Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Globalization and Global Warming

Memorandum This memo serves as an informative and analytical document discussing globalizations largest threat – global warming. I will address the following issues: †¢ What is global warming and how is it being caused? †¢ Who is contributing to its advancement? †¢ The threats and consequences of global warming †¢ Recommendations we can do to slow global warming Global Warming and It’s Cause Global warming could have started as early as the 1860’s due to the Industrial Revolution that began after the Civil War. This was a time of invention and creation; where man made machine and machine changed society.Not only did the machine change society, but it also changed the atmospheric gases – more specifically, greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide – known to cause the greatest amount of global warming – methane gas, ozone, and nitrous oxide. These four greenhouse gases act as a blanket over the surface of the earth. As the sun hits the earth’s surface, the heat is reflected back towards the sun. The heat is then contained by the greenhouse gas blanket and warms the earth. Without this blanket, we would live in a very cold world.This atmospheric balance the earth provides is currently being tested by man. What happens when we expel our own greenhouse gases? The ‘blanket’ thickens and it traps in more heat. This extra heat upon the earth’s surface is known as global warming. Therefore, global warming can be defined as the effect that increased greenhouse gases have on the earth’s atmosphere. The increase of greenhouse gases are the result of two economical factors: the burning of fossil fuels for energy, and deforestation for industrialization. The first factor contributes to the majority of the xpelled greenhouse gases – that is: The Burning of Fossil Fuels As globalization spreads and increases industry, it also increases the deposit of pollu ting gases into the atmosphere. One such gas is carbon dioxide. The release of CO2 is more specifically caused from the burning of oil, coal, and gas. These three natural fuels, which are used in manufacturing and industrial growth, have constituted roughly 75% of human generated CO2 emissions expelled into the atmosphere during the past 20 years (IPCC WGI). Here is a graph supporting the increases of CO2:Indicators of the human influence on the atmosphere during the Industrial era [pic] (IPCC Chart 1) As you can see, this graph stops in the year 2000. Assuming there was an energy increase in the past 6 years by rapidly developing nations such as China and India, along with developed nations consistent energy use, we can also assume the CO2 concentration has continued its vertical climb. Deforestation The destruction or clearing (as some companies might put it) of the worlds’ forests are due in most part to agricultural needs and industrialization.Why scientistists agree that this practice is detrimental to the enviroment can be summed up in two ways: 1. trees act like sponges that suck in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen 2. when trees are burned, they release the stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, adding to the pollution Hence, the more trees that are burned, the less carbon dioxide gets harbored. According to Greenpeace, â€Å"Thirty percent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere over the past 150 years is thought to come from deforestation, but this is a small amount compared to what is still stored in forests.The Canadian and Russian boreal forests alone hold 40 percent of the world's carbon stocks† (Greenpeace Science). In other areas of the world, carbon stocks are not being contained, but continually released through deforestation. Global Forest Watch, an independent oprganization that provides current information on forest development stated: â€Å"In 2002, about 47% of the Brazilian Amazon was under some type of human pressure; recent estimates comparing this figure with new data from 2005 show that human pressure has increased by 7%† (Global forest watch).Not only are we losing the possibility of finding rare tropical plants that could be converted into pharmaceuticals, but we are also destroying indigenous communities that dot the Amazon rainforest. It is understandable that deforestation is need for civilization, but there are ways we can curb its destruction and preserve the rainforests. Contributors of Global Warming If your means of transportation today did not consist of walking or riding a bike, chances are, you contributed to the burning of fossil fuels. Americans would not be able to survive without the use of fossil fuels.We produce them in our cars, our homes, and even in our waste. The bottom line is: fossil fuels create energy, and we need energy. So, it is not surprising that Americans are responsible for 25% of the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, desp ite having only 5% of the world’s population. (Stix 47) This makes America the largest polluter in the world. It is evident that when a country becomes a world leader through Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the focus becomes business. The need for business profits by corporations apitalizing on industry have an impact on the environment. Unfortunately, many industries do not take into consideration the effects their business has on the environment. Below is a chart comparing three countries – the United States, Former Soviet Union, and Japan – and their CO2 emissions: [pic] (IPCC Chart 2) In 2005 according to the CIA World Factbook, these same three countries had GDP’s of $12. 3 trillion, $4 trillion, and $1. 6 trillion respectively (GDP). While the U. S. has nearly doubled it’s GDP, you can bet as a developed nation, it has also increased it CO2 emissions.But, developed countries like the United States and Japan can’t be blamed for emitting a ll the CO2 into the atmosphere due to their industrialization. We must also look at developing countries such as China and Brazil who, while aspiring to increase their standard of living, are also increasing their energy use. As these nations develop and increase their industrialization, they inturn release substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. With the ever-increasing CO2 emissions and deforestation, what does it mean for the stability of our enviroment? The Threats and Consequences of Global Warming?The aforementioned greenhouse gas emissions and the deforestation process have been contributing to the global warming crisis. The most recent supporting evidence was reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control (IPCC) in 2001. Established in 1988 due to climate change curiosity, the IPCC is composed of over 2,000 scientists and is regarded as the foremost authority on climate change by the United Nations (Wikipedia IPCC). They concluded, through a 2600 page com prehensive analysis of scientific research, that global warming is in fact caused by CO2 emissions and eforestation. According to the IPCC, the two primary factors of global warming are temperature and sea level. Using the latest research and the current trends in global warming, the IPCC predictions through the end of the 21st century are as follows (IPCC SPM): †¢ A rise of global temperatures from 2. 5 ° to 10. 4 ° F †¢ A rise of Sea levels from 4†³ to 3†² Rising of Global Temperature The effects of this variable are quite profound. Scientists predict it could increase the frequency and magnitude of hurricanes; similar to what happened on the U. S. ’s Gulf Coast in the fall of 2005.They predict it could also do the same to El Nino; which is felt on the west coast – especially in Southern California. Southern California’s fire season begins towards the end of summer, due to the dry climate. In the fall of 2002, San Diego felt the effects of an out-of-control fire. What started as human error, continued for weeks, as brush and forest fires tore through San Diego Country. Its duration and strength was assisted by warm El Nino winds. Since El Nino thrives from available heat, you could say global warming is feeding El Nino’s hunger.In 1998 National Geographic had this to say about El Nino: El Nino’s abnormal effects on the main components of climate—sunshine, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation, cloud formation and ocean currents—changed weather patterns across the equatorial Pacific and in turn around the globe†¦ In the past 98 years there have been 23 El Ninos and 15 La Ninas. Of the century’s ten most powerful El Ninos, four—the four strongest—have occurred since 1980. (Suplee) Considering it is possible global warming energizes the climate event El Nino, it can also melt glaciers.A widespread retreat of non-polar glaciers during the 20th century, and a 10% decrease in world snow cover since the 1960’s was captured by satellite imagery; the shrinking of snow cover and the retreat of glaciers are not expected to slow down during the 21st century (IPCC SPM). Researchers agree that melting glaciers coupled with melting ice sheets, like those covering Antarctica and Greenland, will become significant factors in causing the sea levels to rise. Rising Sea Levels Rising sea levels could devastate coastal tourism spots. This may become a very costly problem for coastal cities.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated a one foot rise along the eastern seaboard by 2050. According to researchers, if this rise were to occur on the west coast, which is more likely than not, California would lose 2-4 feet of beach due to erosion. [pic] (IPCC Chart 3) The EPA also had this to say about rising sea levels: Rising sea level inundates wetlands and other low-lying lands, erodes beaches, intensifies flooding, a nd increases the salinity of rivers, bays, and groundwater tables. Some of these effects may be further compounded by other effects of changing climate.Measures that people take to protect private property from rising sea level may have adverse effects on the environment and on public uses of beaches and waterways. (EPA) Even though the damage to the U. S. ’s coastline would be expensive, planet earth has over 4 billion people outside the U. S. that live on a coastal plain. (Greenpeace Going) Rising sea levels could completely demolish low-lying coastal cities around the world: New York, Miami, Tokyo, San Diego, and London are a few such cities that could experience rising sea levels first-hand.Poor, undeveloped countries that lack technology, would be the ones to lose entire populations from a force that is beyond their control. What can we do to stop this rising tide? Recommendations to Slow Global Warming †¢ Adhere to the Kyoto Protocol †¢ Increase forestation Ky oto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol, which began in 1997, has developed an international treaty to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The overall goal is for countries to lower these emissions to 1990 levels by 2008. For the policies to take effect, 55 countries that accounted for at least 55% of the greenhouse gas emissions in 1990 must ratify the protocol.The founders of the Kyoto Protocol – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), require countries that have ratified the protocol to: †¢ Enhance energy efficiency methods on the countries largest polluters †¢ Tax economic sectors that are the countries largest polluters †¢ Research, develop, and implement new forms of energy †¢ Promote forestation (UNFCCC) Only a few countries have said â€Å"no† to this protocol. Unfortunately, the United States is one of those countries. As a world leader, we should ratify the Kyoto Protocol and enforce its requirements on our industry.Our governmen t could give tax cuts for companies utilizing new technology with a low-carbon output. This technology could be in the form of: hydro-electric, wind, or solar power. We could also enforce strict pollution policies to regulate and limit what can be released into the environment. Other enforcements could be directed at absorbing the CO2 in the atmosphere through forestation. Increase Forestation Forests act as sponges to suck up, or decrease, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Curtailing the lumber and logging industry in the U. S. is a first step towards increasing forestation.This is especially true of the industries in and around the Amazon. Because rainforests are denser than ordinary forests, they absorb much more carbon dioxide. Plus, the rainforests trap in precipitation to prevent flooding, and preserve bio-diversity and indigenous cultures. Another, more realistic approach is to plant trees and re-grow the forests. One example of this approach is happening in China. Due to deforestation, the Chinese government requires those between the ages of 11 and 60 to plant up to 5 trees per year; they claim to have planted 1 billion trees in the past 20 years. (Wikipedia Deforestation)Conclusion Global warming affects everyone; it has no boundaries. It is not intended to directly harm other cultures and peoples, but it inadvertently does through continually disregard for the environment. This disregard happens when nations become industrialized: more specifically – from burning fossil fuels and the deforestation process. But, we do have the power of choice. The citizens of the United States should step forward and assume responsibility. It is our duty to contribute to the reduction of global warming by regulating our CO2 emissions, and even becoming aware of our paper consumption.With the assist of other developed nations, we should be implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices to deter our current pollution. These technologies might come at a high price. But, in the long run, it could reduce the costs and damages associated with the foreseeable climate change. Works Cited CIA World Factbook. â€Å"List of countries by GDP (PPP). † Wikipedia. 2006. 18 Sept. 2006 EPA. â€Å"Coastal Zones. † Environmental Protection Agency. Jan. 2000. 15 Sept. 2006 Greenpeace. â€Å"Going, Going, Gone?. † Greenpeace.July 2005. 13 Sept. 2006 Greenpeace. â€Å"Science. † Greenpeace. 2006. 14 Sept. 2006 Global Forest Watch. â€Å"Human Pressure on the Brazilian Amazon Forests. † 2006. Global Forest Watch. 17 Sept. 2006 IPCC. Chart 1. â€Å"Indicators of the human influence on the atmosphere. † IPCC. 2001. 16 Sept. 2006 IPCC. Chart 2. â€Å"Comparison between GDP and CO2 emissions for selected countries. † Climate Change 2001 Synthesis Report 5-6. 2001. 16 Sept. 2006 IPCC. Chart 3. â€Å"Third Assessment Report – Climate Change 2001. † IPCC. 2001. 16 Sept. 2006 IPCC. Climate Ch ange 2001: SPM: The Scientific Basis. † IPCC. 2001. 16 Sept. 2006 IPCC. â€Å"Climate Change 2001: Working Group I: The Scientific Basis. † IPCC. 2001. 16 Sept. 2006 Stix, Gary. â€Å"A climate Repair Manuel. † Scientific American Sept. 2006: 47. Suplee, Curt. â€Å"Unlocking the Climate. † National Geographic May 1998. 13 Sept. 2006 UNFCCC. â€Å"Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. † UNFCCC. 1998. 19 Sept. 2006 Wikipedia. â€Å"Deforestation. † Wikipedia. 2006. 19 Sept. 2006 Wikipedia. â€Å"Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. † Wikipedia. 2006. 12 Sept. 2006

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Thing They Carried Essay

Alexandra Berliner Eshoo English 12 11/28/11 Something A Soldier Ignores: Death Fatalities are part of every person’s life. To a normal citizen, death is often followed by sadness and grief. As portrayed in â€Å"The Things They Carried† by Tim O’Brien, a soldier has to deal with the situation much differently. Death is portrayed in a negative light due to the fact that soldiers are greatly fearful of it and that they are forced to be unaffected by death. In order to cope with all the deaths he witnessed, O’Brien uses the retelling of war stories to heal from these traumatic events. Throughout the novel, death is definitely portrayed as being a very negative part of war. Because it is such a negative thing, death tends to instill fear in soldiers. From the beginning of the novel, death is truly portrayed as being a very negative risk that anyone at war deals with: â€Å"Beyond all this, or at the very center, was the raw fact of terror. I did not want to die. Not ever† (44). It is known that death could be the outcome of going to war, and many of these young soldiers do not want to die. Even though many soldiers end up going to war anyway, they are still fearful of death being a possible outcome for them. All of this fear and anxiety associated with war ultimately leads most people to view death in a negative light. It is definitely something that soldiers want to avoid, and even if they are not killed, death still has negative affects on them. In addition to death being portrayed in a negative light from the beginning of the novel, the soldiers are forced to be unaffected by death. As a result, it is seen how war changes people in a negative way. Once the war is all over, the negative affects are still present, and O’Brien deals with them through retelling the past. It is seen that anyone that becomes involved in war eventually learns to be unaffected by death when one of the soldiers’ girlfriends comes to visit. She never leaves because she becomes fully invested in the war: â€Å"She was dangerous. She was ready for the kill† (116). When the girlfriend first came to the war site, she was innocent. Now, she has become part of the war and is ready to kill. One of the most obvious ways that she has changed is that now she can kill people easily and is unaffected by it. The fact that such an innocent woman can be changed so drastically by war shows the negative affects of being unaffected by death. It has become part of life for these soldiers, while most people would see death as a scary thing. Additionally, we see another soldier forced to conform to the guidelines of war in the witnessing of Kiowa’s death: â€Å"The young soldier was trying hard not to cry† (170). This shows that, when first exposed to war, the soldiers are actually upset when they see another person die. This is a normal reaction that most people would have; yet, the others soldiers look down upon this person. When the young soldier is about to cry, they know that he is new to the experiences, and they just ignore him. The experienced soldiers do this because they know that every soldier just has to ignore death. It is just an unavoidable part of war. In war, death is dehumanized, and every soldier is forced to ignore it; yet, it still has lasting negative affects on the soldiers. O’Brien reveals that he deals with the situation through the retelling of war stories. By revealing these stories, it allows O’Brien, as well as the listener, to understand how exactly war works: â€Å"By telling stories, you objectify your own experience†¦You start sometimes with an incident that truly happened, like the night in the shit field, and you carry it forward by inventing incidents that did not in fact occur but that nonetheless help to clarify and explain† (160). This shows that all the bad experiences, including the thousands of deaths observed, are clarified through telling stories. Even if the stories are not totally accurate, bringing any part of the situation to light gives O’Brien the closure he needs. It allows him to understand what went on in the war and be able to heal from it. Even though the soldiers are forced not react to death as a civilized human would, it still affects them internally, and the best way for O’Brien to deal with the negativity of death is through talking about it. Death is something that every soldier has to deal with on a regular basis. Thousands of people are killed every day at war, and so, the soldiers are forced to ignore the emotions associated with death. They do not have the time to be upset in the midst of protecting our country. As a result, all of the witnessed death affect them internally and stay with them for many years after the war is over. In order to deal with the negative affects, it is seen that O’Brien uses war stories as a way of healing. It allows him to understand what he experienced and move past it.

The Sloth

Sek Budapest International School English Work no. 1 Poetry analysis Song Yuan Shan 15. 01. 10 The poetry analysis of The Sloth by Theodore Roethke The title of the poem ‘the sloth’ tells us that the poem is probably about the animal, that lives in South America. It’s probably a poem for kids to read. In the first stanza the poet is talking about slowness. If you ask him something it takes him a year to realize that he’d been asked something. Next it says that all he does is hang on a tree upside down. Then it says that no matter you call him smug or insult him, he doesn’t care. He will still continue doing what he did before. In the last stanza he’s sleeping again swaying by his toes and just won’t bother to answer your question. But you just know that he knows he knows. Every poem has another meaning beyond the literal one. In this poem the poet writes ‘he’ for an animal and not ‘it’, so actually he’s not really talking about animals. He’s referring to lazy humans. Throughout the whole poem the poet was describing a lazy person. They’re self-satisfied, that’s why they never change their behavior. One way of achieving the qualities and making the words poetic is through poetic devices. It’s the technique or strategy a poet uses. It can help the poet or writer in developing cogent, e. g. the figures of speech. The poet was criticizing lazy people but he didn’t write it so obviously. He used metaphor. The poet also gives human characteristics to the sloth which is personification. For example: â€Å"he says, he thinks†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . â€Å"He thinks about it for a Year†. The poet is exaggerating here, which is a hyperbole. He also uses capital letters. This makes a rhythm, patterns of sound. In addition the word EX-as-per-at-ing is divided into syllables to emphasize the word and call special attention to it. All lines rhyme in the poem. The sound of the last part of the word is identical in each stanza, so it’s a perfect rhyme. The tone of the poem could have been mean but he made it funny and friendly. The poet compared the lazy people to the lazy animals. The image I got after reading it a couple of times, is a stinky person watching TV on the couch while drinking coke and eating popcorn. They won’t even do the basic things for living or to stay clean. They’re too lazy to do anything. They’re happy with the way they are. So the theme of the poem is laziness. Bibliography http://ezinearticles. com/? Poetic-Devices-in-Poetry&id=110584 Total number of words : 438

Monday, July 29, 2019

Any topic concerning government (economy, u.s census, presidential Research Paper

Any topic concerning government (economy, u.s census, presidential election, congress bill) - Research Paper Example The relevant data for the research design will be taken from the United States Statistical Abstracts -- specifically details regarding incidents of crime and safety concerns in American public schools. By presenting the outlines of a statistical design relevant to this data, including an initial tabular presentation of the descriptive statistics regarding the data, it is expected that this brief paper will illustrate both an understanding of basic statistical processes and a possible experimental approach to understanding the important social problem of bullying. The dependent variable in the proposed research will consist of the rate of bullying evident in a variety of schools having different characteristics, expressed as a percentage. As such the dependent variable will be a ratio-type variable, having the ability to be expressed as a measurable number with fine distinctions possible as to quantity. The independent variables to be utilized for this study will be drawn from data provided in the Statistical Abstracts, including age-level of students (expressed as an ordinal variable measured as elementary, middle, of high school), enrollment of school (expressed as ordinal breakdowns determining the size of schools), and minority enrollment within schools (again expressed as an ordinal breakdown). It is expected that these different independent variables will each have an impact on the rate of bullying, as they determine the developmental age of students, as well as the size and supposed social stresses and intercommunity cohesion of the va rious school types. The proposed relationships of the variables will be as defined in the following section. It is expected that the older the student population, the more likely it will be that bullying will be prevalent, largely because the students will be more likely to be willing to

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Market Cultural Report ( International Business ) Essay

Market Cultural Report ( International Business ) - Essay Example This is because people in different countries have different cultures depending on their understanding of things and their traditions. This is also so as to avoid cultural conflicts in the host country that may affect the acceptance of the business by the citizens. This report analyses the culture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in specific the Emirates of Dubai. It looks at some of the cultural components of the country and how this impacts the international business. These cultural components include, the traditions of the country, the beliefs and the religious aspects affecting the market. Finally, it looks at what businesses need to do or consider in order for it to operate effectively in this country and gives a conclusion of the important factors from the report based on the chosen market and the cultural factors in the market. The reason for choosing the Emirates of Dubai is because it is the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has a growing reputation as being one of the most attractive places in the world. It is modern with infrastructure and has become a major force of the economy globally, it has world class business environment that attracts many investors. It is also a politically stable country able to attract many foreign investors. The fact that it has a free economy means that there is minimal government control and minimal regulation in the private sector making the country to become a very attractive place to invest. It is one of the most liberal countries in the gulf that results to an attraction of a high capital to flow across the region (Noack, 2009). This makes it worth to look at the country when considering international business. The country also is rich in its culture. The Emirates of Dubai culture is mainly shaped by the traditions of the Arabs that are based on the Islam background. The religion shapes all aspect of the daily life of people in the country. It is

Saturday, July 27, 2019

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS Essay

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS - Essay Example The River Caf in Hammersmith, is an expensive, utterly delicious example. London takes on Tuscany, in attractive if hard-to-reach surroundings. There is a little group of smart Italian restaurants growing up, associated with Giorgio Locatelli, who cooks at Zafferano, near Belgrave Square, with a startlingly original menu, well grounded in tradition. He has opened a couple of simple Italian places - Spiga on Wardour Street in Soho and La Spighetta in Mayfair that do wonderful thin-crust pizzas cooked in a woodfired oven. London has always led the world in Indian restaurants, and today they are booming. Tamarind, in Mayfair's Queen Street, is a glitzy, principally North Indian restaurant with prices to match the elevated dcor. The only restaurant that has true Anglo-Indian dishes is Chutney Mary, down the King's Road at Lotts Road, worth for its collection of uncommon Indian regional dishes. The rooms, with their view over Regent Street, look handsomely understated by Indian restaurant standards and the management has simplified the whole business of ordering an Indian meal. The overall picture of strong profit growth in the UK in the year 2007 was predominantly due to the London hotels in the sample that, on average, enjoyed an upswing in profit of 12.8 per cent to 64.04 per available room. With no change in occupancy, it was a 10.2 per cent increase in average room rate to 112.81, and a firm grip on payroll costs, that enabled London hoteliers to turn in a very healthy profit performance in 2007. even though the report is for 2007, it shows the healthy economic conditions of London hotels. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT A key sector in tourism, hotels have several key environmental impacts: energy consumption, water consumption, waste production, waste water management, chemical use and atmospheric contamination, purchasing/procurement, local community initiatives. Many restaurants are trying to become more eco-friendly and hence to keep up the good relation of the hygiene conscious customers. The Duke of Cambridge in Islington remains one of the best and most ethically run gastro pubs in London. It has pioneered seasonal, organic British food, using local sourcing, careful monitoring of food miles, buying direct from the farmers, and even now the beers are still brewed locally and the wines and spirits are organic where viable. The water is purified on the premises, and they have installed wind and solar generated energy, along with strict recycling procedures and adherence to sustainable fish buying policies. This shows the environmental influence to restaurant operations. IMPACT OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS London's extraordinary social and cultural diversity is reflected in over 60 different cuisines provided in over 12,000 restaurants, which is more than half the nation's total. This variety and vibrancy extends to London's food retail outlets, with exciting well-known markets like Borough and Walthamstow alongside major supermarkets and independent corner shops. 'Food tourism' is an increasingly vital element of London's attraction for visitors. It has many of the best restaurants in the

Friday, July 26, 2019

Insurance Fraud-Busting System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Insurance Fraud-Busting System - Essay Example There are two case studies which were referenced within this current assignment. One is a case involving an insurance claim to replace a computer network, after a company experienced an unexpected energy surge. The second involved a woman who had unnecessary dental work, after an unethical dentist advised her that she needed filings. Both of these instances are, unfortunately, not uncommon these days. An additional insurance scam that I am familiar with is one involving chiropractors. A relatively healthy person will visit a chiropractor’s office and receive multiple chiropractic adjustments and massages. The patient, in many cases, will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for these services. Instead, the chiropractor will claim that the person has a problem and is in need of constant care. The office assistant will bill the insurance company for each visit made by the patient. The patient enjoys multiple massages and chiropractic adjustments for however many visits the health ins urance allows. The reason why this is a fraud is because it is expressly stated within the policy that a patient must have a legitimate medical condition and be in need of treatment, in order to receive benefits. This type of fraud is rampant as well. Still there are other insurance scams that many people are familiar with. Some people stage car accidents or leave their own keys in the car so that it will be stolen. Others fake an accident at work so that they can file a worker’s compensation claim and/or file for short/long-term disability. All false claims have a profit motive of some type. If the claim is not filed for actual cash, the purpose of the claim may be to replace a valuable damaged item. The attitude of Americans towards fraud is disheartening. On the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud website, there is a statistic cited from a survey conducted by Accenture Ltd, that â€Å"one of four Americans say it’s ok to defraud insurers† (Accenture, 2002). Ano ther study, cited on the same website by Progressive Insurance, stated that â€Å"Nearly one of 10 Americans would commit insurance fraud if they knew they could get away with it. Nearly three of 10 Americans (29 percent) wouldn't report insurance scams committed by someone they know† (NICB, 2011). This is a startling statement of American lack of morality. The proceeding information leads to a very important question. How do insurance companies combat fraud at the present time? Most insurance companies have an in-house Special Investigation Units (SIU). They normally seek to hire those with a law enforcement background for such positions. These groups are specifically tasked with attempting to uncover and investigate cases of fraud, specifically as it relates to claims filed through the insurance company. The group specifically will look for holes in a customer’s story. If there was an auto accident, for example, and both parties’ statements do not match, this can raise a red flag.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Frank Parsons, the Father of Vocational Guidance Essay

Frank Parsons, the Father of Vocational Guidance - Essay Example Instead of the normal three years required to complete this degree, he did it in just one year. He passed the bar exams in the year 1881. This great effort severely damaged his health, leading to his relocation to New Mexico for renewal. Parsons got into practicing law in Boston. However, he found this not satisfying. He joined a publishing firm where he assisted in preparing textbooks of law. He formulated a philosophy that resulted to impeccable outpouring of writing works as well as other community activities. He then developed a liking for reading and making contacts with people. This had great effect on his career later. He lectured on English literature for a long time the YMCA in Boston. He later had his lectures published under the title, "The World's Best Books" in the year 1889. He became a lecturer at Boston University between the years 1892 and 1905. In his work published in the year 1894 and titled "Our Country's Need", Parsons made a formulation of his views of mutualism. He made an attempt to integrate socialism with individual liberty. He was under great influence by Herbert Spencer and Edward Bellamy from England and the United States respectively. Another notable influence on Parson was "Christian socialism." Parson's aim was to come up with ways to control essential firms like the railroad as well as the telegraph but at the same time honoring the private sector and personal initiatives. He made a good combination of conservatism and radicalism. Most of Parsons' great works confirmed him as a competent social critic. They include "Rational Money", published in the year 1899 and "Direct Legislation", published in the year 1900. Others are "Telegraphic Monopoly" and "Cities for the People" that were both published in the year 1899. Between the years 1897 and 1899, he served as a professor at Kansas Sate Agricultural College but still maintained his connections at Boston. During this period, he became extremely radical due to the Populists' Party greatly succeeding in Kansas. This administrational change led to his sacking together with his associates. This led to their founding of the Ruskins College of Social Sciences. He took up the position of a professor as well as the dean. However, the undertaking did not succeed, leading to his return to Boston. While in Boston, Parsons became seriously involved in various reform causes, traveling across the country and beyond. For instance, he persuaded the owners of Filenes Departmental Stores in Boston to add cooperative principles to their human resources policy. He also took part in the construction of the Civic Service Home. This home was to settle the immigrant groups. He assisted in organizing the Breadwinner's Institute, offering a diploma education to the less fortunate in the society. Parson's writings such as "The Trusts", "Stories of New Zealand", "Railroads", "Heart of the Railroad Problem" and "The People", together with his many articles made him a respected voice progressivism. This however played a big role towards his death on 26th September 1908. "Choosing a Vocation" was published in 1909. This was the first such writing in the career guidance. "Legal Doctrines" and "Social Progresses" followed in the year 1911. Frank Parsons is widely referred to as the "Father of Vocational Guidance." Despite being trained as an engineer, he authored many books on the social-reform movement. He also wrote on

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 29

Summary - Assignment Example Numbers are more convincing since readers and audiences often focus on profits, losses, savings and costs. The numbers provided ought to be easy, trustworthy and accurate. In addition, the presenter should be able to cite the source of information for reference purposes. Utilization of examples in the presentation helps the audience to remember and visualize the point. Examples enabled the presenter to show the audience, the meaning of the information. Associating the presentation or research to expert opinions lends credibility and authority to any claim. The presenter should remember to cite the expert during presentation of the information. A presenter requires something more than evidence to change the minds of the audience. The presenter has to appeal to common goals and value of the presenter. In business organization for example, the presenter is required to identify common goals and appeal to them in order to convince other employee. The goals of people are often shaped by their values: honesty, loyalty, friendship, fairness and equality. In addition, the presenter should also appeal to the shared values (pg 51). A speaker or presenter should also consider the cultural context when passing information to the audience. This is because; reaction to persuasive appeals can be determined by the values and custom of a certain culture. Understanding the culture of the audience is quite significant as it might differ in people’s willingness to criticize, debate, or express emotions and disagreement. Additionally, cultures may also differ in their attitude towards technology, business, competition as well as the rol e of women at their place of work. Grier (2008, pg 53), states that, ‘primacy of face saving is one of the key values in all cultures. It is the act of preserving an individual’s outward dignity and prestige’. Presenters should ensure they pay attention to situations

Macroeconomics and Microeconomics - Interest Rate Assignment

Macroeconomics and Microeconomics - Interest Rate - Assignment Example A developed money market is essential to the development of an economy as it provides the sources of finance to carry out the necessary business transactions. Firstly, it provides the cash required on a short term basis to finance the working capital requirements of businesses and entire industries. Lenders can borrow the money from financial institutions to finance their necessary transactions and thus the money market allows the economy to keep running. It also helps to keep the financial institutions self sufficient as the institutions can recall their loans at any point if they need it. Money market instruments are significant for the central bank because it regulates and controls its monetary policy by increasing or decreasing the money market rates. It also provides the finances to the government who may issue treasury bills in order to finance its spending. (Importance of Money Markets) The money market rate is called the federal funds rate in the USA which is the lending of a vailable funds from one institution to another on a short term basis. Q2) The above figure shows the graph of the U.S. Federal Funds rate and the Treasury Bill rate over a period from 1991 to 2009. The interest rates of money market funds usually tend to move in the same way as the future interest rates are based on the expectations. The year 1991 began with the federal fund rate and treasury bill rate set at 5.69% and 5.41% and was on a constant decrease until the year 1993, after which it began to rise and more or less maintained the same level until the year 2000. In the year 2001, the terrorist attacks in U.S. badly damaged the confidence in the economy and the people, both local and foreign, were not willing to invest in the U.S., therefore the federal bank and the government reduced the interest rates in order to encourage the spending. The interest rate encouraged the potential investors to increase the borrowing and the investments along with decrease the savings. The govern ment, in 2004, increased the interest rates gradually and increased it constantly on a quarterly basis. After the interest rates reached a point of 4.5% to 5% in the year 2006, the world was hit by the recession and the central banks had to lower the interest rates to once again encourage the spending and investments in the U.S. economy to limit the recessionary impact on the economy. The government and the central bank still had to decrease the interest rates due to the recession and reached a low point of 0.16% in 2009. Q3) The above graph shows the money market rate and the treasury bill rate in Bahrain over the time period from 1991 to 2009. Again both the curves move in the same direction as they are based on the same expectations. The interest rates of Bahrain move in a direction similar to that of the U.S. because the currency of Bahrain Dinar is pegged to the U.S. Dollar. The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) regulates the interest rates on a quarterly basis keeping the national and international indicators into consideration. The year 1991 began with a declining interest rate which was restored in 1993, similar to the case in the U.S. and the interest rates were more or less stable with only a few changes in it. This was the time when there was stability in the world throughout. However, in 2001 after the terrorist attacks, the economies throughout the world took a big hit especially the U.S. economy that had to lower the interest rates drastically until 2004. The same was followed by the Bahrain government

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Accounting - Essay Example In order to consider this option, Reading therefore may need to assess as to whether the overall revenue and profitability of the division will increase if this transaction is carried out. The key influence of this on the attitude of Reading on intra-company business will therefore be reshaped by the way its profitability as well as the revenue is increased besides registering a substantial increase in the overall capacity. Another important aspect of this whole transaction may be based on the assumption that during the intra-company business, Reading may not have to incur any selling expenses therefore this may result into substantial savings for it in terms of cost reduction. If Reading adapts the second option of charging the standard full manufacturing cost plus 15%, as proposed by the Finance Manager, the overall loss will be approximately $1.68 per unit. The calculations are as under: The above option therefore suggest that adapting the option of standard manufacturing cost plus mark-up can certainly reduce the overall per unit loss when compared with the market price of the component. This option clearly reduces the loss per unit for Reading (if compared with the market price of the component) therefore adapting such option may offer more leverage to Reading in terms of its ability to further increase its profitability while at the same time reducing the costs. If this option is carried out, Reading will further be able to sell its variable selling expenses therefore this cost reduction may further allow to become more profitable. It is also important to note that the overall selling price of the component, as offered by Reading, is $13.00 therefore if compared with the original market selling price, the per unit loss will be $2.88. This will however, be lower than the loss which could be incurred under first option. Considering above, the suggestions proposed by the Finance Manager therefore may significantly increase the overall profitability

Monday, July 22, 2019

Continuous Professional development Essay Example for Free

Continuous Professional development Essay Continuous professional development (CPD) is a framework of learning and development that ensures a professional’s competency, effectiveness, knowledge, skills and practice are continually kept up to date through ‘lifelong learning’ strategies and activities. There is not a fixed CPD standard or structure and a ‘one size fits all’ process would not work for all professions and individuals who work for companies with diverse objectives and working practices. The various approaches may have common themes and goals such as setting objectives for development and charting progress towards them, or asking questions such as where I want to be, and how I plan to get there. Reflection is also a key element of the process. Just as important is the motivation and responsibility of professionals for keeping their own skills and knowledge up to date. An early definition of CPD was developed in 1986 by the Construction Industry Council (UK). However, Friedman et al. (2000) found that it was still the most commonly cited definition of CPD among UK professional bodies in 1999. ‘The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills, and the development of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individual’s working life’. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggest the following elements of a good and broad CPD structure. be a documented process be self-directed: driven by you, not your employer focus on learning from experience, reflective learning and review help you set development goals and objectives include both formal and informal learning. CIPD further suggest the benefits to CPD practitioners provides an overview of your professional development to date reminds you of your achievements and how far youve progressed directs your career and helps you keep your eye on your goals uncovers gaps in your skills and capabilities Opens up further development needs provides examples and scenarios for a CV or interview demonstrates your professional standing to clients and employers helps you with your career development or a possible career change. CPD can involve any relevant learning activity, whether formal and structured or informal and self-directed. Good CPD practice will include a variety of learning models that help professionals remain competent and up to date. Whatever the model or structure the process should highlight the needs of the job, strengths and weaknesses of learners and their future goals so learning gaps can be addressed. Listed below are examples and a short explanation of types of CPD learning and practice. The training model – often delivered by an expert in a classroom type environment. The award-bearing model – validation achieved via a standard or qualification. The deficit model – weak performance highlighted and measures taken to improve it. The cascade model – one learner cascading their learning down to other colleagues. The standards-based model meeting standards, often highlighted in observations. The coaching/mentoring model – on the job training that includes shadowing. The community of practice model – secondment or interagency training initiatives. The transformative model – flexible approach involving many of the above models. My own development is based very much on the transformative model of CPD that involves a range of both formal and informal learning, this provides me with the up to date knowledge and skills I need to do my job competently. Schunk describes learning as, ‘Learning is an enduring change in behaviour or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion which results from practice or other forms of experience’. Schunk, Learning theories, 5th ed, 2008 Formal learning through training or qualification is often related to something specific, like a skill or competence. Formal training may include on-line and CD-ROM based courses or full or part time study leading to qualifications. Development on the other hand can be more informal and has a broader outlook on learning and may include private study such as reading, observing and reflection. Structured continual learning is important in any profession because new research and practices may require new knowledge and skills. For example the QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development is one example of formal learning that I have considered and want to undertake. This is for both professional and financial reasons. Professionally it proves a level of academic ability, knowledge and credibility. It is the standard that many career companies now expect from professionals delivering career guidance in schools. Gaining the qualification should also help me remain competitive when applying for a job and hopefully keep me within a reasonable pay scale. Conferences, workshops and seminars also help keep professionals up to date with changes to practice and can be a vehicle for networks to be built up and experiences shared. On the job training such staff training, shadowing, secondment, coaching and mentoring all provide excellent provision for professionals to learn new skills and build up work based knowledge. Professionals may also learn by taking part in working groups or involvement in research projects. Babcock recognises the benefit of CPD and is committed to broadening and developing all employees’ knowledge and skills in the pursuit of excellence. They understand the process helps promote career development and ensure legislation and contractual agreements are met. The company handbook CPD at Babcock Education and Training – Guidance for Staff’, describes the process of CPD as, ‘’any activity which increases the knowledge, skills and understanding of staff, improves job satisfaction and raises company performance’’. The policy strongly advocates that practitioners should be accountable for their own personal growth and not solely rely on the company for training and development. It also requires professionals to maintain competent levels of learning as directed by their own professional bodies. If professionals are to be committed to their own CPD practice then there needs to be a certain level of self-motivation. Career Advisers as with all professionals need to remain competent to practice, regardless of whether they qualified yesterday, last year or twenty-five years ago. (Golding ; Gray, 2006) agree and suggest that the last day of professional training signals the beginning of lifelong learning. According to Maslow (1943) hierarchy of needs that suggests people are motivated by a range of wants such as basic needs from food and shelter right up to the final stage of self-actualization and fulfillment. Herzberg (1959) showed that to motivate an employee a business needs to create conditions that make them feel fulfilled in the workplace. He suggested motivators such as achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility and advancement will motivate the worker to want to succeed and do well. Both models recognise that when conditions are right workers want to do a good job and find satisfaction in their work. I would argue that professionals such as career advisers go further by recognising their duty of care to clients and desire to serve them well by providing the best service possible. This is only achieved by having up to date skills and a positive outlook on personal learning and development. CPD clearly benefits professionals, employers, customers and users. For it to be best utilised practitioners may need some form of CPD training. Learning how to learn is a skill in itself, Joyce and Showers (2001) suggest that a positive impact on performance is more likely if training is provided on it. Cunningham (2001) agrees and says ‘’It cannot be ‘caught; people must be trained in the process’’ A full understanding of the CPD process gives the practitioner a methodical and structured approach to their learning that can be flexible and involve a number of learning styles that best suits the learner’s needs. My own CPD practice and planning is assisted through various policies and templates implemented by Babcock. Supervision meetings with line-managers take place every 6-8 weeks where performance against SMART targets (objectives broken down to specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely goals) are discussed and feedback given. Before annual reviews take place a pre-review template is filled in by the member of staff. This process alone demands employees to take time to reflect on their past performance and draw attention to skill gaps and future training needs. Another template used during the annual review guides both practitioner and line-manager through the process. This tool asks questions that demands a certain level of thought and reflection. Questions are asked around time spent on an activity, why it was done, what was learned and can it be shared with others. The pre-review template and review process agree much with guided reflective theory developed by Johns (1995) where he suggests a series of questions can challenge the motivation and rationale for actions. These questions from a third party can help guide learners through the reflective process. Johns suggested reflective diaries and sharing experience with others can lead to a greater understanding than reflections done alone. Though I do not keep a written diary of reflection I do reflect constantly and can relate to Schon’s ‘reflection in action’ and ‘reflection on’ practice. I also incorporate much of Rolfe (2000) Driscoll’s (2000) thinking by asking what, so what and now what into my practice. Another simple strategy I endorse and find useful is SWOT analysis, a technique accredited to Albert Humphrey in the 1950’s that asks practitioners to scrutinize their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Practitioners can also be unaware of issues in their own practice, this is suggested by the Jo Harari window, developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955; it proposes that others see things about us to which we may be blind. New objectives and action plans can then be agreed and formalised. Feedback from supervision and annual review meetings help to evaluate work and clarify agreed targets and future development tasks. The meetings also offer a platform to formally raise concerns or requests for training. A training request was made after I became aware of a number of young people in school who seemed to be unmotivated, withdrawn or depressed. I had no knowledge of mental health issues and felt out of my depth to offer solutions and wanted to be able to offer better front-line support. I approached my line-manager and it was suggested I investigate possible training options. I later attended three one day courses on adolescent mental health that were free of charge and run by Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH). The training was around spotting mental health disorders, early intervention and ideas for support in school. Networking is also a valuable source of gathering information and developing support channels. It was through a network that I learned of the free training delivered by CAMHS. Another effective learning tool is observation. Feedback from formal interview observations and those from colleagues, teachers, pupils, parents and others has benefited my overall reflections and development by highlighting levels of performance. Critical thinking allows me to analyse different qualities, talents, views and opinions of others. I often ask myself whether I would have handled a situation differently to a colleague and would my actions have made the situation better or worse? Writing regular case studies has been useful when reflecting on my work. They help me focus on what went well and what hasn’t gone so well. The discipline of writing down events and analysing them requires much deeper thought processes. Attending regular training events and seminars ensures I remain up to date with new practice, law and policy changes. Training has broadened my knowledge around specialist areas such as homelessness and sex education. Some training programmes are also compulsory requirements of Babcock and include child protection training or online courses like equality and diversity. Attendance at staff meetings keep me up to date with events in the careers industry and practice at a local level. Often meetings include training workshops, group discussions and presentations from guest speakers. As a group member of the Career Development Institute I receive regular updates, advice and information on topical subjects through journals and annual conferences. In summary CPD is an investment that gives professionals a methodical structure to directly link learning with practice. It records learning undertaken and helps plot any future training. Confidence and professional credibility can be boosted and it may accelerate career advancement. Through creative thinking and tackling new challenges personal interest and job satisfaction can also be increased.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

In What Ways did Deterrence Work and Fail in the Cold War?

In What Ways did Deterrence Work and Fail in the Cold War? Deterrence, a form of coercive diplomacy or the use of threat of force to achieve goals, had been of extensive use in the history of mankind. However, the creation of the destructively powerful nuclear weapons seemed to add substance to deterrence and made it one of the core elements in international relations and security during the Cold War. Though, the question of whether nuclear deterrence worked or not still divides the politician, academia and the public opinion (Lee, 1988; Lebow and Stein, 1995). Proponents argue that nuclear deterrence did save human beings from the World War III (Record, 2004) while critics label deterrence, among other things, as a faulty, inconsistent, heavily value-laden, and immoral theory (Kennedy, 1983). Focusing on the aspect of general nuclear deterrence (not extended or immediate nuclear deterrence), this essay elaborate why the notion of the effective nuclear deterrence during the Cold War period seems not convincing by determining the factors for deterrence to work, providing alternative motives for maintaining peace rather than deterrence, and finally reviewing some actual cases of crisis. To supporters of nuclear weapons, the strongest and most convincing piece of evidence for the successful deterrence theory is that there has been no case of resort to the use nuclear weapon since the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on the two Japanese cities of Okinawa and Hiroshima in 1945 (Berry et al., 2010). The overwhelmingly destructive power of nuclear weapons, coupled with a certain capability of each side to carry out the threat, made the mutual destructive outcome of nuclear war clearly visible in the so-called crystal ball effect (Blight, 1992; Lee, 1988). Thus, nuclear weapons not only made leaders of both the United States and the Soviet Union in particular, NATO and Warsaw Pact in general, refrain from uncalculated moves but also eliminate the possibility of the pre-emption (Record, 2004). The other argument proponents often made to defense the success of nuclear deterrence in the Cold War is: deterrence is only considered to be a failure when the threatening na tion must resort to the use of force (nuclear weapons) or do not obtain its policy. It is the reality that both the United States and the Soviet Union did not use nuclear weapons and succeeded in preventing each other from using them (MccGwire; Huth, 1999). All these helped the Cold War remains cold and thus nuclear deterrence is very likely a success. (Gaddis, 2005; Berry et al., 2010). However, a further analysis shows that the claims of effective deterrence in the Cold War seem far from convincible. First and foremost, to assess nuclear deterrence, it is essential to answer the question of what does it take to deter? Nuclear deterrence means the deterred country will not attack because of the threat and the capability of the deterring country to survive the first strike and then retaliate with destructive power. So, in order to be sure that nuclear deterrence works, you have to verify that your adversary does intend to attack you and then restraint from carrying it out because of your threat (Wilson, 2008: 432). Proving other countrys intentions is problematic because of the lack of data on the policy calculations of potential initiators who were presumably deterred (Wilson, 2008). In addition, it was a popular belief in the West during the Cold War that the Soviet Union is a revisionist and needed to be deterred but there seems not enough evidence to uphold that point of view, either (Cohen, 2017; Mueller, 1988). This was admitted by former United States secretary of state Henry Kissinger, one of the prominent figures during the Cold War: Perhaps deterrence was even unnecessary because it was impossible to prove whether the adversary ever intended to attack in the first place (Record, 2004: 5). Moreover, nuclear weapons seemed to matter in political rhetoric, public discourse, and defense budgets and planning (Mueller, 2009) during the Cold War, it can be contended that nuclear deterrence is unlikely the sole contributor to the long peace that human being enjoyed nor the absence of nuclear war. This is due to proof by absence, which means your assumption could only be correct if there exist no other alternative explanations for the end result. In this case, the absence of war between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War could be the outcome of many other factors, not only nuclear deterrence. For example, it is worthy to note that nuclear bombs came into being in 1945, at the same time with the establishment of the very important global organization, United Nations. Hence, it could be assumed that it is the United Nations that helped maintain the status quo during the Cold War. In the same fashion, John Mueller (1998) criticized the efficiency of deterr ence and attributed the long peace after World War II to such reasons other than nuclear deterrence as the memory of WWII; the post-war contentment (both the United States and the Soviet Union were happy with the status quo), the non-aggressive Soviet ideology, and the believe in escalation of war (the lessons learned from WWI, WWII). According to Former United States secretary of state Henry Kissinger, one of the insiders of the nuclear game theory during the Cold War, the attribution of the absence of nuclear war between NATO and Warsaw Pact since 1946 to the success of nuclear deterrence seems problematic when he later admitted that it is possible that nuclear weapons had little or nothing to do with the absence of a NATO-Warsaw Pact war (Record, 2004). Lastly, some case studies which were usually cited as the success stories of nuclear deterrence seem unconvincing, too. In the first instance, at the height of the Berlin Crisis 1948-1949 when the Soviet Union blocked Western Allies access to Berlin, decision by United States President Harry S. Truman to deploy B-29 bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs to Europe did result in the end of the blockade by the Soviet Union (Arnold and Wiener, 2012). However, some unanswered questions remain: Why it took ten months for the threat to be effective and why the Soviet Union dared to provoke the atomic bomb monopoly United States (the first nuclear test by the Soviet Union did not happen until one year later). In the same fashion, the world was actually on the brink of the outbreak of a nuclear war after the United States discovered the Soviet Unions secret deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962 and delivered an ultimate for the withdrawal of the missiles (Cohen, 2017). Facing the threat from the United States, Soviet leaders ordered to withdraw the missiles from Cuba thus de-escalated the situation (George and Smoke, 1974). But general nuclear deterrence once again failed to prevent the the Soviet Union from deploying nuclear weapons in Cuba in the first place and also failed to restrain the United States from instigating a quarantine (Wilson, 2013) which escalated the situation to the level that, in the word of the then United States President John F. Kennedy, the odds of a nuclear war were about one in three (McMahon and Zeiler, 2012: 305) or secretary of defense Robert McNamara, It was luck that prevented nuclear war (Blight and Lang, 2005: 60). In conclusion, nuclear weapons with their unprecedented destructive power did play a role in international relations during the Cold War. However, attributing the absence of large-scale wars between Warsaw Pact and the West led by the United States to the nuclear deterrence seems far from convincing. The debate on whether nuclear deterrence work or fail is unlikely to subside in the foreseeable future but it is noteworthy to there seem to be a mutual concern of famous policy makers of both the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry Kissinger, Bill Perry that nuclear weapons have become a more risky factor than ever before with more countries joining the nuclear club (Shultz et al., 2007; Gorbachev, 2011), not to mention the ambition of countries like North Korea and Iran, the increasing threat of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organizations, non-state actors. So, it is high time for the international community to a bolish nuclear weapons with a serious program of universal nuclear disarmament (Gorbachev, 2011). This would be an interesting topic for future research./. REFERENCE LIST Arnold JR and Wiener R. (2012) Cold War: The Essential Reference Guide: The Essential Reference Guide: ABC-CLIO. Berry K, Lewis P, PÃ ©lopidas B, et al. (2010) Delegitimizing Nuclear Weapons. Monterey, California: Center for Nonproliferation Studies, the Monterey Institute of International Studies, forthcoming. Blight JG. (1992) The shattered crystal ball: Fear and learning in the Cuban Missile Crisis: Rowman Littlefield. Blight JG and Lang JM. (2005) The fog of war: Lessons from the life of Robert S. McNamara: Rowman Littlefield. Cohen M. (2017) Nuclear Weapons, Deterrence and the Cold War. Lecture. MacQuarie University, Australia. Gaddis JL. (2005) Strategies of containment: a critical appraisal of American national security policy during the Cold War: Oxford University Press. George AL and Smoke R. (1974) Deterrence in American foreign policy: Theory and practice: Columbia University Press. Gorbachev M. (2011) A Farewell to Nuclear Arms. Project Syndicate. Huth PK. (1999) Deterrence and international conflict: Empirical findings and theoretical debates. Annual Review of Political Science 2: 25-48. Kennedy KC. (1983) A Critique of United States Nuclear Deterrence Theory. Brook. J. Intl L. 9: 35. Lebow RN and Stein JG. (1995) Deterrence and the Cold War. Political Science Quarterly 110: 157-181. Lee S. (1988) Does Nuclear Deterrence Work? Philosophy Public Policy Quarterly 8: 9-12. MccGwire M. Appendix 2: Nuclear Deterrence. International Affairs 82. McMahon RJ and Zeiler TW. (2012) Guide to US Foreign Policy: A diplomatic history: CQ Press. Mueller J. (1988) The essential irrelevance of nuclear weapons: Stability in the postwar world. International Security 13: 55-79. Mueller J. (2009) Atomic obsession: nuclear alarmism from Hiroshima to al-Qaeda: Oxford University Press. Record J. (2004) Nuclear Deterrence, Preventive War, and Counterproliferation: Cato Institute. Shultz GP, Perry WJ, Kissinger HA, et al. (2007) A world free of nuclear weapons. Wall Street Journal 4: 2007. Wilson W. (2008) The myth of nuclear deterrence. Nonproliferation Review 15: 421-439. Wilson W. (2013) Five myths about nuclear weapons: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay Historical background: Thailand has a wide variety of fauna and flora and boasts wide ethnic diversity as well. Thanks to its abundant resources and fertile land, it has attracted peoples of many countrys, who have settled and thrived here. The origin of the Thais is not agreed on amongst academics. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated south to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast of Thailand. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy dating back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a culture far more sophisticated than previously believed by archaeologists. It now appears that Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China. Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation declared that the country would henceforth be known as Thailand. The word Thai means Free, and therefore Thailand means Land of the Free. The Monarchy: The words of the Thai Royal Anthem, performed at most official ceremonies and before the start of every movie, may strike a Western ear as somewhat archaic. After all, the system of absolute monarchy ended in 1932, following a revolution staged by a small group of disaffected civil servants and military men. Since then, Thai kings have ruled under a constitution; their powers theoretically no greater than those of European monarchs. Yet, since he was officially crowned in 1946, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has assumed the role of constitutional monarch and has worked tirelessly on behalf of his people, gaining a measure of personal devotion that is probably more intense than that felt for any of his all-powerful ancestors. It has been said that Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit are the hardest working royal couple in the world with a work load once estimated to be equal to at least one function every day of the year. Of the several institutions that form the foun dation of modern Thai life, the one His Majesty represents is not only the most visible but also the most revered. His Majesty has devoted himself to public service and made enduring contributions to Thailands development, initiating vital royally-suggested projects such as crop rotation, fish breeding, irrigation, natural watershed programs, dairy farming, reforestation, road building, and the establishment of self-help villages. His Majesty has traveled countrywide by helicopter, jeep, train, boat and on foot, often to the remotest corners of his Kingdom, in pursuit of his projects. He is held in high esteem nationwide for his profound interest in his peoples welfare. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit frequently accompanies His Majesty and shares a close interest in the welfare of rural Thais. Her Majesty has wholeheartedly helped establish foundations such as SUPPORT which assists Thailands rural population to produce and sell traditional craft products for supplementary income. The Thai monarchy is revered and regarded as the central, unifying element in the pillars of the nation. King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927, ascended the throne on June 9, 1946, and married Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on April 28, 1950. Their Majesties have four children; Their Royal Highnesses Princess Ubol Ratana, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn. The Royal Couple are conscientiously assisted by their children, who frequently accompany them and represent Their Majesties at official functions and ceremonies. The Flag: Thailands national flag, ceremoniously raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered at 18.00 in every town and village. The flag is composed of five horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. Outer bands of red representing the nation enclose equal inner bands of white evoking religion. The blue band, occupying the central one-third of the total area, symbolizes the monarchy. The harmony of design expresses the complementary nature of these three pillars of the Thai nation. The tri-colored flag, first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, replaced an earlier design which featured a white elephant on a red background. Public Hollidays: Most national holidays and festivals are of a religious nature and serve to evoke a sense of devotion to the monarchy, the religion, and the nation. Some are celebrated by the lunar calendar and thus vary in date from year to year, while others are celebrated according to the solar calendar. Bank Holidays for 2010 are: Thai culture and customs Informality and general friendliness in relationships of all age, economic and social groups characterize the Thai culture and people. Thai people are tolerant of almost all kinds of behaviour and never expect foreigners to understand the intricacies of Thai social customs. A Thai greeting In Thailand people do not normally say good morning, good afternoon, good evening or good night. They greet each other with the word Sawadee, and instead of shaking hands, they put their palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. It is customary for the younger or lower in status to begin the greeting. When taking leave, the same word and procedure is repeated. This gesture is called a Wai. If you are greeted with a Wai you should reply with the same gesture, though it is not necessary to return a Wai to a child. Think of a Wai as you would a handshake. Initiate a Wai because of sincere pleasure at an introduction. You will not cause offence if you Wai inappropriately in Thailand, but you may create confusion. Dont return a Wai from waiting staff, drivers or other help. You might hope to strike a blow for equality, but will in fact cause embarrassment. A Wai to your teacher (any kind of teacher) is definately appropriate; any smiles you receive in return are of appreci ation. Sanuk means fun One of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai peoples inherent sense of playfulness and light heartedness. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of Sanuk. This doesnt mean Thai people dont want to work or strive. It is just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to make Sanuk. The concept of saving face Thai people have a refined sense of public image and believe strongly in the concept of saving face. That is, they will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation and endeavour not to embarrass either themselves or other people (unless of course it is Sanuk to do so!). The ideal face saver does not bring up negative topics in conversation, or talk in an argumentative, judgemental or aggressive manner. Raising your voice or losing your temper will never be constructive in Thailand. It will result in loss of face for everyone involved, and you may be ignored as a result. You may notice Thai people smiling in the face of anothers misfortune. This is not a sign of callousness, but an attempt to save face for the person suffering misfortune. Saving face is the major source of the famous Thai smile. It is the best possible face to ease almost any situation. Social status in Thailand According to simple lines of social rank defined by age, wealth, and personal and political power all relationships in Thai society are governed by connections between Phu Yai (big people) and Phu Noi (little people). When meeting someone new a Thai person will automatically make an assessment regarding their Phu Yai or Phu Noi status. They may ask quite probing questions in order to place them. A set of mutual obligations requires Phu Noi to defer to Phu Yai through demonstrations of obedience and respect. In return Phu Yai are obligated to care for and offer assistance to Phu Noi they have regular contact with. Phu Noi may ask Phu Yai for favours such as financial help or assistance securing employment. It would cause Phu Yai some loss of face to refuse these favours. When eating out in restaurants, Phu Yai will normally settle the bill. Examples of automatic Phu Yai status include: adults over children, bosses over employees, elder classmates over younger classmates, elder sibling s over younger siblings, teachers over students, military over civilian, Thai over non-Thai. As a visitor to Thailand you may be assigned Phu Yai status as a sign of courtesy, stemming somewhat from assumptions regarding your wealth and education. Do not be offended by these assumptions. If you are lucky enough that Thai people hold you in high regard, take it as a compliment. Mai Pen Rai never mind Mai Pen Rai means never mind (or more literally its nothing). Symbolising Thailands unofficial national philosophy these three little words help to calm the heart of a nation. Mai Pen Rai enables the Thai people to retain their composure, keep smiling and be happy in everything they do. Thai people care little about trifling things. If they are frustrated, instead of getting angry they simply say Mai Pen Rai and solve the problem by some other means. Thai people believe strongly in avoiding confrontation, which is one of the reasons travel in Thailand is such a pleasure. To the Thais, foreigners over-worry, see trouble where there is none, and are constantly fretting over the future. When Thai people think about their future, they are optimistic. If they are not so happy now, they believe they are sure to be in their next life! Concept of time in Thailand The Mai Pen Rai philosophy is well demonstrated by the Thai concept of time. Estimates of time, in terms of the past or the future, can be vague or even wildly inaccurate in Thailand. Thais are often late for appointments, but nobody seems to mind waiting. Traffic jams are common, restaurant service, and hotel check-in procedures can seem slow and inefficient, but you wont see Thai people getting upset about it. In fact, most Thai people find it pathetic to see a person childishly expressing their irritation. Such behaviour will set you apart as someone less than properly evolved. The best thing to do is to relax and let things proceed at their natural pace. Trying to pin Thai people down about times will generally get you nowhere. If you must ask when will we be ready to leave? or when will this job be done? go ahead. But be prepared for an answer that proves wrong, not because of bad planning, but simply a different attitude towards time. Thai business customs In business circles some Thai people will have a reasonable command of English. However, most Thais do not feel comfortable speaking English. Address a Thai man or woman by their first name, not their surname, using the prefix Khun instead of Mr or Mrs. It is not considered informal or familiar to call Thais by their first name. Although Thai people appreciate punctuality when conducting business, there is a differentconceptHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQofHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO 7ma2LQtimeHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQinHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQThailand. Deadlines are often overlooked and it is necessary to allow for this when scheduling meetings. Dont contradict or criticise people in public. An essential tool for success in Thailand is patience. A person who lets inconveniences pass and forgives easily is respected. Dos and donts in Thailand Loud voices, calling attention to yourself, pointing at people or things, throwing or dropping things, and making big hand gestures all seem graceless to the Thai sensibility. Preferred modes of comportment are those that reflect the quiet, subtle and indirect as opposed to the loud, obvious and direct. Although the southernHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQThais can at times be alarmingly direct in their interactions with others. The monarchy remains highly respected throughout Thailand and visitors to the country must be respectful also. Avoid disparaging remarks or jokes about the royal family; they will not be appreciated. All Thai people love their king, HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwHMHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwKingHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwBhumibol; if you want to know why, ask them politely. Public displays of sexual affection are not acceptable in Thailand, although this may be changing with the younger generation in some areas. Thai people are extremely offended by public nudity, along with just about everyone else in the world. Thai people are modest in this respect and it should not be the visitors intention to reform them. A polite man in Thailand will not touch a woman. The feet in Thailand are considered spiritually as well as physically the lowest part of the body. Dont step over peoples legs, even in a crowded place such as on a train; wait politely for them to move out of the way. Do not point things out or pick things up with your feet. And do not wave your feet around peoples heads! If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, apologise. Food in Thailand is often eaten on the floor. Stepping over food is really a bad thing in Thailand. Shoes are not worn inside peoples houses, or in some guest houses and shops. If you are not sure watch other people. A pile of shoes at the entrance is your clue to remove yours (socks are OK). To Thai people wearing shoes indoors is disgusting. Show respect for religious symbols and rituals, and avoid touching spirit houses and household alters. Thai people, particularly those in rural areas, can be highly superstitious and may feel the need for lengthy ritual should you contaminate their sacred areas. Do not stare at Thai people. They may be smiling, but still do not look into their eyes too long. Particularly in rural areas young and old may react violently to such a gesture, which is considered a rude insult. During normal conversation most Thai people do not look directly at one another, and will avoid anything but the briefest eye-to-eye contact. Phu Nawy (little people) often keep their head bowed when conversing with Phu Yai(big people) as a sign of respect. As a foreigner it can be hard to know if you have a persons attention. And it is difficult to hear what people are saying if they speak with their back to you. Laundry and bathing Modest dress and a clean, neat appearance will create a very good impression in Thailand. Keep up with your laundry and you will receive better treatment everywhere. Most Thai people bathe in cold water. This is not a problem, as it is almost always hot enough for you to feel the need to cool down. Most Thais shower and put on fresh clothes at least twice a day. You will be more comfortable and sleep more soundly in the hot and humid climate if you do likewise. Many washrooms in Thailand do not have showerheads fitted to the wall. There is a cement trough or other kind of water reservoir provided for use. A plastic or metal bowl is used to sluice water over the body. This water is meant for cleaning and should remain clean for other peoples use. Do not contaminate this water. And do not climb into the reservoir in order to bathe! In rural areas many Thai people still use rivers and streams, or will bathe from an outdoor reservoir at home. When bathing in view of others men wear underpants. Women should wear a Pha Sing (cotton wraparound). Nude bathing in public view is not acceptable. In Thailand the squat toilet is the norm except in hotels and guesthouses geared towards foreigners. If you have never used one before it may take a bit of getting used to. Contrary to what some people seem to think, these are flushing toilets. They are flushed in the same way as western toilets, i.e. by dropping water through the hole. The difference from Western-style toilets being, you must scoop water with a bowl from a nearby reservoir and drop water through yourself, rather than release water from a tank using a lever. You can chuck water all over the place in a Thai toilet, so when you are finished it is a good idea to rinse the floor of any sand or mud you may have brought in on your feet. Thai people do not normally use toilet paper, prefering to rinse themselves thoroughly with soap and water. If you absolutely must use paper dont drop it down the toilet. Place it in the bin provided. If there is no bin provided, find another facility. Plumbing in Thailand simply isnt desig ned to handle paper, and in most places you will cause a great deal of inconvenience if you drop anything other than your natural waste through the toilet.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Personnel Management (HRM) :: essays research papers

Personnel management - The renewed emphasis on the importance of human resources in the 1980s and 90s drew attention to the way in which people management was organized. Specifically, this meant a critical review of the functions of personnel management. Personnel management has been a recognized function in the USA since NCR opened a personnel office in the 1890s. In other countries the function arrived more slowly and came through a variety of routes. This excerpt from Human Resource Management in a Business Context looks at Personnel management from a historical perspective. Further notes: Traditional Personnel Functions †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Recruitment - advertising for new employees and liaising with employment agencies. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Selection - determining the best candidates from those who apply, arranging interviews, tests, references. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Promotion - running similar selection procedures to determine progression within the organization. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pay - a minor or major role in pay negotiation, determination and administration. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Performance assessment - co-ordinating staff appraisal and counselling systems to evaluate individual employee performance. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Grading structures - as a basis for pay or development, comparing the relative difficulty and importance of functions. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Training and development - co-ordinating or delivering programmes to fit people for the roles required by the organisation now and in the future. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Welfare - providing or liaising with specialists in a staff care or counselling role for people with personal or domestic problems affecting their work. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Communication - providing internal information service, perhaps in the form of staff newspapers or magazines, handouts, booklets, videos. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Employee Relations - handling disputes, grievances and industrial action, often dealing with unions or staff representatives. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dismissal - on an individual basis as a result of failure to meet requirements or as part of a redundancy, downsizing or closure exercise, perhaps involving large numbers of people. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Personnel administration - record-keeping and monitoring of legislative requirements related to equal opportunities and possibly pensions and tax. Personnel Management Personnel management has been a recognised function in the USA since NCR opened a personnel office in the 1890s. American personnel managers worked within a unitarist tradition, identifying closely with the objectives of their organization (key concept 1.3). It was natural for HRM to emerge comparatively smoothly from this perspective. In other countries, notably Australia, South Africa and the UK, the personnel management function arrived more slowly and came from a number of routes. Moreover, its orientation was not entirely managerial. In Britain its origins can be traced to the 'welfare officers' employed by Quaker-owned companies such as Cadburys.

Friday, July 19, 2019

My Typical American Family :: Traditions Cultures Cultural Essays

My Typical American Family What is a typical American? What is generally viewed as a typical American is that your family has lived here for years and years and you don't personally know who immigrated here. Along with this, your family has molded into this typical view with no "foreign" traditions and things. A lot of people in my class can talk about their relatives that speak another language or have immigrated here. I don't have anything like that so I'll tell you about mine. According to Blauner: Members of an ethnic group hold a set of common memories that make them feel that their customs, culture, and outlook are distinctive. My family doesn't pass down stories or anything. No real passed on customs, no immigrant stories. Takaki thinks everyone should be educated in all culture that makes America so diverse. I don't really have a culture. My family more or less assimilated to the traditional mainstream American. AS far as I know, I am Irish, German, and Native American. Where or when each came together, I don't know. Randall Bass says: Individuals derive their sense of identitiy from their culture, and cultures are systems of beliefs that determine how people live their lives. Well I have my own story. I'll start by talking about my mother's side of my family. As far as I know both my grandparents grew up and lived in Detroit. They raised my mom and Uncle there too. My grandma stayed at home while my grandpa fixed airplanes. It's kind of cool because he was in WWII also to fix the fighter planes. They were fairly well off and had a boat on the river. They're background is Irish and German. Although they never personally told me there was German,I'm taking an educated guess because the last name (Volkening) looks really German. My dad's side is German and Native American. I've been told I have relatives in Germany with the same last name although I've never met them or know their names. My grandma also stayed at home and my grandma worked in a factory. They too lived in Detroit and raised my dad and my two Uncles in a two-bedroom house. My dad slept in the laundry room next to the water heater because there wasn't enough room in the other two rooms. My parents both met in Detroit and lived there for about twenty years. Both my parents worked through college to help pay for each other's tuition.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Causes of Air Pollution Essay

There are several main causes of air pollution, the vast majority of them can be attributed to man. Some natural sources of air pollution include forest fires, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions. Plants such as ragweed contaminate the air with pollen. Decaying leaves and other forms of vegetation release gases that contribute to air pollution and cause haze. (Morgan) Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, and biological matter that cause harm to humans, other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment. Stratospheric ozone depletion (contributed to air pollution) has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth’s ecosystems. The Earth is capable of cleaning itself of a certain level of pollution, but man-made pollutant have become too numerous for the Earth’s natural mechanisms to remove. We are seeing the results of this overload in the form of acid rain, smog, and the variety of health problems that can be contributed to our environment. (Godish) One of the main causes of air pollution is manufacturing. This source of pollution spews particulate matter and chemicals into the atmosphere. The exhaust from a factory includes, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dioxide, as well as volatile organic compounds and particulates. There is not an area of the Earth’s atmosphere or an ecosystem that has not been altered by the long term effects of the pollution created by manufacturing. Strides have been made to filter the material coming from manufacturing plants, but it may take the Earth millennia to completely recover from the damage already done. (universe) A surprisingly link may exist between ocean fertility and air pollution over land, according to Georgia Institute of Technology research reported in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research – Atmospheres. The work provides new insight into the role that ocean fertility plays in the complex cycle involving carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in global warming. (Cain) Finally, the burning of fossil fuels is a part of everyday life of every human on the planet. We burn fossil fuels in our cars, fossil fuel is burned to extract fossil fuel from the Earth, and fossil fuel is used to process fossil fuel into its individual components. Every step of the way releases sulfur and nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and particulates into the air. Each step in the process increases the number of asthma cases in the world, raises a person’s chance of having cancer, and increases the chance that your child will be born with congenital defects. (Turco) References Cain, Fraser. (2005). Air Pollution Linked to Growth of Life in Oceans. Retrieved from http://www.universetoday.com/10263/air-pollution-linked-to-gr Godish, Thad. 1997. Air Quality, 3rd ed. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Fl. Morgan, M. T. (2003). Environmental Health, (3rd ed.). Belmont: CA: Wadsworth Turco, Richard P. 2001. Earth Under Siege: From Air Pollution to Global Change, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, New York.

ABC Management Company: Organizing for Mid-Range Service

1. List about of the important organisational and assist factors that the executives of alphabet Management should consider before responding to the owners of the trio mid(prenominal)- put avail properties. Since the hotels atomic number 18 within the mid range (350-500 rooms), a room conductor will be needed to make out the sections that make up the rooms division, some other conductor for the victuals and beverage part and supervisors in the subdivision under the intellectual nourishment for thought and beverage department.Other key members of the oversight team that should be included are a admitor of sales and foodstuffing, controller, and a director of human resources. Other hotel service and organizational factors should also include an executive housekeeper and director of catering as part of the worry team. Some of these positions may be bound as some of them chiffonier be d unmatched by one person. I am a strong believer in department heads. Considering that they are pickings in three hotels with a range in size of 350-450 rooms each, it would be best to consider department heads for more control and organization. 2. Create an organization map that ABC Management could use to direct management positions for the operation of a 450-room, mid-range service hotel. Aside of the organization chart, curtly specify each management positions primary responsibilities.Primary Duties of each department head are listed below. However, they are non limited. There are just a few items listed. Position Oversees Responsibility worldwide Hotel Manager All departments Responsible for maximising revenues and flow finished to GOP to meet or exceed budgeted EBITDA. Responsible for dressing of attribute budget and forecasts. Manages labor standards and property take expenses to reach maximum flow through to the bottom line profit. Promotes 100% node satisfaction throughout property. Instills the 100% invitee satisfaction objective to AGM and arcminutely associates. Ensures that solely guest related issues are pertinacious in a manner reconciled with the companys goals and objectives. Recruits qualified applicants. Trains employees in accordance with company standards. Motivates and gives direction to completely employees. Communicates any policies and procedures to entire staff board Division Manger trend Desk, changeless Services, Housekeeping Train hotel associates/administration Communicates tout ensemble policies and procedures to entire staff Supervise persisting 7 day/week, 24 hour front office operation, night scrutinise and housework operations and assigned staff, including hiring, training, evaluating cognitive process and scheduling work. Formulate budgets and prepare periodical revenue/expense forecasts. Maintain node service/satisfaction standards handle client service issues. Maintain and last all told computer equipment.Food and Beverage ManagerFood Production, Restaurants, Ban quets, Cocktail Lounge, means Service hinder budgets, payroll and food order invoices from suppliers Hire and schedules servers, bart removeers and other food service employees, assigns kitchen staff to cooking and preparation tasks, and determines service standards for personnel. Knowledge of American and ethnic cuisine, food preparation and the costs of acquire items for particular dishes. Plan menus for restaurants and special events wish well banquets. gross revenue & Marketing ManagerSales & Marketing Develops and manages sales/marketing operating(a) budgets. Plans and oversees advertising and promotion activities including print, online, electronic media, and direct mail. Develops and recommends product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategy to stool the highest doable long-term market share. Achieves adapted profit/loss ratio andmarket share in relation to preset standards and industry and economic trends.ControllerHotel Finances Takes will power for the production of monthly financial and management accounts, budgets and forecasts and to visualize strong financial controls and processes operate throughout the transaction. Manages a designated team, ensuring month end accounts are prepared in a timely and accurate manner, producing statutory accounts, preparing business budgets and forecasts, managing cash flow and working hide functionally in order to oppose commercial initiatives.Accounting ManagerPayables & Receivables Achieves accounting running(a) objectives by contributing accounting schooling and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews. Meets accounting financial objectives by forecasting requirements. Confirms financial status by monitoring deviceing revenue and expenses. Maintains accounting controls by establishing a chart of accounts. Guides other departments by researching and translateing accounting policy applying observations and recommendations to operational issues.Director of Human Resources Human Resources Department Employee run and counseling. Employee safety, welfare, wellness, and health. Charitable giving. Organizational and space planning. instruction execution management and improvement systems. Employment and form to regulatory concerns. Policy readyment and fellowship communication. Compensation and benefits administration.3. Create an organization chart that ABC Management could use to depict front office positions for the operation of a 450-room, mid-range service hotel. Aside of the organization chart, briefly describe each front officepositions primary responsibilities.Position Oversees Responsibility battlefront business office MangerAssistant cause agency Manager, protection Agent, and second-stringers Supervisor Is able to effectively interpret financial results in regards to revenues, payroll, costs, and expenses. Establish and monitor cost and expense control systems and procedures to achieve budgets. Take corrective measures a nd actions to ensure highest possible profitability. Personally and frequently verify that guests are receiving the best possible service. Demanding on service standards as well as hygiene standards. Ensures speedy and accurate service at all times. Assistant Front tycoon MgrFront Office Supervisor AM/PM, Front Desk Agent Responsible for employees to range professionalism and are well trained to cater friendly service. Periodically inspects rooms to ensure cleanliness and well maintained rooms. Assists the Front Office Manger. Aware of new market trends and activities of competitors.Security AgentSecurity of the hotel Check doors and stairwells to make sure the locks are full and no danger is lurking. Patrols outdoors as well as room hallways and bodily process areas. Response to complaints and calls for help. Purchases, maintains, and monitor security cameras, demoralise systems, and other electronic surveillance equipment. take care unruly patrons from the proper ty. Administrative Duties.Reservations SupervisorReservation Agent militia rooms for guests. Interacts with upper management to swear them of special events or localaffairs. Communicates with housekeeping and service staffs to share customer concerns and purport resolutions. Communicates with the sales and marketing department for develop advertising and promotional campaigns.Front Office SupervisorFront Desk Reports to Assistant Front Office Manager. Overview of the Front Office Department. Checklist of all arrival and departures. Handling complaints and issues about the service. accept and greeting all guests and the VIP. Bookings and Reservations. Supervise the Front Office Staff on a daily basis. Schedule employees.Reservation AgentGuest Reservations Register guests as they come into the hotel. Inform guests on hotel happenings works as a liaison amid guests and maintenance personnel. Front Office AgentGuests Greets and welcomes guests. Reservations. bu llion and Credit Card handling. Check guests in.The higher up positions may even be trickled bulge out to just a few positions as they can go under one position. For example, the Front Office Agent can do the same tasks as the Reservation Agent. I indicated these for just in shell ABC Management needed them in order to service the guests better by splitting up the positions and responsibilities.