Creating a successful corporate culture after a merger PowerPoint Presentation

Creating a successful corporate culture after a merger - PowerPoint Presentation Example It, therefore, has culminated into a cutthroat type of competition where the aim is to reach the pinnacle in riches and power before anything and anybody else. Since the slots at the top are few and limited in number, short-cuts and illegal means among them fraud and insider trading are sought by any people in this country in their daily bid to realize their dream of greatness. Purpose of the Memo It is thus with a great urge that I write to the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission with proposals whose aim is to minimize cases of fraud, insider trading and unlawful actions by people and business with the intentions of making quick money. The main aim of this proposal is to contribute to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s efforts towards reining in fraudsters and insider trading who plunder other people into poverty. The commission’s efforts cannot be assumed to have been useless in any way since they have prevented most of the cases that would hav e caused damage to the whole financial sector (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers & Langvardt, 2012). It replaces some existent rules and regulations in place since they have evidently failed to rein in the criminals and, most importantly, managing financial crimes as displayed by the 2008 global recession. Findings of numerous research studies on the 2008 global recession indicate that the spending behavior of US citizens and the laxity of the Securities and Exchange Commission are responsible for the recession. It should be put into consideration that the main aim of all regulatory bodies in this sector should be the prevention of the crimes since, as they say, prevention is better than cure. The Current Laws The United States government has made enormous efforts towards handling the issue of financial crimes by setting the Securities and Exchange Commission which has established a number of rules governing the US business environment to see to a balanced business environment for all business participants. Among these rules are those against the illegal type of insider trading and fraudulent activities in general. For instance, Rule 10b5-1 prohibits insider trading by stating that it is illegal for individual to engage in a trade arrangement using non-public information. However, the rule permeates individuals to only trade under special instances in which there is lack of knowledge that the information was non-public. Moreover, the actions of the trader must be in good faith. The second rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission meant to curb illegal insider trading is the Rule 10b5-2. It is a rule clarifying how the misappropriation theory applies to certain non-business relationships. The rule states that individuals with the privilege of access to confidential information have the obligation to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of such information. Persons violating the law are liable for breach of information confidentiality as outlined by the misappropr iation theory. The Securities and Exchange Commission has established several measures targeting at minimizing the level of financial fraud in major areas of the US business industry. These include the use of people who have inside information on the fraudulent cases being undertaken by companies who tip the Securities an

White House Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

White House Architecture - Essay Example One of the most famous buildings in the history of mankind is the American White House. The construction of the landmark house started by simple laying of the foundation stone in October 13, 1792, and was devoid of any ceremony as was the case to state constructions. The foundations and the main residence were built by black American laborers, slaves and other professionals from the larger European continent. Most of the construction work was carried out by immigrants who had not yet gained citizenship status. The sandstone walls of the white house were the work of Scottish immigrants under the employment and supervision of Hoban. According to Seale (2008), he was also responsible for the construction of the garland decorations and high relief rose that are found on the upper part of the north entrance. The pattern resembling fish scale constructed under the pediments of the window hoods were also carried out by the Scottish immigrants. Architectural composition of the white house Th e initial construction of the white house took a period of eight years at a estimated value of about $232,371.83. Even though the white house was not complete by then, it was partially ready for state functions as at November of 1800. The construction of the white house was marred by shortages of labor as well as raw materials hence forced the engineers to alter the original plan as was constituted by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer for the building to be a place, which was to be more than five times of what was settled for. The completed structure of the building therefore contained two central floors as opposed to the original plan of three floors. The lining for stone facades was done by cost-effective bricks and when the construction was completed the porous sandstone walls were effectively coated with a mixture of casein, lime, rice glue, and lead thus offered the house its fundamental name and color. The architectural composition of the White House was magnificently designed, thus the main facade of the White House with the north front having eleven bays and three floors. The ground floor of the house is intentionally hidden by a parapet and a carriage ramp thus somehow raised hence the facade gives a fall picture of two floors. The main three bays are located behind what is called a prostyle portico, which was an addition effected latter (Fazio, W.M & Snadon, A.P , 2006). The windows fitted on the four bays at the first flour flanks the portico, which are segmented and pointed pediments. The pediments at the second flour are flat flat. When one looks at the main entrance there are two striking architectural work, thus there is a lunette fanlight erected at the centre of the portico and above the entrance is found a sculpted swag. It is also noticeable that roofline is characteristically hidden from view by a balustraded parapet. The southern facade mansion presents a combination of the neoclassical and Palladian styles of architecture. It has three floors that are highly visible. The ground floor is unique in the sense that it has been rusticated in regard to the Palladian style of architecture. The facade’s centre is marked by a neoclassical projecting bow supported by three bays. The bow is substantially flanked by 5 strong bays. The windows located towards the north of the facade have alternating pointed as ell as segmented pediments at the first floor. The bow also has a ground floor fitted with a double staircase that leads to what is known as a Doric colonnaded loggia thus leads to the south portico, also known as Truman Balcony located at second floor. The third floor which looks more modern is also hidden by a balustraded parapet and essentially plays no meaning role in the facade composition (Fazio & Snadon, 2006). The side walk has also been included in the buildings design and usage; it was very significant as it served as a queuing bay for the numerous pilgrimages to the

Hotensios wife Essay Example for Free

Hotensios wife Essay Petruchio would say this in a condescending way because he thinks that a wife should obey her husband at all times and come to him even when she is busy.  Ay, and a kind one too. You not a worse  Gremio would say this in a respectful way to Lucentio, but at the same time being contemptuous towards Petruchio.  Sirrah Biondello. Come to me forthwith  Hortensio would say this in more of an imposing way than Lucentio did to summon his wife. This would make the audience believe that Hotensios wife would definitely obey him.  Biondello exits the room the same way as before, through the oak doors, and you hear him running down the hall. I am afraid, sir. not be entreated.  Hortensio says this very derisively towards Petruchio because both Hortensio and the audience still think that Petruchio is idiotically wasting his money.  Biondello yet again comes back out of breath and with bad news.  She says you have. You come to her.He tells Hortensio this in a very disdainful way because Hortensio was becoming very overconfident about the bet especially after Lucentio had failed with Biannca.   Worse and worse! She will not come. Come to mePetruchio is mocking Hortensio because his wife gave an even worse answer than what Biannca gave to Lucentio. He then tells Gremio to order Kate to come to him; he says this in a very superior way. I know her answer  Hortensio says this in a very pompous tone of voice. I would make Hortensio say it in this way because I want the audience still to think that Biannca is not going to come and that Petruchio will be disgraced.  Just before the doors open the gentlemen are laughing at the expense of Petruchio because they think he has done all this boasting about Kate being tamed and she wont obey him. As soon as the doors open and the audience see Kate I think that they would be very surprised and shocked, so I would make all the actors except Petruchio to faint to add a comical side to this instant. What is your will, sir, that you send for me?  Katherina would say this in a very delicate voice and whilst saying this she would curtsy. This would also be a shock to the audience because they are used to Kate being very forceful in her dialect and in her physical presence.  Go fetch them hither. Bring them hither straight.  Petruchio would say this in a very condescending manner to Kate. As soon as Petruchio has finished Kate abruptly rushes off to fetch the other women. Heres a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.  Lucentio says this in a very astounded way. He says this because he cannot believe what he is seeing, I would expect the audience to feel the same because throughout the play Kate has never done anything she did not wish to do.  Marry, peace it bodes. sweet and happy.  Petruchio is saying that Life with Kate is going to be a happy one; the audience have started to see that Petruchio loves Kate and did all those cruel things so that she could live in peace with him. Nay, I will win my wager. virtue and obedience.  Petruchio wants to prove what a good job of taming her he has done and how dutiful she is know.  Kate then enters dragging Biannca and the widow by their hair through the large oak doors. When the door shuts she lets them go and walks towards Petruchio.I would your duty. Since supper time.   Lucentio is very disappointed with Biannca and the actor would bring this out by saying these lines in a very saddened way.  The more fool you for laying on my duty.  Biannca would say this in a very patronising tone of voice. The audience would be quite astonished by Bianncas reply to Lucentio because she is usually very quiet and obedient. Katherine, I charge thee. Lords and husbands.  Petruchio wants Kate to tell the people how a lady should act towards her husband/lord. The crowd will think that although Kate has changed she will not lower herself to that level. But she does in a way that still leaves her with a vast amount of pride.  Kate starts her speech by insulting the widow and saying that she should respect her master  Fie, fie unknit that threatening unkind. Thy governor.  She would say this in a very sarcastic, but malicious way. I would get the actress to say it in that way because although Kate does respect Petruchio she also has her own will and she also wants to intimidate the widow. As Kate would be saying this I feel that she should walk towards the widow in an ominous manor. As Kate walks up to her, the widow would cower away into a corner. This will show the crowd that Kate is still domineering and robust. It blots thy beauty. meet or amiable  Kate is saying that being angry all of the time hides the fact that underneath that fiery surface is a beautiful majestic lady. The audience will at this stage think that what Kate is saying is ironic because she was once fiery, but now the audience will start to realise that women who act this way disgust her.  Thy husband is thy. Sea and land  This is where Kate is saying how she expects other women to feel about their husbands because this is the way that she feels about Petruchio. Whilst she is saying this she will go up to Petruchio and kneel in front of him to show the audience how much respect she has for her husband. Too little payment for so great a debt. owes the prince.  She is saying that women have a good life and hardly have to repay their husband for all the tasks he has to do for her. As she says this she will scan across the room glaring at the other wives as if to say that they do not repay their husbands enough and should be thankful that he hasnt left them.  I am ashamed that women are so simple. Love obey.

Literature Review On Cervical Cancer Health And Social Care Essay

Literature Review On Cervical Cancer Health And Social Care Essay Review of literature is an essential component of a worthwhile study in any field of knowledge. It helps the investigator to gain information on what has been done previously and to gain information on what has been done previously and to gain deeper insight in to the research problem. It also helps to plan and conduct the study in systematic manner. In this chapter, the investigator has presented the available research studies and relevant literature from which the strength of the study was drawn. 1. Studies related to cervical cancer 2. Studies related to HPV vaccination. STUDIES RELATED TO CERVICAL CANCER MiocLee,C.(1999) conducted a qualitative study with eight focus groups (number of sample=102) by using eleven question derived from the health belief model. Focus group revealed that there was misinformation and a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer. The women there fore were confused about causative factors and preventive strategies related to cervical cancer. The findings showed that major structured barriers were economic and time factors. The main psychological barriers were fear, denial confusion thinking. Participants stated that medical advice and education would influence them to undergo Pap test. Recommendations were made to reduce certain barrier and to increase knowledge and motivation. Sheila,Twin. (2005) conducted a study among chinese women from a total sample of 467 in order to identify the knowledge about cervical cancer. Evident suggested that women knowledge about cervical cancer and preventive strategies are significant their screening practices. The need for further knowledge about the cervical screening and preventive measure was demonstrated. HkoLiou, Xueminling. (2009) conducted cross sectional descriptive design on responses action and health promoting behaviors among rural Taiwanese women with abnormal Pap test. The result shows that nearly 14% were diagnosed as precancerous and underwent further treatment. 24%of the women took no action during the 3 month after receiving the result. As many as 96% were not aware about localized cervical cancer. These analyzed results may prove useful in developing intervention strategies to assist women with positive Pap test results to choose treatment modalities and adopted health behaviors. STUDIES RELATED TO HPV VACCINATION Kwan,T, et .al. (2007) conducted a cross sectional community based study to explore Chinese womens perception of human papilloma virus vaccination and their intention to be vaccinated . A total of 1450 ethnic chinese women aged 18 and above who attended the health centers. The result shows about 38% of participants (n=527) had heard of HPV and about 50% (n=697) had heard of vaccination against cervical cancer. 88% of the participants(n=1219) indicate that they would likely to be vaccinated. Majority of the participants believed that sexually experienced women should be vaccinated; while27%opposed vaccinating sexually naÃÆ'Â ¯ve women. study suggested that HPV infection was perceived to be stigmatizing to intimate family and social relationships, despite misconception and a grossy inadequate knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, NubiaMunoz, et .al. (2007) conducted study among 17, 622 women aged 15-26 years who were enrolled in one of two randomized, placebo-controlled, efficacy trials for the HPV6/11/16/18 vaccine (first patient on December 28, 2001, and studies completed July 31, 2007). Vaccine or placebo was given at day 1, month 2, and month 6. All women underwent cervico vaginal sampling and Pap testing at day 1 and every 6-12 months there after. A result shows that vaccination was up to 100% effective in reducing the risk of HPV16and 18 related high-grade cervical, vulvar, and vaginal lesions and of HPV 6 and 11-related genital warts. In the intention-to-treat group, vaccination also statistically significantly reduced the risk of any high-grade cervical lesions (19.0% reduction; rate vaccine = 1.43, rate placebo = 1.76, difference = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13 to 0.54), vulvar and vaginal lesions (50.7% reduction; rate vaccine = 0.10, rate placebo = 0.20, difference = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.16), genital warts (62.0% reduction; rate vaccine = 0.44, rate placebo = 1.17, difference = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.87), Pap abnormalities (11.3% reduction; rate vaccine = 10.36, rate placebo = 11.68, difference = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.90). Conclusion of the study is High-coverage HPV vaccination programs among adolescents and young women may result in a rapid reduction of genital warts, cervical cytological abnormalities. Infectious Disease Obstetric Gynecology journal. (2006) suggested that Vaccines which protect against infection with the types of human papillomavirus (HPV) commonly associated with cervical cancer (HPV 16 and 18) and genital warts (HPV 6 and 11) are expected to become available in the near future. Because HPV vaccines are prophylactic, they must be administered prior to exposure to the virus, ideally during preadolescence or adolescence. The young age of the target vaccination population means that physicians, parents, and patients will all be involved in the decision-making process. Research has shown that parents and patients are more likely to accept a vaccine if it is efficacious, safe, reasonably priced, and recommended by a physician. Widespread education of physicians, patients, and parents about the risks and consequences of HPV infection and the benefits of vaccination will be instrumental for fostering vaccine acceptance. Andrea Licht,S, et. al. (2009) conducted study on HPV vaccination. The aims of this study were to assess HPV vaccination rates and to examine whether knowledge and risk perceptions regarding HPV were associated with the reported use of the HPV vaccine among female college students. A cross-sectional design was used among 406 women aged 18-26 years were recruited at two public universities and completed a self-administered survey. Respondents who reported having received at least one dose of HPV vaccine were classified as vaccinated (n=177, 43.6%). Responses, stratified by the receipt of HPV vaccine, were compared using descriptive statistics and multivariate models. Results based on multivariate logistic regression modeling, 18-year-old women were approximately four times more likely to report use of the HPV vaccine compared with respondents aged 19-26 years. Respondents who correctly indicated that HPV caused genital warts were 1.85 times more likely to have received at least one HP V vaccine. African American and Asian women were each less likely to be vaccinated compared with white women. Risk perception was not significantly associated with vaccine uptake, however, the majority of respondents failed accurately to recognize their high risk of both acquiring and transmitting HPV. These findings suggest knowledge deficits and misperceptions about HPV risk as potential themes for educational campaigns encouraging the greater use of the preventive HPV vaccine among this subgroup Allison Friedman,L. (2004) suggested that genital human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the united States, causing genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and cervical cancer in women. To inform HPV education efforts, 35 focus groups were conducted with members of the general public, stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, and urban/rural location. Focus groups explored participants knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and a hypothetical HPV vaccine as well as their communication preferences for HPV-related educational messages. Audience awareness and knowledge of HPV were low across all groups. This, along with an apparent STD-associated stigma, served as barriers to participants hypothetical acceptance of a future vaccine. Although information about HPVs high prevalence and link to cervical cancer motivated participants to learn more about HPV, it also produced audience fear and anxiety. This research suggests that HPV- and HPV-vaccine-related education efforts must be approached with extreme Raley, JC. (2004) suggested that Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical neoplasia and genital warts. A vaccine has recently been developed that may prevent infection with HPV. Vaccination for HPV may become a routine part of office gynecology. Researcher surveyed members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to determine their attitudes to HPV vaccination. A survey was sent to Fellows of ACOG to evaluate gynecologists attitudes. Vaccine acceptability was analyzed by using 13 scenarios with the following dimensions and respective attributes: age of patient (13, 17 and 22 years); efficacy of vaccine (50% or 80%); ACOG recommendation (yes or no); and disease targeted (cervical cancer, warts or both). Each scenario was rated by means of an 11-point response format (0 to 100). Responses were evaluated using conjoint analysis. Results of 1200 surveys that were sent out, 181 were returned and included in our analysis. ACOG recommendation w as considered the most important variable in vaccine distribution (importance score = 32.2), followed by efficacy (24.5), age (22.4) and, lastly, disease targeted (20.9). Of these variables, higher efficacy was favored; preference was given to age 17 years, with a strong disinclination to vaccinate at age 13 years; and protection against cervical cancer, or genital warts, or both. Demographic characteristics of the gynecologists (i.e., age of physician, gender, and practice setting and community size) did not play an important role in the decision to recommend vaccination. Professional society recommendation is important for acceptability of a potential HPV vaccine. Gynecologists are willing to include this vaccine in their practice. Chun Chao, et. al (2007) conducted study among 34,193 female who initiate HPV vaccination. The aim of the study was to examine the rate and correlate the completion of HPV vaccination. The result shows that the completion rate was 41.9% among age group between 9- to 17-year and 47.1% in the 18- to 26-year. Black race 95% confidence interval and lower neighborhood education level were associated with lower regimen completion. A history of sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal Pap test results, and immune-related conditions were not associated with HPV vaccination regimen completion. Caron, et. al. (2008) conducted a cross sectional study among college women, the study reveals that cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Purpose: College women may be at risk for contracting HPV based on their sexual behavior. An exploratory analysis was conducted, following the release of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil[R], the am of the study is to (1) determine awareness of HPV and Gardasil[R], (2) assess attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about the HPV vaccine, (3) identify information sources that college women are accessing. Methods: A cross-sectional study of college women (n=293) enrolled in a Northeastern university voluntarily completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about correlations, and paired sample t-tests. Results: Sexually active respondents would recommend the HPV vaccine to others and disagree that HPV vac cination would encourage risky sexual behavior. Yet, need more information is the predominant reason respondents would not get the HPV vaccine if it were offered for free. Discussion: Correlations are identified on how self-reported knowledge influenced attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccine. These findings should assist health educators in developing integrated public health education efforts for HPV vaccination that are targeted towards this at-risk population.

Romeo and Juliet Essay -- Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Yukio Mishima’s The Sound of Waves, the secondary characters play an essential role in the book. In Romeo and Juliet by an English playwright and poet William Shakespeare, Friar Lawrence is an important secondary character who designs solutions for Romeo and Juliet and brings the play into the dramatic results. The failure of his plan causes the tragedy of death for both main characters at the end of the story. In The Sound of Waves, Shinji Kubo, a young and poor fisherman in Uta-Jima falls in love with Hatuse, a rich man’s daughter. Shinji and Hatsue try to be together throughout the book, but encounter many difficulties with their neighbors. Shinji’s mother tries to help Shinji and Hatsue by asking many people and going to shrines to beg the gods for help to get them together. In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence greatly influences the Romeo and Juliet and brings the plots to the dramatic results. Without the presence of Friar Lawrence, the story will not be so unpredictable and the tragedy may not have occurred. Initially when Romeo comes to Friar Lawrence and asks for wedding, Friar suspects Romeo’s quick changes, but is reluctant to help Romeo for this marriage. Since Romeo sincerely asks for his help, Friar finally agrees to Romeo’s plan and he says â€Å"In one respect I'll thy assistant be; / For this alliance may so happy prove, / To turn your households' rancour to pure love† (2.3.98-99). In Friar’s viewpoint, this marriage should be a benefit for the city of Vernoa. Friar hopes that with this marriage, it will calm the two feuding families down and allow them to get together again. This action seems to be incorrect for Friar, because he is trying to solve a larger ... ...luable in their ancient tradition. In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence believes that people should learn the lessons from mistakes that they have previously made. In the final resolution, the fate still restates his statement, by having the two main characters killed. Because they have learned their lessons from their many years of disagreement, the hate between Montague and Capulet has been finally resolved through this tragic event. On the other hand, in The Sound of Waves, Shinji’s mom is crucial from the beginning of the story to the final resolution. She tries her best to bring a happy marriage to her son even she does not have one for herself. She is insulted by Hutsue’s dad but the kindness of Hutsue wins her heart again. Through a series of tragic events, Terukichi Miyata, Hutesu’s Dad, agrees the marriage of Shinji and Hutsue as the final decision.

Process Essay - How to Win an Argument :: Expository Process Essays

Process Essay - How to Win an Argument To win an argument one must keep in mind the following factors: Is the argument worth fighting? Do you have the proper background to win the argument? Who is your opponent? And finally, do I have the proper argumentative behavior. Before getting involved in an argument, you must decide whether or not it is even worth fighting. Does the subject at hand have any interest to you, does it make a difference if you win or lose. An argument about Jackie Gleson's weight at death, or the amount of torque output in a 1976 Ford Pinto, probably doesn't make much difference to anyone and isn't very interesting. Not getting involved is probably the best way to go. However if the argument will decide who gets the best parking spot at school, or whether you have one week or one month to write an essay, you may want to consider getting into the dispute. If fighting arguments is just an â€Å"ego boost† or hobby, then disregard the above. The next item to take into consideration is your background on the topic. You should never enter an argument you have no information about, because it will only end in â€Å"your mother is a .....† insults. In a factual argument, it is helpful if the truth is on your side, but as we've learned from our politicians, it is not necessary. However, if the truth does eventually get out you may end up looking like a fool. In a multi-sided argument, an argument which is not dealing in absolute truths, but rather different opinions, it is preferable to believe in the side you for which you are arguing, but isn't necessary if your background is strong enough. In simpler terms, don't get into an argument you know â€Å"nothin† about. It is important to know with whom you are arguing. If you are in a relationship (guy - girl), and you are the guy, give up now you can't win. The laws of nature are against you. If you are the girl in the relationship, you don't need advise. It doesn't matter if you are right or wrong you've won. Just act upset or let out a few tears and he'll crumble. However if you are involved in a same sex, or non relationship bound, argument the game plan is much different. You must have background information, as discussed earlier, as well as a knowledge of your opponent. If he has no insight into the subject and you do, then the upper hand is yours.

Ethical and Legal Systems of Health Care Organizations Essay

Aetna Incorporated, a health care plan company, is one of the American leading companies in diversified benefits of a range of traditional and consumer directed health care insurance services. It includes vast service offerings in health care insurance from mental and behavioral health to long-term care benefits and other health-related care and concerns . (Aetna, 2007a; Wikipedia, 2007) Moreover, it is the nation’s pioneer in full-service health insurer that proffers a consumer-oriented health plan. Aetna provides its members with the opportunity to reach out on suitable tools and comprehensible information for them to perform based decisions regarding health and financial interest (Aetna, 2007a). For over 150 years, Aetna has been committed to supporting people in attaining health and financial security. The company establishes information and necessary resources to work for its members and clients for them to execute â€Å"better-informed decisions about their health care. Currently, Aetna membership numbers up to 15. 7 million (M) medical members, around 13. 7 M dental members and around 10. 5 pharmacy members (Aetna, 2007a). In terms of health care networks, it holds on more than 783,000 health care professionals, 458,000 major care doctors and specialists, 4,681 hospitals and a network called AexcelSM, of specialist physicians. Aetna is also the provider of benefits through national employers of small, mid-sized and large multi-state scales in all 50 states, as well as individuals and Medicare recipients in certain markets. Aetna: Code of Conduct The company’s Code of Conduct contains a unique and consistent set of values and standards of integrity and business practices. It mediates in guiding the company in complying with the laws, regulations and ethical standards that controls Aetna’s business functions (Aetna, 2006). According to the preface message of Aetna’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Dr. Ronald A. Williams, every company’s employee, officer, and director is expected to follow the Code of Conduct because: a) it is the expectations of the customers from the company; b) they have a vow to live b their values, and; c) they would be functioning with the utmost principles of fair and ethical business guidelines given that they follow the contained guidelines in all their business aspects. However, the Code cannot cover all situations and Dr. Williams encourages the assistance or guidance of The Aetna Way and their Ethical Decision-Making Framework (to be discussed later in this paper) to conduct sound decisions and take the right actions in performing Aetna business practices. Ethical System The Code of Conduct contains ten (10) specific areas of topics in which the company discusses some policies on specific matters. The first one or Statement 1 deals with Conflicts of Interest that in general regards with the company’s requirement that its employees, officers and directors to keep away form real or obvious conflicts of interest to protect Aetna’s reputation. There should be avoidance in ownership interests or participation in excluded activities that would create a conflict of interest or interference in performing of a job. This requires reporting to the manager and compliance officer for review and sanction of affiliations on hand or ownership concerns that involves him or her or a family member or even a close friend residing in a home such as any positions with any â€Å"business, nonprofit organization or government entity that is an Aetna competitor, customer, provider or supplier† or for other cause or motives that may induce conflict of interest, and; getting hold of a considerable amount of partnership in possession of interest in any business or even partnership. However, the determination of conflicts of interest might sometimes be blurry and hence, guidance of a compliance officer might come necessary. There are also guidelines in the affiliations and interest of the Director and are not far-related to what have been discussed previously, and the review by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must also re regarded relevant. There are also guidelines and rules in accepting or giving gifts; travel, entertainment and honorarium; discounts and preferential treatment; and loans and guarantees of obligations. Statement 2 deals with record-keeping and use of the company’s property and resources which should be entirely legal and proper. This is so since Aetna and any other companies for that matter, is mandatory to submit relevant documents, reports and public communication to the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulators that also includes disclosure in a manner that is whole, impartial, accurate, timely and comprehensible. All of the company’s resources and property such s e-mail, internet and other computing and communications systems should only be used for the company’s purpose. Bribes and other illegal payments are also strongly discouraged by the company. Statement 3 embarks on fraud, dishonesty and criminal conduct since these apparently affect Aetna’s reputation and continued success. Hence, all business functions must be performed with honesty and with compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ethics rules. Statement 4 is with regards with protecting member and other confidential information of members, employees and the company itself from any inappropriate access, use or disclosure. This is also in integration and compliance with federal and state privacy and security laws that is applicable to the company. Private company information refers to member information, the company’s professional interests, and other relevant information about its clients, subordinates and even suppliers that might be used against the company or for the benefit of its competitor. This is applicable in the course of being under Aetna or after the affiliation with the company. Statement 5 deals with the company’s business and trade practices which should be complied with honesty and integrity since Aetna has its own laws and regulations that apply to the company’s business which are under federal law. The company’s Record and Management Policy is also strongly encouraged to be followed. Statement 6 encourages the company’s subordinates to support Aetna to be a responsible and trustworthy government contractor since the company treasures winning and keeping government contracts. This can be achieved by following federal, state and local laws that regards with government contracting and procurement. Employment laws must be also strictly complied with. The Code is also concerned with proper employment practices and welfare as well as the appropriateness of its workplace (Statement 7). The company complies with policies and programs that ensure the inclusiveness and safety or the workplace for its employees and business partners, promote fairness and respect for all, and promote a working environment where diversity and inclusion are appreciated. Federal laws that discourage discrimination, harassment, special personal relationships, violence and vices are strongly administered by the company. Such laws that are complied with in the company are the Equal Employment Opportunity and the Affirmative Action, which takes away the basing of business decisions on individual’s characters (such as sex, race, color, nationality, age and others; and the company’s very own Alcohol and Drug Policy that prohibits distribution, possession, use, purchase or sell of alcoholic beverages and illegal or prescription substances and drugs. Statement 8 deals with Aetna’s securities transactions which prohibits trade securities if an individual has no material nonpublic information about particular securities. Under this code, all are expected to comply to all insider trading and securities federal laws and the company’s own relevant regulations. Also included dealing and transacting with securities matters and management and secrecy of private information. The company and a subordinate could face civil and criminal consequence for insider trading since insider trading is unethical and unlawful. The statement also discusses on â€Å"material information† relevant in decision-making that concerns any transactions on the company’s securities. Statement 9 deals with the company’s interaction whether private or public to any external institution such as media organizations and even with the federal government. Anyone in close relation to the company and even its subordinates should not speak in behalf of Aetna only there was consent or authorization from the Board of Directors to take such action. Personal views should also be kept separate from the company’s view. He funds of the company should not be also utilized to engage on a lobbyist or to make a political donation except authorized by the Government relations. These are for the protection of Aetna’s reputation and an individual as well, under compliance of laws. Finally, Statement 10 deals with Aetna’s intellectual property. Apparently valuable, such property must be protected from improper use or disclosure whether owned by the company or licensed from others. Intellectual properties of the company must be controlled the legal and proper way. Usage of such property must be under approval of an internal legal counsel and in accordance with the Aetna Intellectual Property Guide. Policies on Aetna’s intellectual properties are also extended to the websites, videos, music and publications. Aetna’s ethical system as contained in its own Code of Conduct presents a vast range of policies that protects the reputation, integrity, security and welfare of both the company itself and its subordinates and members. As discussed above there are specific policies or code of ethics from recordkeeping, employee’s equal opportunity and to intellectual property rights. According to the company, all policies are established in compliance with federal laws. The company’s policies regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality have general basis as concluded by the study in a position paper from the Society for Health and Human Values and Society for Bioethics Consultation Task Force on Standards for Bioethics Consultation (Aulisio, 2000). One of their conclusions is that, abuse of power and conflicts of interest must be avoided in health care companies. This is so since ethics consultants have the authority and power to influence clinical care and such power can be exploited. Since conflicts of interest can be partial to consultants’ recommendations, important personal or professional linkages with one or more parties should be disclosed and be get rid of. In addition, the personal concerns of the consultants may be affected by giving advice that could act against the company’s financial or public relations concerns. Policies that concern on recordkeeping and use of the company’s property and resources, and insider trading are all in accordance to federal laws specifically in the Securites Exchange Act of 1933 and 1934 (USSEC, 2007). The two basic objectives of the former it that to mandate investors or companies receive financial and other relevant information regarding securities being offered for public sale and forbid â€Å"deceit, misrepresentations, and other fraud† in the sale of securities. The latter states that insider trading is illegal when an individual trades a security while in ownership of nonpublic material information in disobedience of an obligation to withhold the said information or renouncement from trading. On the other hand, policies regarding the company’s employment practices are also observed in compliance with federal employment laws. Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws prohibit job discrimination which covers almost all private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions and even the federal government (USEEOC, 2005). The said law is enforced by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and also complies with the American College of Healthcare Executives or ACHE (ACHE, 2003). Overall, Aetna covers the essential and core ethic issues in accordance to federal laws.