Strathgammon Estate Group Ltd (SEG) Senior Management Report for Manpower - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 11 Words: 3340 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? In the current markets, clients demand the execution of projects to be done on Time and on Budget in a professional manner, one of the ways the Senior Management Team (SMT) of Strathgammon Estate Group (SEG) plans to respond to this demand is by initiating a Centralised Manpower Planning Management. This report highlights the importance and practical steps to achieving desired results through manpower planning on individual companies and as a group. We will be reviewing current SEG manpower systems, manpower systems that have worked in renowned companies and suggest ways to implement and coordinate manpower solutions in SEG to not only meet clients demand but to increase revenue and efficiency in project execution within the group. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Strathgammon Estate Group Ltd (SEG) Senior Management Report for Manpower" essay for you Create order This will include strategic current and future estimation of manpower requirements by individual companies, training modules and adequate communication and feedback methods to the concerned managers who in turn will pass the information to the Human Resource team, which will be under close supervision from the SMT. With the Primary factors been applying centralised manpower solutions and keeping a constant monitoring system relying on feedbacks from individual companies with the aim of generating statistics on the cost versus revenue, so that it can be presented to the shareholder that they may know the financial commitment SEG is planning to invest on manpower and plan for it. Secondary factors been that, the group could gain from an effective manpower planning management, better reputation from clients, boost of morale of the employees, tapping of potential clients, increase in revenue and profits, no loss of productive staff and more professional touch in projects. Introduction Following recent statistics, they have shown that SEG has grown precariously over a 70 year period, with inconsistent financial growth in all sectors. This report is a result of this statistics, to try and highlight some of the inconsistencies of the financial growth and offer possible and practical solutions through manpower planning in individual companies and manpower management as a group. This report will further highlight benefits, barriers and solutions of manpower solutions, way of implementing a centralised manpower system and ways of maintaining a positive manpower solutions and how it can be communicated to the individual companies as well as the shareholders. Manpower Planning 3.1 Why is Manpower Planning Important to Business There are several ways in which Manpower Planning can improve a company. One of the most important is improving companys productivity and cost effective ways to meet organisational goals. SEG upgrade to a centralised manpower solution might seem costly initially; however, the end result will justify the means. In the modern market, clients demand a project to be executed on time, on budget with a professional touch. Pour manpower planning can be a major hindrance to client satisfaction with serious consequences such as; company losing reputation, no repeat business and losing of current or potential clients. Thus measures have to be taken to ensure the smooth transition of systems from individual companies to a central system of manpower planning. This will raise new morale and confidence not only to clients but to the existing staff which may increase productivity and overall group profits. 3.2 Manpower Planning Human resource is one of the most important assets in an organisation as it works to meet the set organisation goals and objectives. Manpower Planning and Management forms the core of Human Resource Management. This can consist of a rational selection or upgrade of existing employees based on their skill to suit their roles in the organisation. An effective manpower planning requires a careful assessment of the future needs of the organization. It involves the development of strategies to match the requirement of employees and availability of positions in an organisation. Those in charge of manpower planning need to have a foresight about the business plans. They are required to estimate the business needs of the organization and plan for the manpower requirements and resources needed to realize the business goals. Human Resource Planning has to be systematically approached and is carried out in a set procedure as follows; Review of current manpower access Estimat ing future manpower forecasts Developing employment programmes Design training programmes 3.2.1 Analysing the current manpower inventory Before a manager makes forecast of future manpower, the current manpower status has to be analysed. this can be done managers providing all the manpower they currently have to the HR -example of Appendix B Manpower Planning sheet 3.2.2 Making future manpower forecasts Once the factors affecting the future manpower forecasts are known, planning can be done for the future manpower requirements in several work units. The Manpower forecasting techniques commonly employed by the organizations are as follows: Expert Forecasts:ÂÂ  This includes informal decisions, formal expert surveys and Delphi technique. Trend Analysis:ÂÂ  Manpower needs can be projected through extrapolation (projecting past trends), indexation (using base year as basis), and statistical analysis (central tendency measure). Work Load Analysis:ÂÂ  It is dependent upon the nature of work load in a department, in a branch or in a division. Work Force Analysis:ÂÂ  Whenever production and time period has to be analysed, due allowances have to be made for getting net manpower requirements. Other methods:ÂÂ  Several Mathematical models, with the aid of computers are used to forecast manpower needs, like budget and planning analysis, regression, new venture analysis. (Managers (n. d.) Management Study Guide [online]) 3.2.3 Employment programme Following the provided future manpower requirements, the process can commence by the HR Manager choosing an ideal candidate and conducting Job Analysis preparing job descriptions and specifications in which his skills can be compared with the needs of the organisation example Manpower Requisition form Appendix C Additionally, the HR Manager will have to take into consideration Job Evaluation which is the evaluating the job, not the person doing it, the value of the job in relation the other job opportunities in the organisation. There are two ways of performing job evaluation analytical method skilled consultants and Non-analytical method Managers decisions. (College of Estate Management (2004) Manpower Planning) Manpower staffing selection of suitable candidates on the basis of their skill-set and requirements of the job, can be newly recruits or advancement of existing staff, involve the process of defining the position structures in the organization and preparing job profiles for the positions to be filled. RecruitmentÂÂ  process when all the above stages have been passed, the HR can start the recruitment process, where they invite a candidate to physically come to be interviewed example manpower Planning Hiring approval form Appendix D Once the candidate meets the requirements set by the job analysis, evaluation and staffing then he can join the organisation and commence training to familiarise him to the new environment. 3.2.4 Design training programmes Training modules will be an important tool, to the existing and newly recruited staff to pass along new and existing information as well as improve skills of potential existing employees example of Local Staff Requisition Form Appendix E Example 1 Lamprell Energy is an International company with growing demand of its services. They are based in Dubai, one of the fastest property growing markets in the world. They recently launched a Manpower planning campaign and their business has never been better. In their manpower planning they decided to train their surveyors further to meet a uniform standard by enrolling them in RICS course. Like College of Estate Management Degree course, which it led to their surveyors morale been boosted as well as been up to date with the latest surveying knowledge. Example 2 In PNJ Ltd, there is a workforce of eighty-five been supervised by one person Harry Soamers, who is a member of the board in the company additionally the sale team of five, and is supervised by Gerry Street who is a member of the board this managers may be too busy to undertake day to day running of the company. We can suggest a division of the eighty-five employees into four groups with a team leader who can be dealing directly with the managers for the day to day running of the business. This can be done by recruitment from outside sources or a promotion and training of existing employees Example 3 Additionally in Kessner Waldpoduckt GmbH there are only two people (manager and assistant manager) supervising a workforce of twenty two. There is need for breaking up of the workforce into smaller groups which can be easily managed. This will create a more personal relationship between the supervisors and the workforce, which will led to contribution of ideas, and morale boost which in return increase productivity. 3.3 Benefits and Advantages of Manpower Planning There are many benefits in adapting manpower planning, however we shall concentrate in the ones that can be most influential in SEG as a group, such as; Smooth running of business this can be achieved by estimation of manpower and shortages or surpluses identified for quick action. Better recruitments methods, which will led to better selection of candidates which can execute project more efficiently. Reduction of labour cost as surpluses can be easily identified. Easy identification if need for subcontract labour source which can be hired and off hired at strategic times in the business cycle. Better tapping of existing talent, which can reduce the costs of training and recruiting new staff. New ideas can be introduced to the business as a result of hiring experienced employees which in turn can attract new business. Boost the morale of employees as with internal promotions, training sessions which in turn will lead to better productivity thus better results. With better manpower planning the organisation over time might try and venture on new markets e.g developing complex projects like in The Palm in Dubai. Managers can be in full control of the manpower requirements as there is a protocol in place which effectively communicates requirements or shortages. Provides smooth working even after the organisation expands. Barriers and solutions to manpower planning Barriers of manpower Planning For every new system to be fully appreciated, we have to look at some of the challenges we have to face and deal with them in a practical and professional way for maximum results. Identifying surplus or excess manpower this will be a major obstacle, especially in SEG that is trying to introduce a central system of MP, this is due many facets in the group. This can be met by implementing good communication methods from individual companies to the central HR. Hire of temporary labour subcontract till the full statistics have been evaluated and then the Managers and SMT to make strategic decisions. Raising degree of Absenteeism This is as a result of employees feeling neglected or been demoralised. By implementing training sessions and internal promotions, the employee confidence will raise, thus they will feel secure reducing the number of absent staff. Time Consuming allot of time will be invested in MP. This will be as a result of collecting necessary data from in dividual companies, processing that data, and trying to streamline the process to adjust to all the facets in the group. This specific barrier, there is little we can do as and estimated one year and half will be needed to effectively turn this system into a culture within SEG, however, incentives can help employees feel that something is been done. Lack of skilled labour every business has a certain aspect of skill which is needed to perform the works. This skill sometimes is not readily available at the time which actually required. Through training potential employees academically or technically, those business needs can be met more efficiently at the required time with minimum disruption of the works. Lack of Management support this occurs when the management is not adequately informed of the need and benefits of MP. This can be resolved by training sessions, and seminars about MP, which in turn will make the managers appreciate the whole cycle of effective MP, thus make it part of their day to day running of the business. Implementation of manpower planning in SEG By highlighting the benefits and hurdles to a company it will be more obvious to know what to change. The main issue then becomes where do we start, what do need and how do we convince everyone that its the right step. Set up a manpower planning system, organising staff, plan and set standards, measure performance and, learn from the experience audit and review. Each company should have followed these steps when they started out however to bring the group together with a united manpower system will mean revisiting these guidelines to ensure the basic steps are covered before developing the new MP system. SEG companies do not have sufficient records and information on manpower. Several of those who have them do not have a proper retrieval system. There are complications in resolving the issues in design, definition and creation of computerized personnel information system for effective manpower planning and utilization. Even the existing technologies in this respect are no t optimally used. This is a strategic disadvantage. Firstly decide what the new Manpower Management and practices should be as a group. The next step is to ensure all the companies are working to the same standards. There are many ways to do this, with the amount of companies within the group following a more systematic approach and setting up a Centralised Manpower Management System (CMMS) would be a good way to go. With an improved Manpower Planning record will result to better execution of projects, which will led the talent to be recognised thus attract potential business hopefully bringing in more profitable business, better management of current resources thus retain existing clients. To implement this system across the group will take money, time and training, and most importantly positive reinforcement from management. This system is just a framework which means that the entire group will need to come together to decide the right routes to use for the organisation a s a whole. From research on Manpower planning websites and case studies of recognised companies, Lamprell Energy, www.lamprellar.com, Nakeel Constructions www.nakeel.as.com one this is evident, that with efficient planning you can tap allot of talent which will distinguish your company skills and workmanship in the market. There are open seminars and training modules available which can inform and expand on the magnitude manpower planning which can eventually strategically position SEG to be distinguished in the property market by the new ideas and way of doing business. There are many highly skilled individuals and experienced workers within the group by tapping to their knowledge and know how and using it, can be a clear signal to all that SEG is willing and able to implement Manpower Planning solutions. Centralised Manpower Planning for SEG How to communicate the new Manpower Planning practice to all employees companies; In a period of six month the centralised system should be fully implemented and in a year the first effect should be felt by the SMT down to the employees which will reflect in the increase in revenue and client satisfaction. However, that is only half the battle; the other half will be to communicate the system to the employees and stakeholders. Firstly, start with management across all companies. They need to have a clear understanding if they are to support and reinforce it to their subordinates and co-workers. The SMT have to explain and clarify that, this system of manpower planning; will not take powers from individual companies in running the business or otherwise so that a mutual understanding can be reached. This then will promote the manager to dedicate fully to achieving this goal. Regular feedback from managers to a central HR department will promote a cycle of communication and in time will be self sufficient. Supervisors and Managers spend more time on the floor being available to interact with the workforce encourages open communication. Creating and open forum where, the employees can freely express themselves and expect feedback. This will boost their confidence in the management. Additionally, managers can offer incentives from employees that promote the system by their commitment to achieving this goal. How to communicate it to the stakeholders One of the major concerns of the stakeholders will be financial commitment. This will have to be dealt with in a professional and organised manner, as a large financial commitment will be required to hire and train staff. The SMT should introduce this in terms of Phases. Phase one Collection of data from individual companies Human Resource. This will require each company to organise and present their data in a period of two months. Phase two All the data collected in phase one to be communicated to the central body in two months, which will analyse, organise and evaluate the information and report to the SMT with accurate figures of current the current situation. Phase Three SMT to be trained on manpower planning, and to turn this information collected from the central body to statistics and goals of the organisation as a whole in a period of two month and come up with direct and indirect cost that will result to an estimate of the overall cost to implement the manpower system. A simple presentation of these figures to the stakeholders should convey where the savings can come from and how much could be improved in the group should these measures be implemented. Conclusion By analysing, what Manpower Planning is, and its benefits, barriers and practical solutions to the individual companies and organisation as a whole, it is self evident that it will be a strategic advantage to not only increase productivity but hopefully increase revenue and profits. Additionally, a better image can be portrayed to potential clients, boost employee morale, add new employees to the workforce which can come with better ideas, maybe even expand the business to new ventures. Effective ways to communicate the importance of manpower planning to the managers and clarify that this system is not there to replace their powers but to strengthen them and statistical and organised way to communicate all this to the shareholders Recommendations Six month preparation for the preparation of statistics to be presented to the shareholders. Full commitment of the SMT and the mangers of individual companies to achieving this goal. Open forum from employees to managers and managers to a central body that will be monitored by the SMT. Lyden Properties Services to be given full authority to analyse and implement the manpower system and to act as the central body to communicate to the SMT. Initial identification of potential existing staff that can be trained and promoted to send clear signals to all, the commitment of the group to manpower planning Establish a Central Manpower Management System (CMMS) which can be easily accessed inform of intranet on administration staff and suggestion box and regular meeting of the non administration staff. References IES authors (n. d.) Human resource Planning; and Introduction [online] available from https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/pubs/summary.php?id=312 [2 April 2011] Managers (n. d.) Management Study Guide [online] available from https://www.managementstudyguide.com/manpower-planning.htm [17 March 2011] College of Estate Management (2004) Manpower Planning Job Evaluation. Reading: CEM Page 9 Bibliography Project Management Hut (n. d.) Rise of Project Workforce Chapter 9: Workforce Planning [online] available from https://www.pmhut.com/rise-of-the-project-workforce-chapter-9-workforce-planning [12 March 2011] CEM: (2009) Study Papers Management Studies Module 2, Reading: The College of Estate Management Wikipidiea (n. d.) Workforce Planning [online] available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workforce_planning [17 March 20111] Julie Sloan (n. d.) The Workforce Planning Imperative [online] available from https://www.workforceplanning.com.au/book_order.htm [24 March 2011] Park, Y. and Lee, C. (1996). Labor Standards and Economic Development in Korea. in Lee, J.S. (ed.) Labor Standards and Economic Development. Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, Taipei, Taiwan. Park, Y. and Leggett, C. Employment Relations in Korea, in Bamber, G. and Lansbury, R. (eds.) International and Comparative Employment Relations, 3rd ed, Allen and Unwin, 1998, pp. 275-293.

Analysis Of Niccolo Machiavelli s The Prince

The fifteenth century was a period known as the Renaissance, or the new birth, of many philosophers. One well-known Renaissance thinker, Niccolo Machiavelli, was one of those philosophers whose political views caused an uproar during earlier centuries. His view on effective leadership was rather harsh and not exactly adopted in the Italian society. As a Renaissance citizen, Machiavelli proved his writing skills through a number of works such as short stories, plays, and histories. His more popular works included those call the Discourses on Livy and The Prince-which will be described further more in this paper. Unlike fellow notable Renaissance men such as Leonardo de Vinci or Michelango, Machiavelli was not an artist but through his work The Prince, he has been made well-known across the western lands. 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Dulce Decorum Free Essays

Taylor 1 Dying for a State through Poetry Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est uses vivid imagery which removes any romantic ideas that it is sweet and honorable to die for the fatherland. Randall Jarrell’s The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner uses ambiguity to compare death for the state and abortion. Both writings convey the horror of dying for a state. We will write a custom essay sample on Dulce Decorum or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Death of the Ball turret Gunner begins â€Å"from my mother’s sleep, I fell into a state and hunched in its belly until my fur froze. † This is saying that the gunner was born from his mother’s warmth into a cold state, as he is born in the belly of a high altitude bomber. The â€Å"State† is referred to as cold and less nourishing in Randall Jerrell’s poem. In Dulce et Decorum Est the poem reveals hidden truths of the first world war, and showed the cruelties the soldiers had to face on a day to day basis. Dulce et Decorum est begins â€Å"Bent double, like old beggars† (5) All the turmoil’s that young men were put through making them feel and look older than they really were, breaking them down making them lose their spirit they had as young men. What makes this poem unique is the fact that Wilfred Owen was there to witness the horrors of the first world war. Owen continues â€Å"An ecstasy of fumbling fitting helmets. † As the soldiers ran from the gas bombs their helmets bouncing on their heads, putting them at bigger risk of dying for your country. War is often glorified by others that have not experienced how horrifying war can be and they think that they can be hero’s, because of stories they heard as a child from a mother or a father that makes war seem romantic and patriotic so they should enlist in the romance of being that hero not realizing that the war is truly a horrifying experience. Owen states at the end of his poem â€Å"to children ardent for some desperate glory† (25) Children who think it is sweet and honorable to die for ones country because someone who has no experience has told them stories of romance and patriotism allowing them to believe they will be hero’s in the perfect dream. Taylor 2 Wilfred Owen and Randall Jerrell both tell the gruesome truths of the war and ow it really was to be that unsung hero that watched his friends die and be put into a cart to be hauled off not really knowing if their families and loved ones knew they had passed on, or how it was to be the product of a war and to not live past your first hour because you were born into the freezing belly of a bomber plane and treated like trash when the plane has finally landed and was being cleaned out. How the war today is any different than what both of these authors are trying to say? There is no difference because in Dulce et Decorum est the very last words â€Å"The old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori. † â€Å"It is sweet and honorable to die for the fatherland. † The recruitment offices of today still tell their soldiers that they are doing America a favor by fighting for them and that it is an honorable way to live life however it is not said that it is honorable if you die but if you live you have better opportunities in life to go somewhere and be someone. What happened to those young men who fought in the First World War? Most of them lost their friend because they were told it was honorable to die for their country, then a lot of them came home from the wars crippled and could not participate in the things they did before they enlisted, and then some of them came home in a plain pine box to families that only then saw the horrors of the war. How to cite Dulce Decorum, Essay examples

Born To Run free essay sample

Are we as humans truly â€Å"born to run†? If this is true, why do we need orthotics, knee supports, fish oils/supplements, ice packs, and top of the line name brand running shoes? Christopher McDougall asks exactly that in his journey to find the answer to these questions. His journey begins with his own simple question: â€Å"Why does my foot hurt? † Now, I’m sure this is a question we all have when it comes to running. Whether it’s your feet, shins, or knees†¦ none of which should really be an issue according to McDougall. He discovers this fact after visiting a couple doctors in the beginning of his story. The first of these doctors instructs him to buy $150 custom orthotics, and even pricier running shoes just in order to run properly, but later tells him that his body isn’t â€Å"made† for running, and recommends that he should stop entirely. The next visit McDougall makes, runs along the same lines as the previous one, until he hears of another doctor that finally takes the time to sit down with him, and actually video tape a recording of his running performance. She then plays the video back for him, in slow motion, so that he can fully grasp what exactly it is that he is doing wrong when running. He watches â€Å"in disgust†, saying that his legs sloughed along and his back was hunched over and he described himself as â€Å"flopping around like a fish on a hook†. It wasn’t until this realization that McDougall really understood what it was that he was failing at when it came to his â€Å"relaxing† sport of running. It’s not that he wasn’t â€Å"born to run†, it’s that he didn’t understand how to. He needed to comprehend the mechanics of running, make his body flow more easily, and relax his form as opposed to the clenched, rigid, and thundering form he had originally possessed. Christopher McDougall is actually a writer for the Men’s Health magazine, and in his studies for athletic performance, he ran across data stating that, â€Å"eight out of ten runners are hurt every year, doesn’t matter if you’re a natural runner or not†¦ running is the fitness version of drunk driving [and] each foot strike causes force on your legs of twice your body weight†. This information alone would scare away anyone from the sport of running. According to this information, it seems that people are running for the sake of losing weight and because they feel that they have to run, not necessarily because it is a relaxing, stress relieving activity. McDougall noted that the sport of running â€Å"ignites† from time to time, it becomes more and more popular when devastating events occur to a population. Events such as these induce a fight or flight adrenaline rush where the population â€Å"runs for fear†. He cites many examples such as the Great Depression, the Great American footrace (which caught fire in the seventies), the Vietnam War, and it especially became common after the crippling events of September 11, 2001, where trail running and adventure racing, statistically became largely popular again. It is our nature as humans to possess survival instincts such as running. McDougall decided to take a trip after experiencing these newfound facts about his desire to run, and heard of an ancient Mexican tribe given the name, the Tarahumara. Spanish conquistadors invading Mexico bestowed this name upon them, but their original name was the Raramuri, which meant, â€Å"the running people†. McDougall met a man by the name of Caballo Blanco who talked with him about tales and secrets, and told him what he knew of the Tarahumara. The two ran into some trouble along the way, experiencing the Zetas, in the â€Å"death mobile† and barriers with communicating. However, McDougall quickly learned that not only did the Tarahumara have amazing athletic capabilities, but they could essentially run ultra marathons with ease, without hesitation and on the thinnest handmade sandals. There were stories and records of these people running hundreds of miles at a time and because of this, he labeled the tribe the â€Å"Shao Lin monks of running† because of the grace, serenity and ease they run with, but then refuted the statement by stating that they drank like every day was new year’s eve, and all they ate was ground corn and barbequed mouse. McDougall realized that it’s not necessarily that the Tarahumara drank, or only ate what they could find, but that their technique for running and their form of flowing from step to step in a natural barefoot way was ultimately the best and most efficient way for a human body to run. He begins training with them, finding his own balance of foot strikes and body movement, and in time decides to train up for a fifty-mile ultra race of his own. McDougall begins to contemplate why we as humans have developed and adapted to endurance type running. He comes up with many theories, of which are, that humans eventually moved out of forests and into the deserts, then had to learn and adapt to physical hunting down their prey, and that we run because we fear. With this data, he composes his â€Å"endurance running hypothesis†. McDougall composed this book incredibly well, and at times it was a bit long winded, but I learned from what he had to say and the experiences he shared with the reader. He is an extremely intelligent, accredited man, but his story makes it relatable to the reader, saying that he injures himself in running just like any other regular Joe. Ultimately, I did learn a lot of data and general information from reading Born to Run, I learned that in order to perfect my form in running, maybe all it takes is for someone to tell or show me what it is that I am doing wrong, so that I can fix the issues. On the other hand, I have run barefoot and in minimalist shoes before, when the trend really started up again, a couple of years ago. It felt wonderful and natural for a while, and I would run barefoot everywhere, but when I donned my minimalist shoes, it was painful and with the training we do in ROTC, I could not continue to wear them, so I have taken up shoes with a smaller drop, in hopes of helping to improve my running capabilities like the Tarahumara.

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter While animal advocates argue against horse slaughter, some horse breeders and owners say that horse slaughter is a necessary evil. According to The Morning News, â€Å"a recent national poll found that almost 70 percent of Americans support a federal ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.† As of May 2009, there are no slaughterhouses killing horses for human consumption in the United States. There is now a federal bill pending that would prohibit horse slaughter in the US and would prohibit the transport of live horses for slaughter. While this federal bill is pending, several individual states are considering horse slaughterhouses. A Montana bill allowing horse slaughter and protecting potential slaughterhouse owners became law in April 2009. A bill modeled on the Montana law is now pending in Tennessee. Slaughter for Human Consumption Horses were being slaughtered for human consumption in the US as recently as 2007. In 2005, Congress had voted to withhold funding for USDA inspections of horse meat. This move should have stopped horse slaughter because the meat cannot be sold for human consumption without USDA inspections, but the USDA responded by adopting new rules that allowed the slaughterhouses to pay for the inspections themselves. A 2007 court ruling ordered the USDA to stop the inspections. Horses Still Being Slaughtered Although horses are no longer slaughtered for human consumption in the US, live horses are still shipped to foreign slaughterhouses. According to Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society of the US, about 100,000 live horses are shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses each year, and the meat is sold in Belgium, France, and other countries. A lesser-known issue is that of horse slaughter for pet food and for zoos to feed to carnivores. According to Dane, these facilities are not required to be inspected by the USDA, so statistics are not available. The existence of such facilities usually goes unnoticed until there are a cruelty allegation and investigation. The International Society for the Protection of Exotic Animal Kind and Livestock, Inc. alleges that one such slaughterhouse in New Jersey kills the horses in an inhumane manner, and the case is still under investigation. According to Dane, most major pet food companies do not use horse meat, so there’s little chance of buying cat or dog food that supports horse slaughter. There are many reasons a breeder or owner may decide to sell a specific horse for slaughter, but on a macro level, the problem is overbreeding. Arguments For Horse Slaughter Some view horse slaughter as a necessary evil, to humanely dispose of unwanted horses. Unlike dogs and cats, unwanted horses cannot be dropped off at the local animal shelter. Sanctuaries for horses do exist, but there are not enough of them. Euthanasia is not always financially feasible. Having the horse humanely euthanized and then having the body of a 1,200-pound animal disposed of or transported to a rendering plant is expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. Rendering plants that turn horses into fertilizer and industrial products will accept carcasses, but do not pay for them. Some argue that the alternative to horse slaughter is neglect and abandonment. Horse slaughter proponents argue that horses should be treated no differently from cows, pigs or chickens, and there is no reason horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption. Arguments Against Horse Slaughter Animal rights activists do not believe in killing any animals for food, but there are several arguments that apply specifically to horses. Horse slaughter increases prices and profits for horse breeding. If there is no profitable or easy way to dispose of unwanted horses, fewer horses will be bred. As reported in the Morning News, Before slaughterhouses closed, ranchers knew they could get $1 per pound for the meat. The same meat is now worth only about 20 cents per pound[...] Ranchers are also simply getting out of the horse business, said Ross Lockhart, owner of Stockman’s Pride in Bentonville. He used to raise registered quarter horses but hasn’t bred anything for the past two years. Many Americans believe horses are special and should be treated more like companion animals than livestock. Neglect and abandonment do not increase when slaughterhouses close. According to the International Fund for Horses: California banned horse slaughter in 1998. California has experienced no increase in abuse case, and even noted a decrease 3 years following the ban. During the 4 years that [the Cavel slaughterhouse] was closed, Illinois saw a noticeable decrease in abuse and/or neglect cases. Texas, which had the only two slaughter plants in 2003, had among the nations highest rates of cruelty and theft. Some believe that horse slaughter is unusually cruel. At some slaughterhouses, horses are first stunned with a captive bolt gun, then bled to death. However, the horses are sometimes improperly stunned and are sometimes skinned and bled while still conscious. Allowing horse slaughter creates another source of profit for thoroughbred breeders, thereby supporting horse racing, to which many animal advocates object. Several major horse racetracks oppose horse slaughter. There are about 9 million domestic horses in the US, and approximately one percent of that number are sent to foreign slaughterhouses each year. If shipping live horses for slaughter were banned, that relatively small number of horses could be absorbed by the horse community in the US. The Upshot Whether prohibiting the export of live horses for slaughter will lead to neglect and abandonment remains to be seen, especially in an economy where foreclosures threaten all types of companion animals. However, several major racetracks oppose horse slaughter and taking away an incentive for breeding or overbreeding is a powerful argument against horse slaughter.

IBM Indiana and Telecommuting essays

IBM Indiana and Telecommuting essays The purpose of this case study is to explore the benefits of and problems with telecommuting. It also provides an understanding of the importance of technological support in making telecommuting successful. Technological advances have made it feasible to redefine where work is done. The traditional notion of an office as the place where someone goes to work seems to be going the way of the buggy whip, the eight-track tape, and the stenographer. Companies such as Procter portable computers, cellular phones, and fax machines all enable remote or mobile work. This paper will elaborate on how IBM – Indiana implemented telecommuting, perspectives of the employees, perspectives of IBM, advantages to society, the effectiveness of Wiley's leadership, the mobility concept, and tips for managing in the new environment. Why did IBM-Indiana decide to adopt telecommuting? In 1993 IBM-Indiana was contemplating further head-count reductions on top of earlier drastic decrease in staff. The goal was to reduce worldwide employment to 225,000 by the end of 1994. IBM real estate manager John Frank proposed an alternative option to lying off additional staff. His proposal could possibly save the required overhead expense by reducing the required amount of office space by allowing employees telecommute from offices in their home. This proposal was accepted and implemented for some 300 people in three months' time. The technology was available to enable IBM to redefine the concept of the traditional office; portable computers, cellular phones, and fax machine...

Why has the UK's productivity lagged behind that of its major Article

Why has the UK's productivity lagged behind that of its major competitors and what can be done to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the UK economy - Article Example A person such as the Exchequer Gordon Brown’s UK Chancellor, in his speeches, productivity is his main theme. However, despite the fact that UK is lagging, it is far much at the forefront in terms of labor and capital markets structural amendments. To come up to the analysis that UK’s productivity is low, examination of the economy’s six sectors took place and the results indicated that it’s true that output was low. Those sectors examined are; car production, retailing software, telecoms, food processing and hotels. McKinsey Global Institute a global most highly regarded management consulting firm is the one that conducted the research regarding the matter. UK should address several issues to increase its output. One of the major concerns is increasing expenditure to boost high levels of research and development and reducing diversion of resources towards the public sector which is less productive. It is vital for the state to increase its level of investment despite the fact that the Crash of Lehman Brothers led damaged the country’s economy in the year 2008 because many other firms held off from investing in the modern, most efficient technology and processes. Businesses should enhance their levels of innovation, come up with good labor relations, improve their technology usage and adopt modern technology to ensure that businesses stay for long in their field. The government should come up with extra reforms in its business regulations in order to boost investment thus increasing productivity of the

The Case of Australian Securities and Investment Commission Essay

The Case of Australian Securities and Investment Commission - Essay Example The issues in the cases about Paul, Kim, and Karen in the texts involve the following scenarios; Paul suggested that Properties One Pty Ltd (PO) should be the consultants for their company SIL to investigate the most appropriate place for a new power plant in Toowoomba region. Whilst doing this Paul did not inform the other directors that his wife was a director and a major shareholder at PO. Paul also hired the Security One Pty Ltd (SO) on the basis that it had a nice website instead of doing a thorough background check on the company to find out if it was a registered company, the management and even the track record of the company. The other issue is that Kim informed Judy the sister-in-law about SIL proposal and she went ahead to buy shares at PO. Karen’s issue is that she entered into a contract with Conveyers Australia Ltd after she was informed by the Chief Financial Officer that the prices of coal would go up by 25% because of the cold weather but she ignored as she on ly saw it as a short-term issue and used it to benefit herself. According to the Corporations Act (2001) of ASIC, directors are officers of a corporation and are supposed to oblige to the duties they are entitled to in section 9 CA. â€Å"Section 182 states that a director must not improperly use their position to gain an advantage for themselves or someone else, or cause detriment to the corporation.† Paul broke this law by suggesting the PO Company be used by SIL to promote the company of which his wife is a major shareholder and a director. Additionally, Paul breached section 180(1) which stated that â€Å"directors must exercise their powers and discharge their duties with the degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would in that position.† Paul used his power to hire the security firm that was not registered and hired the firm based on the fact it had an attractive website, therefore, leading to theft in the company. Kim and Karen improperly used their powers in order to make a selfish gain.

Power hand drill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Power hand drill - Essay Example The grouping or classification of hand drills depends mainly by the maximum size of drill bit shaft that the drill chuck can hold. A power drill comprises mainly of two sub-systems, which are mechanical and electrical. The two sub-systems play specific, different, and important roles in the working of the electrical hand drill. The first subsystem, which is the mechanical, has components, which transfer, translate, and apply forces in the hand drill. The electrical subsystem mainly deals with power. It has components that supply and control power flow in the hand drill. In this paper, we look on how to design an efficient and functioning hand drill. We will have a list of each mechanical component, the materials of the parts and the mechanical properties of this material. After designing the hand drill, we try to look on how to improve it to work more efficiently. Specifications of the hand drill 1. The input power is 800w 2. Its speed is 0-800rpm 3. Has a chuck capacity of 10mm 4. D rill capacity (a) Steel: 13mm (b) Wood: 25mm Mechanical components of the hand drill. Frame Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) This is the outer part of the hand drill and it covers the inner mechanical and electrical components. One can also refer it to the housing. This component comprises of hard plastic. The mechanical property behind the idea of using the plastic is that it is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Since the hand drill produces heat as it is in use, the frame does not get to harm or burn the user since its conductivity to heat is very low. Plastic also makes it safe for the user to use, as the risk of electric shock is minimal. This part is to be high smooth hence polishing is very important as it should be comfortable for the user to hand while using it. Plastic also makes the machine to be less heavy and the user can comfortably carry it without straining and in case of any accidents, the user is less likely to be less hurt by the frame as it is of plastic in nature. Two gears assembly Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) There is transmission between the chuck and the motor. This transmission consists of pears of gears. We use gears from alloy steel elements for example stainless steel. Gears require materials of have a high resistance to corrosion. Steel gears offer high strength and has a wide range of heat treatment properties. Steel gears are also very durable and they provide the highest strength. Austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic and has good corrosion resistance. These are the mechanical properties of this material. They can also be martensitic stainless steel that is easy to harden with heat, has magnetic properties, and have reasonable resistance to corrosion. This stainless steel (martensitic) is more appropriate to use as there is a high power ratings and it will therefore make the machine more effective Chuck Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) It comprises the outer and front section of the hand drill. It has jaws, which holds the drill bits in posi tion. We use a chuck that has three-jaw attachment that applies radial gripping to certain number of drill bits and accessory shafts. Chucks from stainless steel are the most appropriate. They provide high resistance to corrosion, as they are mainly hard. This mechanical property makes it more suitable as it is always in contact with the drill bits, which are always in constant motion and act on materials of different hardness. Stainless steel also lasts longer and it is

Shadows In Architecture

Shadows In Architecture As we all know that light is essential for various activities and shadows are intrinsically connected with light. Light is inseparable from the notion of form and space and so is shadow from light. Throughout the world architects have strived to marvel the use of natural light, but seldom do they consider the shadowed areas caused due to that light. The ambience of a space is affected by the quality of light and shadows. Treatment of light and shadows has been a typical feature of traditional Japanese architecture which understands and lays importance to the design of areas in shade from a source of light. Ar Juhani Pallasmaa on shadows: The imagination and daydreaming are stimulated by dim light and shadow. In order to think clearly, the sharpness of vision has to be suppressed, for thoughts travel with an absent-minded and unfocussed gaze. Homogeneous bright light paralyses the imagination in the same way that homogenisation of space weakens the experience of being, and wipes away the sense of place. (Pallasmaa, 2005). Architect Peter Zumthor listed the following as one his favourite ideas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦to plan the building as a pure mass of shadow then, afterwards, to put in light as if you were hollowing out the darkness, as if the light were a new mass seeping in. (Zumthor, 2006). The area of study of this dissertation will be based on the idea that if the lighted parts of an object are too light, the form of it is difficult to perceive, and if the parts in shadow are too dark no form will be seen. When light falls on a relief perpendicular to its surface, there will be a minimum of shadows. The intricacies will hardly be visible. Similarly perception of texture also depends on minute differences in relief. The dynamic nature of the shadows cast by sunlight gives an immense potential to effectively design and create shades and shadows. Ordinary day-to-day phenomenon like openings along a long corridor create patches of light and shadow and breaks the monotony of the long walk. Elements of buildings such as sunshades, jaalis, screens, louvres, etc cast shadows which have shapes. The phenomenology of shadows is an important aspect of spaces. Hence, it is more than evident that light and shadows are an essential part of a space.If the architect has an understanding of the relationship of the object with its shadow, he will be better able to control it to compose the shadows and hence the feel of the space. Research Question: How do shadows affect spatial design? Need Identification Every experience of architecture is multi-sensory; qualities of space are measured by the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue simultaneously. A development towards the dominance of the sense of vision has been observed and analyzed by a number of philosophers in recent years. Vision, as we all know, is a consequence of light. Hence, in a very direct way, light is essential for perception of architecture. This study will focus on a rather unspoken, yet ever-present, product of light, i.e. shadows. Elements of architecture undergo innumerable transformations during the course of the day and from season to season. In 1849 John Rushkin stated that among the first habits that a young architect should learn, is that of thinking in shadowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Rushkin, 1880). The shadow gives shape and life to the object in light. Casting of shadow reveals the relationships between objects. Just as Chiaroscuro in paintings and sculptures creates vitality, the play of light and shadow brings life to buildings. (Sullivan, 1947). Objectives To study, in brief, the role of shadows in spatial design throughout the history of architecture in a chronological way. To study the role of shadows in the design of contemporary spaces, taking up examples and case-studies To study how people react to the above mentioned cases. (designers intent vs. achieved). Lastly, attempt to formulate/arrive at generalities to assist the incorporation of shadow-design in the basic design of spaces and buildings Scope The study will analyze the role of self-shadows and cast-shadows (formed under natural light) in spatial design. Understand and analyze the effects of the two different types of shadows (with a visual boundary and without a visual boundary) Study changes in the use of light and shadow throughout the history of architecture. The study will include: Visual perception of the spaces Basic understanding of tones, intensity etc The study will NOT include: Climato-logical impact of the natural light Technical aspects of light, including definitions and quantifiable items like Lux, Lumens, Illuminance, etc. Limitations Shade/shadow is seen as absence or relative deficiency of light. Hence, a direct quantification is not possible. The study has been limited to use of natural light in buildings to streamline the topic of study due to time and text limitations. Secondary case-studies will rely on the imagery and data available in the media and/or books. Direct interview of people using the mentioned spaces (outstation or otherwise) is not possible hence the study will rely on the literature available. Methodology Literature Survey Case-study Primary Prominent examples of such spaces in or around Delhi which have successfully incorporated shadow as an element in the design Secondary Prominent examples of such spaces which have successfully incorporated shadow as an element in the design, with sufficient data available for analysis. Analysis Analysis of the data collected after the Literature Survey and Case-studies. Formulation of ideas Arrive at generalities after a detailed analysis of the collected data to assist the designing of shadows for spaces and buildings. This will help in sensitizing the reader to consider shadows as an important element in spatial design, and hence a whole new approach to designing. The formulations will tentatively be with respect to: scale; forms blocks and massing; geometry; material colour and texture; pertaining to particular elements of buildings (like sunshades, louvers, screens etc) Definitions: (http://oxforddictionaries.com/) shadow: (noun) a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface. shade: (noun) comparative darkness caused by shelter from direct sunlight. darkness: (noun) the partial or total absence of light. chiaroscuro: ( http://www.britannica.com) the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface ( from Italian: chiaro, light; scuro, dark) technique employed in the visual arts to represent light and shadow as they define three-dimensional objects. phenomenology: It is a philosophical design current in contemporary architecture and a specific field of academic research, based on the experience of building materials and their sensory properties. Works Cited Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin : architecture and the senses. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Plummer, H. (2009). The Architecture of Natural Light. London: Thames Hudson Ltd. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962). Experiencing Architecture. Cambridge: The MIT Press. Rushkin, J. (1880). The Seven Lamps of Architecture. New York: Drover Publications, Inc. Sullivan, L. (1947). Ornament in Architecture, Kindergarten Chats and Other Writings. New York: Witten Art Books. Tanizaki, J. (1977). In praise of shadows. New Haven, Conn.: Leetes Island Books. Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres : architectural environments, surrounding objects. Basel, Boston: Birkhà ¤user. Bibliography Murray, D. (1990). Architecture and shadow. New York: Rizzoli. Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin : architecture and the senses. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Plummer, H. (2009). The Architecture of Natural Light. London: Thames Hudson Ltd. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962). Experiencing Architecture. Cambridge: The MIT Press. Rushkin, J. (1880). The Seven Lamps of Architecture. New York: Drover Publications, Inc. Sullivan, L. (1947). Ornament in Architecture, Kindergarten Chats and Other Writings. New York: Witten Art Books. Tanizaki, J. (1977). In praise of shadows. New Haven, Conn.: Leetes Island Books. Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres : architectural environments, surrounding objects. Basel, Boston: Birkhà ¤user. Chapter Outline: Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction Light and Shadow: The inseparable Shadows and spatial design Research Question Need Identification Scope Limitations Methodology References Chapter 2: Architecture Precedents Shadows in Architecture through time Works of contemporary architects Chapter 3: Understanding shadows 3.1 Shadows Self-shadows and cast-shadows Shadows having a visual boundary versus without a visual boundary (shades); obscuring etc Dominance of shadow versus dominance of light Effect of shadows in spatial design Form Elements: Jaalis, relief, pergola etc Materials and texture Dynamism through light and shadow Chapter 4: Case-studies Primary: Spiritual/meditation center India Habitat Center Secondary: Church of Light by Tadao Ando The Pantheon, Rome Chapter 5: Conclusion Analysis and conclusion List of Plates

Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy

Eulogy for Grandmother I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed the lines of my face and the curve of my neck. I looked down at my hands remembering the moment I first realized that they looked like hers. Long, thin, delicate hands perfect for playing the piano or braiding cornrows. All my life I had not noticed until the day I sat at her bedside holding her hand in mine. She had told me that she was not afraid to die. We sat in silence for a long time, sometimes sharing a stare and a smile. I don't know how long I sat there, looking at her, realizing for the first time who I looked so much like. As I stood in front of the mirror, I remembered that day as I prepared for her funeral. Sarah Smith, my grandmother's going home day. My father asked me to do her eulogy. I had thought and thought of what to say. The words didn't come until the morning of her funeral. That morning I went to the lake where me, my brothers, and my sister would go swimming in the summer on weekend visits to my grandmother's. As I soaked in the sun and watched its rays dance on the waters a memory came. As a child there were only two people that I would let touch my hair, my mother and my grandmother. Cornrowing my hair was an event when my grandmother did it. She would take me out on the stoop, bringing a chair for herself, and I would sit in front of her with my head between her knees. Moving my head in reaction to the slightest direction from her hands became natural. Other women and children would come and sit while she picked out my hair and greased my scalp. I would listen to the women talk. I don't remember anything that was said but I do remember the comfort of the stoop and my grandmother's fingers doing magic in my hair. Sitting on the dock I realized that I had never known my grandmother's life story. I don't know the struggles she must have had as a black woman in the South raising two sons alone because her husband beat her, and she had told him enough was enough. I don't know what it was that kept her going through poverty. I do know that her trust and love in God was deeply rooted in her heart. Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy Eulogy for Grandmother I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed the lines of my face and the curve of my neck. I looked down at my hands remembering the moment I first realized that they looked like hers. Long, thin, delicate hands perfect for playing the piano or braiding cornrows. All my life I had not noticed until the day I sat at her bedside holding her hand in mine. She had told me that she was not afraid to die. We sat in silence for a long time, sometimes sharing a stare and a smile. I don't know how long I sat there, looking at her, realizing for the first time who I looked so much like. As I stood in front of the mirror, I remembered that day as I prepared for her funeral. Sarah Smith, my grandmother's going home day. My father asked me to do her eulogy. I had thought and thought of what to say. The words didn't come until the morning of her funeral. That morning I went to the lake where me, my brothers, and my sister would go swimming in the summer on weekend visits to my grandmother's. As I soaked in the sun and watched its rays dance on the waters a memory came. As a child there were only two people that I would let touch my hair, my mother and my grandmother. Cornrowing my hair was an event when my grandmother did it. She would take me out on the stoop, bringing a chair for herself, and I would sit in front of her with my head between her knees. Moving my head in reaction to the slightest direction from her hands became natural. Other women and children would come and sit while she picked out my hair and greased my scalp. I would listen to the women talk. I don't remember anything that was said but I do remember the comfort of the stoop and my grandmother's fingers doing magic in my hair. Sitting on the dock I realized that I had never known my grandmother's life story. I don't know the struggles she must have had as a black woman in the South raising two sons alone because her husband beat her, and she had told him enough was enough. I don't know what it was that kept her going through poverty. I do know that her trust and love in God was deeply rooted in her heart.

Democracy Is the Best Form of Government

Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.The term originates from the Greek (demokratia) â€Å"rule of the people†,[1] which was coined from (demos) â€Å"people† and (kratos) â€Å"power† in the 5th century BCE to denote the political systems then existing in Greek city-states, notably Athens; the term is an antonym to â€Å"rule of an elite. † The English word dates to the 16th century, from the older Middle French and Middle Latin equivalents.A democratic government contrasts to forms of government where power is either held by one, as in a monarchy, or where power is h eld by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy. Nevertheless, these oppositions, inherited from Greek philosophy,[2] are now ambiguous because contemporary governments have mixed democratic, oligarchic, and monarchic elements. Karl Popper defined democracy in contrast to dictatorship or tyranny, thus focusing on opportunities for the people to control their leaders and to oust them without the need for a revolution. 3] Several variants of democracy exist, but there are two basic forms, both of which concern how the whole body of eligible citizens executes its will. One form of democracy is direct democracy, in which eligible citizens have direct and active participation in the decision making of the government. In most modern democracies, the whole body of eligible citizens remain the sovereign power but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives; this is called representative democracy.The concept of representative democracy arose largely from ideas and institutions that developed during the European Middle Ages, the Age of Enlightenment, and the American and French Revolutions Definition While there is no universally accepted definition of â€Å"democracy,†[5] equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. [6] These principles are reflected in all eligible citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes.For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its eligible citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution. [7][8] One theory holds that democracy requires three fundamental principles: 1) upward control, i. e. sovereignty residing at the lowest levels of authority, 2) political equality, and 3) social norms by which individuals and institutions only consider acceptable acts that reflect the first two principles of upward control and political equality. 9] The term â€Å"democracy† is sometimes used as shorthand for liberal democracy, which is a variant of representative democracy that may include elements such as political pluralism; equality before the law; the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances; due process; civil liberties; human rights; and elements of civil society outside the government. [citation needed] In the United States, separation of powers is often cited as a central attribute, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the dominant principle is that of parliamentary sovereignty (while maintaining judicial independence). citation needed] In other cases, â€Å"democracy† is used to mean direct democracy. Though the term â€Å"democracy† is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles also are applicable to private orga nizations. Majority rule is often listed as a characteristic of democracy. [by whom? ] Hence, democracy allows for political minorities to be oppressed by the â€Å"tyranny of the majority† in the absence of legal protections of individual or group rights. An essential part of an â€Å"ideal† representative democracy is competitive elections that are fair both substantively[10] and procedurally. 11] Furthermore, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are considered to be essential rights that allow citizens to be adequately informed and able to vote according to their own interests. [12][13] It has also been suggested that a basic feature of democracy is the capacity of eligible voters to participate freely and fully in the life of their society. [14] With its emphasis on notions of social contract and the collective will of the eligible voters, democracy can also be characterized as a form of political collectivism because it is d efined s a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. [15] While democracy is often equated with the republican form of government, the term â€Å"republic† classically has encompassed both democracies and aristocracies. Democracy is the best form of government. Yes because†¦ Freedom Democratic states nearly always have freer people than autocratic states. They obviously have the right to vote for their government so by extension deciding the policy of their nation and what their nation should be like.They have more freedom of speech and expression than in autocracies. In particular they are free to criticise their own government. Represents the people The biggest virtue of Democracy is that it is government by the people for the people. The government represents the views of the people who elect them and can throw them out if the government does things that the people do not like. Unlike other forms of g overnment democracy is about the little man, everyone rather than the elite that are often disconnected from how everyone else lives their lives.Better governance due to transparency Democracy is as much about having checks and balances to the executive and having transparency of decision-making as it is about elections and the populace throwing governments out of power. In a democracy the parliament, the media and sometimes the judiciary all keep an eye on the executive and what is being done with the people’s money. They are therefore able to see if the executive is doing things that are detrimental to the country, are immoral, or even illegal. This can then be brought to a halt.Even where such actions are not visible on the surface there are separate institutions that have the power to investigate the executive and watch any ‘secret’ deals or actions that are going on away from public view. Respect of Human Rights Democracy as much it is understood, is the gov ernment of the people, by the people and for the people. If democracy is put at it appropriate performance, then, all facet of human rights is respected. The citizens would have the rights to exercise freedom of speech concerning the well-being of the populace in areas of the economy, education, health, infrastructural development, etc.Promotes Human Rights As much as Democracy is understood, it is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The ability of the people to have a voice in the running of the State, in the economy, health, education, infrastructural development, etc creates a bit-balanced environment for governance to thrive; this can only be achieved in a democratic governance. This is not the case. The most developed and richest countries are all democracies.While they may well have been developing their democracies during their initial industrialisation democracy and the freedom it brings is increasingly necessary for economic growth once the country has moved to being mostly dependent upon services rather than manufacturing or natural resource exploitation for economic growth. Once this occurs then creativity becomes important and the freedoms associated with democracy are needed to foster this creativity that is needed for industries such as information technology, creative arts, research and development etc.Democracy is the best form of government. No because†¦ Freedom Except for the freedom to choose the government there is no reason why people cannot be as free under an autocracy as in a democracy. Represents the people Democracy does not do very well at representing the people. In first past the post systems a government may not even have the support of a majority of those who voted not even including that many will not have votes and many more will not have the vote. This means that it is often a small minority of the population who determines which party gets in to government.Once they are there they are rarely rep resentative of the people as they have several years to do what they like. Yes they need to think about re-election but that simply means they need to do more that the people like than the people dislike (or else have a good advertising campaign). Better governance due to transparency While this is mostly found in democracy it is not something that has to be exclusive to democracies. Autocracies can potentially be transparent and have checks and balances they however often do not simply because an autocracy often has the time, and the willingness to use force to prevent these from occurring.Economic growth Autocracies are better at big projects, they can get things done and as such they are likely to be better at creating economic growth if they have the will. In an autocracy there are not the avenues for dissent that can block building projects, the police or troops can be used to clear protests that in the west would slow down large infrastructure projects. As a consequence of thi s all the infrastructure that is needed to create a modern economy can be produced quicker and cheaper than would be the case in a democracy.Also the resource base of the country can be accessed faster (no pesky environmentalists preventing drilling and mining! ) and used more efficiently. Increasingly about money In some countries democracy seems to be increasingly about money. The U. S. is the obvious example where millions are spent on elections with big events and glitzy advertising campaigns. This is not what democracy should be about and it discourages other countries from moving along the path to democracy. Indeed it undermines the very idea of democracy. Democracy when money is involved to the extent that it is in the U. S. A. ecomes elitist and corporatist because only the elite and rich businessmen can afford to fund the campaigns for congress let alone for the presidency. The 2008 campaign for the White House cost $1. 6 billion and the whole 2008 election including senate and house of representatives races cost $5. 3 billion. Autocracies obviously avoid this immense expense by avoiding elections. Is democracy the best form of government? Disagree : By Richard What if someone was in power who cared about the people, stood for the people, was in touch with the people and was not corrupted by the power that Dictatorship brought him.Yes, it seems unlikely but what if? We could have the ability to do more, faster with less red tape, paperwork, and continual discussion (as with a dictatorship) coupled with the freedoms of democracy. The problem is the people always believe the mob (majority) to be right. The truth is people are easily manipulated when in a crowd or together as a majority on an issue. It takes but one person to convince 10 000 that his conviction is the right one. Nevermind what the minority of free thinkers, academics, intellectuals, or revolutionaries have to say or have warned against. Political Ideology is not the problem.Humans are. W e are self-righteous, greedy, self-serving, destructive, and worst of all manipulative. People always point me to the selfless acts of others they have witnessed in order to prove me wrong on my previous statement. But the fact is these selfless people are in the tiny minority, or as with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, already have 10 houses, 4 cars, 2 security guards and a 10 mil bank account. â€Å"Giving† to the poor doesn't detract from their riches as they resupply their wealth with shares bought and sold or actually working. Thus, they aren't losing wealth. They simply aren't gaining more.We need the minority just as much as we need the majority. That minority of free thinkers, academics, intellectuals, and revolutionaries are the ones that changed the world. They brought us medicine, computers, a better understanding of science and space, but most important of all a curiosity for knowledge. Democracy should protect the rights of the minority more often than it does. We r ely too much on what the mob thinks, when in actual fact they don't think. They just regurgitate the drivel fed to them by some sob who knows how to manipulate the mob for his own profit. And that is the biggest problem facing democracy.How do you overcome the this human condition where if we are in large groups, emotion replaces logical thought? Disagree : By Prashanth I think there are better forms of government other than democracy. Dictatorship is not completely bad neither is democracy completely good. Consider this form of government– Instead of having bulky political parties why not have leaders of parties etc stand as candidates for the post of President/Prime Minister. The people can directly vote for them. Better still we could invite applications for this post from the citizens. Based on screening them for leadership track record,no criminal cases etc. e could select the top 5 or 10 most eligible candidates. People can select the candidate who is most popular/likab le for 5 years. He could then select experts from different sectors as ministers. He could hand pick distinguished people from different sectors as expert advisory group who could debate/discuss proposed laws. He can hand pick worthy local people for mayor position in cities/villages who should interact directly with people and pass immediate orders to solve their problems. He should have a citizens forum where people directly give ideas to the Prime Minister/President.The judiciary to oversee the constitutional validity of laws passed,Election Commission,Constitution and an ombudsman to check corruption etc all of them will be there. This form of government will cut flab,be efficient and agile. It will eliminate unworthy but popular people from getting elected. Also the people debating will be experts in their field. There is greater likelihood of better decisions. As it is today the party leaders only call the shots. Then why not have worthy leaders directly elected by the people. These leaders will keep a balance between expert opinion,constitutional provisions and public opinion.

Free Essays on Jihad Vs Mcworld

Benjamin Barber's book â€Å"Jihad vs Mcworld is commentary on capitalism and nationalism and the conflicts between them. Jihad is characterized as tribalism, while Mcworld is characterized by capitalism and consumerism. Barber maintains that Jihad would not be so powerful if the rampant forces of capitalism were not subverting their traditions and customs. Berber talks about America's use of different energy sources. He states 63 million barrels of oil per day were pumped at the peak of global production in 1979 and was between 59 and 60 million barrels per day from 1989 to when the book was published in 1995 (Berber 39). Since the book was published, world oil production has risen above the previous peak to an average of 68 million barrels per day in 2003. This trend of increased consumption and production will continue to rise. According to The Department of Energy, world demand for oil will be 119 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, with the largest increases in China, India, and other developing countries. csmonitor.com/2004/0129/p14s01-wogi.html American consumption of oil fell from the peak of 11.30 million barrels per day in 1970 to 9 million barrels per day in 1990(Berber 41). Berber predicts that America will have to import 75% of the oil it uses by 2010. This has almost come to pass as America domestically produces only 5.7 million barrels per day and uses 20 million barrels per day(msnbc.msn.com/id/4542853/ gravmag.com/oil.html#imports ).eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/topworldtables3_4.htmlwhich was an increase of usage of 1.5 million barrels per day since 2002. When Jihad vs Mcworld was published, China imported no oil. Since then, China has became the second largest importer of oil in 2003 with and will likely take the title of the largest consumer of oil from the United States in the future due to the much larger population and an explosion of automobile usage. Currently Chi... Free Essays on Jihad Vs McWorld Free Essays on Jihad Vs McWorld Benjamin Barber's book â€Å"Jihad vs Mcworld is commentary on capitalism and nationalism and the conflicts between them. Jihad is characterized as tribalism, while Mcworld is characterized by capitalism and consumerism. Barber maintains that Jihad would not be so powerful if the rampant forces of capitalism were not subverting their traditions and customs. Berber talks about America's use of different energy sources. He states 63 million barrels of oil per day were pumped at the peak of global production in 1979 and was between 59 and 60 million barrels per day from 1989 to when the book was published in 1995 (Berber 39). Since the book was published, world oil production has risen above the previous peak to an average of 68 million barrels per day in 2003. This trend of increased consumption and production will continue to rise. According to The Department of Energy, world demand for oil will be 119 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, with the largest increases in China, India, and other developing countries. csmonitor.com/2004/0129/p14s01-wogi.html American consumption of oil fell from the peak of 11.30 million barrels per day in 1970 to 9 million barrels per day in 1990(Berber 41). Berber predicts that America will have to import 75% of the oil it uses by 2010. This has almost come to pass as America domestically produces only 5.7 million barrels per day and uses 20 million barrels per day(msnbc.msn.com/id/4542853/ gravmag.com/oil.html#imports ).eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/topworldtables3_4.htmlwhich was an increase of usage of 1.5 million barrels per day since 2002. When Jihad vs Mcworld was published, China imported no oil. Since then, China has became the second largest importer of oil in 2003 with and will likely take the title of the largest consumer of oil from the United States in the future due to the much larger population and an explosion of automobile usage. Currently Chi... Free Essays on Jihad Vs Mcworld Jihad And McWorld In a changing world, there are two known political futures: Jihad and Mc World. They are complete opposites of each other. Benjamin Barber writes, â€Å" One driven by parochial hatreds, the other by universalizing markets, the one re-creating ancient sub national and ethnic borders from within, the other making national borders porous from without (53)†. They offer no future for any kind of democracy. The Jihad is the war between cultures, countries, and tribes. The Mc World is the â€Å"fast music, fast computers, and fast food (53)†. Mc World is tied together by technology, ecology, communications, and commerce. Jihad best describes the situation between Israel and Palestine. The war in the nations between the two different cultures can be called a modern day Jihad. On the other hand, The McWorld can best describe the conditions in The U.S. and Other Western European countries, like France, Great Britain, and China. The following article is a summary of Jihad, Mc World, and their characteristics after September 11. The Mc World is the more formal way of life in the U.S. We live in a fast-paced world and real a lot on globalization. These are two more qualities of a Mc World. The McWorld is made of four imperatives: Market, Resource, Information-technology, and ecological. Barber writes, â€Å" by shrinking the world and diminishing the salience of national borders, the imperatives have in combination achieved a considerable victory over factious and particularize, and not least of all over nationalism (54)†. The market imperative is the method in which markets of free trade, open banking, and enforceable contracts are eroding national sovereignty. The market imperative has led to the quest for international peace and stability. The markets are enemies of war and isolation. The market imperative is very powerful, but it is not in agreement with democracy. The resource imperative is the ...

Shurtleff Test Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers

Shurtleff Test Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers Shurtleff Test First Guidepost- Relationships Summary: This is identifying the role you play in the life of your fellow character (s) and achieving it by using the realm of emotions. The reason is because the relationship will determine the state of emotions in the play and as soon as you understand the relationship then you can begin to explore and while exploring, this feelings or emotions should be created as you will feel them and not how the character will feel in their own world. In other words , invoke your own emotions into the character. The relationship is the answer to questions like why am I here? Why do I feel this way towards the other character? Understanding the relationship is very important because the playwright only provides the facts that surround the conflict My Monlogue: In the monologue, I play Roxy who is trying to break up with Derek on a rollercoaster. The character I play seems to have two sides of her relationship with boyfriend Derek. The first side is an unbalanced rough relationship for about 10 months and 22 days to be persist. The second side which my character presents midway through the play is the happy content girlfriend satisfied with the relationship and wouldn't have it any other way. Guidepost Two: What are you fighting for? Summary: The second guidepost explains the conflict, or reason behind every scene. Every action has a reaction and that goes around in a continuous loop. Reactions also cause actions and that is what Shurtleff is trying to explain through this guidepost; every action a character takes in a situation or scene has a motive behind it or a trigger. These motives are what make a situation interesting. Many times, these reasons are hidden and an actor must look deep within the character to seek out the problems. This is another way of saying "getting into character"; this means understanding and experiencing the character's life as your own and fighting for the character's goals and aspirations as they are their own. It is important to find the desire and the willingness to keep fighting for whatever reason the character engaged in the scene in the first place but also by using tactics to help the character help reach their goal. My Monologue: In the play my character is fighting with Derek to stop being so immature and become more of a man. Roxy is fighting for a deeper connection, a connection that comes with long term commitment and a overall healthy happy relationship but Derek seems to be in the opposite position compared to my character. Guidepost #3: The Moment Before Summary: Performing a scene takes creativity and be an art piece if done diligently and with passion. When an actor comes in prepared, committed and ready to go, it is impressive for the judges. It is so important to understand the relationship and the motives in a scene, to be able to perform it with justice. The Moment Before guides an actor on how essential it is to use their imagination. According to Shurtleff, every audition scene given usually starts in the middle, thus it is left up to the actor to fill in the blanks for the moments before the actual scene and understand the chemistry. The more imaginative, believable and interesting the story made up, the more engaged and interested will the audience be in learning more and staying hooked on the play. An actor needs to be able to find the truth in the scene and carry that message throughout the performance. To be able to fully indulge oneself in the character, it is important to note what the character has been through in the past and what exactly is going through their head right now My Monologue: In order to play my character truthfully its important I start to imagine all those days during the 10 months Derek and Roxy dated and think about what lead my character to break up with her boyfriend, think about what types of events could have taken place. Was her heart broken because Derek did not give my character the attention she needed through-out the relationship or was he not looking for something

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana - Essay Example In addition to this, she mobilizes her community to stand against the Taliban who had taken control of Kabul City where she lived. This book is therefore her personal story and her buoyancy to keep her family intact at a time when there is chaos in Afghanistan and women are not allowed to go to any public places and particularly to schools. My paper will look into the two major issues of distributive injustice as well as cultural imperialism that Kamila and her community faced once the Taliban entered their city of Kabul. Deutsch defines distributive injustice as having four different kinds of capital which includes investment, consumption, social and skill (Deutsch, 2005). In Kamila’s example they face skill capital especially when Kamila who has completed her teaching degree is denied the chance to get a teaching job and is forced to stay at home. There is also the social capital whereby kamila her sisters and the women in the neighborhood get together to grow the dressmakin g business. Cultural imperialism on the other hand according to Deutsch â€Å"involves the universalization of a dominant group's experience and culture and establishing it as the norm.". For example in Kamila’s story the women have to wear the chadri as mandated by the Taliban’s, something that they were not used to. When it comes to growth mindset Dweck states that is helpful to people’s growth as they look forward to a successful future however there is always a risk of failure (Dweck, 2006). For instance Kamila did not despair when she found out she could not get work, instead she started her own business in dressmaking and made it her priority to see it through to the end. Her business was however facing a lot of challenges particularly from the Taliban’s. This example shows that there is a risk element in growth mindset since despite the fact the Kamila was hopeful of succeeding her businesses she could she did not see the challenges ahead of her w hich would have affected the businesses growth. History of Afghanistan Afghanistan’s history dates back to 500BC at the time of the Achaemenid Empire. The meaning of Afghanistan translates to â€Å"land of Afghans†. Some of the most powerful kingdoms came because of Afghanistan state with the inclusion of Kushans, Ghurids, Hotakis, Mauryas and many others. When it comes to how women in Afghanistan are treated, this is whole different story especially compared to western societies. Women in Afghanistan are denied the privilege to many essential things with examples of education, work and even power. It is believed that women’s role is to stay at home while the men go out to fend for the family. Women are also not allowed to speak in public as they are only to be seen and not heard. Should they go out they have to be escorted by a man from their own home. Once the Taliban gained power in the year 1995, girls and women were automatically discriminated upon as well as their human rights being undermined. As a result, this led to the social and economic standards of women getting worse. Women who had previously been having good jobs as doctors, teachers found themselves jobless. This is why prostitution increased at a very alarming rate. In the year 2001, the Taliban has later prohibited women from even driving their own cars. Worse still, they would be humiliated and hammered in public. Another Taliban rule was that women had to go out fully covered from head to toe with the

Save our city Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Save our city - Essay Example However, with continuous human interference with Venetian ecology, the city is now more prone to floods from high-rise tides. The utilization of mudflats for construction and diversion of rivers and other similar actions have disturbed the ecological balance of Venice with the Arabian Sea. This is the main reason for Venice getting floods during high tides and heavy rains. (Nosengo). It is the Italian name of the engineering solution for saving Venice. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi initiated this costly project and declared the working on it in December 2001. The project cost is around USD 2.6 billion and it is scheduled to complete in 2011, with the construction of hollow gates starting in 2006.The project being an engineering solution to save Venice from floods involves construction of 78 hollow metal gates, having the height of 20m with thickness of 5m. The placement of these gates is at three main inlets of this lagoon. (Nosengo). Many environmentalists have shown concerns about the project as they feel that even a few hours of closure of gates can cause tremendous disturbance to the ecosystem of this lagoon. Politicians have expressed fears that money meant for this project will be diverted elsewhere in the city. Deputy Mayor of Venice, Gianfranco Bettin has been the most forthright in his criticism of MOSE, saying that it is â€Å"expensive, hazardous and probably useless†. (Nosengo). The strong criticism to the technical feasibility of MOSE is from Paolo Antonio, who was born in Venice and works with Laboratory of Physical Geography in Meudon, France. His main concern relates to MOSE being developed keeping in mind the 1966 major floods, which are unlikely to occur for another 165 years. He says the project cannot offer result-oriented solution for smaller floods. His other concern relates to the rapid rise in water levels during the closure of gates. However, supporters of MOSE argue that 1966 can