Online Shopping Safety free essay sample

Are you going to shop online this year? There are many people who shop online and have done so for several years without incident. Considering all the internet transactions that take place, various studies suggest that the percentage of those that are fraudulent are actually very small. Nonetheless, it only takes one time to put your financial world into a downward spiral. Today, I hope to empower you with some knowledge of what you can do to reduce the likelihood of being a target of fraud while shopping online. I’m going to give you tips on where to shop safely, what to look for, things about the technologies you’re going to use to do your shopping and finally tips on purchasing things on the internet. So, let’s get started! BODY: I. Where to shop safely. A. Stick to the retailers that you know. 1. Go directly to the retailer’s website. We will write a custom essay sample on Online Shopping Safety or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Avoid clicking on links from other pages that you think are going to take you there. 2. Beware of any misspellings on the domain address of the page. B. When in doubt check them out!! There are several ways that you can check this. . Is it a secure site? a. Sites are secure through a process of encryption, which is the technology that scrambles sensitive information (like your credit card number) so that only the designated merchant can read it. b. Look at the website’s URL and make sure that the address starts with HTTPS or that the padlock is closed on your browser when you are entering your financial information. 2. Additional security verifications are done through 3rd party companies. c. BBBOnline (Better Business Bureau Online) and Truste are most recognized and recommended. d. Recognize that these are just logos and you need to go to the actual 3rd party’s site and verify. II. Next, let’s take a look at the device (i. e. computer, tablet, smart phone) you use to do your online shopping. A. Is it a personal or shared (meaning public) machine? You want to avoid shopping on a shared device because of the possible spyware that may be installed on it. 1. Shopping at home is the preferred way, although mobile shopping is becoming increasing popular due to smart phones. Be extra cautious in verifying the credibility of the site in this scenario. 2. Make sure the Wi-Fi you are using is password protected and stick to familiar Wi-Fi hotspots (i. e. Starbucks). 3. Keep your browser up to date with the latest version. B. Make sure you have an internet security suite that includes an antivirus, firewall and antispyware installed and up to date with latest version. 1. Don’t click on links in emails as sometimes they have viruses attached to them. 2. Don’t click on unsolicited messages with . exe file extension unless it is from a trusted source. III. Now and most importantly, let’s talk about how we purchase things on the internet. A. There are many ways to pay for our purchases. 1. First let’s talk about debit vs. credit cards. Credit cards are the safest way to purchase. This is because you have the option of doing charge backs if needed, whereas, with debit cards you don’t have that option. 2. You can also use gift cards. 3. Another trending way is called online only or virtual credit cards which is where a bank or credit card company gives you a credit card number that is not your real account number but is able to make online purchases. 4. Alternately, if your still not sure or just don’t feel comfortable giving your credit information out, many online retailers have the option for you to order products online and pay for them over the phone. B. And finally, keep a paper trail. Print and save all your online transactions. Also, check your credit card statements as soon as you get them or check them online regularly as you practice your safe shopping habits. CONCLUSION: So, if you’re going to do some shopping online, remember, where to shop safely, use a secure site, computer and payment method and finally keep a good paper trail!

Free Essays on Joseph Mccarthy

Early Years Joseph Raymond McCarthy was born on a farm in the Town of Grand Chute, near Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1908. He attended the Underhill School, a one-room schoolhouse, where he completed eighth grade. Bored with farm work, McCarthy started his own chicken business as a teenager, but disease wiped out his flock. Broke at age 20, he worked as a clerk in an Appleton grocery store, quickly becoming manager. In 1929, McCarthy was transferred to Manawa to manage a new grocery store. While there, he entered Little Wolf High School, completing the four-year curriculum in nine months. McCarthy’s excellent grades enabled him to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, which he entered in the fall of 1930. In school, he coached boxing, and was elected president of his law school class, all while working a series of part-time jobs. Immediately after gaining his law degree in 1935, McCarthy opened a practice in Waupaca. He later joined a law firm in Shawano, becoming a partner in 1937. McCarthy's first attempt at public office was an unsuccessful run for the post of Shawano District Attorney as a Democrat in 1936. In 1939, he sought the nonpartisan post of judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, covering Langlade, Shawano, and Outagamie Counties. He campaigned tirelessly, defeating the incumbent judge, who had served for 24 years. At age 30, McCarthy became the youngest circuit judge ever elected in Wisconsin. Borrowing the money, McCarthy made a down-payment on a house at 1508 Lorain Court in Appleton, not far from his new office at the Outagamie County Courthouse. As a judge, McCarthy was credited with being hard-working and fair, but he was also rebuked by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for an "abuse of judicial authority" after destroying court records. He was later censured for violating the ethical code that prohibited sitting judges from running for non-judicial posts. In July, 1942, shortly after the start of World Wa... Free Essays on Joseph Mccarthy Free Essays on Joseph Mccarthy Early Years Joseph Raymond McCarthy was born on a farm in the Town of Grand Chute, near Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1908. He attended the Underhill School, a one-room schoolhouse, where he completed eighth grade. Bored with farm work, McCarthy started his own chicken business as a teenager, but disease wiped out his flock. Broke at age 20, he worked as a clerk in an Appleton grocery store, quickly becoming manager. In 1929, McCarthy was transferred to Manawa to manage a new grocery store. While there, he entered Little Wolf High School, completing the four-year curriculum in nine months. McCarthy’s excellent grades enabled him to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, which he entered in the fall of 1930. In school, he coached boxing, and was elected president of his law school class, all while working a series of part-time jobs. Immediately after gaining his law degree in 1935, McCarthy opened a practice in Waupaca. He later joined a law firm in Shawano, becoming a partner in 1937. McCarthy's first attempt at public office was an unsuccessful run for the post of Shawano District Attorney as a Democrat in 1936. In 1939, he sought the nonpartisan post of judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, covering Langlade, Shawano, and Outagamie Counties. He campaigned tirelessly, defeating the incumbent judge, who had served for 24 years. At age 30, McCarthy became the youngest circuit judge ever elected in Wisconsin. Borrowing the money, McCarthy made a down-payment on a house at 1508 Lorain Court in Appleton, not far from his new office at the Outagamie County Courthouse. As a judge, McCarthy was credited with being hard-working and fair, but he was also rebuked by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for an "abuse of judicial authority" after destroying court records. He was later censured for violating the ethical code that prohibited sitting judges from running for non-judicial posts. In July, 1942, shortly after the start of World Wa...

EMPLOYER VS EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION HEALTHCARE WITH UNION WORKERS Thesis Proposal

EMPLOYER VS EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION HEALTHCARE WITH UNION WORKERS - Thesis Proposal Example evident that healthy humans or workers can only put in their best efforts and elevate organizations’ performance, their profits, their market share, and so on. This being the case, it is very crucial for the organizations, labor unions, and even government to adopt or come up with policies to safeguard and improve the health of the employees. Speaking of government’s role, although it is a joint federal/state system, the federal government has given the main responsibility of regulating health insurance policies regarding employees to the states. In addition, governments are encouraging organizations to come up with their own health insurance plans called employer contributed health insurance. under the McCarran-Ferguson Act. States regulate the content of health insurance policies and often require coverage of specific types of medical services or health care providersthey have The 1985 act of ‘The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation’ required that every employer having twenty or more employees should provide nonstop access to health coverage to workers who leave their jobs. Moreover the 1996 Act of ‘Health Insurance Portability and Accountability’ (HIPA) guarantees the employees that their company authorized health insurance cover will not be revocable under any preexisting exclusions. (Patel and Rushefsky 2006). Based on this enticing factor and other necessities, the health insurance cover can be enlarged. Provide a tax credit to companies that maintain or increase the size of U.S. workforce relative to workforce outside the United States...prepare workers for retirement; provide health insurance (Sullivan, 2008). â€Å"Small businesses currently get a tax deduction for health insurance paid, and even this is limited to only an income tax deduction for the owner. Convert this deduction into a dollar-for-dollar credit. Let small businesses reduce their tax burden by how much they spend on health insurance premi ums and health savings account

Internet Addiction Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet Addiction - Article Example Some of the effects include increased depression, loneliness, antisocial behaviors influence into drug use and anxiety, which are exhibited by internet-addicted persons. In addition, the article claims that internet usage has grave effects on the mind of users. The article suggests that the effects on the mind are negative since internet usage requires less utilization of the brain hence reduced brain development. The most important fact in this article is that internet addiction is harming the users. This can be deduced from the author’s argument that â€Å"The current incarnation of the Internet--portable, social, accelerated, and all-pervasive--may be making us not just dumber or lonelier but more depressed and anxious, prone to obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit disorders, even outright psychotic. Our digitized minds can scan like those of drug addicts, and normal people are breaking down in sad and seemingly new ways.† One of the strengths of the article is that the author makes use of convincing evidence obtained from credible sources. Almost all the claims are supported by evidence from a published study. An extra strength is that the author rarely uses his own opinion to prove a claim. One of the weaknesses of the article is the lack of conclusion. The author puts forward several arguments on how availability and use of the internet have affected human beings but never come to a conclusion. Another weakness is the several unanswered questions that the author has posted. A good example is on what should be done on the issue of internet addiction. The author keeps arguing about the effects of internet overuse but never gives a solution to this problem. In addition, the thesis statement is not well stated. It is only after reading a large part of the article that one can tell the question under discussion.

Oprah Winfrey Essay Example for Free

Oprah Winfrey Essay Oprah Winfrey, born on a farm in Mississippi to a teenage mother in 1954 came from nothing yet again is the world’s most successful lady who is a role model to many and has made it on her own. She is a success story, some one who has made history on American television by producing and hosting her own TV show, â€Å"The Oprah Winfrey Show† the show has won her countless awards and praises since its start in the year 1987. It is the top ranked show on television till this day (Oprah Winfrey Biography, 2006). She runs her own company. She has been the richest African American lady and the only Black billionaire in the world at one time and the most highly paid television host today. Success and Oprah have been together from the longest time. She has managed to win the hearts of all the Americans today with her hard work, determination, and dedication and confidence and has become the most watched television celebrity. She has been ranked the most influential lady of the 20th century from the past five years by the Time magazine (Oprah Winfrey Biography, 2006). She is considered as someone who can bring an enormous change because her popularity is beyond the pop culture and she has the capability and credibility to influence others. She has left a mark on everyone. Leadership is the ability to influence others by gaining the trust and support of the followers and Oprah has been able to do that. She is a born leader. She has all the attributes to become a successful leader and she has proved it to the world. It is her leadership qualities only that she has been able to maintain the standard of her show and live up to the expectations of her viewers. She runs a show, is an owner of a magazine, she’s into movie production, is a successful actress and all of these are her profitable businesses. She has become a brand name. She has set an example of being a superior and effective leader. She is intelligent and an educated lady, she is self confident she knows what she’s talking about. She has spoken on all kinds of issues on her show and brought the facts and figures in front of the world (Oprah Winfrey Biography, 2006). She is a stable lady, and flexible and honest and has an internal locus of control. She had the luck and believes in herself. She has the ability to understand others therefore she has created social awareness such as her effort to increase the awareness of child abuse where she was honest and bold enough to share her own child hood incident in front of the world. She has the communication skills to convince others and leave an impact and create a connection with the masses. During the time of Hurricane Katrina she made an appeal to everyone to openly donate and everybody did. Oprah runs her own charity too. She is a woman of high energy; she is running the show from the past sixteen years. Her role as the leader has been goal oriented and focused. She campaigned for Barack Obama last year. Only an effective leader can do so many things at one time. She takes timely decisions. She has adequate effort and talent and she knows how to spend it wisely. That is what leadership is all about. The queen of day time television has been an effective leader. She went through rough times during her childhood but she was a pessimistic and never lost hope. A positive attitude is an effective leader’s quality. Only when you yourself are positive you can motivate your subordinates. She was alert she wanted to create a change. She planned, organized, controlled and led while success followed her. She is good at what she is doing. Though she had all the fame and fortune this did not stop her from helping the under privileged. Oprah contributes millions of dollars every year for charities. She runs her own charity too. Good leaders make successful nations therefore the world needs more people like Oprah Winfrey.

Robert E. Lee Essay -- Robert Lee Biography Biograhies Essays

Robert E. Lee   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stafford, Virginia. The son of Lighthorse Harry Lee and was educated at the U.S. Military academy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1829 he graduated second in his class receiving a commission as second lieutenant in 1836 and captain in 1838. He distinguished himself in the Mexican War and was wounded in the storming of Chapultepec in 1847; for his meritorious service he received his third promotion in rank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He became superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy and later appointed colonel of calvery. He was in command of the Department of Texas in 1860 and early the following year was summoned to Washington, D.C., when war between the states seemed imminent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  President Abraham Lincoln offered him the field of command of the Union forces but Lee refused. On April, 20 when Virginia succeeded from the Union, he submitted his resignation of the U.S. Army.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On April 23 he became commander in chief of the military and naval forces of Virginia. For a year he was military adviser to Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, and was then placed in command of the Army in northern Virginia.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In February 1865 Lee was made commander in chief of all Confederate armies; two months later the war was virtually ended by his surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The masterly strategy of Lee was overcome only by the superior resources and troop str...

Leading and motivating a team Essay

Leading and motivating a team effectively and understanding leadership †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. is registered charity providing social housing. Its vision is homes and neighbourhood’s we can be all proud of. They put customer’s first, keeping a strong financially viable, socially responsible, well governed business which is learning and growing achieving continuous improvements while obtaining value for money. My team Sustainment and Support(S&S) provides support, advice and assistance to customers who are vulnerable or in need. We successfully sustained tenancies and communities for tenants and will give them a platform to address other challenging issues and circumstances within their lives. The service is tailored to the individuals support needs, which is identified through the initial assessment. The support incorporates an action plan which is reviewed regularly to make sure the actions are being met. The most important characteri stics of a successful organisations is the clarity of purpose, adherence to core values, a distinct identity and a clear vision of the aim of the organisation. A good vision keeps the organisation moving forward and is a good motivator for the staff to achieve the set goals. All teams within the housing directorate have set goals and like the S&S team these have to be achieved. Without goals there would be no direction for the staff to achieve and participating in making the organisation successful. These targets and achievements are discussed at one to ones, and team meetings so team members are aware of how their performance contributes to the overall targets set at strategic level to achieve success overall. Other options available are away days, global emails to staff and group sessions. Not everyone likes to be communicated the same way. Email and literature works for some, but others would rather listen and talk. Respect the person you’re trying to communicate with and use the method they prefer. Clear communication and understanding is essential giving you the ability to deal with any issues or concerns that the staff have effectively and quickly. High performing teams will have clear understanding of roles and responsibility acknowledges the objectives, functions appropriately while carrying out the required task. Monitoring performance and regular 1-1s will indicate areas which require addressing, while allowing the team to be open and honest about what works and doesn’t and encouraging them to provide  feedback will show areas of strength and ways to improve. Receiving support and guidance from senior managers will enhance your own capabilities to lead the team UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIPS STYLES – Kurt Lewin (phycologist) researched and created a model Lewins leadership Styles putting them in 3 categories .Authoritarian – provide clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done, and how it should be done. Participative- offer guidance to group members, but they also participate in the group and allow input from other group members. And delegation -offers little or no guidance to group members and leave decision-making up to group members. A leader needs to analyse personal abilities, the group and the situation, then select the best leadership style. A leader who chooses the most appropriate style and has the ability to adapt is likely to be successful. There are many factors which could influence choice, size, skill, experiences and knowledge, individuals with different personalities and backgrounds. Large teams may have staff with varying levels of skill. This may require the manager to adopt a more authoritarian style, providing clear communication so that everyone knows what to do to achieve goals and tasks. On the other hand, team leaders may take a more participative approach with other managers of equal standing in order to get their own team functioning efficiently. The delegating leadership style is thought to be most effective when the followers are comfortable taking responsibility, and have the experience to accomplish the necessary tasks. The leader provides guidance in the decision making process; then delegates. Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard were the first to describe the delegating leadership style and recommend that the leader move around the task maintenance grid with a specific situation. Group maturity is a measure of group growth and development High Maintenance and Low Task High Maintenance and High Task Low Maintenance and Low Task Low Maintenance and High Task Low – task behaviour providing direction High Authoritative management styles, which make expectations clear. These styles allow for little input or innovation from subordinates and may breed resentment, which can result in subordinates disengaging from the organization’s vision and lead to lower productivity levels. A leadership style that has significant positive effects on subordinates requires cultivation. It is as important to know the people on your team as it is to know your organization’s vision and policies, take time to learn about their families and hobbies. Developing your knowledge will enhance your respectability, and getting to know your team will create camaraderie and mutual trust. Willingness to listen, flexibility and mutual respect are, crucial to developing a leadership style likely to produce the coveted effects of high productivity, flexibility, innovation and loyalty on subordinates. Self assessment survey carried out as part of my ILM learning indicated scores of 34 participative (democratic) ,28 authoritarian(autocratic),24 delegation(free reign).During my Housing Diversity Network(HND) mentoring program I completed a more in depth assessment which highlighted my strengths weaknesses and potential leadership qualities sharing the report with my line manager, colleagues and mentor then receiving feedback I reviewed criticism constructively, examined my own skills and developed an action plan to address weakness’s to expand my leadership capabilities ,which included additional training, coaching, mentoring and attending workshops and seminars. Participative leadership is a managerial style I consider to have the attributes to succeed with, this links in with organisations working practices allowing structured teams to empower them selves delivering services which are flexible and adaptable while working within the guild lines of the companies policy and procedures. Motivate and developed at team To motivate a team to successfully achieve the set goals and to work effectively while maintaining and improving performance I feel the use of Abraham Maslow’s motivation theory as guidance that will ensure that the team are kept motivated The basis of this theory is that people are motivated by unsatisfied needs and that certain lower factors need to be satisfied before higher needs can.  As long as we are motivated to satisfy these cravings, then we are moving towards growth and self actualisation. Satisfying needs is healthy while preventing has a negative effect. My Sustainment and Support(S&S) south team was created in mid 2012 bringing together staff with various skills and different personalities. I assisted my manager to help motivate and drive the team forward to be successful in obtaining the objectives of the organisation within this new structure. This included having discussions in team meetings to see if any obstacles would hinder staff from functioning to their full capacity, identifying needs then implementing with team building exercises, which was forefront of the process. Maslow’s model mirrors this by making sure our working environment and personal needs are met, providing all aspects of s afety. Love and belonging created great team spirit and high moral which was required as to the intensive nature of the post, enhancing the team’s wellbeing by bringing in Yoga and meditation which created a team that functions well and gaining a reputation of successful tenant engagement where others have found it difficult, e.g. Tenant facing court proceedings for rent arrears ,not responding to Income management (IM) but engaging with S & S while we stabilise the tenancy. When these pre court visits were introduced team members initially refused to carry out this task stating it was not part of their job role. it was an IM function, discussions during team meeting about the subject matter became heated creating low moral .The following week I explained to the team if we carried out this task, was successful we could show case the talents of the team to the organisation, talked about the positive effects this would have on our clients and encouraged everyone to take on board , bein g able to communicate in this fashion proved successful. I supported and motivated a member of the team who I shall refer as C who was not functioning at the correct level and not achieving the teams and his own individual set goals. I was given this task as part of my own leadership development plus the manager had used all the resources and C was still not operating team’s objectives, this was having an impact on the rest of team as case loads increased. With the threat of disciplinary action and the impact this could have on the team I felt I had experience and knowledge to assist having previously been part of a team which included C for a number of years and was well aware their learning style. I now realise the process I used symbolises two theory  models working alongside each other Maslow’s and Hershey and Blanchard situation leadership style Looking at that model the four headings of Directing, Coaching, Supporting, Delegating I feel covers the method I used to resolve this problem Directing – Provide specific instructions clear and simple while closely supervising task accomplishments Coaching – Continues to direct and closely supervise task accomplishments, but also explains decisions, solicits suggestions and supports progress Supporting – Facilitates and supports subordinates efforts toward task accomplishments and shares responsibility for decision making with them Delegating – Turns over responsibility for decision making and problem solving to subordinates. If we look at the Maslow triangle Physiological – In this case study for C there was a lack of confidence, knowledge and understanding Security – C felt threatened in his new role that perhaps he couldn’t achieve but now he feels his expertise is being recognised Loving and belonging – C initially felt isolated that the team had developed quicker than him, with the team being a strong supporting group they also assisted in the process Esteem- self esteem was low but grew as C developed Self actualisation – This is about reaching full potential, where I feel there has been significant change and is more motivated, there is still more room for development Looking at the actions taken below I do feel that in the process, styles were combined together to achieve a result. Bibliography www.teambuilding.co.uk/team-building-theory-maslow.html ILM learning material