Friday, May 22, 2020

Personal Finance Management And Investment Recommendations

Personal Finance Management Investment Recommendations The definition of personal finance is often defined as being the application of financial principles within an individual or family unit. Such application includes: budgeting, saving, spending, and assessing risks. Evidently, such financial management is of great importance. Therefore, in this paper, I will provide an overview of an individual’s personal finances by referencing their investment style and briefly stating their financial objective. In addition, I will provide some recommendations said individual should consider with the purpose of aligning their investment choices with their overall financial goal. Let’s us start off by discussing some facts that were provided by the†¦show more content†¦Now, let us calculate what his investment style will amount to if he were to continue making the same investment choices until retirement. To start off, we can see that Joe is not a risky investor; he has on ly invested in individual accounts, certificate of deposits, and his 401k. In addition, he saves an average of 10% of each paycheck (which we will assume to be $5,000 annually based on a $50,000 median household income). As noted earlier, his primary objective is to retire on annual income of $50,000. We can assume then that his goal is to save approximately $1,250,000 . Therefore, if Joe continues to invest $5,000 annually ($416.67 monthly) into his saving account for the next 25 years, his investment, assuming a current balance of $5,000 compounded daily at 0.01% (as currently being offered by WellsFargo), will amount to about $130,170 . Now, Joe has also invested in certificate of deposits (CDs). He reported as simply having been reinvesting his original $5,000 for the past six years. Assuming a stated 0.30% interest rate on a two year CD with daily compounding, his $5,000 investment is now worth about $5,091 . However, he seeks to reinvest this until retirement. Performing similar calculations, we obtain a grand total of $5,488 . This is what his CD would amount to if he were to reinvest for the next 25 years. Now, let us proceed to examining his 401k contributions. Joe contributes, on

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Should Drugs Be Legal - 1337 Words

3. The basic principle that the United States was founded on, liberty, is defined as â€Å"freedom from restraint.† The federal government’s policies regarding drugs are contradictory with the foundation of our country. Individuals have an inherent governance over their body, and should be allowed to use all types of drugs, no matter the effect of the drug on the human body. Marijuana, which is probably the most harmless drug to ingest, should be allowed; Heroin and methamphetamine, which are arguably the most dangerous types of drugs, should be allowed. Each individual should have the self-governance over their body, and if they so choose to ingest substances that negatively impact their health and well-being, the government should have no say in the matter. The argument that individuals should not be allowed to take drugs, even if it is hurting â€Å"their own† body, is usually countered with the health of society and the impact of other individuals. The argum ent that drugs should remain illegal because of the impact on society and other individuals is founded on weak logic. Take this example as a case study: a father gets high on methamphetamine, loses control, and beats his wife. The father goes to jail on controlled substances charges and domestic battery. Replace methamphetamine with alcohol in the story however, and the father only receives a domestic battery charge. The fact of the matter is simple: individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable for their crimes,Show MoreRelatedShould Drugs Be Legal?1604 Words   |  7 PagesDrugs are a substance that can either enhance someone s abilities or completely diminish them. Certain drugs, or commonly referred to as pharmaceutical drugs, are legal because over time people have realized that there is a cure for their temporary pain; although, arguably some have negative side effects worse than the original diagnosis. But there still is a dispute on certain illegal drugs because while some people prefer the outcome of having it legal, others strongly do not. Should their opinionRead MorePerformance Drugs Should Not Be Legal1498 Words   |  6 PagesPerformance Drugs Should not be Legal The Center for Disease Control and Prevention did a survey on high schoolers grades 9th through 12th and found out the 4.4% to 5.7% of boys and that 1.9% to 3.8% of girls have used illegal steroids (Fernandez and Robert). High schoolers are not the only ones that take performance enhancing drugs, all sorts of athletes and even nonathletes take them. Taking performance enhancing drugs harms the human body in so many different ways like it harms the Hormonal SystemRead MoreThe Legalization Of Drugs Should Be Legal984 Words   |  4 Pages The legalization of drugs has been an issue in society for quite a long time. People who are for and against the legalization of drugs can be very opinionated in their beliefs. Often times, some of these people on both sides of the argument can even be considered extremists. These disagreements vary quite a bit across the spectrum. Milton Friedman, someone who is for the legalization of drugs, argues that A user must associate with criminals to [sic] get the drugs, and many are driven to becomeRead MoreShould All Drugs Be Legal?1925 Words   |  8 PagesDo You Choose? The list of drugs in today’s society is vast: Hydrocodone, marijuana, alcohol, morphine, LSD, aspirin, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, even caffeine; the list goes on, and so does the debate. Should all drugs be legal? Should all drugs be illegal? There are both pros and cons if all drugs were legal or not, but first let’s start by realizing what a drug is, how they’re classified, and what the benefits would be for either condition. A drug is not a substance used onlyRead MoreDrug Testing Should Be Legal1447 Words   |  6 Pagesapplicants to take drug tests. Current public debate questions whether these tests are necessary. Support, refute, or qualify the need for implementing required drug tests for those receiving or applying for welfare. â€Å"Hi, I’m a recovering crackhead†¦ I’d like some welfare please.† From It s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Most people believe that drug testing welfare applicants and recipients is necessary and saves the government and taxpayers’ money. However, the majority do not know that drug testing costRead More Should Drugs Be Made Legal? Essay697 Words   |  3 PagesShould Drugs Be Made Legal? For several decades drugs have been one of the major problems of society. There have been escalating costs spent on the war against drugs and countless dollars spent on rehabilitation, but the problem still exists. Not only has the drug problem increased but drug related problems are on the rise. Drug abuse is a killer in our country. Some are born addicts(crack babies), while others become users. The result of drug abuse is thousands of addicts in denial. The goodRead MorePerformance Enhancing Drugs Should Be Legal1039 Words   |  5 PagesIllegal performance enhancing drugs should remain illegal they truly shatter the idea that hard work pays off, performance enhancing drugs are for cheaters, and cheaters never prosper. Performance enhancing drugs are far too easily accepted and used. Performance enhancing drugs are more prevalent, needed, and dated than many know. Athletes do not feel ashamed or the need to hide their use of performance enhancing drugs. Performance enhancing drug use is a universal thing, and using them has beenRead MoreDrug Testing Should Be Legal For Schools1582 Words   |  7 PagesDrug abuse has become a major issue in our society today and has even become a global problem that needs to be resolved. The illicit use of drugs often begins in adolescence, so it is not surprising that the idea of random drug testing in schools has become a popular response to the problem. â€Å"Adolescence represents a window of opportunity for prevention, because deterring drug use during this period is associated with a lifetime reduction in substance abuse (Goldberg, 2003). At this time there areRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legal And Illegal Drugs?872 Words   |  4 Pages Marijuana is one of the most popularly used drugs in the world, and is growing in popularity every year because of the fact that it has great potential for medical use, is relatively harmless compared to other legal and illegal drugs, and can be used to create practical household items. It is popular with many groups as a recreational drug, but recent research has suggested that marijuana can be very useful in medical applications. It contains chemicals that affect the central nervous systemRead MorePerformance Enhancing Drugs Should Be Legal1384 Words   |  6 PagesPerformance enhancing drugs must be made legal in professional sports. Professional athletes would not be given free reign of all the PEDs available in the world, but rather a new set of rules would be issued. The rules would allow athletes to meet or exceed their maximum abilities as humans while making it safer than the modern state. If made legal the potential results of PEDs would be tested and altered appropriately to create the safest, most impactful drugs; however, in the current situation

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Positive Psychology in the Workplace Free Essays

Positive Psychology in the Workplace Sandie Tharp University of Charleston English II Nada Najjar March 30th, 2013 Positive Psychology in the Workplace It has been proven that positive psychology in the workplace can improve and enhance workplace satisfaction because employees are more confident and are better able to manage stress and adversity. Employees that are happier with their work environment are typically more motivated and are more likely to pursue growth and development. Job satisfaction is an engine that drives organizations to success and keeps turnover rate to a minimum. We will write a custom essay sample on Positive Psychology in the Workplace or any similar topic only for you Order Now An article from Harvard Business Review states that â€Å"a decade of research proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality of life improvements† (2011, Archor). Additionally, the author Archor asks if there is anything that a company can do to affect employee happiness and should a company invest resources into happiness. One avenue to happiness is using training as a tool that can be used to help employees to learn to manage stress. The first step is explaining the goal of the organization and how the employee contributes to that goal. Clear goals and expectations set out the mile post marking the marathon, by having clearly marked points of achievement for individuals or teams giving them a clear map to their success. It’s the manager’s responsibility to verify the goals of the team members, identify the common goal, and verify that they are in alignment with the organization goals. The King James Version of the Bible states â€Å"train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it† (Proverbs. 2:6- King James Version). On the job training is the adult equivalent to raising a child. Putting subordinates on the path of success by providing the focus of the organizational instead of having the employee assuming or guessing about what to do causing stress and uncertainty. The economics of happiness in the workplace means that happy employees can help achieve organizational goals more easily because they are ready to give their best. Companies like Google and DreamWorks empower employees to use creative freedom in every day decision making. Google was a company that had to come up with a quick plan to reduce the turnover rate of their women employees because the turnover rate was affecting Google’s bottom line. In response, Google implemented a 5 month paid maternity plan, which gave new mothers the ability to take all the time upfront or to divide the time as needed. This new incentive plan reduced turnover by 50 percent among women and cost the firm no more than hiring a new employee. Google’s President Laszlo Bock, states â€Å"that if you factor in the savings in recruitment costs, granting mothers five months of leave doesn’t cost Google any more money† (2013,Manjool). The new maternity policy that Google has implemented exemplifies why Google has become one of the best employers in the world, taking a major cause of employee turnover from a crippling weakness to a world class strength. Carolinas Healthcare is a system that contains 32 affiliated hospitals in North and South Carolina and is one of the leading healthcare systems in the southeast; Carolinas Healthcare employs over 44,000 employees. Managing such a large number of employees would be a challenge for any organization, but CHS has stepped up to the plate and has met that challenge and is leading the way for positive work environment. During a recent employee survey conducted by Morehead and Associates, CHS ranked in the 90th percentile in the national ranking of employee satisfaction. Carolinas Healthcare System already has a reputation of being â€Å"An Employer of Choice,† recognized by the JD Power and Associates in 2011† (2012,Tarwater). This recognition has helped attracted top doctors and other medical professionals from all over the world. CHS concentrates on growth and expansion which helps generate excitement throughout the organization. Carolinas HealthCare System ecognizes that the employees are its most valuable asset and is dedicated to the growth and contentment of its employees. CHS recognizes that encouraging employees to continue educational growth will result in higher functioning, more competent workforce. Currently CHS offers an educational plan that reimburses employees for covered educational expenses and flexible scheduling around educational opportunities. Like Google with its maternity benefit, CHS has recognized that employees need and desire a clear path to growth and addresses this need with the educational assistance plan. Many organizations recognize the value of multiple bottom lines beyond monetary profit. Today the focus is on providing an environment based on positive interactions, outcomes and sustainability of the workforce. Organizations have come to realize that emotional intelligence and understanding is what allows employees to create positive interactions with customers and co-workers. According to Psych Central â€Å"research has shown that employees who are fully engaged in the work they do, and who have a sense of intrinsic motivation, are likely to perform better and a have better work outcomes† (2011, Wilner). To achieve these outcomes it is up to the organization to involve the employees and allow them to uncover their individual gifts and have the independence to use them for the common goals. Allowing employees to be involved gives them accountability for the success of the organization and a sense of pride, happiness and fulfillment. Positive psychology in the workplace can improve and enhance workplace satisfaction and have a positive impact on the organization’s bottom line. Companies like Google and Carolinas Healthcare understand the importance of a positive work environment. Both have provided pathways to fulfillment, whether through providing enhancement programs or through fostering positive interaction. Firms must continually look for avenues to promote growth, fulfillment and ultimately employee satisfaction if they are continue to improve the bottom line. It has been said that cheaper isn’t better; better is better. Today a better work force is cheaper than a cheap one. By continuing to harvest the fruits of a cohesive team built over time, an organization creates synergies that have a much greater return than the firm invests to create them. References Archor, S. (2011). â€Å"The Happiness Dividend†. Retrieved from http://blogs. hbr. org/cs/2011/06/the_happiness_dividend. html Bible – King James Version (1997). Proverbs 22:6. Hendrickson Publishers: Peabody. MA. Manjool, F. (2013). â€Å"Here’s How Google Became Such A Great Place To Work. Retrieved from http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2013/01/22/working-at-google_n_2526889. html Tarwater, M. (2012). â€Å"Employee Satisfaction†. Retrieved from www. carolinashealthcare. org Wilner, J. (2011). â€Å"5 Ways Positive Psychology can Improve the Workplace†. Retrieved from http://blogs. psychcentral. com/positive-psychology/2011/11/5-ways-positive-psychology-can-improve-the-workplace/ How to cite Positive Psychology in the Workplace, Papers

Monday, April 27, 2020

Lab Report The Structure Of The Earth Is Made Up Of Many Layers, But T

Lab Report The structure of the earth is made up of many layers, but the crust and the upper mantle make up the lithosphere. The lithosphere is divided into individual sections called plates. The rest of the mantle makes up the asthenosphere. Convection in asthenosphere causes the plates to shift and move about. We can tell where the plates are or have been because volcanoes and earthquakes have their own boundaries when the are active. Tectonic plates have three relationships with each other. The have convergent boundaries when they collide, divergent boundaries when they move apart, and transform boundaries when they slide past each other. The friction and heat caused by the plates sliding all over the place causes volcanoes if it melts the rock and earthquakes if the plates slip while sliding away and towards each other. The purpose of this lab was for us to investigate and learn about the three different kinds of plates. The model was used just like any model; To help us understand the different plates and how they work. The model is a great way to help show something which is confusing to tell in words. The lab was to construct a model showing the different kinds of boundaries. First we needed three worksheets each with a different plate on it, and three tacks to hold the plates in place. With scissors we cut out the plates and then we stuck the tacks through designated holes. With everything in tact you could move the model and see how the three plates slid back and forth against each other. 1. Along the East Rise, the plates spread farthest apart in the south (apposed to the north) 2. A convergent plate boundary exists along the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and also along the Andes Mountains in South America. Since they are convergent boundaries, that means plates around these two areas are colliding. 3. It would take Los Angeles 19,444,444.44 years to reach the location that San Francisco is in now. .6 miles = 1km 350miles La to San Fran 583.33 km =350 miles 583.33/.00003 = 19,444,444.44 1cm = .00001km Although this model was very helpful, it wasn't accurate. First of all, the model didn't show all of the plates on the earth. I think it would be important to see all of the plates to fully understand the plate tectonic theory. The model also doesn't show convection in any way. Convection would be important to show in the model because it and the combined force of gravity's what really moves the plates of the earth. The model doesn't have much identified landscape. There are a couple volcanoes labeled, but there has to be more then one mountain range on the earth.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

An introduction to the Delphi Language

An introduction to the Delphi Language Welcome to the sixth chapter of the FREE online programming course:A Beginners Guide to Delphi Programming.Before you start developing more sophisticated applications by using the RAD features of Delphi, you should learn the basics of the Delphi Pascal language. Delphi Language: tutorials Delphi language, a set of object-oriented extensions to standard Pascal, is the language of Delphi. Delphi Pascal is a high-level, compiled, strongly typed language that supports structured and object-oriented design. Its benefits include easy-to-read code, quick compilation, and the use of multiple unit files for modular programming. Heres a list of tutorials, an introduction to Delphi Pascal, that will help you learn Delphi Pascal. Each tutorial will help you to understand a particular feature of Delphi Pascal language, with practical and easy to understand code snippets. Object Pascal Variable Scope: now you see me, now you dont. Typed constantsHow to implement persistent values between function calls. LoopsRepeating operations in Object Pascal in Object Pascal in Object Pascal in Object Pascal. DecisionsMaking decisions in Object Pascal or NOT. Functions and ProceduresCreating user defined subroutines in Object Pascal. Routines in Delphi: Beyond the BasicsExtending Object Pascal functions and procedures with default parameters and method overloading. The basic layout of a Pascal/Delphi program. String Types in DelphiUnderstanding and managing string data types in Delphis Object Pascal. Learn about differences between Short, Long, Wide and null-terminated strings. Ordinal and Enumerated Data TypesExtend Delphis built-in types by constructing your own types. Arrays in Object PascalUnderstanding and using array data types in Delphi. Records in DelphiLearn about records, Delphis Pascal data structure that can mix any of Delphis built in types including any types you have created. Variant Records in DelphiWhy and when to use variant records, plus creating an array of records. Pointers in DelphiAn introduction to pointer data type in Delphi. What are pointers, why, when and how to use them. Writing and using recursive functions in Object Pascal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Some exercises for you...Since this Course is an online course, there is much you can do to prepare for the next chapter. At the end of each chapter Ill try to provide several tasks for you to get more familiar with Delphi and the topics we discuss in the current chapter.   Ã‚  Ã‚  To the next chapter: A Beginners Guide to Delphi ProgrammingThis is the end of the sixth chapter, in the next chapter, well deal with more sophisticated articles on the Delphi language. A Beginners Guide to Delphi Programming: Next Chapter Sophisticated Delphi Pascal techniques for Beginners

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

10 in demand skills you NEED to get hired

10 in demand skills you NEED to get hired If you feel like your job hunt is floundering or you find yourself in a position where you need to find a new job ASAP, one of the best things you can do is focus on your skills. Even more than experience, skills are often what gets you into an interview- and, ideally, into a new gig. LinkedIn recently did a survey of hundreds of thousands of job postings on their site and identified the skills most in demand by today’s employers. If you’re looking to get more impact on your resume and job applications, these skills are a great place to start. Hard skillsHard skills, or the specific, teachable skills that you’ve acquired through school, training, or experience, are the hardest to â€Å"fake it ‘til you make it.† Typically, these skills can be boosted through specific training or education, but this also makes them an easier skill type to build because they’re so specific. All of these skills can be learned through online courses. According to LinkedIn, these are the top five hard skills sought by employers.Cloud computingAll the data lives in the cloud now, which means people with engineering skills who can wrangle, understand, and leverage the massive amounts of cloud data in an efficient way will be highly valued.Artificial intelligenceFrom digital assistants in our home to hiring platforms, artificial intelligence is the method of choice for making work more efficient and accessible. Machine learning is taking over in every industry, as employers look for ways to reduce human effort (and human error) in their processes.Analytical reasoningNow that every corporate decision seems to be data-based, that means people with the skills to take all of that raw information and turn it into meaningful, impactful decisions will be in high demand with employers.People managementSomething that will never change is the need to manage people at all levels of an organization. And although â€Å"leadership† is a soft skill (more on that in a bit), you can build very specific skills that will make you a better manager and leader.UX/UI designUser experience design, or UX design, is crucial for the way people receive information, shop, organize their lives, browse online, or use devices. As companies put more resources into finding the right app layout or the best customer experiences, having design skills will make you a strong candidate in our digital-first society.Softs skillsThese are the less concrete skills- the people skills. Soft skills are the personal attributes you need to work with others and be successful in the workplace. Although they’re not as easy to learn as, say, a specific software platform or mastery of a tool, you can still build these as well through courses and practice. According to LinkedIn, these are the top five soft skills sought by employers.CreativityCreativity, or the ability to solve problems with basic human ingenuity, is one of the things that all the AI and data in the world won’t be able to replace completely. It’s also a challenge if you’re not already a creative problem solver. However, courses about the creative process, and how to generate ideas, can help train your brain to think more creatively.PersuasionAlways be selling, right? Whether you’re selling your team on an idea or a product to a customer, you’ve got to be able to identify why they need it, how it benefits them, and why it saves time/money/effort/etc. And oh yeah, you also have to present it in an engaging way. Persuasive skills will also help you when it comes time to negotiate for a raise or a promotion, by the way. Courses in human behavior or consumer behavior can help you refine your pitches and build your persuasiveness.CollaborationEvery employer out there wants people who can play well with others. You can hire all the hot shots you want, but if everyone’s butting heads all the time or doing their own thing without regard for others, no real work is going to get done. Collaboration and teamwork are one of the fastest-growing skills identified as high-priority by hiring managers. If you’re a lone wolf type or just want to learn how to interact with people more effectively, courses in effective communication, professional collaboration, or team dynamics can help.AdaptabilityLike teamwork, adaptability is highly prized by employers, who want to be increasing efficiency and results all the time. Adaptability is also a key element of innovation, another big-ticket priority for most employers. Flexible thinking may not be your default mode, though, so if you find yourself clinging to â€Å"the old way† of doing things, seminars on strategic agility and developing adaptability in yourself and others can make you a more flexible thinker and worker.Time managementThis is one of those skills that just about everyone could stand to improve. Balancing projects, balancing work and life, and managing deadlines so that things get done well and on time are all crucial skills in every industry. Building this skill is not quite a simple as writing up a calendar or schedule, but there are courses on finding time management strategies that work for your personality that can help you manage your time and count it as a marketable skill.Whether you don’t yet have these skills or just want to shine them up so that you can feature them proudly on your resume, online courses are an effective way to do that- especially if you’re feeling a time crunch. The more time you spend developing these skills now, the sooner you’ll have the most in-demand skills and opportunities rolling in.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

IT in architectural competition (BIM, simulation and DIGITALO) Essay

IT in architectural competition (BIM, simulation and DIGITALO) - Essay Example This was achieved in phases. In the first phase, models were required in ordinary projects and for a limited number of design jobs only. Modeling was applied to new construction as well as renovation works. If a particular project did not reveal any specific advantage of modeling, such project was excluded from the exercise. On this basis, the first phase development covered a number of projects with estimated values at hundreds of millions of Euros 114. performed. In the architectural design, modeling was applied throughout the process, starting with the presentation of alternatives based on space models and ending with the tender documents for the contracting stage. In the project planning stage, the main emphasis for modeling was on enabling investment decision by comparing alternatives’ scope, costs and lifecycle attributes. To facilitate cost control, typical data in conformity with the room schedule / spaces were added to the modeling technique. The quantity and scope data obtained from a model in the draft stage were being used to support the cost estimates. The modeling technique also permitted accurate estimation of the energy needs of a building, providing for appropriate budget and for monitoring the actual consumption during its occupation stage. Similarly, the HEPAC systems were being modeled in the detail design stage but only on a case-by-case basis. These developments led to the use and data content of the mod els as binding requirements in design agreements 115. computer. It helps the observer to feel at first hand the experience of reality even though he is only observing a virtual image. It is a tool for experimentation and training when they are prohibited in real life by both costs and practical considerations. For example, airline pilots are trained on simulators before being allowed to operate actual aircraft; an architect may present his designs in the simulation mode