Too Much Delegation In Nissan

Good communication skills can help a manager successfully delegate responsibility to subordinates. It is a process of good thing that spreads the workload, rewards subordinates with decision making power, develop subordinates capabilities and allow decision to be made. By practicing delegation process, an organization can do achieve their set of goal. Nissan, a renowned Japanese automaker is the best example of practicing delegation. From the case study â€Å"Too much delegation at Nissan†, we have got some findings that how Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, did apply to get success by practicing delegation.Question 1: What are some advantages that Carlos Ghosn can expect to obtain from retaining decision-making authority at the CEO level? What are some potential pitfalls that he must be aware of? Answer : Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan joined in 1999. Nissan, Japanese automakers vehicle that is 44% own of second largest car company in Japan namely Renault. Before joining Carlos, Niss an was near bankruptcy. They had unappealing models, low market share and declining profitability. At this crucial moment, Carlos took responsibility in Nissan to safe its sink.Skilled Carlos think â€Å"what people think about him and which approach should apply? †. He did not apply traditional approach even he did not convince the people. Ghosn laid off employees who acted as advisors but had no operational authority. He consulted his subordinates, then made decision own. He hired hot designer from rival firms and gave them authority over new product development resulting slew of innovative, award winning designs such as the Xterra and the updated stylish new altima.As a CEO, Carlos can expect to obtain from his subordinates- To get more work following a team based work – To help him burden by doing major portion of the organizations work. – Designer will do provide high range car design. – To solve any existing problem and innovate of new idea.  œ Subordinates will operate and monitor all about operational activities. As Carlos, got all type of supported from his subordinates, He did able to revive new model. Although he had aware of some pit falls. – Actually, he did follow boldness and risky approach where as all other Nissan Manager followed Caution and slowness.As cost cutting approach had lead to success all other divisions of Renault, Carlos did reduces expenses. – And most important his hidden inspiration. He inspired the designer hired from china for their special design. Upon his successful guide and delegation, Nissan profits and sales are up substantially. With eight new models in 2003 and four more in 2004. Nissan has the potential to surpass Toyota currently number one automaker in Japan and the innovation is continue. Question 2: Give at least three example of decisions that can be most effectively made with a decentralized process.Give at least three examples of decisions that can be most effect ively made with a decentralized process. Do not use example from the case above. Explain your choices. Answer : Decentralization and its example: Decentralization refers that, decision making is not only restricted to top management. Decision are also made by lower level employees because they are more towards the action of performance. They can quickly solve the problem and more people are involved in giving decision. Decentralization make employees feel that organization is trusting on them and giving right to make decision.Example 1: As the company X is suffering from loss for two years, the employee concluded that as the company is closed for 5 to 6 days per month in a year due to strikes in country, productivity is low. So to achieve the productivity, employee will do over time. Example 2: Franchise company like KFC, control most product development and marketing strategy at the top, but they give franchise owners a great deal of independence in running their individual stores. Franchise owners make staffing decisions, decisions on hours of operation and compensation decisions completely on their own.Example 3: Sainsbury`s, the second largest retail shop in across the UK, the CEO Justin King have given their store manager considerably more discretion on what merchandise to stock in their store. Today in modern world, most organization is following decentralization. It makes organization more flexible and responsive. Centralization and its example: Centralization refers that decision making in the organization can be done by only top management. It is the formal authority that top management will give decisions which will be followed by everyone without any changes.When only top managers take decision without any option of lower level employees, the organization is centralized. In simple word, top manager has right to take decision without any view of lower level of manager is called centralization. Example 1: Top management of Company X decided that the m edical facility of the employees will not be provided for six month because the company is suffering from loss for two years. Example 2: A manager of a trucking company makes all operational decisions, sending information to the individual drivers through dispatches.Example 3: The central bank of Bangladesh monitoring and evaluating all other govt. owned bank and private bank in Bangladesh. They published rules and regulation for other bank and every bank followed this rules. Those decision are taken by only top management without any recommendation of lower level employee. Question 3: Japanese management system depends on high specialization. Dose a high level of specialization typically lead to decentralization? Why or Why not?Answer: The Japanese management system depends on high specialization and this lead  to decentralization. We know that, specialization typically related with decentralization. Specialization is the degree to which the overall task of the organization is br oken down and divided into smaller component part where as the decentralization is the process of systematically delegating power and authority through the organization to middle and lower level organization.That means, when specialization follow its every steps like rotation, enrichment, enlargement etc. every employees got some power to achieve the selected target i.e. some systematic delegation has been practiced . An example like Pin factory, improved its productivity using specialization. One man drew the wire, another straight tended, a third cut it and a fourth ground the point and so on and thus on ten man produces 48,000 pin in a day, where as a man alone could produce 20 pin per days. Here, we see that the systematic delegation has been followed in every lower level employee to do work independently as well as the employee did team work that completely reflected decentralization process.From the case study we have known that, all most all business firms in Japan, are tradi tionally team based structure and a consensus approach to decision making which clearly reflected decentralization. The management system in Japan allows a lot of participation from employees at all levels. The management expertise understand the consumer, understand the people they are dealing with and they understand the government and they need in the market place. Based on need they hire high ranking manager who guide the employee as well as give them power to achieve target and they are getting success.The above description of specialization and decentralization, it is clear that both are the same pattern and interrelated. For success in any business not only in Japan but in all across in the world it is essential to follow decentralization a well as specialization. I am strongly agree that high level of specialization lead to dencetralization. —- Question 1: What are some advantages that Carlos Ghosn can expect to obtain from retaining decision-making authority at the C EO level? What are some potential pitfalls that he must be aware of? Answer :Nissan, Japanese automakers vehicle that is 44% own of second largest car company in Japan namely Renault. Before joining Carlos, Nissan was near bankruptcy. They had unappealing models, low market share and declining profitability. At this crucial moment, Carlos took responsibility in Nissan to safe its sink. Ghosn laid off employees who acted as advisors but had no operational authority. He consulted his subordinates, then made decision own. He hired hot designer from rival firms and gave them authority over new product development resulting slew of innovative, award winning designs such as the Xterra and the updated stylish new altima.As a CEO, Carlos can expect to obtain from his subordinates- To solve any existing problem and innovate of new idea. – Subordinates will operate and monitor all about operational activities. – To get more work following a team based work – To help him b urden by doing major portion of the organizations work. – Designer will do provide high range car design. As Carlos, got all type of supported from his subordinates, He did able to revive new model. Although he had aware of some pit falls. – Actually, he did follow boldness and risky approach where as all other Nissan Manager followed Caution and slowness.As cost cutting approach had lead to success all other divisions of Renault, Carlos did reduces expenses. And most important his hidden inspiration. He inspired the designer hired from china for their special design. Question 2: Give at least three example of decisions that can be most effectively made with a decentralized process. Give at least three examples of decisions that can be most effectively made with a decentralized process. Do not use example from the case above. Explain your choices. Answer :Decentralization: Decentralization is the process of systematically retaining power and authority throughout the or ganization to middle and lower level manager. They can quickly solve the problem and more people are involved in giving decision. Decentralization make employees feel that organization is trusting on them and giving right to make decision. Example 1. As the company X is suffering from loss for two years, the employee concluded that as the company is closed for 5 to 6 days per month in a year due to strikes in country, productivity is low.So to achieve the productivity, employee will do over time. 2. Franchise company like Pizza Hurt, control most product development and marketing strategy at the top, but they give franchise owners a great deal of independence in running their individual stores. Franchise owners make staffing decisions, decisions on hours of operation and compensation decisions completely on their own. 3. Wal-Mart the largest retail shop in across the USA, The higher authority have given their store manager considerably more discretion on what merchandise to stock in their store.Centralization: Centralization is the process of systematically retaining power and authority in the hand of higher level manager. When only top managers take decision without any option of lower level employees, the organization is centralized. In simple word, top manager has right to take decision without any view of lower level of manager is called centralization. Example 1. Top management of Company X decided that the medical facility of the employees will not be provided for six month because the company is suffering from loss for two years. 2.A manager of a trucking company makes all operational decisions, sending information to the individual drivers through dispatches. 3. The central bank of Bangladesh monitoring and evaluating all other govt. owned bank and private bank in Bangladesh. They published rules and regulation for other bank and every bank followed this rules. Question 3: Japanese management system depends on high specialization. Dose a high level of specialization typically lead to decentralization? Why or Why not? Answer : The Japanese management system depends on high specialization and this lead to decentralization.We know that, specialization typically related with decentralization. Specialization is the degree to which the overall task of the organization is broken down and divided into smaller component part where as the decentralization is the process of systematically delegating power and authority through the organization to middle and lower level organization. That means, when specialization follow its every steps like rotation, enrichment, enlargement etc. every employees got some power to achieve the selected target. An example like Pin factory, improved its productivity using specialization.One man drew the wire, another straight tended, a third cut it and a fourth ground the point and so on and thus on ten man produces 48,000 pin in a day, where as a man alone could produce 20 pin per days. Here, we see that every lower level employee had some power and authority to do work independently as well as the employee did team work that completely reflected decentralization process. From the case study we have known that, all most all business firms in Japan, are traditionally team based structure and a consensus approach to decision making which clearly reflected decentralization.The management system in Japan allows a lot of participation from employees at all levels. The management expertise understand the consumer, understand the people they are dealing with and they understand the government and they need in the market place. Based on need they hire high ranking manager who guide the employee as well as give them power to achieve target and they are getting success. I am strongly agree that high level of specialization lead to decentralization.

Behavioral Sciences

Economic status such as severe economic stress and unemployment is important to explore when a child protective service (CPS) worker tries to validate an abuse. The complexity of this area and its association with other factors makes it a significant field in the process of verification of the presence of child abuse. The economic constraints or poverty per se is not the direct cause of child abuse but rather the effects of it such as stress, substance abuse, domestic violence and depression(Index).An increase in the number of child abuses due to stress caused by poverty, unemployment, and economic decline is reported(Health24). Poverty and unemployment are considered as important risk dynamics in maltreatment of children(Congress of the United States 1988). Studies concluded that in families with low annual income the occurrence of severe or fatal injuries because of physical abuse and neglect is high(Neil Guterman, 2005). Unemployment can bring stress to the family resulting to chi ld abuse. The root of the stress in unemployment is money problem.When a parent loses a job the family will experience economic constraints and when interlinked with other factors this leads to child abuse. In child maltreatment, unemployment is considered as the most important forecaster of cases. Various studies done on the relation of unemployment and child abuse indicates that the incidence of child abuse increases proportionally with raises of unemployment cases(Congress of the United States 1988). Employed fathers are less likely to commit physical abuse to their children when compared to unemployed ones.Another study also resulted into the conclusion that the number of cases of maltreatment increases with the number of unemployed fathers. Hypothesis of researches indicates that fathers who lost there job tries to reinstate their provider persona through abuse in their children and any family member. Behavioral changes such as irritability, increased temper, and being tense ar e observed in fathers that has financial problems. These uncontrollable economic burdens tend to provoke the breakdown of a parent’s ability to regain control over the situation(Neil Guterman, 2005).It doesn’t mean though that child abuse only happens in poor households or communities. It has no social or economic boundaries but only with higher incidence in economically challenged families. There are also cases of child abuse that involves people with monetary capacity but those cases are in association with other factors like history of abuse, depression, and stress due to other factors. If I am a CPS worker I will explore the area first by getting the necessary historical information. Answers to questions such as who, what, when, where, how and why must be obtained(Justice, 2001 ).Interviews with the victim, the offender, and people in their environment will help in answering the aforementioned question(NY). Research should be done on the financial status of the fam ily including the employment status of the parents, the amount of annual income, the capacity to sustain the family’s needs through the income of parents, any family need that are not sustain due to income constraints, and any debts that will affect the economic standing of the family. After data gathering, the analysis of the obtained information is done. Association between the financial profile and child abuse is analyzed.Evidences of the abuse should be searched in order to be able to substantiate the claim of child abuse. Information can be acquired by interview with the alleged offenders, the child, and individuals that can give information about the case like neighbors, and family friends(NY). Interview with the parent(s) of the alleged victim is conducted. Then interview with the alleged victim is done in a private setting with the permission of the parents of course. A medical examination of the victim is done especially in cases of sever injuries and sexual abuse.Th e supposed place where the incident happened is examined and documented. Then the alleged victim is visited unannounced to identify the condition in the home. Individuals that can contribute substantial information about the case are also interviewed privately(Services, 2006). In investigation of child abuse cases credibility of evidence is defined as the likelihood that the information gathered is accurate. There are two types of evidence used in investigating the finding; and, these are the direct and indirect evidence.Statements of witnesses are classified as direct evidences, while the indirect evidences rely on the presence of existence or nonexistence of circumstantial facts(Network, 2007). The investigator in order to determine if the information that will be used as evidence, he needs to assess the value and relevance of the information. The following are factors that affect the credibility of evidence gathered from all sources: corroborating evidence, source of information, and direct interest. Corroborating evidence are those that enables the pinpointing of facts and evidences that sustain prior statements.Evidences classified as corroborating evidence gain more weight of credibility than those without verification or with sources that are independent. An example of corroborating physical evidence is a loop mark that is can be seen in the back of a child that gave a prior statement that he was hit by an extension cord. A corroborating witness is a person that verifies the prior statement of a certain person -the accused, accuser, or other witness. Source of information is more credible when it is more direct source of information that provides the foundation for a source’s opinion.Example is that when a medical doctor gives his opinion using the medical records, it serves as a more credible source than that of a caseworker’s opinion of the injury. Direct interest offers greater accuracy when the person who stated the information has not hing to lose or to gain in doing so. The worker verifying the information must seek out independent verifications of the information given by suspects(Network, 2007). Professional sources credibility also has some factors that affect it. It does not necessarily apply that because the source of the information is a professional it’s already considered as accurate.Professionals have no equal credibility in giving information thus evaluation of information given needs to be done according to the following factors: training, experience, and specialization. The more training a professional has attended the more his credibility increases when compared to a professional with no training at all. Experience in the field of scope is necessary to increase the weight of credibility of the professional. Thus, a professional with more experience in the field of interest is more credible.Increase in relevance to the subject of interest of a professional specialization also increases the pro fessional’s credibility(Network, 2007). Evidence gathered from non-professional sources needs to be verified and the factors that affect the credibility of these sources are: consistency, and plausibility. Especially if the non-professional source is the person being investigated, appropriate measures of caution should be employed. It necessitates independent verification of the evidence provided by this source or gathering of more sources.Consistent information is more credible and a plausible statement is the statement that seems true when the facts and circumstances are considered(Network, 2007). Credibility children sources are affected by the following factors: age and development of the child, plausibility, and evidence that an account of the facts has been influenced by others. The information given by an older child is greater in credibility than that of a younger child. But a younger child without exposure to sexual acts that is able to describe in detail the events that happen is more credible.In evaluating plausibility of the information from a child source the development of the child’s communication skills and abilities have to be considered. The credibility of a child’s statement is increased if other people are not present during the giving of the statement or no one is pressuring the child(Network, 2007). Credibility of the information depends on the credibility of the sources. Independent verifications of sources should be done to test the accuracy of the information. In doing interviews with a child (18 years old below) either a victim or accused their welfare should be considered first.They should not be subjected to situations that will make them more uncomfortable and will add to the burden of child abuse. 2. I will answer case vignette number 3. The indicator of abuse in case vignette number 3 is of a behavioral type in which the young woman became preoccupied and unable to study. Change in behavior is indicated in th e symptoms of child sexual abuse(MedlinePlus, 2007). The young woman was preoccupied because there was this flashback of the sexual abuse that occurred. Basically the abuse done to the woman can still be classified under the child sexual abuse category because she was abused when she was only 15 years old.The types of abuse involved are: sexual abuse by the father and neglect on the part of the mother because she even accused her daughter of seducing her own father. What will I do with the information? I will search for the name of the woman and address then maybe I could go to her and encourage her to report the abuse that was done to her. If ever that the woman can not afford to report the case to the authorities because she loves her family, I will suggest that the entire family should undergo an emotional and psychiatric treatment. The treatment is especially important to the woman victim for her to be able to move on.Maybe I can also talk to the mother so that someone can advic e her of the pain she is causing her child. Then maybe I might be able to convince her to be by the side of her daughter because in times like this a daughter can be helped much by a loving mother. The given information is not enough for me to report the case to a Child Protective Service so I need to gather more information. Other information needed in reporting cases of child abuse are: name and residence of the child/parents; age, sex, and gender of the child; name of suspect of the child abuse, and composition or profile of the family(Botash, 2007).The course of action that I will take is to report the case to the proper authorities which is the Child Protective Service because the incidence of child abuse continues to increase due to the lack of vigilance in reporting the cases. If each and every citizen will do his/her part in the reporting of these child abuse I think that it might help in decreasing the numbers of the incidence because the abusers will be afraid of the vigil ance of the people and the punishments of their crime.I also think that the case needs to be reported so that the woman can have the proper treatments, psychiatric and emotional related. What would make me decide not to take action is if the woman herself already reported the abuse. I will make my stand in the vigilance of reporting so that the repetition of the abuse by her father can be prevented and the woman will be protected against her parents that abused and neglected her. Thus no matter what happens I will report the case for the safety of the woman, and for her father to be punished if proven guilty.Works Cited Botash, A. â€Å"Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment for Medical Providers†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. childabusemd. com/reporting/how-report. shtml. 2007. Congress of the United States, O. o. T. A. â€Å"Healthy children: investing in the future†. DIANE Publishing. 1988. Health24. â€Å"What causes child abuse? † Retrieved Oc tober 28, 2007, from http://www. health24. com/child/Abuse/833-859,12694. asp Index, L. † Causes and Effects of Child Abuse – Some Contributing Factors to Child Abuse†. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from http://www.libraryindex. com/pages/1388/Causes-Effects-Child-Abuse-SOME-CONTRIBUTING-FACTORS-CHILD-ABUSE. html Justice, U. S. D. o. â€Å"Law Enforcement Response to Child Abuse: Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse†. NCJ. 2001. MedlinePlus. â€Å"Child Abuse†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/childabuse. html#cat5. 2007. Neil Guterman, Y. L. † The Role of Fathers in Risk for Physical Child Abuse and Neglect: Possible Pathways and Unanswered Questions†. Child Maltreat, 10, 136. 2005. Network, P. C.â€Å"Intake / Investigation†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. prairienet. org/dcfs-project/investigation/investigation-07. html. 2007. NY, P. C. A. â€Å"A Parents' Guide to the N ew York State Child Protective System†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. preventchildabuseny. org/cpsandcourts. shtml#cps Services, O. D. o. H. â€Å"340:75-3-8. 2. Protocol for investigating reports of abuse in child care centers or homes†. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from http://www. okdhs. org/library/policy/oac340/075/03/0008002. htm. 2006.

Art and Culture Essay

Art and culture are two terms which can never be separated and are deeply interlinked. Art refers to the quality, creation, appearance, or realm, based on aesthetics of what is beautiful, appealing, or is completely out of the ordinary. Art has many facets like theatre, paintings, music and other kinds of visual and abstract art. It has been seen that different cultures have different kinds of art because art of a country always reflects its culture, traditions and norms. The thoughts, ideas, rules & routines and famous signs and symbols common among the people of an area are displayed through art. A particular culture develops gradually and if its components are embedded in a family, generation or several generation this culture becomes permanent and its language and traditions become an imperative part of the society. By language, one does not only mean verbal enunciation of people to communicate but it also means communication through music, poetry, architecture etc. These cultural representatives show both meaning and value of art creation and more deeply the reason and value for the civilization taking place at that time. Each kind of art is an expression; it is the expression of human beings who exist as a part of culture. Therefore, culture and art go side by side and cannot be deemed as completely different phenomena. American culture and art have an old bondage. Pop Art became popular extending from America to all over the world in 1950’s and 60’and instantly became a very popular and widely accepted image of a modern America. Pop Art incorporates hard edges and displays the real life style. Warhol who is considered to be the father of Pop Art created and popularized its concept; pop art is a representative of the cultural aspects of society and is also deemed as abstract expressionism (Mamiya, 1992). The signs, symbols and artifacts represented by Pop Art are based on true American culture rooting from history. Another example is the local cultural activities that take place in the form of theatre, musical shows and dance. The visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the cultural activities at different venues in New York and Chicago such as Dallas Museum of Art, M Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center (Sherman, 2009). These activities are a true depiction of the American society and portray its traditions, values, norms and preferences in the form of art. References Mamiya, C. J. (1992). Pop art and consumer culture: American super market. CA: University of Texas Press Sherman, L. (2009). America’s Cultural Tourism Capitals. Retrived 21st March 2013 from: http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/20/america-culture-capitals-lifestyle-travel-arts.html

The Natural Rate of Unemployment Research Proposal

The Natural Rate of Unemployment - Research Proposal Example According to the model, the workers and the firms undertake negotiation in order to decide on the nominal this. This negotiation is done irrespective of the expected price level of the economy. The nominal wage is determined as the product of the target real wage rate and the expected level of price in the economy. Most of the economists are of the opinion that the nominal wage in the economy is sticky in the short run. With a sticky nominal wage in the economy, the prices would increase from P to P0. This would reduce the real wage rate in the economy. Since the wages are the prices for labor the demand curve for labor would be a downward sloping curve and the supply curve would be an upward rising one. The now the labor market would comprise of the employed and the unemployed labor force. Thus the total labor in the economy would be Therefore the level of unemployed in the economy would be LN, where L is the total labor force, N is the employed and U is unemployed. Therefore the natural rate of unemployment in the economy would be U* / L. Now the wage setting relation establishes a negative relationship between the real wage that exists in the economy and the rate of unemployment existing in the economy. This relation can be represented by the downward sloping curve that is shown in the diagram below. As the rate of unemployment in the economy would increase the wages that the laborers would demand would be less (Broughton, 2009. pp. 3-5).

Diet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Diet - Essay Example They rapidly and furiously increase insulin and blood sugar which could spike hunger in the short term leading to overeating. In the long term, this could lead to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and weight gain. For example, increased consumption of French fries, potato chips and potatoes, refined grains and sugary drinks causes weight gain of about 3.4, 1.3, 0.6 and 1.0 pounds over a span of four years respectively (Roth, 2011). Minimal intake of such foods reduces weight gain. Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and wheat among others get digested slowly compared to refined grains. As such, they have a gentle effect on insulin and blood sugar, helping to keep hunger at bay. This holds for a majority of fruits and vegetables. Studies by the HSPH shows that over 20 years, the studied samples subjected to this kind of diet recorded minimal weight increments of â€Å"-0.4, 0.5, and 0.2 pounds less every four years, respectively† (2013). According to Roth (2011), in creasing the intake of these foods leads to reduced intake of the other foods, thus cutting on calories. The fiber in these foods has weight control benefits because of the effect of fiber in slowing down digestion, hence curbing hunger. Additionally, fruits and vegetables have high water content helping people fill up on few calories. As such, I have been a supporter of maximal consumption of vegetables and fruits to maintain proper body weight and form. Not only has the water that fills one fast and nourishes the skin been my argument for this but also because of the belief in the many forms of vitamins in these food sources that help keep diseases away. However, Robinson (2013) calls for revision of such myths. According to this scholar, the right varieties of... This paper approves that poor diets, especially those made up of sugary drinks and refined grains, largely contribute to weight gain and promote chronic diseases. One of the major effects of poor dietary considerations is obesity. Those children in poor countries suffer from obesity due to â€Å"exposure to Westernized diets coinciding with a history of undernutritions†. The world food economy has largely contributed to a shift in dietary patterns, for instance, promoting consumption of diets rich in energy and fat, specifically the saturated fat and diets low in unrefined carbohydrates. Combining such diets with declined energy expenditure due to sedentary lifestyle – domestic labor-saving devices, motorized transport and physically undemanding leisure among others – increases the chances of one being obese. From this essay, it is clear that healthy diets play an important role in preventing chronic diseases and weight gain. It has equipped me with additional information on the importance of having a proper diet for a healthy life. The general recommended dietary requirement calls for higher proteins but lower carbohydrates intake. Contrary to my previous belief that processed foods contain lower carbohydrates, this research has made me appreciate that whole foods or minimally processed foods such as whole grains, plant oils, fruits, nuts and vegetables provide a healthier source of nutrients. They are digested slowly and thus reduce food intake. Sugared beverages, red and processed meats, potatoes and highly processed foods like fast foods should be minimized as they have a similar effect as processed grains.

Social theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social theory - Essay Example Another example would be the Mercedes-Benz worker who does not make enough to afford the very product his livelihood depends upon. The alienated producer must therefore become a consumer to share even tangentially in the process of capitalist economics. 2. The Industrial Revolution divided society into two classes: owners of the means of production and workers. The myth of the middle class is based upon the concept that as consumers they can own more than the lower classes, but in essence Marxian economics dictates a plutocratic system in which those who control the production write the rules that the workers must follow. The characteristic of this relationship is more in accordance with master and slave as a result of the unequal distribution of power. With the factory and retail establishments replacing the independent proprietor as the primary means of employment, the emergency that exists is one of increasing tension between the owner and the worker. This tension has been tempered by the rise of the consumer class that allows the worker class to establish the false divisions among itself. 3.

Management in the Apple Company Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Management in the Apple Company - Research Paper Example The fanatical loyalty of the Apple brand becomes obvious to an outsider when he/she sees the shoppers sleeping just next to the shop-door in an attempt to be the first one to buy the new Apple item. Apple’s success as a company and the development of liking among the people for the Apple products as well as the whole Apple culture is an outcome of prudent and timely planning. This paper looks into the way management of the Apple Company has dealt with the four management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Management Functions 1. Planning Apple’s successful strategic planning is the most fundamental reason of its success. Apple’s foresightedness is a virtue that helps the Company display excellent and realistic planning. Apple regularly assesses the risks in the planning phase, thinks of a number of ways in which the risk can be mitigated and finally, takes the action that incurs Apple the minimal cost and the offers maximal advantage to t he Company. Challenges that the Apple Company has conventionally planned for include but are not limited to the altering buying attitude of the target customers under effect of the global economy and/or their local economies, and growth in the number of fake and pirated items. Apple has frequently employed branding as a strategy to succeed in the ever-increasing competition. Branding can be defined as a process through which a brand develops association of the consumers with itself so that they would approach the very brand when they need to purchase something. There are few people who decide to purchase an Apple computer, though they surely want to try the less expensive gadgets like iPhone and iPod. Apple provides new users with an opportunity to learn about Apple by selling such gadgets at a significantly lower cost. Hence, Apple plans to use the small gadgets as advertisers to convince the users to buy larger and more expensive Apple products like Apple computers. 2. Organizing In the start, Apple was facing the problem of recognition. The sales staffers have for long been insufficiently informed of the Apple products. In order to tackle this problem, Apple resolved to establish its own stores that would have nothing but all Apple products in them. This enabled Apple not only to give a unique identity to its products amongst the similar computing devices already available in the market, but also make a customer-loyalty move. Consumers are facilitated with the establishment of Apple stores since both the PC and the Mac users can shop together. â€Å"This is a space where Macheads can not only get service but also hang out with others who enjoy Apple products just as much as they do. By creating this space, Apple encourages current and new customers to get excited about what it has to offer† (Inside CRM, 2011). 3. Leading Steve P. Jobs is Apple’s cofounder and the chief executive of the Company. Apple’s success can also be attributed to a significant extent to the exceptional leadership skills of Jobs. Jobs has invested so much energy in taking Apple from the nascent state to the level where it is today that he has taken little care of his own health. Owing to his deteriorating health, Jobs has taken medical leave for the company thrice within a period of ten years. In his absence, Timothy D. Cook used to look after the everyday works in the Apple Company. Most experts are of the view that although Jobs has

The Problem of Studying Abroad Research Proposal

The Problem of Studying Abroad - Research Proposal Example The everyday living charges and some other education later funds may become known to the student only after he has experienced practical settlement into the foreign country. These hidden costs might inflate with the passage and it may not even be certain as to what their rate of inflation would be. The global uncertainty of economic conditions may be regarded as one of the pushing factors that result in this uncertainty of the situation. Incorporation The learning methods of the foreign country may be entirely different from those that have been followed by you in your educational system all your life. This might make incorporation into the foreign country’s learning setup difficult for the foreign students unless they are absolute geniuses. Diversity and Ethnicity Racial and ethnic discrimination may become a very grave issue for foreign students. If the ethnic background of the foreign student is targeted and is being mocked at by other students native to the foreign educational institution the learning environment becomes unbearable. Despite the understanding and open-mindedness of the twentieth century there have often been reported cases of ethnic discrimination against foreign students especially in areas like central London and Australia. Loneliness Staying away from home and family for months and often years is a very hard nut to crack. Students may be motivated enough to leave home for further studies but the hardships and settling compromises that they need to make in order to get adjusted into the new environment make them feel the worth of their native land and home. It is then that the foreign students feel really lonely and long for the helping hands that used to be always available for them back at their native homeland.

International Legal and Ethical Issues in Business DB Week 2 Essay

International Legal and Ethical Issues in Business DB Week 2 - Essay Example ome citizens to make purchases they are not capable to repay; poor understanding of financial accountability or shopping obligation is frequently the core of reckless spending. Eventually, these operating expenses can shoot up to the position where the arrears are too much for an individual to pay back (Elias, Renauer, & Leonard, 2011). Losing jobs, a mandatory decline in working hours or lesser venture incomes can cause major financial strain on a person. After their investments are exhausted, individuals may find they require filing bankruptcy when they are not capable to counterbalance their decline in earnings with new jobs or substitute earnings opportunities. Foreclosures of mortgage crop up when a person neglects his or her disbursement plan and financial establishment which embraces the mortgage come to a decision to take back the home. For the duration of this type of bankruptcy process, the sum of money in debts may be bulged into a new reimbursement plan that allows a person to stay in his home (Elias, Renauer, & Leonard, 2011). When individuals proclaim bankruptcy, they can be vindicated from most types of debts at the cost of harshly destructing their credit score. Given that a credit score is a figure that is inevitable to replicate the risk a particular person who borrows presents according to his tendency to defaulting, bankruptcy is one of the most horrible possible dealings to have on a person’s credit

Project #4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project #4 - Essay Example It commands the movement of the cursor on the cursor on the screen and also issues commands to the computer. The mouse can either be attached to the computer using a cable or can be connected through a wireless connection technology (Tyler, 2008). It is not hard to use since it contains only two buttons and a scrolling wheel. It is very accurate since the pointer is moved to the exact point to be selected. The movement of the mouse is minimal as compared to the movement that the cursor makes on the screen. It is, therefore, effective and increases the speed of work. It is economical on space since it requires a slight space to control the cursor on the screen. It is an input device that is similar to a mouse and is used to move the cursor on the screen. Its visual aspect is similar to that of a mouse, but it operates in a stagnant position. The cursor is moved by rotating ball using two fingers or the palm (Tyler, 2008). It also has buttons that send instructions to the computer. The trackball is easy to use since moving the cursor is done by simply rotating the ball. However, the balls rotation makes it hard to select fine details, and it may waste a lot of time in such a situation. Its accuracy is as good as that of a mouse. The space required for its operation is equal to the space it occupies even when not in use. The trackball does not require any movement in order to move the cursor and is hence economical in space. The touch pad is a pressure sensitive pointing device that is mainly found in laptops and modern external keyboards. It is a stationary pointing device just like the trackball. In real senses, it does not occupy any space since it is mounted on either a laptop or a keyboard. It is very fast in selecting items on the screen and can be efficiently used even when dealing with fine details. Its ease of use depends on the sensitivity of the touch pad. It is an input device with the shape of a pen

European Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

European Business - Research Paper Example As a result, various important countries were trapped in a deflationary ensnare. The impact was visible almost in every sector of the global economy. One of the major causes revealed by the evidences is the inefficiency of the financial markets in controlling the liquidity ratio with over liberalised monetary policies in most of the developed countries. Notably, the impact was strongest in terms of international trade and investment (UNCTAD, 2009). Considering the fact, this report will emphasise on the current global economic situation. The impact of the current trends will be further analysed with the example of a multinational company, Nissan in terms of international trade and investment. ... The financial measures undertaken by the governments of developed countries have significantly contributed to the financial stability of the world economy. However, the structural limitations faced by these economies are likely to cause risks in relation to the debt, real estate and credit markets along with other factors which in turn can affect the overall economic stability. Lower GDP growth rate, widening fiscal deficit, political conflict, and other similar issues can be observed as the most effective trends in the current economic situation concerning the developed countries (UNCTAD, 2010). Surprisingly, the developing countries were recorded to be least effected by the recent economic downturn, gaining an extra advantage of sovereignty in the world economy. Comparatively well-structured fiscal policies and a strong growth of GDP have evidently signified the developing countries as the major drivers of economic upturn in the current scenario. Contradicting to the developed econ omies, the growth trends of the developing nations signify ample opportunities for international trade and investment. However, the economies can be witnessed to possess few limitations in terms of their dependency on the developed countries. Moreover, the developing economies are also recorded to face the challenges in terms of structural issues which depict a moderate growth prospect on the future context (Department for Business Innovation & Skills, 2011). These trends can also be witnessed in the context of EU economies. Notably, the member states of EU comprises of both developed as well as developing economies. This depicts that the European market is likely to face the risks of weak and moderate growth along with various challenges in terms of fiscal

The United States political system compared to The United Kingdom Essay Example for Free

The United States political system compared to The United Kingdom Essay The US and the United Kingdom are alike, although not as evidently, in many ways, and this likeness has contributed to their present relationship. History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The History of the United Kingdom is characterized by significant changes with each ruling Monarchy. In 1066, William, the Duke of Normandy was able to displace Harold II, the Saxon King (Emsworth 1-59). From then on, English History became filled with intrigues, and power struggles between members of the Monarchy. There was a time when no one was considered more powerful than the members of the Royal Line. It was during the reign of Henry III in the 13th century when the concept of the â€Å"Parliament† was created, when Simon de Montfort challenged the monarch (Emsworth 7). From then on, the branch evolved in power from what used very limited to the legislative and political whims of the monarchy at first, to its intermittent dissolutions and recalls during the reign of Charles I and Charles II, its survival of the battle between Catholicism and Protestantism, its increased influence in 1644, to to what it is today, a representative of the Sovereign (Emsworth 1-59). It was under the reign of George I when first â€Å"Prime Minister† was appointed (Emsworth 20). Although there were attempts to minimize the influence of this figure, it has continued to grow in power, together with the parliament. William IV was the last monarch who appointed a Prime Minister without the confidence of the Parliament and since then, the parliament had survived many changes in system and its influence in the government (Emsworth 1-59). The constitution of the United Kingdom, up to this day however, remains â€Å"unwritten†. Demographics   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There were approximately 60.2 million people in the United Kingdom in mid-2005. The majority of the population, about 84% lived in England. There was an increase in the average age of the people from 34.1 years to 38.8 years. 1/5 of the nation’s population are below 16 and 1/6 are above 65. The ratio of males against females is almost equal. By mid-2005, the growth rate had increased from 0.3% to 0.6%. It is said that the population growth of the United Kingdom had been a result of natural change because there had been more births than death every year since 1901. However, this had changed because during the late 1990s, there had been an evident increase in the international migration which is a very significant factor that contributes to the increase in population (â€Å"Population Estimates: UK Population Grows to More than 60m.†). Executive   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Article II of the US Constitution states that the Executive power is held by the President of the United States who holds Office at a four-year term, together with the Vice President who is likewise elected at the same term. Whereas the US is Presidential in its system of government, the powers in the United Kingdom is dictated by the provisions of the Westminster System. As with any other country under the system, the executive power of the United Kingdom is theoretically held by the ceremonial figurehead or the monarch. At this time, the monarch in the United Kingdom is Queen Elizabeth II (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). But essentially, executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister as the head of the Government, the Cabinet and the Junior Ministers. Although theoretically, the powers of the executive are with Queen Elizabeth II, it is actually the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Junior Ministers who exercise this power, but under the ceremonial authority of the Monarch (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). The term of the Prime Minister is limited to a maximum of five years, but such length could still be shortened or â€Å"dissolved† by the Sovereign or the monarch. This could be done only upon the Prime Minister’s request. Some cases such as the passage of Motion of No Confidence by the House of Commons or its rejection of a significant Government Agenda could also compel the resignation of the Prime Minister or the Dissolution of the Parliament (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). The term of the US Executive can also be shortened, that is, in cases when a President becomes disabled, dead or resigned (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†). The term can also be shortened by impeachment. The twenty-fifth Amendment of the US Constitution says that he/she should be succeeded in Office by the Vice President if such cases would happen. After the Vice President, the line of succession includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, President pro tempore and the Cabinet members. A Vice President can be replaced in case of disability, death or resignation by the appointment of the President of the United States. In case the Office of the Prime Minister becomes vacant, it is the Monarch who is responsible for the appointment, based on the Constitutional conventions. In such a case, the Monarch is expected to appoint an individual who is supported by the House of Commons (Emsworth 27). It is expected that the Prime Minister as head of the government could control the majority of members of House of Commons. This must be so as to ensure that there is no significant opposition against them because support must be made by the Cabinet regarding policies (Emsworth 27). As it is in any country under the Parliamentary form of government, there is an overlap between branches of the government, in this case, the executive and the legislative. Section 2 of Article 2 of the US Constitution explains the powers vested on the President of the United States. Based on this, the President has the power to command the Military of the whole of United States for the service of the country. In the United Kingdom, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is the Monarch. As it is, the British Armed Forces swear allegiance to the Sovereign Monarch only. But, it is the Prime Minister who holds the decision over the deployment of the British forces. In addition, the Prime Minister has the power to authorize Britain’s use of nuclear weapons. However, because in the UK political system, the power of the executive is dependent on the Parliament, even with such powers, the Prime Minister’s status is dependent on the general confidence of the Houses. As said earlier, it is expected that the Prime Minister could control majority of the House members (â€Å"Politics in the United Kingdom†). The President of the United States also has the power to create treaties, appoint ambassadors, ministers, consuls, judges and officers but only with the consent of the two-thirds of the senate. Still, the Congress may allow the President, the Courts of Law and the Head of the Departments to appoint inferior Officers (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States, Article II). In the United Kingdom, the members of the cabinet, as part of the executive, are considered responsible in the positive and negative implications of the government policies. As with the convention, all decisions of the cabinet must be a consensus and in cases of supposed inadequacy, the Prime Minister has the power to control the government by appointing and dismissing ministers on such grounds (Emsworth 40-41). The Ministers act as leaders of the different Government Departments which are usually composed of the Members of the Parliament or â€Å"peers† in the House of Lords (Emsworth 40). The US President would be responsible for providing the Congress information about the State of the Union, receiving of Ambassadors and Ministers, the execution of law and the commission of officers. This is based on Article II of the US Constitution. The counterpart of the State of the Union in the United Kingdom is the Westminister System’s annual Speech From the Throne. Here, the Head of the State, the Monarch addresses the parliament about the possible policies that are to be expected in the next year (â€Å"Politics in the United Kingdom†). Other than these, there is no written constitution to limit to the power of the executive or the Prime Minister as long as he/she holds the confidence of the legislature. Legislative Since the United Kingdom also has a parliamentary system of government, its executive is also founded on its legislature. In other words, the executive is fused with the legislature. There is no limitation in the government powers because there is no written constitution in the United Kingdom. In addition, there is no written document that formally separates the powers of the executive and legislative branches. The government of the United Kingdom has no limitation on its power in the legislature as long as it holds confidence. It is Parliament vote that is necessary to break the government power over the legislature. Just recently, Tony Blair, the current Prime Minister was defeated on a proposal involving the extension of the detainment of some terrorist suspects (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). On the other hand, the United States has a Constitution that clearly defines the separation of each government branch, that is, the Executive and the Legislative branches hold separate, equal powers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Article I of the US Constitution states the powers and responsibilities of the Legislature. The US Legislative Powers is held by the Congress which consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives, with the former having the power to approve treaties and nominations by the President, and the latter having the power to originate revenue bills.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Similarly, the British Parliament is bicameral, composed of two Houses: The House of Commons and the House of Lords (Zulueta 209). While the United States has both its legislative houses democratically elected, in the United Kingdom, it is only the members of the House of Commons who are democratically elected (Zulueta 209). The members of the House of Lords are usually members of the aristocracy and attain hereditary power (Emsworth 34). In addition, members of the US legislature are representatives of each of the 50 states in the United States. In the same way, members of the UK legislature are representatives of constituencies, with boundaries determined by the Boundary Commissions (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As with the case in the US, bills and financial concerns, based on convention, originate in the House of Commons and not in the House of Lords (Emsworth 32). But, unlike that in the US, which constitution allows for equal powers between its two Houses, the House of Commons is considered as more powerful compared to the House of Lords (Zulueta 209). Although, historically, this may not be the case, the House of Commons is always superior to the House of Lords because this chamber is democratically elected and can be considered as a repository of the people’s rights (Zulueta 209). In terms of financial matters, taxation, supply bills, the House of Lords are barred from proposing amendments (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). It can be said too, that the legislature, particularly, the House of Commons holds power over the Prime Minister who is considered as the wielder of Executive power because of the dependence of the executive power on the support of the legislature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Section 8 of the US Constitution enumerates the powers of the Congress. Generally, it states that the Congress has power to impose and collect taxes, borrow and pay debts for the general welfare. It also has the power to regulate trade with other nations and states, establish rules for naturalization and bankruptcies, regulate the value of money and provide punishments for crimes such as counterfeiting. Others include the establishment of post offices, constitution of tribunals and courts that are inferior to the Supreme Court, definition and punishment of laws, declaration of war, maintenance and provisions for the Armed Forces, and to create laws which are necessary for the carrying out of the provisions of the Constitution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At this point in time, the most notable among the powers of the US legislature is its power to declare war. It is clear then, that the US Executive has the power only to command the Armed Forces but cannot declare war without the consent of the Congress. This is the same with the case of the UK, whose Prime Minister can only declare war upon the approval of the Parliament, with him of course, as its head.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because there is no written constitution that guides the legislature, the UK legislature, can, too, by convention, have unlimited power and proposals can be easily approved as long as it has gained the support of the House of Commons (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†). Judiciary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The US Judiciary is comprised of the Supreme Court and the federal courts established by the legislature. The Judges of the Supreme and the inferior courts are allowed to hold their offices during good behavior unless impeached. The salary of the judges cannot be reduced during office but may be increased (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The power of the US Judiciary extends to all cases arising from the Constitution, Laws and Treatises in the United States involving all US citizens, including ambassadors, ministers, consuls, and also any other issue that involves the State. While there are some cases in which the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction is regulated by the Congress (e.g. appellate jurisdiction), the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction cannot be amended by the Congress (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†). Section two of the US Constitution states that criminal cases require trial by jury, except for impeachment cases. The jurisdiction of Federal courts is limited to the subject matter to which it is involved. In the US, a person who already holds Office in the government cannot hold another position, that is, the head of the Supreme Court cannot be the President. This was not the case in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, the head of the judiciary is the Lord Chief Justice (previously held by the Lord Chancellor). Prior to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the head of the judiciary had power that encompasses the executive, legislature and judiciary branches. But since the passage of the act, such powers have been divided to new posts such as the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and the Lord or Lady Speaker. The counterpart of the US Supreme Court in the UK is the House of Lords (Emsworth 42). Like that in the US, the jurisdiction of the UK Judiciary extends in all civil and criminal cases. But, unlike in the US where the Supreme Court is considered as the last resort, UK has the Privy Council that could also perform similar function but with less jurisdiction, most of which involving only minor matters. Elections It is the appointed Electors of each State that choose both the President and the Vice President of the United States. There is no indicated limit the selection of Electors except that it can only be as many as the number of Senators and Representatives in the Congress and that no Senator, Representative or any person that holds an Office of Trust or Profit could be considered as Elector (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the election, the person with the highest number of votes is immediately chosen as President and the next highest is chosen as the Vice President. In case there is a tie, the Senate decides who holds the Office of the President and the Vice President with a quorum consisting of two-thirds of the States and majority of all the States (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Only a person who is a natural born Citizen of the United States at the time of the Adoption of the Constitution can run for President. In addition, the candidate must be at least 35 years of age and has completed at least 14 years of residence in the United States. A President cannot be elected thrice. The United States is composed of two Political Parties: the Republican and the Democrats (â€Å"The Constitution of the United States†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The electoral system of the United Kingdom is done through the First-past-the-post system or the plurality voting system in which a candidate wins as long as he/she has the most votes regardless of whether he/she has the majority of votes. The UK is composed of three major parties: the Labor Party, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats (â€Å"Politics of the United Kingdom†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The election of the Prime Minister is done by the members of the Parliament from among themselves. These members of the Parliament are elected by the Electors from different parliamentary districts (Emsworth 1-59). US-UK relations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More evident among any other reason for the alliance between the US and the UK is their common position at such times when there is a threat to international security. After all, most will remember how the US and the UK relationship flourished immediately at the end of the Cold War when the two nations, together with others, posed at the same side against Hitler. Just recently, the US and the UK were on the same ground against terrorism and the War in Iraq.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But it is interesting to note that such alliance can be traced back in history even before the US had its written Constitution. More importantly, the US-UK relationship can be said to be rooted to their political histories and ideologies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The American concept of liberty, for example, can be traced to the British resistance to Absolute Monarchy in the 17th century. This concept of liberty highlighted the importance of the parliament particularly in its role in consenting to taxes, being the â€Å"people’s† representative, the concept of trial by jury, and the protection of citizens (Raymond 1-15).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The founding Fathers of the US were greatly influenced by the law-based state which is a British concept. The US documents, the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, for example, are based on the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights, the latter being the basis in writing the Constitution (Raymond 1-15).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It cannot be denied that the two countries’ shared experiences especially in wars and security issues have been a binding element in their relationship. But, more than anything, it is these similarities in concepts and ideologies, the US and the UK’s shared ideas about freedom, law, justice and experience that bind the nations together. Works Cited Emsworth. â€Å"UK Constitution and Government.† Boston, MA: Free Software Foundation, Inc. 2002. Politics of the United Kingdom. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Mar 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 1 Apr 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Politics_of_the_United_Kingdomoldid=119272844. â€Å"Population Estimates: UK Population Grows to More than 60m.† National Statistics. 2006. Directgov. 31 Mar 2007 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=6. Raymond, R. â€Å"The US-UK Special Relationship in Hisotrical Context: Lessons of the Past.† US-UK Relations at the Start of the 21st Century. Ed. McCausland J and Stuart D. Carlisle, PA: Strategic Studies Institute, 2006. 1-15. â€Å"The Constitution of the United States.† National Archives. 29 March 2005 http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution_transcript.html. Zulueta, F. â€Å"Foundations and Dynamics of Political Science.† Manila: Academic Publishing Corporation. 2003.

Health Promotion Intervention Plan: Hepatitis B

Health Promotion Intervention Plan: Hepatitis B Introduction The principal cause of illness and death all over the world are due to the infectious diseases. There is a continuous rise in the challenge of improving the efforts to encounter the health threats caused by the microbes. The challenge to prevent and control the disease is due to the ability of the microbes to evolve and adapt to the changing environment, populations, technologies, and practices. The impact of infectious diseases in developing countries reduced survival rates in children, and diminished economic growth and development. There were concerns in health and economic areas of developed countries due to the infectious diseases. The endemic, resurgent, and new diseases result in enormous suffering and death. They also cause huge financial losses in the country. To protect the country from infectious diseases, it is necessary to develop and implement comprehensive health policies that are evidence-based, and the health of the vulnerable populations should be taken care. The co untry has to develop collaboration with the global partners to control further outbreaks inside the country and spread of the disease across the borders (CDC framework for preventing infectious diseases, 2011). Among the evidence-based resources for the health promotion issue, ‘immunization and infectious diseases, and global health’, an outline of 2011 morbidity and mortality weekly report is discussed here. The report focuses on the risk of Hepatitis B infection in people with diabetes mellitus. The report also talks about mortality rate, control measures of the infection, the efficiency of the vaccine, and the method of administering the vaccine (Evidence-based resource summary, 2011). A chronic or acute infection of the liver by hepatitis B virus (HBV) leads to mortality. Since 1996, 29 outbreaks of HBV infection occurred in more than one long-term medical care facilities of United States. The long-term medical care (LTC) facilities included nursing homes and assisted living areas. The above information was reported to the Center for disease control and prevention (CDC). Among 29, 25 were associated with adults suffering from diabetes (MMWR, 2011). Infection and its Control The group of people with diabetes at higher risk for Hepatitis B infection was reported to consist of 865 cases in the year 2009-2010. This number was estimated from eight infection programs and it occupies 17 percent of the US population. The risk analysis was evaluated for those above 23 years of age. The guidelines for infection control mainly conveyed safe blood glucose monitoring and these were available since 1990. The guidelines for HBV control targeting the LTC atmosphere were published in 2005 (MMWR, 2005). Evaluation of the HBV vaccine intervention Two recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines were generated from a single antigen. They were Recombivax HB and Engerix-B. A combination of hepatitis A and B vaccine called Twinrix was made available in the United States. Vaccine for hepatitis B virus is available in US since 1982. Evaluation is associated with checking the efficiency of the intervention program. Evaluation can be done in formative and summative methods. Formative evaluation is conducted during the development and implementation of the intervention program while summative is done when the program is established and giving its results. The former method helps in improving the intervention and the latter helps in identifying the extent of the outcome achieved by the intervention (CDC’s healthy communities program, nd). Hepatitis B Vaccine Intervention Formative evaluation Intramuscular administration of three doses of this vaccine is done at 0, 1 and 6 months. The adults getting seroprotection from hepatitis B surface antigen, after receiving three doses gradually decrease with age, smoking, immunosuppression, obesity, comorbid conditions like diabetes (MMWR, 2011). The antibody responses for the diabetics were found to be reduced than the non-diabetics. The research studies have revealed that greater than 90 percent of adults ( Summative evaluation – Hepatitis B vaccine (dosage >1) administered to 70 million people in United States between 1982 and 2004 had common side effects of pain at the injection site and mild increase in the body temperature. In some of the placebo-controlled studies, people receiving the vaccine were not frequently getting the side effects than people taking a placebo. This vaccine is contraindicated for people with the history of hypersensitivity to yeast and other vaccine components. It is not contraindicated in those suffering from autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, pregnant or lactating women and other chronic diseases. Additional dosages of the vaccine are not given to those who had serious side effects like anaphylaxis after taking the first series of doses. A rapid protective immunity against significant infection is provided by the booster dose of HepB vaccine which is administered after the primary vaccination series. The number of people with vaccine-induced se roprotection increased when revaccination of greater than one dose of HepB vaccine was administered for the nonresponses (MMWR, 2006). Conclusion Hepatitis B vaccine can be given to any individual of any age. But, recently these vaccines are not considered as efficient and cost effective for older adults. According to the approvals of the committee on immunization practices, HepB vaccine should be administered to unvaccinated adults having diabetes mellitus, aged between 19 and 59 years. However, evidence has shown that increased risk of acute HBV infection in diabetic adults aged more than 60 years was not so strong than in young people with diabetes (Evidence-based resource summary, 2011). References Building our understanding: Key concepts of evaluation, what is it and how do you do it? Creating a culture of healthy living. CDC’s healthy communities program. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dch/programs/healthycommunitiesprogram/tools/pdf/eval_planning.pdf CDC. (2006). A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) part II: immunization of adults. MMWR, 55(No. RR-16). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6210a1.htm CDC. (2005). Transmission of Hepatitis B virus among persons undergoing blood glucose monitoring in long-term facilities – Mississippi, North Carolina, and Los Angeles county, California, 2003-2004. MMWR, 54, 220-3. Leuridan, E., Van Damme, P. (2011). Hepatitis B and the need for a booster dose. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 53, 68–75. Mark H. Sawyer et.al, (December, 2011). Use of Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 60(50), 1709-1711. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6050a4.htm Thomas, R. F., Rima, F. K., deputy director for infectious diseases, Center for disease control and prevention; Kevin M. De Cock, F.R.C.P Director, Center for global health. (October 2011). A CDC Framework for preventing infectious diseases. Sustaining the essentials and Innovating for the future. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/oid/docs/ID-Framework.pdf Use of Hepatitis B Vaccination for adults with diabetes mellitus: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). (2011). Evidence-based resource summary. HealthyPeople.gov. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/tools-resources/evidence-based-resource/use-of-hepatitis-b-vaccination-for-adults-with-diabetes

Compare and contrast the historical methods

Compare and contrast the historical methods Compare and contrast the historical methods, interests, and objectives of Herodotus and Thucydides. He said you might consider the sort of writing(narrative, description, authorial analysis, interest in accuracy, etc.) and the authors objectives in writing the history. Herodotus and Thucydides the original fathers of Greek Historiography are regarded as the first two historians. Writing hundreds of years after Homer, Herodotus compiled his History (1) based on oral accounts and myth. A genial storyteller, Herodotus did not regard his writing as epic poetry. The History, which explores centuries of dramatic interaction between the ancient Greeks and the Persian Empire, culminating with the Persian Wars in the early fifth century BC, is a vast compilation of the history, customs and beliefs of the Greeks and â€Å"barbarians†. Herodotus historical reliability depends on that of his predecessors, as his historical account is a composition that includes their notions of history, geography, natural history and anthropology, in a political and literary context. A generation after Herodotus, Thucydides, who strove for objectivity, wrote about political and military events that occurred during his lifetime, with a close account of the war between Athens and Sparta in late fifth century BC. Thucydides history of The Peloponnesian War (2) is the composition of an astute political and military historian. In a disciplined and methodical style, his work analyzes issues related to the wars, with little digression into other areas. Since fifth century BC, Western tradition of historical writing and inquiry developed beyond conventions established by Herodotus and Thucydides. In the twenty-five centuries that followed, many historians shared Thucydides preference for contemporary history and local politics, others drew upon both original archetypes, and some rejected both methodologies. While in the course of developing modern objectivity historians contributed new theoretical ideas, they also continued â€Å"historical inquiry in the spirit of especially Herodotus, that is, the art of asking perhaps naive (if not objective) questions about human behavior in time. (3) Similarities and differences between Herodotus and Thucydides histories have been the topic of much research and dissertation in classic scholarship analyzing their work on issues of historical truth and interpretation, historys relation to myth, the fascination with origins, the differences between chronicle and narrative history. In order to compare and contrast the historical methods, interests, and objectives of Herodotus and Thucydides we must examine the characteristics of their literary method, including the narrative, description, authorial analysis, interest in accuracy, etc., and their historical inquiry the authors objectives in writing the history. The context in which history is written is very important because the particular circumstances of time and place, which are reflected in the writers message become part of the message, received and interpreted by the reader. Thucydides, for example, was conspicuously and painfully the product of a political crisis and his work cannot be extricated from his own intense and ultimately tragic experiences. (4) Herodotus and Thucydides innovative methods of conveying the experience of historical events and their interpretation have emerged in the context of traditionally vibrant ancient Greek culture. A range of literary allusions to myth and folklore, to earlier epic, to lyric and epigram, the pervasive influence of Homer found in the work of Herodotus, â€Å"the broad lines of The History shaped like those of a Greek tragedy† (5), are explicitly relevant with regard to the historians connection with his cultural and literary milieu â€Å"for this History of mine has from the beginning sought out the supplementary to the main argument†. (6) Scholarly investigation of the Peloponnesian War has revealed plausible â€Å"intertextual† connections between the dense text of Thucydides and the epic of his predecessors. (7) One relevant example of such connection is said to occur in structuring some of Thucydides plot-patterns, like the similarities between Nikias letter and Agamemnons speech, in Homer or that between the Athenians expedition to Sicily and Homers Odysseus return to Ithaca. (8) Another â€Å"intertextual† connection has been noted in the similar choice of words and structuring of the accounts between Herodotus narrative of the Persian invasion of Greece and Thucydides narrative of the Sicilian expedition (9) One particular characteristic of Thucydides writing style is the pervasive interspersing of speeches within the body of his work. A very famous one is Pericles Funeral Oration, which became the model for many later speeches, and was very well known in antiquity. A major distinction between Herodotus and Thucydides writings consists in their different assessment of what history is. Herodotus concept of history, focusing on the diversity of the universal human experience, contains an expansive field of human inquiry that, later, became to be known as Cultural History. Thucydides, who presented history in context, focusing on political and military facts and events of his times, has been credited with writing the original â€Å"scientific† history. Herodotus and Thucydides employ different strategies in recounting the story of history. Herodotus narrates centuries of history within the mystery of cultures while Thucydides employs a reductionist and analytical strategy. Herodotus and Thucydides works, which differ in many ways, also share many characteristics like the magnitude of their prose, the elusiveness with respect to meanings, the contribution to the understanding of ancient societies, their subject matter dealing with causes and course of war, their fascination with â€Å"origins†, or their vision of civilization and barbarians. Although Herodotus eclectic manner of gathering information stands in contrast to Thucydides problem-oriented style, they both regard telling the truth as mandatory to historical method. When comparing Herodotus method with that of Thucydides we notice that Herodotus appears throughout The History as an uncommitted Homeric observer, famously taking the risk of reporting hearsay as evidence, and occasionally crediting the gods with causes and outcomes of historical events. By contrast, Thucydides historical method is based on precise, verifiable evidence and reflects a systematic understanding of the human and military politics. He devoted most of his adult life to the chronicles of the Peloponnesian War and sought all available evidence, in the form of written documents and eyewitness reports, to construct his account. As Herodotus says, in his introduction to The Histories: â€Å"I, Herodotus of Halicarnassus, am here setting forth my history, that time may not draw the color from what man has brought into being, nor those great and wonderful deeds, manifested by both Greeks and barbarians, fail of their report, and, together with all this, the reason why they fought one another.† (10) Thucydides, on the other hand, tells us: â€Å"Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, beginning at the moment that it broke out and believing that it would be a great war, and more worthy of relation than any that had preceded it. This belief was not without its grounds. The preparations of both the combatants were in every department in the last state of perfection; and he could see the rest of the Hellenic race taking sides in the quarrel; those who delayed those who delayed doing so at once having it in contemplation. Indeed this was the greatest movement yet known in history, not only of the Hellenes, but of a large part of the barbarian world I had almost said of mankind. For though the events of remote antiquity, and even those that more immediately precede the war , could not from lapse of time be clearly ascertained, yet the evidences which an inquiry carried as far back as was practicable leads me to trust , all point to the conclusion that there was no thing on a great scale , either in war or in other matters.†(11) The difference between Herodotus introduction and that of Thucydides is as remarkable as the difference in their method of historical inquiry. Herodotus method of inquiry consisted of relying on other peoples testimony, customs and laws to speculate about the sincerity and motives of the sources upon which he compiled the accounts of his History. For example, Herodotus challenges Homers assertion that the breaking of guest-friend taboo and the abduction of Helen were at the root of the Trojan conflict. But Herodotus does not completely reject Homers story.He only calls into question Homers story by invoking different versions of that story. But the speculations about the original story cast sufficient enough doubt to annihilate its merits, similarly to the way in which, throughout the Histories, seemingly small events cause colossal disasters. For example, Book 2: 112 through 2: 121 corroborate how Herodotus gathered evidence to support Homers story of the war at Troy which in text is referred to under the name of lium. Herodotus tells us, â€Å"I asked of the priests, they told me that what had happened to Helen, was this . . .† (12) â€Å"This is how Helen came to Proteus, according to what the priests say.And I think Homer knew the tale; but inasmuch as it was not so suitable for epic poetry as the other, he used the latter and consciously abandoned the one here told.† (13) Then Herodotus proceeds to explain his reasons for allowing the other evidence to prevail over that of Homers account: â€Å"This, is the story the Egyptian priests told. I myself concur in what they have said of gave me of Helen. My reasoning is as follows: if Helen had been in Ilium she would have been given back to the Greeks whether Alexander wanted it or not. For Priam was not so besotted , nor the rest of his kinsfolk, that they would be willing to risk their own bodies, children and city so that Alexander should be with Helen.If, indeed, that had been their sentiment at the first, surely later when many of the rest of the Trojans had perished in their encounters with the Greeks, and when, in Priams own case, two or three of his sons on every occasion of battle if we are to speak on the testimony of the epic poets when all these matters of such consequence happened, I am confident that, if it had been Priam himself who was living with Helen, he would have given her back to the Greeks, if thereby he could have been quit of the troubles that were upon him. It was not even as if the kingship wa s going to devolve upon Alexander, so that, Priam now being old, things were at Alexanders disposal; for it was Hector, older than Alexander and more of a man, who would have taken over the kingdom on Priam s death; and Hector it would certainly not have suited to comply with his erring brother and that, too, one who had caused great disasters to him personally and to all the rest of the Trojans. No, the Trojans did not have Helen to give back, and when they spoke the truth, the Greeks did not believe them; and the reason of this, if I may declare my opinion, was that the Divine was laying his plans that, as the Trojans perished in utter destruction, they might make this thing manifest to all the world: that for great wrongdoings great also are the punishments from the gods. That is what I think, and that is what I am saying here.† (14) Contrary to Herodotus, Thucydides offers rational explanations as evidence for his claims and for the causes of later events that could be reasonably expected on the basis of that evidence. For example, Thucydides attempts to justify the authoritative claim made in the introduction about the Peloponnesian war that had just started being more important than the wars before it a real turning point in history. Thucydides investigates the Trojan War and the Persian wars for evidence that supports his views.His method of inquiry consists in rigorous investigation attempting to provide rational accounts through an innovative use of empirical data, simulating the methods used by Greek sciences of the time in the investigation of natural phenomena. Thucydides rejects Herodotus invocations of supernatural explanation when accounting for historical conflict. Instead, Thucydides uses a scientific, inductive method of inquiry to construct his theory of history. He considers the actual events, examines the constraints and options available to the protagonists, and then searches for possible consequences of the events in order to speculate about the causes of the initial event. His notions are always open to revision, without necessarily rejecting his previous explanations, but rather expanding his explanation in order to include this new information. REFERENCES: Herodotus, The History, translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987 Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War, translated by Richard Crawley, Everymans Library, London Toronto, J.M.Dent Sons, Ltd, New York E.P.Dutton Co, 1926 Donald R. Kelley. Faces of History: Historical Inquiry from Herodotus to Herder. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1998, p. 268 Donald R. Kelley. Faces of History: Historical Inquiry from Herodotus to Herder. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1998, p. 6 Donald R. Kelley. Faces of History: Historical Inquiry from Herodotus to Herder. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1998, p. 12 Herodotus, The History, translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987, 4.30, p.290 S. Hornblower, Narratology and Narrative Techniques in Thucydides, in id. (ed.), Greek Historiography (Oxford, 1994), 131-66 Tim Rood Thucydides: Narrative and Explanation (Oxford, 1998), 194-5 Tim Rood, Thucydides Persian Wars, in C. S. Kraus (ed.), The Limits of Historiography: Genre and Narrative in Ancient Historical Texts (Leiden, 1999), 141-68 Herodotus, The History. translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987 , Book 1: 1, p. 33 Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War, translated by Richard Crawley, Everymans Library, London Toronto, J.M.Dent Sons, Ltd, New York E.P.Dutton Co, 1926, Book 1, pp. 1-2 Herodotus, The History. translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987 , Book 2: 113, p. 117 Herodotus, The History. translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987 , Book 2: 116, p.178 Herodotus, The History. translated by David Green, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago London, 1987, Book 2: 120, pp.180-181

Pearl Harbor And How It Came About :: American America History

Pearl Harbor And How It Came About By the year 1941, WWII was in full effect. Germany seemed to be the victor, gaining control of France and Poland as well as successfully bombing England. Many people believe that Germany would have indeed won the war if not for the intervention of the United States. Because of the horror Americans had witnessed in WWI, the United States did not originally want to get involved in the conflict. In the early morning of December 7th, 1941 all that changed when the Japanese air fleet scattered in the Pacific Ocean bombed Pearl Harbor. In September of 1940 Japan entered in alliance with Germany and Italy. The Japanese were in need of natural resources found in Southeast Asian countries newly conquered by Germany. Around the same time in the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to halt German and Japanese expansion but was urged by other government officials to leave the situation as it was. Japan feared America's reaction to their plans to seize Southeast Asia, yet did not let that fear get in their way. Japan completed their control of Indochina by seizing the southern half. The American government answered back by placing an embargo on oil shipments heading for Japan. The Japanese viewed this as an act of war, for they knew their military and industrial forces would not last long with out oil. The United States tried to resolve their differences with Japan, throughout 1941. Demands on each side were quite simple. The Japanese wanted the embargo lifted and permission to attempt an attack on China. The U.S. exclaimed they would only lift the embargo if Japan ceased its aggression towards China. The two powers refused to compromise and a war seemed inevitable. America realized Japan would not budge and strategically place military forces in the Pacific Ocean in preparation for a pending war. In fact, the most crucial element of American defense was the U.S. Pacific Fleet. With war looming the Pacific Fleet was moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on April 2nd , 1940. Pearl Harbor seemed to be the perfect place to rest the fleet. Situated between the Marshall Islands, where the Japanese fleet gathered and the west coast of America. The fleet wasn't supposed to stay in the harbor very long yet because of events in Europe, President Roosevelt felt if the fleet was left in the harbor it would diminish the possibility of a Japanese attack on the U.

Epiphany :: Literary Analysis, Joyce and Calvino

World War I and World II are basically the same, right? If so, Araby, written around WWI by James Joyce, and The Flash, written around WWII by Italo Calvino, are also the same, no? Indeed, these short stories have many similarities. At the same time, both stories have many differences. Thus, it is difficult to compare both stories when considering all the details. If the subject of comparison is more specific, such as epiphany, then more emphasis and effort can be put into the comparison. In Araby, the protagonist falls in love with a girl, but love deceives him. In his moment of epiphany, â€Å"[g]azing up into the darkness [he] saw [himself] as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and [his] eyes burned with anguish and anger† (Joyce 1). In The Flash, the protagonist suddenly grasps a reality, but only for an instant: â€Å"[He] stopped, blinked: [He] understood nothing. Nothing, nothing about anything. [He] didn’t understand the reasons for things or f or people, it was all senseless, absurd. And [he] started to laugh† (Calvino 1). The comparison between the epiphanies of both short stories reveals the relationship amongst the similarities and differences regarding theme, symbolism and setting. Most importantly, comparing the themes of both epiphanies reveals they can simultaneously be similar and different. An important common theme in both epiphanies is facing reality. In Araby, the protagonist realizes â€Å"[his] stay was useless† (Joyce 6) since the young lady only â€Å"spok[e] to [him] out of a sense of duty† (Joyce 6). Likewise, in The Flash, the protagonist realizes he â€Å"accepted everything: traffic lights, cars, posters, uniforms, monuments, things completely detached from any sense of the world, accepted them as if there some necessity, some chain of cause and effect that bound them together† (Calvino 1). Both characters face the reality and randomness of the world. Even so, each epiphany implies each protagonist faces a different sort of reality. The protagonist of Araby faces the reality of love and â€Å"[sees himself] as a creature driven and derived by vanity† (Joyce 6). On the other hand, the protagonist of The Flash faces the reality of existence and hopes â€Å"[he] shall grasp that other knowledge† (Calvino 2). Therefore, reviewing the theme similar to both epiphanies leads to discovering different themes as well. Conversely, looking at the differences in the symbolism of each epiphany hints at a comparable aspect of symbolism.

Gullivers Travels Part One :: essays research papers

Gulliver’s Travels Part One The first part of this novel, which consists of chapters 1-8,is very interesting and should keep the readers attention. It starts off telling of young Gulliver’s childhood. It mentions three years at college, and his dreams of being a sailor. After his brief time at school he become an apprentice to Mr. James Bates. After explaining the early years of Gulliver’s life the author begins to tell about a few of Gulliver’s voyages at sea. Eventually returning home, Gulliver spent three years at home with his family. While Gulliver was at home he started a business which soon failed. Soon after this he accepts an offer to be the surgeon upon a ship named The Antelope captained by William Prichard. On the 5th of November 1699, during his voyage on The Antelope, his ship hit a rock that was hidden by the dense fogs of the morning. Luckily he and a few of his shipmates managed to lower a lifeboat and clear the wreckage. Eventually the crew became exhausted by the hard work of paddling and the lifeboat was eventually overturned by the bad weather. Gulliver swam for almost three English miles until he reached a point in the water he could walk. Walking for what seemed to be along time he eventually made it to shore on a tropical island and immediately went to sleep. Upon his awakening, Gulliver found himself tied to the ground and surrounded by thousands of soldiers. They were no more than six inch’s tall and armed with bow and arrows, and spears. After weeks of imprisonment he became friends with the Lilliputians. After they gave him his liberty he agreed to capture a fleet of 500 man-of-war battle ships.

Immanuel Kant and American Psychological Association Essay

For this paper, I will explore the ethical issues in Psychology, more specifically the violation of basic human rights in the example of the Stanford Prison Experiment. The following questions will be addressed: Was the Stanford Prison Experiment worth the consequences it had on the participants? Was it morally right to put the participants in these conditions without their full consent? I will first begin by discussing the experiment and then explain how it was conducted. I will also briefly explain the American Psychological Association guidelines relevant to this example using three of their APA codes: beneficence, autonomy and justice. Then, I will discuss two contrasting theories, the first will be the theory of utilitarianism and if the consequences of the experiment justify the means; in this experiment it seems that the findings justify the actions that took place. The second theory will focus on the Kantian ethics, more specifically the Categorical Imperative 2 where the experiment will be categorized as morally justified or morally unjustified; it seems that using the Categorical Imperative 2 makes the experiment morally unjustified. Finally, I will present my point of view on the ethics of this experiment, which is derived from both theories such that I believe that the findings of the experiment can morally justify the actions that Zimbardo permitted the prison experiment. First of all, what are human rights? As stated by Murthy (2010) human rights are: â€Å"another basis for making ethical judgments. The most basic human rights are to have claims or entitlements that enable; a person to survive, to make free choices, to realize one’s potential as a human being (a right means that a person or a group is entitled to do something or entitled to be treated in a certain way). † The Stanford Prison Experiment was a violation of human rights because the prisoners’ rights were revoked. The Stanford Prison experiment took place in 1971 by Professor Philip Zimbardo. This experiment was held at Stanford University. The aim of this study was â€Å"to investigate how readily people would conform to the roles of guard and prisoner in a role-playing exercise that simulated prison life (McLeod, 2008). † The men that were chosen to do this experiment went through a series of tests. Zimbardo chose twenty-four participants that were randomly assigned to the role of guard or prisoner. This experiment would last two weeks and each man would be paid 15$ a day. The guards were the first to have a meeting and were told to keep order in the prison. They were also given uniforms and mirror-reflective sunglasses. The prisoners were, on the other hand, arrested without notice at their home were strip-searched without consent. They were to wear white robes and had a chain to their ankle. Within a very short period of time the participants started to settle into their roles. The guards quickly became more authoritative and also sadistic, they started to harass the prisoners and became very violent. They were enjoying their role of power. The prisoners became more submissive. After thirty-six hours, one prisoner had to leave the institution because he started to â€Å"have uncontrollable bursts of screaming, crying and anger; his thinking became disorganized and he appeared to be entering in the early stages of deep depression (McLeod, 2008). † Following this episode, more and more prisoners started to show signs of depression. The experiment that was supposed to last fourteen days ended after six. The American Psychological Association is the largest organization representing psychology in the United States and Canada (APA, 2013). The mission of these psychologists is to â€Å"advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives (APA, 2013). The APA has a set of five major guidelines in their ethics code, which are: beneficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity, justice and respect for people’s rights and dignity (autonomy). In the case of the Stanford Prison Experiment, some of the principles such as beneficence, justice and autonomy were not put into effect. â€Å"Beneficence means to maximize benefits and minimize harm (Shaugnessy et al. , 2006 quoted by Xavier, 2013). † Zimbardo did not try to minimize harm because although the prisoners were humiliated, in distress and experiencing psychological stress, it took six days for the experiment to shut down. â€Å"Justice means fairness in receiving the benefits of research in addition to accepting the risks (Shaugnessy et al. , 2006 quoted by Xavier, 2013). † Here justice was not respected because the participants did not consent to the full experiment. They weren’t properly informed about what really was going to take place in the prison and therefore did not make a decision on the entirety of the facts. â€Å"Autonomy (or respect for people’s rights and dignity) implying respect for individuals was not present (Shaugnessy et al. , 2006 quoted by Xavier, 2013). People’s rights and dignity were not taken into account. The dehumanizing process began at the beginning of the experiment, when prisoners were instructed to strip naked and accelerated from then on. If this experiment were to be done in today’s society, it would be turned down. â€Å"If modern guidelines were followed, the Stanford Prison Experiment would never have been allowed to take place as it would constitute a serious branch of ethics in accordance to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association, not least because of the fact Zimbardo and his fellow researchers failed to respect the rights of their participants by failing to tell them exactly what they were getting themselves in too (Burgemeester, 2011). † From a Kantian point of view, can we morally justify the actions by Dr. Zimbardo in the Stanford prison experiment? The answer to this question is in Kant’s Categorical Imperative. Kant’s second Categorical Imperative states that â€Å"So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never means† which in basic terms means â€Å"don’t use people†. It is important to remember that Kant believed that human beings have a special dignity because of their rational nature and that therefore humans deserve a special kind of respect (Van Der Wee, 2013). When taking the example of the Stanford prison experiment, many of the participants’ human rights were not respected. First of all, the prisoners were arrested at their homes, without notice. They were brought to a police station where they had their fingerprints and photographs taken. They were then blindfolded and driven to the Stanford prison where they were stripped naked and then put in a cell. This is a perfect representation of how the prisoners’ were striped of their rights. They had not in anyway consented to this: â€Å"Participants were deceived; an example would be that their consent forms were not complete and did not properly address all that would take place (Shaugnessy et al., 2006 quoted by Xavier, 2013). † After a day in the prison, the participants already started to take their roles more seriously. The prisoners were more submissive and the guards were more aggressive: â€Å"It was not long before the situation rapidly worsened as the behavior of the prison guards became increasingly sadistic and more prisoners succumbed to psychological stress (Burgemeester, 2011). † Prisoners wanted to leave the experiment but weren’t allowed to: â€Å"Several of his participants requested withdrawal numerous times, but he discouraged this and almost forced them to carry on (Zuczka, 2012). † Although the experiment was supposed to last fourteen days, it was stopped after six. Many researchers wonder why it was not stopped after the first time a prisoner was beaten. References Alkadry, M. G. , & Witt, M. T. (2009). Abu Ghraib and the Normalization of Torture and Hate. Public Integrity, 11(2), 135-153. American Psychologists Association. (n. d. ). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. American Psychological Association (APA). Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www. apa. org/ethics/code/index. aspx? item=3 Burgemeester, A. (2011, June 21). What are the Zimbardo Prison Experiment Ethical Issues? | What is Psychology?. What is Psychology? |. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from http://whatispsychology. net/what-are-the-zimbardo-prison-experiment-ethical-issues/ Cherry, K. (n. d. ). The Stanford Prison Experiment – Overview of the Stanford Prison Experiment. Psychology – Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from http://psychology. about. com/od/classicpsychologystudies/a/stanford-prison-experiment. htm Dreifus, C. (2007, April 3). Finding Hope in Knowing the Universal Capacity for Evil. The New York Times, p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www. nytimes. com/2007/04/03/science/ McLeod, S. (2008, January 1). Zimbardo – Stanford Prison Experiment. Simply Psychology – Articles for Students. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www. simplypsychology. org/zimbardo. html Murthy, C. S. (2010). Chapter 3: Normative Ethics in Management. Business ethics (Fully rev. ed. , pp. 74-79). Mumbai [India: Himalaya Pub. Book. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://dc153. dawsoncollege. qc. ca:2440/lib/dawsoncoll/docDetail. action? docID=10415475&p00=business+ethics. Van Der Wee (Winter 2013) In Class Notes & PowerPoint Xavier, R. (2008, January 5). The Stanford Prison Experiment: Exploring the Ethical Issues. Yahoo. Retrieved April 25, 2013, from voices. yahoo. com/the-stanford-prison-experiment-exploring-ethical-563843. html? cat=37 Zuczka. (2012, February 5). Zimbardo’s prison experiment: do the ends justify the means of the ethical implications? | Psycho4Stats. Psycho4Stats | Because we all love: Psychology Statistics. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from http://zuczka. wordpress. com/2012/02/05/zimbardos-prison-experiment-do-the-ends-justify-the-means-of-the-ethical-implications/.