Strategic management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic management - Assignment Example Corporate strategy is basically about finding ways to generate value when different lines of business under the same company pool their resources. How can diversifying the corporate operations or launching into a new line of business assist the company in competing with other businesses? Diversification Strategy Diversification strategies are employed to develop a company’s operations by adding products, markets, production stages or services to the existing business. The aim of corporate diversification is to permit the business to participate in lines of business that are not the same as those in their current operations. Concentric diversification is descriptive of when the new business is strategically connected to the present lines of business. Conglomerate diversification, on the other hand, is descriptive of the situation when there is no familiarity or link between the old and new lines of business. Development strategies usually result in a considerable increase in ma rket share or sales objectives past previous levels of organizational performance (Gerami 2010). Many business establishments pursue different growth strategies on a regular basis. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that most business executives consider that greater investment will result in even bigger results. Increases in sales are frequently used as a measure for organizational performance. Even if the business profits stay constant or start to decrease, sales increases usually satisfy many organizational representatives. The presumption is usually made among corporate executives that increases in sales sooner or later result in large profits. Vertical diversification Diversification strategies are usually categorized according to the direction that the diversification takes (Cameron and Quinn 2011). Vertical integration is descriptive of when corporations take on new business functions at diverse stages of the manufacturing process. Participation in the different lev els of production can be initiated by procuring a different company (external diversification), or within the corporation (internal diversification). In the horizontal variety of diversification, or integration, the corporation basically moves into new corporate operations at the same level of manufacture. Vertical integration is normally associated with existing business functions and is perceived as being a form of concentric diversification. Horizontal integration, on the other hand, is presumed to be a conglomerate or concentric variety of diversification. Vertical Integration The steps that a manufactured commodity passes through in the process of being changed from being a raw material to being a finished product ready for use by the consumer make up the assorted stages of manufacture (Lumby and Jones 2004). When a corporation diversifies when on a level where it is closer to the level where raw materials are handled in the production stages, it is said to be taking the route of the strategy of backward vertical integration. Avon is an example of a company that deals in cosmetics. It's main line of business has been in presenting its products to customers on a door-to-door basis (Robertson and Caldart 2009). Some years ago, Avon decided to change its strategy. It basically followed a backward type of vertical integration when it started experimenting with different substances and

Technology Solutions for Human Services Paper Essay

Technology Solutions for Human Services Paper - Essay Example field of Human Services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. (National Organization for Human Services ,2009) Technology, having its roots in the application of science, can be termed as the type of knowledge that involves the implementation and origin of the technical METHODS AND the way these methods correlate with everything surrounding it such as life, society and the environment. The implications of technology have become a norm in present day world. Men and women alike do not see the passing of any of their days without the involvement of technology in it. If it is said that children born today are born having the spoon of technology in their mouths it would not be incorrect. The advent of technology has greatly improved the everyday living standard of every man in our society. The use of technology brings serious and lasting changes in just about anything concerned. The states of some phenomenon with and without implementation of technology are poles apart. Technology brings influence and enhances the usability. It is the current need of the day to incorporate technology in every aspect of life. Technology has been considered as a vital tool for assisting human services. Execution of a number of human services can be made much easier as the implementation of technology has delivered solutions to quite a number of problems that the human services’ departments are facing the world over. An attempt to classify the problems being faced in the human services’ facilitates of an organization has been made below. Furthermore, it is discussed that how can technology be used to address the problems being faced. Community Development is the process whereby social services are provided for the betterment of humanity on the

Lord of the Flies - Leadership Essay Example for Free

Lord of the Flies Leadership Essay The ideas of Leadership and human nature can best be related to an up and coming Hollywood star. They start out all innocent but the fame, fortune, and power catch up with them. It changes them, having people look up to you and knowing that they will follow everything they do allows you to understand the power that you have. They can end up going out of control and it will change them for the worst. The ability to have this kind of power, for Jack, turns him into being obsessive with being the leader of the tribe. When he does not win it makes him really jealous of Ralph. He makes everyone turn on Ralph to become the unofficial leader. The power drives him crazy and starts to beat on kids on the island for no apparent reason, it even escalades to killing them. It is human nature to have the desire for power, to lead other people, and control them, even though we don’t try to the greed can overpower us to do the wrong choices. The human nature of wanting power can come for several different reasons such as competition to be the leader of the tribe, having too much desire to be a leader, and when you are neglected by the others. A major reason there was greed to have power, in Lord of the Flies, is because there was competition in who would be it. Jack thought he was a shoe-in to be leader since he had the choir to back him up. Instead, Ralph was chosen over Jack. Jack was extremely angry that he lost and believed he deserved to be the leader. It was even embarassing to him because Ralph, who beat him out for being the leader, wasn’t even interested in winning. Jack became obsessed in having power over the tribe that he was ready to go great lengths to get what he wanted. He made some boys on the island feel like outsiders in order to get the tribe on his side. This is an example why competition is a main reason why there was a greed to have power. A large factor in Lord of the Flies, especially in Jack, is to have too much desire to be leader. When Jack used to live back in England he went to boarding school. In those days boarding schools were not the greatest places. He had boundaries on where he could go, what he could do and who he could talk too. Virtually, everyday of his life is scheduled. Once getting n this island he was free, he was free to do whatever he wanted. Because he was being confined to such a boring and routine life he wanted more than freedom. He wanted to control the freedom of others, he wanted to be leader. In his mind he was trying to prove he was responsible and could handle it, but what he did was plain cruelty and evil. You get a big impression that Jack never wants to leave this island. This is showing you that Jack you that Jack is one of the first to lose contact with civilization, its human nature to want power but he is going mad. A major key for Ralph to have power is because he was starting to get neglected by the others. At first Ralph wasn’t to fond in being chosen to be leader but knew he had some ideas on how they could get off the island. At first everyone listened to him and they were all excited to work. Then they wanted to hunt Ralph was okay with this because they could use some meat. This was a huge mistake, all they wanted to do was hunt. Ralph held assemblies to get them under control because no one was building shelters or working on the fire, they had lost all discipline The hunters were not happy what Ralph was telling him. The hunters were starting to favor the leader of the hunters Jack, because what he was telling seemed to be much more appealing to them. Jack then saw his chance to become the leader they were all frusterated at Ralph so the hunters all got together and moved out to a secluded part of the island. Those who were left behind, including Jack, were left with next to nothing. Ralph finally realized he was the lows of the lows, he was at Piggy’s level. This made him want some recognition to get back the status he once had so he joined Ralph. Once again its human nature that if you can’t beat them you join them. Ralph joined the group knowing it was wrong and through joining even lost contact with civilization. He want the power he once had as lesder but becomes a savage through it. Leadership, human nature and the effects it has is shown throughout the novel Lord Of The Flies. How much control we have over our human can make a big difference on our personality and how we react to different confrontations. The chance of having power will come at different times in our life we must choose the time we take them.

Comparing Machiavellis Prince and Martha Stuart :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Machiavelli's Prince and Martha Stuart    I believe Machiavelli's advice in The Prince was ideal for the rulers in 16th century Italy, because Machiavelli understood the motivation of most political men. Machiavelli based his theories on perfect examples throughout History. Machiavelli reverently believed his advice was essential for the uniting of Italy which was his principal desire.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Machiavelli states that in an ideal world, it is virtuous for a prince to be good. But in reality, princes who distance themselves from ethical concerns and do whatever it takes for the benefit of their states rule best. Therefore, it is better to be frugal than generous, cruel than loving, crafty than honest. Machiavelli's general rule is to be as good as circumstances allow, but be willing to resort to any means necessary for the good of the state. A prince must be willing to resort to evil if that is what it takes to overcome the change in fortune. Proper cruelty is done at one time and serves a specific purpose. Improper cruelty is repetitive and threatening to the citizens. A wise prince must be willing to practice proper cruelty in order to maintain power, but avoid improper cruelty so that his subjects do not feel hatred for him. Machiavelli emphasizes the need for the prince to win the support of the people. A feudal prince must be wise in controlling the nobles and keeping the people content.   A wise prince must not put off confrontations for another day. Even fortresses are useless if the prince does not have the support of his people.  Ã‚        Ã‚   Machiavelli makes it clear hypocrisy and deceit are legitimate methods in politics. It is not important for a prince to have good qualities; only appear to have them. The prince must have the characteristics of both the fox and the lion. The fox can recognize snares but cannot drive away the enemy while the lion can protect themselves but cannot recognize snares. In deduction, the prince must be cunning and courageous.   For Machiavelli, the wellbeing of the state has no ethical or moral implications. Anything that benefits the state is considered superior.   Machiavelli considers the appearance of being religious as the most powerful quality.

Paper Business

Harper, Savanna List', Melanie Price, Arthur Smith SENT 561 lull 29, 2013 Granular Saxons Wall-Mart Sampling Survey research is an important technique to measure consumer characteristics and opinions. The survey sample is defined as the survey demographic was any â€Å"customers† of Wall-Mart that shopped within stores. The type of survey administered chosen was a non-probability sampling survey, which is convenient for the customer to fill out on his or her terms.The collection process was identical to the distribution; through hand-to-hand transactions, mail-in, or while shopping online. The sample was a group of shoppers that totaled 10 stores in different regions, 50 per store. Once the surveys were collected, they were provided to the strategy department by way of the staff. In this research and data analysis Wall-Mart will provide an explanation of the findings and how they affect the company. Confidence Level: 1 180% 190% 1 199% I z-score: I 1 1. 28161 1. 645 11. 96 12. 5758 1 Precision I I Population Size = 150 1 What Is the sample size?Assumed= 195% 120 126 130 137 1 conservative P-150% 139 143 145 147 1 Summary of Learning Team Results Wall-Mart thought It was Imperative to gather accurate results when they administered their survey to the customers. Therefore, a basis of analysis was determined In which the retailer could gauge the survey results. Until this survey was developed, there was no standardized method for collecting Information about the Wall-Mart customer experience. When looking at the responses, Wall-Mart received the lowest average rating for question 9. In question 9 customers are asked how they rate the assistance on the sales floor.Poorly rated sales floor assistance may affect customer satisfaction ratings, and It Is Important to Improve this area to Increase customer satisfaction (Enclave, Benson, ; Squelch, 2011). The ratings Indicated that Wall-Mart received the highest rating for question number 5 In which customers were asked to rate the convenience of a 24-hour super center. The high rated response to this question may Indicate that customers are pleased with Wall- Mart because they offer a 24-hour shopping experience. Out of the 15 survey questions 10 questions average a response within 0. 0 above and below the neutral point of a score of 3. The survey rating results not only indicate a wide range for customer satisfaction improvement but also an overall customer satisfaction rating of only 56% satisfied with the Wall-Mart shopping experience Answers to the Research Questions Wall-Mart focused the survey questions on the customer experience at the store. The data was analyzed to establish a baseline of quantitative numerical value to trend throughout the year. The analysis of the data is to enable Wall-Mart to develop and define customer satisfaction strategies and vision.Out of the 15 survey questions 10 of the questions average a response within 0. 50 above and below the neutral point of a sco re of 3. The answers from the customer survey indicate a need for a strategic Lana to improve the overall customer experience at the Wall-Mart stores. The answers to the survey questions were beneficial to obtain the perception, view, and voice of the customers' experience during their Wall-Mart visit. Customer satisfaction promotes an increase in brand loyalty to Wall-Mart; therefore benefits business literacy and return on investment.The main focus is to keep the customer happy and coming back to the store (Wall-Mart Stores, Inc. , 2010). Research Challenges There are many challenges that can be faced when conducting survey research. Such as, dealing with primary research, determining the purpose and whether or not initiative or qualitative data is needed can present challenges in research. It sets the basis for the type and the direction the research should take. This includes proper place or method to distribute the survey, providing clear and concise questions or properly addre ssing cultural differences in order to effectively reach all consumers.These are some of the challenges our team faced when conducting and gathering research. Wall-Mart consumers come from all walks of life, yet, want to be provided the best customer service. Developing a line of questions that is understandable to all ages and cultures can come with barriers as well. Another challenge faced was getting accurate responses from customers due to the patience level and finding clear, concise questions that link the main research question. Steps to Minimize Challenges in Future Research There are various steps that can be used to minimize the research challenges in the future in order to be effective.The first step is determining the purpose for the research in order to decipher if qualitative or quantitative data is needed. Secondly, establish any language or cultural barriers in the beginning of the research that may cause communication issues in the line of questioning. This is appro priate because that way it provides accurate information in the responses. Another way to minimize challenges in the future will be to thoroughly set a return or time limit so customers don't feel rushed in responding. This goes along with possibly condensing the number of questions so customers do not feel overwhelmed, thus providing truthful answers.Lastly, although survey research is very cost effective, it can be very vague. The data helps determine the probability of popularity in the overall answers. However, sometimes further explanation is needed and in order to minimize the gray area. In the future, adding an additional incentive based discussion in the future can assist with the research. Rationale for the Survey Items Wall-Mart's focus is on their business problem, customer satisfaction to increase brand loyalty to benefit the business literacy and bottom-line.The organization's solution includes the use of customer surveys not only to gain quantitative analysis but also qualitative analysis to use to develop a strategic plan to increase customer and stakeholder satisfaction. The purpose of the survey is to use measurement questions to determine and obtain the customers' voice and perception. The survey is geared to improve the services and obtain customer feedback from the ratings provided. The questions used in the survey are specific to determine and obtain the customers' voice and perception of their Wall-Mart experience.The questions use a numerical rating scale to obtain quantitative data and a comment section to obtain qualitative information. Both are important to Wall-Mart to understand the wants and needs of the customer. The customer survey design is an attitude scaling survey. â€Å"Attitude scaling is the process of assessing an attitudinal disposition using a umber that represents a customer's score on an attitudinal continuum ranging from an extremely favorable disposition to an extremely unfavorable one† (Cooper ; Schneider, 2 006, p. 24). The question design is modeled from a combination of the Liker Summated Rating and basic numerical scales.These scales are used to gather ordinal and interval data from participants. The rating results may be summed to measure the customer's overall attitude toward the Wall-Mart customer experience (Cooper & Schneider, 2006). The numerical ratings are broken down into five different areas of measurement for the customer to review. A rating scale of one to five is useful in the quantitative research to obtain a rating to measure customer satisfaction to establish a useful continuous performance improvement program not only to increase customer satisfaction but also increase brand loyalty.The qualitative data is useful to obtain information along with the quantitative data to develop goals and strategies not only to retain the current customer but also to create a customer loyalty to increase business literacy (Enclave, Benson, & Cinch, 2011). â€Å"An increase of 5% in customer retention can increase profits by 25% to 95% (Market Tools, Inc. 2006, p. 3). Recommendation for Future Research There are many avenues Wall-Mart can take in the future in regard to the way the company performs research, one avenue are telephone surveys.In the future telephone surveys can be beneficial a toll-free number can be provided on the customer's receipt for them to call to leave feedback. When a phone interview is conducted by a person and not an automated system, the interviewer can ask more in-depth questions to determine the root of the score. A company can determine why a question scored so high or so little. This aspect is helpful to the company cause it allows them to know what needs to change to make a score better.For example if the parking has a poor rating, more in-depth questions may find that parking has a poor rating because there are always carts in the lot blocking spaces. This response allows the company to act on making that score better. Phone int erviews could also be useful year round, providing information for continual improvements to customer service. The company's survey that was recently conducted only allowed feedback at the end for an overall survey, adding a comment section at each question may also be helping to the company, if they choose to stay tit the current survey method.

Good cancer pain management can help patients feel better Essay

Most cancer patients suffer from pain in varying degrees during their illness. The management of this pain and its relationship in improving the wellbeing of the patient is the primary focus of this study. This paper approached the study by researching articles that dealt with pain management from different angles. After critical analysis of these articles this paper will arrive at a conclusion that addresses the research question.   The topics reviewed included: 1. The use of a clinical instruction module (CLIM) for hospice nurses to upgrade their skills (Plymale, M. et al, 2001) 2. The role of cognition in promoting the psychological well being of the patient (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002) 3. The use of pain management autobiographies to discover how best to deal with pain management (Schumacher, K. et al. 2001) 4. Overcoming patient related barriers to pain management by educating them (Chang, Ming-Chuan. 2002) 5. Providing a description of advanced cancer pain in home hospice subjects to enable the caregivers to alleviate their suffering (Dobratz, M. 2001) The material for this study was searched from the University of Wollongong database of Medline. The key words in the search for journal articles were nursing, research and cancer pain.   Articles were chosen for their relevance to the research question and the findings they came up with. Information that was obtained from these studies enabled the writer to draw important conclusions as concerns pain management in cancer patients with pain. The research is of extreme importance to the writer. I lost my husband to cancer. The trauma we all went through watching him in pain gave me a new impetus to do all in my power to ensure that no other patient will need to go through the same suffering as he did. As I continue to practice, I would like to contribute to breaking new ground in pain management in cancer patients; especially as concerns alleviating their pain and improving their quality of life. Article 1 In an article entitled ‘Cancer Pain Education: A Structured Clinical Instruction Module For Hospice Nurses’, appearing in the journal ‘Cancer Nursing ‘,Plymale M. et al (2001) studied the effect of pain education on the quality of service by caregivers. The research aimed to determine whether educating nurses on pain management will improve their ability to assess and manage pain in cancer patients. A clinical instruction module (CLIM) based on cancer pain management and assessment skills was administered to 25 hospice nurses whose average field practice was 4.1 years (Plymale M. et al. 2001, p. 424).The course involved the nurses going round 8 stations focussing on   different aspects of cancer pain, assessing 5 cancer survivors and one actor. They carried out tests on various aspects of pain management. Prior to and after the exercise the nurses self assessed their skills in pain management using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1(not competent) to 5(v ery competent). They also evaluated the CLIM on a similar scale. (1= strongly disagree; 5= strongly agree) All participants agreed that the course helped improve their competence in the teaching items that were being addressed. The use of patients with cancer was considered more beneficial as opposed to having actors. Nurses that felt competent enough before the course did not perceive any noticeable improvement in their abilities in the post exercise self assessment. This finding is consistent with the view that hospice nurses are more competent in dealing with cancer pain management than those nurses working in hospitals. Those who assessed themselves as not competent indicated a higher assessment of themselves after the course. In a further study conducted among post instruction medical students, those trained using a CLIM on pain management did better than those schooled it traditional methods. (Sloan P.A. et al., 2001, 112)     Ã‚  There is an urgent need to introduce CLIM’s addressing pain assessment and management in the teaching courses for all nurses and caregivers in a bid to improve their skills and service delivery. The more competent the nurses the better will be the treatment of patients in prolonging their lives and alleviating the pain they go through. A significant observation of this study is the competence level of hospice nurses was higher than that of their counterparts. It is advisable to seek their input in developing manuals and modules of this nature as they have first hand knowledge that is invaluable to this area of study. Article 2 ‘Pain And Hope in Patients with Cancer’, an article written by Chen, Mei-Ling and appearing in the journal ‘Cancer Nursing’ (2003) examines the relationship between pain and hope in cancer patients. Hope is a therapeutic factor in the treatment of any disease including cancer. Patients with high levels of hope coped better with the disease than did those who dwelt on the hopelessness of their situation. The hopeful patients on average tended to live longer and had extended periods of remission. This study had three main purposes; i. Examine the effect of disease status on hope levels among patients with cancer who have pain ii. Compare the level of hope between patients with cancer that have pain and those who do not iii. Determine which dimensions of pain are associated with hope (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p.62) The conceptual framework for the study was based on the ‘self- regulation model of coping with health threats’. (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p.62) The main emphasis is on how people cope with their health problems in their own unique ways. Personal beliefs, religious orientation, cultural practises and previous experiences all work to determine a patient’s attitude towards his illness.(Donavan, H.S., Ward, S., 2001, pp. 211 – 216) Any one of the factors mentioned will have a bearing on the hope levels of the individual. The study employed the use of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) to assess the level of hope. It sampled 274 inpatients with cancer at two medical centres in Taiwan. 226 of them finalised the survey and the analysis was based on their responses. The study used Perceived Meaning of Cancer Pain Inventory (PMCPI) to measure the meanings that patients ascribed to their pain. Four subscales were used and these were challenge, threat, spiritual awareness and loss. The findings showed that in cancer patients with pain and those without pain, the hope levels did not differ. However, sensory dimensions of pain showed a link between the bearable pain intensity and level of hope (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p. 65) The findings supported the view that the hope levels in patients were higher in those who were able to tolerate more pain. Perception of one’s pain played an important role in the way one held on to hope. Those who viewed the pain as a challenge were more hopeful than those who took it from a negative perspective. In assessing one’s reaction to treatment, it is notable that the findings showed no difference in hope levels for those patients who were unsure of the effect of treatment and those who affirmed that the treatment was working positively.

Free Essays on Superstition

Everyone has at least one superstition that they follow, whether they will admit it or not. Whether it’s from a certain religion, or a legend passed down from their ancestors. It’s in our human nature to come up with something to believe in, however obscure and ridiculous it may be. Many of these superstitions can dramatically affect a person’s life. Looking at the following examples will show what effects can come from trying to stay on the good side of the supernatural. Friday the 13th is thought of as the unluckiest day of the year. Some people take it so seriously they develop a morbid irrational fear called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. There are over 21 million people affected by this in the United States alone. Many people will avoid driving and ships will not sail. Others won’t even go to work or eat in restaurants, and you wouldn’t dare schedule a wedding on any Friday at all. Everybody knows about Friday the 13th and the story of it being curs ed, but some will let it get in the way of their normal everyday functions. One of the sadder and more pathetic superstitions is the belief that a certain small, furry animal is possessed by evil spirits. Just because of the color of its fur, people will see a black cat and try to get as far away from it as possible. Over the years people have figured out certain rules that determine whether contact with the cat will bring good luck or bad luck. Rules like, if a black cat crosses their path, it will bring bad luck, unless of course they immediately walk 12 steps backwards. If a black cat walks towards them, it’s good, if it walks away; more bad luck will come upon them. This superstition can cause people to either not own a cat because of its color, or if they have one they must take special care of it. Some very mixed up people will steal black cats on nights of full moons and especially on Halloween. They use these poor creatures for special sacrifices, hoping to release e vil s... Free Essays on Superstition Free Essays on Superstition Everyone has at least one superstition that they follow, whether they will admit it or not. Whether it’s from a certain religion, or a legend passed down from their ancestors. It’s in our human nature to come up with something to believe in, however obscure and ridiculous it may be. Many of these superstitions can dramatically affect a person’s life. Looking at the following examples will show what effects can come from trying to stay on the good side of the supernatural. Friday the 13th is thought of as the unluckiest day of the year. Some people take it so seriously they develop a morbid irrational fear called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. There are over 21 million people affected by this in the United States alone. Many people will avoid driving and ships will not sail. Others won’t even go to work or eat in restaurants, and you wouldn’t dare schedule a wedding on any Friday at all. Everybody knows about Friday the 13th and the story of it being cursed, but some will let it get in the way of their normal everyday functions. One of the sadder and more pathetic superstitions is the belief that a certain small, furry animal is possessed by evil spirits. Just because of the color of its fur, people will see a black cat and try to get as far away from it as possible. Over the years people have figured out certain rules that determine whether contact with the cat will bring good luck or bad luck. Rules like, if a black cat crosses their path, it will bring bad luck, unless of course they immediately walk 12 steps backwards. If a black cat walks towards them, it’s good, if it walks away; more bad luck will come upon them. This superstition can cause people to either not own a cat because of its color, or if they have one they must take special care of it. Some very mixed up people will steal black cats on nights of full moons and especially on Halloween. They use these poor creatures for special sacrifices, hoping to release evil... Free Essays on Superstition Everyone has at least one superstition that they follow, whether they will admit it or not. Whether it’s from a certain religion, or a legend passed down from their ancestors. It’s in our human nature to come up with something to believe in, however obscure and ridiculous it may be. Many of these superstitions can dramatically affect a person’s life. Looking at the following examples will show what effects can come from trying to stay on the good side of the supernatural. Friday the 13th is thought of as the unluckiest day of the year. Some people take it so seriously they develop a morbid irrational fear called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. There are over 21 million people affected by this in the United States alone. Many people will avoid driving and ships will not sail. Others won’t even go to work or eat in restaurants, and you wouldn’t dare schedule a wedding on any Friday at all. Everybody knows about Friday the 13th and the story of it being curs ed, but some will let it get in the way of their normal everyday functions. One of the sadder and more pathetic superstitions is the belief that a certain small, furry animal is possessed by evil spirits. Just because of the color of its fur, people will see a black cat and try to get as far away from it as possible. Over the years people have figured out certain rules that determine whether contact with the cat will bring good luck or bad luck. Rules like, if a black cat crosses their path, it will bring bad luck, unless of course they immediately walk 12 steps backwards. If a black cat walks towards them, it’s good, if it walks away; more bad luck will come upon them. This superstition can cause people to either not own a cat because of its color, or if they have one they must take special care of it. Some very mixed up people will steal black cats on nights of full moons and especially on Halloween. They use these poor creatures for special sacrifices, hoping to release e vil s...