Violent Crime Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Violent Crime - Assignment Example Research from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) reveals that there have been more than 19 million violent crimes in the last two decades. These crimes constitute of forcible rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, or assault. For an individual to engage a violent crime, he or she may be forced by circumstances or has a record of criminal activities. Factors that may affect an individual’s action to commit a violent crime is dependent on cultural aspects i.e. religion and colonial heritage, age, gender, peers, and the poverty rate.  Violence and crime threaten social foundation and are becoming chief obstacles to development. A critical analysis of this topic reveals that the dependent variable is the crime rate, and the explanatory variables include economic and social characteristics. Although violent crime has been discussed with a keen focus on the offender, the victim must also be regarded. From various researchers, victims of violent crimes ar e left with emotional as well as physical scars, which lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, social withdrawal, relationship strains, and in severe cases death (Ruback & Thompson, 2001). Lack of a conclusive data of victims is a major challenge in the analysis of violent crime. This is because of most victims faced by the vile act of violent crime face shame and discrimination. For instance, rape victims will opt not to report a violent act committed on their bodies due to shame and fear of discrimination (Kullgren & Nordstrom, 2003).  Methods used to research this topic include data from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include anonymous questionnaires filled in by the victims of violent crimes. Secondary sources include data from police stations and hospitals, as well as books and journals.

Current Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Current Research - Essay Example Through the use of software, development in different dimensions and especially economically is achieved. However, this is achieved through the concentration of multiple locations which allow important developments. Through software development, complex projects in the world are managed through dedicated methodologies and standards (Galina & Smite, 2011, p.8). The increasing competition of companies across the world has increased the need for presentation of services and goods of high quality. Through software distribution, there is enhanced process thinking which enables entrusting work to skilled individuals (Oshri, Kotlarsky & Willcocks, 2007, p.28). This makes it possible for companies to respond appropriately to changing customer’s needs. When companies are able to distribute their development globally, they benefit from getting relatively cheap resources which lower their operational costs. Software development ensures that there is reduced reliance on heavy documents of standardized models. Software development further ensures that there is easier communication between members of team projects which makes it possible to share ideas (Setamanit, et al. 2007, p.18). In this paper, importance of global software development will be discussed. Distributed software stresses the correlation between qualities of services to the society and quality processes. Distributed software ensures that the needs of the customers get matching responses from different organization (Galvina & Nsmite, 2011, p.10). This is in addition to preventing increased incidences of duplicated work. There has been progressive development of process models related to software development. Software development is characterized by organization of resources to meet the desires of people. This is in addition to meeting their expectation timely. Distributed software development though complex; offers solutions to emerging challenges in the world (Jaakkola, 2009, p.71). Through

Investigating the Factors influencing employee engagement

Investigating the Factors influencing employee engagement In today economic downturn situation, organization started to look into its people asset internal employee so that they can utilize the human asset to sustain the competitiveness in the industry. Employees who are engaged in their work and committed to their organizations give companies crucial competitive advantages including higher productivity and lower employee turnover (Robert, 2006). In addition, engaged employees may be more likely to commit to staying with their current organization (Ramsay Finney, 2006). Software giant Intuit, for example, found that highly engaged employees are 1.3 times more likely to be high performers than less engaged employees. They are also five times less likely to voluntarily leave the company (Ramsay Finney, 2006). Thus, it is not surprising that organizations of all sizes and types have invested substantially in policies and practices that foster engagement and commitment in their workforces (Robert, 2006). Indeed, in identifying the three best measures of a companys health, business consultant and former General Electric CEO Jack Welch recently cited employee engagement first, with customer satisfaction and free cash flow coming in second and third, respectively (Welch Welch, 2006) According to (Schaufeli et al. (2002)), work engagement is defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Rather than a momentary and specific state, engagement refers to a more persistent and pervasive affective-cognitive state that is not focused on any particular object, event, individual, or behavior. Vigor is characterized by high levels of energy and mental resilience while working, the willingness to invest effort in ones work, and persistence even in the face of difficulties. Dedication refers to being strongly involved in ones work and experiencing a sense of significance, enthusiasm, inspiration, pride, and challenge. Absorption is characterized by being fully concentrated and happily engrossed in ones work, whereby time passes quickly and one has difficulties with detaching oneself from work. Employee engagement has been identified as a critical business driver that has the capability to impact an organizations overall success. Furthermore, engagement when understood and assessed gives organizations tremendous power to positively impact numerous areas of the company. Engagement has the potential to significantly affect employee retention, productivity and loyalty (Corporate Executive Board, 2004). 1.2 Study Background This study focuses on the factors affecting employees engagement in the Saudi National Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). Saudi Aramco is the largest oil producing company in the Middle East and invests hundreds of millions of US dollars to maintain its assets in order to ensure the well being of a reliable energy source for the whole world. Saudi Aramco is a leading player in safety and reliability metrics within oil industry sector, which is firmly rooted as the major venue of wealth in Saudi Arabia and recognized as the sustainable support to the national economy. Saudi Aramco is currently pursuing recent and rapid expansions to meet international energy demands. There are different factors that contribute to the employee engagement and can result in a better engagement and organizational commitment. What are the general factors (quote reference), then state that this study focuses on three factors i.e. PSS, POS Reward. Explain why these three has been chosen. The first factor is perceived organizational support (POS) which is defined as the degree to which employees believe that their organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being (Eisenberger, 1986). POS is generally thought to be the organizations contribution to a positive reciprocity dynamic with employees, as employees tend to perform better to pay back POS. Reference A sufficient consideration has been given as to why PSS and POS have both been found to be related to employee engagement. According to organizational support theory, PSS should increase employee engagement by increasing POS. The POS resulting from PSS would strengthen employees felt obligation to help the organization reach its goals and increase affective organizational commitment, with a resultant reduction in turnover and increase in engagement. Reference The second factor is perceived supervisor support (PSS). Just as employees form global perceptions concerning their valuation by the organization, they develop general views concerning the degree to which supervisors value their contributions and care about their well-being (Kottke Sharafinski, 1988). PSS should increase obligations to the supervisor and to the organization. PSS increased extra-role performance beneficial to supervisors, and PSS increased POS, which, in turn, led to greater extra-role performance beneficial to the organization. Concerning employee engagement, when PSS is low, employees would believe that they could deal with the unpleasant situation by switching to a new supervisor or minimizing engagement with the supervisor while continuing to carry out usual job responsibilities. POS would entirely mediate a negative PSS employee engagement relationship. Reference The third factor is rewards and recognition. Having a rewards and recognition program in place lets valued employees know that their contributions are important and their efforts are appreciated. Not only will the employees appreciate it, but customers may appreciate it as well. When employees are happy and satisfied with their work, their attitude will be reflected in the service they provide. When employers go the extra mile to keep employees happy and treat team members well, staff members will often go the extra mile to ensure customers are happy. Treating people well is very often infectious. Reference Kahn (1990) reported that people vary in their engagement as a function of their perceptions of the benefits they receive from a role. Therefore, one might expect that employees will be more likely to engage themselves at work to the extent that they perceive a greater amount of rewards and recognition for their role performances. In another words, while a lack of rewards and recognition can lead to burnout, appropriate recognition and reward is important for engagement. In terms of Social Exchange Theory, when employees receive rewards and recognition from their organization, they will feel obliged to respond with higher levels of engagement (Chapter 2). 1.3 Problem Statement Dramatic changes in the global economy over the past 25 years have had significant implications for commitment and reciprocity between employers and employees and thus for employee engagement. For example, increasing global competition, scarce and costly resources, high labor costs, consumer demands for ever-higher quality and investor pressures for greater returns on equity have prompted organizations to restructure themselves. At some companies, restructuring has meant reductions in staff and in layers of management. A study by YouGovSirajs (2007), the first Gulf People Index, a major employee engagement benchmarking study, designed to help companies improve productivity among staff showed that a fewer than half of Gulf employees think their organization manages to attract the best talent or engage them to perform once they are inside the corporation. Even fewer (just over one third of employees) think their companies are good at holding on to the best talent (YouGovSiraj, 2007). The region also has a weak spot when it comes to companies ability to retain and attract talent. This compounds and confirms the problems surrounding the lack of long-term employee engagement in the Gulf. Only 39% of respondent feel their company manages to keep the best staff. Less than half (47%) believe their organization manages to attract the best talent and manages to engage employees so they perform well (YouGovSiraj, 2007). According to the manager of HR communication department in Saudi Aramco, Mr. Brokaw in 2009, employee engagement is built in Saudi Aramco by giving the employees an opportunity to participate in key decisions, make it easy for all employees to give feedback (good and bad), show how employees feedback is being used, build a feeling of community and involvement, provide up to date information and tools, communicate and reinforce Saudia Aramcos mission and goals, promote employee development programs, communicate and measure employee values and attitudes to promote high performance across Aramco and Recognize good performers. (Halogen software, 2010) reported that Saudi Aramco win employee engagement through a well structured and timed employee orientation and rollout schedule. The above statements requires reference. In the Saudi Aramco, eventhough employee engagement has been recognized for its importance in fostering employee participation, till now there is no any study that examines the employee engagement and the antecedents factors influencing the employee engagement like perceived organizational and supervisor support in this organization. From this point of view, this study aims to examine a three of many factors influencing the employee engagement in one of the largest Saudi organizations which is Sauid Aramco. 1.3 Research Objectives This research will evaluate the current employee engagement and examine which among the variables contributes to employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. Specifically; the objectives of this study are: 1. To examine the extent of employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. 2. To examine the relationship between perceived organization support and employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. 3. To examine the relationship between perceived supervisor support and employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. 4. To examine the relationship between rewards and recognition and employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. 5. To identify which among the three independent variables (perceived organization support, perceived supervisor support, rewards and recognition) is the most important driver relates to employee engagement. 1.4 Research Questions This research will be conducted to find the relationship of the independent variables, which are perceived organization support, perceived supervisor support, rewards and recognition with the dependent variable, which is the employee engagement in Saudi Aramco. The Research questions that this research will try to answer are: 1) What is the level of employee engagement in Saudia Aramco? 2) Does perceived organization support influence the extent of employee engagement in Saudi Aramco? 3) Does perceived supervisor support influence the extent of employee engagement in Saudi Aramco? 4) Do rewards and recognition influence the extent of employee engagement in Saudi Aramco? 5) Which among the three independent variables is the most important driver relates to employee engagement and what are the relationship consequences? Research Significance Theoretical practical significance. The following are practical significance. What is your theortical significance (contribution on the body of knowledge about EE)? The significance of this study can contribute many advantages to many parties such as corporate strategy, business unit level in forming their business strategy and the analytical and empirical researches. This study can provide the management an understanding on which factors that could affect the employee engagement in the context of Saudi Aramco in which ultimately attempting to enhance organization performance and make organization a profitable entity. This research can support different organizational units in correlating employee engagement and performance factors to prove the importance of employee engagement strategy. Researcher hopes that this study will give an idea to the top management of Saudi Aramco on the awareness of employee engagement and also can be useful for them to understand the approaches to be taken in order to enhance the level of its employee engagement. This knowledge is hopefully would be useful as a source of information for the future research regarding this subject. Assumptions This research assumes that Saudi Aramco uses the industry unanimous definition of employee engagement as a standard definition. 1.7 Limitations of the research write in paragraphs This research is limited to one operational unit in Saudi Aramco and will not include any other units and thus results and findings cannot be generalized to the whole organization. This study is limited to three factors which are perceived organization support, perceived supervisor support, rewards and recognition (independent variables) that influence the employee engagement (dependent variable). 1.8 Terms Definitions Is this your operational or conceptual definition. Operational definition (are these your operational definitions?) Employee Engagement: employee engagement here is defined according to the International Survey Research (2003) as a process by which an organization increases commitment and contribution of its employees to achieve superior business results. The International Survey Research resolves that employee engagement is a combination of an employees cognitive, affective and behavioral commitment in the organization. Perceived organization support: is the degree to which employees believe that their organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being (Eisenberger, 1986). Perceived supervisor support: The degree to which employees believe that their supervisors, values their contributions and cares about their well-being. Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition is a communication tool that reinforces and rewards the most important outcomes people create for your business. When you recognize people effectively, you reinforce, with your chosen means of recognition, the actions and behaviors you most want to see people repeat. Many types of rewards and recognition have direct costs associated with them, such as cash bonuses and stock awards. Other types of rewards and recognition may be non-monetary rewards like formal and informal acknowledgement, assignment of more enjoyable job duties, opportunities for training, and an increased role in decision-making. These are neither yoru operational or conceptual definition 1.9 Research Organization This is the first chapter out of the five chapters of the project paper which has presented the background of the study as an introduction, describes the problem statements, objectives and research questions in addition to the research significance limitations. Chapter 2 will review the employee engagement research findings done by other researchers and also the drivers of employee engagement. Chapter 3 will present the method for the study, which is the research design and procedure. The chapter mentions the selection of the respondents, sample types and size, the development of the questionnaire for the research and data collection procedure. Chapter 4 discusses the interpretation of the research findings and the results presentation. Chapter 5 concludes the whole research with discussion and some suggestions for future research directions.

Gay Parenting Essay -- Expository Adoption Gay Adopting Essays

Gay Parenting Steve Lofton and his partner, Roger Croteau live in fear each day of having their foster-son, Bert, taken away from them and placed with another family. Steve and Roger can not adopt Bert, who is 10 years old, because a Florida law banning gays from adopting prohibits it. Bert, along with four other children, has been in the care of Steve and Roger since he was an infant. If he is taken away from them, he will lose the only family he has ever known. Since June 1977, Florida has denied gays and lesbians from adopting children on the basis of morality and the supposed danger to the children (â€Å"Suit†). At that time there was press that gays were molesting and corrupting children. People today continue to believe this is true. Many other states ban gay adoptions on similar grounds. Some states, like Florida and Mississippi, have made this a formal law. Many people, especially family-values advocates, have negative and hostile views toward gays and lesbians. We can see that â€Å"homophobia is all around us† (Benkov 187). It is so pervasive that it is even institutionalized and made into laws. Although the gay movement has made some strides in making homosexuality more accepted in this country, there are still laws in the books that promote heterosexism, intolerance and discrimination. Laws that deny gays and lesbians the right to adopt children are unfair because they discriminate against homosexuals and deprive many children of suitable parents and potentially stable homes. Steve Lofton and his partner can not adopt their foster children because although they see themselves as a family, they are not considered one by the State of Florida. Many traditional-family advocates agree that a family cons... ...4-15. â€Å"Focus on the Family Gives Facts on Homosexual Adoptions.† LifeSite Daily News. 11 Nov. 2002 . Gay and Lesbian Family Values. 30 Nov.2002 . Let Him Stay. 23 Nov. 2002 . Ryan, Scott D. â€Å"Examining Social Workers’ Placement Recommendations of Children With Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents.† Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services. 81 (2000): 517-27. Seita, John R. â€Å"In Our Best Interest: Three Necessary Shifts for Child Welfare Workers and Children.† Child Welfare: Journal of Policy, Practice, and Program. LXXIX (2000): 77-91. â€Å"Suit in Florida Challenges Anti-Gay Adoption Ban Run Date: 8/16/01.† 11 Nov. 2002 .

Perry’s Dialogue

In Perry’s Dialogue, he introduces three fictional characters to explore the concept of personal identity. This topic arises as the character, Gretchen Weirob, lays on her deathbed seeking consolation from her friend, Sam Miller, and former student, Dave Cohen, to discuss the possibility of her survival after death. Weirob’s view is that people are identified by their bodies and that their continued existence relies on the existence of their living bodies (Perry, 319).In this paper, I will argue on behalf of her viewpoint approaching personal identity through Locke’s memory theory using the distinction that real memory can only be associated with the body experiencing it. Personal identity has proven to be a very controversial topic in this dialogue. By the second night, it was argued to be defined neither by the bodily existence nor the existence of an immaterial soul (320). Instead, identity is approached by the concept of person-stages (322).This idea implies that a person lives in consecutive stretches of consciousness connected in a logical manner. In this case, each stretch of consciousness indicates the all thoughts and emotions experienced by a person at a given moment in time (322). This leads to the Memory Theory of personal identity, which Miller suggested according to his readings on Locke. It basically states that all the past events occurring within this stream of consciousness forms memory and our personal identity consists of the accumulation of memory that can be traced linearly through it (322).Weirob was not able to find any flaws in this theory. However, many flaws would surface without the examination of what constitutes as memory? Weirob brings up the comparison of real and apparent memory due to the possibility of deception where a person may â€Å"seems to remember† (323) something entirely inaccurate. Real memory is then defined as an experience remembered by the person who was present at the time of that exp erience(324).Apparent memory is when someone â€Å"seems to remember† but was not actually present at the experience in question (324). In the end, the real remember is the one whose memories were caused â€Å"in the right kind of way† (324) which led Weirob to conclude that â€Å"a person is certain sort of causal process. † (324) This continued to support her belief that personal identity is coexistent with bodily continuity as all her memories were formed by the actions and brain activity of her body. With a stroke of ngenuity, Miller was able to dispute her belief that personal identity lies solely within the confines of bodily identify by stating that one can identify his/herself without examination of his or her physical body (320). He says that a person is able to wake up and realize that they are the person they were the day before, prior to opening his/her eyes. He further proves this using Kafka’s Metamorphosis, which involves the instance of so meone waking up in the body of a cockroach (320). This person still maintains the sameness of person despite the difference of body.Earlier on, Weirob had brought up the case of anticipation. She had concluded that in order for her to accept the possibly of life after death, she must believe that she can exist in another form in which she would be able to anticipate the experiences of her future self and remember the experiences of her past (323). As Miller was able to dispute her belief that personal identity is only bodily identity, he then tempts her to imagine that there will be someone in the future who will remember the conversation they are having and all her past experiences.However, this fails to comforts Weirob as she argues that this merely suggests the possibility of a deluded imposter harboring her memories (323). Once again the issue of real versus apparent memory detains Miller in his efforts. This led to the introduction of an additional restriction to Miller’ s suggestion. To provide the distinction between real and apparent memory, the heavenly person must now be the person who actually performed the actions that he/she remembers (323). So if Weirob can imagine such a person being she, then the possibility of her survival is ensured.Nevertheless, this proves to be too ambiguous for Weirob to accept. She argues that There is no assurance that the heavenly being will be identical to her as opposed to exactly similar(325). She says that if God were able to create one such being on heaven, what is to prevent him from creating two or even three? Since God is all-powerful and not limited in his abilities, he should be able to create an infinite number of Gretchen Weirobs, all of whom would hold her memories (325). These Gretchen Weirobs cannot all be her, so the possibility of her survival is once again irrational.Cohen then points out that Miller was asked only to provide the possibility of survival, so if Weriob were to imagine that God, be ing benevolent, choose to create only one heavenly Gretchen Weirob, then she cannot deny the possibility of her survival (325). To this Weirob replies that she cannot base her survival on such insubstantial conditions; she cannot tolerate that her survival depends on the right relationship between her memory to the memory of the heavenly being as well as the lack of competition of other heavenly beings(325).She says that if there is a possibility if two heavenly Gretchen Weirobs, she would be neither of them as one cannot be identical to two; then memory alone cannot provide the basis for identity. Therefore, even if there were to be only one heavenly being containing her memory, she cannot confirm that it will be identical to her (326). I agree with Weirob’s belief that she will cease to exist upon the expiration of her body. From a biological point of view, there is no earthly evidence that suggest the continuation of a person after the end of his/her brain function.Like We irob suggested, it is her brain that involves the storage of information including the accumulation of her memories(321). If her brain were to stop functioning, all her memories would logically be lost. Meanwhile, there is the case where the body can continue to function without support from the brain. This is commonly known as a coma, a state in which a person is without brain activity and within this state of mind that person can be pronounced legally dead by a qualified physician. Now on the topic of survival after death, the existence of a God must be involved.In this instance, the identity of a person can be suggested to continue if God were to create a heavenly being containing all of the deceased past memories. The possibility of survival through this case is disrupted as Weriob proved that these beings would be nothing more than exactly similar to her(323). She maintains that memory alone cannot ensure the essence of her personal identity, as God can create many heavenly bei ngs containing her memories out of which one of them would be her (323).Her idea of bodily continuity is proven to be the only rational method to interpret her existence as her steam of consciousness containing all the memories that comprises her personal identify ends with her death. However, Weirob’s belief seems to exclude those who are distorted or incapable in their ability to store memory. For example, in the case of the hypnosis mentioned in the second night, the rememberer induced to remember Weirob’s memories is disrupted in his/her stream of consciousness. 323) Yet, after the removal of the trance, he/she will continue to exist as him/herself. Weirob also mentioned people who â€Å"seem to remember† being Napoleon losing the battle of waterloo 323). Although these poeple are visibly not Napoleon, they are also not considered to be nonexistent despite lack of personal identity. Other cases include patients of Alzheimer’s disease who will graduall y lose all their memories or those living with mental illness who are under delusions of who they really are.These people are obviously experiencing inaccurate representations for their personal identity. Nevertheless, this does not prevent these individuals from existing. While it is correct that these individuals exist, I can argue that there is a distinction between seeming to exist and actually existing. Individuals suffering from delusions exist within their own mind, without relation to the their actual environment. They seem to exist, either as Napoleon or as Gretchen Weirob, in that stretch of consciousness.The mind is inarguably still a part of the body so while they may be not physically experiencing these events, their body, or more specifically their brain, is still needed for the creation of these memories. Therefore, they will follow the same laws of existence as any normal person. On the other hand, those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, or any form of head trauma that forces them to lose their memories are simultaneously losing their identity. As stretches of their streams of consciousness fade away, their personal identity diminishes until there is nothing left to distinguish them from an empty shell, which is their body.

Competitive Bids vs Sealed Proposals Essay

The government often uses contracts to acquire needed products or services. Every government purchase uses public funds. Contracting officials are tasked with ensuring that government purchases use public funds responsibly. When awarding contracts, contracting officials must be sure to use the best method possible to acquire goods and service at the best price possible. Two ways in which contracting officials do this is by using sealed bids and competitive proposals. Each form of awarding contracts has its own specific benefits and pitfalls while sharing some characteristics with the other. Sealed bids are a form of awarding contracts that uses competitive bids and public opening of the sealed bids which leads to the final award of the contract. In order to award a contract through sealed bids, a few things must occur. First a solicitation for bids must be drafted. The solicitation must include the government’s requirements in a detailed enough fashion to avoid misunderstandings from potential bidders. Sealed bidding and competitive proposals are both approved methods for awarding contracts according to federal regulation. When deciding whether or not to use sealed bidding, contracting officers should consider the time that will be required for bids to be solicited, submitted, and evaluated. The evaluation process for sealed bids may be lengthy especially if bidders are not prescreened to reduce the pool to only qualified firms. When all bids are received from qualified firms, sealed bidding can make an award decision quite simple. The lowest bidder is awarded the contract.. Unfortunately, sealed bidding depends on competitive pricing. Competitive pricing cannot be insured unless more than one bid is received. Competitive proposals are best used when a contracting officer determines that the nature of the contract makes it difficult to establish exact specifications or methods of performance. Often, the means of contract performance cannot be easily defined and the offeror’s proposal may need to include an explanation of how the contract will be performed. Unlike sealed bid contracts, competitive bids do not have to be awarded to the firm with the lowest price. Other considerations may be considered to determine the best firm. This determination may be made based on a firm’s performance of previous contracts, the proposed method of performance for the existing contract, or a firm’s specific capabilities in relation to other firms. While sealed bidding results in a fixed price or one with economic adjustments, competitive proposals allow for various kinds of contract types. http://www. governmentbids. com/cgi/en/bidding. advice. articles/Article/federal-contract-opportunities-for-your-business

It Couldnt Be Stopped essays

It Couldnt Be Stopped essays It was inevitable that the American Revolution took place. England did many wrong things to frustrate the colonists. The more wrong doings that England did, the more America wanted to separate from them. One thing that got America mad was being taxed too much. Another thing was that Britain gave them no freedom. The third thing is because of the violence that went on between England and America. This was the breaking point of America. They couldnt take anymore of My first reason why the American Revolution was inevitable is because the taxes that the British were giving the Americans were unfair. One example of this is the Stamp Act of 1765. This is when the British put taxes on everything that was on paper. This included the newspaper, marriage licensee, and even a deck of cards. The cause of this act is because Britain was in terrible debt after the French Indian war and George Greenville, the British Prime Minister, felt that America should help pay it off. (Henry Graff p118). This isnt the only way that Britain taxed America. Another example of this is the Sugar Act of 1764. This is when Britain raised the taxes on sugar and decreased the taxes on molasses. The cause of this act was To curb the illegal trade with the French islands.(Graff p116) My second reason why the American Revolution was inevitable is because England gave America no freedom. After Pontiacs Rebellion, King George III was scared that America was getting powerful. He made a law saying that the colonists couldnt expand beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This was known as The Royal Proclamation of 1763. King George also sent British soldiers to check up on the colonists. It was bad enough that they had to house the other soldiers that fought in the war because of the Quartering act. Now they had more in their neighborhood just to spy on them. He treated the ...

Transcendentalism essays

Transcendentalism essays Transcendentalism was a movement in philosophy, literature, and religion that emerged and was popular in the nineteenth century New England because of a need to redefine man and his place in the world in response to a new and changing society. The industrial revolution, universities, westward expansion, urbanization and immigration all made the life in a city like Boston full of novelty and turbulence. Transcendentalism was a reaction to an impoverishment of religion and mechanization of consciousness of eighteenth century rational doctrines that ceased to be satisfying. After the success of the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, an American man emerged confident and energetic. However, with the release of nervous energy, an American was forced to look at a different angle at his place in the world and society. The world of the nineteenth century Boston was that of emergence of new currents of thought in response to the conservative atmosphere. The wealthy upper classes (the aristocracy) were conservative and suspicious of any innovations. They dominated the society and demanded conformity to their social ideals, being suspicious of any new structure of society. The irony was that by their reliance on tradition and old beliefs (such as Puritanism) they acknowledged the harmony with cosmic law. Old values and traditions would serve as a base to Transcendentalism, although a radical movement in itself. In the nineteenth century America plunged into the Industrial Revolution. In the eighteenth century, goods were produced in home system operations. The remarkable development of capitalism in Boston became evident after the French and Indian war of 1812. Two of huge factories privately owned in Boston were Francis Lowell's Boston Manufacturing Company in Waltham and Merrimack Manufacturing Company in Lowell. As the role of women in society became more indiscriminate, young females dominated factory towns such as Lowel...

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Studies Psychology Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Studies Psychology Essay Qualitative approach Research methods are commonly divided into quantitative and qualitative research methods (Some researchers (Lee, 1991; Ragin, 1987) have suggested to combine these methods by triangulation). Qualitative research methods are designed to help researchers understand people and the social and cultural contexts within which they live. Kaplan and Maxwell (1994) argue that the goal of understanding a phenomenon from the point of view of the participants and its particular social and institutional context is largely lost when textual data are quantified. The strengths of qualitative research derive primarily from its inductive approach, its focus on specific situations or people, and its emphasis on words rather than numbers (Maxwell, 1996, p.17). A key difference between quantitative and qualitative research is that quantitative researchers work with a few (quantifiable) variables and many cases, whereas qualitative researchers rely on a few cases and many (primarily q ualitative) variables (Ragin, 1987). In this research a qualitative research approach is chosen for the following reasons. First, the nature of the research questions suggests a qualitative approach. They are as understanding of what are the factors that enable or inhibit people to share their knowledge. Second, the aim is to present a detailed understanding of the dynamics of sharing knowledge, requiring a focus on participants’ perspectives and their meaning. Third, knowledge-sharing individuals are studied in their natural setting. Knowledge sharing is a situated process, so removing participants from their organizational context would lead to findings that are out of context. And these contexts which determine the factors that enable o inhibit knowledge sharing process. The characteristics of qualitative methods are listed in Table 1 Characteristics 1, 2, 4 and 7 highlight the emphasis of qualitative data on providing richness of understanding of phenomenon in context (Du ncan, 1979; Yin, 1989). Quantitative methods â€Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦by themselves may ignore much of the process phenomenon associated with a particular research question so that a real understanding of what’s happened may not exist† (Duncan, 1979, p.424). The use of qualitative data collection and analysis methods increases the likelihood that the advantages of case study method can be obtained. Table 1 Characteristics of qualitative methods 1. Qualitative research is inductive. 2. Researchers look at settings and subjects holistically. 3. The researchers are sensitive to their effects on subjects. 4. Researchers try to understand subjects from their own perspective. 5. Researchers try to set aside their own beliefs, perspectives and predispositions. 6. Researchers try to see all different perspectives of subjects as valuable. 7. Qualitative methods are humanistic. 8. Researchers emphasis validity as prime research criteria 9. Researcher sees all settings and subjects a s worthy of study. 10. Qualitative research is a craft. Source: This characteristics adapted from Taylor and Bogdan (1984, p.5-8). Interpretive research All research is based on some assumptions with respect to methodology the most pertinent philosophical assumptions are those that relate to the underlying epistemology guiding this research. And it refers to the assumptions about knowledge and how it can be obtained. Different classifications of epistemological assumptions exist (Guba and Lincoln, 1994). For explaining the underlying paradigm of this research, the three epistemological stands distinguished by Myers are used: positivist, interpretive and critical. Positivism claims that social life should be understood and analysed in the same way that scientists study the ‘natural world’. Positivists generally assume that reality is objectively given and can be described by measurable properties independent of the observer and of one’s instruments. Positivist stu dies generally attempt to test theory, in an attempt to increase the predictive understanding of phenomena. On the other hand the interpretive stand base is hermeneutics and phenomenology. Interpretive researchers start out with the assumption that access to reality (given or socially constructed) is only through social constructions such as language, consciousness and shared meanings. They generally attempt to understand phenomena through the meanings that people assign to them. Interpretive research does not predefine dependent and independent variables, but focuses on the full complexity of human sense making as the situation emerges.

Digital Technologies Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Digital Technologies - Article Example Digital technology is a novel field focusing on computational thinking and creating an awareness platform for digital systems. It entails creating a number of solutions to day to day out problems digitally (Weber & Dixon, 2007). The concepts surrounding this term include software, hardware, data and the manner of its delivery to the external parties. Commonly, they will exist as pictures, diagrams, and symbols. In addition, it comprises a series of steps that when followed in the order presented, solve the task at hand. Digital technologies in the wider scope explore the usage of information systems in place to meet their needs. These needs range from entertainment, communication and information want. It is also inevitable to work with other people in the community to organize these ideas and data using information systems and disseminate it for the consumption of the entire community via the cyberspace.The methodologies involved in the collection of the data will include: the use of questionnaires and interviewing persons who have had hands on digital libraries. Further, the research seeks to delve more into reviewing secondary sources readily available on the internet, journals, and books to form the basis for continuing this project. The consequent realization of the application will amount to a better and more improved digital library system. That will address the current loopholes in our libraries and accommodate the ever changing needs of the consumers in this day and age.

Treatment of Unipolar Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Treatment of Unipolar Depression - Essay Example Overall, 5-HTP appeared to be slightly better tolerated than fluvoxamine, although the results did not reach the level of statistical significance. What personal interests and/or short or long term goals lie behind this - not strictly required for a proposal but it is usually helpful to think this through as it can help you focus [one paragraph] What aspect(s) of theory / knowledge is/are behind this What are the gaps in the research or what parallels are there in adjacent fields (ie a short literature review to set up the purpose and question) - 5-HTP has also been compared in a few studies with conventional tricyclic antidepressants (chloripramine and imipramine) - the most effective drugs for treating depression until the development of the SSRIs. The studies found 5-HTP to be at least as effective as these drugs in treating severe depression, while displaying fewer side effects. In severe cases, 5-HTP dosages as high as 1200 mg daily were used What objectives, steps, sub-questions, angles of inquiry or sections of your paper would you break your question or inquiry aim into - CCDANCTR-Studies was searched (carried out on 12/1/2005) using the following search stategy (Diagnosis = Depress* or Dysthymi* and Intervention = tryptophan or 5-htp or 5-hydroxtryptophan or Hydroxytryptophan and Intervention = Placebo). Reference lists, book chapters and conference proceedings were checked. Experts and triallists were contacted for unpublished studies Section B -Study design and method / methodology What type of study would help with your question and focus Please bold underline to identify It is OK to use "other" and briefly explain - but otherwise no explanation required here. You should read up on these if you don't know what they are, but we assume you know what the one you pick is) survey1 experiment evaluation trial case study reflective self-study academic paper2 other - please identify take advice Why / how will this design work with your question and focus - Trials were included if they were randomized, included patients with unipolar depression or dysthymia, compared preparations of 5-HTP or tryptophan with placebo, and included clinical outcomes assessed by scales assessing depressive symptoms take advice If you intend to use a particular methodology, briefly explain how it works and why you want to use it. - Eg - reflective self study, controlled trial, grounded theory, ethnography. This must be appropriate for the way you have worded your research question / inquiry. Please note that it is not essential that you have this for an undergraduate project. For an academic

Corporate finance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Corporate finance - Assignment Example Miller & Modigliani capital structure irrelevance proposition In the year 1958 Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller highlighted that in â€Å"perfect capital markets† the capital structure does not have any influence on the value of the firm rendering it irrelevant. The perfect capital markets are not characterised by any market frictions like trading costs, taxes and the information is easily transmitted between the investors and the managers. M&M made a clear distinction between the financial risk and business risk faced by a firm. While the financial risk refers to the choice of risk distribution between the bondholders and shareholders, the business risk refers to the uncertainty of cash flows of the business. It has been pointed out by Miller and Modigliani that changes in leverage does not cast any significant influence on the cash flows generated by the business. Therefore changes in leverage cannot alter the value of the firm. ... The firms as well as individuals can borrow or lend at the risk-free interest rate. The firms employ risky equity and risk-free debt. There exist only corporate taxes i.e. absence of personal income taxes or wealth taxes. They assumed perpetuity of cash flows i.e. assuming the growth rate to be zero (Lee, et al., 2009, p.202). As per M&M model the value of levered firm (VL) is equal to the value of unlevered firm (VU). Suppose there are two companies- Company 1 and Company2. It is assumed that the two companies have identical cash flows and belong to same risk profile. The difference between the two companies is with respect to financing. M&M state that the market value of the two companies is same. Suppose the pay-off of Company 1 in good state is 160 and in bad state is 50. This company is financed only by the equity mode of financing. Similarly the payoff of Company 2 is 160 in good state and 50 in bad state. It is financed by the combination of debt and equity. Suppose the total debt of Company 2 is $60 and its market value is $50; the market value of its equity is $50. Then the value of the Company 2 is- VL = Value of its equity + Value of debt = 50+50 =100 Now if the value of Company 1 is different from Company 2 say 103. Then an arbitrage strategy can be created- An investor can sell Company 1 at 103. He can buy the equity of Company 2 at $50 and debt at $50. The net cash flow is- = 103-100 =3 This process will continue until the Value of Company 1 is equal to Company 2 (Banal-Estanol , 2010). The increase in leverage component raises the risk and return of the shareholders. This can be stated as- RE = RO + (B/S)(RO – RD) RE is the return on levered equity RO is return on unlevered equity B is the debt value S is the

Ethical Decision Making in Business Research Paper

Ethical Decision Making in Business - Research Paper Example It is not easy to create a business atmosphere that is ethically accepted. Companies often incur incredible amount of time and resources training the executive and employees in an effort to creating business ethics. Moreover, decisions made by the company may rarely be taken positively by the employees or even the executive in the implementation process. Fighting this negativity reaction may be a stumbling block to effective implementation of business ethics. Body Companies may implement other methods of educating the employees on matters concerning decision making in the business ethical environment. This method of training includes workshops and professional courses meant at educating workers on ethical decision making process. In addition, inviting experts to educate employees enables business organizations to review their goals and objectives in regard to their current operations. In so doing, the company progressively builds a strong business code of conduct in running of a busi ness. Though the resources of the business environment may be very costly, it always helps the company to improve its status. In essence, Smart ethical decisions are very crucial to the continuity of the business as well as mastering marketing skills including finance and accounting. Ethical conduct needs an understanding and identification of issues associated with risks incurrence and uncertainties together with making decisions and choices pertaining to the business environment. It is very important to make economic decisions that can lead to improvement in the company’s status .The most important characteristic of the business is contentious and it has no special way of approaching and solving issues.... Companies may implement other methods of educating the employees on matters concerning decision-making in the business ethical environment. This method of training includes workshops and professional courses meant at educating workers on the ethical decision-making process. In addition, inviting experts to educate employees enables business organizations to review their goals and objectives in regard to their current operations. In so doing, the company progressively builds a strong business code of conduct in running of a business. Though the resources of the business environment may be very costly, it always helps the company to improve its status. In essence, Smart ethical decisions are very crucial to the continuity of the business as well as mastering marketing skills including finance and accounting. Ethical conduct needs an understanding and identification of issues associated with risks incurrence and uncertainties together with making decisions and choices pertaining to the business environment. It is very important to make economic decisions that can lead to improvement in the company’s status.The most important characteristic of the business is contentious and it has no special way of approaching and solving issues. It is found through research that an ethical person is of good use than an unethical rich person. Organizations that fail to achieve good ethical standards among its workforce and in their decision-making practice will most likely fail to achieve its objectives in the long run.

Organizational Ethics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Ethics - Term Paper Example One example of the US legislation of FCPA Act (Foreign Trade Practice Act) restricts the US business to perform any illegal act of bribery or such illegal processes both in domestic and international markets. Nevertheless, the organizations that fail to impose few business ethics and practices fail to have a good perception in the market irrespective of the legal positions. The essay would view the Organizational Ethics from a business perspective and assess the role of stakeholders in developing and maintaining them. Organizations focus upon building a set of ethical practices in respect to its employees and community that it operates in. Velasquez (1982) suggested that it has been observed in the market that the organizations those follow ethical practices achieves higher sales and increases the market stability by retaining the talents and attracting new skilled competent employees. The human capital result in building an atmosphere within the business that practices the culture of ethics in its processes. Soe.syr.edu (2014) observed the basic elements of ethical practices and creates a culture by introducing the following: Respect: The mutual respect of the business stakeholders with the business and its surroundings is the key to this phase. Therefore an ethical business builds upon the suppliers and stakeholder’s association with other ethical people and organization to keep its image in public clean. Honor: Castro (1994) suggested that the people are the fundamental part of good ethical practice and are ambassadors of the business to its external environment to exemplify the organizational ethical backgrounds. The mutual honor between business and its stakeholders is a strong bed for ethical conduct development. Integrity: The integrity is the virtue of performance as promised. Therefore, the mutual level of trust between Organization and the employees needs to be high so that both of them practices the ethical norms, eventually

Corporate finance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Corporate finance - Assignment Example Miller & Modigliani capital structure irrelevance proposition In the year 1958 Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller highlighted that in â€Å"perfect capital markets† the capital structure does not have any influence on the value of the firm rendering it irrelevant. The perfect capital markets are not characterised by any market frictions like trading costs, taxes and the information is easily transmitted between the investors and the managers. M&M made a clear distinction between the financial risk and business risk faced by a firm. While the financial risk refers to the choice of risk distribution between the bondholders and shareholders, the business risk refers to the uncertainty of cash flows of the business. It has been pointed out by Miller and Modigliani that changes in leverage does not cast any significant influence on the cash flows generated by the business. Therefore changes in leverage cannot alter the value of the firm. ... The firms as well as individuals can borrow or lend at the risk-free interest rate. The firms employ risky equity and risk-free debt. There exist only corporate taxes i.e. absence of personal income taxes or wealth taxes. They assumed perpetuity of cash flows i.e. assuming the growth rate to be zero (Lee, et al., 2009, p.202). As per M&M model the value of levered firm (VL) is equal to the value of unlevered firm (VU). Suppose there are two companies- Company 1 and Company2. It is assumed that the two companies have identical cash flows and belong to same risk profile. The difference between the two companies is with respect to financing. M&M state that the market value of the two companies is same. Suppose the pay-off of Company 1 in good state is 160 and in bad state is 50. This company is financed only by the equity mode of financing. Similarly the payoff of Company 2 is 160 in good state and 50 in bad state. It is financed by the combination of debt and equity. Suppose the total debt of Company 2 is $60 and its market value is $50; the market value of its equity is $50. Then the value of the Company 2 is- VL = Value of its equity + Value of debt = 50+50 =100 Now if the value of Company 1 is different from Company 2 say 103. Then an arbitrage strategy can be created- An investor can sell Company 1 at 103. He can buy the equity of Company 2 at $50 and debt at $50. The net cash flow is- = 103-100 =3 This process will continue until the Value of Company 1 is equal to Company 2 (Banal-Estanol , 2010). The increase in leverage component raises the risk and return of the shareholders. This can be stated as- RE = RO + (B/S)(RO – RD) RE is the return on levered equity RO is return on unlevered equity B is the debt value S is the

Organizational Ethics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Ethics - Term Paper Example One example of the US legislation of FCPA Act (Foreign Trade Practice Act) restricts the US business to perform any illegal act of bribery or such illegal processes both in domestic and international markets. Nevertheless, the organizations that fail to impose few business ethics and practices fail to have a good perception in the market irrespective of the legal positions. The essay would view the Organizational Ethics from a business perspective and assess the role of stakeholders in developing and maintaining them. Organizations focus upon building a set of ethical practices in respect to its employees and community that it operates in. Velasquez (1982) suggested that it has been observed in the market that the organizations those follow ethical practices achieves higher sales and increases the market stability by retaining the talents and attracting new skilled competent employees. The human capital result in building an atmosphere within the business that practices the culture of ethics in its processes. Soe.syr.edu (2014) observed the basic elements of ethical practices and creates a culture by introducing the following: Respect: The mutual respect of the business stakeholders with the business and its surroundings is the key to this phase. Therefore an ethical business builds upon the suppliers and stakeholder’s association with other ethical people and organization to keep its image in public clean. Honor: Castro (1994) suggested that the people are the fundamental part of good ethical practice and are ambassadors of the business to its external environment to exemplify the organizational ethical backgrounds. The mutual honor between business and its stakeholders is a strong bed for ethical conduct development. Integrity: The integrity is the virtue of performance as promised. Therefore, the mutual level of trust between Organization and the employees needs to be high so that both of them practices the ethical norms, eventually

Fall and Collapse of Communism between 1989 and 1991 Essay Example for Free

Fall and Collapse of Communism between 1989 and 1991 Essay The fall of Soviet Union and the subsequent collapse of communism has been a defining moment in the post World War II politico-social environment. Although the collapse of communism accelerated itself during the period 1989-1991, it is necessary to investigate the historical reasons which contributed to the collapse of communism. A strong tendency of totalitarianism has always been evident in the history of Russia. The same tendency has been carried over into the Soviet Union in the form of Marxism-Leninism. Stalin’s attempt on enforcing a common Soviet national identity on disparate ethnic groups has always been a source of unrest in the USSR. The Marxist-Leninist way of redefining communism from a state and nation building perspective has also made the internal socio-economic structure of the Soviet Union inherently unstable. Moreover the Soviet narrative on international communism once again emphasized the dominant hierarchy of Marxism-Leninism, as evidenced by the Hungarian uprising of 1956. An inclination towards collectivization as a State building principle has also rendered the Soviet economy distinctively vulnerable in comparison to Western nations. The Soviet Union was caught in a pincer movement of internal instability and external influences in terms of foreign policy. Gorbachev’s introduction of reforms in terms of Glasnost and Perestroika hinted at a possible opening up of the Soviet society. The departure of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1989 resulted in a decreased military influence on the Soviet society. This further encouraged the citizenry to question the legitimacy of Soviet identity culminating in the violent demonstrations across the Soviet Union, especially in the Baltic States. This exposed and brought the structural weakness of Communism to the surface. The fall of Berlin wall also contributed to the weakening of Soviet foreign influence.   Economic factors like dip in the oil price and lack of foreign reserves further divided and weakened the nation already disturbed by the civil unrest. Soviet Union was not only reeling under the pressure of internal conflicts, but also could not compete with United States in terms of military power and economic development. Finally Soviet Union was forced to withdraw its troops from Eastern Europe and the communist regimes there were overthrown. The erstwhile Baltic Republics also declared independence in 1990. As a result the Soviet brand of communism shrunk itself and was limited to Russia. As a culmination Boris Yeltsin banned the CPSU in 1991 and termed it unconstitutional. To summarize the fall and collapse of communism was not due to internal strife alone, but also hastened by the indirect economic influence by United States. The collapse was accelerated during 1989-91 due to a combination of these factors. The collapse itself has to be further understood within a broader framework of systemic weakness of the idealogy. At the same time short-term factors like lack of satisfactory economic growth and civil unrest did indeed play a crucial role in the sudden demise of Communism. Work Cited Friedman, L. Thomas. The World is Flat, England: Penguin Books Ltd., 2005. 48-172

Negative Aspects Of Nuclear Power Plants

Negative Aspects Of Nuclear Power Plants There are many different types of power sources across the world that produce electricity in many different ways. There are methods that use the power of nature, such as: hydroelectric power which uses the power of water to spin a turbine, windmills that use the power of the wind to spin a generator, and solar power which uses the heat from the sun. There are also man-made methods such as: power plants that burn coal, generators that burn gasoline, and plants that burn wood to use the heat from the fires to produce electricity. There is also nuclear power, which uses the heat from a radioactive isotope to produce electricity. Nuclear power is formed by energy harnessed from a natural resource. It is produced in power plants or power houses. Nuclear power is efficient, uses fewer natural resources, and adds a minimal amount of pollution to the atmosphere (Wilcox 1996). In the same respects, nuclear power can be very dangerous and produce long term negative effects to the environment. Radioactivity is extremely harmful, not only to the environment, but also to the people who come in contact with it. This has long made it feared by people who live around nuclear power plants and made these power plants a target for terrorists. The are at least two incidents involving nuclear power plants that had gone wrong within recent history. On April 26, 1987, Chernobyl nuclear facilitys number four reactor sustained catastrophic damage when a routine safety test went wrong. An explosion in the number four reactor spewed radioactive material miles into the air creating a radioactive situation 100 times worse than Hiroshima. The immediate death toll was 31, while thousands will have to live with the long term effects of the radioactivity (Chernobyl accident..2011). On March 28, 1979, Three Mile Island nuclear facility experienced an overheat condition in one of their nuclear reactors when operators noticed an increase in water flow to the reactor exceeding normal levels. They attempted to correct the problem, but only succeeded in making it worse. The incident was contained with minor exposure of radioactivity to the environment but not until after the radioactive fuel rods melted through the bottom of their HYPERLINK ../../../../../../../bio/Jennifer-Rosenberg-7900.htmcontainers. During the process some radioactivity escaped into the atmosphere (Three mile..2010). The examples of the disasters above show both the instability and destructive nature of the uranium used in nuclear power plants. Uranium and plutonium, the byproduct of nuclear fission, which is the process used to create nuclear energy, and are extremely unstable if not maintained perfectly in the correct conditions. The instability of these two radioactive elements can lead to both dangerous and destructive outcomes. As witnessed in the Three Mile Island disaster, when uranium is not properly cooled it can reach temperatures high enough to allow it to melt through its container causing the possible release of radioactive material into the environment. The outcome from the accidental release of radioactive material from a nuclear power plant into the environment is far more destructive and long term than the release of other energy producing materials, such as coal, oil, or other fossil fuels. Clean up is also a lot more difficult and hazardous. The effects of the release of radioa ctive material can last several billion years and can forever change the environment where it occurred. The after effects of an accidental release of fossil fuels, such as oil, from a typical power plant is far less dangerous (Diehl 2004). The wildlife repopulates and regrows quicker from the accidental release of fossil fuels than from the accidental release of nuclear energy. This shows how nuclear energy is dangerous to the health of the environment. The mining process of uranium for a nuclear power plant causes the same environmental effects as the mining of coal, on a smaller scale. The mining process also produces lead, a hazardous material known to cause cancer, birth defects, and other human and environmental problems. Uranium, unlike many other sources of energy, such as wind, water, and sun, is a non renewable resource. During mining, to keep ground water from entering the underground mine, uranium contaminated water is often pumped into local rivers and lakes, polluting that water as well. After the mine is shut down, there is a great risk of ground water becoming contaminated. Waste rock which is rock removed from the mines that does not have enough usable material in it is removed from the mine and piled above the surface. This material usually contains higher than normal amounts of radiation. This waste rock is often turned into gravel used for cement and paving roads, spreading radioactive material across large areas (Diehl 2004). This shows how even the mining process is very destructive and dangerous to the environment. While producing fewer greenhouse gases, nuclear power can hardly be considered an efficient, effective, cleaner alternative to the production of electricity. When compared to the amount of energy produced from the burning of fossil fuels, we see that the amount of power from a nuclear power plant is lower than that created from the burning of fossil fuels. It takes far more time and resources for nuclear power to equal the production from other sources such as fossil fuels (Linnerud 2011). In the increase in demand for energy from the nuclear power plants, the green house emissions also rise with the increase in production. This shows the inefficiency of nuclear power and the increase of greenhouse pollution. This proves that the increase of nuclear power in place of fossil fuels does not provide a reduction in climate changing effects during the production of energy (Lloyd 2006). Resources Chernobyl Nuclear Accident [homepage on the Internet]. World Nuclear Association; 2011 Mar..[cited 2011 Mar. 21]. Available from http://www.world-nuclear.org Diehl P. Uranium Mining and Milling Wastes: An Introduction. [homepage on the Internet]. 2004 Aug.15..[cited 2011 Mar. 21]. Available from http://www.wise-uranium.org Linnerud K. The Impact of Climate Change on Nuclear Power Supply, Energy Journal 2011; 32 (1): 149-168. Lloyd B. Nuclear Power and the Greenhouse Effect [homepage on the Internet]. Darwin (NT): Parlamentary Library Service; 2006. [cited 2011 Mar. 21]. Available from http://www.ntl.nt.gov.au. Three Mile Island Accident [homepage on the Internet]. World Nuclear Association; 2011 Mar..[cited 2010 Jan.]. Available from http://www.world-nuclear.org Wilcox C. Powerhouse. Minneapolis (MN): Carolrhoda Books, Inc. 1996. 48p.

Rawlsian Affirmative Action Essay -- Philosophy Philosophical Papers

Rawlsian Affirmative Action: Compensatory Justice as Seen from the Original Position * ABSTRACT: In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls presents a method of determining how a just society would allocate its "primary goods"-that is, those things any rational person would desire, such as opportunities, liberties, rights, wealth, and the bases of self-respect. (1) Rawls' method of adopting the "original position" is supposed to yield a "fair" way of distributing such goods. A just society would also have the need (unmet in the above work) to determine how the victims of injustice ought to be compensated, since history suggests that social contracts are likely to be violated. This paper is an attempt to determine the remedial measures that would be selected using Rawls' method. I contend that only two of the three most widely used "affirmative action" policies would be selected from the original position. I also sketch another compensatory policy that would pass Rawls' fairness test. I. Affirmative action is public policy designed to compensate the victims of injustice. (2) To be thus disadvantaged, in Rawls' scheme of things, is to have suffered in some way from having had less than one's fair share of the primary goods (62). This measure, according to Rawls, ought to be determined by the two principles that would be selected in the original position (17-22). The "first principle," which is "lexically prior" to the second, dictates that each member of society be granted every shareable personal liberty, a liberty being shareable just in case one's exercising of it would not prevent others from doing so (60-1, 250). The "second principle" states that the other primary goods are to be distributed in an egalitarian fashion unless... ...with compensating the victims of injustice. (3) Having done my best here to defend what follows as a reasonable extension of Rawls' system, I would add that I am not wed to the idea that it be taken as such. If the connection between ideal and nonideal theory is not as I have portrayed it, if the latter is not to be circumscribed by the former, then the ensuing views on affirmative action may simply be understood as those that would follow if one were apply Rawl's method, against his own stricture, to the issue of compensatory justice. (4) In correspondence and in "A Puzzle About Economic Justice In Rawls' Theory," Social Theory and Practice, vol. 4 #1, pp. 1-27. (5) "A Puzzle About ..., " p. 3. (6) Ibid., p. 7. (7) Ibid., pp. 12-13. (8) Thomas Nagel, "The Policy of Preference," in Mortal Questions (London: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1979) pp.91-105.

Dulce et decorum est Essay -- English Literature

Dulce et decorum est is a well known battlefield poem written by Wilfred Owen. Critical Analysis Dulce et decorum est is a well known battlefield poem written by Wilfred Owen. It has been written in the first person and the present tense to make the reader feel as if they are actually there. It is in three clear sections, which are eight-line stanzas, rhyming ABABCDCD. It has an extra four lines in the last stanza to incorporate the main message of the poem. It uses many similes and metaphors, which add drama and make it more effective. The first stanza creates the impression of the men being tired and wounded. It describes many afflictions which are normally associated with old age, it is as though the war has aged them prematurely for example, they are now 'knock-kneed' and 'bent double' . It is about the men's journey to a distant rest place away from the battlefield 'til on haunting flares we turned our backs'. 'Cursed through sludge' tells the audience that the conditions are awful and that the language being used to drive them forwards is harsh. The poem...

Present and Potential use of the media spaces facilitated by digital communication technologies in Japan

Management guru Peter Drucker had commented that â€Å"the future was always already happening somewhere; it was just a question of spotting it†. Most people across the globe are aware of the technological breakthroughs and advances that the developed countries have made in the fields of science and technology. Asian countries take a backstage in development in such related areas. With the advent of globalization and liberalization of economies in Asia the flow of science and technology has rapidly swept the landscape of most of these countries that has led to huge pools of talent in the Information Technology and Mobile Telecommunications sector.Japan has been labeled as one of the most technologically innovative nations second to the United States. The country has witnessed significant growth in technology across various industrial segments ranging from automobiles to video games consoles. The Internet has assumed great significance in improved accessibility and communicatio n. It has revealed a whole new dimension to sharing and disseminating information across the globe with vast potentials to reap commercial and social benefits.The Internet has changed the way people perceive markets and commerce today in addition to the highly efficient networking benefits that it offers. Its global reach, high degree of interactivity, speed of information exchange, and the ability to connect people from various parts of the globe has rendered the Internet medium indispensable for most businesses and homes today. The World Wide Web is yet unexplored in terms of its potentials in conducting online business, technologies that can further enhance its interactivity features, and networking benefits that can be expanded in future.The components like e-mail, websites, social networking communities online, blogs, video conferencing, and net telephony have enabled efficient interaction between individuals from across the globe. Information and Communication Technologies (IC T) has created new enhanced mode of communication possible in the 21st century. This trend has heralded a series of innovations in the field of communication technologies enabling enhanced connectivity and platform for smoother interaction between individuals.An important aspect of technological development that has revolutionized the digital communication era is the mobile telephony. Widespread use of cellular technology to communicate freely from any place anytime has expanded the reach within individuals and the rapid penetration of this technology to both developed and underdeveloped economies has created tremendous opportunities for business growth. Growth and penetration of Internet in JapanThe Japanese economic growth is impressive in the Asian subcontinent constituting a major chunk of the high net worth individuals and progressive economic indicators. The country has a Gross National Income per capita of US$ 38,980 in the year 2006, as estimated by the World Bank. This has led to increasing number of people having the capacity to purchase latest gadgets and technological devices. The economy has witnessed rapid increase in the use of Internet and mobile technologies over the past few years.According World Internet Statistics, the percentage of population accessing Internet in Japan has risen from a mere 37. 1 percent in the year 2000 to 68 percent in the year 2007 with the total number of users increasing from 47,080,000 to 87,540,000. The broadband speed in Japan is eight to thirty times faster than the connectivity available in United States, as per Washington Post dated 29th August 2007. The article reports that the accessibility cost is much lower compared to prices in the US.Hence, â€Å"Japan has the world’s fastest Internet connection delivering more data at a lower cost than anywhere else. † (Washington Post) In light of these statistics it is evident that the Japanese economy is gaining rapid momentum in fields of technological development armed with a techno-savvy population that is willing to explore the new aspects of business commerce and instant communication trends. The growth and development in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies is directly correlated to a country’s economic growth and development.This sector has contributed significantly to the growth of the Japanese economy. The ICT sector contributed 0. 9 percent to the 2. 2 percent growth in GDP in the year 2005. The impact of the development in communication technologies is evident with the rise of electronic commerce and extensive use of the Internet for the purpose of business transactions. This has increased consumerism and sales of digital devices that are must haves for most individuals across the globe. Japan too is witnessing widespread consumerism for electronic devices and telecommunication services.The high-speed connection at low cost provided by the telecommunication service providers in this country has allowed efficient exchange of data and information online besides enabling high-definition teleconferencing and video chats. The number of people working from home is increasing owing to this efficient service. The government of Japan has facilitated rapid growth in this sector realizing the vital contribution that this will have on the overall economic growth and development. The role of digital communication technologies in globalization is vital.It is the rapid and efficient use of these technologies that has minimized the physical barriers and created a platform for smoother business transactions and information exchange across various corners of the globe without the hassle of traveling. The physical distance no longer poses a barrier to communities and businesses alike and the remarkable feature is the amount of time that is saved in communicating and transferring information from one corner of the globe to another. Japan has harnessed this sector to expand its economy and ot her related sectors that has benefited immensely from this sector.The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan states in its ICT report 2007 â€Å"The current state of global business development by the world’s major telecommunications carriers reveals that they are actively promoting global expansion by establishing local subsidiaries and through investment in local telecommunications carriers. † Telecommunication service providers are strongly vying against each other for increasing their market share since large number of individuals and businesses are opting for high-speed broadband connectivity and telephony services.The demand has been growing over the past few years and many international service providers are entering the market to capitalize on this market segment. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp (NTT) is a government controlled enterprise and currently is the largest telecommunication service provider in the country. But this company is faci ng severe competition from the entry of other multinationals. NTT launched the optical fiber system to provide connectivity at 100 megabits per second that is 17 times faster than the US cable connections.The Washington Post article states that approximately 8. 8 million homes in Japan have access to Internet using this optical fiber system. This has revolutionized many aspects of life in Japan. For instance, the high-resolution video conferencing has enabled pathologists to examine tissue samples from patients living in remote areas with the help of remote controlled microscopes. The high-quality image made possible with the use of optical fiber system has rendered huge benefits to people residing in areas that do not have easy access to large hospitals.The globalization and development in communication technologies have led to the growth of virtual organizations that are visible in the forms of virtual linkages with supply chain partners, outsourcing, virtual malls, or electronic market places and telework. The rise of virtual organizations was greatly facilitated by the innovative applications and developments in the field of Internet commerce. The e-commerce initially referred to exchange of stored data and information between related companies.Developments in scope of applications have enabled the suppliers and service providers to directly communicate with their customers online and this has created a whole new concept of business management. Businesses across the globe realize the huge potential that the e-commerce implies and are adopting new strategies to take advantage of the extensive consumer reach through the Internet. Digitization in Japan The rapid penetration of Information Technology and increased networking abilities in the country created the need for digitization of the various departments and institutions both in the public and private sector.Japan has carried out extensive digitization work in the last few years owing to the rapid penetra tion of Information Technology in all fields and industries. The United Nations report on digitization of the government department in Japan observes â€Å"the digitization of the administration is designed to make it more convenient for the people, simplify the administration and improve its efficiency and transparency, through the use of IT in every field of the administration and a review of existing systems and practices.†The various government departments have been streamlined using the new technology and telecommunication networking to achieve an effective coordination and information flow across departments. The need to regulate and monitor the flow of data and information becomes highly critical in all businesses. The government of Japan undertook special care to promote digitization across all public institutions as well as private sector to enable efficient management of the systems and promote improved quality of services to the nation. Cellular phone technology in JapanMobile phones have become an essential part of today’s life and it is difficult to imagine moving around without one of these gadgets in the pocket. This device is a new addition to the digital communication modes and has revolutionized the pace and ease of connectivity between individuals. Few years’ back the pagers had been launched and the instant messaging device had created a huge impact on means of communication. The portable device had been first launched in the year 1968 in Japan and was mainly used by sales representatives and doctors to send instant messages and communicate any kind of emergency requirements.The limitation of this device was that it could not be used to receive or make calls and could be used for receiving messages only. The car phone introduced by Japan in the year 1979 was the first of its kind in mobile telephones. This technology was gradually upgraded to take shape of the mobile phones used today. The current form of mobile phone s ervice started in the year 1987 in Japan. The high fees levied on the use of theses mobile phones rendered them exclusively for the use of business purpose. Initially they were too expensive for use by the general public.Within few years of its launch the mobile phone services became cheaper and more accessible to the public. The rapid popularity of these devices among the masses created a new type of consumerism trend that was capitalized by the telecommunication companies providing the consumers with innovative technologies at competitive prices. The craze for the latest gadget in mobile telephones led to the launch of devices that used advanced technology converging the functions of a watch, camera, and phone into one pocket-sized device.Further innovations and technological breakthroughs gave way to smart devices that could explore the Internet, carry on video conferencing, and download music and movies with sharp clarity and features that enabled smooth picture quality. The mob ile phones have evolved greatly as a communication tool. The digital Japanese mobile phone services facilitate exchange of information using both voice and data. The phones have been equipped with Java applications to stimulate the Internet functionalities that allows net surfing, email exchange and file transfers.Additional features including camera enables the user to shoot pictures, upload and download images, video recording facility, connect to television channels, tunes into radio, play downloaded music with built in speaker systems have added whole new dimension to the mobile phone technology. Mobile phones are now being termed as smart phones owing to their extensive utility and features. The present generation comprises of techno freaks that love possessing hi-fi gadgets with advanced features and enhanced technology.The mobile phones are being replaced by i-pods launched by Sony and Apple. These devices converge the functionalities of the web, phone, camera, music player, video player, and video gaming consoles. Most of the technology companies in Japan are using convergence strategy to blend multiple functionalities into one simple looking device that is easy to use and carry around. These devices are primarily targeted towards the younger generation. Convergence technology in JapanJapan is the leading pioneer in new and innovative technology related product development that has spelled huge success for its economic growth. It is one of the leading nations using the convergence strategy to expand market for highly advanced range of products blending functionalities of many components into a single device. According to Jun Tanaka, general manager in the product planning development division at Seiko Instruments â€Å"a good converged product reflects both complexity and subtlety. It can be complex in function yet condensed so it’s efficient in use and appearance.†It is based on these principles that the product Wrist Companion is design ed that incorporate the features of a cell-phone, personal computer, and Personal Digital Assistant. This can be worn on the wrist like a watch that makes it convenient to carry around unlike mobile phones that cannot be worn as an accessory. This is being launched by Seiko Instruments of Japan. The company claims to research the needs of the consumer for small and smart electronic devices that can be treated as a fashion accessory and yet meet the high tech needs of the users.Shortcomings of these technologies However, the efficiency of the individual functionalities may be blurred in the face of such multiple functioning devices. For instance, the camera attached to a mobile phone does not have the required clarity of images and a professional photographer would prefer to use a highly equipped camera specially suited for his needs. Similarly, the music player or video player built into the mobile phone does not have high resolution picture quality that can satisfy the user.It cann ot be compared to the home theatre system or normal television quality. This poses a serious limitation to the utility of such multi-functional devices. Another shortcoming of the use of these convergence technologies is the high cost involved in making these products that reflects on their market prices. The companies launching these products conduct extensive research that incurs huge costs before the product is finally launched into the markets Seiko Instruments conduct market surveys to research consumer needs and preferences before planning their product design.The Wrist Companion was designed after extensive market research and planning. The end product is sold in the market at a price of 20,000 to 30,000 yen. The Bluetooth mobile technology has also increased the price of the product in the market. However, consumers from higher income range are willing to pay the higher price of these sophisticated devices. These products may be out of reach for many individuals but the grow ing wealthy population in Japan has created huge market demand.These products are in high demand in international markets too with many countries importing electronic devices from Japan in bulk. This has influenced the trade balances of Japan positively over the past few decades. The growth and development of digital communication technologies has led to complete restructuring of the business processes and organizational strategies. Business corporations are using the information and communication technologies in areas that can directly impact the business efficiency and add value in terms of cost and benefits.The positive impacts of the use of these technologies in business ventures are felt in enhanced productivity, increased consumer reach, higher market shares, and efficient customer service. Another dimension to the benefits provided by the increased use of communication technologies is reflected in the change in life style of the individuals who are growing highly dependent on these devices for their day-to-day activities.

Motifs in Grendel Essay

Throughout John Gardner’s novel, Grendel, there are many literary tools and compositional risks used to support the overall meaning of the story and to show change in the main character, Grendel. One compositional risk that Gardner uses extremely effectively is motif. A motif is defined as recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the piece’s major themes. The most effective motif Gardner uses over the course of the novel is the recurring references to the signs of the zodiac. Other important motifs referenced in Grendel are the seasons, machinery, and the number twelve. Starting in chapter one, Gardner effectively uses the zodiac signs to reinforce the changes in Grendel and the changes in time. Grendel is split into twelve chapters, each corresponding to a different zodiac sign. In each chapter, one of the twelve zodiac signs is referenced at least once. The zodiac references also appear in the exact order as the calendar, starting with Aries in chapter one and ending with Pisces in chapter twelve. In fact, the very first sentence of the novel is a reference to the first zodiac sign. â€Å"The old ram stands looking down over rockslides, stupidly triumphant. † (Gardner 5) This is a very simple zodiac reference and other simple references occur in chapters two and ten, when Grendel encounters a bull and goat respectively. However, some of the zodiac references are tougher to locate. Chapters five and seven are among the difficult references. Chapter five refers to Leo the Lion, but a lion is never mentioned in the text. Chapter seven refers to Libra the Balance. The reader must infer the peace offering of Wealtheow to represent a force of balance between the Scyldings and the Helmings. Another motif used extremely effectively throughout Grendel is the seasons. Grendel is not a novel written in chronological order. The book begins somewhat at the end, then enters a series of flashbacks, and ends in the present. However, even though the novel skips around chronologically, it is patterned after the passage of a one-year calendar. The novel begins in the spring of Grendel’s last year alive and ends with him dieing the following winter. This is appropriate because spring normally represents growth and new beginnings, so this is an ideal place to start a story. It is also appropriate because winter normally symbolizes death and Grendel is slain by Beowulf during the winter. Machinery is another motif used to perfection by Gardner in Grendel. Many times throughout the course of the novel, Grendel uses metaphors describing animals and humans as â€Å"machine-like† because they mindlessly adhere to set patterns of behavior. Grendel first notices this in the ram, which instinctively responds to the arrival of spring and will not leave no matter what Grendel does because the season is upon us. â€Å"I shake my two hairy fists at the sky and I let out a howl so unspeakable that the water at my feet turns sudden ice and even I myself am left uneasy. But the ram stays; the season is upon us. † (Gardner 5) Later in the book, Grendel describes himself as â€Å"mechanical as anything else† when the warm weather causes him to start his raids on the mead hall. One final motif used throughout Grendel is the significance of the number twelve. To start off, there are twelve months in a year and the narrative is broken into twelve chapters. Next, there are twelve zodiac signs and all twelve zodiac signs are referenced in the book. Finally, there are twelve years in the war between the Danes and Grendel, with Grendel being slain via Beowulf in the twelfth and final year of the war. Obviously the number twelve is a recurring theme throughout the novel making it a very significant motif. A motif is defined as recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the piece’s major themes. John Gardner uses many motifs throughout Grendel to help explain the story and themes in the story. The most effective motif used is the zodiac symbolism in each chapter, but the motifs of the seasons, machinery, and the number twelve are also imperative in helping explain the overall meaning of the story. Motifs should be used whenever possible to help explain a story, plus they provide readers with an interesting topic for debate when discussing a novel.

Broken Education, Broken Future

The Broken Windows Theory, first introduced in 1982, asserts that disorder and crime are connected and that disorder can negatively impact society, leading to a high incidence rate of crimes, both misdemeanors and felonies. Through order-maintenance policing, disorder can be controlled, creating a safe and orderly atmosphere, instilling trust between law enforcement and civilians, and the crime rate can be maintained at a low rate. While there is evidence that correlation between Broken Windows policing†¦ Is Britain a broken society? Is Britain broken? Well it is a matter of opinion. I for one believe that in some aspects it is but in others it could not be better. For example, Amelia Gentleman of The Economist website recently conducted an interview with an undertaker in her town. â€Å"Since the beginning of the year, Cuthbertson (the undertaker) has presided over 20 funerals at his church in Easterhouse, in the east end of Glasgow: five of them drug-related deaths, the others triggered by lung cancers†¦ The Broken System Suffering and being neglected on a daily basis is not something someone has to ever encounter. The foster care system is failing because of all of the flaws that exist which results in the harm of bringing down innocent children. The state of Florida has been the first state to ever make all foster care privatized. While the foster care system in Florida is able to get many children adopted, many several of them also suffer from permanent health issues because of the broken system†¦ Death Penalty – Broken System Jorge Lozano Jr. ITT Tech CJ2799 - Criminology and Forensic Technology Capstone Project CJ2799 March 10, 2015 Mr. Gonzales Death Penalty – Broken System The U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court deemed that capital punishment is acceptable when the severity of the sentence was appropriate to the crime. Thirty Seven states still allow the death penalty to be carried out. The systems process is not consistent throughout the states. The states need to become†¦ do about it? When parents split up, there can be many emotions that a youth may have to deal with. These feelings, internalized or expressed, will result in certain behavior that will possibly affect to the youth’s outlook in life. Being a broken hurts! It is the collapse of a God intended design. Children can get robbed of a special experience and protection called "Family". They move on in their lives as individuals without the understanding of what familial security and bond is. They look†¦ CPS: A Broken System Jack was a happy and healthy nine-month old baby boy. He had white-blond peach fuzz growing on his round little head and bright, blue, inquisitive eyes. He was the first grandchild in his family and was adored by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles alike. His father, Thomas, was an extremely busy young man. He was a college student who worked full-time and an Army Reservist. When Baby Jack’s mother, Misty, went on a trip, his daddy asked her brother and his wife†¦ The class was tuning their instruments, each string one by one. While the teacher was in the midst of fixing a broken string, which seemingly never did get fully repaired, the phone rang. First once, then twice. The class got silent, as if it was a matter of life or death. Instantly, I knew it was for me. i closed my eyes, in fear that I would start to cry. The ringing stops abruptly, I can hear the mumble of the teacher 's words while on the phone upfront. Its as if my hearing became muffled, almost†¦ forces a child to grow up in a broken home, it can change the way a child feels towards one parent, they may have problems maintaining healthy relationships with people, and it may just change the way they view marriage as a whole. Personally my parents were never married but the effects of their separation on me where the same as if they were divorced. Growing up in a broken home is not a healthy way for a child to grow up. What exactly is a broken home? A broken home is a household where both†¦ questions these abnormal traits as if they are temporary, however, they are innate and therefore, cannot be changed. Cathy Davidson’s, Project Classroom Makeover, talks about how hierarchies have created a broken education system whose educational standards do not provide customized education to every student. On the other hand, Son by Andrew Solomon is about the false dichotomy of using illness to obscure identity and vice versa. Solomon’s axis of identity can be used to understand Davidson’s hierarchies†¦ take a stand against the lack of teaching going on in his class (Broderick). Across America, young people are being short changed due to a broken education system. Bliss is just one example of the shared frustration felt by students. In an interview, Jeff said one of his key points is the fact that it's not just about his education, it's about our education. "If we embrace this, I feel as if we can make a serious change and a positive change. But if we just want to ignore and push this to the side†¦