drop across the battery, ÃŽ µ, the electromotive force or the total voltage put out by the battery, I the current flowing through the circuit and r the required internal resistance of the household battery. ÃŽ µ, V, and I, are measured and then the equation V = ÃŽ µ – Ir used to determine r which is then compared to accepted values. A possible limitation to this experiment that may lead to inaccurate results is the resistance of the connecting wires that is never taken to account. A new 9-volt battery was obtained and the voltage it could put out measured and recorded. Next, the slide on the rheostat was put to the extreme right—its maximum level--and its resistance measured and recorded. The circuit was then connected as shown in figure two below, keeping the switch open and taping its base to the table for stability (Internal Resistance of a Battery, p 2). The high current (20A) input of the ammeter was used, setting it up to the appropriate scale. Everything was now set for measurement taking. In quick moves, the switch was closed, both the voltage and current readings recorded and then the switch opened immediately. A few seconds were then to pass before the next measurements were taken (Internal Resistance of a Battery, p 2). The rheostat was the disconnected and its resistance decreased by sliding it a few centimetres to the left. This resistance was then measured and recorded. The circuit was then reconnected and the above procedure of taking measurements repeated. Next, the rheostat was disconnected and moved a few more centimetres to the left. As in the previous steps, the resistance was measured and recorded, the circuit reconnected and the current and voltage measurements repeated as

My Jewish Experience Essay Example for Free

My Jewish Experience Essay In a first glance, Hawaii seems to be a country that strictly holds its cultural values and identity with pride, leaving no room for foreign beliefs and practices to grow. However, my first impression has been proven wrong as for the first time, I set foot on the halls of Temple Emanu-el, a Jewish synagogue situated in 2550 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817. On a Friday evening, 28 November 2008, half an hour past seven, I was exposed to the practices and beliefs of Orthodox Judaism through Rabbi Peter B. Schaktman .. It was a moment of mixed emotions for me since I only knew Judaism through books, television, films, and internet, and that I thought I would have been overwhelmed by the spectacle of one of the world’s major religious systems However, I was initially surprised by the size of the synagogue as it was totally different from how I had imagined it to be; the place was relatively small, perhaps because Judaism is not Hawaii’s main religion, nevertheless, the size of the place was just different from what I always thought. Judging by the size of the place, I would say that 300~350 people could seat accommodated in the synagogue. The structure’s ceiling was high, and the interior designs made me recall the facades of the Roman Catholic Church. The synagogue also contains what the pastor called an Ark, the ark is a decorated cabinet wherein the Torah of the synagogue is housed And like other places of worship, I also noticed that Temple Emanu-el also has a pulpit in an elevated platform where the torah and other scriptures are read. Judaism is a religion that promotes Jewish identity and culture, I seemed to have noticed that there is not much art in the in the Ark of Temple Emanu-el. The most probable reason is that the Jewish consider that part of the synagogue as the holiest area. Apart from the decorative curtain that serves as the cover for the Ark, the only objects to be seen in the synagogue are object of religious significance such as the ark and a candle stand. The only non-religious object close enough to be considered art were a couple of flowers in vases positioned near the ark. During the worship service proper, the only clergy member present in the synagogue was Rabbi Schaktman. I have no idea as to why he was the only clergyman present during the time, but during the worship services, he was accompanied by a Cantorial Soloist named Ken Aronowitz who sang the songs and hymns. Although religious hymns and songs are not to be appreciated as an artistic effort, I can say that Mr. Aronowitz’s voice is captivating enlightening. While I was participating in the worship services, I have observed that the devotees have the book named Gates of Prayer. I realized that people from the sect consider the book as a guide to the service and to spiritual enlightenment. From my experience that night, it appears that in every service, the Rabbi discusses and interprets every chapter of the book with the devotees. Based on my observation, the book contains the words of God as well as the hymns of praise to God. Continuing further with the practices and rituals, I noticed that a particular differences between Judaism and Christianity, first is on the discussion of the contents of Gates of Prayer. During the service, Rabbi Schaktman read and discussed the distinction of Jews from non-Jews through analysis of the words non-Jews celebrate : Jews Observe. The Rabbi interpreted the exact contents of the book, however, he just used a language that everyone could simply understand. There are certain moments where the Rabbi told us a story based on his experiences and related the story with the topic discussed during that night. And the story the Rabbi used was an article from the newspaper Honolulu Advertiser which revolved around the celebration of thanksgiving. The Rabbi said something about Jewish attitude for Thanksgiving, and in doing so, he implied that as a Jew, celebrating Thanksgiving is violating the Law of Moses and that conforming to tradition not set by God and his prophets Christmas should be eliminated. Another distinction I have observed in the Jewish worship service was the hymn or the songs of praise. In practicing Christianity, I had to separately bring the bible and a book which contains more than 700 songs. In Temple Emanu-el, the words from God (which is taken from the scriptures) and songs were compiled in the Gates of Prayer, and most of the songs of praise appear to be sung in the Hebrew language. In addition, the songs of praise come in between the Rabbi’s preaching. After he finished a paragraph in the book, people sing. Although I couldn’t understand the language of the hymn, the songs definitely got through me in such a way that the tunes of the songs remain in my head. If I had recorder, I really wanted to record the songs but, our instructor advised that it is a rude gesture to bring a recording device and record activities of people we are not familiar with. Another fascinating ritual is the Jewish commemoration of the dead. The walls on both sides of the Temple Emanu-el lists names of more than 500 people on wood surrounding the synagogue and right beside the names were light bulbs with a few turned on.. At first I thought it was some sort of decorative art to make the temple attractive, but I asked to Rabbi after the service, and he said that the names with the light bulbs turned on were the dead people who worshipped in the temple and died during that week or that month. The Rabbi also said that it was the Temple’s way of cherishing the memory of their deceased brothers and sisters. Although the temple’s ritual of honoring the deceased was relatively new to me, it produced a deep impression on me. This is because I only knew of commemorating rituals in the traditions of Christianity. And I personally thought that the Christian practices of preserving the memory of the dead accorded with the other religious systems. Another ritual I saw during my visit at the Temple Emanu-el was the Jewish tradition on marriage. That night, an engaged couple came to the temple with their families, the Rabbi gave them blessing of Lynne Chun and Harvey Reackmil on the occasion of their upcoming marriage, and after the Rabbi granted the blessing, everyone started to say â€Å"mazltof! † I guess that it is their way of saying congratulations to the newly blessed couple. . After the speech of service, Rabbi Schaktman slowly came to our side and tried to make eye contact with each of us. I initially thought that I needed to pay for the collection just like in the Christian church that I used go to. But from the way he looked at us, I felt like he is trying to give us a chance to realize our sins for the past week and prompt us not to make the same mistakes again. Following the ending ceremony of the service, I came to a realization that the Jewish religion is not as promising as it claims itself to be. As far as I respect some of the Jewish beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices, I honestly find Judaism’s norms uncomfortable. One is that the doctrines are so individualistic and very prejudiced as the Rabbi discussed the evils of not being Jewish and how the Jewish way turns out as the right path in life. Also the Rabbi gave us an impression that I and the rest of the class who went there were not welcome in their temple or in their community. Maybe I was just being too sensitive in this matter, but when I tried to talk to the Rabbi, he did not pay any attention to what I was saying or to the questions I were asking. The experience was alienating, although the Rabbi constantly told us to comeback anytime, we felt it was just a gesture with no thought to it. As my disbelief and mistrust in God or any divine being, I find myself unmoved by the beliefs and practices of Judaism. Neither did its changed my skepticism of God As such, visiting the temple and participating in Jewish worship services did not affect my beliefs, ideas, and my own perception of the experience as well as the religion itself. However, it does not necessarily mean that I do not respect Judaism and all of its followers, as a matter of fact; despite the unwelcome treatment we received from the Rabbi, my utmost respect for Judaism and for its believers remain firm. Like other major religions in the world, my visit in Temple Emanu-el has proven that Judaism, as manifested by their doctrines and songs of praise, is a religion rich in tradition, culture, and ways to establish identity. But religion is not about continuation of tradition or establishment of identity, but it is more of professing and expressing personal beliefs regardless of what such beliefs hold.

Land Travel in the 17th Century Essay -- European History Essays

Land Travel in the 17th Century Barbara Blaugdone traveled a great deal, using her faith and drive to spread her message across England and Ireland. In England, she traveled well over a hundred miles, in Ireland she traveled over two hundred. She also made several voyages by sea. Her travels must have been long and difficult, as she faced not only the everyday dangers of the road but the dangers of persecution and imprisonment as well. Many Quakers traveled in her time, following God’s will and spreading their message across many miles. They were not the only ones who traveled by land, however. Merchants and businessmen depended on goods, which were transported to them by farmers, merchant caravans, or ships. Peddlers made their living by travel, selling various goods and buying others. Wealthy young men often traveled to complete their education, and members of the upper-class visited health spas. Mainly, land travel was on foot or in the saddle. In addition to their own two legs, lower classes relied on mules or asses, wagons, and hand carts. The upper class used h...

Areas of Strategic Plan: Huffman Trucking Essay

Introduction The business continuity plan outlines the processes required to ensure the continuance of business during and after a disaster. The idea is not just to be able to continue business uninterrupted. But to also reestablish the full functions of the business as quickly as possible. Huffman Trucking Strategic Outline Huffman Stakeholders: Everyone affected by the activities of its business. Main Stakeholders: shareholders, management, employee’s, customers, auto parts suppliers, major manufacturers of plastic goods, banks, government, and trade unions, Other Stakeholders: pressure groups, highway drivers, and communities in which Huffman travels and operates their terminals. Mission Statement: â€Å"Since 1936 Huffman’s professional drivers have been delivering more than just on-time freight. Huffman delivers top quality service, safely and efficiently every mile of the way, to the community of the United States of America.† Vision Statement: â€Å"Huffman envisions being the first choice of company’s of America when they look for transportation of freight. In three years Huffman will be the number one freight carrier of the United States government. Proving longevity and efficiency will always be in high demand.† Outline A. Financial 1. Financial Assumptions: Revenue and Expenses a. Operation cost b. Updating hardware and software c. Find a cost saving method to duplicate records for fleet maintenance and enterprise transportation systems. B. Managerial 1. Develop a business plan to define and meet organizations goals. Create a contingency plan that can be taken in case of emergency or disaster (Myers, 2005). 2. Plan for cost savings for contingency plan (Myers, 2005). C. Economic `1. â€Å"Analyze the potential costs and value the anticipated benefits of a proposed programmer, policy or regulatory initiative, and reflect trade-offs inherent in alternatives† (Health & Environment, 2011, par. 1). D. Marketing 1. Advertisement of business products and services 2. Make sure data is accurate and notify customers about plan 3. Make agreement and arrangement for customers to receive deliveries on time. 4. Work to build and maintain effective communication with employees and customers. E. Technological 1. Information technology-based 2. Research and development 3. Emerge technology 4. Internet F. Competition 1. Globalization a. Canada b. Mexico 2. Research and development a. Data collection G. Political/Legal 1. Government. Political variables include policies regarding competition and taxation (FitzRoy & Hulbert, 2005). a. Employment law b. government spending c. regulation of financial markets H. Ethics 1. Huffman should follow widely accepted ethical practices regarding the acquisition of competitor intelligence (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2009). a. Gathering publicly available information 1. court records 2. advertisements 3. annual reports (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2009). 4. trade fairs and shows a. competitor brochures b. listen to competitor discussions I. Crisis management 1. Backup plan. a. computer fallback plan b. prevention program c. incident recovery plan Conclusion With all of the natural disasters, power outages, and terror attacks and a hundred other types of disasters, businesses have to plan for continuance of their business. The Business continuity plan is usually drafted considering the worst case scenario. For example the IT department may maintain all the electronic data at various locations, so in the event of a company shutdown, the critical functions can still be performed. Business continuity has become a growing concern in business. References Allen, S. (2011). How to Do Business with the U.S. Government. Retrieved December 15, 2011 From http://entrepreneurs.about.com/cs/marketing/ht/government_biz.htm FitzRoy P., & Hulbert, J. (2005). Strategic Management: Creating Value in Turbulent Times. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Health & Environment Linkages Initiative. (2011). Economic Assessment. Retrieved December 18, 2011, from http://www.who.int/heli/economics/en/ Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2009). Strategic Management: Competitiveness And Globalization, Concepts and Cases (8th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Myers, K. N., (2006). Business Continuity Strategies: Protecting Against Unplanned Disasters (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Diageo Plc Financial Analysis - 1907 Words

Introduction The objective of this analysts report is to whether or not to invest  £1 million in the company â€Å"Diageo plc†. This report is divided into five parts. First, the company profile is introduced. Second, the performance overview of Diageo will be summarized. Third, the financial ratios analysis is presented. Then, I have analysed industry competitors comparing with Diageo. Final, after considering key relevance factors, the conclusion of the investment will be revealed. â€Å"DIAGEO† Company Profile Diageo plc is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Jamp;B, Baileys,†¦show more content†¦Liquidity Ratio/Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 1. Current Ratio | 1.76 | 1.52 | 1.17 | 2. Acid or Quick Ratio | 0.93 | 0.75 | 0.60 | Table 3: Diageo’s Liquidity Ratio 1. Current ratio, as table 3 shown, is increasing. It can be assumed that the company overall ability to meet its financial obligations has improved (Lee, 1998). 2. Acid or quick ratio indicates the company’s ability to repay immediate commitments using cash or near-cash (Elliot amp; Elliot, 2006). According to table 3, the company’s quick ratio is growing. Gearing Ratio/Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | Gearing Ratio | 182.46% | 241.75% | 187.53% | Table 4: Diageo’s gearing ratio Gearing ratio represents the contribution of long-term lenders to the long-term capital structure of a business (Atrill amp; McLaney, 2008). A company with high gearing is predominantly financed by debt (Elliot amp; Elliot, 2006). We can see from table 4 that Diageo gearing ratio is rather high, however, this ratio needs to be compared with other companies in the industry to judge the reasonableness (http://bizcovering.com/) Investor Ratio/Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 1. Dividend Payout Ratio | 0.43 | 0.56 | 0.58 | 2. 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Diageo was born as the result of merging Grand Metropolitan plc and Guinness plc. Since the beginning the newly formed company maintained conservative financial policies inherited from the two parent companies; and in general from the British financial management style. There are many indications that confirm that Diageo has managed its capital structure using a conservative approach. Firstly, it is worth mentioningRead MoreDOW CHEMICALS6171 Words   |  25 Pages9 - 2 0 1- 0 3 3 REV. AUGUST 6, 2003 GEORGE CHACKO PETER TUFANO Diageo plc Ian Cray, Diageo plc’s Treasurer, looked out of his office window onto the busy streets of London in October 2000. The London-based consumer goods company Diageo had recently announced its intention to sell its packaged food subsidiary, Pillsbury, to General Mills. Earlier in the year, Diageo also announced its intent to sell 20% of its Burger King subsidiary through an initial public offering during 2001, toRead MoreDiageo2956 Words   |  12 PagesDIAGEO PLC. SWOT ANALYSIS. 1. Introduction Diageo plc is a British multinational firm that owns some of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. The firm boosts a reputation of not only being the largest spirits producer in the world, but also being the world s leading premium drinks company. The company has an extensive portfolio and their most popular drinks include Smirnoff vodka, Baileys, Pimms, Blossom Hill and Guinness. The company owns 312,120 BreweriesRead MoreCapital Structure Of Debt And Equity1607 Words   |  7 Pages debt financing gives an opportunity to save costs, however, the higher the proportion of debt in the capital structure, the higher the risk, because a company might fail on its debt payments. Thus, the risk of too much leverage could lead to a financial distress and bankruptcy. In order words, there is a certain level up to which a company could borrow before it starts to face difficulties to meet its debt payments. On the other hand, equity financing does not carry repayment obligations or interestRead MoreÔà ¸Ã‚ ºÃƒâ€Ãƒ ¸Ã‚ ºÃƒâ€Ãƒ ¸Ã‚ ºÃƒâ€Ãƒ ¸Ã‚ ºGeneral  ¬Ã¢â‚¬  Mills‚Äà ´  ¬Ã¢â‚¬   Acquisition of Pillsbury from Diageo Plc7222 Words   |  29 Pagesï ¿ ¼Ã¯ ¿ ¼Ã¯ ¿ ¼Ã¯ ¿ ¼General   Mills’    Acquisition of Pillsbury from Diageo PLC Lauren Sherlock Jason Park JP Zendman 12/9/2009 ï ¿ ¼ ï ¿ ¼General   Mills’   Acquisition   of   Pillsbury   from   Diageo   PLC Situation Analysis: In December 2000, management at General Mills (GM) proposed a plan to acquire Pillsbury, a baked- goods producer, in a stock-for-stock exchange. Pillsbury is currently controlled by Diageo PLC, one of the world’s leading consumer–goods companies. The deal specifies that General Mills is to createRead MoreEssay on Diageo Case Study2402 Words   |  10 PagesExecutive Summary This is a strategic options case regarding Diageo, PLC. Diageo is a conglomerate focusing on premium alcoholic beverages. The firm originated in 1997 with the merger of Guinness and GrandMet. The company began with the mission to be the strongest premium alcoholic beverage producer worldwide. To that end, they have acquired a majority of premium brands in the spirits industry and a large portfolio of premium wines, while at the same time divesting itself of those companiesRead MoreDiageo Case Report2316 Words   |  10 PagesDiageo Case Report Scott Johnsson BMGT495 March 11, 2008 Strategic Issues In 2001, the conglomeration known as Diageo PLC became the world’s largest spirits and wine holding company in the world. This was the outcome of an intense acquisition of Seagram Company’s beverage assets for $8.15 billion. The resulting conglomerate faced complicated strategic issues concerning how it wished to move forward in its beer, wine, and spirits divisions. The subject of their inquiries focused mostly onRead MoreGuinness Essay4035 Words   |  17 Pagesanalyzing main marketing activities of Guinness- Diageo. An examination of the organizations orientation was analysed, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats peculiar to Guinness Diageo was reviewed in comparison with academic literatures. The competitive advantage Guinness Diageo has over its competitors was reviewed and the impact, positive and negative, of the organizations marketing mix was subsequently evaluated. BACKGROUND OF DIAGEO Diageo is the worlds leading premium drinks businessRead MoreGeneral Mills Case3749 Words   |  15 PagesDecember 2000, management of General Mills made a recommendation to its shareholders that they authorize the creation of more shares of common stock and approve a proposal for the company to acquire Pillsbury Company, a producer of baked goods, from Diageo PLC. Company Information General Mills General Mills is one of the leading food companies in the world. It is the largest producer of yogurt and the second-largest producer of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals in the United States. The company is