Mexican Culture

Mexican Culture Interpersonal Communication 102 February 17, 2013 There are many different cultures around the world. The Mexican Culture is one that is expanding rapidly in the United States. Although the Mexican Culture is expanding it is very different from the American Culture. The Mexican Culture is a high masculine culture. There are similarities within the American Culture and the Mexican Culture, but also many differences. I was able to spend time with my future step brother-in-law on his daughter’s 1st birthday.Although I have went to family functions that he has attended as well, I did not know him. He typically only speaks Spanish unless he responds directly to a question in English. I was able to learn a lot about Sabino, and his culture. Without this assignment I feel I would not have grown to appreciate Sabino and the Mexican culture. In fact if not for this assignment I would not have attended Evelyn’s, Sabino’s daughter, first birthday celebration . Evelyn’s birthday party was not exactly what I expected. No one sang the traditional American Happy Birthday song.Instead a song called â€Å"Las Mananitas† is sung. Sabino informed me that the lyrics do not translate into Happy Birthday. The song is â€Å"Estas son las mananitas, que cantaba el Rey David,? Hoy por ser dia de tu santo, te las cantamos a ti,? Despierta, Evelyn, despierta, mira que ya amanecio,? Ya los pajarillos cantan, la luna ya se metio. Que linda esta la manana en que vengo a saludarte,? Venimos todos con gusto y placer a felicitarte,? Ya viene amaneciendo, ya la luz del dia nos dio,? Levantate de manana, mira que ya amanecio. † (S.Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013). This song is translated into â€Å"This is the morning song that King David sang? Because today is your saint's day we're singing it for you? Wake up, Evelyn, wake up, look it is already dawn.? The birds are already singing and the moon has set. How lovely is the morning in which I come to greet you.? We all came with joy and pleasure to congratulate you? The morning is coming now, the sun is giving us its light? Get up in the morning, look it is already dawn. † (S. Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013).This song was not only sung at the party, but this is how they woke Evelyn up that morning. What surprised me the most about this birthday celebration is that it was not just a party for Evelyn, but a party for the entire family. It was a chance for everyone to get together with food and drinks. The adults partied as much as the kids. Everyone pitched in and provided different dishes and beer. It seemed that each mom competed for the best dish. I was able to sample tamales and carnitas. I was not brave enough to try all of the dishes as I was told some were extremely spicy.At times it was awkward for me as most of the conversations where in Spanish, but I everyone was extremely polite and gracious. Although I did not know ma ny of the people there I felt like part of the family. After observing my future step brother-in-law’s family the way they live is very different than the way one would live in America. Sabino’s family is different from my own family and after talking more with Sabino I realized he is a very traditional Mexican. One of the biggest differences was his children do not believe in Santa Claus.They still celebrate Christmas, but do not believe in the reason children receive gifts. This may not be true with all people among the Mexican Culture, but it was for Sabino’s side of the family. He said it is very important for him and his wife and his children, to understand that Christmas and Christmas presents are not important, but the reason for the season is extremely important. Sabino’s family is devout Catholics and regularly attends mass (S. Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013). . An obvious major difference is the language between the two cultures (Mukherjee, 2001).The Mexican Culture mainly speaks Spanish, while the American Culture mostly speaks English. Sabino is able to adapt to American way of life and he can speak English, but it is not his best language. He prefers to speak Spanish. He is quiet if people around him are speaking English, but if he is around others who speak Spanish he chats away. Sabion said he is just more comfortable and can understand things better in his own language. He said that not everything translates the way it is meant to, especially jokes and sarcasm (S.Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013). While I was observing Sabino’s family I was able to learn many different things about their way of life. The Mexican Culture is very kind and loyal (Mukherjee, 2001). Most get married and have families. Sabino said many of his family members and him avoid any kind of confrontation, and do not try to get into any situation that would include disagreement. This would indicate that his cu lture is high in uncertainty avoidance. They are very sensitive and emotional with everything they do.Members of the Mexican Culture take pride in their work and try to do everything with the best of their ability. Money is not a form of achievement, but they will stride to do everything needed to take care of their families. They are very hard workers, and if they are asked to do something they usually do not hesitate and will complete the task efficiently (Mukherjee, 2001). Sabino regularly sends money back to his sister in Mexico to help her with her children (S. Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013). This shows that Sabino is a part of a collectivistic culture.He cares about his family, but he believes that it is important focus on the needs of everyone and not just him and his family here. . Family is very similar in the eyes of the Mexican Culture, and the American Culture it is almost the same. The men usually work and the woman stays at home and takes care of dome stic chores and takes care of the children in the home. The Mexican family may not ever separate, and tend to live in the same household together for a very long time(Mukherjee, 2001). Sabino only left his family to start a family with his wife.He told me that some Mexican families never leave from the same house, and even when they start a family of their own, their family will all live together (S. Xique, personal communication, January 20, 2013). References Geert Hofstede, Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Second Edition, Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications, 2001 Mukherjee, B. (2001, September 23). Difference between mexican and american culture. Retrieved from http://www. buzzle. com/articles/difference-in-mexican-and-

Mountain Man

In the article The Mountain Man and American Anguish, Patrick McCarthy’s primary argument is that the vision of the ‘mountain man’ or ‘trapper’ which the public has accepted is either wrong or extremely generalized. He argues that the picture of, â€Å"†¦anarchic freedom, animalism, bravery, instinct (or loss thereof), the return to nature, the search for paradise, sexual potency, staunch individualism, stoicism, and wanderlust, which in actuality is agonized restlessness† is a vision born from movies such as The Adventures of Kit Carson, The Saga of Andy Burnett, and Dream West, among others.In reality, McCarthy explains, a mountain man, â€Å"†¦is beset by powerlessness and intoxicated by themes relating to dominance and punishment: absence of relatedness, isolation, masochism, misogyny, sadism, self-victimization, and all forms of violence (including emotional–threats, harassment, verbal abuse). † As evidence of his a rgument, McCarthy cites trends of national sentiment towards the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.He claims that the macho vision of the mountain man grew from a need for Americans to justify and accept the failings of the Vietnam War, and the use of symbolism and comparisons to the Vietnam War and Vietnam itself are extensive. McCarthy also uses real-life stories to back up his argument, such as the story of Claude Dallas and how the public felt, influenced by television and popular culture, towards him. Another strategy McCarthy uses, and uses heavily, is pure opinion.Most of his justifications in this article as to why mountain men are not as they are portrayed is his own social examination of Americans’ feelings toward societal changes and current events. This is not proof, but more of a possible explanation explained in convincing fashion. The strongest aspect of McCarthy’s article is that, whether he is giving actual proof or just a strong opinion, he backs up his wr iting extensively and convincingly.His article left me with no doubt that he truly believes in his argument and that he researched the topic extensively. He gives multiple sources, explanations and examples for each topic, and it is in chronological order, making it easy to follow along. Unfortunately, McCarthy has some rather large setbacks in this piece which leads me to doubt some of his explanations.He is clearly writing this from a very one-sided, liberal approach, as evidenced by his explanation of President Ronald Reagan as a â€Å"lame duck† president and his definition of America’s involvement in the Gulf War as, â€Å"American Evils. † Both are known by Americans to be false due to Reagan being a very productive President and the Gulf War being a noble cause which ended the suffering, rape, and random killing of Kuwaitis at the hands of the Iraqi Army.Also, McCarthy’s persistent insistence that the ‘mountain man’ theme tied directly to Americans’ feelings about the Vietnam War does not leave room to consider other explanations. For example, television works in waves; once the ‘mountain man’ themed movies come out in abundance, people get tired of them and they take a break from them. Eventually, they become popular again. It is the normal cycle of television, and he does not address this once.

Information about the KU Writing and Math Centers Essay

Thank you for your letter asking me about studying at Kaplan University. This is very nice place and students feel here very comfortable and confident as they have plenty of possibilities to learn as many new skills as they may want and have time for. To make life of its students a little simpler, the University has established two Centers, which offer a large variety of services. That is why I am writing to you to give all necessary information about the system of student assistance at Kaplan University. The University two Centers are always ready to provide the students with any relevant assistance. There is the Kaplan University Writing Center and the Kaplan University Math Center which are both very helpful during the study. For example, you are working on any writing task like research, survey or just essay you may find it useful to attend Writing Center. This Center purpose is to help students develop their writing skills and technique. The Center staff has developed particular guidance sections outlining basic steps of working on writing task. There are four sections for those who are looking for grammar help or advice on more advanced level of idea generation. The section with the APA writing style guidance is there to help students make their work have a decent scientific style and be free of plagiarism. All these guidance sections are in PDF file format and can be downloaded or printed as often as you need. Writing Center may also give a feedback to your written work. For that you will have to submit your paper by clicking a yellow notepad icon. Once your paper is reviewed, which usually takes about 2 days, you receive an e-mail message and may get the reviewed paper by downloading it from the submission page. In case you are toiling at some math problems and need somebody to give you essential hints or just want to train your knowledge University Math Center is there to help you. As well as Writing Center, Math Center provides with the wide range of information starting from elementary math operations to the complicated equations solving. You can get not only information on certain math problems but also train you solving skills and check your progress either in a particular area or on the whole module. There are specific mathematics modules dealing with particular math operations, so you can work on them one by one or choose any in which you prefer to improve you knowledge. It has to be pointed out that the Centers have the option of communication with a tutor. Thus, Writing Center has a live-chat option where you can meet your tutor and ask him/her any questions related to your written work. However, you won’t have to ask about spelling or grammar issues, while the purpose of such instruction session is to give you more essential help and make your writing skills more advanced and efficient so that you can use them in your further study. Such live sessions are available for 15 hours per week from Monday to Wednesday in the evenings (6 pm -11 pm ET). Math Center Tutor is available also in the evenings from 8 pm to 11 pm on the same days plus Thursday. Just same as writing instructors math tutor will not solve or check your problems or equations; he/she will try to make you comprehend modules concepts and acquire necessary solving skills. I must admit that both University Centers are extremely helpful for those who want to be a better student. The principle of their assistance service is not to do the work for you but to teach you essential techniques and fundamental skills, basing on which one can make progress in study and achieve successful results. Their aim is your clear understanding of the learning material and ability of self-sufficient work. Unfortunately, I have not been for a long time here, and I have not had a chance to use any of these centers yet. However, the time when I’ll have to write my research is approaching and I plan to visit Writing Center soon. What I hope to get there is the information of what are the effective ways of collecting information, thesis formulation, arguments development and other essential points to write an outstanding paper. I am sure center instructors will be of indispensable assistance to me as I am a freshman and I’d advice this service to all my mates. I hope you will find this information useful and in case you need more information, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Full Name (insert your full name here) Class and Section Number (insert your class and section number here)

Controlling Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Controlling Global Warming - Essay Example By implementing a set of clean energy initiatives at federal state and local levels, the US could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by about 20 percent. The following are a few steps that could help towards controlling climate change. First create opportunities to lower emissions in many ways possible. Over the past decade, large resources have been channeled towards creating inclusive climate and energy laws at federal level. These legislatives will for good reason be crucial to generate emission reduction required to keep the US and other countries across the globe on track to curb the effects of climate change. However there are several extra opportunities to reduce emission using current federal laws and the chances presented by action at local and state levels. Certainly, time and again grand policy action by local and state governments has led to a precedent for great action at federal level, Murray & Burnett. (2009). Furthermore, as explained below local and state awareness campaigns can include citizens in means that the federal laws cannot achieve. Within appraise conditions these policies cannot offer real emission decline . Another strategy to control imminent global warming is to bring together the environmental community and new partners; forming partnerships with individuals who might not portray themselves as environmental specialist. There main concern might not be climate change. In reality it means concentrating on awareness campaigns for clean energy use and creation of sustainable economies and communities. There is no prospect in this approach for policies that create extreme environmental damage. Whether in terms of hazardous nuclear energy, mountaintop removal coal extraction and badly managed hydraulic fracturing for innate gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, (2010) energy

Assignment 2 ACC 410 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment 2 ACC 410 - Term Paper Example Current GASB standards place pension expense as Annual Required Contribution (ARC) that stipulates unfunded liability be amortized over a period not more than 30 years. In addition, the funded status is not recorded in the financial statements, only explained in the footnotes. The disclosures are made under note 11: retirement Plans (p 19-23) under basic financial statements. The university participates in two cost-sharing multiple employer defined benefit pension plans, and two single employer defined contribution plans; both through two systems. Under the Employees Retirement System of Georgia, ERS the contribution rate is stipulated by law at 4% of annual compensation up to $4200 and 6% in Excess of $4200. The University of Georgia contributes in excess of 1.25% for each member in this scheme. A new plan for those hired after July 2009 exist, where members contribute 1.25% of annual compensation. The actuarial valuations for the old and new plan are 10.41%. The other system is the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, TRS. Normal retirement benefits are equal to 2% of the member’s two highest subsequent years of service multiplied by the number of years of service. The member’s contribution is regulated by law to between 5-6%of his deductable salary. The contribution rate for 2011 is recorded as 5.53%, while the employer contribution for the same period is 10.28%. The monetary contributed for 2011 for the two models by the University for its Employees is $ 123,062 for ERS and 35,124,704 for TRS. 1. The immediate recognition of liability changes as a result of plan amendments and accelerated change in liability as a result of actuarial gains and losses together with the underlying actuarial assumptions mystifies pension expense and pension funding, as the ARC set the standard for funding in the current approach. 2. Furthermore, delinking pension expense and pension funding creates two different sets of

The Use of Conflict Management Styles Across Different Cultures Assignment

The Use of Conflict Management Styles Across Different Cultures - Assignment Example The study will also intend to evaluate the process of selection of the conflict management styles in the organizations and the factors influencing them. The cultural identities of the organizations have become more diversified in the contemporary scenario as the internal workforce is more widespread and open (Cochran & Harpending, 2009). According to Devine et al. (2002), culture defines the identity of an individual, group or an institution and is one of strongest psychological attachments that can give rise to conflicts if tempered with. Blair (2001) opined that often it is observed that mergers and strategic alliances fail in the real world businesses because of their cultural differences. For instance, the merger between Ford and Chrysler in the year 1998 failed because of the inability of their workforce of the organizations to adapt to the changes in the work structure. In order to assess the influence of culture on the conflict management process, it is essential to first understand the factors involved in culture. Devine et al. (2002) reflected that although culture is not always the cause of the conflict but it can influenc e the conflict resolving process. In the words of Blair (2001), culture of a firm reflects the core values, passion and its aim. Geary (2005) added that the stakeholders of a firm contribute towards the development of its culture. This again creates complicacies and conflicts among the management and the shareholders of a company. Bentley et al. (2007) argued that organizational culture is influenced by the aims and objectives which in turn dominate the work process of the firm. Devine et al. (2002) focused on the influence of cultures on the business process and stated that when the basic needs of an individual, group or organization are satisfied, conflicts do not rise among diverse cultures. However, Chiappe & MacDonald (2005) stated that cultural diversity also increases the chances of conflict among the people as it reflects

Read 2 article and write about society, deception, with mal fromat Essay

Read 2 article and write about society, deception, with mal fromat - Essay Example Mairs, who is a self described â€Å"cripple† relates to her experience of shame and defiance with ability politics in her life. Both of these authors show very different ways of dealing with their society, a society they find treats them unjustly. Williams essentially refutes and fights against her society, opting out of it as a way of countering it, while Mairs uses her own society’s tools against it, co-opting its language and mechanisms in an effort to make room for herself in it. Williams lives in a society that â€Å"respects authority† to a fault (Williams). They found it impossible to fight against the federal government of the United States for dropping bombs upwind of where they live – they did attempt to make a law suit, but not to be â€Å"against the government† but only to help ensure similar things would not happen in the future (Williams). She grew incredibly frustrated by this style of acting, and decided that it was important to fight against injustice, against authority, even if it meant giving up who she was. She found a way of fighting through leaving, through flanking. She reverted to her roots of Native American heritage, using it to attack the principles of land-hatred and disregard that had so plagued her family. She shows a method of pushing against a society from the outside. Mairs takes a highly different approach. She sees herself as part of society, and uses the society she lives in to attack it, and push on it, in a different way. She calls herself a â€Å"cripple,† a word that she finds appealing because it is â€Å"straightforward† and â€Å"honest† (Mairs). She uses this language to bluntly point out to society how they see her – not giving them the recourse of equally derogatory words (once critically examined) like disabled or handicapped. Thus Mairs is able to confront society with its own vision of herself, and make society face it – this is

Part II (4DB) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Part II (4DB) - Essay Example (Torbert, 2004) The first principle is that we should ensure that everyone in the organization understands what makes him to work. For effective management, if everyone knows what brought him to work, why he is working, what he gets after working and what consequences he gets if he does not work, then it will be a better approach of motivation to workers. The second principle is that for the employees to understand the importance of being part of the team. It is essential the employees to be part of the team for the achievement of the organization’s objectives. There must be coordination in the activities of the organization hence the importance for all employees being part of the team. Being part of the team, the employees will be motivated as all of them will be working toward a common hence, there will be success in the organization’s objectives. The purpose of the organization: To manage change effectively in an organization, the manager needs to ensure that all employees’ team purpose or mission is in line with the members’ needs and wants. The challenges of the organization: Employees feel motivated if they overcome challenges their experience in an organization. As a technique to manage change in an organization, employees should not give up in case of challenges in an organization but should come up with an alternative to tackle the problem. Camaraderie is another technique that can be used to manage change in an organization. The employees should maintain a good working relationship in an organization. The managers should encourage employees to have togetherness in whatever they are doing and if possible, the organization should introduce something like indoor games that will keep the employees together. Another technique that can be used to manage change and to motivate the employees is assigning responsibilities to the employees. If employees are assigned

International Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

International Business Strategy - Essay Example This essay discusses an example of Tesco’s entry in China regarding all the aspects mentioned above to depict practical application in the real world. Then the company has to make a research of the types of segments and what kind of segments among them are the target segments for their products. They also have to keep in mind that whether the products the multinational is offering are of any interest to the customer or not, and whether the customer’s needs are fulfilled by it or not. Multinational’s mode of entry, its strategies, and the implications are discussed. The research is given to empower the statements stated and support the fact related to multinational corporations worldwide. The entry of multinational companies is a common trend in many countries due to globalization all over the world. Many of the countries are following this ritual of entering another country after the success of their business in their own country. That needs expansion; expansion in every area of their business as that would lead them to earn greater revenues. The companies take into consideration many different aspects like what country to enter, what cultural, social, political and legal constraints they would have to face there, what mod of entry they should select and what business procedures they should conduct. There are also other considerations whether there is a need for the products that companies are offering in that country and what is the perception of that brand or company in the minds of consumers. All that is very important for the business to thrive in another country. Companies also have to find allies of the same host country so that they can help them know about th e consumers’ needs and wants more clearly as they belong to the same country and know better.

Compulsive sexual behavior to avoid memories of combat Research Paper

Compulsive sexual behavior to avoid memories of combat - Research Paper Example The case study is based on Jim, a soldier who served Marine combat duty in Iraq. He is twenty three years old and a Caucasian male. He is married and has a son. Howard (2007) is part of a team that provided a comprehensive treatment for Jim’s addiction and emotional problems. He collected qualitative data from Jim through counseling sessions. Findings showed that combat experience produced traumatic experiences for Jim, which resulted to his emotional and relationship problems. At the same time, Jim went through problems at home, which reinforced his need to escape his pain. Howard (2007) stressed that Jim self-medicated through the use of pornography, which became a sexually compulsive behavior. His sex addiction became a source of immediate temporary happiness that numbed him to pain. Howard (2007) also described the addiction cycle. Then, he recommended measures that can deal with the diverse components of addiction. He emphasized the importance of treating trauma, not just the addiction, through a systemic approach, which includes the wife/partner in the healing process. Howard (2007) concluded that sexually compulsive behavior can be an escape route for other traumatic experiences, such as rape and events of terrorism. ... The military sampling includes soldiers who are deployed or have come from deployment. Anderson (2010) explained how technology assisted the ease of developing pornography addiction. He interviewed Navy Lt. Michael Howard, a licensed therapist and chaplain, who has a specialty in sex addiction. Howard stated that twenty percent is a conservative estimation for soldiers who are addicted to porn. Anderson (2010) described the flourishing industry of Porn 2.0, as well as the practice of using social networking sites and â€Å"sexting† as means of porn addictions. Access to technology made porn addiction a convenient form of instant pleasure. Porn, as a kind of sex addiction, is similar to other forms of addiction, where it titillates the pleasure centers of the brain. Anderson (2010) talked to Robert Weiss, director of the Sexual Recovery Institute in Los Angeles, who described what happens to the brain while consuming pornography. Watching porn releases dopamine, a neurotransmit ter that activates pleasure centers and blocks pain sources in the brain. Weiss added that masturbation increases dopamine levels and reinforces porn addiction. Porn addiction has numerous psychological and social effects. Anderson (2010) interviewed soldiers, who were fired because of storing child pornography images in their computers or accessing child porn websites. Soldiers also complained of how porn addiction affected their relationships and work performance. They admitted that porn became a way of dealing with their stress. The wives of soldiers addicted to porn expressed distress too because they felt betrayed when they learned of the porn addiction of their spouses. These interviews assert the individual, family, and organizational consequences

Key Events in the Space Race Essay Example for Free

Key Events in the Space Race Essay The 60s were infamous for many rapidly changing aspects pertaining to different topics at the time. The subject of space was one not to be left behind. This decade would be one of the world’s golden ages of extraterrestrial research and every event during this time would be recorded into history. In a period most people know as the ‘Space Race’, the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States (USA) would compete for supremacy in space exploration. Most events occurred in this decade, but the period of the ‘Space Race’ itself lasted from the 1957 to 1975. Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, was launched on October 4th, 1957 by the USSR. Sputnik itself was a polished metal sphere, 23 in. in diameter, with four external radio antennae to broadcast radio pulses. It was sent into an elliptical, low-Earth orbit and provided scientists with information. Its purpose was to measure the density and composition of the upper atmosphere, as well as measuring solar radiation, magnetic fields, cosmic rays, etc. It travelled at about 18,000 mi. per hour, taking 96. 2 minutes to complete each orbit. Signals continued to reach Earth for 22 days until the transmitter batteries ran out of energy on October 26, 1957. Sputnik burned up on January 4, 1958 as it fell from orbit upon reentering Earths atmosphere. It travelled at about 43. 5 million miles and spent a total of 3 months in orbit. Although life had been sent into space before, Yuri Gagarin would be the first human to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on March 9, 1934 in a small village in the Soviet Union called Klushino. The cosmonaut boarded onto Vostok, a craft that consisted of a spherical descent module, 2. meters in diameter, which housed the astronaut, instruments, escape system, and a conical instrument module, containing propellant and the engine system. Upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the cosmonaut would eject from the craft at about 7,000 m. and descend via parachute, while the capsule would land separately. Gagarin’s mission to circle the Earth on April 12, 1961 lasted for 1 hour and 48 minutes. He was only 27 years old at the time and that was the first and last time he went into space, since he was too valued to send on a risky mission again. Gagarin may have been the first human in space, but Alan Shepard became the first American to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on November 18, 1923 in Derry, New Hampshire. Although the flight was originally scheduled for October 1960, delays by unplanned preparatory work meant that this was postponed several times, initially to March 6, 1961 and finally to May 5. On April 12, 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin had become the first person in space and to orbit the Earth. On May 5, 1961, Shepard piloted the Freedom 7 mission and became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space. The suborbital flight only lasted a mere 15 minutes, but the launch was seen live by millions. While the USSR was showering in fame and glory, ahead of the US in the ‘Space Race’, America’s President John F. Kennedy declared the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending a citizen safely to the Moon before the end of the decade on May 29, 1961. This was announced before a special joint session of Congress. This decision would soon change the world forever in 1969. The Soviet Union left the United States in the dust again when they sent Alexey Leonov, a Russian cosmonaut, to become the first human to conduct a spacewalk on March 18, 1965. He was born on May 30, 1934 in Listvyanka, Kemerovo Oblast, USSR. His walk in space was originally to have taken place on the Vostok 11 mission, but this was cancelled, and the historic event happened on the Voskhod 2 flight instead. He was outside the spacecraft for 12 minutes and nine seconds, connected to the craft by a 5. 35 m. tether. America was humiliated once again in early 1966 as it watched the USSR successfully land the world’s first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. Luna 9 was launched on January 31, 1966 and landed on the Moon’s surface on February 3, 1966. Its mission was to land safely on any planetary body other than Earth and to transmit photographic data back. Signals lasted for 6 days until the last transmission was sent on February 6, 1966. The spotlight was moved from the Soviet Union onto the US for once when the country launched the Apollo 11 mission, an event that would forever change history. The primary objective of Apollo 11 was to complete a national goal set by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961: perform a crewed lunar landing and return to Earth. The crew consisted of Neil Armstrong as the Commander, Michael Collins as Command Module Pilot, and Edwin Buzz E. Aldrin, Jr. as the Lunar Module Pilot. Apollo 11 was launched on July 16, 1969 and successfully landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Millions of American watched the event live on television. Armstrong set foot on the moon and declared â€Å"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. † A few minutes later, Aldrin joined him. Together they collected soil samples and took photographs. They stayed on the moon for 21 hours. Many experiments were tested and 22 kilograms of lunar samples were collected. On July 24, the astronauts returned home aboard the command module Columbia, landing in the Pacific Ocean. On August 13, they rode in parades in their honor in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Indeed, the time of the ‘Space Race’ is one not to be forgotten by the world. The Soviet Union and United States must be well acknowledged for all the effort spent on the study of space alone. While the USSR won some battles, the US won others. That, however, will never change the fact that they impacted the world, science, and history today.

Multimedia Basics Essay Example for Free

Multimedia Basics Essay Application of Multimedia: Multimedia finds its application in various areas including, advertisements, art, education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics, business, and scientific research applications. A few application areas of multimedia are listed below: Entertainment and Fine Arts: In addition, multimedia is heavily used in the entertainment industry, especially to develop special effects in movies and animations. Multimedia games are a popular pastime and are software programs available either as CD-ROMs or online. Some video games also use multimedia features. Multimedia applications that allow users to actively participate instead of just sitting by as passive recipients of information are called Interactive Multimedia. Education: In Education, multimedia is used to produce computer-based training courses (popularly called CBTs) and reference books like encyclopedia. A CBT lets the user go through a series of presentations, text about a particular topic, and associated illustrations in various information formats. Edutainment is an informal term used to describe combining education with entertainment, especially multimedia entertainment. Engineering: Software engineers may use multimedia in Computer Simulations for anything from entertainment to training such as military or industrial training. Multimedia for software interfaces are often done as collaboration between creative professionals and software engineers. Industry: In the Industrial sector, multimedia is used as a way to help present information to shareholders, superiors and coworkers. Multimedia is also helpful for providing employee training, advertising and selling products all over the world via virtually unlimited web-based technologies. Mathematical and Scientific Research: In Mathematical and Scientific Research, multimedia is mainly used for modeling and simulation. For example, a scientist can look at a molecular model of a particular substance and manipulate it to arrive at a new substance. Representative research can be found in journals such as the Journal of Multimedia. Medicine: In Medicine, doctors can get trained by looking at a virtual surgery or they can simulate how the human body is affected by diseases spread by viruses and bacteria and then develop techniques to prevent it. Multimedia System Architecture: Multimedia encompasses a large variety of technologies and integration of multiple architectures interacting in real time. All of these multimedia capabilities must integrate with the standard user interfaces such as Microsoft Windows. The following figure describes the architecture of a multimedia workstation environment. From the above figure: the left side is very similar to non-multimedia systems. Right side shows the architecture of multimedia supporting system. Multimedia Extensions is used to enhance the speed of process. The add-on multimedia devices and peripherals include scanner, video camera, VCR, and sound equipment along with their associated device controllers. For each of these special devices, a special software device driver is needed to provide the interface from the application to the device. The graphical user interface designed primarily for windows managed by applications at fixed resolution; require control to extensions to support applications such as full-motion video or remote desktop. Evolving Technologies for Multimedia Systems: Multimedia applications use a number of technologies generated for both commercial business application as well as the video game industry. Let us review some of these technologies in this section. Hypermedia Document: Hypermedia documents are documents which have text, embedded or linked multimedia objects such as image, audio, hologram, or full-motion video. Hypertext: Hypertext implements the organization of non-sequential of data by natural association of information. Hypertext systems allow authors to link information together; create information paths through a large volume of related text in documents. It also allows annotating existing text, and appending notes. It allows fast and easy searching and reading of selected excerpts. Hyperspeech Multimedia stimulated the development of general-purpose speech interfaces. Speech synthesis and speech recognition are fundamental requirement for hyperspeech systems. Speech recognition is nothing but converting the analog speech into a computer action and into ASCII text. Speech-recognition systems cannot segment a stream of sounds without breaks into meaningful units. The user must speak in a stilted fashion. He should make sure to interpose silence between each word. 3D and Holography: Three-dimensional technologies are concerned with two areas: pointing devices and displays. 3-D pointing devices are essential to manipulate object in a 3-D display system. 3-D displays are achieved using holography techniques. Digital Signal Processing: Digital Signal Processing is used in applications such as digital servos in hard disk drives, and fax/modems. DSP technology is used in Digital wireless communications, such as personal communication networks (pens), wireless local area networks and digital cordless phones. DSP Architectures and Applications: A typical DSP operating system architecture would contain the following subsystems: Memory Management: DSP architectures provide dynamic allocation of arrays from multiple segments, including RAM, SRAM and DRAM. Hardware-Interrupt handling: A DSP operating system must be designed to minimize hardware interrupt latency to ensure fast response to real time events for applications, such as servo systems. Multitasking: DSPs need  real-time kernels that provide pre-emptive multitasking and user-defined and dynamic task prioritization.

SCOR At Wal Mart | Analysis

SCOR At Wal Mart | Analysis The Supply Chain Operations Reference Model, or SCOR, was introduced by the Supply Chain Council to provide all companies a framework or tool they can use to improve their companys supply chain internally and externally. It allows supply chain managers to analyze their current situations as well as guide them to supply chain decisions for improvements and future resolutions. A major strength of the SCOR model is that it can be used across industries and applied to a variety of different companies. There are five levels in the SCOR model. The first level, the process types, includes plan, source, make, deliver, and return. These process types describe the overall scope and content of the SCOR model. The following levels further penetrate each of the process types to analyze their operations strategies, quantify and measure their processes, as well as provide tools for companies to develop new processes that will give their supply chain a competitive advantage as well as the ability to efficiently adapt to market changes. PLAN The first phase of the supply chain according to the SCOR model is the process of planning. Planning is a crucial first step to set-up, manage, and organize the processes necessary for a flexible and efficient supply chain. The planning phase consists of several processes such as demand forecasting, product pricing, and inventory management. Wal-Mart utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to calculate their forecasts that allows the company to forecast the exact quantities of each item to be delivered while taking into account each stores current inventory. This is also possible because of Wal-Marts computerized inventory structure that uses the Point of Sales (POS) system. This not only tracks all the companys inventory and stock at retail stores and distribution centers, it also monitors when products are sold and is able to predict the future quantities needed. It is this production scheduling and the ability to monitor inventory so closely that allowed Wal-Mart to accurately predict where, when and how much of a product will be needed and in turn develop a distribution network that works hand in hand with these needs. This reduces their costs by reducing leftover inventory and optimizing the transportation of their products by delivering only exactly what is needed. Super retailer Wal-Mart has spent considerable resource s to ascertain how best to minimize transportation costs. Efforts such as owning their own fleet, standardizing processes, and capitalizing on information technology have resulted in transportation costs that are 3% of total costs versus the industry average of 5%. By analyzing how to cut costs in all aspects of their transportation, Wal-Mart was able to pass these savings onto consumers and support their always low prices strategy. SOURCE The second phase of the supply chain, sourcing, focuses on the procurement of materials and resources. Choosing suppliers that best meet the companys needs is the main part of this phase. Transportation not only serves as a link between the company and its suppliers, but transportation providers are essentially a supplier in and of themselves as well. In this case as wal-mart is retailer it doesnt has to go for sourcing that is procurement of raw-material is not required. The suppliers in this case will be the companies who are selling their product through wal-mart retailers that are: Grand ocean star (Supplier of sea food it takes 5 to 10 days after order) Procter Gamble Co (it takes lead time range of 8.5 to 14.0 days to deliver the food product) Nestle Gillette Hewlett-Packard Johnson Johnson Kimberly-Clark Kraft Foods Nestlà © Purina Pet Care Unilever MAKE The third phase in the Supply Chain Operations Reference model is make, defined as the process that transforms a product to a finished state to meet planned or actual demand (Bolstorff Rosenbaum, 2003). There are three parts to this phase which include product design, production scheduling and facility management. Wal-Mart exemplifies how the construction of a product affects transportation costs. Wal-Mart recently asked its 60,000 suppliers worldwide that by 2008 they decrease the amount of overall packaging they use by 5%. Wal-Mart believes this packaging proposal will save the company $3.4 billion. When Wal-Mart previously did this in 2005 with the packaging of its private clothing label, Kids Collection, the company saved $3.5 million in one year. By reducing the amount of packaging, Wal-Mart is not only cutting costs, but they are reducing the weight and volume of their products. This increases the ability of their trucks to carry more per truckload, possibly even making less runs in a given day. Wal-Marts packaging decisions illustrate the direct impacts supply chain decisions and transportation can have on each other. Wal-Mart had just over 40 distribution centers located around the United States. Stocked in these centers were over 80,000 items. 50% to 65% of Wal-Marts competitors directly supplied the inventory to their retailers from their warehouses, in comparison to Wal-Marts 85%. Wal-Mart replenished their stores on average within two days compared to the five days their competitors took. The shipping costs were approximately 2% less of total cost than competitors (Chandran, 2003). The location of a facility can cut transportation costs dramatically as shown by the Wal-Mart example. DELIVER The fourth phase in the Supply Chain Operations Reference model is the delivery of the product. This phase is most associated with the role of transportation in the supply chain process as it is the most visibly connected. The delivery part of the process can be broken down into two different segments, order management and delivery scheduling. Transportation plays a role in each in that processes that provide finished goods and services to meet planned or actual demand, typically include order management, transportation management and distribution management Wal-Mart has a private fleet of their own truck drivers and by somewhat integrating backward in their supply chain, they have needed to become efficient in documenting and tracking their products. To do this, Wal-Mart employees use hand held computers, a form of EDI systems, which contain information about the products storage, packaging and shipping and eliminates the need for actual paperwork saving them time. Because there is no third party, Wal-Mart must self manage the ordering of their products with great accuracy. What makes Wal-Marts distribution process so efficient is that they use a logistics technique known as cross-docking .It breaks down the distribution of the products into five simple stages. The unique aspect of Wal-Marts system is that their drivers deliver the trucks to their distribution centers at specific times and set intervals. Their entire distribution system is a consistent flow of goods adjusted to the individual needs of each retail store. Wal-Marts delivery system works so well because it is developed in accordance with the demands of each store and the communication between each point allows the process to be effective. Wal-Mart believe that the widespread implementation of RFID technology marks a sea change in the supply chain, much as the introduction of bar codes was as seen as revolutionary two decades ago. But while bar codes can tell a retailer that it has two boxes of product XYZ, Wal-Marts EPCs can help distinguish one box of product XYZ from the next. This allows retailers greater visibility in monitoring product inventory from supplier to distribution centre to store. RETURN Most store items can be exchanged or refunded with a receipt within 90 days of purchase. Walmarts No Receipt policy applies to items returned in a store only. You have the option of a cash refund (for purchases under $25), a Gift Card for the amount of the purchase (for purchases over $25), a credit to your credit card or an even exchange for the product. We can make up to three No Receipt returns within a 45 day period. All merchandise sold and shipped by Walmart.com may be returned to a store within 90 days of receiving it. If there is an error on our part related to your order, we will issue a credit for your order and any applicable shipping and gift-wrapping charges. An item must be returned in the original manufacturers packaging, so we recommend you keep your packaging for at least the first 90 days after purchase. Plants, Food, and certain Health and Beauty items: To return perishable items, the following information is to be required and send to customer care link of wal-mart i.e Order number for the item Date of arrival Condition of item at time of arrival Detailed explanation of the issue

Egyptian Society :: essays research papers

Egyptian Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Egyptian society, with all its complex writing and monuments, was like any other; if you understand the hieroglyphics. In this essay, I will report to my government how the Egyptian writing and scribes affected the Egyptian life and government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Egyptian writing material used was stone and papyrus. It was used to inscribe writing in the big monuments known as pharaohs. The word â€Å"pharaohs† meant a form of title â€Å"great house.† The writing in these monuments was called hieroglyphics; which meant â€Å"priest writing† in ancient Greece. This writing was on every monument and was there to describe the power that the pharaohs had; it also described the deeds and accomplishments that each pharaoh had. The writing was also not that easy understood, it wasn’t like the writing we use today; it was more complex. They did not appear to use words but figures that meant different things. They often had symbols of animals and even other people. The writing was what made the monument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If we were to be able to read fully what this hieroglyphics were it would be very useful to us. Not useful in a sense to use this information against them, but it would be useful to recognize the people that lived and ruled Egypt at that time. It would give us a sense of history as to how our world was ruled in past times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In addition, if these writings were to be erased, the impact on the society would be tremendous. Not only would the society loose place as to who was what but they would loose their pasts. Although some might still have memories, they would not have the writings to back up the monuments, the monuments would therefore be useless and they would have no meaning.

Biofuel is An Alternative Energy Source Essay -- Power Energy Bio Fuel

Biofuel: An Alternative Energy Source Abstract As the world’s source of fossil fuels diminishes, another source of energy must replace fossil fuels. This paper evaluates biofuel, one alternative form of energy by showing what biofuel is, how it works, its historical use, and benefits and drawbacks it pertains. I hypothesized that biofuel would be an effective alternative energy. My conclusion does not support my claim, but in terms of worldwide usage. Introduction: With the world’s source of fossil fuels depleting, we need to find an alternative energy source. Biofuel is one considerable option. Although biofuel has not been used widespread, it has been used quite extensively in several countries. Such countries include Sri Lanka, China, India, and countries/regions in Africa that have large amounts of wood. Biofuel has appeared to be fairly effective in developing areas, and other countries have started using it. Background Biofuel is energy that is harvested from biomass through incineration, or combustion of the material. Such biomass materials may include wood, paper, charcoal, crop residue, and agricultural waste. Biofuel is renewable, because such biomass materials can be produced to create biofuel. Many rural areas use biofuels as their major energy source, because biomass tends to be abundant in such areas. Sub-saharan areas depend a lot upon wood. The combustion of biomass releases sources of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, Biofuel 3 and hydrocarbons. There are many types of biofuel; some common ones include methanol and ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas. The combustion of manure produces one type of biofuel known as biogas, which composes of 65% methane. Biogas can be harvested from manure through a process... ...gy/1183636805.22/?searchterm=biofuel 3. (2003). A History of Biodiesel/Biofuels. Retrieved July 28, 2007, from Yokako Biofuels Web site: http://www.ybiofuels.org/bio_fuels/history_biofuels.html 4. Giampietro, M., Ulgiati, S., & Pimentel, D. Feasability of Large-Scale Biofuel Production. JStor, Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.jstor.org/view/00063568/ap040415/ 04a00080/13?citationAction=save&charset=u&frame=noframe 5. West, Larry The Pros and Cons of Biofuel. Retrieved July 30, 2007, from About.com: Environmental Issues Web site: http://environment.about.com/od/fossilfuels/a/biofuels.htm 6. Yevich, R., & Logan, J.A. (June 30, 2002). An assessment of biofuel use and burning of agricultural waste in the developing world . Global Biogeochemical Cycles i>, Retrieved July 19, 2007, from http://www.whrc.org/ policy/COP/India/Yevich%20and%20Logan.%202003.pdf. Biofuel is An Alternative Energy Source Essay -- Power Energy Bio Fuel Biofuel: An Alternative Energy Source Abstract As the world’s source of fossil fuels diminishes, another source of energy must replace fossil fuels. This paper evaluates biofuel, one alternative form of energy by showing what biofuel is, how it works, its historical use, and benefits and drawbacks it pertains. I hypothesized that biofuel would be an effective alternative energy. My conclusion does not support my claim, but in terms of worldwide usage. Introduction: With the world’s source of fossil fuels depleting, we need to find an alternative energy source. Biofuel is one considerable option. Although biofuel has not been used widespread, it has been used quite extensively in several countries. Such countries include Sri Lanka, China, India, and countries/regions in Africa that have large amounts of wood. Biofuel has appeared to be fairly effective in developing areas, and other countries have started using it. Background Biofuel is energy that is harvested from biomass through incineration, or combustion of the material. Such biomass materials may include wood, paper, charcoal, crop residue, and agricultural waste. Biofuel is renewable, because such biomass materials can be produced to create biofuel. Many rural areas use biofuels as their major energy source, because biomass tends to be abundant in such areas. Sub-saharan areas depend a lot upon wood. The combustion of biomass releases sources of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, Biofuel 3 and hydrocarbons. There are many types of biofuel; some common ones include methanol and ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas. The combustion of manure produces one type of biofuel known as biogas, which composes of 65% methane. Biogas can be harvested from manure through a process... ...gy/1183636805.22/?searchterm=biofuel 3. (2003). A History of Biodiesel/Biofuels. Retrieved July 28, 2007, from Yokako Biofuels Web site: http://www.ybiofuels.org/bio_fuels/history_biofuels.html 4. Giampietro, M., Ulgiati, S., & Pimentel, D. Feasability of Large-Scale Biofuel Production. JStor, Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.jstor.org/view/00063568/ap040415/ 04a00080/13?citationAction=save&charset=u&frame=noframe 5. West, Larry The Pros and Cons of Biofuel. Retrieved July 30, 2007, from About.com: Environmental Issues Web site: http://environment.about.com/od/fossilfuels/a/biofuels.htm 6. Yevich, R., & Logan, J.A. (June 30, 2002). An assessment of biofuel use and burning of agricultural waste in the developing world . Global Biogeochemical Cycles i>, Retrieved July 19, 2007, from http://www.whrc.org/ policy/COP/India/Yevich%20and%20Logan.%202003.pdf.

Truth and Fiction in Truman Capotes In Cold Blood Essays -- In Cold Bl

How In Cold Blood Capote Desensitized Our Ability to Differentiate Between Truth and Fiction.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Reading In Cold Blood brought me a new literary and psychological understanding. I realized what such a heinous murder would do to a town like Holcomb, Kansas. I always took my childhood for granted; nothing bad happened in our town, nothing equal to the ugliness of the Clutter murder.   After rereading In Cold Blood, I read every piece of literary criticism on the book as I could find.   I began to consider the impact of Capote on today's based-on-fact books and movies. My goal was to discover whether the blurring of the line between truth and fiction has befogged how we, as readers and viewers, differentiate between truth and fiction.    What I learned (or didn't learn). Wendy Lesser, in an article for the Los Angeles Times, wrote of her interest in murder in literature. She went so far as to teach a literature class at UC Santa Cruz on murder. The class focused on works of fiction based on true facts (books that Capote would have said were non-fiction novels), books such as Norman Mailer's The Executioners Song, Joan Didion's The White Album, and Capote's In Cold Blood (par. 13). At the end of the semester, one of her students said, " 'I've really enjoyed this course, but I'm worried that it's hardened me. I mean, I don't know how seriously I take murder anymore'" (par.15). Lesser replied that by looking at murder as art, you move away from the seeing it as murder (par.16).    Truman Capote claimed to have invented a new type of literature with In Cold Blood, the non-fiction novel (Plimpton, par 2). Although others (particularly Daniel DeFoe in A Journal of the Plague Year) had used this technique b... ...into small-town Kansas with his long floating scarf and his negligees." The Guardian. 76 pars. 14 February 1998. Lexis-Nexis. Swanson, William. "Murder, He Wrote." MPLS-St. Paul Magazine. 14 pars. November 1995. InfoTrac. Yagoda, Ben. "In Cold Facts, Some Books Falter." The New York Times. 18 pars. 15 March 1998, late ed. Lexis-Nexis. Works Consulted Boxer, Sarah. "When Truth Challenges Fiction and Becomes Art." The New York Times. 13 pars. 8 May 2000, late ed. Lexis-Nexis. Fremont-Smith, Eliot. "Books of the Times: In Cold Blood." New York Times Book Review. 12 pars. 10 January 1966. Lexis-Nexis. King, Larry. "Truman Capote and the Murder that Horrified a Nation." Larry King Live. CNN. 25 November 1997. Transcript. Lexis-Nexis. Knickerbocker, Conrad. "1960's Kansas Death Trip." New York Times. 9 pars. 6 October 1966, late ed. Lexis-Nexis.

Environmental Issues of Pakistan

Serious risks of irreversible damages are present due to air and water pollution, mismanagement of solid waste and destruction of fragile ecosystems. With an estimated 37 percent of its population living in cities, Pakistan is the highly urbanized country in South Asia. Its cities continue to grow, offering employment opportunities, but rapid urbanization has been accompanied by environmental problems such as pollution, waste management, congestion and the destruction of fragile ecosystems.Urban air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental problems, facing the cities. We can look into every environment problem one by one and understand that how is it affecting the country and think of the ways in order to reduce the threats it causes to our society. Air Pollution Air is the most essential need of humans but really unfortunately air is more polluted than others all today in the country. Smokes coming out from factories, industries, homes and vehicles are causing of air pollution.I would say that one of the most alarming situation for Pakistan that with the passage of time manufacturing industries are increasing even in residential areas. The smokes of anufacturer industries are causing of air pollution because of its dangerous gases. These deadly gases are so much dangerous for human health. Chemical reactions can also be harmful for humans and as well as for nature such as when sulfuric acid mix with water that help to make clouds and when rain's drops fall down it effect humans, trees animals etc.Rapidly growing energy demand, fuel substitution such as high emitting coal and oil, and high-energy intensity are the key factors contributing to air pollution. Some factors contributing to high-energy intensity are transmission nd distribution losses in power generation, fuel prices subsidies on diesel and ageing vehicles, which are primarily diesel powered. Pakistan was ranked as 3rd most air polluted country in 2012. The annual mean PMIO 198 ug per cubic meter. Pakistan Clean Air Network (PCAN) was established in 2005 and is hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IIJCN).Under an agreement with ADB in 2005, IUCN, a non-city member of Clean Air Asia, helped establish PCAN and serves as its secretariat. PCAN aims to address air quality issues in Pakistan and promote etter air quality management (AQM) practices in urban centers. The approach includes awareness raising, capacity building and provision of a broad knowledge base for AQM. Among the key achievements of the network is the establishment of Clean Air Coordination Committees for Karachi and Peshawar as well as initiating efforts to establish a policy roadmap for upgrading fuel quality for motor vehicles.As a single person we can play an important role in decreasing air pollution in the country. When possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit. Avoid driving on high ozone days and during peak traffic . Don't fill your gas tank on high ozone days, and try to refuel after dark. Also, dont overfill or â€Å"top-off' your gas tank, as fumes can escape. Make your voice heard concerning mass transit and highway development. Get involved in local transportation planning boards or agencies to steer land use toward smart growth choices.Conserve energy to reduce the demand for power plants to produce more electricity by insulating your walls and ceilings, choosing energy-efficient home appliances, and using energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. Run your washer, drier or dishwasher only when full . Jse a fan and open windows instead of air conditioning in warm weather. Plant trees near your home to provide cooling shade . Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers or other gardening equipment, especially on high ozone days. Instead, use electric mowers.Many utilities offer â€Å"green† energy options for their customers. As an electricity consumer, research and choose â€Å"green† energy options for your home. Water Pollution Water is essential for the survival of all living things. Without water, humans would die in a few days, crops would not grow and food would run short. In Pakistan, due to he increase in population, per-capital water resources estimated at the time of Partition at 5000m3/year are expected to fall below 1000m3/year in the near future. Pakistan will shortly become a water- stressed country.It is crucial, therefore, to water itself. The health and economic effects of polluted water are well-documented. It leads to illness, ailment and even death. Mortality and morbidity impose costs on individuals and families which, above the direct costs of treatment and medicine, may include loss of earning and impaired productivity. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared, not only that the fundamental right to life includes a clean and healthy environment, but that access to unpolluted water is the right of every person wherever he lives.The Pakistan Council of Research in Wate r Resources, which launched its National Water Quality Monitoring Program in 2001, documents the water quality situation throughout Pakistan and submitted its fifth and final Report in 2007. The report examines the water quality of 357 samples taken from 23 major cities, eight rivers, six dams, four lakes, two canals and one reservoir to analyse ontaminants against an array of quality standards. Every major city reported unsafe drinking water. None of the water sources tested in Bahawalpur, Kasur, Multan, Lahore, Sheikhupura and Ziarat was safe for drinking purposes.All of the 22 surface water bodies evaluated in the report were found to be contaminated with coli forms and E. Coli; 73 per cent had a high level of turbidity, three had high concentrations of irons and 27 per cent showed excessive concentrations of iron and fluoride. Approximately, 60 per cent of Pakistanis get their drinking water from hand or motor umps (in rural areas, this figure is over 70 per cent). It is estimat ed that as many as 40 million Pakistanis depend on the supply of irrigation water for their domestic use.

Raging Achilles: Achiles’ Tragic Flaw

In the Iliad, Homer’s character Achilles embodies many of the characteristics of a hero including strength, quickness, leadership, and particularly, courage. During the Trojan War, Achilles battles courageously, destroying and killing every man in his path without any sign of fear or retreat. No Achaean questions his abilities nor do they doubt his bravery; they cite him as one of their greatest warriors without whom they would have lost the war. However, according to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Achilles does not exemplify a man with true courage at all due to one simple character flaw. Ironically, this acute flaw is mentioned in the first line of the Iliad: his spirited temper. According to Aristotle, a spirited temper prevents heroic men, like Achilles, from attaining a true courage because it alters the intentions behind their actions. Closer analysis of Achilles’ spirited temper and its consequences illustrates that by Aristotle’s definition, Achilles does not possess true courage, but merely a resemblance of it. Aristotle begins his argument by classifying a spirited temper as a quality similar to courage, claiming that anger propels a man to confront his fears. Aristotle states â€Å"nothing makes a man as ready to encounter dangers as a spirited temper† (3. 8. 1116b. 27), implying that a courageous man must be spirited. However, despite these claims, Aristotle counters, stating that possessing a spirited temper does not necessarily mean one automatically acquires true courage. He asserts that while a spirited temper can provide a truly courageous man (one with noble intentions) with support, a spirited temper can also deter a man from being truly courageous by altering his motives and incentives. Since a spirited temper lends to anger and passion, these often replace reason and knowledge as the incentive behind the actions of courageous men, such as in the case of Achilles. These emotions then result in a variety of consequences for the owner, including blindness due to anger, a likeness to beasts, and an obsession with revenge. A close examination of Achilles and his actions reveals how his spirited temper changes his motivation, and consequently inhibits him from being truly courageous in an Aristotelian sense. The basis of a spirited temper is anger, which Aristotle both praises and criticizes. On one hand, anger overcomes fear and gives man the courage to face his fears. However, anger can also influence man’s ability to think and dominate his motivations and desires. Thus, anger can catapult man to commit actions not out of courage, but out of passion. For example, in the Iliad, Achilles’ anger transcends his ability to reason and consequently impels him to engage in battle with the river god Scamander after being insulted. Even after almost being killed by the river, Achilles anger prevents him from leaving the river and so, he â€Å"[surges] on†¦with high hurdling strides, charging against the river† (21. 42-343). Aristotle states that anger must be experienced under the â€Å"right circumstances and with the right people, and also in the right manner, at the right time, and for the right length of time† (4. 5. 1125b. 32-34). In Achilles’ case, he exhibits none of these. Achilles directs his anger for Hector towards the wrong targ et, the river. In addition, he holds onto his anger longer than he should and simultaneously risks his life. According to Aristotle, Achilles is therefore short-tempered and does not possess a true courage. His anger overtakes his reasoning abilities, driving him to commit undesirable acts and leaving him without noble intentions. Achilles’ anger also affects his perceived physical state of being and further alters his motives by fueling his desires for revenge. In Aristotle’s argument, he explains that men provoked by spirited tempers are comparable to beasts and therefore not courageous. In the Illiad, Homer often describes Achilles analogous to an animal. During the battle, Achilles is depicted as â€Å"rearing like some lion† (20. 94) and â€Å"thundering on, on like oxen broad in the brow† (20. 560). These descriptions illustrate a lack of restraint and semblance to a wild beast, thus further supporting the argument that Achilles is not in fact courageous. Aristotle states that â€Å"wild beasts are motivated by pain†¦thus they are not courageous, because they are spurred by†¦a roused temper to rush into danger†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (3. 8. 1116b. 33-3 6). Achilles epitomizes this Aristotelian idea by acting in response to a base emotion: anger. Rather than being motivated by reason or knowledge, Achilles allows his anger to stimulate him. Consequently, this anger causes Achilles to lose parts of his humanity and bringing him closer to his animalistic base, which is further reflected in descriptions of his actions. Homer describes how â€Å"Achilles charged, wild, hurtling toward [Aeneas], loosing a savage cry† (20. 327). Not only does this portray a baser, less human side of Achilles, but it also supports Aristotle’s idea that those who rush into danger blinded by their anger do not foresee the perils in store. In this case, despite Aeneas’ inferiority in ability, he is able to take this opportunity of momentary blindness to attack Achilles. This example illustrates Aristotle’s argument that Achilles’ spirited temper makes him similar to nothing more than a wild beast lacking true courage. Aristotle’s definition of courage also states that revenge as motivation corrupts true courage and leaves only a resemblance of courage. Achilles exemplifies a man who allows anger to fuel his desire for vengeance to distort his natural courage and purpose, leaving only a likeness of courage. Homer describes explicitly that Achilles’ motivation to enter the battle lies in his desire for revenge. Upon learning of Patroclus’ death, Achilles immediately declares that he will enter the battle. Achilles proclaims, â€Å"Despite my anguish I will beat it down, the fury mounting inside me, down by force. But now I’ll go and meet that murderer head-on, that Hector who destroyed the dearest life I know† (Homer 18. 134-138). After having obstinately refused to enter the battle despite the promises of riches and glory, Achilles allows his desire for revenge to propel him into battle almost instantaneously. In fact, as the battle progresses, Achilles’ desire for revenge begins to resemble an obsession. He refuses to release his anger towards Hector, stating his desire for revenge even halfway through the battle. Achilles says, â€Å"But now, Patroclus†¦I shall not bury you, no, not till I drag back here the gear and head of Hector, who slaughtered you† (Homer 17. 387-390). This quote illustrates Achilles’ complete fixation with revenge. Thus, according to Aristotle, he no longer acts through courage, but through obsession. While it is arguable that Achilles’ lack of fear of death makes him courageous, his basic motivations, revenge and anger, again prevent him from being truly courageous in the Aristotelian sense. Throughout the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle states man’s incentive as the defining aspect in which to characterize man. In Achilles’ case, his anger-fueled obsession with revenge motivates and supports his ability to fight; therefore, according to Aristotle, Achilles is â€Å"not guided by reason, but by emotion† (3. 8. 1117a. 8). Aristotle further explains that while revenge gives men support and pleasure, it does not imply courage. Aristotle states, â€Å"Although those who fight for this motive are good fighters, they are not courageous, for it is not the incentive of what is noble that makes them fight† (Aristotle 3. 7. 117a. 5). Aristotle concludes his argument by stating that when choice and true purpose guide a spirited temper, a man becomes truly courageous. Achilles, however, motivated by anger and revenge, does not resemble this truly courageous man. While Achilles does not fit this definition, he does nevertheless seem to have some form of cour age arisen from his spirited temper. Aristotle defines this type of courage as a â€Å"natural courage. † Thus, Achilles does not possess true courage, but rather a natural courage governed by his base emotions.

Disaster Assessment and Recovery Plan

In the given scenario, my establishment was badly damaged when the child of a customer left in a running vehicle; he accidentally shifted the car into forward, destroying the store’s main entrance causing enormous damages to my facility. Herewith is the disaster assessment and recovery plan for my business facility.In assessing the damage, I need to identify what areas have been damaged, what products were affected, how much its estimated cost, was the damaged area repairable, how much might it costs, were there anyone hurt, what kind treatment they need, and how much would be the overall cost of the damaged items and products, the facility, and the injured customers. Initial assessment shows the glass towards the front and left side area was broken due to the impact of the car.Many product items littered the floor and some in glass container were broken and two of the customers inside were hit by flying debris from the broken glass. The series of questions above could help de termine not only the extent of the damages but also what course of actions are needed, and which one urgently needs attention. Obviously, the two customers who were hurt were the top priority as they urgently need to be brought to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the incident did not cause any problem on the power supply.However, there were some items that were broken and damaged including some frozen foods. Product items that were damaged or broken will be itemized and will be collected as part of data collection. In case the power supply was lost, all the perishable goods that could not be refrigerated will be considered damaged and will be charged to the owner of the car. After all the data is collected; it is time to evaluate these data to determine the exact overall costs of the incident.The recovery plan Based on the results of disaster assessment, I need to appoint somebody who has a wide organizational influence to prepare a business contingency plan project and to m anage it. His task includes insuring cooperation from other concern departments to make sure the on going project is properly funded and to provide strategic direction for the business. He or she will act as the contingency planning coordinator, who is responsible for the successful completion of the project.I should then meet with him to define the scope of the project, the project timeline, and expectations. The repairs and completion of the project will take two weeks, which includes assessment of the overall cost of the damages. Next to this, the planning coordinator must select his team who will work with him. They should create the project plan to be implemented in managing the project and to execute this plan. He should oversee its implementation.When everything is done and the business is back to its previous form, I should keep the contingency manager and his team in my business not only as a token of appreciation but knowing they can do great in my business. To avoid this incident to happen again, I would include in the project the construction of parking lot situated opposite the store with hump and support beam on the immediate perimeter of the building. I will also hire security guard to man and check the parking lot area to avoid the occurrence of similar incidence.

Bad School System Essay

What are schools doing for us? If nothing then what can we do to improve them? I think they aren’t doing anything. I have never really thought about this idea until I started research. I think that I am fairly smart, but it is more of after school rather than school itself. I was watching a TED TALK from Ken Robinson and he was talking about how schools kill creativity. He talks about how schools are good at making people who do their jobs successfully. He also says that those same people are doing that job because they don’t have any other choice. By showing this he is trying to show that school kills creativity. Salman Khan the founder of Khan Academy talks about how students don’t get to work on their own pace. Dave Eggers the founder of 826 Valencia talks about how students need 1-1 attention to learn their talents. Ken Robinson has many different videos on school all talking about how school has problems that need to be solved. The one that I watched was â€Å"Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity†. He talks about how school trains you in a way that creates a fear of making mistakes. He says, â€Å"If you’re not prepared to be wrong, then you will never be original†. We are being educated out of creativity. Teachers are not ready to have things be wrong. When grading test or any kind of work there is no such thing as maybe, it is just right or wrong. There are always those kids who are over the top smart and there are those kids that are very creative but not as smart. In this scenario you know that the kid who has the brains is going to get the popularity. Nobody is going to go to the creative kid for help even though he/she might have something worth saying. Then those creative kids will also have to adapt to the school system and eventually lose their creativity. Salman Khan has one very important video on TED and it talks about how students do really get to learn on their own pace in school. The TED TALK is called â€Å"Let’s use video to reinvent education†. In this video he talks about his website www.Khanacademy.com. In this website he has different topics for which he has videos for. He also has sort of an online learning system on the same website. In that learning system they want you to master different concepts that you are having trouble with. So they show you videos on how to do the problem then set you on your own. If you still don’t have perfection then they allow you to repeat. They want you to master the concept by letting you do the whole process as many times as you like. By this you are allowed to learn at your own pace. In school you learn a chapter take a test then move on. Even if you didn’t understand you move on, also the students who get like 90 to 99.9% they still might have some problems that they didn’t understand. I also experienced Khan Academy, I have an account and I am always using it when I need help on something. Dave Eggers has one video on TED and it talks about why students are happier to go to tutoring rather than school itself. In his TED TALK â€Å"Once Upon a School† he shows the audience of a place that he created called 826 Valencia. This is a shop that he founded in which he connected a newspaper editor center, a pirate shop, and a after school tutoring center. He says that students come there running after school to do homework. That’s not really something that you think of. The students get help on any HW especially their English homework. He has his Newspaper crew and volunteers help students 1-1 on HW. He has students write books and then publishes the books. He says that students need 1-1 time with whomever they are working with. In school students don’t really get 1-1 time during school to talk about things that they are having trouble with and stuff like that. In a year he has over 1,400 volunteers helping run 826 Valencia. He thinks that if students are able to have 1-1 time with teachers on their work then they would be more creative. They students would never know if they were doing well or if they needed to improve in certain areas. If you haven’t watched this TED TALK them I recommend every one the watch it. All three of these guys show great ways to improve the School system. These guys are already doing it outside of school, which shows that our School System isn’t really great. There are many problems with our School System we just never think about them as students. You would never think that School would kill your creativity, but when you think about it†¦

Rand Corporation

In spite of what we see on television regarding crime scenes and detective work, detectives are more complex than what they are showing us. According to the Bureau of Labor, a police officers Job is to protect the citizens and our land(Bureau of Labor 2014). While the Job of a detective is to investigate crimes, gather facts and collect evidence, for a potential crime (Bureau of Labor 2014), there are severe types of detectives within a police department. There are homicide detectives, who work specifically on finding the person who committed the homicide.Cyber Crime detectives, and their focus is strictly on protecting the citizens from internet abuse kind computer crimes. Computer crimes would consist of fraud and identity thief. Cyber detectives also protect our youth from predators on the internet. There is also have a gang and narcotics unit, in which some of the detectives will go undercover, just to get the information they need to start an investigation. (Dempsey & Frost 2011 ). Last but not least, there is a detective unit for cold cases.These cases are asses that could not be solved, boot other detectives from different departments(Retested 2014). I believe that they should leave the policing to the police and the Investigative work to the detectives. Keeping their work separate is beneficial to the citizens and the police department. This way they can be more attentive and peduncle to the citizens in specific areas. Police are being pulled Into many different directions on a dally basis.. They are called for emergency and non-emergency situations everyday.The police wouldn't be as effective doing their day to day, If they add detective work to their plate. I believe that the detective annuls that I mentioned above are needed and should be kept separately. While I do agree that the police should do the preliminary work, but I do not agree with them doing the Investigative work as well. I don't believe the police departments wouldn't be as successful If they didn't have them separate. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014). Police and Detective Occupational Outlook. Shinto DC: SSP suite. Dempsey, J. , & Frost, L. (2011). Police (e). Clifton Park, NY: Delmarva Retested, A. (2014).

History of my hometown,( Lamesa, Texas), historical interest, Research Paper

History of my hometown,( Lamesa, Texas), historical interest, agriculture wise - Research Paper Example Under the leadership of William Shafter, the company noted that the area was favorable for grazing except that the Indian tribes were a menace. The Indian tribes were later driven away, mainly by buffalo hunters and to a limited extent by white soldiers. As of 1875, Lamesa was known to be a habitat to thousands of Buffaloes and a preference for hunters. With time, the place served as a route for travelers and ranchers en-route to Big Spring’s railhead. Cattlemen learnt that Lamesa had plenty of grass that was good for cattle. Soon Ranchmen moved into the place, establishing at least four ranches before the end of the 1880s. The four main ranches included the Bartow, Lazy S, C. C. Slaughters, the TJF, and the Fish (The History of Dawson County par 2). Lamesa settlers later started growing cotton, which became the main crop for the town until 1915 (The History of Dawson County par 4). The production of cotton increased during the First World War due to good prices. The thriving agriculture encouraged more settlers to purchase newly partitioned ranches; this led to high prices of land in Lamesa. Most of the lands owned by the settlers were used for the production of cotton. In the 1930s, agriculture in the area was affected by adverse farming conditions and high prices. The settler farms were being operated by tenants, since most of them were affected by economic depression. The Great Depression further led to the failure of several agricultural businesses. The settlers in Lamesa contributed greatly to the development of agricultural industry in Dawson County. In 1930, the first powder milk plant was established in the area to exploit the booming dairy industry. In addition, development of oil refineries began in the region as early as in 1934. Agriculture was the main economic activity for the settlers; apart from cotton, the settlers also engaged in the farming of sorghum in much larger farms

Euro Zone. Decision Making Process Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Euro Zone. Decision Making Process - Assignment Example The European Central Bank is responsible for undertaking monetary policy of the region zone. It is governed by the President and the board comprising of the heads of the central banks of nations. To keep inflation in control accounts for the principle task of the European Central Bank. Without any common representation, fiscal policies and governance of the current union and other decisions are take in close cooperation and association between member nations in the Euro group. It accounts for making the political decisions with regards to the euro and the European Union. Comprising of finance ministers of member states the Euro Group, it also includes national leaders in the decision making when need arises during emergency situations. The project discusses the range of events happening in the Eurozone and steps taken to control them through effective decision making and controlling. Reacting late to the global financial meltdown, the Eurozone has suffered significant losses arising out of rising public debts and unsustainable deficits in the peripheral economies. Different national leaders have responded to the crisis differently. The project analyses the decision making processes used by leaders in countering with the crisis. This is done in terms of the strategies, cultures, psychology and also the different leadership styles applied in the process. Leadership issues concerning the corporate social responsibilities, ethical conducts and leadership styles are analysed in the project. Lastly the effects that these issues could raise on the future of Eurozone are put to analysis. Recent Events- Eurozone Crisis The euro which was introduced in 2002 as the universal currency of the entire European Union was able to c onsolidate a huge trading area across the world and was instrumental in rivalling the dollar for attaining global supremacy. However, along with the accumulation of unsustainable and massive deficits and rising public debt levels in the numerous peripheral economies the viability of the Eurozone was greatly threatened. This triggered the immense debt crisis of the Eurozone. The crisis is also a vivid depiction of the economic interdependence of the European Union coupled with the lack of political integration within the system which was much needed for providing a coordinated monetary and fiscal stimulus to the crisis. France and Germany showed their reluctant efforts to step inside the political vacuum created out of the crisis. On the other hand, even the wealthiest members of the Eurozone called upon the weaker states to implement rigorous austerity measures for dealing with the crisis. However, this was not successful as it led to the great political unrest and crumbled governme nts of countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. In spite of many measures to rescue the Euro agreed upon by the leaders of Eurozone volatility prevailing in the markets continued to persist consequently raising questions about the future of the euro (Grauwe, 2010). Analysts have noted that the originally powerful members of the European Union Community like Germany had been initiative and eager to develop a large and competitive Eurozone. Because of this initiative they had also allowed a large number of countries to adopt the euro despite the fact they were not fulfilling the required criteria outlined by Maastricht. However, today all of

Complications of pregnancy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Complications of pregnancy - Essay Example Delayed menstruation for 1-2 weeks followed by spotting or bleeding is a typical sign of ectopic pregnancy. Gastrointestinal problems may also occur along with lightheadedness and dizziness. Yet if tubal pregnancy remains undetected for 4-6 weeks after conception, the fallopian tube becomes more distended and can rupture leading to symptoms like excruciating abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and faintness. In some cases, the patient may go into shock or rapid pulse, decreased blood pressure, restlessness, sweating may lead to hemorrhage (Smeltzer, 2009). Adnexal mass might be found upon pelvic examination along with tenderness (Doherty, 2010). Complications/risks: Failure to diagnose ectopic pregnancy especially in patients with few symptoms can increase the risk of internal bleeding which can result in hemorrhage or shock. Management: Treatment choices include surgical intervention either laparotomy or laparoscopy and medication. Surgical management may be salpingectomy (removing the concerned fallopian tube) or salpingostomy (preserving the affected tube) depending on patient’s wish. However, salpingostomy increases the risk of persistent trophoblast and ectopic pregnancy whereas salpingectomy avoids these risks but only one tube remains with reproductive ability. Non-surgical medication treatment includes the use of anti-cancer drug methotrexate (Tembhare, 2010) which can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly (Wolfson, 2009). Delivery before 37th week of pregnancy is classified as pre-term labor (WHO, 1994). Clinical presentations: Clinical signs of preterm labor include uterine contractions, menstrual like cramps, diarrhea, back-ache, pelvic pressure, increased vaginal discharge(Littleton, Engebretson, 2002)vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, initial cervical dilation greater than 3 cm and contraction frequency of 4 per hour or more (Creasy, Resnik and lams, 2004). Complications/risks: Risk factors to the mother are largely associated with tocolytic agents used in treatment. Respiratory depression/arrest, pulmonary edema, hypotension and cardiac arrest are complications associated with administration of magnesium; similarly, terbutaline may induce hyperglycemia, hypokalemia and myocardial ischemia. Other drugs (nifedipine and indomethacin) may produce side effects like gastrointestinal problems, renal failure and hepatitis (Littleton, Engebretson, 2002). Neonatal may suffer from renal dysfunctions, nec rotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, intracranial hemorrhage preterm deliveries. Management: Obstetric practices for averting preterm labor include bed rest, home uterine activity monitoring, sedation and hydration, however, little evidence is present about success rates of these methods (Goldenberg, 2002). Tocolytic therapy is used for the hindering uterine contractions which include calcium channel blockers (nicardipine, nifedipine), magnesium, ?-mimetics (terbutaline, fenoterol etc.), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (indomethacin) and ethanol. Evidence suggests that tocolytic therapy is significant in preventing preterm labor (Berkman et al., 2003 ). In addition, cervical cerclage is employed where cervical incompetence is found, in which a suture (rescue cerclage) is placed to prevent further dilations. Management of preterm labor includes avoiding neonatal complications through use of corticosteroids and antibiotics to prevent traumatic delivery and streptoc occal neonatal sepsis (Goldenberg, 2002) Pre-eclampsia is a condition in which pregnant patient experiences a triad of

State Counter Terrorism Strategy and Plans for Japan Essay

State Counter Terrorism Strategy and Plans for Japan - Essay Example Aum Shinrikyo is an indigenous terrorist group arising in Japan (Hidaeki, 2003). The group also carried out certain marginally successful attacks on the Diet and the Crown Prince’s wedding with botulin toxin and attempted an anthrax attack on the people of streets of Tokyo (Branscomb, 2004). This paper primarily deals with the counter terrorism strategies and action plans for Japan in current context and also for future. Defining Counterterrorism Counterterrorism is a difficult concept to define, especially in the context of western democracies. Paul Wilkinson writes that, â€Å"There is no universally applicable counter-terrorism policy for democracies. Every conflict involving terrorism has its own unique characteristics†. Both Paul Wilkinson and Louise Richardson and many others argue that, Western democracies must have respect for the rule of law and civil liberties should be followed in maintaining their counterterrorism strategies. Counterterrorism operations are subject to continuous change according to the nature of the threat (Rineheart, 2010). Counterterrorism as defined by the U.S. Army Field Manual stands as â€Å"Operations that include the offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, preempt, and respond to terrorism† (Rineheart, 2010). This definition of counterterrorism is more concrete but has its own weaknesses and strengths. Though it correctly explains that counterterrorism is an all-inclusive doctrine including prevention, preemption, deterrence, and responses which would require bringing all aspects of the nation’s power to be exposed both domestically and internationally, yet essentially it differentiates nothing. If an effective counterterrorism doctrine is meant to follow the principle that ‘whatever is needed, whenever we need it,’ then this could create problems with developing effective counter strategies, allocating resources, and determining accountability – it might make the concept o f counterterrorism rather worthless. There are advantages to an all-encompassing approach to counterterrorism. It allows the governments to recognize the complexities of responding to terrorism; it also provides a rhetorical tool that reinforces the notion that there is no simple fix to a nation’s terrorism problem (Rineheart, 2010). International Counter-Terrorism Policy of Japan There are a number of dimensions to the counter-terrorism strategy of Japan. The government’s paramount responsibility is to guard the security of Japan’s territory and citizens against terrorist acts (Hideaki, 2003, p. 55). The basic policy of Japan to counter terrorist activities is by strengthening the national counter terrorism measures. International cooperation and capacity building assistance to countries in need is also enumerated in the list of counter terrorism activities for Japan. The Japanese government in December 2004 adopted the "Action Plan for Prevention of Terrorism" which included taking16 ‘Urgently Needed Terrorism Prevention Measures’. In lieu of this certain urgent measures were taken. Japan has actively committed to the negotiations on relevant treaties in the UN and other international bodies. It has ratified and implemented all of the 13 international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols, most recently, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in August 3, 2007. Japan has also been participating in the ongoing negotiations of the Comprehensive

Influence and change in organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Influence and change in organizations - Essay Example Since the â€Å"creativity, innovation, individuality, and independence† of the workforce decreases out of poor teamwork (Robertson, Callinan and Bartram, 2002, p. 29), the overall work performance of a team tends to suffer. Also known as interpersonal interaction conflict, another factor that can trigger a significant decline in work performance is the presence of relationship conflict. Based on the research study that was conducted by Martinez-Moreno et al. (2009), the presence of relationship conflict when combined with process conflict could severely damage the team performance. Similar to the research findings of Martinez-Moreno et al. (2009), explained that the presence of positive and negative mood has a significant impact over the level of relationship conflict. According to De Dreu and Weingart (2003), relationship conflict occurs when the team members encounter interpersonal disagreements with one another. When left unresolved, the presence of task-related and relati onship conflicts could adversely affect the team members’ desire and satisfaction to work with the group (Bono et al., 2002). In most cases, having a large group of unsatisfied team members is enough to motivate themselves to withdraw themselves from working with the team. Given that the number of unsatisfied team members is high, the chance wherein the group performance would decrease increases. In the past, several studies revealed that the presence of interpersonal disagreements could negatively affect the mood, feelings, and work attitude of the involved team members (De Dreu and Weingart 2003; Bono et al., 2002). With this in mind, it is clear that the presence of relationship conflict can be considered as a hindrance towards the ability of the team to improve the quality of their group performances. Since the presence of relationship conflict can create an unhealthy work environment, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should challenge himself to keep on searching for new ways on how to effectively solve issues not only related to relationship conflict but also that of a task-related conflict. To improve team performance, the CEO should be aware of the importance of having a good leadership approach. Basically, a good leadership skill is necessary to increase the ability of the CEO to motivate the team members to become not only a self-directed employee but also an active team member who can be easily directed to work towards a single organizational goal (Bambacas and Patrickson, 2008; Mayfield and Mayfield, 2006; Barbuto, 2005). In this case, the use of transformational leadership style is effective in terms of encouraging the rest of the team members to work well without much need of supervision (Winston and Patterson, 2006; Barbuto, 2005). To accomplish a collective goal, each of the team members is expected to work interdependently as they convert their inputs into a group performance (Marks, Mathieu and Zaccaro, 2001). However, the presence of conflicts makes the team unable to accomplish a collective goal. By nature, task-related or informational conflict and relationship conflict differs from one another. For this reason, Curseu (2011) strongly suggest that the CEO should carefully select the best leadership style that could effectively solve the type of disagreement. For instance, when solving problems related to relati