Impetus for Global Warming

Although the whole world is aware of the global worming issue and is afraid of what its impacts could do mother earth in the coming future, there are those who still believe global worming is a fiction and does not exist. The global warming debate in many parts of the earth is ranging more than before. Many people assert to the fact that earth is jeopardized by daily human activities that we cannot do without while skeptics strongly continue to believe that human activities are not the cause to global (Haldar, 2011). Most of the skeptics do not understand how human activities are contributing to global warming. They do not realize that every time they turn on their electronic gadgets and drive cars they contribute to the problem. It is due to such ignorance in the past that the problem has continued to creep on us. Additionally, as much as many people understand that global warming, is a problem now; very few understand that each choice they make contribute to the problem while even fewer do not understand that it is the responsibility of every person to solve the problem by remaining conscious of their consumption choices. Global warming is based on the notion that the earth temperatures are increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. The increase in temperatures is caused by the increasing emission of carbon dioxide, CO2, into the atmosphere that is associated with trapping heat hence the greenhouse effect. According to Maslin (2007), human activities that include burning of fossil fuels are the main causes of global warming in our planet. The effect of increasing global temperatures is the main cause of changing global climate, which is the main effect of global warming (Haldar, 2011). This further affects different climatic regions in different ways such as faster melting of the glaciers in the arctic, famine and draughts, heavier rainfall in some regions while others hardly receive any, warmer oceans, loss of species and changing weather patterns amongst others. Therefore, there is a pressing need to protect the environment in the face of global warming especially in adversely affected areas where climatic changes are occurring rapidly (Haldar, 2011). Arguments for Global Warming Currently, many arguments in favor of the global warming issue exist. The most agreed upon argument is that human activities especially those that cause emission of carbon dioxide are quite high to be considered insignificant or negligible, as skeptics to global warming would term them. The other argument is that global temperatures are more constant and do not change over a short while. However, the current increase in the global average temperatures is an indicator of increasing greenhouse effect causing the global warming. Further scientific research indicate that over the past century when the world has undergone a huge transformation into industrialization temperatures have increased significantly especially in the last fifty years. Moreover, scientific studies agree that fluctuating temperatures are not only caused by human activities, but also other activities such as volcanic eruptions and solar activities amongst other cause (Biophile Magazine n. d). This indicates that arguments for global warming are supported by scientific research while skeptic arguments are not. Another argument for global warming is that carbon dioxide being one of the most important greenhouse gases cannot be removed from the atmosphere easily. It requires a lot of time to remove from the atmosphere considering that we currently produce it in huge amounts. The current amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can last for the next 200 years even if we stopped emitting any into the atmosphere (Biophile Magazine n. d). This means that its percentage in the atmosphere will continue to increase if no measures are taken to stop. A comparison of the earth’s climate with its closest planets can indicate how the effect of increase in carbon could jeopardize life. Mars, with a thinner atmosphere has almost all of its carbon dioxide in the ground maintaining its temperatures at -50oC. On the other hand, Venus that is closer to the sun has a thicker atmosphere with 96% of it containing carbon dioxide. This maintains its temperatures at +420oC. This is to mean that increase in carbon implies increased temperatures (Maslin, 2007). Arguments against Global Warming While there are many arguments for global warming, it is surprising that there are as many opposing views especially ones that are just fiction. One of the major opposing arguments is that even though the earth is warming up, we cannot for sure attribute this to human activities. Most of these opposing views from the skeptics attribute global warming to natural causes despite the fact that scientific studies have indicated the contribution of human activities to global warming. As a result, many people are confused over whether global warming is a fact of fiction. Even some scientists argue that global warming if it exists is beneficial since it allows longer growing seasons, efficient irrigation schemes and creates more climates that are conducive. Although this might be partially true, it is a known fact that such effect is only for a short period while the negative effects are permanent. Another argument from the skeptics is that carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere quickly, meaning that we can reverse the effect quickly than it is changing (Biophile Magazine n. d). As aforementioned, this is not true and remains just a fiction. Further, they claim the negligibility of the human activities in causing the problem. These are arguments without scientific or in contrast to scientific studies, making most of them fiction. However, whether fiction or not fiction, such arguments have the effects of slowing the efforts of mitigating the problem. In conclusion, it is evident that two sides to the global warming fact or fiction debate exist with many still believing that human activities have nothing to do with global warming. The arguments presents two sides, one with people who believe that human activities are causing the global warming while the other believes global warming if it exists is caused by natural causes. The two sides of view dictate what one can do to prevent the problem from aggravating. With the view supporting global warming, the proponents are more likely to take up measures that reduce carbon emission especially changing their consumption behavior while the opposing side will just do nothing. It is important to understand both sides of the arguments in order to make better judgment concerning measures that can reduce global warming.

Elli Essay

The book â€Å"Elli† is an account of the Jewish race being devastated in the death camps during the Second World War. They suffered inhuman brutality and starvation. It was Elli’s courage and determination which helped her to stay alive. The Jews suffered inhuman brutality. An example of this is Felicia’s story. Felicia is the Blockalteste at Plaszow. She told of how she had to either shoot her family quickly or the German guards would kill all her family very slowly. Her eighteen month old baby boy was ripped in two just as an example of what was going to happen to her family if she did not kill her husband, father and mother. Elli listens in stunned silence to the most horrific event never heard until now. The Jews survived starvation in World War two by consuming raw food from the ground. These delicacies such as potatoes were smuggled into a factory in Dreherei and washed in the toilet. These were only eaten at night when the German guards were not around. One night the Jews in the factory burned a candle for Hanukkah using thread from their blankets as wicks, oil and potato halves carve hollow. It was courage which helped her to stay alive. Elli attacked an SS supervisor which is the gravest form of sabotage but she is still alive. Her mothers arm and leg was paralysed due to a bunk bed collapsing on her. Elli was so happy for saving her mothers arm from being broken, but which it led to two days of separation from each other. The book â€Å"Elli† is an account of her life being devastated in the death camps during World War Two. Her determination to stay alive saved her during innocent slaughter in the day prior to liberation. Her impulses told her to put from around her waist her metal soup bowl on her head as her surroundings were hammered with machine gun fire. She shouted to her mother to put her metal soup bowl on her head because she was looking after her brother Bubi, who had been shot in the head.

NSU Financial Aid Essay

Your impression about NSU FINANCIAL AID in comparison with the best Universities of home and abroad Private University Act was authorized in 1992 which obligates private universities to offer scholarships of its poor but worthy students. This act is followed by most of the private universities; however some universities go beyond and do more than the minimum requirements to comply with this act. Among these liberal universities is North South University. Every year, NSU grants a total of around more than 500 students’ full or partial scholarships. Some other private universities like BRAC University, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), East West University also has financial aiding opportunities for their students. While they offer generous and reasonable aid to students, they do not seem as enthusiastic as NSU in this program. Researching personally, I found that their websites are not equally as helpful and informative as NSU’s website. NSU’s website provides detail information about the requirements and procedures to apply for financial aid. EWU provides aid either during admissions or after completing one whole year. While BRACU did not state how it aids its current students based on performance. IUB offers aid only through admissions and not on university performance. Abroad, only USA provides good financial support for foreign student. Other countries provide very limited offer to international students. For example Universities in Australia are only lenient in providing scholarship to students who holds Australian passport. Universities like Harvard, MIT and Yale offer full scholarships on needs and merit basis. But then again, universities like Harvard, MIT and rest of the Ivy League colleges, what are the chances for an international student from this part of the world. Also abroad universities/colleges in USA, Canada provide financial assistances for students who may not be academically talented but talented in other fields like sports, music, drama and other activities. However, neither NSU nor any other private universities have this opportunity provided for their students. After going through the whole application process, I found the process to some extent smooth except for collection the form from the bank and also standing in the long queue for four hours just to submit my form. Aid is offered among the highest scorers of the admission test, the current students who perform well and has a healthy CGPA and siblings who currently are studying in NSU. This acts as an incentive for students to concentrate on their studies and do well in their courses to maintain a GPA of 2.75, to me that’s relatively easy. So after doing my research my impression is that even though there are certain areas of improvement, unless I am going abroad, which I am not, NSU is my best offer. I am glad to be in NSU and get this financial aid offer; it is way better than any other offers in any other private university in Bangladesh.

Internet forum should be more strictly controlled for the entries Essay

Internet forum should be more strictly controlled for the entries because internet forum can encourage harmful and misleading news - Essay Example Therefore, there is need to control the internet forums by imposing strict regulations on its usage. However, controlling the internet forum may attract criticism as people may feel that this is one of the laws limiting the public freedom, which the constitution grants. In reality, Internet forum should be more strictly controlled for the entries because internet forum can encourage harmful and misleading news. Internet forums refer to any forms of internet channels that are responsible for providing information to the access of the public. They may include any official internet news sites or even social networks that provide information to the public. The issue of controlling the internet forums is a concept that has for long drawn attention from many scholars. Controlling internet forums refers to the imposition of strict measures against its abuse in providing information. In the era of internet technology, many internet forums have emerged, making it entirely a big challenge to control the information that is relayed through these channels. While there is evidence that these forums are informative, it is clear that they can be used to relay raw information that may be untruthful, hurtful or even misleading. Misleading information refers to any material facts that may influence negatively the reaction of the people or even bring about a controversy. However, several policies have been p ut into place as a control mechanism for internet use. For instance, â€Å"regulations would force Internet companies to apply for a license if theyre running a microblog or forum† (Shalvey 1). Due to the sensitivity of information, it is crucial that every information that is relayed through these channels be reliable and truthful. Misleading information may have far reaching effects to the receiver or even to the world. In many occasion, the news items report different information, putting people in

Your an army commander. what three areas would would determin if Essay

Your an army commander. what three areas would would determin if soldiers are worthy of reinlistment. of those three areas what would the standard be for all three - Essay Example These include the following: Soldiers must meet the army standard of physical fitness, which is a minimum of 180 and a maximum of 300. Being in the army requires one to be capable of handling the physical rigors that accompany that lone of work (Hamilton 31). I would place great emphasis on physical fitness because for one to â€Å"survive† in the army it is highly recommended that they possess the capability to keep up with conditions and remain agile and mobile throughout. If someone is not fit he/she should not be in the army. There is no definite standard when it comes to career advancement, provided one is willing and ready to learn new things. For me however, I would not consider anybody without a diploma for a position in the army. Nowadays, being a soldier is not enough. Soldiers are usually encouraged to start and build other careers through which they can grow personally and professionally. This is why in most armies there are soldiers who also serve as doctors, nurses, engineers and professional and important roles. It is not enough for one to be able to load a gun and shoot, or fight and kill. Intelligence must be demonstrated, and an ability to think logically and make decisions may save a lot of lives (Hamilton 35). If anybody wants to join the army he/she should be clear thinking and reasonable. As a commander, I would feel honored to have soldiers who are both intelligent and disciplined serving under me. As a result of this, I would not think twice about enlisting a young person who has a ye arning for knowledge and combat. This, too, has no definite standard, but potential recruits must demonstrate confidence in whatever they do. For example, it is important to remain calm, level-headed and reasonable when confronted with difficult situations. This calls for coming up with the best and most logical decisions when they

Freinheit 451 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Freinheit 451 - Term Paper Example The book is an excellent piece that combines enchantment with enlightenment and awakens the imagination of humanity. Fahrenheit 451 is set in the twenty-fourth century and brings up a new environment where the media controls the people, in addition to the problems of overpopulation and censorship. An individual citizen is not readily accepted and the intellectual is seen as an outlaw in that society. In this society, television has taken up the common belief of family ties. The fireman has become an igniter of fire and destroyer of books instead of an insurer against fire and its dangers. Books are seen as evil and illegal because they influence people to think and ask questions about the way things are done in that society. The story begins with an incitement where Montag meets Clarisse McClellan. Montag works as a fireman who burns books for a living. One day as he walks home from work, Clarisse who introduces herself to him approaches him. Clarisse is young, beautiful, and energet ic. She presents herself as an antithesis of anyone that Montag has ever met as she engages in a conversation with him especially in things that Montag has never considered. She is very inquisitive and she ponders about things such as love, happiness and the contents of the books that Montag burns. This character fascinates Montag (Bradbury, 1967). Over the next several days, Montag encounters a series of disturbing events that begin with his wife, Mildred, wanting to commit suicide through swallowing a full bottle of sleeping pills. This is followed by a strange occurrence that he encounters as he responds to an alarm about an old woman who has a stash of hidden books. When he reaches there, the woman stuns him by choosing to be burned along with her books. A few days after this, he learns that young Clarisse has been hit dead by a speeding car. This heightens the dissatisfaction in his life and he begins to find a solution by reading books from the stash that he stole from the fir es he started. When Montag fails to report to work, his manger visits him at his home and explains to him that it is normal for a fireman to wonder what books give and he elucidates how books came to be burned. As Beatty explains, special interest groups and other minority groups laid their objections to books that offended them. Soon, all books were written with intent not to offend any person. He explains that this was not enough and the society as a unit decided to burn books instead of permitting differing opinions from authors. Beatty tells Montag to take 24 hours, read the books, and find out whether they have anything important and then give them off for incineration. This turns Montag into a long and frenzy night of reading (Eller & Touponce, 2004). When he becomes overwhelmed of reading, he turns to his wife for support but his wife prefers television to his company and does not understand why her husband takes the humiliating task of reading the books. When he remembers Pr ofessor Faber, he decided to visit him so that he can help him. Faber tells him that the value of the book is in the awareness of the life in them. He tells Montag that he needs the leisure to read them and the freedom to act upon the ideas of the books and offers to help him read. Faber will contact a printer to reproduce books and Montag will plant them in the residence of firemen to harm the reputation of the profession and destroy censorship. This leads to a completely

Place Value Lesson Plan 403 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Place Value Lesson Plan 403 4 - Essay Example This is very important as far as understanding this number system is concerned, if not re-enforced with the help of some visible and tangible objects it will appear difficult to the learners. To help students comprehend this concept the first and foremost teaching aid would be a number chart "hundreds/tens/ones". Once the student is taught to place numbers in this manner the concept becomes simple and students remember it life-long. At this stage the teacher needs to remember that the class room has students with different needs and capabilities therefore a good lesson should be rendered with the average student in mind .Teacher may use worksheets with number chart on it and ask students to place given numbers in various combinations. They can be written on the worksheet and also read out in class. This method will re-enforce student learning further. Sometimes number blocks help specially students who need special attention, because actually holding a number block in hand helps in concretizing the concept.

Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategy - Essay Example uploaded in YouTube website under the title â€Å" the Boy Scouting.† The video could also be viewed frompersonal social networking websites such as Facebook. 2. We sent a copy of the video to Narragansett Council so that it would be published in its website as well. This is a linking strategy which translates to an effective advertisement that is free of charge.The video would be submitted in the guise of a giftfrom â€Å"Magnificent group† to Narragansett Council. 3. We have also sent a proposal to Johnson & Wales University in order to persuade the school into granting scholarship to one of the participants in the Boy Scouting at Narragansett Council. Once this scholarship element is successful, then it would help to encourage the children to be involved in the Boy Scouting activities at Narragansett Council. 4. We invited Jason Dugan director of program in Narragansett Council to attend our presentation, which will be held on July 30, 2009. Hopefully, the activity would further cement a good relationship for future cooperation. 2. We will tap our existing relationships and tie-ups with other universities just so more people and resources could reinforce the campaign to disseminate information about Narragansett Council, including the benefits for boys who will join their scouting camps. Part of this campaign is a audio-video presentations about scouting activities and testimonies from scouting participants. The success of the abovementioned strategy is certainly dependent on the implementation of each outlined elements. We will be serious to apply and follow our plan – both short-term and long-term - so that we would be able to achieve our goals. The short-term goal – the making of the video and its propagation, including other activities, were undertaken mostly during the class period. The long-term plan would be carried out even after

John Stuart Mill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

John Stuart Mill - Essay Example John Stuart Mill was educated by his father, James Mill, who was cold and rigid. From then Mill understood the undergrounds of liberty and saw the mistakes from his father's rigid system of education: "Mill recognized , in later life, that his father's system had the fault of appealing to the intellect only and that the culture of his practical and emotional life had been neglected".(John Stuart Mill, Life and writings) John Stuart Mill, in his essay "On liberty", mentioned liberty and the relationships between freedom and state. The goal of state is to build a social system that respects and defends human rights and liberties. State can interfere against any individual, if he harms the other one's interests.1 This is the only case when Mill accepts the intervention of the state. There are cases when state rejects the individual's opinion .But that does not mean the point of view is wrong or false. Neither the belief of state, nor the individual' s opinion are totally false, they might contain a certain truth, so they must not be rejected. If this happens, the decision of the state becomes preconception and effects the man's liberty. Mill saw human being as an individual free to think, to speak , to feel. These rights are unquestionable on all the subjects: "()his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign" (qtd. John Stuart Mill' Essay on liberty, p.13) In thi In this relation, man-state, the latter can impose unlimited control, thing that cannot be acceptable. For Mill, education is primordial and it makes the differences between people , so the freedom of speech , of thinking is the most important. Mill speaks about the tyranny of the majority when the state wants to have the unlimited control, to entice the majority: ()There is a limit to the legitimate interference of collective opinion withindividual independence , and to find that limit, and maintain it againstencroachment, is as indispensable to a good condition of human affairs asprotection against political despotism.(qtd. John Stuart Mill's Essay on liberty) The tyranny of the majority often appears in bureaucratic countries. In the case of democratic countries the things go not so bad, because many individuals know and understand the importance of the liberty in all its aspects. Also, in the case of democratic countries and of developed ones, educated people are more and cannot be ruled by a man or a group. So, the danger of tyranny of majority is less. Liberty of speech , sustained by Mill, is indeed a very important right. In some periods the human being was restrained by people who wanted to had the supreme control(a kind of tyranny of the society). For example, the slavery, in the South of America, reserved man from various freedoms: the physical one, the conscience liberty, and maybe the most important one, the freedom of speech. The slaves were revolted mainly because they were treated like animals, they hadn't the right to write, to read or to express their feelings and desires. We can extend here, seeing in these liberties the differences

Case study 3 peer review 2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case study 3 peer review 2 - Coursework Example The higher position also puts an employee in a position where they have the ability to influence broader organization decision-making (Robins, 2003). It would make it highly unethical to choose a less deserving person to fill a position just in order to prove that the business is racially inclusive since there are other more effective ways of proving this point. In fact, that the business already employs peoples of different races is a start. The doctrine of â€Å"Equal Opportunity Employment† in law requires that all individual contributors must be made eligible for promotion on an equal basis by their employers so that it serves as recognition and reward for their role as contributors. A promotion is a powerful communication tool of sending the right signals about the values within an organization (R.W.Lippitt, 1958). Making promotions based on race goes against all values whether it favours the majority or minority because the decision will not be on merit. Equity and fairness are highly valued biblical traits. God is just and holy and consistently demands holiness and justice throughout the bible. He also treats all humankind justly and demands the same treatment amongst men even though they are of different races. Joseph was elevated in eight because of his exemplary work as was Daniel (Dan 1:19-20). This was in a context of gentile nations that did not know the God of the Israel/bible. Servant leadership is leadership that portrays godliness through fairness and equity (DSouza,

Lay-Off due to Economic Difficulties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lay-Off due to Economic Difficulties - Essay Example In this regard, as a human resource professional tasked to evaluate and propose recommendations for the situation, the following discourse would initially present a description of the facts, the relevant law, application of the law, and suggestions of handling the issue. Recommendations would be proposed in the form of a memo addressed to the supervisor. Description of Facts 1. Advance Notice of 60 calendar days Company ABC employs 100 employees and is therefore covered by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) in cases where lay-offs are being reflected on at least 33% of their work force. Supposedly, ABC must provide a 60-day notice to the employees being laid-off. But since ABC plans to lay-off only 25% and that the reason for laying off is economic difficulties, the 60-day required notice is thereby not required. In one of the frequently asked questions posted in the US Department of Labor, the exception to giving a 60-day notice is hereby addressed: â€Å" if an employer believes their situation is the result an economic crisis, it may apply the unforeseen business circumstance exception; however, there could be a burden on the employer to prove why it could not plan 90 days in advance† (U.S. Department of Labor, 2010). During the termination meeting, the only time period indicated was that the benefits of the employees would be terminated at the end of the month. Therefore, there was no stipulated number of days from the time the employees were informed up to the time their services would be terminated. This does not violate any labor law because as the Department of Labor disclosed, â€Å"the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has no requirements for notice to an employee prior to termination or lay-off. In certain cases, employers must give the workers advanced notice of mass layoffs or plant closure. The Warn Act provides specific information on advance notice, employer responsibility and workers rights during mass layoffs or plant closure† (U.S. Department of Labor, N.D.). 2. Severance Pay Company ABC will offer a severance package that depends on gender and members of the union. As indicated: â€Å"because men generally are the heads of households and support dependents, ABC is going to offer them more severance pay than women.   Some employees are union members and their CBA provides less severance than the Company plans to offer, so management is going to be nice and give them the higher severance amount† (Case Facts, N.D., par. 1). According to Employee Issues (2011), under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state equivalents, â€Å"severance pay is generally considered to be a matter of agreement between employers and workers or employers and unions† (Employee Issues.com, 2011). 3. Age of Employees being Laid-Off By suggesting the inverse seniority policy, ABC could face violations of wrongful termination due to Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission revealed that â€Å"the law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment† (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, N.D. ). Application of the Law Since ABC is planning to lay-off a lesser percentage of employees than the prescribed 33% threshold, it is not covered by the 60-calendar days notice for the employees due to be laid-off. However, their

Hamilton county judges Essay Example for Free

Hamilton county judges Essay Hamilton County judges try thousands of cases per year. In an overwhelming majority of the cases disposed, the verdict stands as rendered. However, some cases are appealed, and of those appealed, some of the cases ae reversed. Kristen DelGuzzi of The Cincinnati Enquirer conducted a study of case handled by Hamilton County judges over the years 1994 through 1996 (The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 11, 1998). Shown in Judge.xls are the results for 182,908 cases handled (disposed) by 38 judges in Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relation Court, and Municipal Court. Two of the judges (Dinkelacker and Hogan) did not serve in the same court for the entire three-year period. The purpose of the newspape’s study was to evaluate the performance of the judges. Appeals are often the result of mistakes made by judges, and the newspaper wanted to know which judges were doing a good job and which were making too many mistakes. You are called in to assis in the data analysis. Use your knowledge of probability and conditional probability to help with the ranking of the judges. You also may be able to analyze the likelihood of appeal and reversal for cases handled by different courts. Managerial Report Prepare a report with your rankings of the judges. Also, include an analysis of the likelihood of appeal and case reversal in the three courts. At a minimum, your report should incluse the following: a. The probability of cases being appealed and reversed in the thee different courts. b. The probability of a case being appealed for each judge. c. The probability of a case being reversed for each judge. d. The probability of reversal given an appeal for each judge. e. Rank the judges within each court. State the criteria you used and provide a rational for your choice.

An Integrative Framework Of Management Perspectives Religion Essay

An Integrative Framework Of Management Perspectives Religion Essay Management has become a part and parcel of everyday life, be it at home, in the office or factory and in government. In all organizations, where group of human beings assemble for a common purpose, management principles come into play through the management of resources, finance and planning, priorities, policies and practice. Management is a systematic way of carrying out activities in any field of human effort (Bhattathiri, 2001). Efficacious and effective management is not possible without in-depth knowledge of the organisation which is being managed. Organisational knowledge is absolutely critical to building, preserving and leveraging institutional excellence. It is like the air you breathe-you cannot measure it, touch it, or see it but you cannot survive without it (Prasad, 2004)). The basic elements of management are always there whether we manage our lives or our business. In fact, management is used knowingly or unknowingly by everybody born as human being on this earth. We are all managers of our own life and the practice of management is found in every facet of human activity: schools, business, government, unions, armed forces, families and religious places. Thus, management has become an exciting and entertaining subject because it deals with setting, seeking and achieving objectives. It makes human efforts more productive. It brings order and effectiveness to the efforts of the people. It brings better equipment, plants, offices, products, services and human relations to our society. There is no substitute for good management and good management consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people. Society is a collection of individuals and individuals constitute society. Every individual has several needs and wants but it is impossible for him to satisfy all his desires and wants with his own efforts alone. Thus, he joins hands with others and works in organised groups to achieve what he cannot achieve singlehandedly. Today, the society has large and complex institutions with many people working together. In other words, when a number of persons join together for the attainment of some common objectives, organisation comes into being. Whatever may be the nature and kind of the organisation, it cannot run successfully unless there is someone to manage its affairs. Management is an essential part of any group activity. It is the management which plans, organises, co-ordinates and controls the affairs of the organisation. It brings the human and physical resources together and motivates the people at work in order to create a cordial, congenial and harmonious environment in the o rganisation. To sum up, it can be said that an organisation is like an orchestra team. It is for the management to make music or a noise out of it. If there is an effective and efficient management, the result is sweet and melodious music; otherwise the result is chaotic and awful noise. CONCEPT OF MANAGEMENT: The concept of management is as old as the human race itself. It is a universal phenomenon. It is not merely the monopoly of business houses. It is a part and parcel of every kind of decision making. It is the marshalling of manpower resources and strategy for getting a job done. Management is multifunctional in nature. It is a set of techniques and functional processes employed to maximize productive utilization of human, physical and natural resources for the benefit of all in a healthy physical and conceptual environment. Men, material, money, machinery and methods constitute human and physical resources. The physical environment consists of temperature; noise, light, ventilation; the tools which are employed; the methods of work; the material employed; the sequence in which the work is performed and other physical aspects. The conceptual, or mental, environment is concerned with the attitude or frame of mind of individual worker in the given environment. The manager has to provid e a positive and conducive environment where the worker gives his best to the institution. Management is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups, efficiently accomplish selected aims (Koontz Weihrich, 1998). It involves coordinating and overseeing the work activities of others so that their activities are undertaken efficiently and effectively. Management puts ideas into action through and with people. Efficient management leads to productivity with peace, growth with harmony and brings out the best potential in people. Management creates harmony in working together, equilibrium in thought and action, goals and achievements, plan and performance, produce and market (Bhattathiri, 2001). When people are motivated and inspired, they run their organisations efficiently and profitably, produce quality goods and services and keep customers and clients satisfied (Bodhananda, 2007). Lack of management can create chaos and cause mayhem, perplexity, wastage, delay, obliteration, losses and low sense of worth. Management is about managing self, people and situations. Manager has to show the path on which his workforce can excel and stay focused. Managements task is to make people capable of joint performances and make their strength effective and make their weaknesses irrelevant (Drucker, 1998). It is the capability and capacity of the manager that can transform the situations to the best for all the stakeholders. If he is bestowed with the quality to judge the people and their talents then he can take them to the zenith of their performance. Management is helping ordinary people to produce extraordinary results (Someswarananda, 2005). Management, today, goes beyond giving just direction or getting work done by people. Manager has to think beyond results; he has also to create and sustain performers by inspiring them. Managers job is two-fold (1) To translate the dream in terms of project; and (2) To produce performers. Workmans job is to produce results from planning to execution. And supervisors duty is to solve the problems of workmen (Someswarananda, 2005). 1.2 MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES: The word perspective has been derived from the Medieval Latin word perpectiva (ars) science of optics, from the verb perspicere which means to look through (Oxford Dictionary). It implies a view or vista or a mental view or outlook of a person or an organisation. It also means the ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance (thefreedictionary.com). Management Perspectives provide an overview of the principles, skills, challenges and the other factors which the managers have to face today. These include the theoretical framework, ideas and techniques which can be applied to day-to-day work of an organization like planning, decision making, leadership, motivation, communication, human resource management, corporate social responsibility, change management and managerial skills and mantras required for effective and efficient working of the organization. It is a proved fact that management is not an action in isolation; it is rather the impact of total environment in which the organization exists. Starting from the management in antiquity to the management in modern times, the different perspectives of management at different points of time can be summed up briefly as under in an integrative manner: An Integrative Framework of Management Perspectives (Source: www.cab.edu.np) 1.3 HISTORY OF MANAGEMENT THOUGHT: Management has always been a part of the nature of man. In its crude form, it has been there from nomads to rulers of various kingdoms. Management as a field of study may be just 125 years old, but management ideas and practices have actually been used from the earliest times of recorded history. For example, 2,500 years before management researchers called it job enrichment, the Greeks learned that they could improve the productivity of boring repetitious tasks by performing them to music. The basic idea was to use a flute, drum, or sing lyrics to pace people to work in unison, using the same efficient motions, to stimulate them to work faster and longer, and to make even a boring work or job interesting and entertaining. While we can find the seeds of many of todays management ideas throughout history, not until the last two centuries, however, did systematic changes in the nature of work and organizations create a compelling need for managers. Examples of management thought and pr actice can be found all through the history (Williams, 2009). This has been shown in the table below. Table-1.1 Management Ideas and Practice throughout History Time Group Contribution to Management Thought and Practice 5000 B.C. Sumerians Record keeping 4000 B.C. Egyptians Recognized the need for planning, organizing, and controlling 2000 B.C. Egyptians Requests submitted in writing. Decisions made after consulting staff for advice 1800 B.C. Hammurabi Established controls by using writing to document transactions and by using witnesses to vouch for what was said or done 600 B.C. Nebucha Production control and wage incentives 500 B.C. Sun Tzu Strategy; identifying and attacking opponents weaknesses 400 B.C. Xenophon Management recognized as a separate art 400 B.C. Cyrus Human relations and motion study 175 Cato Job descriptions 284 Diocletian Delegation of Authority 900 Alfarabi Listed leadership traits 1100 Ghazali Listed managerial traits 1418 Barbarigo Different organizational forms/structures 1436 Venetians Numbering, standardization, and interchangeability of parts 1500 Sir Thomas Critical of poor management More and leadership 1525 Machiavelli Cohesiveness, power, and leadership in organizations (Source: C. S. George, Jr., The History of Management Thought, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1972) Concept of management has undergone a sea change since its inception, as a formal subject, in the early 1900s. From the set of principles evolved the scientific management theory of F. W. Taylor and it played a role as a prominent theory till 1950s. Focus of management then shifted to decision theory. In 1960s, systems orientation emerged. Change and contingency management of 1970s was followed by new approaches to human relations and production quality in the 1980s and archetype management in 1990s. Journey of management thought is depicted briefly in the table below- Table-1.2 Major Classification of Management Approaches and their Contributors Pre-classical Contributors to Management Thought Name Contribution Robert Owen Proposed legislative reforms to improve working conditions of labour Charles Babbage Advocated the concept of division of labour; devised a profit-sharing plan which led to the modern-day Scanlon Plan Andrew Ure and Charles Dupin Advocated the study of management Henry R. Towne Emphasized the need to consider management as a separate field of study and the importance of business skills for running a business. Major Classification of Management Approaches Major Contributors Classical approach Scientific management Frederick W. Taylor, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and Henry Gantt Bureaucratic management Max Weber Administrative management Henri Fayol Behavioral approach Group influences Mary Parker Follet Hawthorne studies Elton Mayo Maslows needs theory Abraham Maslow Theory X and Theory Y Douglas McGregor Model I versus Model II values Chris Argyris Quantitative approach Management science Operations management Management information system Modern approaches The Systems Theory Contingency Theory Emerging approaches: Theory Z and Quality management William Ouchi (Source-https://sites.google.com/site/early-approaches-to-management) Under various approaches, management was described from different points of view largely depending on the perspective and background of the management thinker. Koontz identifies eleven approaches to the management concept, which are as follows: The  empirical approach  states that we can understand what management is by determining what contributed to success or failure in specific cases. The  interpersonal behaviour approach  is based on getting things done through people and therefore, management is centered in understanding relationships (psychology). The  group behaviour approach  emphasizes the behaviour of people within groups and thus tends to rely on sociology, anthropology, and social psychology. Often this interest in-group behaviour patterns is named organizational behaviour. The  cooperative social system approach  (organizational theory) combines elements of the interpersonal and group behaviour approaches into a system called the organization where the primary purpose is co-operation. The  socio-technical system approach  adds to the previous approach the dimension of technical systems. It is believed that the machines and methods have a strong influence on the social system and that the task of the manager is to ensure harmony between the social and technical systems. The  decision theory approach  believes that management is characterized by decision making and therefore a systematic approach to decision-making essentially outlines management. The  systems approach  to management, like biological systems, views managements role within an assemblage of subsystems, inputs, and processes within an environment, all of which are interconnected and/or interdependent. This may not be a different approach but is a holistic view of management, providing place for elements of the other approaches to be incorporated. The  management science approach  believes that problems can be described within a mathematical model basic relationships in such a way that the goal may be optimized. The  situational approach  states that, management action depends on the situation taking into account the influence of given actions on the behaviour patterns of individuals and the organization. This is a practical approach, which hints at the art (viz, science) of management. The  managerial roles approach  is based on research by Mintzberg as to the roles (functions) managers fill. The  operational approach  is an attempt to combine elements of all of the above-mentioned approaches, taking what is applicable, discarding that which is not, and developing an approach to management that indicates the complexity and variedness of what is expected of the manager (Koontz, 1980). However, all these approaches are lacking in one aspect or the other. Concept of management has evolved over the years and is an ongoing process; it changes and improves as the environment changes. The discipline of management is just 100 years old. By and large, it is a product of industrial revolution. Hence, its intellectual traditions are rooted in engineering and economics. Later it was influenced by psychology, sociology and other related disciplines. During recent years, yoga, meditation and spirituality have also started influencing the field of management (Sharma, 2006). During the 1990s, the evolution of spirituality and management theories converged and triggered a bold interest in formulating spirituality based theories and research within the academic management domain, resulting in the formulation of a new discipline (Rojas, 2005). In the present epoch, internationally operated organisations are stirring towards holistic approach to management. Holistic approach takes under its ambit the whole organisation, systems, people and culture. Holistic approach can bring better results for modern organisations to deal with complex issues in global environment, because according to Aristotle, whole is more than the sum of its parts (Abbasi, Rehman and Bibi, 2010) 1.4 MANAGEMENT TODAY: People who are making judicious use of available resources and effectively managing to earn high profits and returns are not sure if its worth it. They feel defeated in spite of being successful. The reason is that money is being minted through unethical and immoral means. Industrialists today are doing the right things for their ventures but not necessarily doing things the right way. Indian companies are in a state of flux, more bewilderment, conflict and tension persists in its working and less emphasis is on the issues of productivity, motivation, principles, morals, ideals and ethics. The reason for this state of affairs is too much dependence on western models of management. The management philosophy emanating from the west is based on the lure of materialism and on a perennial thirst for profits, irrespective of the quality of the means adopted to achieve that goal (Bhattathiri, 2001). There is a spurt in corporate scandals since the focus of most business houses is to earn more and more money. Almost every year, it seems, some scandal envelops a Fortune 500 company and causes a new spasm of public distrust of big corporations. This years occurrence probably should not be surprising; in the competitive marketplace, the temptation to cut ethical corners can be hard to resist (Zipkin, 2000). Corporate, do not stop to think and contemplate the effect of their greed on the stakeholders. There is insatiable hunger for success at any cost. In their unquenchable desire for number one position, corporate are becoming ruthless, forgetting their duties towards the society at large. The world today is so corruptible, gullible and materialistic that many corporations and nations operate without a soul conscience. The capitalistic bottom-line of maximizing profits has become the benchmark for purported success, pervading international, regional, national and organizational leve ls (Noor, 2004). Management has been reduced to a handmaid of profiteering. The maximizing of profits becomes the ultimate goal, to the exclusion of all other considerations (Gupta, 2000). We are aware that with its axis on privatization and liberalization, national and world economic order is gradually becoming market oriented and globalised. Capital is todays integrating factor. Those who have or can access to resource stand to benefit from this economy while others are being marginalized (Xavier, 1999). Corporate houses that are becoming aware of their ethical and social responsibilities towards the society are only following the mandatory responsibilities. Contemporary research has found that while around three quarters of major Australian companies believe it is the responsibility of their boards to set an appropriate tone from the top and monitor organizational performance against a formal code of conduct, 84 percent of the companies that has promulgated a code of ethics reported that they did not actually monitor compliance with it (International Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting 2005, KPMG, Australia). This is also the case of companies in many developed as well as developing economies. There is awakening of moral and ethical responsibilities but much more needs to be done at the local and global level. Lately, however, corporate America seems to be doing more than just paying lip service to standards of management behaviour. For all the controversy surrounding the F irestone/Ford tyre recall, and the questions it raises about the potential for corporate wrongdoing, a growing number of big companies are enacting strict ethical guidelines and backing them up with internal mechanisms to enforce them. While some consider the changes little more than window dressing, there is no doubt that change is afoot (Zipkin, 2000). In the present era, corporate sector desires to own workers not humans. Materialism has crept into the roots of the corporate world. Materialistic management has done more harm than good. The capitalist has grown richer, man has been reduced to a hired wage-earner and the consumer has been placed at the mercy of the materialistic manager. There is no sense of belonging, no harmony, no co-operative organisation, no fellow-feeling and the least common approach and perspective (Gupta, 2000). 1.5 NEED TO RECONNECT TO THE ROOTS: There is more to management than just earning profits and more to the role of a manager than achieving the organisational objectives. He has to become the watch dog to see that nothing detrimental is done by the company at the cost of the stakeholders. He has to stay connected to the roots of his religion and culture while performing his job. Sharma (2001) argues that for a management system, to be effective, it has to be rooted in the cultural soil of the country, where it is practiced. Many communities and countries in the world are now trying to discover and explore their own system of management, which includes accounting and financial management, human resource management, corporate governance, and also CSR (Muniapan, 2008). Not only eastern world but the western world of business is also realizing the need to reconnect to the roots of their religion and culture and to infuse their working with morals and ethics. Management thinkers, all over the world, are developing models of management by imbibing insight into their scriptures. These models are becoming powerful catalysts for transformation. A leadership and management paradigm that transcends narrows chauvinism, neo-conservation and jingoism, with a universal, egalitarian and magnanimous approach, is needed (Noor, 2004). Also models are being framed on world leaders with a semblance of altruistic inclinations. To really understand leadership, we need to put our ear to the ground of history and listen carefully to the ragas of human hopes, desires, and aspirations, and the follies, disappointments, and triumphs of those who led and those who followed them. As per the Confucius proverb, a man who reviews the old so as to find out the new is qualified t o teach others. Management needs to be sprinkled with ideals of religion. For the sustainable development of the enterprise the need is to look for long term benefits of all stakeholders, not base decisions for short term benefits to the individuals. The best way out in the situation, is to take shelter under the teaching of the scriptures. In our faith based vision we see God at work in the world and in all creation moving mankind towards a world of justice, peace and love. This is social humanism. Management being a worldly enterprise and part of creation has to position itself in alignment with this divine purpose, our policies and mega plans are to be attuned to this divine plan over percent and active in creation (Xavier, 1999). Various studies have been carried out to study the effect of interplay between management and religion and results depict positive outcome. In a study conducted at the European University Viadrina, Frankfurt by Tan and Vogel (2005), it was noted that trustworthiness inc reases with religiosity and people with higher level of religiosity, are more likely to trust and be trusted in their relationships. In a doctoral study conducted by Werner (2006) found that religious beliefs (Christianity) play an important role in SME business behaviour in both the UK and Germany (Uygur, 2009). Since management is primarily concerned with managing people, managers needs to take guidance of specific magnitude of man-management such as believing and being open to people and their ideas, acknowledging them in various roles of life, serving and loving them. Need of the hour is to develop managers with focus on human excellence comprising competence, conscience and compassionate concern along with academic and technical competencies. The prevalent limited view of education with an exclusive focus on academic excellence and technical competence is fraught with dangers as we can produce people who are advanced intellectually or competent technically but in the meantime remain emotionally underdeveloped and morally and spiritually immature (Xavier, 1999). Ryuzaburo Kaku, Chairman, Canon Inc. in 1988 envisaged the corporate philosophy to begin a new phase in the 50 year old companys evolution. He expressed this philosophy as the achievement of corporate growth and development, with the aim of contributing to global prosperity and the well-being of humankind. This is the idea behind kyosei. According to the concept of kyosei, a corporate should make every effort to create wealth by fair means and, in terms of the distribution of profits; it should play a very active role as a company that assumes global social responsibilities. The view, that kyosei limits competition is way off the mark. Although it is crucial to eliminate unfair competition, kyosei can be seen as being a prerequisite to fair competition between independent corporations. The idea of kyosei was also adopted by the Caux Round Table (CRT), founded in 1986 and named after the Swiss town of Caux where it began meeting. It is an informal group of business leaders from Europe , U.S. and Japan who had the converging experience that corporate business can, without losing performance, act as a tool to provide a better service to society when the goal of serving the common good is not forgotten, let alone rejected. The group wrote its own guidelines for corporate ethical standards based on the Japanese concept of kyosei, which Mr. Ryuzaburu Kaku, chairman of Canon Inc. and most prominent participant in the CRT, translated as living and working together for the common good. The other key word was human dignity, without which the common good can disintegrate into despotism. In fact, both keywords, common good/kyosei and human dignity, could be found in the document of the MCCR (Minnesota Center for Corporate Responsibility). Peter Drucker also stressed that religion can have a positive influence on the world of work and, indeed, on the world at large. Society needs to return to spiritual values-not to offset the material but to make it fully productive, he asserts that we need to reconnect to religion to imbibe compassion and empathy in corporate relationships. Drucker continues, It needs the deep experience that the  Thou  and the  I  are one, which all higher religions share. The concept of whole self is catching up with the corporate world. Religion is considered by many to be a constituent component of human anthropology. The change in orientation by executives and consultants fit well with the present experience economy paradigm, which demands distinctive personal experience for the customers based on endemic human qualities such as human values. Ideally, then, organizational models which allow the whole person to come to work are sought as a means to empower employees and possibly in turn f or those employees to meet unique and personal demands of the customers. For example, Mitroff and Denton (1999) held that companies that have a spiritual dimension and allow the whole person to come to work have employees with higher loyalty, lower absenteeism, and greater creativity (Miller and Ewest, 2010). People working in the corporate sector all over the globe do not want to segregate their life but wish to live a holistic life and bring their whole self to work, including their faith. This concept has been termed as the Faith at Work Movement or Spirituality and Work Movement by David Miller. The worldwide economic crisis elicited in 2008 has strengthened this concept. Religion is present in the workplace as per the researchers and academicians. The need is that they provide the business professionals with a set of universal religious manifestations to allow business professionals to understand, measure, and as appropriate adjust the policies pertaining to the spiritual environment of and impacts on their organization. Max Weber was one of the first thinkers in the modern times to depict the interconnection of religion and management in 1905 but his observations of the affect of religious values on marketplace activity were suppressed due to organizational and economic structures and normative practices but now his ideas have resurfaced. The business world is recognizing the need to integrate faith with work because it encompasses issues such as ethics, leadership, diversity, human rights, and globalism and managers and employees can benefit both corporately as well as personally. 1.6 MANAGEMENT AND OTHER RELIGIONS: The concept of modernization without westernization is catching up with management thinkers, especially in the eastern world. Need is to act globally while staying rooted to the local values, norms and culture. Corporate world in the eastern region is going under the safe haven of religion. All the religions encourage serving the society, promoting the peoples well being and safeguarding the natural resources. Buddhism lays emphasis on ethics, virtuous behaviour, morality and precept. It advocates purity of thought, word, and deed. Christianity is centered on the life and teachings of Jesus from the New Testament. Its teachings call for ethical, spiritual, and just behaviour. Taoism advocates imbibing of three gems of Tao i.e. compassion, moderation, and humility. Islam believes that followers should strive to attain religious and moral perfection. Confucianism focuses on human morality and right action. It is a system of moral, social, political, philosophical, and quasi-religious t hought. Hinduism preaches: have no personal interest in the event but carry out the duty as the duty of the lord and do not be affected by the results. 1.6.1 Management and Hinduism: Indian economy is today the cynosure of the whole world because of its consistent growth which is leading to augmentation of interest in India, and its culture. As Western world attempts to better understand Indian culture, they may as well unearth that Indias ancient scriptures present insight into cultural customs and values and develop lessons for the corporate world to effectively use in and outside India. It has been reported that many of the top  business  schools in the United States have introduced self-mastery classes using Indian philosophy to help students improve their leadership skills. One of the more popular and useful of the ancient texts is the Bhagavad Gita. Using contextual analysis, this paper explores the leadership implications found in this classic text, and offers present day managers useful advice, regardless of their cultural orientation (Rarick and Nickerson, 2009). It was felt by the Indian Management thinkers that the western models needed certain modifications for implementation in the Indian Environment. Western model advocated the concept of knowledge worker whereas Indian model calls for the concept of wisdom worker. Depending completely on the western model might lead to success with stress and tension while in Indian model of management, success is accompanied with harmon

states and power in africa Essay -- essays research papers

We must understand the differences in the African and European political experience in order to understand the difficulties faced by African leaders. In Herbst’s book States and Power in Africa, First I will give an overview of the differences between the African and European advances toward becoming a nation state. Next the reasons why these differences are important to understanding the difficulties faced by African leaders will be discussed. Finally I will give an overview of possible alternatives to the current system of states in Africa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In States and Power in Africa Herbst shows us several differences between   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is important to look at why Herbst’s analysis of Africa’s and Europe’s political differences gives us many reasons that go toward the explaining African leader’s political difficulties. One of Herbst’s overall arguments is that the colonization of Africa by Europe is not solely responsible for their self destructive systems of government. He would like others studying comparative politics to understand that many of the pre-colonial social and political norms as well as post-colonial observance of the forced state system have also contributed to Africa’s current problems. Herbst’s shows us that it is important to look beyond the predetermined political geography as set forth at the Berlin Conference as the sole reason for African leader’s difficulty in broadcasting power. To counter this argument Her...

The Newly Proposed Copyright Law in Germany :: Music Copyrights Ethics Essays

The Newly Proposed Copyright Law in Germany Up to now copyright laws are heterogeneous throughout Europe, even amongst the member nations of the European Union. For example, in the UK manufacturers of recording and duplication hard- and software are not charged a fee per sold unit that goes to an association representing the body of copyright owners while in most other European countries this fee exists. In order to create a more homogeneous business environment the European Parliament passed new regulatory boundaries for copyright laws that now have to be transformed into national law by all member nations1. Currently, Germany is in the process of doing so and the government proposed a new law that raises a lot of protest from different organizations. Among them are various universities, the Chaos Computer Club 2 and Ver.di 3. Together they represent a wide spectrum of the body of consumers. Status quo of copyright in Germany The copyright law as it is active today in Germany does not only protect the rights of the owner of content, but also those of the content consumers. It's purpose is to function as a mediator between the two parties, serving both as a protection against plagiarism and an enabler of fair use. A central aspect of fair use is the private copy of content. The consumer is allowed to make copies of any content he legally possesses, regardless of the type of content or the media that conveys it. For example it is perfectly legal to record radio or television broadcast, make a copy of your favorite CD for use in a car, or encode it as MP3 to load the songs on a MP3 player, Software or movies on DVDs can be copied for back up purposes in case the original media gets destroyed. Schools and Universities enjoy special freedoms. Without special authorization of the content owners they are allowed to reproduce or show any content they legally own for educational purposes. Even though lectures at universities and schools are open to the public. Libraries have the duty, by law, to preserve as much content as possible and make it accessible to the public. Buying content once entitles libraries to make the purchased copy available to the public. The function of libraries is not restricted print media, it also includes audio and video. The proposed new copyright law In important points, the proposed law is quite similar to the DMCA in the United States.

The Horrors of War in Wilfred Owens Poem, Dulce et Decorum Est Essay e

The Horrors of War in Wilfred Owen's Poem, Dulce et Decorum Est From the earliest records of history, accounts of war have been portrayed as valiant acts of heroism. Children and adults alike have gathered together to hear tales of war and its glory. From the stories of Alexander the Great to recent-day movies like Saving Private Ryan, war has been praised and exalted with words such as bravery, honor, and freedom. However, Wilfred Owen's poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" shows the ugly, horrible side of fighting. By use of gripping words and vivid descriptions, Owen paints incredible pictures of what World War I was really like. He tears away the glory and drama and reveals the real essence of fighting: fear, torture, and death. No longer are we left with good feelings and pretty phrases like "Liberty and justice for all!" Instead, our hearts grieve over what these soldiers had to suffer through. Every line of the poem rebuts the Roman poet Horace's quotation: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori--It is sweet and becoming to die for one's country." T he poem employs three different devices that work together to refute the belief that war is heroic and glorious: the speaker's descriptions, his similes, and his memories. First, the narrator's descriptions are clear and effective, leaving no dispute about what the soldiers had to endure with trenches and mustard gas. The poem does not use vague descriptions such as "It was terrible and horrible." Instead, the fifth and sixth lines read: "Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots / But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame, all blind." Right away, the reader can almost see the weary soldiers heading "towards [their] distant rest." They are so weary that some are sleeping while... ...ys will be a terrible, terrible thing. In conclusion, "Dulce et Decorum Est" is a magnificent tapestry of poetry. By the speaker's descriptions, similes, and memories, Owen weaves reality and memories together to create a masterpiece. Through the speaker, Owen seems to express his grief over those who have died fighting. He sees no glory in men dying horrible deaths from mustard gas, writhing with pain and agony. No, he does not feel that it is sweet or becoming to die for one's country. His opinion is expressed throughout the whole poem. Yet, his poem is not one of beauty. It has no pleasant words or pleasing sounds; it does not bring good feelings or happy smiles. But it is one of truth, the truth about war. Works Cited: Owen, Wilfred. â€Å"Dulce Et Docorum Est.† The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M. H. Abrams. New York: Norton & Company, 2000.

Gordon Growth Model

What is Gordon Growth Model, â€Å"This model is use to determine the fundamental value of stock, it determines the value of stock based on sequence or series of dividends that matured at a constant rate , and the dividend per share is payable in a year† Stock Value (P) = D / (k – G)————–Equation 1 Where D= Expected dividend per share one year from now G= Growth rate in dividends k= required rate of return for equity investor This model is useful to find the value of stock, with following assumption should be taken into account while calculating value of stock, which are: 1.That dividends remains to grow continuously on a constant rate 2. The growth rate should remain less than the required return on equity Relationship between monetary policy and stock market Monetary policy is a state owned measure which is an an important determinant of stock prices , lowering of increase in interest rate couzld be use by fedration to influence stoc k prices. it is very useful to find theâ€Å"value of stockâ€Å". Monetary policy effetcs stock prices in two ways: 1.When in certain circumstances when the federations or the controller of monetray policty lowers interests rates, the return on bonds or securities (which is also considered as an alternative assest to stocks) decreses, this results that the investors who have invested ,are ready or accept to receive a lower required rate of return on an investment in equity. This will automatically reduces the amount of equity , hence it will also lower the (k – G) (denominator in Gordon Growth model).The lowering of this denominator will lead to increase in the value of stock (price of stock). Hence it will increase stock prices. The lowering of interest rate is also a way from the federation to stimulate and energise the economy, this will help to have a higher growth rate in dividends. The rise in dividends can also results the denominator (k – G) to decrease, it also results in higher stock prices . 2. The denominator in equation is always under the monetary policy influences. Because of that, the stocks and stock prices are also influenced by monetary policy.This model clearly demonestrate how monetary policy influence not only stock markets but also investors , stackholders, those who are investing at that particular time. It is always have been seen that the stock market analyst keep an eye on monetary policy measures as monetary policy always an important factor to know the stock prices etc. The relationship between stock prices and monetary policy is an important factor that directly impacts the economic situation of a country, so this measure should be use carefully. Should one follow the typical recommendation of an investment advisor to buy an actively managed mutual fund?If we are really interested in having a real outcome or return on our investment then it is not an ideal thing to follow the typical recommendation of an investmen t advisor: this recommendation could be from a direct advisor or we can have such information or prediction read outr from article or news etc, I f we really want to buy some already active mutual funds than it is totally not enough to go on word of the mouth of someone or listen to hot tips from our investment advisor. Basically it is all about correct and uptodate informations oft he market,this can be a useful way of knowing and gaining profits as an investor.One oft he most important factor which an investor can do is, not always buyand sell securities, for those who are interested in buying mutual funds,it is a best practice to buy no-load mutual fund,which are with lkow management fee. Plus it is also important that we should always be informed about the market, especially any new information about our intended funds that we are interested in buying. From studies it has been established that having a good track record of past performences when investing does not guarantee that the future will also be bright. This is what the efficient â€Å" market hypothesis predictsâ€Å".

Formation of Construction Contracts

Table of Contents Table of Contents 1. Outline of the NEC Contract a) Summary of the ethos & key aims of the Contract i. Stimulus to good management ii. Variations iii. Clear and simple language b) Strengths c) Weaknesses 2. Main Option Clauses a) List of main Option Clauses b) Summary and Comparison of Option Clauses c) Recommendation 3. Secondary Option Clauses a) 15 ‘X’ Secondary Options b) Two ‘Y’ Clauses c) Discussion of ‘Z’ Clauses d) Recommendation 4. Conclusion 5. References 1. Outline of the NEC Contract The NEC Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) (previously the New Engineering Contract) has been developed to meet the current and future needs for a form of contract to be used in the engineering, building and construction industries. It is an improvement on existing standard contracts in a number of ways. ’ (NEC, 2005). a) Summary of the ethos & key aims of the contract i. Stimulus to good management The use of the NEC EC C should stimulate good management between the employers, designers, contractors and the project managers, and also make them work collaboratively to enable them to achieve their own objectives more consistently.It should also allocate the risks associated with the project between all parties clearly and simply to reduce the possibility of those risks occurring. The ECC focuses on ‘real time’ management of the project rather than looking back at what the parties should have done. This means the programme of works should always be up to date regardless of any changes. ii. Variations A variation is a change to the contract/programme of works after the contract has been agreed. An example of a variation could be a modification to the original design of works.In this case, the designers of the works would have to issue an early warning notification to all other parties involved to ensure they all know of any extra costs or delays in works that could happen as a result of th e change. After this, ‘the parties are then required to meet, to seek mutually beneficial solutions to overcome these problems, and to operate a formal Risk Register of notified events. ’ (NEC, 2005). This change also results in a compensation event and a sum of money is usually paid to the effected parties. iii. Clear and simple languageThe NEC ECC is written in ordinary language which is clear and simple and only uses words which are in common use. This makes it easy for everyone to understand, especially those whose first language is not English or those who are not used to using formal contracts. This also makes it easier to translate into other languages. The NEC ECC also has fewer clauses than in many standard forms, uses short sentences and the use of subjective words is kept to a minimum. Also, there is no cross-referencing between clauses. b) Strengths ? ? It can be used in a wide variety of commercial situations, for any type of work and in any location. Clear and simple document which is easy to understand and follow. Nothing is getting tested in the courts so no case law is being built. c) Weaknesses Aled Rhys Hughes 200714325 2. Main Option Clauses a) List of main Option Clauses ? ? ? ? ? ? ‘A) Priced contract with activity schedule; B )Priced contract with bill of quantities; C) Target contract with activity schedule; D) Target contract with bill of quantities; E) Cost reimbursable contract; F) Management contract. (NEC, NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract, 2005) b) Summary and Comparison of Option Clauses ? Option A: ‘Provides a priced contract where the total of the price tendered by the contractor against each activity represents the amount he will be paid for that work. ’ (Rowlinson, 2011). Option B: ‘Provides a priced a priced contract but this time with a bill of quantities. Under this option, the contractor is paid the actual quantity of work carried out at the rates in the bill of quantities. ( Rowlinson, 2011). Option C: ‘The contractor tenders the prices (the target) backed by an activity schedule together with relevant percentages and rates. The percentages and rates are used in calculating the defined cost and price of work to date. ’ (Rowlinson, 2011). Option D: ‘Main option D follows the same approach as main option C, except that a bill of quantities is used against which the final total of the prices is re-measured. ’ (Rowlinson, 2011).Option E: ‘The employer pays for all the resources utilised by the contractor to carry out the works, following a formula employing various tendered rated and percentages, subject only to the disallowing of costs resulting from the contractor’s inefficient use of resources. ’ (Rowlinson, 2011). Option F: ‘Provides a management contract option under which the contractor is paid a fee for carrying out prescribed duties. ’ (Rowlinson, 2011). ? ? ? ? ? The main difference between each option clause is the risk associated with each one however; the risk for the contractor and client will differ for each option clause.The contractor faces high risk if option A is used decreasing to low risk if option F is used. The client is the opposite where they face low risk if option A is used and high risk if option F is used. c) Recommendation The use of main option clause A should be adopted in the contract document for this project. This option minimises the risks associated with the project for the client and all responsibility is then placed on the contractors to complete the project on time and for the agreed price. Aled Rhys Hughes 200714325 3.Secondary Option Clauses a) 15 ‘X’ Secondary Options ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ‘X1: Price adjustment for inflation; X2: Changes in the law; X3: Multiple currencies; X4: Parent company guarantee; X5: Sectional Completion; X6: Bonus for early Completion; X7: Delay damages; X12: Partnering; X13: Performa nce bond; X14: Advanced payment to the Contractor; X15: Limitation of the Contractor’s liability for his design to reasonable skill and care; X16: Retention; X17: Low performance damages; X18: Limitation of liability; X20: Key Performance Indicators. ’ NEC, NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract Option A: Priced contract with activity schedule, 2005) b) Two ‘Y’ Clauses ? ? ‘Y (UK) 2: The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; Y (UK) 3: The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. ’ (NEC, NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract Option A: Priced contract with activity schedule, 2005) c) Discussion of ‘Z’ Clauses Z clauses are intended for UK Government clients when using the NEC3 forms of contract. These clauses are additional conditions to the main NEC3 contract and are not intended for independent use. ) Recommendation An example would be for the contractors to request that the secondary option clause ‘X6: Bonus for early Completion’ to be included in the contract to reward them for possible early completion of the project. However, the client might request to include the secondary option clause ‘X17: Low performance damages’ to make sure that the contractors do not rush the job in order to attain their bonus. Aled Rhys Hughes 200714325 4. Conclusion ? ? ? The use of the NEC3 Contract is an overwhelming form of contract favourite and is highly regarded within industry.The use of the NEC3 Contract should be used as a governing document for the tender and subsequent project. The use of the main option clause A should be adopted in the contract document for this project. 5. References ? ? ? ? NEC. (2005). NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract. NEC. (2005). NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract Guidance Notes ECC . NEC. ( 2005). NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract Option A: Priced contract with activity schedule. Rowlinson, M. (2011). Practi cal Guide to the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract. Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sending the Grades

COLEGIO DE DAGUPAN Advantages and Disadvantages of Sending the Grades of the Colegio de Dagupan Students to their Parents A research paper submitted to the faculty of School of Engineering In partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course in English Communication 2 Discipulo, Margie Lyn C. Espiritu, John Mark A. Fragata, Jessa C. Gapuz, Ervie R. . March Table of Contents CHAPTER I I. Introduction A. Background of the Study B. Objectives of the Study C. Statement of the Problem CHAPTER II II. Discussion A. Internet Findings B. Survey Findings C. Interview FindingsCHAPTER III III. Conclusion A. Summary B. Conclusion C. Recommendations Reference Appendix CHAPTER I Background Study Every educational institution is aiming to attain achievement through their various programs, projects and activities. They play the vital role in the implementation of new dimensions to realize visions for the brighter future. Our school serves to be our second home and our instructors which serves to b e our second parents. Students are sent to school by their parents but parents are not able to monitor their child’s in performance in school.The students have all their portals, but not all parents are informed about it or some don’t know the password of the account or maybe some are not computer literate. Nepo Mall has been built in front of Colegio de Dagupan which may create an influence on the academic performance and lifestyle of students. The world today is very different from yesterday. Students also changes. Now a days, many gadgets and technologies are coming out in the market. Students were not able to give more attention to their studies. Some parents are too busy to check their child’s performance in school even their child’s grade were not monitored.So as of this, the President of this institution implemented a new policy – it is to deliver a hard copy of every students grade in their home. In this concern, we seek if there is any adv antage or disadvantage of sending the grades of Colegio de Dagupan students to their parents. Objectives of the Study The study aim to answer the following questions: 1. To be able to identify if the new policy could help the parents monitor their child ? 2. Are the parents satisfied with the new policy ? 3. Is their any advantage or disadvantage for the students with the new policy? 4.Is the new policy well implemented ? 5. Did all students receive their grades through postal ? Statement of the Problem The study aim to determined if there are advantage or disadvantage of sending thegrades of Colegio de Dagupan students to their parents. And if the new policy is wellimplemented by the administration. CHAPTER 2 Discussion II. DISCUSSION A. Internet Findings COLEGIO DE DAGUPAN PORTAL The primary advantage is that an online. Portal can be setup to automatically grade responses and the primary disadvantage is that the best answer may not be the right answer. Local college has such a por tal and it’s great when test results are immediately posted for test-taker viewing. * Student portal it’s college online grade access for student in CDD. Advantage of writing our own is that we can make any kind of adjustments or new features on the fly. B. Survey Findings Table I. Percentage of correspondents according to school. School| Population| Percentage| SOHS| 10| 18. 18%| SOE| 10| 18. 18%| SIHM| 10| 18. 18%| SBA| 10| 18. 18%| SAS| 10| 18. 18%| SITE| 5| 9. 09%| Total| 55| 100%| Table I presents the number of correspondents from each school or department 10 out of 55 or 18. 8% from theSchool of Engineering(SOE), School of Health Sciences(SOHS), School of International Hotel and Management (SIHM),School of Business and Accountancy(SBA), School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and 5 or 9. 09% from School of Information Technology Education (SITE). Table II. Percentage of students who receive and don’t receive their grades. School| % who have receive their grades| % who haven’t receive their grades| SOHS| 60%| 40%| SOE| 80%| 20%| SIHM| 60%| 40%| SBA| 50%| 50%| SITE| 80%| 20%| SAS| 90%| 10%| Table II presents the percentage of students who was able to receive their grade from postal.Almost half of the SBA student’s were not able to receive the delivered grades. Table III. Percentage of students who agreed to add the postal fee to their tuition fee. School| Agree| Disagree| SOHS| 90%| 10%| SOE| 90%| 10%| SIHM| 50%| 50%| SBA| 70%| 30%| SITE| 40%| 60%| SAS| 30%| 70%| Table III shows how many student’s who agreed that postal fee would be added to the student’s tuition fee. Most of the students of SIHM, SITE and SAS are not in favour with this. Table IV. Percentage of students who says that postal sending of grades in Colegio de Dagupan. School| Disadvantage| Advantage|SOHS| 20%| 80%| SOE| 40%| 60%| SIHM| 30%| 70%| SBA| 40%| 60%| SITE| 40%| 60%| SAS| 30%| 70%| Table IV show about the comment of the students regarding th e advantage and disadvantage of sending the grades of the student’s to their parents. Table V. Percentage of student’s whom there parent’s are happy with their grades. School| Happy| Sad| Angry| No Comment| SOHS| 70%| | | 30%| SOE| 90%| | 10%| | SIHM| 60%| | 10%| 30%| SBA| 80%| | | 20%| SITE| 100%| | | | SAS| 90%| 10%| | | Table V shows the percentage of student whom their parents are happy, angry and sad with their grades. Table VI.Percentage of student who allow there parents to view their portals. School| Yes| No| SOHS| 10%| 90%| SOE| 20%| 80%| SIHM| 10%| 90%| SBA| 20%| 80%| SITE| 10%| 90%| SAS| 10%| 90%| Table VI presents the percentage of students who allow their parent’s to view their postal. Most of the student’s don’t allow their Table VII. Percentage of male and female correspondent in every school. School| No. of Males| % of Males| No. of Females| % of Females| SOHS| 5| 50%| 5| 50%| SOE| 5| 50%| 5| 50%| SIHM| 5| 50%| 5| 50%| SBA| 5 | 50%| 5| 50%| SITE| 2| 40%| 3| 60%| SAS| 5| 50%| 5| 50%| Table VII.Present the percentage of male and female correspondent in every school. Table VIII. Percentage of male who said postal fee is ok. School| No. of males| Agree| Disagree| % of male who agree| % of male who disagree| SOHS| 5| 4| 1| 80%| 20%| SOE| 5| 2| 3| 40%| 60%| SIHM| 5| 3| 2| 60%| 40%| SBA| 5| 3| 2| 60%| 40%| SITE| 2| 1| 1| 50%| 50%| SAS| 5| 1| 3| 66%| 34%| Table VIII represents the male who agreed that postal fee is ok to be added on student’s tuition fee. Table IX. Percentage of female who said postal fee is ok. School| No. of females| Agree| Disagree| % of females who agree| % of emales who disagree| SOHS| 5| 5| 0| 100%| 0%| SOE| 5| 5| 0| 100%| 0%| SIHM| 5| 2| 3| 40%| 60%| SBA| 5| 4| 1| 80%| 20%| SITE| 3| 1| 2| 33%| 67%| SAS| 5| 3| 2| 60%| 40%| Table IX represents the female who agreed that postal fee is ok to be added on their tuition fee. Table X. The Tally get from the Survey | 1. Did your parents rec ieive your grades? | | | Yes40| No15| | 2. Were you able to show your grades to your parents before you enroll| Yes9| No7| | 3. How did your parents reacted when they saw your grades| Happy45| Sad1| Angry No C2 7| 4.Do you agree that the postal fee is added to your tuition fee? Why? | Yes31| No24| | 5. Do you agree that your grades will be delivered in your home through postal? Why? | Yes43| No12| | 6. Is there any disadvantage for you in the new policy? | Yes26| None29| | Table 10 represent the tally made by the researcher from the survey they made. On the survey made by the researcher the following reasons are gathered: *Reasons why student don’t agree with the additional fee for Postal Fee 1. Because it wasn’t included in my discount 2. Addition fee meaning to say additioinal TF and additional expenses and additional problem. . Postal fee is useless. In fact grades were delivered late and in some no grades were delivered. *Reasons why student agree that Postal Fee c ould be added in the Tution Fee. 1. Because the money paid will be use in the payment of the postal fee that will be use in sending our grades ain our respective home. 2. Because my parents would know my performance in school. *Reasons why students agree that grades will be sent at home. 1. So that my parents will know my grades and performance in school. 2. So that we could have a second copy. *Reasons why students don’t agree that grades will be sent at home. 1.I don’t want to be scolded by my parents when they saw mygrades most specially when I have a failing grades. *Disadvantages of Sending the grades of student of CdD 1. My parents will know my grades specially when I have failing or low grade. *Advantages of Sending the grades of students of CdD 1. Our parents would be able to monitor their child’s performance in school. B. Interview Findings Based on our interviewee Mrs. Berhin R. Gapuz, agreed with the new policy implemented by the president of Colegio de Dagupan that second hard copy grades of the students of Colegio de Dagupan will be sent to their respective home.According to her, her daughter’s original grade slip was submitted to the office of Team Energy so its better to have a second copy. On the other hand, Nancy Espirirtu don’t agree with this. She emphasize that delivery of second copy of her son’s grade. In fact he could monitor his child’s performance through CdD Portal. And she could see his son’s original grade slip. She also said that parents should always monitor their child. Second copy is just a waste of money. Mrs. Rosemarie Discipulo also commented that she disagree that grades will be sent in their home. ven if postal fee is only 18 php ,that cost still matters. And in fact grades were not delivered on time. Mr. Romeo Fragata Jr. ’s opinion is that he agree with the policy . He said,† Its not that I don’t have trust on my daughter I also need to monitor he r performance in school. Chapter 3 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendations of the research â€Å" Advantage and Disadvantages of Sending the Grades of Colegio de Dagupan Student’s to their Parents ‘’. SummaryThe researchers conduct research, interview and survey to fulfil the study and to find out if the student or parents agree or disagree with the topic presented. Conclusion ————————————————- Based on the survey, 65 correspondents, 27 males and 28 females, almost 73% have receive their grades through postal. The remaining 27% was not able to receive their grades, but 60% of their parent’s view their grades before enrolling. Only 56% of the population agreed with the new policy that grades will be delivered at home. And only 16% of them let their parent’s view their portal. ———————————————— ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- ————————————————- RECOMMENDATION On the basis of the conclusions arrived at the researchers recommend the following. 1. The institutions should be alarmed with the implementation of the new policy. Grades should be delivered as early as possible for the parents to be informed. . As a student, you should your best shot to be make your parents happy with your grades. 3. Just continue the new policy for the parents to be informed with their child’s performance. Reference Survey Questionaire Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Year and Course_________________________________________________________Gender_____________________ Date of Survey: ______________________________________________________________________________________ If no, do you show your parent your grades? Yes No .† 1.Did your parents receive your grades? Yes No If no, do you show your parent your grades? Yes No 2. Howdid your parentsreact when they saw your grades? Happy Sad Angry 3. Do you agree that the postal fee is added to your tuition fee? Why? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Complicated Attitudes Towards Female Characters Essay

I agree with this statement, as the female characters are revealed to the reader as being powerful over men, seductive, suspicious, mysterious, bewitching and in the end, cause destruction. However, in the poems, males claim some possessiveness over the females. For example; in the poem ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci’ a beautiful woman tempts men/ knights with her ‘faery’ beauty. The knight in the poem, falls in love with her through her seductive actions, but then she abandons him. ‘ I met a lady in the meads, Full beautiful – a faery’s child’ This quote shows how mysterious the female is by describing her as a ‘faery’s child’ which basically means a mystical fairy in human form, who is playful and has magical powers. In ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci’ the reader only gets one interpretation of the female through the knights direct speech, this reflects a complicated attitude to the reader as we have a biased opinion of the female. Also, not having direct speech from ‘La Belle’ adds to the mysterious-ness of female characters in Keats’ poetry. A male contrast in this poem is quite important, as in many of Keats’ poetry. The knight claims possession over the female. He creates garlands and bracelets for which could be used to enclose and trap her. ‘I made a garland for her head, And bracelets too, and fragrant zone’ ‘I set her on my pacing steed’ These quote shows his possessiveness over the beautiful woman. In the same way, ‘The Eve Of St Agnes’ portrays these attitudes towards females. The narrator focuses on a virgin named Madeline, describing her as pure, nieve, vague and blinded by superstition. This gives the reader the impression of her being easily led and expressing her as being quite innocent. In the poem Madeline is at a party and is oblivious to everything going on around her, she is only thinking of the legend St Agnes. St Agnes Eve is believed by virgins that on this night they will see their future husbands in the dreams. The poet describing Madeline as one of these believers, shows the theme of suspicion and witchcraft, as Madeline will perform the rites associated with St Agnes. Keats’ uses negative capability to contrast innocence with flirtatious, this happens when Madeline goes up to her bedchamber to undress for bed. ‘Of all its wreathed pearls her hair she frees; Unclasps her warmed jewels one by one; Loosens her fragrant boddice; by degrees Her rich attire creeps rustling to her knees:’ Describing the way she undresses makes her seem like shes doing a striptease. A male in the poem named Porphyro, affects the readers attitude towards Madeline, as he comes across as being the seductive one. As Madeline undresses he watches as he’s hiding in her closet. This could portray to the reader about the attitudes towards women, that Madeline purposely stipped like that, because she was thinking about and wishing to tease Porphyro. But as a coincidence, he was there watching every move, showing the powerfullness of women over men. Also, the quote: Sudden a thought came like a full blown rose flushing his brow, and in his pained heart’ Keats’s could be referring to how cunning Porphyro might be, as he was told by the old belle dame that it’s St Agnes Eve and Madeline had gone up to her bedchamber to dream of her future lover, giving him a seductive idea. To conclude, Keats uses many different methods, to have an impact on the reader about complicated attitudes towards females in his poetry. Using sympathy as a weapon for the males in his poetry. However, more indepth reading shows that there may be contrasts between men and women and that their roles can be switched over.

Genetic engineering, friend or foe? Essay

â€Å"By bringing in this technology to make the same crop that people eat and grow, make it more insulated against some of the elements of nature, more nutritious†¦ it will improve local production,† said Channapatna Prakash, professor in plant molecular genetics at Tuskegee University, Alabama. â€Å"If it does make a difference in their overall health and well-being with the least intervention, it needs to be looked at very carefully,† he said. â€Å"If it does provide some solution in certain places and circumstances, then why not? † Prakash is also a member of the U. S. Agriculture Department’s agricultural biotechnology advisory committee. Genetic modification (GM) involves exchanging or splicing genes of unrelated species that cannot naturally swap with each other and enthusiastic scientists say the applications are almost limitless. The species can be vastly different, for example, inserting scorpion toxin or spider venom genes into maize and other food crops as a ‘natural pesticide’ to prevent insects and birds from feeding on the plants, or fish antifreeze genes into tomatoes. So this is the positive side of the argument, however, others do not feel the same – recently trail GM crops have been destroyed even in ‘sleepy’ Devon in a trails site at Dartington. Fears were raised even higher because an internationally acclaimed organic farm was nearby. Insect or the wind could have carried genetically modified pollen to other farms thus creating unwanted and unsuspected mutations. Not everyone agrees that GM foods will necessarily become the saviour for the world’s hungry and people insist that there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence of the benefits of GM. The whole GM issue creates strong emotions, particularly among the more sceptic opponents to the technology who have been known to march across fields and rip up fledgling test plants, demanding that governments put a stop to â€Å"Frankenstein† foods by banning the import and the commercial use of GM crops. Apart from their charge that nobody yet knows how safe GM crops are, they also accuse powerful biotechnology multinational companies of using poor countries as a ‘dumping ground’ for products, which have failed to sell to lucrative but sceptical European markets. Already there are specific examples – there are problems with Genetically Engineered Soya Bean and Maize Imports. The first main genetically modified food was a tomato paste, introduced with careful consumer consultation, clearly labelled. It sold well until the current furore began. In 1996 the European Union [EU] accepted the import of US genetically modified Soya bean and maize, staple commodities which go untracked into a large number of processed foods. The US companies refused to label or segregate the new products, more concerned with winning markets than public attitudes. Ordinary people ended up eating modified food without knowing it, with any tangible benefit to them, and having no real say in the decisions. This major failure of democracy resulted in a huge consumer backlash. It also raised questions of environmental risks of GM crops spreading genes to other species and possible loss of biodiversity. As can be seen sharing understanding of the risks and labelling GM tainted or enhanced products has not happened automatically – there is too much money at stake. However, we should consider these issues carefully. There are risks far more complex than a blanket moratorium would solve. Different crops vary enormously over questions like gene flow [e. g. due to mode of pollination or unrestricted movement of GM animals for breeding] or wild relatives, which might become weeds or pests. So a plant like oil seed rape merits much more careful attention than other less genetically promiscuous species. Talking to ecological scientists, it seems clear that five years of research is not going to give a generic answer to tell us whether â€Å"GM is safe† or not. We know so little about either the ecology or safety of normal foods that we often do not have a yardstick to make meaningful comparison with GM foods. Much better than a crude moratorium is to be precautionary but on a case-by-case basis, rather than assume that everything is equally risky. Rather than swallow whole the current green position on GM foods, we need to recognise that it is just as easy to exaggerate risks as it is to ignore them or pretend they aren’t there. Current EU labelling is only mandatory if you can detect genes or the proteins in the food, but this only addresses a small minority of the concerns. If someone objects to GM food on ethical or religious grounds or to the effect of the crop on the environment, present labelling misses the point completely. Here is a fundamental injustice, which the Government has done very little to address. Genetic Engineering, Friend or Foe? Is still a question to be answered – the debate will continue, as will the research that pushes the boundaries of science. The answer lies in the far future! Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Variation and Inheritance section.