Humman Cloning

* INTRODUCTION: The world of science and the public at large were both shocked and fascinated by the announcement in the journal Nature by Ian Wilmut and his colleagues that they had successfully cloned a sheep from a single cell of an adult sheep (Wilmut 1997). Scientists were in part surprised, because many had believed that after the very early stage of embryo development at which differentiation of cell function begins to take place, it would not be possible to achieve cloning of an adult mammal by nuclear transfer.In this process, the nucleus from the cell of an adult mammal is inserted into an ennucleated ovum, and the resulting embryo develops following the complete genetic code of the mammal from which the inserted nucleus was obtained. But some scientists and much of the public were troubled or apparently even horrified at the prospect that if adult mammals such as sheep could be cloned, then cloning of adult humans by the sameprocess would likely be possible as well.Of cour se, the process is far from perfected even with sheep— it took 276 failures by Wilmut and his colleagues to produce Dolly, their one success. Whether the process can be successfully replicated in other mammals, much less in humans, is not now known. But those who were horrified at the prospect of human cloning were not assuaged by the fact that the science with humans is not yet there, for it looked to them now perilously close. The response of most scientific and political leaders to the prospect of human cloning, indeed of Dr. Wilmut as well, was of immediate and strong condemnation.In the United States, President Clinton immediately banned federal financing of human cloning research and asked privately funded scientists to halt such work until the newly formed National Bioethics Advisory Commission could review the â€Å"troubling† ethical and legal implications. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized human cloning as â€Å"ethica lly unacceptable as it would violate some of the basic principles which govern medically assisted reproduction. These include respect for the dignity of the human being and the protection of the security of human genetic material† (WHO 1997).Around the world similar immediate condemnation was heard, as human cloning was called a violation of human rights and human dignity. Even before Wilmut’s announcement, human cloning had been made illegal in nearly all countries in Europe and had been condemned by the Council of Europe (Council of Europe 1986). A few more cautious voices were heard, both suggesting some possible benefits from the use of human cloning in limited circumstances and questioning its too quick prohibition, but they were a clear minority.In the popular media, nightmare scenarios of laboratory mistakes resulting in monsters, the cloning of armies of Hitlers, the exploitative use of cloning for totalitarian ends as in Huxley’s Brave New World, and the murderous replicas of the film Blade Runner, all fed the public controversy and uneasiness. A striking feature of these early responses was that their strength and intensity seemed to far outrun the arguments and reasons offered in support of them— they seemed often to be â€Å"gut level† emotional reactions rather than considered reflections on the issues.Such reactions should not be simply dismissed, both because they may point us to important considerations otherwise missed and not easily articulated, and because they often have a major impact on public policy. But the formation of public policy should not ignore the moral reasons and arguments that bear on the practice of human cloning— these must be articulated inE-4 order to understand and inform people’s more immediate emotional responses. This paper is an effort to articulate, and to evaluate critically, the main moral considerations and arguments for and against human cloning.Though many peopleà ¢â‚¬â„¢s religious beliefs inform their views on human cloning, and it is often difficult to separate religious from secular positions, I shall restrict myself to arguments and reasons that can be given a clear secular formulation and will ignore explicitly religious positions and arguments pro or con. I shall also be concerned principally with cloning by nuclear transfer, which permits cloning of an adult, not cloning by embryo splitting, although some of the issues apply to both (Cohen and Tomkin 1994).I begin by noting that on each side of the issue there are two distinct kinds of moral arguments brought forward. On the one hand, some opponents claim that human cloning would violate fundamental moral or human rights, while some proponents argue that its prohibition would violate such rights. On the other hand, both opponents and proponents also cite the likely harms and benefits, both to individuals and to society, of the practice. While moral and even human rights need not be un derstood as bsolute, that is, as morally requiring people to respect them no matter how great the costs or bad consequences of doing so, they do place moralrestrictions on permissible actions that appeal to a mere balance of benefits over harms. For example, the rights of human subjects in research must be respected even if the result is that some potentially beneficial research is made more difficult or cannot be done, and the right of free expression prohibits the silencing of unpopular or even abhorrent views; in Ronald Dworkin’s striking formulation, rights trump utility (Dworkin 1978).I shall take up both the moral rights implicated in human cloning, as well as its more likely significant benefits and harms, because none of the rights as applied to human cloning is sufficiently uncontroversial and strong to settle decisively the morality of the practice one way or the other. But because of their strong moral force, the assessment of the moral rights putatively at stake i s especially important. A further complexity here is that it is sometimes controversial whether a particular consideration is merely a matter of benefits and harms, or is instead a matter of moral or human rights.I shall begin with the arguments in support of permitting human cloning, although with no implication that it is the stronger or weaker position * The possibility of human cloning, raised when Scottish scientists at Roslin Institute created the much-celebrated sheep â€Å"Dolly† (Nature  385,  810-13, 1997), aroused worldwide interest and concern because of its scientific and ethical implications. The feat, cited by  Science  magazine as the breakthrough of 1997, also generated uncertainty over the meaning of â€Å"cloning† –an umbrella term traditionally used by scientists to describe different processes for duplicating biological material. Historical Background: The history of human cloning human cloning is undoubtedly one of the most fascinat ing chapters of our lives. Essential question to be discussed to understand the ramifications of human cloning is when human life begins? C. Ward Kischer, a famous American embryologists, wrote in a recent article: â€Å"Since 1973 when Roe vs. Wade was won there were many socio-legal issues related to human embryo. Abortion, fertilization in vitro research on human embryos, research on stem cells, cloning and genetic engineering are substantive issues of human embryology†.The answer is clear embryology that life begins at fertilization of the egg by a sperm (sexual reproduction) or if the SCNT cloning, implantation and activation when the donor somatic cell nucleus into an egg recipient (asexual reproduction). (6) Although non-mammalian cloning was achieved in 1952, mankind had to wait another 44 years until he was finally cloned the first mammal. The first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep was born on July 5, 1996. In this fascinating history of cloning, there has been a major setback in 2003 when Dolly died at the age of 6 years.Death of the first cloned mammal, was followed by a lively debate related issues / ethical aspects of cloning, debate that continues today. Besides the successful attempts to clone the different species of animals, XX century was marked by several important moments in the development of the genealogy. Deciphering the success of DNA code in 1968 came as an enormous progress around much desired human clone. With nearly 20 years later, by 1988 the human genome, that genome Homosapiens stored in 23 pairs of chromosomes has been released.As things were headed becoming better by the appearance of a human clone, a major problem has become â€Å"human cloning prohibition act† in 2009, which has labeled as cloning illegal, immoral, not unethical activity. Since 2009, human cloning is illegal in 23 countries. So far, experiments were undertaken with five species of animals and the high rate of failure has given rise to many questio ns about human cloning success. Only 1% of animal cloning made so far have had a positive result, but most of them have suffered serious disorders. The conclusion of experts is that the current level of technology, human cloning is very dangerous.I discussed two types of human cloning: therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Therapeutic cloning involves cloning cells from an adult for medicinal use and is an active research area, while reproductive cloning would involve the creation of human clones. Therapeutic cloning could provide unique ways to cure diseases until now considered incurable: diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease. (1) The third type of cloning called replacement cloning is a possibility in theory and would be a combination of therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning.Higher probability of achieving a therapeutic cloning is more accessible in terms of technique, but also less morally problematic. * Statement Of The Problem: * What is cloning? Are there different types of cloning * How can cloning technologies be used? * What Animal Haved Been Cloned ? * Can organs be cloned for use in transplants? * What are the risks of cloning? * Should humans be cloned? * How Human Cloning Will Work Cause And Effect: Ethics Ethical issues of human cloning have become an important issue in recent years. Many ethical arguments against human cloning are based on misconceptions.Many people think that these clones will have the same characteristics / personalities as the person cloned. Although clone and cloned individual have the same genes, traits and personalities are different. People think that a clone is physically identical to the donor and her behavior, but this is not true because although there is a physical identity, living environment shapes an individual's ongoing behavior and psychology. Many people believe that cloning will lead to loss of individuality eventually, but people have their own personality cloned which personality is similar to those in which they were created.Lawrence Nelson, associate professor of philosophy at UCS, said that embryos can be used for research if: – the purpose of research can not be achieved by other methods;   Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the embryos have reached more than 14-18 days of development;   Ã¢â‚¬â€œ those who use forbid you to consider or treat as personal property. One of the most serious problems of cloning of human embryos for therapeutic purposes, is that with harvesting stem cells, the embryo is formed by cloning practical killed. We can not reduce the existence of a human embryo to â€Å"a cell† as long as after both science and teaching of the Church, the human embryo is a carrier of life. 8) For a few years, the legalization of human cloning is in the center of global debate, which was also attended not only scientists but also politicians, philosophers, theologians, psychologists. For example, American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologist s (AAPLOG) has spoken out against cloning, drawing attention that some business people might think of trading a human life. (4) What is harder is that it could reach the reproduction of living people without them knowing, to be involved in this process or to give consent.Questions appeared on the social status of any clone. What will be their status in society? In the U. S. House of Representatives issued a ruling that human cloning is illegal, but the Senate has yet to rule on the matter. The opinions are still leaning toward accepting only therapeutic cloning. Legalization of therapeutic cloning has been proposed as the only way to investigate, the chances of success, the basic criterion for funding such programs as the primary objective should be finding cures for incurable diseases.A coalition of states, including Spain, Italy, Philippines, USA, Costa Rica and the â€Å"Holy Land† have tried to expand the debate on all forms of human cloning, noting that in their view, th erapeutic cloning violates human dignity. Costa Rica proposed the adoption of an international convention to combat any form of cloning. Australia has banned human cloning in December 2006, but therapeutic cloning is now legal in some parts of Australia. European Union – European Convention on Human Rights prohibits human cloning in an additional protocol, but the protocol has been ratified only by Greece, Spain and Portugal.England – The British government introduced legislation to allow therapeutic cloning in a debate on January 14, 2001. Hope that parliament will pass the law was prohibitive. Roman Catholic Church under Pope Benedict XVI has condemned the practice of human cloning, saying it represents â€Å"a grave offense against human dignity and equality among the people. † Human cloning is prohibited in Islam at the Tenth Conference in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia has decided on June 28, 1997-July 3, 1997 as the beginning of human cloning is â€Å"haraam† (forbidden by the faith-sin).Jesse Rainbow explain why there is an aversion to human cloning – a clone would not be a â€Å"real person† – cloning is â€Å"playing the God† – cloning is not â€Å"natural† mention in closing some of the conditions proposed in a provisional list yet, so research on therapeutic human cloning (reproductive one is illegal) to proceed lawfully: it is necessary for embryos to be used only in the early stages of their development, without being allowed to grow further, all programs research must be supervised by government organizations dealing with fertilization and genetic techniques, various research programs will receive funding and approval only if it is scientifically demonstrated that there is no other way of obtaining the same results conventional, will not be permitted to research on human genetic material can be combined with that of animals, there must be a permanent state of public information on resear ch undertaken and to be postulated that the limitations may be required to report the experiences and suffering of animals used for human benefit. (5)

The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 10

I Don't Know How This Works After some more lifting in the basement, I put on my trash bag and run my ten miles. Afterward, I shower, spray some of my father's cologne, and walk into the mist – just like Mom taught me to do back in high school. I roll on some underarm deodorant and then don my new khakis and my Hank Baskett jersey. When I ask my mother how I look, she says, â€Å"Very handsome. So handsome. But do you really think you should wear your Eagles jersey to a dinner party? You can wear one of the Gap shirts I bought you, or you can borrow one of your father's polo shirts.† â€Å"It's okay,† I say, and smile confidently. â€Å"Dr. Patel said wearing this shirt was a good idea.† â€Å"Did he?† my mom says with a laugh, and then she removes an arrangement of flowers and a bottle of white wine from the refrigerator. â€Å"What's this?† â€Å"Give these to Veronica and tell her I said thanks. Ronnie's been a good friend to you.† And then Mom looks like she is going to cry again. I kiss her goodbye, and with my hands full of flowers and wine, I walk down the street and across Knight's Park to Ronnie's house. Ronnie answers the door wearing a shirt and tie, which makes me feel like Dr. Patel was wrong after all and I am underdressed. But Ronnie looks at my new jersey, checks the name on the back – probably to make sure I am not wearing an outdated Freddie Mitchell jersey – and says, â€Å"Hank Baskett is the man! Where did you get that jersey this early in the season? It's great!† which makes me feel so much better. We follow the meaty aroma through their swanky living room and their swanky dining room to the kitchen, where Veronica is feeding Emily, whom I am surprised to see looking much older than a newborn baby. â€Å"Hank Baskett's in the house,† Ronnie says. â€Å"Who?† Veronica answers, but she smiles when she sees the flowers and the wine. â€Å"Pour moi?† She stares at my puffy cheek for a second, but doesn't mention it, which I appreciate. I hand her what my mother has sent, and Veronica kisses me on my un-puffy cheek. â€Å"Welcome home, Pat,† she says, which surprises me because she sounds sincere. â€Å"I hope you don't mind, but I've invited someone else to dinner,† Veronica adds. She winks at me and then lifts the lid off the single pot on the stove, releasing a warm tomato and basil aroma. â€Å"Who?† I ask. â€Å"You'll see,† she says without looking up from stirring her sauce. Before I can say more, Ronnie is lifting Emily from her high chair, saying, â€Å"Meet Uncle Pat,† which sounds strange until I realize he is talking about me. â€Å"Say hello to Uncle Pat, Emily.† She waves her little hand at me, and then I have Emily in my arms. Her dark eyes examine my face, and she smiles as though she approves. â€Å"Pap,† she says, pointing at my nose. â€Å"See how smart my girl is, Uncle Pat,† Ronnie says, petting the silky black hair on Emily's head. â€Å"She already knows your name.† Emily smells like the mashed carrots that coat her cheeks until Ronnie wipes them clean with a wet napkin. I have to admit that Emily is a cute kid, and I instantly understand why Ronnie has written me so many letters about his daughter – why he loves her so much. I start to think about having children with Nikki someday and I become so happy that I give little Emily a kiss on the forehead, as if she were Nikki's baby and I was her father. And then I kiss Emily's forehead again and again, until she giggles. â€Å"Beer?† Ronnie says. â€Å"I'm not really supposed to drink, because I'm on medications and – â€Å" â€Å"Beer,† Ronnie says, and then we are drinking beers on his deck as Emily sits in her father's lap and sucks on a bottle filled with watered-down apple juice. â€Å"It's good to have a beer with you,† Ronnie says, just before clinking his Yuengling Lager bottle against mine. â€Å"Who's coming over for dinner?† â€Å"Veronica's sister, Tiffany.† â€Å"Tiffany and Tommy?† I say, remembering Tiffany's husband from Ronnie and Veronica's wedding. â€Å"Just Tiffany.† â€Å"Where's Tommy?† Ronnie takes a long swig of his beer, looks up at the setting sun, and says, â€Å"Tommy died some time ago.† â€Å"What?† I say, because I hadn't heard. â€Å"God, I'm sorry to hear that.† â€Å"Just make sure you don't bring up Tommy tonight, okay?† â€Å"Sure,† I say, and then drink a few large gulps of my beer. â€Å"So how did he die?† â€Å"How did who die?† says a woman's voice. â€Å"Hi, Tiffany,† Ronnie says, and suddenly she is standing with us on the porch. Tiffany's wearing a black evening dress, heels, and a diamond necklace, and her makeup and hair look too perfect to me – as if she is trying too hard to look attractive, like old ladies sometimes do. â€Å"You remember Pat, right?† I stand, and as we shake hands, the way Tiffany looks into my eyes makes me feel really funny. We move back into the house, and after some small talk, Tiffany and I are left alone on opposite ends of the living-room couch as Veronica finishes cooking the meal and Ronnie puts Emily to bed. â€Å"You look very pretty tonight,† I say when the silence grows awkward. Before apart time began, I never ever complimented Nikki on her looks, and I think this really hurt her self-esteem. I figure I can now practice complimenting women on their looks so it will come naturally to me when Nikki returns, although Tiffany really does look pretty, even if she is trying too hard with the makeup. She is a few years older than me, but has a fit body and long, silky black hair. â€Å"What happened to your cheek?† Tiffany asks without looking at me. â€Å"Weight-lifting accident.† She just stares at her hands, which are folded in her lap. Her nails have been recently painted a blood red. â€Å"So where are you working now?† I say, thinking this is a safe question. Her nose crinkles, as if I had farted. â€Å"I got fired from my job a few months ago.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Does it really matter?† she says, then stands and walks into the kitchen. I down the remainder of my second beer and wait for Ronnie to come back. Dinner is elegant, with candles going and fancy plates and special silverware, but awkward, as Tiffany and I are completely silent while Veronica and Ronnie talk about us as if we aren't there. â€Å"Pat is a big history buff. He knows everything about every single U.S. president. Go ahead. Ask him anything,† Ronnie says. When Tiffany fails to look up from her food, Veronica says, â€Å"My sister is a modern dancer and has a recital in two months. You should see her dance, Pat. So beautiful. My God, I wish I could dance like my sister. If she allows us this year, we're all going to her recital, and you should definitely come with us.† I nod carefully when Tiffany looks up for my response, thinking I'll go just so I can practice being kind. Also, Nikki would probably want to go to a dance recital, and I want to do the things Nikki likes from now on. â€Å"Pat and I are going to work out together,† Ronnie says. â€Å"Look how fit my buddy is. He puts me to shame. I need to get in that basement with you, Pat.† â€Å"Tiffany loves the shore, don't you, Tiff? The four of us should take Emily to the beach one weekend in September after the crowds have left. We could have a picnic. Do you like picnics, Pat? Tiffany loves picnics. Don't you, Tiff?† Ronnie and Veronica trade facts about their guests for almost fifteen minutes straight, and then finally there's a lull, so I ask if any of them knows anything about the Vet being imploded, and to my surprise Ronnie and Veronica both confirm that it was demolished years ago, just like my father said, which worries me tremendously because I have no memory of this or the years that have supposedly transpired since. I think about asking how long ago Emily was born, because I remember getting a letter and picture from Ronnie soon after her birth, but I get scared and do not ask. â€Å"I hate football,† Tiffany offers. â€Å"More than anything in the world.† And then we all eat without saying anything for a while. The three courses Ronnie had promised turn out to be beer, lasagna garnished with baked asparagus, and key lime pie. All three are great, and I tell Veronica as much – practicing again for when Nikki comes back – to which Veronica replies, â€Å"Did you think my food would be bad?† I know she means it as a joke, but Nikki would have used the question to prove just how witchy Veronica can be. I think about how if Nikki were here, after we went home, we'd stay up talking in bed like we used to when we were both a little drunk – and sitting now at Ronnie's dinner table, the thought makes me feel sad and happy at the same time. When we finish our pie, Tiffany stands and says, â€Å"I'm tired.† â€Å"But we've hardly finished eating,† Veronica says, â€Å"and we have Trivial Pursuit to – â€Å" â€Å"I said I'm tired.† There is a silence. â€Å"Well,† Tiffany finally says, â€Å"are you going to walk me home or what?† It takes me a second to realize that Tiffany is talking to me, but I quickly say, â€Å"Sure.† Since I am practicing being kind now, what else could I have said – right? It is a warm night, but not too sticky. Tiffany and I walk a block before I ask where she lives. â€Å"With my parents, okay?† she says without looking at me. â€Å"Oh.† I realize we are only about four blocks from Mr. and Mrs. Webster's house. â€Å"You live with your parents too, right?† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"So no big whoop.† It is dark, and I guess it's about 9:30 p.m. With her arms crossing her chest, Tiffany walks pretty quickly in her clicky heels, and soon we are standing in front of her parents' house. When she turns to face me, I think she is simply going to say good night, but she says, â€Å"Look, I haven't dated since college, so I don't know how this works.† â€Å"How what works?† â€Å"I've seen the way you've been looking at me. Don't bullshit me, Pat. I live in the addition around back, which is completely separate from the house, so there's no chance of my parents walking in on us. I hate the fact that you wore a football jersey to dinner, but you can fuck me as long as we turn the lights out first. Okay?† I'm too shocked to speak, and for a long time we just stand there. â€Å"Or not,† Tiffany adds just before she starts crying. I'm so confused that I'm speaking and thinking and worrying all at the same time, not really knowing what to do or say. â€Å"Look, I enjoyed spending time with you, and I think you're really pretty, but I'm married,† I say, and lift up my wedding ring as proof. â€Å"So am I,† she says, and holds up the diamond on her left hand. I remember what Ronnie told me about her husband having passed away, which makes her a widow and not married, but I do not say anything about that, because I am practicing being kind instead of right, which I learned in therapy and Nikki will like. It makes me really sad to see that Tiffany is still wearing her wedding ring. And then suddenly Tiffany is hugging me so that her face is between my pecs, and she's crying her makeup onto my new Hank Baskett jersey. I don't like to be touched by anyone except Nikki, and I really do not want Tiffany to get makeup on the jersey my brother was nice enough to give me – a jersey with real stitchedon letters and numbers – but I surprise myself by hugging Tiffany back. I rest my chin on top of her shiny black hair, scent her perfume, and suddenly I am crying too, which scares me a lot. Our bodies shudder together, and we are all waterworks. We cry together for at least ten minutes, and then she lets go and runs around to the back of her parents' house. When I arrive home, my father is watching television. The Eagles are playing the Jets in a preseason game I did not know was on. He does not even look at me, probably because I am such a lousy Eagles fan now. My mother tells me that Ronnie called, saying it's important and I should call him back immediately. â€Å"What happened? What's on your jersey? Is that makeup?† my mother asks, and when I do not answer, she says, â€Å"You better call Ronnie back.† But I only lie down in my bed and stare at the ceiling of my bedroom until the sun comes up.

System Development Process and System Initiation Assignment - 32

System Development Process and System Initiation - Assignment Example One of the major problems with Carrefour’s current inventory system as depicted by its consumers is the occurrence of out-of-stock. This is due to high demand for its products as well as theft of goods by some employees. The major implication of out-of-stock to consumers is lack of trust and confidence in the firm. It is vital to note that consumer’s loyalty and trust is significantly generated by ensuring their favorite brands are available and that consumers do not have to wait for a long time for their delivery. The second problem faced by Carrefour retail stores in the long queue at the checkpoint. This does not only demotivate the current consumers but also it reduces the purchasing time that the customers need in order to appropriately select their goods. The key factor that causes long queue is lack of adequate employees as a result of high absenteeism. Thirdly, the store is faced with a problem of theft from its employees due to low salaries as compared to their counterparts in other stores. As a result of theft, Carrefour stock in more than 23 hypermarkets located in the Middle East diminishes making it hard to meet the high demand of its customers in different regions. As a result of the problem of out-of-stock, Carrefour’s inventory control system will maintain inventory at no more than three days-on-hand stock. This will ensure that the cost of maintaining stock is reduced as well as reducing the time of stock-taking by the auditors. Additionally, the store will easily identify the products that are running out of stock thus maintaining the loyalty of the existing consumers. To ensure that long queue is avoided at the checkpoint, 10-15 employees will be allocated for every employee. Additionally, Carrefour will establish 3 more checkpoints that consumers can use to enter and leave the store an aspect that will reduce the congestion at the checkpoint (West 11). As mentioned earlier, Carrefour out-of-stock  problem is also brought about by employees theft, in this regard, the firm will employ two security officers who will undertake a physical check of all the employees including those who are directly involved in stock taking and products arrangement on the stores.  

COURS WORK FOR INTERPERSONAL SKILLS MANAGEMENT Coursework - 1

COURS WORK FOR INTERPERSONAL SKILLS MANAGEMENT - Coursework Example Not only that, team performance and development are very important aspects of business, in terms of productivity, performance and profits. Thus, in the case of corporate activities, it is not only individual brilliance that matters but also the entire group endeavors, perhaps constituting a medley of capable, not so capable and average individuals who constitute the membership of team. Thus team leaders are responsible not only for their own performances but also achieving the performance and competency levels of individual constituents. While this is indeed a tall order, it does make sense when one considers that today’s business functions in a very competitive and aggressive environment wherein ultimate performance is of crucial importance in terms of market shares, productivity and profitability aided by teamwork. For the time beingâ€Å"It is concluded that management development as strategy has an important role to play in promoting organisational success, in developing individual and organisational effectiveness, and in differentiating the quality of a company and its people from competing organisations† (Buckley, 2011). Perhaps the most important skill would be that he should be able to inject leadership into the group- this does not mean that he should impose himself on others and be overbearing and autocratic, but it is necessary that he is able to draw forth the best work qualities of his team members through conviction, tact, discretion and diplomacy. Team members would not like to be forced into doing something- the initiative and drive for performing should come from within themselves and managers just guide and monitor their actions, putting in a word of praise or the need for improvement in certain areas for the team members. The basic qualities of leadership in terms of accepting responsibility, being hardworking and earnest oneself, able to back up the team in the event things go wrong, sincere, dedicated and

Feminism and the women in black movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Feminism and the women in black movement - Essay Example To fortify cohesion among women who have been alienated by guns and borders is a strong political aim and they intensely declare, "We are the group of women who stand in silence and black every week to express our disapproval against war. We have decided to see what is the women's side of this war. Women wear black in our countries to show the grief for death of the loved ones. We wear black for the death of all the victims of war. We wear black because the people have been thrown out of their homes, because women have been raped, because cities and villages have been burned and destroyed" (Women In Black, 1992, p. 50). Brief History & Description In contrast to most feminist groups, WIB clusters do not have decision-making bodies, elected officers or branches. One year after the start of the Palestinian Intifada, WIB was instigated by Israeli women going up against the Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in 1988. Expanding rapidly during the Gulf War and Yugoslav wars in the 1990s, there are probably 300 WIB clusters in possibly 30 countries all over the world. A salient feature of these groups is the practice of holding vigils which entail the women to wear black and stand at regular times and intervals in public places (Cockburn, 2005). Though WIB was in the beginning committed to obtaining peace in the Middle East, other groups almost immediately remonstrated against tyranny in the Balkans and India. For these activists, their status as women provided them extraordinary power and influence when it comes to insisting for peace. At present, the Women in Black in Israel persist on their peaceful and diplomatic resistance to the occupation in partnership with the Coalition of Women for a Just Peace. These groups have been protesting against the shutting down of several Palestinian cities, contending that the barricades preclude students from attending school and pregnant women from getting into healthcare centers and or having access to healthcare services. The group likewise calls for the full participation of women in peace negotiations (Foreign Policy, 2001, p.43). During their very first public statement in Belgrade, the activists characterized themselves as an anti-nationalist, anti-militarist, feminist, pacifist group who opposes the diminution of women to the role of just mothers. "The work of women in peace groups is presupposed, it is invisible, trying, women's work; it's a part of 'our' role; to care for others, to comfort, aid, tend wounds, and feed. The painful realization that the peace movement would to some extent also follow a patriarchal model caused a serious dilemma for feminist-pacifists. We wanted our presence to be VISIBLE, not to be seen as something 'natural,' as part of a woman's role. We wanted it to be clearly understood that what we were doing was our political choice, a radical criticism of the patriarchal, militarist regime and a non-violent act of resistance to policies that destroy cities, kill people, and annihilate human relations" (Women In Black 1993, 23a). In 1997, the WIB backed up and participated in the grassroots democracy movement in Serbia. The scenario looked more hopeful for the very first time in several years. However, Slobodan Miloevic was not about to be outmaneuvered of power by democracy. He rejected to acknowledge the outcomes of the election and later on seized power again. When

Influences on Providers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Influences on Providers - Assignment Example Healthcare expenditure is covered by several sources of funding including out-of-pocket payments where individuals pay for services through deductibles and copayments (Musgrave, 2006). Another source is the private health insurance coverage like the point-of-service plans (PPOs) and health maintenance organizations plans (HMOs). The US government expenditure on healthcare is incurred through government health plans like Medicare, Medicaid, Military Health system and Children’s health insurance program (CHIP) (Kronenfeld, 2002). Unemployment rate in the US has increased over the recent past. Unemployed individuals increase the financial costs of the health care providers since they may not be able to pay the deductibles and copayments. The high unemployment rate will increase the federal spending on Medicaid health care program (Sultz & Young, 2011). Increase in employment will lead to more employer financed healthcare insurance thus reducing the costs of government sponsored programs. Employees are more willing to purchase healthcare insurance once they are offered benefits like income tax allowances by the employee (Sultz & Young, 2011). About 46.3 million citizens representing 15.4 percent of total population have no insurance coverage. The number of uninsured citizens has been increasing due to lack of employment and ineligibility in government sponsored health care schemes (Sultz & Young, 2011). When the uninsured are unable to pay for the full medical costs, such costs are added to the provider’s costs. The increase in healthcare insurance will lead to early detection of the medical conditions thus a reduction in the overall medical costs incurred by the healthcare providers will be possible (Musgrave, 2006). The US economic downturn has increased the overall unemployment rate in the economy. The recent economic meltdown and financial crisis have led to

Outsourcing And Supply Chain Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Outsourcing And Supply Chain Management - Essay Example India is one of the world’s top destinations for outsourced work. Companies along with manufacturing parts they also outsourced their services. Functions like customer service are often outsourced to call centers outside the United States. One of primary advantages of outsourcing is that it enables companies to reduce costs. One of the disadvantages of outsourcing work is that the company loses the ability to control its quality. Another advantage of outsourcing is that it creates flexibility for an enterprise. The cost savings achieve through outsourcing can be a critical success factor that keeps a particular company in business. In the auto industry companies often outsourced the production of auto parts. My sister was a victim of outsourcing because her company shut down operations in America to move to Asia. Answers.com (2011). Outsourcing. Retrieved February 13, 2011 from http://www.answers.com/topic/outsourcing 2. The supply chain management of an organization is a very important factor that can make or break a company. Supply chain management is the combination of art and science that goes into improving the way your company finds the raw components it needs to make a product or service and deliver it to customers (Wailgum, 2008). A company that in the 1990’s was able to separate itself from the competition due to its unique supply chain management techniques was Dell Corporation. Dell revolutionized the computer industry by becoming the first virtual computer company. The firm saved a lot of money in inventory costs by delivering turn-key computer products to its customers. A few years ago I worked for a company that changed its suppliers three times during a year due to the fact that none of the companies supplied raw materials would provide an adequate level of service. Wailgum, T. (2008). Supply Chain Management Definition and Solution. Retrieved February 13, 2011 from http://www.cio.com/article/40940/Supply_Chain_Management_Definition _and_Solutions 3. Outsourcing has gotten a bad reputation from many Americans who viewed outsourcing as an evil business strategy that is hurting the US economy by taking jobs oversee. The reality is that outsourcing is saving more jobs than what is taking away. If American companies did not utilize outsourcing on many occasions these firms would not be able to compete. Outsourcing provides companies with much needed savings. The savings achieved through outsourcing enables companies in America to keep their prices competitive. 4. Outsourcing has become a very popular concept that is gaining popularity across America. In 2010 the television broadcasting network NBC developed a parody series called Outsourcing. The series is a comedy that illustrates how American companies are moving their service operations to India in order to reduce costs. In the series only the manager is American, while the rest of the staff is composed of India workers. When I watched this series I sometimes as k myself how spread is the outsourcing movement in America. In the series the workers are highly competent salespeople that get the job done. 5. In a way outsourcing affects most businesses in America directly or indirectly. You mentioned that in your dentistry practice the business is affected by outsourcing from the material acquisition perspective. Many companies nowadays choose to buy parts and raw materials from China and India due to their lower costs. Purchasing materials from these countries enables American companies to be able to keep their prices low. Businesses are not the only ones looking for a bargain these days. The internet has allowed people to compare prices and find the lowest possible price on their purchases. 6. Your response was very insightful

Corrections Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Corrections - Case Study Example image created in the media can be remedied if the media stopped focusing on the profitability of the content and instead promote giving accurate information about prison facilities. This will make the public to be sentient about the functions of prisons and their significance in law enforcement. a) Some of the media stereotypes, which are associated with correction facilities, include the following. Correctional facilities are depicted as places characterized by physical brutality where the inmates are subjected to violence (Surette 179). The prisons are also stereotyped to have corrupt individuals who benefit from the situation of the inmates. b) The perceptions on the image of the institutions can be addressed if the media focuses on the actual situation in the prisons. This will give the public a clear insight into the operations of the facilities hence rid the society of the stereotypes. The media are integral in changing the negative stereotypes associated with correction

Earthquake Kills 22 in southwestern China Essay Example for Free

Earthquake Kills 22 in southwestern China Essay 1. Type of crisis Earthquake is an example of adventitious crisis, a natural disaster â€Å"that is not part of an everyday life and is unplanned and accidental† (Varcarolis, 2006, pp 422-423). Victims of earthquakes usually suffer from trauma, panic, shock, grief, fear and mental disorganization (which could be manifested by running around aimlessly or inability to concentrate). People who suffer from such an adventitious disaster are reported to have flashbacks or nightmares connected to the event after it happened. 2. Type of stressors that contributed to the crisis Earthquakes happen suddenly and people are caught off guard with the sudden and swift destruction that it brought about to them personally (e. g., damage or loss of property and the painful loss of a loved one or loved ones).  Ã‚   Psychologically, emotionally and mentally the victims are not prepared for the sudden loss and change of life or way of life (e.g. having to live in an evacuation center with all of its limited supply of basic necessities, or having to live with a physical disability due to the earthquake). In this instance, anxiety, grief and panic levels go up severely in just a matter of seconds.   With the combine sudden loss of property and loved ones, the victim/s may be overwhelmed. 3. Coping skills of the people involved Since problem is a part of life, it is very important that a person has learned a number of techniques that can be use to lower anxiety and to adapt to the situation when problem arises. One of the key techniques that people use is to engage in prayer. Prayer helps to lighten the load as a person learns to accept and submit to the will of God.   Also, prayer clears a person’s mind which enabled him to restore balance and equilibrium and make right choices. A person should also not isolate himself but should express to others what he is feeling and allow himself to be surrounded and comforted with other members of the family and friends. Moreover, the victim should cooperate with the help and assistance being provided by the government, counseling, medical and other disaster agencies.   If needed he should transfer to a place or engage in activities that helps him forget the incident (Varcarolis, 2006, pp.423-429). In the case of children, they should be taught to understand the situation, be assured by the parent’s presence and parents should model calm behavior and seek to divert the children’s attention by providing fun activities for them( Handouts : Talking to Children about Crisis). 4. Goal of the resolution of the crisis â€Å"Crisis by definition is self-limiting so that as soon as possible they are resolved, preferably within 4 to six weeks† so that a person or group of persons function normally again in spite of their loss and accept what happen to them during the earthquake disaster ( Varcarolis, 2006,p.422  Ã‚  Ã‚   ). More importantly the goal of the resolution of the crisis is to lower anxiety level since anxiety hampers the person’s ability to face and solve his own problems. Short term goals of the resolution of the crisis by the end of the first session involves the lowering down of anxiety level from severe to moderate or moderate to mild, clarify the problem in solvable terms, identify existing supports and other needed supports, set realistic goals to deal with the problem and identify a step by step plan of action. Otherwise a person’s safety may be at risk for due to hopelessness, grief, and fear he may tend to act suicidal or become mentally ill (Varcarolis,2006 ,pp. 427 430). 5. Possible resources/referrals that might be needed to help to return to pre-crisis level of functioning It may be necessary that victims of earthquakes should be remove from the place where it happened. Therefore, they may need to be referred to a stable shelter. Rehabilitation, debriefing and counseling is also recommended where psychologists, counselors and other cognitive-behavioral therapists helps them to restore balance and equilibrium. Friends, family and peer groups should also be a part of the healing process. If the person develops psychotic thinking, violent or suicidal behavior then he may need a psychiatric treatment. If he suffers from physical injuries or other health needs then he must be rushed to a hospital or clinic. Children whose parents were not coping well with the stress that the disaster had caused should be put under child care. Vocational and skills training program should also be provided to help the victims go back to supporting themselves again especially for those who had become disabled (Varcarolis, 2006, pp. 429-438; Handouts: Talking to Children about Crisis).

Become Legendary Essay Example for Free

Become Legendary Essay The Kobe and Lebron comparison is now probably the biggest and most controversial talk in today’s sports news. Lebron can go to the hoop with authority, while Kobe is a sleek and flashy all around shooter. Although being two of the best players in the world they are very different in the ways they play the game of basketball. Though both Kobe and Lebron went to the NBA straight out of high school, and being two of the league’s best all around players who are lethal threats which must take an extraordinary game plan to defend. With the association and contrast of the two legends, whether it is by trophies or championship titles, or all around stat freaks, these will be main contributing factors in crowning the best. Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the league’s best all around players of all time. He can drive, shoot, and his finish is one of a kind. His defense is shut down and plays with fouls as a defensive mechanism. Not only is he top class on the floor, but on the free throw line as well. Also being one of the league’s most consistent free throw shooters since entering the NBA. Kobe plays the game as if he invented it; he is one of the world’s most respected and popular players. Kobe has five NBA championships and is a twelve time NBA all star. Kobe Bryant age thirty-two is one of the most decorated players in the history of the NBA, and is a future hall -of -famer. Kobe also has had an unheard of eighty-one points in a single game. Kobe’s down side is that he is not consistently aggressive or hard going to the boards (getting rebounds or dunking). With all that said I feel like Kobe Bryant will ever be remembered as one of the elite players to ever play in the NB A. Lebron James aka â€Å"King James† is a one of a kind, straight out of high school player who took on the league with a head full of steam. One of the most athletic and young freaks the NBA has probably ever seen. He has matured from a young kid to a man in a matter of seasons, while adding a different edge to his game every year. Lebron who is seven years younger than Kobe is a seven time NBA all star, but has yet to win a single NBA championship. Coming out of high school Lebron was the first pick out of the first round  out of the NBA draft. Though Lebron the young hot shot he is seems to receive a lot of criticism because of the recent change in location to south beach. Even though Lebron is such an amazing player, the thing that hurts him the most is his shooting at times. Lebron isn’t just a basketball player; he’s a business man as well with endorsements from companies such as Nike and Sprite. Forbes magazine ranked James as the second most influential athletes in the past decade. This new kid on the block has produced points and shows what he can do every night; he puts points on the board and fans in the stands. Both of these iconic athletes are incredibly amazing in all their unique ways, whether on or off the court. Together they have won two gold medals in the Olympics for the United States. They are both the league’s present day top players who decided that college wasn’t for them. Lebron and Kobe were both first round picks in the NBA draft and the number one ranked player coming out of high school. They both are astonishingly efficient in every aspect of the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Blocking shots and playing hard noised defense is what they do best. With a shot and release like no other they are quick scorers and know how to score from anywhere and in any situation on the floor. They both bring more to the game than just skill but as leaders vocally and emotionally on their teams. Not only are they the leaders on their teams, but are the faces for basketball and the NBA everywhere in the world. In my opinion this is not even that close. James has better numbers across almost every statistical category. In clutch situations such as fourth quarter or overtime, less than five minutes left, neither team ahead by more than five points. Bryant actually has a higher field goal percentage and three-point percentage as well as more rebounds and assists per 48 minutes. James is a superior slasher, finisher, and defender as well as being stronger and more athletic. Bryant may have a killer instinct, but James has a mean streak of his own. With his unbelievable three point plays and up tempo offense. When all is said and done, Lebron James may go down as a better NBA basketball player than Kobe Bryant, but who knows, these guys are neck and neck.

Strength of the electromagnet

Strength of the electromagnet Aim: To investigate how different factors affect the strength of the electromagnet. Introduction: There are totally two factors that I am going to investigate in this experiment: m F1: How the number of coils affects the strength of the electromagnet. m F2: How a change in current affects the strength of an electromagnet. Hypothesis: m F1: I think as the number of coils increase the strength of the electromagnet would also increase. m F2: I think as the current increases the strength of the electromagnet would also increase. Variables: m F1: * Independent: Number of coils. * Dependent: Distance at which compass needle deflects.(+/-0.05 cm) Â · Constants: Current, diameter of the wire, temperature, same iron core. m F2: * Independent: Current (+/-0.01amps) Â · Dependent: Distance at which compass needle deflects.(+/-0.05 cm) Â · Constants: Number of coils, diameter of the wire, temperature, same iron core. Apparatus: * Power Supply * Ammeter (Â ±0.01amps) * Electromagnets with different number of coils * Plastic Ruler (Â ±0.05cm) * Plotting Compass * Crocodile clip wires * Rheostat Procedure: Â · Using crocodile clips connect the circuit in the following way: Â · F1: Â § Take an iron nail and with the help of a nichrome wire, coil it around the nail 5 times. Â § Switch the circuit on and wait for a minute. Â § Note down the constant current. Â § Take the plotting compass and steadily place it close to the electromagnet and slide it away in a straight line till the needle deflects slightly to one side from its vertically straight position. Â § Place a ruler from the north pole of the electromagnet and note the distance where this deflection occurs. This where the magnetic field lines would approximately end, and hence more the distance more the field lines and greater the strength. Â § Repeat the steps above but with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 coils. Â § For the same number of coils measure the distance of deflection 2 times for a second trial. Â · F2: Â § Using the same circuit now adjust the variable resistor so that u have a current of 0.5amps flowing through the circuit. Â § Make the constant number of coils to be 10 coils. Â § Take the plotting compass and steadily place it close to the electromagnet and slide it away in a straight line till the needle deflects slightly to one side from its vertically straight position. Â § Place a ruler from the north pole of the electromagnet and note the distance where this deflection occurs. This where the magnetic field lines would approximately end, and hence more the distance more the field lines and greater the strength. Â § Repeat the steps above but with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 amps. Â § For the same current record the distance two times for a second trial. Raw Data Table F1: Effect of the number of coils on the strength of the electromagnet. Number of Coils of electromagnet Distance of deflection from North Pole of the magnet(+/-0.01cm) Trial 1 Trial 2 5 1.7 1.9 10 4.9 5.1 15 7.6 7.5 20 9.5 9.5 25 12.3 12.1 30 14.8 15 35 16.9 17.2 Constant Current 0.75 A F2: How changing current affects the distance at which the needle deflects. Current (+/-0.01A) Distance from North Pole of the magnet(+/-0.05cm) Trial 1 Trial 2 0.5 1.3 1.2 1.0 2.9 3.0 1.5 4.6 4.6 2.0 6.2 6.3 2.5 7.9 8.0 3.0 9.3 9.5 3.5 10.7 10.8 4.0 11.6 11.8 4.5 12.1 12.3 5.0 12.6 12.9 5.5 12.8 12.8 Constant No. of Coils 10 Processed Data Table: The only processing that can be done in this experiment is to find the average distance for the investigations for both the trials and hence making it easier to make the graph. F1: Effect of the number of coils on the strength of the electromagnet. Number of Coils of electromagnet Average Distance of deflection from North Pole of the magnet(+/-0.05cm) 5 1.8 10 5 15 7.55 20 9.5 25 12.2 30 14.9 35 17.05 Constant Current 0.75 A F2: How changing current affects the distance at which the needle deflects. Current (+/-0.01A) Average Distance from North Pole of the magnet (+/-0.05cm) 0.5 1.25 1.0 2.95 1.5 4.60 2.0 6.25 2.5 7.95 3.0 9.40 3.5 10.75 4.0 11.70 4.5 12.20 5.0 12.75 5.5 12.80 Constant number of coils 10 Now I will plot the graphs of both these averages. Graph Analysis: (Graph at the End) F1: As you can see the graph is proportionate. As the number of coils increases the strength of the electromagnet also increases. There is a positive co-relation and this can be proved by theory as well. As the number of coils increase, the magnetic field of each coil also increases and hence a larger magnetic field would cause the electromagnet to be stronger. There is only one anomaly in our results at 20 coils and this can be neglected as it is a very minor anomaly. F2: In this graph also we notice that there is a positive co-relationship and hence the current is proportionate to the strength of the magnet. As current in a circuit increases the strength of the magnet would also increase as the coil is provided with more charge and hence the field lines would be spread over a larger area and the strength would be larger. But in this graph after 4.0 amps the graph is no longer proportionate. This can be due to the large amount of heat generated in the wires causing more resistance and the value of current would have changed and hence the curve in the graph. Conclusion: Our hypothesis for both the factors was proven right by our graphs. Strength of an electromagnet is proportionate to the current and the number of coils in the solenoid. As the number of coils increase the area of the magnetic field lines also increases hence a stronger electromagnet is produced. It is the same for an increase in current. But after a certain current it becomes tough to maintain other constant factors like temperature which might cause inaccurate results. Evaluation: Â · We could have taken more trials to get better results. Â · We could have used an insulated wire so that the wire wont heat up so fast and it wouldnt have changed our results. Â · The current wasnt always exact. It kept fluctuating hence it may have given inaccurate readings. Â · The exact distance where the needle turned would be very tough to find out as it turns over a range of distance hence that may have given inaccurate results. Fair Test: * The distance between the coils was kept the same in all the trials. * For the first experiment we kept the current constant so that we can fairly compare the results. * For the second experiment we kept the number of coils the same so that we can fairly compare the results. * And for both the experiments we kept the same material of the core and the wire. Safe Test: Â · As it was dealing with electricity we made sure we did not touch any open ends to prevent ourselves from getting a shock. Â · Also we did not touch the wire right after the experiment was over as it may have been quite hot.

Misconceptions About Working at Hollister :: Work Job Experience Essays Papers

Misconceptions About Working at Hollister I am employed at Hollister Company, a clothing store that targets young adults, which is located in Colonial Mall Bel Air. When I tell people that I work there, they automatically assume that I fit the description of a dense, snobbish prep. Some people believe that I have a glamorous, easy job or that I am lucky to have a job that allows employees to dress very casually. However, these are a few of many misconceptions portrayed about this popular retail store. It is true that a few of my coworkers carry the ‘holier than thou’ attitude, but for the most part, we are just an ordinary and down-to-earth group of people; in fact, a lot of us are downright dorky and are not the perfect models that we are portrayed as. Some people think that the employees at Hollister have no common sense or are slower-minded than the average person. I find this to be quite offensive, and I am sure that my coworkers agree because the opposite of this misconception is true. Most, if not all, of the employees are either in high school or college and are incredibly intelligent individuals. Despite what some might think, this job involves more than just folding clothes. It takes skills and practice to learn how to fold the merchandise correctly while greeting every customer who enters the store. Many people think that we do not work hard and all we do is play and fool around. However, on a slow business day, like Monday, or a very busy day, like Saturday, we are folding constantly and if the managers catch us not working, they will find something for us to do or send us home. Some of the responsibilities that we have when working the dressing room make us feel like we are intruding on the customers’ privacy and make us very uncomfortable. For example, we are required to remove each item from the customer’s hands as they enter and leave thedressing room and shake each item for clues of hidden merchandise. Hollister also has what is called a jean goal, which means we are required to greet and ask all customers if they would be interested in trying on a pair of our jeans. The customers usually cannot hear us over the loud music, so we have to ask them a few times before they are able to understand.

The British Expeditionary Forceâ??s intervention in World War I :: essays research papers

When France, Britain and Russia entered the Triple Entente, Germany was faced with a problem. It wanted to capture France but knew that if it attacked then Russia would invade and it would face a war on two fronts. The Schlieffen plan was a solution to this threat. The plan was to invade France through Belgium and then to quickly to encircle Paris by flanking around it from the north. Once Paris was in German hands France would be relatively secure, leaving Germany to deal with Russia to the East. There were a number of reasons for the failure of the Schlieffen plan; it relied on a series of assumptions in order to succeed. The Germans assumed that Russia would take a long time to mobilise its forces from all over a large country. The Germans also forgot about the treaty signed by both Prussia and Britain in 1839, stating that they would defend the neutrality of newly formed Belgium, the Kaiser called it a ‘scrap of paper’ but it may well have lost Germany the war. During the course of the war the British Expeditionary Force which arrived very soon after the invasion of Belgium had a very important role in slowing down German forces. Despite its comparatively small size of 70,000 men the BEF was very effective in fighting alongside French units in order to inflict many casualties upon their attackers. Sir John French ordered the force to defend the town of Mons and they did so very effectively, holding the town against huge opposition before eventually falling back. I think that the BEF was one of a number of issues that Von Schlieffen did not account for in his plan and that altogether these meant that the plan failed. Although the British Expeditionary Force played a very important role it was certainly not the only cause of the problems encountered by Germany in executing the Schlieffen plan. Other factor which played a major role were the defence put up by Belgian forces and the speed of Russia’s mobilisation, neither of which Germany was expecting. The Schlieffen plan was to capture France within six weeks; Germany assumed that during much of this time Russia would still me amassing its forces, in fact within 10 days Russia was mobilised to attack Germany from the eastern front with more forces than could be contained by Austria-Hungary and so some German units were forced to return in order to defend their homeland from attack, this weakened their advance through France.

Harvey Wasserman’s ‘Robber Baron’: Criticizing Essay

â€Å"Robber Barons† Harvey Wasserman’s â€Å"Robber Baron† is a harsh critic of not only legendary titans in the American business history, but also of the politics and politicians of the Gilded Age. In his monograph, the images of â€Å"robber barons†, corrupt politicians and laissez-faire government is conjured in the era wherein many important sectors of the American economy were dominated by a handful of firms as cut-throat business competition were compounded by frequent economic contractions that gripped the nation. Wasserman accused the captains of industry of financial trickery and of political corruption with the bribing of legislatures, and attacking them for the inhumane treatment of labor which included the imposition of heavy hours, unhealthy working conditions and using cheap immigrant labor to undercut wage rates. But above all, Wasserman condemned them as merciless monopolists who engaged in ruthless competition by choking off rivals using railroad rebates, controlling raw materials and money supply, and the forced purchase of competing firms. According to Wasserman, Carnegie, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt all had something in common – they were all â€Å"Robber Barons† who monopolize the railroad, petroleum, banking, and steel industries, profiting massively and gaining personally, but not doing a whole lot for the common wealth. Many of the schemes and techniques that are used today to rob people of what is rightfully theirs, such as pensions, stocks, and even their jobs, were invented and used often by these four men. Wasserman’s narrative relentlessly pursue troubling and crippling side effects of the Gilded Age: high levels of political corruption, the arrogance of global economic power, the twisting of the U. S. tax code, and the voter belief in the captivity of government to private interests. But is it fair to consummate in totality, as per Wasserman, these early industrialists as â€Å"robber barons† and the business practices of the Gilded Age as completely corrupt and pointless? The stereotype is indeed irresistible, especially so that it resonates in our time with the Enron, WorldCom and other corporate debacles. But nonetheless, Wasserman’s critique of capitalism is one-sided and obscures other dimensions of corporate activity and opportunity during the era. Take for instance, the doubling of the number of farms and the amount of land in cultivation during the period, the increased size of the workforce, especially in the manufacturing sector, the increased railroad track mileage and the swelling of steel production – all pointed to a surging Gross National Product (GNP). With increased life expectancy, economic data proved that industrialization indeed did raise the standard of living for the majority of Americans during that era. The railroads that became the point of contention between business moguls, was the definite symbol of industrialization as it lowered the cost of shipping freight, which in turn permitted the reduction in the prices consumers paid for food and durable items, thus creating the evolution of national markets that stimulated new levels of competition, opportunity and further growth. Although it still remains an endless debate as to the exact preposition that beholds the likes of Carnegies, Rockefeller, Morgan and Vanderbilt, it is beyond doubt that corporations, a number of which were owned by these men, were the engines of economic growth. In the 40 years following Appomattox, the United States amazed European investors and bankers with the speed at which she changed from a backward agricultural republic to the most powerful industrial force in the world. During the years of the so-called â€Å"robber barons†, America outpaced other nations by large margins when it came to growth in per-capita income, industrial production and rising values generally. Moreover, the Gilded Age also saw economic participation at all levels of society, including numerous previously disenfranchised constituencies. Thus, it is worth noting, Wasserman’s narrative, along with that of Charles Beard and Matthew Josephson (the original creator of the â€Å"robber barons† dichotomy), needs a further reassessment. From Wasserman’s narrative, it is easy to reach the conclusion that the post Civil War program providing subsidies to western railroads was a disaster, a way of transferring millions of the people’s wealth to a few politically well-connected plutocrats. Seemingly, it would have been attempted. But when all the dust settled, the United States did have a transcontinental railroad. Without the offer of mammoth government subsidies, such railroad construction would not have happened for decades.

Muslim Nationalism Dbq

Ryan Rojas 4/6/8 AP World History 3rd Period Muslim Nationalism DBQ Muslim leaders in North Africa and India saw the needs for nationalism in the Muslim areas and took on the issue of westernization as they saw right. A portion of Muslims wanted to welcome western ideas. And others didn't want western ideas around, they thought they needed to be one in their own nations, not in the co.uk/why-nations-fail-chapter-5-review/">Nations of the west. Some saw westernization as a flawed idea or solution, and used parts of westernization that would help them the most, and still allow them economic freedom. Most of the world was near required to westernize, during the Industrial Revolution.To compete with the new technology coming out in the world, and the new way of living. The rest of the world had to deal with and change in favor of the new technology and knowledge. The western portion of the world was â€Å"smarter,† and had stronger military power, and were more successful, economi cally. Not paying attention to these new technologies and ideas, would no benefit the Muslim community. Syed Ahmad Khan knew this and made the argument that the prophet of Muhammad said Muslims should find knowledge even if they need to go to places far away such as China. Document 1. ) He was referencing the fact that Europeans were far more successful. He is biased on this subject because his argument wouldn't make sense to a crowd of say, British people or French people, as they do not get the references to the prophet or these Islamic teachings. But, another person had said, that the people of Egypt should definitely be proud and content with their nation for how it is and they should go to nationalism and try to escape the pressure of Westernization. Document 2) Ahmed Ben Bella Bella, military lead of the Algerian National Liberation Front stated that the two societies of Europe and the societies of the Muslim nations were hardly different in any way. He makes the argument that both the teachings of old Greek Philosophers and their ideas. (Document 6)The Indian Muslim leader Abul Kaham Azad had called the western societies ignorant on the subject of religion. And at the same time calling people who were traditional, troubled or harassed by religious beliefs or irrationalities.This displays how much he enjoyed and gave credit to the thought of European philosophy and teachings and Europe's peoples. His point of view is bias on this subject, because European influence has been very heavy in India for a very long time, he more than likely grew up around European teachings and the influence of Europe. (Document 3) A portion of leaders in the Muslim society wanted to stay away from the idea of westernization. A nationalist in the nation of Egypt had noted that the Europeans were far more militarily advanced then they could hope to be.The only real reason he wanted better weapons and technology was because he didn't the English people to be Egypt any longer the n they already have been. Taha Husayn was really pushing for their independence in the economic area, and that he really wanted to defend the Suez Canal from any enemies or people trying to harm the Egyptian people. (document 4. ) His opinion on this subject is bias, because the English have been in Egypt really taking control of it and not giving the freedom that Egypt might of really wanted. If he had lived in France I highly doubt he would care that the English people were oppressing the Egyptian peoples.Moufdi Zakaria thought of the people of Europe as an interruption of the Muslim societies and they really seem to pushing the division of the Muslim community. This portion of Muslims wanted to stay together and strong by the teachings of their religion. They wanted to stay united by their language, and by their country or location. (Document 5) The Muslim leaders all were in desperate need of nationalism, without that it is very likely that North Africa and India, would be ruled by the European way of life, its teachings, its populace even, and maybe even the religions in Europe.Another document that would of helped understand the situation would have been an account or letter, or journal from a European military leader, or European King or ruler taking a side of the issue of Muslims accepting or declining the idea of nationalism in their society. The leaders in these 6 documents really interpret their definition of nationalism by how much they would want to accept the new advanced, and successful European way of life, and the European teachings even.

Community Health Nursing Essay

Identification of Community Nestled in Southern Indiana just west of Louisville, Kentucky and south of Indianapolis, Indiana is Dubois County, Indiana. Dubois County is comprised of the towns of Birdseye, Ferdinand, Holland, Huntingburg and Jasper. Of those towns, Jasper is the largest and is the county seat (Kelly School of Business, 2014). Over fifty-two percent of the population consists of adults ranging from 25-64 years of age (Kelly School of Business, 2014). The leading cause of mortality in this county is heart disease, cancer, suicide and injuries (Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). According to the 2011 health rankings of the county, Dubois County was higher in the benchmark of poor health, adult obesity, adult smoking, excessive drinking, motor vehicle crash death rate and teen birth rate than the national benchmarks (Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Industry overview consists of manufacturing, transportation/warehousing, health care, and finance/insurance with manufacturing providing the majority of the jobs at an average wage per job of $54,000 in 2010(Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Obesity in the county grew to 28.9% in 2008 compared to 26.8% in 2006(Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Physical inactivity also increased in the two year span growing from 20.9% in 2006 to 24.5% in 2008(Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Summary of Tools Population Economic Status Assessment The Population Economic Status Assessment of the county was utilized to obtain the population estimates, cultural diversity, income levels, poverty among children and unemployment rates. In 2013 the population estimates of 42, 361 were found in Dubois County (United States Census Bureau, 2014). Of  these, the cultural demographics of 98% were white and 6.4% were Hispanic or Latino (United States Census Bureau, 2014). In 2011, Dubois County provided only 0.6% of the births in Indiana and 0.7% of the deaths (Kelly School of Business, 2014). The median household income was $54,168 and 7.9% were below poverty level wen the span of 2008-2012 was studied (United States Census Bureau, 2014). The rate of poverty among children in Dubois County was under 10% in 2010(Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). A 7.5% unemployment rate in 2010 was seen as well as an increase in families receiving temporary assistance (Memorial Hospital and Health Care Ce nter & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Neighborhood/Community Safety Inventory Environmental safety hazards present in Dubois County range from air pollution, invasive animal species, climate, and resources. Air pollution is a byproduct of the manufacturing industry. The Particulate Matter measurement in 2010 was 27.2ug/m3 which contributes to the asthma and cancer rates in the community (Air Quality, 2012). Another environmental concern is the possible conversion of a coal-fired plant into an incinerator of biomass which also threatens to worsen the respiratory issues of the population (Healthy Dubois County, 2014). Invasive animal species of the county include the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy moth who could deforest the trees and shrubs thereby threatening our environment (Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District, 2014). The climate is humid and the annual precipitation is spread throughout the year (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2014). The soil is flat and provides poor drainage thus placing the county at risk for flooding (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2014). Cultural Assessment Tool The primary cultural groups of Dubois County are whites with German ancestry and a growing Latino population. The numbers of females to males of both cultures is approximately 50:50(Dubois County, n.d.) Religious affiliations of the community include Catholics, Lutheran, Methodist and Mormon with Catholics being approximately 71% of the population (Onboard Informatics, 2013). Disaster Assessment & Planning Guide Dubois County’s disaster preparedness plans and resources are maintained by the county health department. The four major areas of focus include: acts of nature, such as floods and tornados; disease outbreaks, such as influenza and Hepatitis; accidents, including chemical spills; and terrorist acts (Dubois County Health Department, 2012). With such disasters the most vulnerable populations are the young and old, who are the most likely to be affected by a disaster. Public agencies such as the Red Cross, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, Dubois County Health Department are a few of the local agencies that can offer resources and aid to those individuals during times of crisis. Ethnicity issues related to disaster are language barriers of those who have recently traveled to the area. Windshield Survey The environment of Dubois County is a mix of urban and rural areas that are rich in history. In Jasper, IN there are eighteen parks located in this county seat of Dubois County. They are well maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department of the town. The homes in Jasper overall are well maintained and landscaping includes a mix of trees, shrubs and flowers. The home lot size ranges from small to large as you progress away from the downtown area. Older homes are more focused in the downtown area and newer homes are being developed in the outer areas of town. Not all of the homes have access to sidewalks or walking trails within walking distance. The Patoka River flows through the town and a recreational railway also passes through the town. Residents take advantage of the river front area with a river walk pathway that passes 2.1 miles along the river. The river walk and pavilion area along the river and parks provide common areas for families and fitness enthusiast. Other gathering places include a number of restaurants and bars in town. These restaurants are fast food, fast-casual and bar/grill type establishments. Transportation includes personal vehicles and public transportation. Schools include five primary education schools, one high school and one community college. There are over 50 dentists, 18 family practice, 5 pediatricians and 38 nursing homes/skilled/assisted living agencies in Jasper. The community business owners work hard to build up the town and county through such organizations as Dubois Strong and Greater Downtown Jasper Business Association. Dubois Strong’s focus is to support business growth through marketing to access to capital to help new  and existing business to thrive. Diversity can be seen in the growth of Hispanic churches/mass times, Hispanic food stores, and restaurants. Population Health Scavenger Hunt The Dubois County Health Department’s target population is the residents of Dubois County and to support the health of the county. The county website promotes the health department and the health department advertises in the local news media with regards to upcoming events and programs. The Jasper Chamber of Commerce promotes local businesses, new resident information, recreation activities, recycling programs, and more. The director of the chamber is also active in promoting the improvement and activities within the city through news media and working with various committees. Both the fire and police department are housed within the city center of Jasper and both provide programs for children in addition to keeping our city safe. The police department provides schools with the DARE program for drug prevention. The City of Jasper, through the service of various agencies, houses a community food bank, energy assistance program, foreclosure prevention services and health family promotion program for those who qualify. Description of Selected Community Dubois County is a community built with German ancestry that has diversified over the years to include a Hispanic/Latino population. Individuals within the population are proactive in keeping the community thriving in this ever changing environment. Growth of the various cultures can be seen in the development of Hispanic churches and food stores. Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of mortality in 2006-2008(Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Health disease prevention is provided through programs through the hospital and availably of outside activities found in the river walk and parks in the area. Interpretation of Data When comparing the number of births and deaths in Dubois County to Indiana as a whole, the numbers are even, in comparison. Yet in international migration, the county ranks 23 out of 92 counties (Kelly School of Business, 2014). In examination of the leading causes of death in the county, most young people die due to injury and older people die from either cancer or heart disease. Conclusions could be made from this data. A population who is primarily employed by manufacturing facilities could be the source of the accidents in the young and the environmental agents from these plants may cause death in the elderly after multiple years of exposure. Also, another causative factor to consider is the availability of fast food linked to the increased mortality from heart disease. Problems in the Selected Community When the leading causes of mortality in Dubois County with regards to the Healthy People 2020 goals are examined, the topics of Heart Disease and Stroke, Nutrition and Weight Status and Cancer appear to be the top three problems for this community. Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of mortality in America and therefore lend themselves to an increase in healthcare cost (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). Prevention of these events can start with control of blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco use, improved diet and increase in physical activity (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). Controlling these risk factors is therefore one of the goals of Healthy People 2020 as they attempt to ameliorate the health of the nation through health promotion and prevention. Not only does improving one’s nutrition and weight decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it will also aid in the prevention of other diseases including cancer. The Healthy People 2020 goal of Nutrition and Weight Status not only looks at an individual’s diet, but increasing household food security and eliminating hunger (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). With the accessibility of fast food, increased physical inactivity and environmental safety concerns over the past few years, these goals for health promotion and prevention are applicable to this community. The resources in the community along with the community’s desire to care for its members should help this community thrive. Problem in Relation to Goals Healthy People 2020 are science based goals for â€Å"improving the health of all Americans† (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). It â€Å"established benchmarks and monitored progress over time in order to encourage collaboration across communities and sectors, empower individuals toward making informed health decisions, and measure the impact of prevention activities† over a ten year period( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Through the identification of a community’s health needs, a community can determine the health priorities and opportunities for improvement† (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). This process helps the community to live â€Å"longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury and premature death† (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Therefore looking at the Dubois County community’s health concerns for heart disease and stroke, the goal of nutrition and weight status is a great starting point for improving the health of the community. As the individual lives of the community members improve so will the county. A healthy community is a thriving community. Poor nutrition has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Not only is nutrition an individual’s choice, but resources must be accessible for proper nutrition and exercise. Fresh produce through Farmer’s Markets, health promotion through work, and accessible healthy activities for the public are a few solutions to support the community as they strive to ameliorate their lives. Availability of Community Resources A variety of organizations throughout the community provide services to improve the nutrition and health of those it serves. The Greater Downtown Business Association hosts a Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning from May through October. Not only does this provide locally grown produce to the community, but it also offers a positive social gathering for families and those interested in improving their nutrition. Many of the local churches and organizations offer 5K run/walk opportunities throughout the county as well. Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center offers fitness and nutrition classes for the community as part of their mission to ‘Be for others.’ Primary Prevention Topic My primary prevention topic is the prevention of overweight and obesity by means of healthy nutrition and physical activity. Amelioration of health will reduce the disease risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer in our community. A successful community starts with healthy individuals. Use of Questions The largest contributor to morbidity and mortality in Dubois County is poor nutrition either through lack of education or resources. The businesses and organizations are trying to improve the nutrition/physical fitness of the community by offering classes, walk/runs and other means of health promotions through media promotion. The local physicians have discussed services on local radio programs, through seminars at the hospital and in articles in the local papers. There is also a community food bank and farmer’s market. The most recent controversial community health concern published by the news media is that of the proposed biomass plant to be initiated in the old power plant location. There has been community involvement by community leaders and individuals to keep this from happening due to the concern of air quality. As it stands, the company that was going to initiate the transition to biomass has recently revoked their commitment to the project. Most people in the community are concerned about staying healthy for a better quality of life, but they may just not realize all the free or low cost resources available to them. Local news media advertise the hospital programs available and promote the local fitness activities available. Education needs to remain a constant to inform the community of the opportunities available to them. As mentioned previously, most of the emergency room visits are due to injuries/accidents, but cardiology issues is the top hospital inpatient discharge diagnosis (Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011). Therefore focus on prevention and treatment of heart disease is of paramount importance. Focusing on prevention will improve the longevity of this community. Quality of life in the community is reduced by the prevalence of multiple factories in the area. As previously mentioned, the air quality has impacted the community’s rate of asthma and cancer. Im proving quality of life needs to include improving air quality. References 2011 Dubois County Health Needs Assessment (Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center & Dubois County Health Department, 2011) Retrieved from www.duboiscountyin.org/stories/2011dchealthassess.pdf Air Quality. (2012). Indiana County of Dubois Government Website. Retrieved from www.duboiscountyin.org City Data: Dubois County, Indiana. (Onboard Informatics, 2013). Retrieved April 22, 2014 from www.city-data.com/county/Dubois_County-IN.html Dubois County. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 22, 2014 from http://enwikipedia.org/wiki/DuboisCounty,Indiana Dubois County Health Department (2012). Indiana County of Dubois Government Website. Retrieved from www.duboiscountyin.org Dubois County Indiana Profile (Kelly School of Business, 2014). Retrieved from www.stats.indiana.edu Flood Insurance Study: Dubois County, Indiana and Incorporated Areas (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2014). Retrieved from in.gov Healthy Dubois County (Healthy Dubois County, 2014). Retrieved from www.healthyduboiscounty.org Invasive Animal Species Information (Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District, 2014). Retrieved from www.duboisswcd.org State & County Quick Facts: Dubois County, Indiana (United States Census Bureau, 2014). Retrieved from www.quickfacts.census.gov. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). About Healthy People. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Nutrition and Weight Status. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=29 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Heart Disease and Stroke. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=21

Marijuana Legalization: an Annotated Bibiliography

Colin Morris Ms. Morgan English 102-053 1 March 2013 Is it time for the Federal Government to Bud out of States’ Rights? : An Annotated Bibliography Cohen, Micah. â€Å"Marijuana Legalization and States Rights. † FiveThirtyEight Marijuana Legalization and States Rights Comments. The New York Times, 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. Summary: This article starts off by asking a new question about the legalization of marijuana. It doesn’t ask whether or not it should be legal, but if the government should change it’s laws on drug enforcement.The polls show that in most of them polls, half of the pollsters believe that it should be left up to the states that have legalized marijuana to decide the laws. It concludes by stating that even though some believe it should be left up to the states, 49% of those people are still opposed to legalization. Analysis: This article makes some very interesting points that are not really brought up in a normal legalization debat e. The issue of states’ rights brings a whole new side to the debate. He also does a very good job of keeping his bias out of the article.There are some places in his writing where his bias could have shown but he kept it out. Cohen’s numerous polls do all come to one conclusion; not everyone believes marijuana is a bad thing. Those supporting the issue of states’ rights could help turn the tide in this ongoing debate. What he lacks in this article is a way that pro-legalization leaders could use this new strategy to help their cause. A way to do this would be to show that there are average Americans who could have a say in this debate and not just stoners. Peterson, Bo. â€Å"Legal Pot in South Carolina? DonAt Hold Your Breath. † The Post and Courier.The Post and Courier, 13 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. Summary: This article draws support from unions and civil rights advocates in the Charleston area. These groups all agree that South Carolina should fol low with Colorado and Washington. But these groups are countered by senators who believe this issue not only has no ground, but has no chance of happening with this current legislation, due to it’s conservative nature. Analysis: Looking at this article as a South Carolinian, it just shows how for as long as I can remember, our state legislature has had a hard time getting anything accomplished.This article points out the ever growing gap between the people and the government in this state will be the main reason why marijuana will have a hard time being legalized. Bias is not an issue in this article, the writer addresses both sides and draws support from both sides. Even though this article has the general idea that legalization will not happen in South Carolina for awhile, the fact that there are people who think that it should happen, helps the cause as much as it can. Robillard, Kevin. â€Å"Medical Marijuana Bill Unveiled in House. † POLITICO.POLITICO, 25 Feb. 201 3. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. Summary: In this article, a bill was brought before congress that would help lay out a plan for the government to eventually legalize marijuana. Oregon Democrat Earl Blumenauer did this in an effort to shed some some light on the federal pot policy. Surprisingly this bill has 13 co-sponsors. These sponsors happen to come from both parties, one is a Republican from California. Though his bill isn’t likely to pass, bills in New Hampshire, Illinois, New York and Maryland are expected to pass to make medicinal marijuana legal.Analysis: This article does nothing but give hope to the pro-legalization crowd. These bills that are circulating through various state Houses are nothing but good news. This writer does a nice job of bringing in people for sources who are actually close to the issue. One of these sources has the idea that medicinal marijuana could help troops with post-traumatic stress. That would be affective but would require a motion from not only p eople within legislature, but an idea could be to bring in some military execs to help back their claims.But the issue still remains that there are still people a lot of pro-legalization people who do not have a voice. But until there is one solid voice for this issue, it will not go anywhere in the House or the Senate. Pack, Lauren. â€Å"Marijuana Summit Counters Legalization Movement. † Dayton, Ohio Network News, Weather, Traffic, Sports. WHIOTV, 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. Summary: This article was on a regional marijuana summit in Ohio. This event brought in people from all sides of the issue, from the business, medical, education, law enforcement and government.Since there are 18 states that have legalized pot, Ohio is looking to push into that group. The usual arguments were brought up from the pro crowd, but the anti-legalization brought up a valid point, 10 percent of card holders in those states actually have a legit reason to have them, but 90 percent use them for headaches etc. But the summit came to the conclusion that if it is about business then they can support it. Analysis: This kind of summit is something that tends to be happening more and more across the country.These summits bring people together who can actually make a difference when the legalization issue comes up. What people don’t realize is that when there is an issue that needs attention all it takes is important people in numbers getting behind then. This kind of summit could actually help progress the pro-legalization cause. The smartest part of the way this summit is constructed was by bringing in people who held power in all parts of the local government. If this method was used across the country, the pro-legalization group would have a much better chance of succeeding.Ludwig, Mike. â€Å"Is America ready to Legalize Marijuana?. † Truthout. Truthout, 7 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. Summary: This article tracks another bill that is circulating from the House rather than the Senate. The democratic Rep. from Colorado is proposing a bill that would help lay out a plan that could start a motion to legalize marijuana within the next few years. Support is drawn from polls that are stating that slightly more than half of all Americans belief that adults should be able to purchase marijuana like they do alcohol or tobacco.The bill proposes to remove pot from the Controlled Substance Act. Analysis: This article like most others on the subject, gives marijuana users hope that one day they will not be discriminated. Seeing that there is more than one person in Congress trying to make this works makes users believe they can use freely soon. The more that I look into these articles, the more I find that there really are a good amount of people who actually want to make this happen. By bringing in the idea that we are spending too much money on the war on drugs, the argument for pro-legalization grows new legs.By laying out a plan for all of th e money America could be saving, more people could gather around this idea that the debt that keeps going up, could eventually come down to a more manageable amount. Hale, Gary. â€Å"What Is the Best Regulatory Framework for Legalized Marijuana? † Baker Institute Blog. N. p. , 31 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Mar. 2013. Summary: In this article, the writer addresses the issue of what exactly would be legal when it comes to the future of marijuana.It addresses the issue of the new business side as well Dispensaries would have to gather numerous permits and would rapidly increases in numbers in just a few months. But first the government would have to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substance Act. Until that happens, all of this talk is just speculation. Analysis: This article brings some new ideas to the table as well as some more roadblocks that are not normally talked about. With marijuana being on the banned drugs list, that is the largest hurdle that is left for marijuana to be totally legalized.Right now it is in the same category as LSD and heroine, some people would find that a little excessive. In my opinion marijuana does not even come close to being as dangerous as LSD or heroine. The writer does a nice job at keeping his bias out of his writing. He does an even better job at making hard to detect what side of the argument he falls on. But outside of that the article lays down so pretty interesting ideas that the pro legalization crowd could use in later arguments.

Budgetary Process Essay Example for Free

Budgetary Process Essay â€Å"Identify and describe the key features that a budgetary process should achieve to achieve managerial goal congruent behaviour. However if budgets are over emphasised myopic behaviour may be observed where a manager (or groups of managers) takes action(s) that improve budgetary performance in the short term but may cause long term harm to the organisation† Discuss. A budget is a short term, often one year, business plan, usually expressed in financial terms (Atrill, Mclaney, 2011, p.314). There are three broad functions of budgeting, these are: quantification of plans, help in financial planning, and monitoring and controlling scarce resources through performance measurements. Throughout this essay I shall be discussing these three areas, breaking them down into seven more specific features of budgeting. Furthermore I shall discuss how myopic behaviour can cause long term harm to an organisation. Goal congruence means developing and maintaining the various activities within the enterprise in proper relationship to each other (Welsch, Hilton, gordan, 1988 p.50). From a managerial point of view this is better explained by making sure they are aware of the different goals set by multiply departments within the organisation; as well as making sure their own goals are in line with the organisations overall plans. There are seven key features that a budgetary process should achieve in order to achieve managerial goal congruent behaviour. The first key feature is authorization, this makes managers accountable for their actions/spending and helps prevent fraud in an organisation (Atrill, McLaney, 2011). For an organisation it is important to make the right choice between a centralised control of the budget, where the organisations overall aspirations are at the heart of any decision making, or to delegate the responsibility to subordinates who will have a better understanding of their local environment. Usually a mixture of centralised and delegated control is chosen, giving some responsibility to subordinates to maintain motivated (Berry, Broadbent, Otley, 2005 p.108). Goal congruence is best achieved by using authorization in the budgetary process to keep Managers / Subordinates clear on what is expected of them from a financial point of view. The next four functions come into effect when planning a budget. Forecasting is critical in preparing an organisation for what is to come in the future, â€Å"looking ahead must be better than moving forward with eyes closed† (Garrett, 2010). It involves calculating many variables in order to predict future economic conditions as well as how governments and competitors will behave. On top of this, the company needs to forecast how the relationship between price and demand will change. Planning links in closely with forecasting as both use secondary data to help organisations determine what to do next. Drury (2004) states that managers are encouraged to plan whilst preparing the budget so that they can consider what changes may occur and how they can respond. An organisation needs to plan out how they are going to treat upcoming circumstances, for example seasonal changes, trends in the market and the likely hood of the company incurring growth or decline. A combination of forecasting and planning enables managers to remain goal congruent as they are aware of what is expected from them and what is expected to happen to the market or organisation in the future. This allows them to have a better understanding of how they are going to achieve their goals and helps keep them focused and in line with the organisation. Berry, Broadbent, Otley, (2005) states the budgetary process provides, in different ways, a focus for forecasting and planning, whilst serving as a channel for communication and coordination. Communication is a critical part of the budgetary process as it is vitally important that each area of the organisation is given a budget that is relevant to the overall goals of the organisation as well as to their specific needs. It is extremely difficult to keep every area of the business content with the budgetary targets and goals set. Individual areas in a business will be competing with each other when relating to funding, resources etc. Goal congruence is achieved through communication by making sure communication is efficient between the different hierarchical levels and between each department. Most organisations form a budgetary committee which includes the senior management that are responsible for designing the strategy; they also receive the initial budgets from each functional man ager (Weetman, 2010, p.319). This will enable swift and clear transparent communication when negotiating the budget, resulting in the best possible budget for each area of the business, whilst achieving the organisations overall aspirations. The final feature of a budget that comes into effect during the planning stage is control / coordination. I have touched upon coordination in the budget process whilst talking about communication as there cannot be effective control/coordination without effective communication and vice versa. Control is critical in planning budgets, as it is important to make sure each area of the business is accountable for its actions, as well as being able to link the budget/targets for each area together to compensate for possible weaknesses in the organisation. Such weaknesses arise when one area of the organisation is relying on another area that cannot commit to what is needed (Weetman, 2010, p.325). Having coordinated budgets allows superiors in the organisation to realise where there are weaknesses early on and counteract the negative effect. An example of this would be out sourcing if the work load for one area of the business is more than it can handle. Budgetary control is often implement ed through cost centres or profit centres. Profit centres allow centralised responsible for revenue, expenses and profit. Whereas a cost centre enables responsibility for mainly costs (expenses) (Welsch, Hilton and gordan, 1988 p.597). These again support goal congruence as the business as a whole is able to see how each specific sections of the organisation is financially performing and whether or not they are helping to achieve the company’s aspirations. Motivation and evaluation are features of budgets that come into effect once the budgets are active. Motivation in budgeting can make or break how goal congruent managers are as motivation in budgeting is an extremely tricky procedure. It has been proven that budgetary targets can indeed improve staff motivation. However too soft a target will make it too easy for staff to achieve and therefore staff performance may fall, whereas setting targets that are deemed unachievable are also likely to decrease performance. Geert (1968) reached the conclusion that provided the budget does not exceed the highest target acceptable to an individual; the results will increase in line with increasing difficulty. A budget allows organisation to set targets and goals that are then compared with actual performance and evaluated. When using budgets (that have been used for motivational purposes) for evaluation, managers need to be careful not to look on small deviations to harshly. A motivational budget is harder to achieve as it is there to improve performance and efficiency in the organisation (Drury, 2004, p.595). Managers should remember that the budget is financially based and evaluating areas such as innovation, corporate social responsibility, staff moral and customer satisfaction are also important to the organisation when evaluating good performance. â€Å"In the context of dynamic demand analysis, habit formation is defined to be â€Å"myopic† when in each period the individual takes into account his consumption history but does not recognise the impact of his present consumption decisions on his future tastes,† (Pashardes 1986).Myopic behaviour is where individuals, organisations or managers focus solely on the short term. In an accounting context this can be extremely detrimental to an organisation’s long term goals, as managers are more focused on achieving their short term budgetary plans than looking at the company’s overall targets. A myopic mind can bring many problems to an organisation’s none financial goals. If managers are too focused on ach ieving there budgetary targets it can stifle the creativity and risk taking culture of the organisation (CIMA, ICAEW, 2004). This intern can have dramatic long term effects on an organisation’s creativity and entrepreneurial ability, as it is critical for them to move forward and develop as an organisation. A prime example of this can be seen with the demise of Woolworths, â€Å"history might have been different had woolworths not clung to its time-served ‘pic and mix’ business model† (Boje, Burnes and Hassard, 2012, p.332). In the retail industry it should be critical for managers to remain focused on keeping their store modern. It is proven that modernised stores can set higher prices, leading to larger profits, due to a higher net value added (Hemashree, 2008). Clearly Woolworth lack of enthusiasm towards modernising their stores and being too focused on cutting costs lead to a negative operating environment, hindering their chance of survival. A myopic approach to budgetary goals leads to a concentration on cost reduction and not value creation for managers. For any retailer like Woolworths, managers know that staff take up a huge amount of the companies costs. In the short term it becomes increasingly tempting for managers to enforce staff redundancies to help achieve those targets set by superiors (Berry, Broadbent, Otley, 2005). The actions of cost cutting by retail managers including Woolworths, for example reducing staff during seasonal change (e.g. after Christmas), would cause long term costs to the organisation. Instead of paying high costs due to seasonal staff redundancies and staff training, organisations could reduce staff hours during low points in trading then increase staff hours in line with increasing sales. As well as hindering the organisations ability to think of new ideas, the budgetary process can also have an effect on future development that is already in the pipeline. New projects are often put on hold by organisations which become more worried about meeting financial targets, than trying to expand the company and launch into new markets or create new products. IBM’s budgetary process became so long during the 1970’s that it took 18 months to complete their ‘annual’ planning cycle (Hope, Fraser, 2003, p.7). IBM’s management were affected by another budg etary related issue; becoming excessively inward focused to the point where they were unaware of competitor’s behaviour. Due to their high planning cost this lead them to be unable to, and lacking the agility and ability, to counteract (CIMA, ICAEW, 2004). Whilst competitors like Apple were becoming innovated and pushing through their new ideas involving personal computers, IBM were too busy focused on how they, as market leaders, were going to launch the next big thing. IBM misread the personal computer revolution and was unable to react to lower cost advanced computers created by competitors (Hope, Fraser, 2003). â€Å"Keeping an eye on the potential risks and changes in the operating environment is essential – as one delegate noted, budgeting may provide you with a map but if you drive with your eyes closed, you will crash anyway,† (CIMA, ICAEW, 2004). There are many methods or remedies that IBM and Woolworths could off used to prevent the budgetary problems associated with myopic behaviour. Beyond-budgeting is a modernised version of the traditional budgeting process that allows botto m up empowerment. This seems to be the best way for organisations to adjust to the fast changing world of the information age (Hope and Fraser, 2003). IBM were affected by being inward focused and unaware of competitors actions. If IBM had been aware of the new beyond-budgeting process they would have been setting their goals in relation to beating their competitors and not the budget (principle 7) (de Waal, 2005). This would of kept them market focused and enabled them to react faster to their competitors actions instead of misreading the market. Driver based planning and budgeting would of, again benefited IBM by helping to shorten their ‘annual’ budgetary process. Incorporating operational drivers would have meant IBM could reforecast on request and would have been agile enough to adapt to uncertain trading conditions (Barrett, 2005). This process as well as enforcing beyond-budgeting principles could off shortened the planning process involving three thousand people that IBM had in place. Woolworth main problem, like many organisations suffering from managerial myopic behaviour, was a lack of innovation. They became too focused with cost cutting practices, trying to achieving budgetary goals. â€Å"Everybody has a sandpit to play in. my sandpit financially is my control plan, If I stay within it, I’m free to play† (Marginson, Ogden, 2005). Keeping innovated and flexible is critical to achieve the organisations long term goals as well as meet short term budgetary targets. In conclusion, traditional budgets are seen as being incapable of meeting the demands of the competitive environment and are criticized for impeding efficient resource allocation and encouraging dysfunctional behaviour such as myopic decisions (deWaal, Hermskens-Janssen, Van de Ven, 2011). I have demonstated how individual beyond budgeting principles can add to traditional budgeting to support organisations, using examples of IBM and Woolworths to demonstrate. De Waal (2005) states that research shows the more beyond-budgeting principles an organisation implements, the better it performs. A combination of budgeting and beyond-budgeting principles allows managers to balance the inherent rigidity of their budgets with the more organic processes of innovation. (Marginson, Ogden, 2005). Using the key principles of beyond budgeting enables managers to focus on achieving long term goals, in line with the organisation’s overall objectives, as well as helping to speed up and modernise the traditional budgetary process. It is however important to remember that the features of a traditional budget are extremely important to most organisations. â€Å"Budgeting provides an overall framework of control without which it would be impossible to manage,† (CIMA, ICAEW, 2004). References Atrill, P., Mclaney, E., 2011. Accouting and Finance for non specialists. 7th ed. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Barrett, R., 2005. Budgeting and Reforcasting, Financial Management. Berry, A. J., Broadbent, J., Otley, D., 2005. Management Control. 2nd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. 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