Discuss What Government Policies Can Be Used to Overcome

Discuss what government policies can be used to overcome a recession A recession is two or more consecutive quarters of a year that experiences a decline in GDP or has negative GDP growth; recessions are believed to be caused by a widespread fall in spending. Employment, investment, household incomes and business profits all fall during recessions; while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise.Governmennts respond to recessions by adopting expansionary economic policeys such as the expansionary fiscal policey or loose monetary policey. The exapansionary fiscal policey involves the government attempting to increase aggregate demand, the two main instruments the government use to achieve this is government spending and taxation.The government increases its spending in the economey which stimulates the economey through the multiplyer effect, this huge increase of government spending acts as an injection into the circular flow and will eventually increase consumer incomes which will increase the consumers marginal propensity to consume which will therefore shift aggregate demand to the right as all of this additional income is being spent, this right shift will then lead to an increase in economic growth, this is shown on the graph below.The government can also decrease taxes such as VAT which will also increases consumer spending as it will make consumers have more disposable income therefore acting as an incentive for them to consume, causing aggregate demand to shift to the right causing growth, the government can either increase spending or decrease taxes or even apply both to the economy.However the effect of the fiscal policy will depend on how much money is pumped into the economy and how much the taxes have been reduced because if government spending has increase by a small percent or taxes have decreased a small percent it may not have much of an effect on the consumer marginal propensity to consume and so may fail to increase aggregate demand. Also de pending on the inflation rate in the economy already the fiscal policy could cause the price level to increase due to a major increase in aggregate demand as shown in the graph above.Also the policy could cause crowding out because if the increase in government spending is raised from taxes then it would lead to a reduction in private spending and if the increase is financed by borrowing then it could lead to a rise in interest rates which would lead to a decrease in private investment. There will also be a time lag involved as the government will have to wait for the multiplier effect to kick in and so in the short term this policy may prove ineffective however in the long term its effectiveness will show.Another policy the government can use is the expansionary monetary policy, the expansionary monetary policy aim to shift aggregate demand to the right by lowering the interest rates, the lowering of the interest rates lowers the cost of borrowing for example using credit cards and decreases consumers marginal propensity to save which therefore encourages consumption. These lower interest rates also encourage firms to borrow and invest therefore further increasing aggregate demand in the economy.These lower interest rates will therefore increase aggregate demand shown in the graph below. This increase in aggregate demand will therefore increase GDP as shown in the graph above. However the amount the government can decrease the interest rates by will depend at what level they are at already, for example the interest rate for the UK at this moment of time is 0. 5 and so the government would not realistically be able to decrease this any more and so the monetary policy would prove ineffective in this situation.So if the decline in interest rates does not work the monetary policy uses the tool of qauntative easing which is were the MPC â€Å"monetary policy committee† creates money through selling bonds, buying banks assets and selling loans to other banks , this money is then spent in sectors of the economy which will act as an injection into the circular flow, this will then again generate growth as it will cause aggregate demand to shift outwards.This increase in cash reserves due to the selling of bonds and so on will also mean banks will increase their lending to households and businesses which will again make it easier for people to obtain money and therefore consume therefore shifting aggregate demand to the right causing and increase in growth.Although the use of this policy could also cause inflation as shown in the graph above, the MPC also predict the future economic trends so the policy can be used at full effect and so if the prediction is wrong it could have negative effects on the economy, furthermore the effect of the qauntative easing will depend on how much the MPC is actually able to obtain through bonds, selling loans and acquiring bank assets.

How CSR is your company Essay

What is Corporate Social Responsibility? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulated system that companies use to ensure that their operations are in line with ethical standards, the law and the norms of society. CSR aids companies in taking responsibility for their actions and â€Å"encourage a positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere (WIKIPEDIA, 2012)† The company that has been selected for analysis is Burberry. Burberry was established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry and is now an ‘internationally recognised luxury brand with a worldwide distribution network (Burberry PLC, 2012)’. They have 473 stores worldwide and employ approximately 6,681 people. This company claims that they are in compliance with CSR and have on their website listed the ways in which they achieve this. â€Å"One of Burberry’s five strategic themes is pursuing operational excellence. Operational excellence in CR has five key areas of focus: * Healthy business partnerships: based on shared values and high ethical standards * Excellent products and service: quality, craftsmanship, heritage and service standards * Environmental excellence: operating efficiently with minimum waste and maximum control * Excellence in people management: attracting and retaining talented employees * Contributing to society: investing and engaging in the communities where Burberry operates (Burberry, 2011)’ Employee diversity When it comes to employment, it is important for a company to be extremely diverse and offer equal opportunities. Not only are they required to do this by law (under acts such as the Equality Act 2010), but they should also choose to be diverse. A company that chooses to be diverse is well respected by societies in which they operate, and will find that increasing numbers people/other companies are seeking them out to work for/with them. In the long run, embracing equality & diversity could also benefit the company as it will enable them to gain new ideas and look at things from a different perspective. Burberry claims that they are a diverse company when it comes to employment and says that their diverse work force strengthens and drives their success as a luxury brand. The brand now ‘employs nationals of 95 countries across all continents’ (Burberry PLC, 2011). They state that gender equality is promoted within the organisation and equal opportunities are offered at every level of employment. Health, safety and well being Organisations need to genuinely care about the health and safeties of those who are working for them because once they are on their premises the employees become their responsibility. Procedures should be put into place to ensure that the working environment is safe and comfortable enough for their employees to operate in. In order to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees and third party contractors, the company sate that they use third party auditors in its locations all of the world to ensure that standards are being met. Stores and offices are said to be audited once every 3 years, and distribution & manufacturing sites annually. In 2010/11, a well-being programme was launched within the company designed to ‘encourage staff to lead healthier lifestyles (IBID, 2011)’. According to the company’s research, the numbers of sick days were reduced by roughly 0.8% per employee. Operating responsibility There has been much controversy around the world in regards to workers in places in third world countries being exploited by companies who simply want cheap labour and have no regards for those producing their products or merely fail to have procedures in place that ensure that these workers are not being treated any differently to for instance a factory worker in the United Kingdom. Burberry believes that ‘to be a great brand u need to be a great company (IBID, 2011)’. They are members of the UN global impact and use its ten principles to guide their CSR activities. The company have a committee of 16 which is solely dedicated to CSR. In the years 2010/11 three meetings were held. â€Å"Burberry believes that its products should be made only in factories that comply with local labour and environmental laws and by workers who work fair but not excessive hours, are provided with a safe, hygienic work environment, and who can exercise their right to freedom of association as well as collective bargaining (IBID, 2011)†. The group have an Ethical Trading Policy, under which clear rules/expectations are said to be set concerning the management of labour standards. Burberry added four new policies to the existing rules that cover bribery and corruption, foreign contract labour, unauthorised sub-contracting and animal welfare. The CRS team deliver training to suppliers where they are made aware of the company’s trading expectations, management systems and counsel on transparency standards for sub-contractors. Stake holder engagement Corporate responsibility should not just be practised with the walls of the organisation. Companies should aim to work together and encourage one and other to do what is morally right and socially acceptable in order to better the supply chain process. By working together, it will increase the chances of change occurring. â€Å"Burberry understands that it cannot solve supply chain labour issues alone and maintains an open dialogue with suppliers, other brands, NGOs and trade unions to bring collective action to bear across the supply chain† The organisation joined the Ethical Trading initiative in June 2010. Ethical trade define the ETI as being â€Å"a sound breaking alliance of companies and trade unions†¦that work in partnership to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable workers across the globe who make or grow consumer goods (2010) Fur When discussing what is ethical and socially acceptable, it is not only human beings that should be discussed. Animal cruelty is a big issue in the especially within high end fashion industry as many of them implement real animal fur and skin into their products. It is a matter of opinion as to whether or not animal fur should be used, however if a company do decided to utilise it, then it should be executed in the most ethical way possible. Burberry openly admits to using real animal fur in the designs. However they state that they only source animal fur from furriers that uphold high standards when it comes to the ethical treatment of animals & share the company’s concerns regarding animal welfare. Helping the environment Global warming is a major concern within the world today. People are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprints whether it is by taking a greener form of transportation or using less electricity. Organisations more than anyone should be making big changes to the ways in which they operate, as through their production and distribution channels emit more carbon emissions than a normal household. Although it may cost them more money, or even lengthen the time frame of certain processes and procedures, it is an important factor that cannot be overlooked. Recycling is also very important and companies must learn to utilise all of their resources to the fullest. When it comes to trying to assist in sustaining the environment, Burberry’s website make a number of claims as to what they actively do to make a difference. They state that they are dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and throughout their global operation. Their performance report for the years 2010/11 is as follows; â€Å"Energy: * Committed to purchasing solar energy to power our distribution centre in Vineland, USA * Inductive motor optimisation panels were trialled in all UK manufacturing sites to reduce energy consumption Business travel: * Due in part to executing the Group’s under-penetrated markets strategy, air travel for UK employees increased by 52% per  £1,000 of turnover Waste: * There was a renewed focus on diverting waste from landfill. In Horseferry House there was a 54% increase in waste recycled during the year * The closed loop textile recycling system launched in the UK last year has been expanded to Europe. Since April 2010, Burberry’s recycling partner has converted over 130 tonnes of sample and raw material waste into car door insulation Logistics transport emissions: * An unprecedented rise in sales coupled with the shift from seasonal to monthly deliveries impacted the Group’s ability to ship goods by sea. To address this, a number of key initiatives have been introduced, including centralised logistics decision making, shortening of critical path and increasing strategic raw materials pre-buys in order to accommodate sea transportation lead times. (Burberry PLC, 2011)† Charity work Giving back the community is an extremely huge part of CSR as it helps to build relationships between the organisation and the community in which it operates. Burberry has its own foundation which came into establishment in 2008. This foundation aims to help young and disadvantaged people with reaching their full potential and realising & accomplishing their dreams. The company encourage their employees to dedicate up to four hours of paid leave per month to help and support the foundation. They provide the youths with one-to-one mentoring, and weekly help with school homework. * â€Å"In 2010/11 over 25% of employees located in cities where the Foundation is active offered their personal talents and business skills to help disadvantaged young people work towards realising their full potential. In total, over 3,700 hours or 490 working days were dedicated to volunteering (IBID, 2011)†. Is Burberry as ethical as it portrays itself to be? Burberry makes a large number of claims on its website in regards to how seriously they take Corporate Social responsibility. However not all companies that present themselves to be good and ethical practice what they advertise. Carelessness and/or neglect can lead to a company’s image being tarnished, even if they have had a good reputation in the past. There have been a number of incidents where Burberry has been seen not to be fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2007, it was exposed that a Chinese factory that manufactured Burberry goods were mistreating members of staff (Appendix 1). Staff were working long hours, with no unions and earning approximately  £15 per week. â€Å"Workers at Tai Yi Sheng Fashion factory, just across the border from Hong Kong in Guangdong province, claim they work 12-hour shifts through the night, in breach of even China’s lax labour laws (The Mirror, 2007)†. In China the law states that no worker should work more than eleven hours per day, however staff claimed that over time is a regular thing and that â€Å"8pm to 8am and Saturday is a full working day(IBID, 2007)†. The Mirror reported that not only were the factory workers working over-time with very little payment, but they were also being docked large sums money from their monthly wage if any mistakes were made. As many of the staff were migrants, they lived in shared accommodation provided by the factory, with up to eight people in one room. Although the factory did not belong to Burberry and was not responsible for manufacturing solely Burberry goods, the company still should have made efforts to inspect the production on a regular basis as the supplier is indirectly representing them. As time has gone by, the company have increased the number of visits made to factories (Appendix 2). In 2008, there were 314 CR visits to factories, 2009 saw 487 visits and in 2010 637; which is approximately a 51% increase within the space of two years. The company have also provided all their supplier’s factories with worker hotlines where they can whistle blow on any unethical activities that may be occurring. This shows that they have responded to incidents such as these and are aspiring to be more ethical. Burberry has also been given a number of awards and recognition for various aspects of Corporate Social responsibility. * In 2010 they were awarded the Female FTSE 100 Award which is given to a company that has the most women on their board. In the same year Burberry were awarded the FTSE Executive Women Award. To earn this award you are required to employ the most female executives in the FTSE 100. â€Å"Thirty-seven companies have multiple women directors, but one quarter of all boards in the FTSE 100 still have no women at all†¦ 43% of their [Burberry] boards are women(BitcDiversity, 2010)† * The company again in 2010 were awarded The Carbon Trust Award. This award recognises a company’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and it also provides proof to the public that they are committed to making a change. Competitors * Primark On Primark’s website, they state that they take their Corporate Responsibility seriously when it comes to their employees, supporting the community and packaging and waste regulations. The company, just like Burberry are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative which to an extent does provide evidence that they practice good ethics. This is an improvement for them as in 2005, the company came under fire after evidence of them using child labour and exploiting workers in India came to light. In regards to recycling, the company in 2008 recycled ‘8863 tonnes of cardboard and 1194 tonnes of polythene packaging (MRW 2010)’. Primark are yet to win any awards in relation to being eco-friendly and ethical. * Louis Vuitton Following research it is clear that Louis Vuitton strives to be an ethical organisation and is very concerned about the environment. In 2009 the company donated 15% of all sales made through their online store to The Climate Project. â€Å"The company now favours transport of products by ship, far more environmentally friendly than transport by air (as of today, 60% of all leather goods are transported by ship) (Purseblog, 2009)† However, just like their competitor, Louis Vuitton is fond of implementing animal furs and skins into their designs. Recommendations * Burberry should publish all of their emissions in greater detail as they do not provide insufficient information on the emissions that come from their operations. Carbon emissions are based on air travel and global building energy; however all of the figures that Burberry provides are based on their turnover. The company have not made clear its future goals when it comes to reducing carbon emissions within the supply chain and have not shown the public their total carbon footprint. * Remove fur from their production Although Burberry does state that they only deal with furriers that are ethical, there is still great concern around the fact that even some of the higher end furriers are not using ethical procedures and are ignoring animal welfare laws. If Burberry were to completely remove fur from their products it would greatly increase how it is perceived ethically. Other designer brands have taken the plunge in banning fur from their product lines such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Ann Taylor. Alternative materials should be sourced to replace the fur. * Eco friendly factories By winning a Carbon Trust Award, it shows that Burberry is moving forward when it comes to trying to help the environment, yet there is still more than can be done. Eco-friendly factories can help to pave the way to bettering the environment. In an eco-friendly factory, renewable energy can be used such as solar panels. It may not be able to run the whole factory however it will reduce the amount of electricity that is utilised. The factories will incorporate; * Eco-friendly bricks * Plants around the factory as this will create a cooler microclimate * Natural lighting indoors for the staff, via sunroofs * Open their own factories Burberry claim that the majority of their products are made in Europe, however for the remaining locations around the world, the company should open their own factories. This will better enable them to keep an eye on operations and to ensure that workers are being allowed to exercise their rights. When leaving the production in the hands of another organisation, it is very likely that they will operate as they please and could eventually tarnish the brand’s reputation. * Currently, Burberry is using too much air freight. To be greener they should look into using ships to transport their products and materials. Conclusion In conclusion, Burberry is a company that has been able to fulfil their Corporate and Social Responsibility to the fullest. They have been able to react quickly to any areas within the organisation that they may have intentionally or unintentionally overlooked in the past and put regulations in place to ensure that those things do not re-occur in the future. Corporate Social responsibility is not about simply ‘portraying’ the organisation in a good light, it is about going above and beyond away from the eyes of the public and trying to make genuine change. BIBLIOGRAPHY BITCDIVERSITY. (2010). Burberry. Available: http://www.bitcdiversity.org.uk/awards/on_awards_2010/case_studies/ftse_100_award/burberry.html. Last accessed 22nd Jan 2012. Burberry. (2010). CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. Available: http://uk.burberry.com/store/corporate/corporate-responsibility/. Last accessed 21st Jan 2012. Burberry. (2010). CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. Available: http://www.burberryplc.com/bbry/corpres/socres/. Last accessed 22nd Jan 2012 Ethical Trading Initiative. (2012). About us. Available: http://www.ethicaltrade.org/about-eti. Last accessed 22nd Jan 2012. Gyekye, L. (2009). Primark defends recyclability of clothes. Available: http://www.mrw.co.uk/primark-defends-recyclability-of-clothes/3005045.article. Last accessed 22nd Jan 2012. Luck, A. (2007). SHAME OF BURBERRY. Available: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/06/11/shame-of-burberry-115875-19276939/. Last accessed 22nd Jan 2012. Wikipedia. (2011). Corporate social responsibility. Available: http://en.wiki pedia.org/wiki/Corporate_social_responsibility#cite_note-0. Last accessed 21st Jan 2012.

Software Recommendation for PPQ Parts Manufacturing Essay

Software Recommendation for PPQ Parts Manufacturing - Essay Example The following ERP system software will cover materials requirements planning, capacity requirement planning and enterprise resource planning needs. The 6 were selected from the list of top hosted ERP, client/server ERP and Open Source ERP, giving the company options: 1. NetSuite NetSuite is an on-demand software system which provides Customer Relationship Management, Enterprise resource planning and partner relationship management. One of its advantages over the other systems is that it has ecommerce or webstore which provides the company to receive orders through shopping carts of their website. It is mostly applicable for small to medium businesses. The modules of the system do not have a comprehensive Supply chain management feature although it meets most businesses. The standard customization feature allows non-technical users to make some customizations specific to business needs although Java scripting capabilities is still required to create some advance customizations. End us er phone support is paid, if a company wants a dedicated support, they may opt to avail platinum support. Overall, the system is high priced and has add-on charges. UserGroup is available to interact with other NetSuite users. 2. Aplicor Aplicor is also an on-demand software system. ... Therefore, providing flexibility for the business needs. The downside of this is that upgrades might be missed or any additional feature since user is in a separate instance. Aplicor is moderately priced, the end support is provided together with the monthly rate, and provided 90-day unconditional exit if customer is dissatisfied. 3. Epicor Epicor is an on-premise software system which has been known for its accounting applications. It is the first to receive the coveted Designed for Microsoft Backoffice Logo. The software is targeted to midmarket companies and divisions of the Global. Its Financial Suites has an enhanced flexibility with its .NET enterprise servers, implementation is fast and easy, with scalability to grow with the company's business workflow. They provide good after-sales support which is moderately priced. Toll free phone support is provided to all express customers. It is available from 7am-7pm Central time, weekdays excluding holidays. Online customer support ce nter called EPICweb also provide 24x7 access to information and other resources such as the online user community. 4. Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Dynamics is another ERP software system having a strong mid-market solution. The deployment is flexible because it may be on-premise, online or in the Cloud, depending on the company's choice. It offers multiple ERP products, one of it is Microsoft Dynamicx AX 2012 which provides a large scope of ERP features and combined it with specific capabilities that government organizations need to operate and to quickly respond to constituents and other subsectors involved. It customization features allow the system with simple customizations to adapt to the customer's business workflow and processes. The system is low to moderately

People Resourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

People Resourcing - Essay Example Ensuring better employee relations is as important in public sector companies as for any other organisation. However, it is generally observed that most employees in the public sector organisations suffer from stress (Health and Safety Executive, 2002). Mersytravel is the operating name for Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive; which oversees the provision of public transport on Merseyside. It was initially observed that the employee morale was low and they used to get tensed. The company identified that as per Frederick Herzberg two factor hygiene and motivation theory, some factors like job security, salary, and status etc., that are the provided by public sector organisations do not motivate employees and don not contribute in ensuring employee well being. Instead, if these factors are not present, this may lead to employee dissatisfaction. In contrast, as per the theory, employees will feel motivated if they are provided growth and advancement opportunities, and are recognised for their achievements (Accel Team, 2006). In order to improve employees' morale and to enhance employees' knowledge, the company established a learning and development strategy in consultation with its employees in 2003. A scheme called Merseylearn was developed that focuses on providing learning and development opportunities for hard to reach learners such as shift workers. They can use this system 24 hours a day to develop their skill sets. This has also enabled the staff to undertake courses at home (Investors in People, 2006). A wide range of other learning and development programmes have also been developed that have helped staff to undertake language and literacy training within workplace. The company gained myriad of benefits from this approach. Employees' turn over rate has sharply declined; sickness days, which were quite high previously, dropped by an average 3 days between 2003 and 2006; staff promotions have increased by 10% as a result of training programmes; staff participation in work related participation schemes has also risen by 50% per cent (Investors in People, 2006). This steady increase in employees' productivity indicate that the training programmes add to the employee well being by improving employees' skills, knowledge and behavior towards

Family genogram progect Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Family genogram progect - Term Paper Example My parents did raise me, however, to believe in the tenants of religion and the teachings that are important in any religious observance. These teachings include the admonition that I must treat everybody with kindness and respect; that I must not judge anybody, as I am not perfect myself; that I must love my neighbor as myself; and that I must not become too enamored of material things, because material things are not what brings true happiness. My parents are very traditionalists, aside from the fact that they are not religious overtly. Their parents were even more traditionalists, and they observed more traditional religion. They believed not only in the Supreme Being, but they also believed in lesser gods, ancestral spirits and magic and medicine. In a way, my grandparents shaped my religious identity more than my parents did. This is because I believe, at least somewhat, in the old ways of my grandparents. I understand that Christianity has some of the same beliefs as what my grandparents ascribed to, which includes the beliefs in guardian angels and the like. I also believe that my ancestors are watching over me, like a kind of guardian angel. My beliefs in magic and medicine are derived from my grandparents, and they are translated into my beliefs in the Tarot and astrology. In other words, I have more of a mystical basis for my overall belief system that does not necessarily comport with Christianity, but is more in line with my grandparents. And, from my parents, come the values that they have taught me, which I have listed above. As far as the sociopolitical foundations of my family, my parents showed the typical exchange theory of labor within the family dynamic, which means that my mother had the role as a homemaker, and she exchanged her labor for my father’s economic provisions. My grandparents have exhibited the same type of exchange. I am different, however, as I am raising my three teenagers on my own, with some

Health Care Reform in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Care Reform in the United States - Essay Example   I believe that although it would be a great idea to have a good national health care plan where everyone could have care when they needed it, I believe that this may not be possible. As an example, Medicaid spending is already a government paid program and there are many services that it does not provide. If they do not provide it now, there is nothing to say that they will provide these services with the new plan. According to the report by the White House, the Obama plan wants to make sure that everyone has insurance regardless of their health status. This plan will also stop insurance companies from denying people who have pre-existing conditions. The plan will also create tax credits for working people who do not have insurance and those who cannot afford insurance will have a "public health insurance option" so that they can have a better choice of plans (Obama, 2009). The plan will also provide a panel of doctors and other medical experts that will act as an "independent commission" that will be watching what happens with the plan to stop it from being abused and stop fraud from happening (Obama, 2009). According to Zwillich (2009), Americans feel divided on how this plan will work. Zwillich reports on a survey that was done of approximately 2,000 registered voters to see what they thought of the plan. The voters were told some of the pros and cons of the plans before they were asked for their opinions. The results of the survey showed several issues: 1. The first issue was the requirement of requiring everyone to obtain health insurance whether they could afford it or not: 43% were in favor of this and 40% were opposed. Others thought this would raise taxes too far.  

1.What is the most effective intervention to decrease VAP in terms of Research Paper

1.What is the most effective intervention to decrease VAP in terms of using antiseptic chlorhexidine oral care versus standard toothbrush oral care - Research Paper Example Nursing is a critical area in the healthcare sector, hence the need to embrace its significance in the treatment process. This research will analyze the most effective intervention to decrease VAP in adult ICU. To achieve the best results, it will utilize the PICOT analysis is the attainment of the research objective. The first article to examine is by GU, Gong, Pan, Ni, & Liu (2012) that carried out a meta-analysis of the impacts of oral hygiene on the VAP for critically ill patients. In their study, GU, Gong, Pan, Ni, & Liu (2012) noted that oral hygiene did not show significant variation in VAP condition for ill patients who had mechanical ventilation who used toothbrush and those who did not. In addition, the study revealed that the toothbrushing did not have significant results in reducing the mortality rate, the hospital length of stay during both the antibiotics free day and also the mechanical ventilation free day of the study. There is a contradiction with the findings of this study with those of the previous studies. In the 828 patients used in this study show that there was no significant variation in changes when oral hygiene was practiced and when it was not in the control of VAP. However, then it is viewed, discussed that the use of oral hygiene with purified water was effective in controlling the chances for the occurrence of VAP in critically ill patients. This research contradicted the previous research where oral hygiene for patients in the ICUs would significantly reduce the chances of VAP infection for the patients who are under mechanical ventilation. On the other hand, the study conducted by Cindy, et al (2009) found out that VAP increases the cost of health care, morbidity, and mortality of the patients in the intensive care units. In addition, the study found that there is a significant reduction in VAP infection through

A Strategic Plan of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Essay

A Strategic Plan of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Essay Example From the report it is clear that the disadvantages experienced in strategic planning of institutions of higher learning will also be mentioned and analyzed, as they will be relevant in this review. Besides, the pros of strategic planning with reference to the plan of the institution will be discussed in various ways. An overall analysis of how an institution can exhibit the balance between the planning and achieving a sustainable quality improvement will also be done. All these analyses will be specific to the Hong Kong polytechnic university in relation to the learnt concepts, strategic planning, and management. As the study declares strategic planning can be defined as a way in which an organization establishes a way forward for its efficient operations. As such, this should be in a given order depending on the context of application. In this case, the application of the plan is in an institution of higher learning. This document, therefore, is focusing on the ways in which an organization can be managed through strategic planning. An analysis of the model of the plan will be done and views as per other professional suggestions given. The review of the main aims of the institution in general in relation to the arrangement of various departments will also be done. It is certain that the organization of reference here is a perpetual institution. Thus, the strategies put in place to ensure its long term existence and operation in line with the objectives will be looked into.

Change Management Essay Example for Free

Change Management Essay New consultants are hired to help Riordan Manufacturing in creating a processing for monitoring client’s information that would involve all workers to utilize the same client’s administration process. In part one of this project the consultants would require evaluation of the organization’s intranet site and verification of information. This process would help them in creating an improved administration plan which would consist of many components. For example, proposal of a plan to help execute changes during the upcoming year and clarification of the evaluation processes while ensuring the modification plan is completed. In the second part of this project, the consultants will make a reference to a communication tactic for the proposed change and the effect that would potentially have on the organization. The consultants are to come up with a change management plan and a communication plan for Riordan Manufacturing. Section I: Change Management Plan Riordan Manufacturing is an organization that operates on a bureaucratic system. Separate divisions have managers who are reporting to higher up management. However, even these upper managers, eventually, would have to report to the president and CEO of the organization, Dr.  Michael Riordan. The bureaucracy has a system in place that is similar to the matrix system. Riordan Manufacturing divisions consist of people who carry out specific jobs and every division has its own informal systems, which are created by building working relations jointly. Riordan Manufacturing inspires workers to report any problem or issue that they might have directly to their superior. This would encourage every worker to openly deal with the administration, work in a great environment where interactions could be apparent and attitudes can be positive. Worker behavior would improve greatly because of the open door policy and open interaction because they would be able to express their concerns. When workers feel encouraged to express themselves at liberty, it increases the commitment to the organization and job satisfaction. Even though Riordan Manufacturing needs to create new client administration process, it should continue to accept the matrix structure that is currently in place. By creating a new client administration method it would enable everyone to assess the information of all clients. Retaining the existing matrix system would allow them to ontinue on improving team efforts to progress in the completion of the work that is expected of every division of the Riordan Manufacturing organization. Riordan Manufacturing is a plastics manufacturer with over 500 employees and it is headquartered San Jose (California), and has locations in Albany (Georgia), Pontiac (Michigan), and Hangzhou (China). Riordan Manufacturing products comprise plastic products, such as drink cans, custom-made components, as well as fan mechanisms. Their major clientele are auto and plane component, bottle, and appliance manufacturers, as well as a Department of Defense. To ensure that Riordan Manufacturing delivers these products to their clients, they must implement outstanding and positive worker behavior. Worker’s behavior affects they work performance and their reaction to their work environment, their managers, and clients. Riordan’s tradition comprises of fairness, self-confidence, commitment, imaginative and team-work oriented atmosphere, job performance evaluations, incentives, academic assistance, benefits, vacations, day care assistance, as well as the employees compensation insurance. Riordan appears to be a manufacturing organization that is trying to become a first choice for their customer as a plastic component provider. However, as many other organizations, Riordan Manufacturing could experience issues that would need to be addressed and modified. These issues could hinder the organization’s progress and improvement especially in today’s economy. For example, some workers are unable to deal with the changes and they could become reluctant to perform their jobs. Some employees are avoiding changes because of insufficient information on the changes that are being implemented, being taken out of their comfort zone, insecurity, personal views, job security, peer pressure, as well as a lack of confidence. Even though the employees could show resistance to the change managers would help them to deal with the situation and assist them during the transition to ensure that the implemented change becomes efficient. Managers could implement the change by relying information clearly, by being open, recognizing employees concerns, and respecting the employees. Managers should provide support by allowing them to have a face to face meeting in regards to the changes and explain the benefits of the changes by providing additional training. Also, managers must place the reluctant employees with others who are familiar with the changes that are being implemented. This would help the reluctant employees see that the changes would be worthwhile and beneficial to the organization and its advantages, as well as a possibility of their own jobs to become easier. With any change in management systems we will be expecting some resistance as discussed earlier in our presentation. Once the initiative to change is underway and in progress we will analyze the employees’ reaction to the interruption in their daily activates to identify areas that the employees may be having trouble integrating for the first 6 weeks. Allowing employees sufficient time to dissect and troubleshoot some of the unfamiliar process will give them the opportunity to challenge themselves for growth opportunities and additionally allowing them to develop noteworthy questions and concerns that will assist us to tailor the program to their individual needs. Most major changes in initiatives used to improve profitability normally fail due to incorrect guidance and project mismanagement expertise, which we intend to improve with our 12 month program that we call â€Å"Rehab†. Following the first six weeks of introduction the unveiling of our 40 hours of seminars will commence, which will be used to inform employees of how the system is more beneficial to them, and how the Data Management, Business intelligence, and Data Warehousing will be significantly more applicable to the end-user, which will increase their productivity that will additionally benefit the organization’s bottom-line. One key consideration that will be discussed with the employees is their drop in productivity during the first year of the Change Management implementation; we are fully aware that organizations don’t change people change. Using our world renowned process takes time to fully be incorporated in the daily operations; we will be fully engaged onsite with our four member management team, who will be localized and embedded in your organization to assist all employees in-depth with this drop in performance for the duration of our contract. With over 25 years successfully working with companies of various sizes across the business sector, you can trust in our process methods to keep your business moving in a positive direction a while minimizing people risk. Prior to idea of making an improvement to our data management system we would depend on the accuracy of the employees, with the Data management system we will be able to track and monitor everything from Recordkeeping, monitoring, situational monitoring, and performance monitor. The improvements will allow us to do safe guard against violations of right by allowing access to documents externally, use data received to create lessons learned that we can use to train incoming staffers, build a better reputation for our stakeholders by giving them access to necessary information, and last but not least the ability form documents to be tampered will be drastically reduced. We are only looking at a successful change; the idea of failure is not foreseeable. Section II: Communication Plan  The form used to communicate a change to employees is just as important as the change and message in itself. In this case, the appropriate channel of communicating the change to the employees is a meeting with a PowerPoint presentation. The face to face communication will provide an opportunity for the employees to bring up concerns about the change and ask questions. The employees should be encouraged to be comfortable voicing their concerns. The PowerPoint presentation can be presented in order for everyone to see the goals, plans, and details of the change. These channels of communication will provide the employees with the information about the change while the person presenting it can offer reassurance and answers to questions. The group will have a visual to receive the message and the person who is presenting will be able to give face to face discussions regarding concerns and assurances. Potential barriers to communicating this change include the possibility of misinterpretation of some of the information presented, different point of view and expectations among the employees, and assumptions made by employees and presenter. Strategies for overcoming these barriers include the presenter encouraging people to ask questions, clarifying information, anticipating possible questions and asking those questions. The group needs to be comfortable asking questions and should be encouraged to do so. Any misinterpretations need to be clarified. And the person presenting can come up with questions that people will likely ask and bring them up in the discussion to encourage others to be involved in communication.

Are The Theories Of Thucydides Relevant?

Are The Theories Of Thucydides Relevant? Are Thucydides and his History of the Peloponnesian War still relevant for the analysis of contemporary international relations? Why? It can surely be said that the realism school of thought was created by the great Greek historian Thucydides after his studies on the Peloponnesian Wars. His main assumption, which embodies the realist school of thought, is that relations between states are not based on right but rather on might, and that a state of anarchy prevails. To answer this essay question, the essay will dispute the degree of relevance of Thucydides theories and ideas in the modern world politics, by mainly using the Melian Dialogue as an insight of comparison. Thucydides observations begin during the Peloponnesian Wars between the different Greek city-states (polis). His first recognition was that there was a certain degree of pattern between the strategies adopted by these city-states concerning the relationship between them. He points out a hierarchical system of actions, while a change in smaller states will not make a difference, a change in stronger states car arguably unbalance a whole system. The following quote exemplifies this: What made war inevitable was the growth of Athenian power and the fear which this caused in Sparta. Two reasons can be identified of why the start of the Peloponnesian War. The first reason is the amazing growth of Athens in all spheres, and the second, the release of the Megarian Decree. Athens did this due to its preoccupations about the loyalty of its colonies. The Megarian Decree was essentially an economic sanction towards Megara in order to break its alliance with Sparta, which in turn becomes a threat to Spartas and Corinthian security (Gilpin, 1991: 34). The next chain of events was that the Corinthians made an ultimatum to the Spartans, suggesting a front against the Athenians, otherwise they would form a new alliance, thus harming Spartan security. In response, the Spartans demanded the annulment of the Megarian Decree, however Athens refusal to do so was probably the direct cause of war. Thus the security dilemma can be said to have driven the two powers into an undesired war (Lebow, 1991:127). To compare it with a modern example it has to be mentioned the sudden change in US perception of Soviet power after the Soviet Union launched its first ICBM. This action led to a growing US insecurity, Kennedys concern to maintain US power led to an increase in US strategic build up (Lebow,1991:142). However Kauppi states that there are intervening variables preventing the shifting balance of power leading to war in the cold war world. He cites modern examples of the restraining effect of nuclear weapons, and the existence of neutrals as having a stabilizing influence by not entrapping the superpowers in a zero sum game. He also cites the role of ideology as convincing both superpowers that they could win without war (Gilpin, 1991: 47). Moreover, it has to be mentioned that while power transition theory and the resultant fear may explain the stress imposed on the states, other factors can avoid fear from resulting in war. Lebow matches the power transition theory by arguing that Athens reached the peak of its power twenty years before the war started, he con cludes with the notion that it is the perception of power that is vital to power transition theory and war, the effect of middle powers like Corinth is another factor to consider (Lebow, 1991: 128). Again, during the Cold War, even though there was not a direct confrontation, the large defence spending and the development of weapons of mass destruction demonstrates that both superpowers used fear to dissuade each other and acting on fear by arming themselves, the MAD doctrine comes into consideration. Self interest is also one of the main features of Thucydides thought, according to Gilpin, Thucydides thought that human nature was unchangeable and since human beings were determined by interest, fear and pride, they always look for to augment their wealth until others driven by the same, try to stop them (Welch, 2003: 304). In the Melian dialogue the Athenians say: Our opinion of the gods and our knowledge of men lead us to conclude that it is a general and necessary law of nature to rule wherever one can (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002: 57). The speech by the Athenians shows that their only worry is of preserving their empire, and they try to convince the Melians that it is in their best interest to surrender. They ask the Melians to ignore the matter of justice and claim that it is not in Spartas interest to interfere on their behalf (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002: 57). It can be stated very confidently that the Melian dialogue reflects the law of nature of self interest being the m ost useful strategy. To give a modern example of self interest, the statist concept or the national interest, observed in the Mytilenian debate. Both Diodotus and Cleon try to deal the situation to Athenss benefit, even though they have diverse opinions, as Diodotus considerations of justice are inapplicable to interstate relations (Welch, 2003: 76). An example of self interest in US doctrine on Space (Oct 2006): The United States will preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to US national interests (BBC News. (2006). US adopts tough new space policy. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6063926.stm. Last accessed 20 Dec 2009). In modern times the principal of self interest still guides the actions of states, however, it may not always be that of a single state, as states may cooperate to pursue their common self interest. This is highly considered by the states, as th ey understand that in a more globalised world they must re-think their actions of self interest. The expansion of international law, above all, humanitarian law, indicated that there are rules of non intervention and human rights that states are coerced to pursue. Disapproval from the international community in case of their infringement would not be in a states national or self interest. Therefore, while the national interest is an important constituent of state decision making, in the present day, the knowledge f two world wars and the predominance of liberal ideas indicate that the national interest is still imperative but not the only motive for state behaviour. Power politics is the effect of fear and self interest. To engage in power politics, the Athenians conclude: depends on strength: The standard of justice, depends on the equality of power to compel and that, in fact, the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002: 52). Therefore, the skill of imposing your demands depends on relative power. As the quote from the Melian dialogue demonstrates, Athens warns Melos to submit as they are too weak to oppose. In view of the fact that there is anarchy between the states relations, the command that exists is created and continued by the powerful that inflict their power inside their sphere of influence. States, resembling to individuals, are encouraged by self interest and fear, and plea to justice only when their interest is provided. The natural right of the stronger to rule over the weaker is a rather simplistic explanation of imperialism (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002: 75). A present day example is that of US warning countries that they were either with us or against us. It can be said that this is a warning to force unity in the war on terror. Thucydides adds that an actors power determines his treatment thus showing the essential nature of the balance of power in international relations. This is the safe rule to stand up to ones equals, to behave with deference towards ones superiors and to treat ones inferiors with moderation. (Brown, Nardin, Rengger, 2002: 58) A quote from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about nations that didnt support the war on Iraq illustrates this: Punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia. (Reuters. (2003). Rice Quoted Saying U.S. to Ignore Schroeder. Available: www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0525-09.htm. Last accessed 20 Dec 2009.) Thucydides finds that it is a law of nature that the weak become subject to the strong and when the opportunity of aggrandisement is offered by superior strength considerati ons of right and wrong are sacrificed to self interest (Welch, 2003,75). The notion of universal justice is not denied by Thucydides, he merely admits that for better or worse it has no limiting strength in a system composed of states not equal in power (Welch, 2003:75). On the other side, Bagby disputes that not all states choose to maximise power. The example of Sparta and how the Corinthians call them shy and weak in contrast to Athens, comes to mind. These national differences are established by King Archidamus when he tells the Spartans: be not ashamed of the slowness and dilatoriness for which they censure us most. (Bagby, 1994:138) Doyle points out that the political ideologies of Athens and Sparta and the dissimilar sectors of society they attract were a significant constituent of their conflict. Doyle reveals that Thucydides stress on the national character of Athens, in its impatient culture and its democratic institutions (Doyle, 1997:150-152). Consequently, the aim of ma ximising power can be understood as a powerful encouragement, but domestic pressures and domestic character are also vital. In conclusion, Thucydides was one of the first to create three assumptions of classical political realism: states are the main players, they take power as an end in itself or as a means to other ends and act in ways that are rational. (Keohane, Bagby, 1994:132) Although Thucydides has been interpreted in many ways, his theories about human nature: self interest, power maximisation and fear, are lasting. They describe the strains acting on states in todays world pushing them to take decisions. Even though there are many differences between today and his time Thucydides successfully makes clear the psychological and social propensity in strategy and is therefore relevant today, as the Athenians state: And it is not as if we were the first to make this law, or to act upon it when made: we found it existing before us, and shall leave it to exist for ever after us; all we do is to make use of it, knowing that you and everybody else, having the same power as we have, would do the same as w e do.

The Meaning of Political Theory

The Meaning of Political Theory DISCUSSING THE MEANING OF POLITICAL THEORY Harold Lasswell (1936) defines politics as ‘Who gets what, when and how,’ Leftwitch, (2004). No wonder, then, a myriad of attempts has been made to come up with a conclusive and all-encompassing analytical approach to this study of ‘who gets what, when and how’. Some of these, of course, include; scientific approach, philosophical approach as well as theoretical approach to the study of politics, Heywood (2007). It is the latter, however, which is the scope of this discussion. While science refers to a means of acquiring political knowledge through observation, experimentation and measurement using empirical evidence, philosophy is a means by which any abstract thought about politics is covered in search for, both, wisdom and understanding, Heywood (2004). Before going any farther into the discussion, a look at the meaning of the word theory is imperative. The dictionary meanings of the word theory are (1); a formal set of ideas that is intended to explain why something happens or exists, (2) the principles on which a particular subject is based (3) opinion or idea that somebody believes is true but that is not proved, Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, 7th Edition, (2006). Political theory, in this context, is an academic discipline that studies politics based on the following premises; it involves the analytical studies of ideas and doctrines that have been central to the political thought; it studies the ends and means of political action; it is concerned with ethical and normative questions; it draws upon the example of economic theory in building up models based on procedural rules usually about self interested behaviour of individuals involved like the bourgeoisie or the proletariat; it examines what major thinkers said, how they developed or justified their views; it attempts to, better, understand behaviour of actors like voters, politicians, lobbyist and bureaucrats, Heywood, (2004). Basically Political Theory analyses political concepts and their relationship to actual political practice. This is done through; Concepts, Models, Theories and Ideologies. Concepts, to begin with, are general ideas or mental constructs by which attempts are made to draw out meaning from otherwise infinitely complex realities through logical presentations. They are tools with which human beings think, criticize, argue, explain and analyze political developments. Examples include liberty, human rights, equality, power, authority, order and law Heywood (2004). Second tool of political theory are Models. Models are representations of empirical data that aim to advance understanding by highlighting significant relationships and interactions among variables. These are built around a number of concepts with an aim of making a vivid resemblance of the original object without necessarily becoming its copy.They are analytical tools through which meaning can be imposed upon a massive and disorganized collection of facts. An example is the Easton Systems Model of state by David Easton (1953) cited by Heywood (2007). Third on the list of tools of political theory are ‘theories’ or simply put macro theories.Theories, often used interchangeably with models, are comprehensive, systematic, consistent and reliable explanations and predictions of relationships among specific variables. Theories are explained through models, for example, theories of collectivism, pluralism, elitism, and functionalism. These may be explained by a model of state, model of electoral competition, or model of group politics, Heywood (2007). Last on the tools through which political theory does the analysis of politics are Ideologies. The term Ideology was coined during French Revolution by Antoine Destutt de Tracy (1754-1836) Ideologies are intellectual frameworks comprising interrelated values, theories and assumptions, within which search for knowledge is conducted. They are main beliefs that outline how political change can and should be brought about. They provide a broad range of political creeds and traditions which provide basis of political action. Examples of political Ideologies are Conservatism, Socialism, Communism, and Fascism of course, just to mention but a few, Heywood (2004) In as much as there is an appreciation on the arguments of the four tools of Concepts, Models, Theories and Ideologies to the theoretical approach to the study of politics on one hand, a number of weaknesses can be observed in this ‘tool’ based approach on the other. The first problem encountered with political concepts is that they are, often, difficult to disentangle from the moral, philosophical and ideological views of those who advance them. Another problem is that political concepts often become the subject of intellectual and ideological controversy. It is not uncommon for political argument to take place between people who assert to uphold the same principle or ideal which is reflected in attempts to establish a particular conception of a concept as objectively correct, as in the case of true democracy, freedom, justice and so forth, Heywood (2004). An additional problem with political concepts is fetishism. This occurs when concepts are treated as though they ha ve a concrete existence separate from the human beings who use them. In short, words are treated as things, rather than as devices for understanding things. The complexity of political reality also renders concepts insufficient to explain political practice as some concepts are multi-faceted in nature and are a subject to profound ideological controversy, Heywood (2004). Although models are a simplification of reality, they are not a reliable knowledge in themselves as they have hidden values. These values and beliefs may intrude into the process of model and theory building thereby making it impracticable to create purely empirical theories or models. This means that models and theories contain some biases, Heywood (2004). Ideologies are the ‘Grand Thought’ of any political institution. Despite being such major themes in the political arena, ideologies command no objective standard of truth against which they can bejudged. As a matter of fact, there are different perspectives on ideologies. For instance, Liberals, have viewed ideologies as officially endorsed belief systems that claim a monopoly of truth, for example communism and fascism. Conservatives have traditionally regarded ideologies as manifestations of the arrogance of rationalism. Socialists have seen ideologies as body of ideas that conceal the contradictions of class society, thereby promoting false perception and political obedience amongst subordinate classes per se, Heywood (2004). Having looked at political theory from an academic perspective as based on the premises on which it operates, the concepts, the models, the theories and the ideologies with their relationship to real political practice, I would, therefore, understand political theory as an approach to the study of politics based on mere social constructs, of course, without proof. REFERENCES Heywood, A. (2004). Political Theory: An Introduction, London Palgrave. Heywood, A. (2007). Politics (3rd Ed) London: Palgrave. Hoffman, J. and Graham, P. (2009).Introduction to Political Theory (2nd Ed): Pearson Education Limited, England. Leftwich, A. (2004).(Ed) What is Politics? Cambridge: Polity Press. Wehmeier, S. et. al (2006). (Ed): Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, (7th Edition), International Student’s Edition. Oxford University Press. The meaning of political theory The meaning of political theory THE MEANING OF POLITICAL THEORY Human life is a complex creation on the earth’s surface. It is inevitably interesting to think of how humans think about where they come from, where they are now, their values and norms, differing views and perception about the social, economic and political arrangements of the world they live in, and their hope for a better society or world. Aristotle, (1996) argues that man is by nature a political animal. This further complicates the already complex human life as it entails that Politics exists at every corner of human life and is an intrinsic feature of mankind, despite controversies on what is ‘political’ and not. These arguments further erupt over the legitimate order and meaning of political phenomenon or empirical political actions, with regards to what Heywood, (2004) refers to as political values or normative concepts, for instance; justice, liberty, rights, equality, and descriptive concepts like; power, order and law, to mention a few. Political theory is, therefore, concerned with ethical or normative questions like, ‘How should power be distributed amongst individuals and the state?’, ‘What should the limit of an individual’s rights and liberty be?’. But then, what is Political Theory? This paper discusses the meaning of Political theory and attempts to find a better definition of the nomenclature. The desire to find the meaning to Political Theory requires the meaning of theory. The word theory originates from the Greek word â€Å"theoria†, meaning the act or procedure or state of contemplation over something going on with the intention to understand it. Political Theory may, therefore, be described as the act or procedure of having a long thoughtful observation, with intention of understanding the meaning of what may be referred to as â€Å"political†. However, this is not a description enough to quench the desire for a better definition, hence rendering political theory contested. As defined by Held, (1991: cited by Farrelly, 2004), political theory is â€Å" a network of concepts and generalizations about political life involving ideas, assumptions and statements about the nature, purpose and key features of government, state and society and about the political capabilities of human beings†. Heywood, (2004) also contends that political theory is sets of ideas or an idea that in some way seeks to impose order or meaning upon prevailing political phenomena. In general, political theory essentially provides necessary analytical tools like; concepts, models, theories and ideologies, to analyze, understand and criticize Political thought and practice. Concepts, as described by Heywood, (2004) serve as building blocks of human knowledge and are, therefore, general idea or mental construct through which meaning is draw out from an otherwise infinitely complex reality. State, presidency, and political party are examples of concepts. However, the complexity of political reality often renders some concepts insufficient to explain, in great deal, political practice and are often contested, hence Heywood, (2004)’s argument that Politics as a struggle over the legitimacy of concepts. On this background, models and theories were developed. Models successfully devise representations of empirical data that aim at advancing understanding of a number of concepts by highlighting the significant relationships and interactions among them. A theory comprises many models and establishes an explanatory proposition which comprehensively, systematically, consistently and reliably explains and predicts, in full details, political actions and behavior. Pluralism is an example of a theory and is explained by models of the state, electoral competition and group Politics. Theories are, however, not enough analytical tools to give a wider explanation of the structure of the world and predict future events, hence the need for a more comprehensive tool ideologies or paradigms. Heywood, (2004) describes ideologies as intellectual frameworks that comprise interrelated values, theories and assumptions, within which search for knowledge is conducted. Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism are examples of Political Ideologies. These grand philosophical thoughts explain reality based on the assumptions of what is going on. For instance, if a state claims to be a Liberal, assumptions like; existence of capitalist economic system, an individual’s space, that is, rights and liberty, precede that of the collective, individual property ownership, are drawn. Analysis made on ideologies revealed their short falls, hence, led to establishment of other ideologies in reaction to these short falls. For instance, the failure of capitalism, liberal’s economic system, to redistribute wealth between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat led to the evolution of Socialism which emphasizes welfarism. Most students studying Politics confuse Political theory to[G1] other disciplines that deal with politics, such as political philosophy, political science and history. It is, however, important that a distinction line be drawn among these fields of study. Political theory can be meaningless to the exclusion of history and political philosophy. History enriches us with enough knowledge of the political strives that states have experienced and evolved through. It also informs the strains and stress that lead to the creation of political ideologies through the remarkable works of Aristotle, Plato and other great thinkers. Political theory dwells in these premises; digs out the history of states and governments; analyzes their grand philosophical thoughts, known as political ideologies in order to understand, explain and/or criticize them, and predict future events. Political theory deals with fundamental problems of the state, such as rights, liberty, justice and equality to mention a few. It does not create the fundamentals themselves, but only tries to analyze, understand and explain them so as to predict better social, economic and political arrangements that will create what Heywood, (2004) refers to as a ‘good or just society’. For example, Political theory is not concerned with what liberty and rights are. It is rather interested in comprehending the extent to which the exercise of rights and liberty is just. Political tTheory can be approached in two imperative ways. On one hand is the normative or tradition approach which concentrates on the historical, philosophical, institutional and legal orientations of political phenomenon, for instance, Thomas Hobbes’ theory of the state. On the other hand empirical approach believes in facts, as opposed to values, obtained through scientific methods to make sense of political behavior; for example, David Easton’s model of a political system. Political theory invariably treasures both normative values and empirical facts in order to predict a just society. It is apparent from the discussions on this paper that a precise definition for political theory is invariably difficult as it is subject to contention due to its complexity. It incorporates necessary aspects of history, political philosophy and political science. Nevertheless, political theory can be describes as nothing but a field of study that provides analytical tools, like; concepts, models, theories and ideologies or paradigms in order to impose meaning, understanding, criticism and prediction of political thought and action. It treasures both normative values and empirical facts to predict political phenomenon and it is through a vast knowledge of these analytical tools that a ‘just society’ can be predicted. REFERENCES Aristotle, (1996). The Politics and the Constitution of Athens. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Farrelly, C. (2004). Contemporary Political Theory, London: Sage Publications Heywood, A. (2004). Political Theory, An Introduction, 3rd ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan 1 [G1]Wrong preposition

Gender Differences in Behavior Essay -- Child Observation Essays

In order to determine the gender differences in behavior in boys and girls, I observed seven activities for ten minutes, taking a total of five observations of the numbers of boys and girls each activity. This experiment took place on October 9th from 4’ o’clock to 4’ ten at County Elementary School. I performed this experiment in the school’s After School Program because having a smaller sample size is easier to keep count and observe. From the beginning of this experiment, there was a total of twenty-two boys and thirty girls, age ranging from six to eleven. Seven activities I recorded were basketball, four squares, jump rope, sliding, swinging, talking, and tetherball. According to Bjorklund, the process of incorporating gender roles and values is referred to as gender identification. This is important, since this allows children to label, behave, and perform the appropriate gender role. Factors that contribute to gender identification are gender constancy, knowing that a person’s gender does not change despite physical changes and gender stereotypes. Once children are able to achieve gender constancy, it would help them know that there are certain things boys do and certain things girls do. This accomplishment leads to gender schemas, an â€Å"interrelated networks of mental association representing information about the sexes (430-431).† According to Martin and Halverson’s model, developed gender schemas help children label objects and activities that are for their gender or for the other gender (431). For example, a boy knows that trucks are for them while Barbie dolls are for girls. In my observation, I have noticed that the children have already developed gender schemas because they were in activities that we... ...hemata that would help them learn how to label, behave, and perform the appropriate gender role. They used tools such as imitation and emulation to help them get toward their desired goal. I also learned that there is definitely an aggression and competition difference in what activities boys and girls plays. Activities that are considered less aggressive, such as jump roping, sliding, swinging, and socializing is considered a female activities because there is neither aggression nor competitions evoked from these activities. While activities such as basketball, four square, and tetherball are labeled as male activities because of the aggression and competition it evokes. Works Cited Bjorklund, David F. "Social Cognition." Children's Thinking: Cognitive Development and Individual Differences. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. 424- 38. Print.

Legacy of Communist Leaders Essay -- Papers

Legacy of Communist Leaders The History of modern Russia (twentieth century) is the period of communist government. After the revolution in 1917 Russia became the first communist state, which survived until 1991. Seventy-four years of rapid changes left an enormous mark in the history of Russia. This period of history introduced us to the greatest communist leaders. History doesn't happen by itself. There must be Individuals who make it. And in our history those individuals are Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Gorbachev and Yeltsin. To understand how this period of history affected the present and then future we must look at each leader at a time to see what were his purposes and actions and make an opinion. Before 1917 Russia was an empire with tsars from Romanov dynasty. It was a powerful Empire with some weaknesses, which each empire has. Before the revolution in 1917 there was the First Russian Revolution in 1905 knows as the Bloody Sunday. There were three parties - Social-Democratic Labour Party (1898), Party Socialist-Revolutionaries and the Constitutional-Democratic Party. The Social-Democratic Labour Party split into two half: The Bolsheviks (Majority) led by Vladimir Lenin and The Mensheviks (Minority) led by Martov. Vladimir Lenin (born in 1840) began his political career already in University from which he was expelled as a radical troublemaker. In 1890 he went abroad and joined The Marxists - Plekhanov and Martov. He traveled a lot and had a chance to talk to well educated people. Abroad he wrote his books and after he returned in 1917 he started to realize his ideas. He was the leader of the October revolution... ... happen next. Beginning from Khrushchev's Era and Brezhnev's the country started to move away from the communism system. It happened very slowly but the fact that it started is obvious. The mentality of Soviet people will remain for some time. Our country will not accept individualities because they are afraid of them. And I think it is not only in Russia. It is everywhere. The Communist system stopped the natural development of our country. We are far away behind the European countries. The Ideology of communism is amazing but it cannot work on such huge territory as Russia. Utopia is not possible in our world and it is strange how the communist leaders could even think of realizing their dreams. Individuals rule world and you cannot admit it. You cannot force history. No matter what it will go its own way, direction.

6th Amendment and the Courts

6th Amendment and the courts Alice Groh CRJS215-1301A-02 February 17, 2013 John Mcrae Abstract In writing this paper the author will attempt to explain the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th amendments of the United States Constitution and how they apply to criminal defendants. The author will explain how the 6th amendments specific rights apply to the court system in this nation. This paper will also look at how this amendment is implemented within the criminal justice system in this country to see if it is working as intended. th Amendment and the courts The Bill of Rights provides certain rights to all individuals including rights for those accused of committing crimes. The 4th amendment gives people the right to be secure in their person, home, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure, no warrants shall be issued without probable cause and must list the place to be searched and the person or property to be seized (Bill of rights, n. d. ).The 5th amendment protects a person from being tried in a court of law twice for the same crime (known as double jeopardy), or to be a witness against himself (self-incrimination), or to be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of the law (Bill of rights, n. d. ). The 6th amendment gives the accused the right to a speedy trial, by an impartial jury, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to confront witnesses against him, to obtain witnesses on his behalf, and to have counsel for his defense (The sixth amendment, n. . ). The 8th amendment forbids excessive bail, excessive fines being imposed, or cruel and unusual punishment from being inflicted upon the accused (Bill of rights, n. d. ). The 6th amendment has affected the way the accused are processed from arrest through sentencing phases of the criminal justice system. â€Å" The 6th amendment focuses completely on the rights of a person accused of committing a crime† ( The sixth amendment, n. d. . The 6th amendment give s the accused seven specific rights. These rights are the right to a speedy trial, the right to a public trial, the right to an impartial jury, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations, the right to confront witnesses against them, the right to present their own witnesses, and the right to counsel even if they cannot afford to hire their own counsel (The sixth amendment, n. d. ).The right to a speedy trial stops a person from sitting in jail indefinitely without being tried for the crime they are accused of committing. The right to a public trial allows the public to observe exactly what is happening, satisfies the public’s desire to see justice done, and stops corruption from court officials. The right to an impartial jury reduces corruption in the trial proceedings, puts your fate in the hands of average citizens instead of one person the judge, and lets society have a say in what the punishment should be.The right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against you means that you are told the specific charges and allegations against you, when they supposedly occurred, and helps in stopping false charges from being filed against a person. The right to confront witnesses against you means that those witnesses must accuse you face to face in court, allows you to cross-examine them, ask questions of them, and examine their credibility.The right to call your own witnesses allows the accused to defend one’s self and helps guard against unfair and unjust accusations from being made. This clause guarantees that you can call your own witnesses and that if they refuse to testify the court can subpoena them to court. The right to counsel guarantees that the accused has a lawyer to help defend and assist them throughout the criminal process. If a person cannot afford to hire counsel then the court must appoint counsel for them. The right to counsel may be the most important right guaranteed within the 6th amendm ent.The right to counsel begins at the time of arrest and continues throughout the criminal proceedings even if the accused cannot afford to hire counsel themselves. I fully agree with the way the court system has implemented the rights of the 6th amendment in the criminal justice system. Without these rights the criminal justice system would not work as we know it. People accused of crimes would be unjustly and unfairly accused and tried for crimes they may have not committed and would have no way of defending themselves.The people accused of these crimes would find themselves living in a very barbaric court system. References Aiu online virtual campus website. Instructor files week 1 Bill of Rights. (n. d. ). Retrieved February 17, 2013 from http://www. archives. gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript. html The sixth amendment. (n. d. ). Revolutionary war and beyond. Retrieved February 17, 2013 from http://www. revolutionarywarandbeyond. com/6th-amendment. html

Global Warming as a Social Problem Essay

Today’s society consists of many different social problems. Social problems can range from affecting certain parts of society to affecting the world’s society. Social problems are â€Å"situations affecting a significant number of people, that are believed to be sources of difficulty or threaten the stability of the community†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Cancerweb.ncl.as.uk). The definition of the term ‘social problem’ can range from a minute case to a widespread problem. A social problem can also be considered as a â€Å"social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society [that is] in need of remedy.† Social problems range with each individual person. Every person has a unique perspective of what is a problem and what is not. An easy way to clarify what a social problem is if there is a public outcry for a solution to it. While most commonly thought of social problems are based on discrimination and stereotypes, one specific social problem that does not fit into these standards is global warming. Global warming is â€Å"an increase in earth’s average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate†¦ that may result from the greenhouse effect† (Dictionary.com). As a social problem, global warming is a fairly large and broad topic. The greenhouse effect is an environmental condition caused by excessive quantities of carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These definitions are simply physical definitions. In terms of being a social problem, global warming and the greenhouse affect yields harmful effects on every community and society as a whole. This type of social problem does not choose its victim based on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, income, age, or any stereotypical category a person can be placed in. Not every person is equally affected by this, but everyone is susceptible to dealing with this problem. The greenhouse effect is a factor in causing global warming. Global warming  is caused by many factors and different kinds of pollution. The main type of pollution that affects global warming is air pollution. Air pollution is simply defined as pollution of the atmosphere, which ties in with the greenhouse effect. Air pollution can also be defined as â€Å"the addition of harmful chemicals to the atmosphere. The most serious air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels, especially in internal-combustion engines† (Dictionary.com). Air pollution, along with any other type of pollution are mostly caused by human’s actions. The way people live today, and how they use their resources in daily life results in everyday pollution. Pollution can be considered as an â€Å"undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities† (Dictionary.com). People may not realize this, but their actions directly affect their surroundings. Completing daily tasks such as driving a car has detrimental effects on Earth’s atmosphere and pollution levels. Global warming causes physical harm to humans, animals, and plant life. A change in the Earth’s climate could be detrimental to the Earth’s life. The physical harm that is inflicted on all of living life due to global warming poses as a problem: a social problem. Global warming does not choose its victim based on any type of criteria such as race, age, gender, sexual orientation, class, income, or any stereotypical category. Global warming poses as a social problem by affecting a significant number of people, and by threatening the stability of the community’s environment. Since pollution is one of the main factors in causing global warming, it also comes with health effects. These effects range from being short-term to being long-term. Short-term effects can be as simple as headaches nausea, and allergic reactions such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia can also occur. An example in history of health effects from pollution can be found in the â€Å"Smog Disaster† in 1952 located in London. In this â€Å"Smog Disaster† a total of four thousand people passed in only a few days. The death of these civilians was due to the high concentrations of pollution (Paraphrased from Lbl.gov). Long-term health effects â€Å"include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer,  heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys† (Lbl.gov). Research has shown that younger children and elderly people are more sensitive to pollution compared to the general public. â€Å"Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly† (Lbl.gov). â€Å"Young children and elderly people often suffer more from the effects of air pollution† (LbL.gov). With global warming not being in full affect, the extents of the effects are currently unknown. The effects of global warming are only just beginning with mild winters and extremely hot summers. The climate change can be subtle or dramatic depending on how quickly it occurs. The increase in temperature in the climate either way will be harmful. With temperature increase’s ice caps in the Artic and Antarctica are melting at increasing rates. The melting of ice caps can have many changes includes the destruction of the habitat in the Artic as well as rising sea levels. â€Å"Global warming could push sea levels about 40 percent higher than current models predict† (NationalGeographic.com). â€Å"Models suggest that by 2100 sea level[s] will be between four and thirty-five inches†¦ higher than it was in 1990† (NationalGeographic.com). Ocean front properties and beaches can be destroyed and submerged in water because of these rising sea levels. The higher the temperatures and climates increase, the faster the sea levels will rise. A comparison of this at a minor scale could be like a house built in a flood plain next to a river. The more it rains the higher the water will rise. If the water rises to high, it will flood the flood plain, and destroy the house. Coastal areas will be affected similarly. A person could think of the coastal areas as a flood plain for the oceans. Ice caps melt from the rising temperatures, as the water heats up (even just slightly), the water will begin to expand. As the water expands the sea level will rise. Solutions to global warming and its effects range vastly. There are several different types of solutions ranging from micro-level solutions to macro-level solutions. Solutions can range from fuel-efficient vehicles to more environmental laws. Solutions to global warming may not fully diminish the problem, it may only reduce it. Renewable resources could play a main role in the solutions to reducing global warming. A key point is that if we were to switch to renewable resources it would cost the government a lot of money, which could result in higher taxes or some other means of obtaining the necessary amount of money. A plus to using renewable resources is the fact that in the long run they would pay for themselves. Not only would it provide jobs for the people who would be forced to leave the nonrenewable resources, it would also be opening up opportunities for the unemployed. Along with making our environment a safer and more hazard free living zone, we’d also be leading towards a better economy. Our current economy state is negatively thought of, and switching to nonrenewable resources could put our government in debt. After so many years renewable resources will not only repay its own debt, but it will also produce a profit. The term renewable resources are â€Å"relating to a natural resource, such as solar energy, water, or wood, that is never used up or that can be replaced by new growth. Resources that are dependent on regrowth can sometimes be depleted beyond the point of renewability, as when the deforestation of land leads to desertification or when a commercially valuable species is harvested to extinction. Pollution can also make a renewable resource such as water unusable in a particular location† (Dictionary.com). The future problems dealing with global warming will lead to such massive problems that a solution and change will be demanded. Global warming is a social problem because of the public outcry that is already occurring. The state of our current economy is negatively thought of. If we were to invest in new solutions for global warming it would be a great cost. If we were to pay for the projects to reduce global warming that we believe will have an effect may put our country in great debt. If the country were to switch to fuel-efficient and renewable resources in all institutes and factories it would be a great cost. A good way to evaluate the methods of our solutions to global warming would involve technology we already possess. Measuring CO2 levels in the atmosphere and the amounts of trash and liter in our surrounding environment  in comparison to the current and predicted conditions would only be a start. Actually comparing climate conditions to the predicted conditions would be a good evaluation. If the climate is kept at an average as it is now, in comparison to the higher climates predicted for the future, we would be able to tell if the solutions were taking effect. WORKS CITED 1.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/global%20warming. 2.http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?social+problems. 3.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/air%20pollution4.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pollution5.http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/Frames/pollution-health-effects-f.html6. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-sea-level.html7.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/renewable

Black Elk Speaks Essay

Black Elk Speaks is about a Native American boy that has visions and these visions help him with the religious aspects of live. He has these visions that tell him what to do and shows him the path to righteousness. These visions can also be seen as myths, which are stories that try to explain something. Every culture has their own collection of myths. Black Elk Speaks is also a very symbolic book, because it has the use of many objects or people that represent other things. In the American culture, as well as other cultures around the world, are also very symbolic. The American culture is very diverse in that there are many different cultures that have mixed and created the American culture. The American culture is not something that is easily explained, because it is so mixed with many other cultures from around the world. At first there were American Indians and they brought along their tribes and myths and rituals. Then came the British and over time the Chinese because of the California gold rush. In time America was in habited with many different nationalities and ideas. These ideas were slowly but surely blended together. As for example, when the British shared their meal with the Indians they were also sharing their culture and food. The exchange of food and other ideas brought the two distant worlds closer. The more important ideas are what does all this exchanging of food and ideas symbolize? â€Å"A symbol is something such as an object, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention†(Wikipedia, 1). The object used in Black Elk Speaks is a pipe, given to them by a â€Å"young and very beautiful† woman, which symbolizes trust and companionship. Now, my friend, let us smoke together so that there may be only good between us† (Black Elk Speaks, 5). Black Elk and Neihardt have a smoke together to share their friendship and trust between the two. The pipe can also symbolize peace amongst people and/or tribes. Another act, such as the killing of a bison, might be seen as bravery, integrity, courage, pride. The American culture changed drastically when more cultures were included, such as the Chinese and African Americans. Slaves brought in from Africa, which meant that they brought along their culture and tendencies to America. Even though slavery was not the right thing to do, it brought a new culture into America and made it more diverse and â€Å"developed. † For example, superstitions are something that has shaped the culture as well. Spilled salt, walking under a ladder, a broken mirror, etc. are all superstitions that are said to lead to bad luck. When someone does one of these things they believe that bad luck is upon them. This causes them to act in a different way. Something bad in the future happens they may turn and blame it on the bad luck. Maybe some of the things that happen are just coincidences but culture has taught us to believe that it was the bad luck caused by the spilled salt, broken mirror, or walking under a ladder. Another big symbol in Black Elk Speaks is the four ribbons tied to the pipe that Black Elk and Neihardt smoke. It represents the powers of the four quarters of the universe. There are four ribbons tired to the pipe and each ribbon is a different color, which symbolizes a different power. Black is for the west, the source of the rain; red is for the east, the place of the morning star that gives wisdom; white is for the north, source of cleansing wind; and yellow is for the south, the places of summer and growth. Myths are another big thing that shapes a culture. Black Elk’s visions are like the myths in this story. In his vision, a bay horse greets Black Elk. He then tells Black Elk that he will tell him a story of the life history of himself. The horse walks in a circular motion â€Å"‘Behold me! ’ he said, ‘My life-history you shall see. ’†¦ ‘Behold them! Their history you shall know’† (Black Elk Speaks, 19). Each side that the horse goes to there are twelve horses that are each in a group of different colors. The horses to the north are white, those to the east are sorrel, those to the south are buckskin, and the ones to the west are black. The horses will take Black Elk to his Grandfathers. The sky fills with dancing horses that change into diverse creators and lead a formation of the horses from the four directions. They arrive at a cloud those changes into a tepee with a rainbow door, which inside the six Grandfathers are waiting. A myth is like a traditional story which usually contains some sort of hero or event. In this myth, the vision that Black Elk is having, is an event that is occurring. A bay horse appears in front of him and shows him the way to meet the six Grandfathers. Sometimes myths may sound like a fairy tale. For example, in ancient China, there was once this monkey that was very troublesome and cause destruction to the heavens. He was punished and put under a mountain. After about several hundred to a thousand years a monk comes along to save the monkey and there starts a journey of adventures and evil to obtain immortality. This is a myth because it is a legend of a hero that is punished for his crimes and therefore pays his debt by serving under his master. There are many aspects of a culture. The American culture is very diverse and tough to explain in one short answer. There is no true American culture because it is just a mixture of different cultures from around the world. Black Elk Speaks shows the forms of myths and symbols and how they contribute to American culture. Black Elk’s myths and symbols are very similar to those of the American culture.

Admissions to Montclair State University

â€Å"By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn†. This is a Latin proverb that has echoed in my mind when I experience the joy of sharing my knowledge and whenever I feel the urge to search for answers to my endless questions.Early in life I have developed a keen interest in the field of biology. My fascination to know how living things survive, reproduce, and change in time led me to ask questions, read books, perform observation, and view documentary shows about science.I could vividly recall spending my childhood leisure hours in the garden to observe the different species of butterflies, how a caterpillar transform into pupa and later into an adult butterfly. Then, in my high school freshman days, I performed a five week experiment to determine how plants grow. This experiment has further awakened my interest as I learn to test the quality of the soil, and the right amount of water, light and temperature to sustain the life of the plants.My endless quest for k nowledge has led me to search for answers through the use of various sources of information. Whenever I have found the answers to my nagging questions, I could not resist sharing the information to my family, friends and classmates.The satisfaction that I have gained in imparting my knowledge is immeasurable. I enjoyed the exchange of ideas, the transfer of knowledge, and the acquisition of new knowledge. There is joy in seeing their faces light up as they understand and appreciate what I was discussing. All these experiences have confirmed my interest to be an educator in the field of biology.I decided to major in Biology as I believe that the study of life is the most important subject in the world. The field of biology deals with the meaningful and profound knowledge of the existence of all living things. Studying life and the processes involved in sustaining it goes beyond the teaching of evolution.For me, biology allows me to explore the world as I study nature closely and unde rstand the diversity of life. However, it is not sufficient to gain knowledge of the subject matter. What would matter most is how students would learn through self discovery while teachers keep their goals in mind and allow room for improvement. This is an area that I need to learn as I have observed some of my classmates regard biology as a subject that often require memorization of scientific words related to classification and phylum.By pursuing an Education degree major in Biology in Montclair State University, I would learn about educational strategies and classroom management in order to keep students engage in their task, awaken their interest about the life on earth, and link their activities to the understanding of biological concepts as they acquire scientific knowledge. In addition, I intend to be committed in an experimental research or independent project so I could contribute to the field of Biology.As a high school student in (write the name of your school), I have a cquired a 3.050 cumulative GPA. I have received the William P. Orr scholarship for Fall 2007 and was given an award for being an active member in the SSS Star Program in the Spring of 2007.After completing my Bachelor degree in Education, I intend to teach high school junior and senior students while pursuing a graduate study. I also aim to get a doctorate degree in the same field so I can teach college students. Although I plan to study continuously while I am teaching, my passion to educate the learners will not begin and end with acquiring knowledge and earning degrees.My passion is focused in teaching the unknown and in facilitating the students’ understanding on the benefit of learning biology as applied to their daily life. I strongly believe that with my determination to succeed together with MSU’s excellent program, diverse faculty and student body combined with the individual attention of a small college, I will become an effective teacher who is deeply commit ted to serve the community of learners.