Thursday, December 26, 2019

History Hammurabis Code Essay - 1305 Words

History is the past, which generally cant be scientifically demonstrated. The true; objective of History is to rediscover past. A memorable slip happens when past is rediscovered from our predisposition that is from the way we see it. Indeed certain curios and works pf expositive expression that we have left from prior human advancements could be deciphered in a few separate ways, or misjudged to a certain augment or totally. Normally understanding or even error is influenced yet the idea of ethnocentrism, where diverse neighborhoods have a recently set up foundation of certain standards dependent upon accept their, conventions, social, administrative, and particular qualities and morals from which they judge other outside groups. The†¦show more content†¦An alternate truth makes Hammurabis Code so like the U.S. Established Law Code is that it takes after particular request, comprising of differentiate parts connected with comparable issues. For example; The Administration o f Justice section is accompanied by Felons and Victims, which is thus emulated by part that discussions about Property issues. In this way from a perspective of a standard contemporary American, the Hammurabis Code is an antiquated situated of point by point lawful codes of Mesopotamia. As said above, the code is made out of 282 law codes which are begun in restrictive sentences, ordinary to an administrative record, and softened down up sets of sections which are connected with specific issue acknowledged and furthermore accompany a certain request. Subsequently remembering such a meaning of Hammurabis Code, Americans can take a gander at it as primitive and even savage model of contemporary set of laws. From the American inclination and American groups view, Hammurabis code is a brutal, non-ethic legal record dependent upon a savage and unsatisfactory to American social order eye-for-an-eyeShow MoreRelatedThe Code Of Hammurabi : How Does It Differ From The Past?1716 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is History? How does it differ from the past? These questions are asked by almost every Historian at some point in time. This essay will use the Code of Hammurabi to show that the actual past that historian attempt to obtain is not as important as the way it effects daily life, which creates history as we know it. It will look at the discrepancy between who created the document and who actually wrote it, the difference between why a document is important and why it survives, how the intent ofRead MoreComparison Between The Code Of Hammurabi And Hammurabi1045 Words   |  5 Pagesin ancient history come to mind when this question arises. Those two laws are The Code of Hammurabi and the Bibles laws. Hammurabi’s legal code (The Code of Hammurabi) was established between 1894 and 1595 B.C. (Barratt et al., 2017). The Code of Hammurabi was a set of 282 laws dealing with a wide variety of interactions, and an epilogue filled with curses applying to anyone in the futur e who may change, efface, or subvent Hammurabi’s divinely ordained legislation (Cook 3). The Code of HammurabiRead MoreEssay on King Hammurabi’s Efforts to Unify Mesopotamia879 Words   |  4 Pages At the time of his rule, Mesopotamia was dissected into separate city-states that were often feuding. The creation of King Hammurabi’s code of laws was a means to provide unification for all of the people of Mesopotamia. It was King Hammurabi’s hope that a central system of laws would bind the separate city-states into a single, peaceful entity. King Hammurabi’s code of laws consisted of 282 distinctly organized scriptures written and published in roughly 1780 BCE. The scriptures were chiseledRead MoreCode Of Hammurabi Vs. The Ten Commandments1610 Words   |  7 Pages Name: Veronica Vasquez Professor: Theodore Sanders Class: WOH 1012 History of World Civilization to 1500 Date: October 15th, 2015 Code of Hammurabi Vs. The Ten Commandments. Picture a king so ahead of his time and so powerful that he was aware of the importance and sense of urgency behind establishing laws to ensure the growth of civilization and humanity. His name was Hammurabi and he was the king of Babylon. He reigned from 1792 B.C. all the way to 1750 B.C. As an innovativeRead MoreAncient Mesopotamia Essay1004 Words   |  5 Pagesscarcity of resources as well as the untamable nature of their deluge environment led these early people to believe their futures veered on a harsh predetermined course. This essay will demonstrate that many prominent sources in ancient literature, law codes, and archaic Sumerian religion reflect the rigorous geographic and natural conditions which caused this deterministic mindset. The Epic of Gilgamesh, perhaps the most important literary piece of Mesopotamia, displays a world in which even the mightiestRead MoreThe Code Of Hammurabi : Ancient Babylonian Culture And Justice1692 Words   |  7 PagesThe Code of Hammurabi is the most fascinating and useful source on Ancient Babylonian culture and justice. The intricately carved cuneiform record of a legal code is evocative of Hammurabi and his authoritarian style of leadership, and indicative of how important his legacy was to him. It also reveals that the kingdom under his rule had an organised society, with a rigid class-structure. This code was no mere theoretical exercise, but a series of practical laws that extended to shaping the society’sRead MoreEssay about Gender Issues of Mesopotamia801 Words   |  4 PagesMesopotamia  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the history of our society, women have gained a certain respect and certain rights over time. Such simple aspects of life such as getting a job, voting, and even choosing who they would like to marry are things that women have fought for, for many years. At one point, these were all things that women in America and parts of Europe had no right to. Men as a whole had suppressed women and taken control of the society. Despite mass oppression in history, women have risen in societyRead MoreLiterature, Law Codes, And Archaic Sumerian Religion1003 Words   |  5 Pagesscarcity of resources as well as the untamable nature of their deluge environment led these early people to believe their futures veered on a harsh predetermined course. This essay will demonstrate that many prominent sources in ancient literature, law codes, and archaic Sumerian religion reflect the rigorous geographic and natural conditions which caused this deterministic mindset. The Epic of Gilgamesh, perhaps the most important literary piece of Mesopotamia, displays a world in which even the mightiestRead MoreBabylon: The Code of Hammurabi645 Words   |  3 PagesBCE. Hammurabi is best known for his code of law, known simply as Hammurabis Code, which outlines the basic philosophy of Babylonian criminal justice. Most notably, the eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth mentality was codified in Hammurabis doctrine. This doctrine would go on to influence the Hebrew culture and criminal justice system. It is possible that Hebraic codes of law were derived from those of Babylon during the captivity (Johns, 1911). Hammurabis Code also included issues related to socialRead MoreLaws and Rituals throughout History Began with the Code of Hammurabi1361 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history, many civilizations have endured through a system of social, political, religious, and economic laws and rituals. Most of these laws and rituals were set up as procedures for moral b ehavior, family life, education, government, and business. These basic values were set forth by an early civilization known as the Babylonians. Law codes were regarded as a subject for prayer. However, to truly gain an understanding of Mesopotamia in the 17th Century BC, we should take a closer look

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Augustine Of Hippo And Lady Julian Of Norwich - 2222 Words

The story of Creation found in Genesis 1-3 has captured the attention of countless Christian theologians throughout the ages. Despite the fact that the text of these chapters are quite short, it has proved itself to be a fertile ground from which many of the central tenets of Christian doctrine have sprouted. This fruitful text has also spurred a variety of differing interpretations of the Creation and Fall. Augustine of Hippo and Lady Julian of Norwich are two theologians who interpreted Genesis 1-3 in vastly different ways. The aim of this paper is to make a thematically organized comparison of Julian of Norwich’s interpretation (which is mostly apparent within her short parable on the Lord and the Servant, Revelations of Divine Love) with Augustine’s influential interpretation of Genesis 1-3. While Augustine’s interpretation is a classic understanding of the Fall that has had a lasting impact on Western society, in contrast Julian’s nuanced understandi ng of the Fall has had little influence in most subsequent theological thought until relatively recently. Indeed, it wasn’t until the 20th century that her work began to be broadly in circulation. Even in modern reflections on her theology, many scholars underappreciate or misunderstand her theology. Some theologians even suggest that she is moving towards unorthodoxy. Additionally, although Julian of Norwich is held in high esteem by many scholars and non-scholars, she is not always recognized as a highly complex

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Colonisation on Indigenous Australians

Question: Discuss about theColonisation on Indigenous Australians. Answer: Discussion on the History of Indigenous People in Australia The indigenous people in Australia had to face several injustices over the past 220 years. In this present time, it has been noted that the current colonisation is regressing back to previous practices and policies. The human rights approaches of the indigenous Australians are thus needed to be concentrated. The government bureaucracies have applied many of the human rights approaches, which have become the main aim of social justice initiatives. Such initiatives have been concentrating on the reverse effects of the systematic abuse of indigenous rights (Parker Milroy, 2014). The effects of racism were much higher in such previous time and the supports derived from the past government policies made these effects more vulnerable. It is noted that the indigenous people in Australia have overcome many of such hurdles related to racism. In last few years, the racial vilification against the Aboriginal people remained the same what it used to be decades back. If focused on the study based on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; a clear picture of entrenched racial institutionalism will be found. The workforce discrimination is also found in determining the maintenance of the persistent phenomenon (Dudgeon, 2016). The report released upon the Australian Human Rights Commission is revealing that due to such racial discrimination, the Australians face frequent failures in their daily lives. The commissioner of Race Discrimination considered such racism as the complex phenomenon. Such phenomenon is created neither for any particular reason nor by any individual in the community. According to Redmond, Pedersen Paradies (2014), Racism is considered as the belief that influences the quality of the people by criticising their race and complexion. The discrimination between people is the major reason for the aboriginal people who are bullied by the people. Bodkin-Andrews Carlson (2016) explained that the lateral violence is one form of bullying the aboriginal people that may harm the entire race. In the year of 1788, the Australians were first introduced with colonialism (Alltogethernow.org.au, 2016). During such period of time, the people from Europe started treating the indigenous people with violence and hospitality. It is also noted that the government officials in Australia denied many rights of the aboriginal people and influenced the racism more specifically. The aboriginal people were treated as ignorant rather than facing the violence. They were ignored in every aspect of life. There were several acts imposed by the Federal Government of Australia for preventing discrimination and racism. For example, Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act was introduced in the year of 1975. Apart from this act, in the year of 1986, the act of Human Rights and Equal Opportunity was introduced (Humanrights.gov.au, 2016). Unlike many other colonised countries, the aboriginal people in Australia are treated as much inferior to other civilised people. In fact, in considering the psychological level, the aboriginal people have been facing the discrimination against race and class. It is somewhat much fearful for a civic society and considering the maintenance of the legacy of discrimination. The physical aggression upon the aboriginals is also much signified in this context. The past scenario is also reflecting the racism against the indigenous Australians in a very specific way. On the contrary, several non-indigenous people think that the aboriginal or the indigenous people availed many opportunities and unfair advantages. However, the truth is these people have been facing the discriminative scenario at their workplace till now. While they have been registering into a club or attending any social fathering, such discriminative attitudes are shown against the indigenous people in Australia. Even though several acts have been implemented against the racism by the government officials, the scenario of the racism is still in focus on todays date. The children from such background still have to face the obligations in their educational field, which may hamper their future as well. Hence, it is necessary for the government officials to keep the focus on such indigenous people who have been bullied by the so called civilised people. Such treatment received f rom others makes the indigenous people mentally and physically sick. In considering their perspectives, the discriminative attitudes should be eliminated. As per the human rights, these people deserve to be equally treated among the society. In fact, they are free to live their lives without being judged by the other people in the nation. Moreover, the maintenance of the equality in the workplace and educational field is also necessary for the people in the country, especially in this current scenario. References Alltogethernow.org.au, (2016). Racism in Australia. [online] Alltogethernow.org.au. Available at: https://alltogethernow.org.au/racism/ [Accessed 26 Oct. 2016]. Bodkin-Andrews, G., Carlson, B. (2016). The legacy of racism and Indigenous Australian identity within education.Race Ethnicity and Education,19(4), 784-807. Dudgeon, P. (2016). Gender, Politics, and the State in Aboriginal Australia and Torres Strait Islands.The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Humanrights.gov.au, (2016). Racism exists in Australia are we doing enough to address it? | Australian Human Rights Commission. [online] Humanrights.gov.au. Available at: https://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/speeches/racism-exists-australia-are-we-doing-enough-address-it [Accessed 26 Oct. 2016]. Parker, R., Milroy, H. (2014). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health: an overview.Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice. 2nd ed. Canberra: Department of The Prime Minister and Cabinet, 25-38. Redmond, J. D., Pedersen, A., Paradies, Y. (2014). Psychosocial predictors of antiracist bystander action toward Indigenous Australians.Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology,20(4), 474.

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Military Sealift Command

Executive Summary The Military Sealift Command or MSC was designed to aid in the logistical and transportation needs of the United States Military, and specifically handles the transportation, supply, and personnel needs of the U.S. Navy and other seafaring vessels in the U.S. military.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Military Sealift Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today, the MSC has three main divisions, including the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the Special Missions Program, and the Prepositioning Program. Each subdivision operates under the jurisdiction of the federal government and employees a variable mixture of civilian mariners and enlisted officers. The purpose of this strategic plan is to further describe the current configuration of MSC, its operational nature, the overall vision and value system, and the foreseeable risks and opportunities in the future. Also, this plan will detail the im plementation of the most effective business strategy for the plan future endeavors as well as briefly outline a basic risk management plan. Based on available information, and a clear assessment of the foreseeable risks and responsibilities into the future, this strategic plan will suggest that the best operational framework in which MSC can operate is within an entrepreneurial system, where certain, logistical and routine needs are meet through the contracting of private entities who meet all the criteria for federal employment and contracting. Through this delegation of responsibility, MSC can more easily handle the more immediate needs of coordinating the logistical and transportation support needed by the U.S. Military and associated research and development vessels. Company Background Prior to 1949, marine transportation was controlled by four separate governmental agencies. However, after the end of World War II, it was determined that a singular entity would be better prepare d to handle and supervise the multi-faceted arena of sea transportation and logistical support for the United States Department of Defense. Thus, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) was formed. The MSC has always assumed the responsibility for ocean transportation for the military and other governmental entities.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In modern times, MSC is utilized by the U.S. military and their civilian counterparts for the logistics and transportation of such things as fuel, humanitarian aid, research vessels, and military and civilian maritime personnel around the world. In addition, MSC vessels have also played a vital role in the nation’s fight against terrorism.Nearly 16 billion gallons of fuel as well as 110 million tons of supplies and equipment were delivered by MSC in 2008. In addition, medical vessels operated by MSC have been able to treat thous ands of patients worldwide. Organizational Mission The organizational mission of the Military Sealift Command is fivefold: provide quality services to our clients, regardless of their needs, provide quality assistance to help them achieve their short and long term goals, to provide support to the Global War on Terrorism, to develop and maintain a support system for all staff and employees, ensure that our resources, including maritime and personnel are always able to meet the needs of our clients, now and in the future. In order to meet these goals and the changing demands of the maritime environment, the MSC is divided into three main subgroups. These subgroups include the Naval Fleet Auxiliary, the Special Mission Program, and the Prepositioning Program. The organizational structure of each of these sub-groups is described in the following paragraphs. Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force This subdivision of MSC contains more than 40 ships which are used for organizing the supply to the U S Navy vessels by sea. The ships deliver such things as food, fuel, ordnance, replacement parts, mail service, and other necessary supplies. This resource allows naval vessels to remain at sea, and to have the ability to respond quickly during times of military or humanitarian need. Moreover, the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force is also responsible for towing and salvage operations along with medical and rescue services. Individual ships are manned by a crew of civil service mariners, and may contain a small group of naval personnel aboard for operational support. The vessels are also operated under governmental ownership. Special Missions Program This section of MSC operates a total of 25 vessels which provide operational platforms and command vessels for both research and military ventures. Routine missions may include such things as oceanographic surveys, underwater surveillance, as well as hydrological and acoustic surveys, and various other missions involved in wartime support. Thes e services are supplied to such entities as the U.S.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Military Sealift Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fleet Forces Command, the Oceanographer of the Navy, the U.S. Air Force, the Strategic Systems Programs Office of the U.S. Navy, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to name a few. The majority of ships within this section of MSC are operated by civilian mariners that work for private companies contracted by MSC. Also, some ships are operated by a hybrid crew, consisting of both civilian and military personnel that work under the supervision of a U.S. Navy captain. Prepositioning Program This portion of the MSC aids in the readiness strategy of the United States Military. Prepositioning is the act of placing military equipment and key supplies on designated vessels located in significant locations at sea. This ensures the availability of resources dur ing times of increased conflict, war, a humanitarian operation, or other contingency. A total of 32 pre-positioning ships are in use by MSC to support all branches of the U.S. military and coalition allies. The Prepositioning fleet includes vessels owned by the U.S. government, chartered vessels, and ones that have been activated from the Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force. The private contractors employed by the federal government are responsible for selecting the candidates for the crew of the ships which consist mainly of civilian mariners. Vision The overall vision of the Military Sealift Command is to deliver the most innovative and efficient delivery of resources and solutions within the maritime community (Military Sealift Command organization). Value Statements Above all else, Military Sealift Command values the people that make the realization of its vision and mission a reality. These include the employees, the clients, both military and civilian, and those who ar e affected by what we do for the military community, here and abroad. MSC also places a high value on maintaining a transparent and quantitative decision making process that is highlighted by professionalism, efficiency, and innovation.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Environmental Scan In order to assess and create an effective strategic plan, it is necessary to conduct an assessment of the external, internal and economic factors that will affect the Military Sealift Command. The following subsections will provide a summation of those factors. External Factors The following factors have been designated as external factors that would have a significant influence on MSC: access to global ports and sea-lanes, poor or inadequate infrastructure development, type of information and communication technology utilized, government regulations and fiscal restraints, and investment in new technology. Access to Global Ports and Sea-Lanes In the changing world of global dynamics, the transportation of materials and personnel to international ports and through international sea-lanes is becoming more crucial. Perceived opponents to the successful transportation of goods and services would undoubtedly try to prevent access to certain global ports and sea-lanes, critically affecting the ability of MSC to provide quality resources and personal to our clients. The freedom of access is crucial to the global economy as it facilitates the movement of both resources, and the natural growth and expansion of free trade. The inability of MSC to travel effectively would mean that that the supported presence of the United States Navy has the potential to be adversely effected in a number of established locations. Infrastructure Development Another significant external factor facing the MSC is the challenge of poorly developed or inadequate infrastructure in areas that the U.S. has shown future interests. The areas in question often lack the transportation and logistical necessities found in most developed areas, including airports, seaports, and established road networks. In addition, many of these areas have poor or inadequate water resources, poor sewer or electricity services. These shortcomings will most likely become a direct hindrance to the de ployment of military personnel and their support personnel by the United States and allied countries in a response to humanitarian necessity. Information Technology and Communications While current information technology and communication systems are important to the success of any military operation, the advancement of technology in this area also has the potential to cause problems for the military as well. Perceived opponents also have the opportunity to gain significant technological advances, including the technology currently being used by the United States military forces. These acquired technologies can then be utilized to attack, disrupt, or even degrade the ability of the U.S. military to communicate effectively. Governmental Regulations and Fiscal Restraints Since the military, and indirectly MSC operate under the supervision and guidance of the United States government, they must adhere to any and all regulations, budgetary restraints, and laws that could directly or ind irectly affect them. Currently, the United States government is having to manage a significant budget deficit which has affected many military operations, and therefore the ability to utilized support companies such as MSC. Investment in New Technology Based on the growing determination of the perceived enemies of the United States to utilize new and innovative technology to win the war on terrorism, it is essential that the United States government in new and remodeled programs, improved platforms. This will ensure the continued dominance of the United States military and their allies on the global stage. Internal Factors In addition to numerous external factors that influence the strategic planning of MSC, there are also a number of internal factors that must be accounted for. These include various strengths and weaknesses that have been revealed by a detailed analysis of the internal environment. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted for Military Sealift Command. It focused on four main areas, including resources, funding, naval-maritime relationships, and workforce. MSC Resources At the current time, MSC operates approximately one hundred and eleven non-combatant civilian-crewed ships worldwide. The MSC also operates approximately fifty military ships that are currently on standby, ready for military use. The headquarters of MSC is located in Washington D.C., and auxiliary branches are located throughout the county. MSC employs approximately 8,000 employees that are comprised of both military and civilian personnel. In addition, another 4,000 civil servants derived from both the United States Marines and federal governments are utilized to strengthen its non-combatant naval auxiliary and special mission ships. Funding There are two major sources of fiscal resourcesfor MSC. These include the transportation working capital and the navy working capital fund. Each funding source is designated for a set of unique purpo ses. The purpose of the Transportation working capital is to finance the operation of sealift services, while the main purpose of the navy working capital fund is to support the naval taskforce, operations, and other military entities. It should be noted that MSC does not obtain funding through its command operations. Operational funding is provided through either a working funds capital, or from invoicing of MSC clients. These are the financial resources utilized by MSC to finance its command operations. MSC is a non-profit making entity, and therefore no profits are built into the budget. Naval-Maritime Relationship According to the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) of the 1990s, an agreement was reached between the US government and the maritime industry. The purpose is to provide joint planning and assured access for the commercial ships at rates agreed upon in cases of national emergency. VISA allows the United States military to use the offshore transport equipment as well as private ships during emergencies, and in times of war. The treaty also allows the government to provide the maritime industry subsidies, and or contracts that involve the transportation of military equipment in times of peace. This enables the establishment of a relationship between the private firms and military, which can later be used during times of conflict. Workforce MSC’s workforce consists of approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 80% of those employees are working at sea. The majority are mariners who are employed through a civil service in their respective federal governmental agencies. Other portions of MSC employees work for private firms as commercial mariners, civil servants, or as members of the reserve military. All MSC ships are operated by civilians, as opposed to naval vessels which are operated by military personnel. While operated by civilians, MSC vessels still may be involved in military operations during times of war or conf lict through the transport of military supplies, and communication equipment. This is accomplished through the use of small military compartments and departments that are specifically designed to facilitate these operations. Strength Analysis Based on the information provided above, MSC strengths include a highly trained workforce and a management system that is focused on both quality and safety considerations. Weakness Analysis Despite its apparent strengths, there are a number of weaknesses that have become apparent in the analysis of MSC. One such weakness is the relatively slow hiring process for new shoreline employees. Another weakness is the scarcity of available resources for use by MSC to support military operations in the forms of force sustainment, delivery of combat equipment, fuel, vehicles, ammunition in times of war and peace. This apparent shortfall of supplies has, unfortunately led to misappropriate use of funding in the past. This misuse is due in part to decisio ns made during mission implementation, where the priorities are not financial, but rather logistical. Another weakness, specific to military personnel is the added performance pressure that is experienced due to high turnover rate and the expectation of high performance and promotions. Often these personnel face the dilemma of choosing between careers and professional interests when they are involved in the decision making process (MSC, 2010). Economic Factors In addition to internal and external factors that the MSC strategic plan has identified, there are also a number of economic constraints that can be considered to have both internal and external components. One such economic influence is the changing use and need for energy resources. Since a larger percentage of fossil fuels are being utilized by emerging countries, these limited resources will most likely become unavailable in the foreseeable future. Therefore, alternative energy sources must be found and developed for use b y the U.S. military and their associated civilian operations (MSC 2010). Strategy Organization The primary objective of strategic planning is to understand how a particular business will be implemented, operated in the future, and how the entity will manage expected risks and new developments. There are a number of available strategies that the MSC could undertake, and one of the best alternatives will be discussed in the following paragraphs. Based on information obtained, the most beneficial strategic organizational structure is that of an entrepreneurial company (Pearce, Robinson, 2004, p 34). This assessment is based on a number of criteria, including the expected enhancement of the effectiveness and efficiency in MSC operations. The extensive amount of business management knowledge that has been made available to entrepreneurial systems will allow for a more seamless operation of administrative functions. In addition to operating under an entrepreneurial model, it is also impor tant for MSC to adopt the use of external resources such as outsourcing services that are designed to meet specific criteria and functional uses. By outsourcing certain routine aspects of their operations, some financial resources may be made available for additional employee benefits, additional research and development, or to provide a more stable financial foundation for future endeavors. Another possibility is to utilize more of the civilian workforce than is currently. In most cases, military personnel demand a higher wage, and more benefits than their comparable civilian counterpart. By using more of the civilian resources available, MSC could potentially reduce its overall cost of doing business. Implementation Plan While developing this implementation plan, one should first identify the major objectives that have to be attained by Military Sealift Command. These objectives are as follows: Establish more productive partnerships with private suppliers; Improve HR management i n the organization, especially when we are speaking about slow hiring process and high turnover of military personnel. Increase the speed of internal operations within the agency; Develop better control mechanisms over the resources. The achievement of these objectives is crucial for the effective functioning of the MSC. However, in order to reach these goals one has to single out a set of specific tasks. They can be presented in this way: Make a call for tender in order to attract private contractors. The private contractors of MSC have to be assessed in terms of their reliability, pricing policies, experience in the field, and ability to collaborate with military agencies. Set more stringent accountability standards for private contractors. One of the key issues, faced by MSC is the inability of this organization to control contractor-operated ships. The thing is that in many cases, MSC has to be twice for the same job (GAO, 1995, p 2). They need to make sure that the prices of contractors are reasonable and that overhaul work is done properly. Purchase or design an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) application that would enable the administration to gain a better control over such areas as human resources, financial reporting, supply chain, etc. Establish a department that would be occupied solely with the recruitment of the civil personnel. As a rule, Military Sealift Command often has to deal with numerous employment agencies, acting as mediators between the employer and the candidate and a result the process of hiring is usually very slow. Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate this agency into the structure of MSC. Review and modify remuneration policies of MSC. It has been mentioned before, the turnover rate in MSC is very high. In part, it can be explained by the fact that the employees are not content with the compensation that they receive for their work or they may be dissatisfied with the way their performance is assessed. It is possible to single out several milestones in this plan: the beginning of tenders and their ending; the design and installation of ERP system; the adoption of new accountability standards. The efficiency of this plan should be measured according to such parameters as the speed of operations, organizational costs, and turnover rate within the company. The administration of MSC has to establish at least workgroups, which would do the following tasks: organization of tenders and assessment of the offerings, made by various private entities; the evaluation of reporting practices within organization and development of new accountability policies; the design of ERP system; recruitment of the civil personnel. Such allocation of human resources seems to be the most appropriate for the needs of MSC. When speaking about the budget estimations, we need to say that it is too early to make them now because at first it is necessary to assess IT needs of the organization. Only on the basis of this assessm ent one would be able to determine what kind of software and hardware is needed by MSC. Besides, one would have to determine the costs of tenders and the costs of creating a new HR department in the organization. Without these data, it is rather difficult to carry out break-even analysis. At this point is rather difficult to set some specific deadline for the implementation of plan. However, we may argue that it will take MSC at least a year and a half to put the plan into execution because tendering process and the development of ERP system are very time-consuming. Overall, the implementation of this plan depends on several success factors: the availability of funding and the willingness of the employees to collaborate with the administration. Risk Management Risk management and contingency planning is defined as the recognition of foreseeable risk, the development of plans to manage those risks, as well as the specific steps that will be taken to minimize the impact from currently unrecognized future risk and problems. The goals of such planning and implementation is to increase the overall prosperity of the company, assess and effectively manage current and future risks, increase the ability of the company personnel to make effective and timely decisions, and to become proactive in managing new situations. Conclusions Based on the current information, and the foreseeable risks and responsibilities in the future, it is believed that the best strategic plan of operation for the MSC is to create a system modeled after entrepreneurial businesses, where coordination is handled by a more centralized administration, and certain routine or other logistical needs of the clients are met through subcontracting qualified private companies. Through this division of labor, it is believed that MSC will be more able to handle the changing risks and operational needs of its clients. Reference List Barney, J. B. (2007). Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Upper Sad dle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Government Accountability Office. (1995). Weak Control and Management of Contractor-operated Ships. Government Accountability Office. Web. Military Sealift Command organization. (n.d.) n.a. Web. Pearce, J., A., Robinson B. (2004) Strategic management: Formulation,  implementation and control. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. This essay on The Military Sealift Command was written and submitted by user Zayden Tyson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Resting Easy! 5 Top Tips for Beating Student Insomnia

Resting Easy! 5 Top Tips for Beating Student Insomnia Resting Easy! 5 Top Tips for Beating Student Insomnia If you’re a student, there’s a good chance you’re tired while you’re reading this. After all, there’s a lot you have to pack into your life: studies, a social life, a part-time job, extracurricular activities Finding time to sleep amidst all this can be hard! Add to that the high rates of insomnia caused by stress and bad sleeping habits, and we have a lot of exhausted students out there! Scenes like this can be seen in college libraries across the world. [Photo: Shanghai killer whale/wikimedia] But a lack of sleep can affect your grades, as well as your long term health. So it might be time to put sleeplessness to bed (PUN ALERT! PUN ALERT!) using our top five tips for beating insomnia! 1. Have a â€Å"Bedtime† You probably remember â€Å"bedtime† as something you resented as a child. But now that you’re old enough not to have to be told when you should rest, setting a regular time at which you go to bed can ensure healthier sleeping habits. 2. Beware Screens We’re all glued to our smartphones, tablets and laptops these days, but did you know that the blue light these screens emit can trick your brain into thinking it is daytime when it isn’t? Not likely to sleep any time soon. [Johan Viirok/flickr] If you need to use your computer or smartphone in the evening, you should use a filter that removes the blue light produced by many electronic devices so it doesn’t affect your sleeping patterns. 3. Diet and Exercise As much as you might hate to hear it, a diet of beer, coffee and junk food (all celebrated parts of the student lifestyle) is unlikely to help you sleep. Particularly important is cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and fizzy pop before bed. Likewise, some vigorous exercise around six hours before you sleep will burn up excess energy and help ensure a peaceful night. 4. De-Stress Yo’ Self! Stress is a cause of insomnia and lack of sleep can cause stress, so it’s easy to get stuck in a vicious circle of not sleeping and worrying about feeling exhausted. As such, it’s vital to know the signs of stress and to relax whenever possible. If you don’t feel like you have time to chill, it might be a good idea to cut down on non-essential activities so that you have chance to rest. 5. Manage Your Sleep Environment Make sure your bedroom is a suitable sleeping habitat. Ideally, your room will be cool, dark and quiet throughout the night. And a good mattress is an investment you won’t regret. If you still need convincing, try spending several months sleeping on an inflatable mattress in a tiny box room in a busy, noisy part of town and see how tired you feel at the end of it. In our experience, this is enough to make anyone appreciate the value of a proper bed. These guys have it right. Be more like these guys.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Collocations With Money for ESL Learners

Collocations With Money for ESL Learners An important step to improving your English vocabulary is to not only learn the appropriate terms but to learn the words that commonly go together with those terms. These word combinations are often, adjective noun, verb noun, and noun verb pairs. Each of these collocation sheets provide collocations for commonly used words arranged into categories. Each collocation is illustrated with an example sentence. Adjectives + "Money" The following list includes adjectives that are commonly used with the noun money. Adjectives that are similar in meaning are grouped together. Each adjective or adjective group has an example sentence to illustrate usage. easy He thinks working in marketing is easy money. I think hell find its quite a different story. bonus, extra If you complete the project before next Tuesday, therell be some bonus money. hard-earned The best way to feel good about any purchase is if its been made with hard-earned money. government, public, taxpayers Its not right to waste taxpayers money on projects that benefit those who are already wealthy. pocket, spending Would you like a little extra pocket money this weekend? gas, lunch, petrol, rent, etc Could you lend me some lunch money today? prize, grant, scholarship They won a lot of grant money for their research into DNA. stolen, dirty, bribe, ransom I dont want your dirty money! hush, protection That gang is demanding protection money from every store on the street. Its scandalous! pension, retirement We plan to move to Hawaii with our retirement money. counterfeit, fake The police discovered more than $2 million in fake money. Verb + "Money" The following list includes verbs that are commonly followed by the noun money or an amount of a particular type of money or currency. Verbs that are similar in meaning are grouped together. Each verb or verb group has an example sentence to illustrate usage. coin, print The government printed a lot of money in 2001. count Lets count your money and see if you have enough to buy that. bring in, earn, make, The company brought in more than $4 million. borrow Could I borrow some money for this weekend? lend Ill lend you some money until next month. bank, deposit, pay in, pay into the bank, put in the bank I deposited a large amount of money last Friday. draw out, get out, take out, withdraw She took $500 out of our account. pay out, shell out, spend They paid out more than $300 dollars for that lamp. fritter away, squander, throw away I hate it when you squander our savings! hoard, save, set aside, stash away They set aside $200 each week for savings. contribute, donate, give They donated more than $200,000 to charity last year. give back, pay back, refund, repay Ill pay you back the money by the end of next week. owe She owes Thomas a lot of money. share Lets share the money weve found! accept, take Im afraid I cant accept your money. be worth That painting is worth a lot of money. change, exchange Id like to change twenty dollars, please. Could you give me four five dollar bills? allocate, earmark The committee decided to allocate $50,000 for the project. channel, direct, funnel The program directs more than $5 billion to help the homeless. embezzle, extort, siphon off, steal He was charged with embezzling money from the company. launder They used the internet to launder the stolen money. "Money" + Verb The following list includes verbs that commonly follow the noun money. Verbs that are similar in meaning are grouped together. Each verb or verb group has an example sentence to illustrate usage. come from something Money for the exhibit comes from donations to the museum. go to something The money goes to research. come in, flow in, pour in The money just kept pouring in! It was amazing! buy something Who says that money cant buy happiness? "Money" + Noun The following list includes nouns that commonly follow the noun money. Nouns that are similar in meaning are grouped together. Each noun or noun group has an example sentence to illustrate usage. management, manager I think you should hire a money manager for your savings. supply The money supply is very tight at the moment. order You can pay by money order. Phrases With "Money" The following list includes phrases made with the noun money. Each phrase has an example sentence to illustrate usage. bet money on something Lets bet $400 dollars on the race. get money off something Ask if you can get some money off the display model. get your moneys worth Make sure to spend the whole day at the park to get your moneys worth. on the money Your prediction was on the money! the smart money is on The smart money is on Tom for the directors position. throw money at something Dont just throw money at the project. Make sure you demand results. throw your money around Peter throws his money around like it meant nothing.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Business organization and Operations Management Case Study

Business organization and Operations Management - Case Study Example In this management style, the cloth retailers in UK especially the Moss Bros (which also operates Cecil Gee) management and staff work together as a group so as to harmonize operations such as deciding what should be invested in to the operation arrangement such as workforce, material, apparatus, power and how these resources can be easily be acquired and used to ensure that finished products meet the requirements of consumers, for instance the plan to sale of Cecil Gee and specialize in franchise business. The main aspects that should be addressed by the managers in charge of the operations management in Moss Bros are, speed, quality, dependability, cost and flexibility. Quality factor addresses the relevant or required standards in a product; speed addresses the time taken for operations to offer what is required; dependability is the extent to which the organization can be relied upon to deliver the pledges it makes to clients; flexibility addresses how fast a company can change its operations to meet new demand requirements; cost is the expenditure used up in operations and this requires that management understands these concepts for better management and organization (Galloway et al 2000). Due to the increasing economic problems in the whole world, there Moss Bros has out in place to improve its operations. The management operations in this cloth retailer was integrated to include features like empowering the executive team, simplifying the business operations especially the main sub sections; Moss, Hugo Boss and Cecil Gee, improving the product portfolio, exhibition and availability plus improving the cost effectiveness and enhancing the business efficiency (The Moss Bros Plc 2003). Since the appointment of Adrian Wright at the chief executive in the year 2002, the executive has been improving steadily; other appointments included the appointment of Philip Mountford as trading director who has a strong background in brand development, development and implementation of strategies for chains supplies. This is exactly the type of expertise that Moss Bros needed by that time to help it reduce the risk by reducing the uncertainties in the demand of clothes in the UK market. Another notable executive to be appointed was Roddy Murray as the finance director, the same year; he announced that the company had a stock of about 2.3 million sterling pounds worth of suit fabric, an amount that had decreased by less than half a million pounds in the 2004 second quarter (The Moss Bros Plc 2003). This accomplishment was attributed to the well defined supply chain operations as the company was generally aware that the adoption of market pull as a strategy would be more beneficial compared to product push. The process of business operations has been simplified since it was getting complicated because of the many formats used in the operations under different fascias which could lead to confusion in product offering and inconsistency (Galloway et al 2000). Efficient business operations has been integrated into the company's operations by the strong executive team enabling the firm to

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Michael Murphy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Michael Murphy - Essay Example Murphy’s message stands-out from that of the other contenders as it is geared towards enhancing democracy and equality. His campaign team has worked tirelessly to mould their party’s flag bearer into a force with whom to reckon. The candidate has been marketed with a high-end consumer brand through a coherent and comprehensive program of fonts, web designs and logos. The entire graphic designed for his campaign have been made using the same design (Marshment, Stro?mba?ck and Rudd, 2010). This has made it simple for the supporters to adopt the designs when campaigning for their favorite candidate. His personality has also been brought into full public limelight through the publishing of a new novel that details his life experiences and aspirations. The iconization of Murphy has made the electorates feel as if they know him beyond the political circles. His campaign blogs and messages quote his vision that offers a compelling future. His vision clarifies, inspires and foc uses on the progress of the individual members and the entire nation. How are the Three Candidates Positioned? The opinion polls show that the campaign promises being made by Murphy are appealing to most party members as compared to his competitors. The popularity gap has widened recently to 10%. The national polls also place him as the strongest candidate to compete with the opponent from the conservative party in the general elections. The increase in the number of new youth members within the party is associated with his aggressive campaigns of popularizing the party outside the traditional circles. How are the Candidates differentiated from each Other? Murphy has numerous unique characteristics that distinguish his campaign demeanor from other competitors. They include personal charisma, public speaking, listening skills and his positive attitude towards challenges (Rossiter, 2004). Murphy possesses the highest educational qualifications among the contestants with a Masters degr ee in political science and currently pursues an undergraduate degree in economics. This improves his chances as the preferred candidate among the party members in spearheading the efforts geared towards improving democracy. Other leadership qualities that make him be favored by the party delegates include his willingness to make hard decisions, decisiveness, and capability to understand the leadership problems currently facing the party, effective management skills and sharing of other people’s values. Murphy is the only contestant in the race who has some prior experience in good performance within the party leadership. He was entrusted with taking care of the youth affairs which has seen the representation of youths and women in the administrative posts in the party. What are their Strongest Voter Segments? The strongest voter segments for Michael Murphy are the youths and women who believe in change with reference to his earlier performance record. His prolonged status as the youth leader within the party has made him interact with all the party members implying that everyone is aware of his leadership skills. What Messages are they focusing on? The main theme that Murphy is focusing on is the Enhancement of the Democratic Space and Fair Representation of all Groups within the Party. This will place the party at a better position to defeat the Conservatives in the national elections. This is encompassed in his campaign motto of hope and restoration. Murphy is also focusing on reaching the

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Triple Bottom Line Essay Example for Free

Triple Bottom Line Essay Introduction: ‘Triple Bottom Line’ is increasingly attaining popularity as a conceptual framework for the purpose of measuring the level of business performance. The term was being coined by John Elkington, in his book entitled â€Å"Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business†. John Elkington has been the co-founder of the business consultancy SustainAbility. ‘Triple Bottom Line’ could be understood in a broad sense, as the range of values which companies need to uphold such as social, environmental and economic. In mere practical terms, the concept of triple bottom line intends to take into account the social and environmental performance of the company along with its financial performance. (The triple bottom line Business and Sustainable Development: A Global guide) The ‘triple bottom line’ indicates the point at which the corporate interests meet the societal interests. It is a novel method of measuring the bottom line, wherein profits tend to move along with the social as well as environmental performance and a method of understanding the concept of sustainability which is being considered to be often-fuzzy. (The Triple Bottom Line: How today’s Best-Run Companies are Achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success And How You Can Too) Summary Article: 1 Wayne Norman and Chris MacDonald in their article â€Å"Getting to the Bottom of Triple Bottom Line† state that by dedicating themselves to the concept of â€Å"Triple Bottom Line† it shows as if corporations are forming a more concrete as well as verifiable dedication to environment and society. But in reality, it allows the companies to virtually make no commitment at all. As a result of no real bottom lines for calculation relating to society or environment, companies do not have to be bothered about having these â€Å"bottom lines† in comparison to other firms which are within or without of their sector; nor is there any definite worry pertaining to the firm being considered to have reducing environmental as well as societal â€Å"bottom lines† over the various years or under the leadership of the present Chief Executive Officer of the company. Without a complete reliable collection of these reports along with the handy filing system, comparability over a period of time for one firm would be difficult as well as time-consuming. The company could also alter the indicating factors it would choose in order to report on over time. The authors emphasize further that on the one hand, the fact that the firms have created a social report or that of a code of ethics gives us less information with regard to a firm’s real dedication towards the principles being presented in the documents. It is also considered to be relatively of less cost in order to produce these documents, and particularly if they are vague, they do not usually bring any serious risks pertaining for a company. On the other hand, both the kinds of documents could play an important part in a company’s serious technique in order to improve upon its ethical as well as societal performance along with trying to integrate this objective into its boundary of corporate culture. The authors conclude that it is their understanding that clear as well as meaningful principles are the most likely to cater to companies of the latter kind; and that vague as well as literally less meaningful principles like those intended by the Triple Bottom Line are best suited only for promoting hypocrisy. (Getting to the Bottom of â€Å"Triple Bottom Line†) Article: 2 The author Steven F. Hayward in their article â€Å"The Triple Bottom Line: Authentic New Model or Tripartite Nonsense?† states that to the bottom level of profit-and-loss is being included two more groups which have their own balance sheets and these are environmental quality as well as social justice and it is what is being considered as the ‘triple bottom line’. However the author states that by including the term â€Å"social† to the concept of justice does not realistically include the values of justice. In real terms social justice is a disingenuous effort to turn justice by relating legitimacy in relation to a redistributive agenda. Further, with regard to environmental quality, most of the companies, particularly manufacturing companies, have emissions as well as resource-use profiles that could be brought up for measurement and improved by several methods. To add to it, most of the large corporations now tend to create annual environmental reports along with annual financial reports, mentioning the developments made by the firm on the environmental aspect. However most of these gains are considered to be just ‘efficiency gains’ which could be considered to be profitable in several cases, but a single-dimensional attention on efficiency gains removes taking into account both the opportunity cost of the working capital as well as the trained personnel in order to attain such efficiency gains against other tasks as well as any consideration with regard to the internal rate of return IRR on the company’s capital. A more general initiative has tended to elevate the concept of triple bottom line to that of a board level issue. However some of the environmentalists are not wasting their time for the purpose of serious conceptual efforts and have really started to warn the investors that firms that do not listen to the call of the triple bottom line will actually witness their market value to decline in the years to come. Steven F. Hayward provides several examples in this article of how environmentalists are trying to pressurize corporations to adopt social justice and environmental policies as part of their company policy. However examples of Enron’s bankruptcy shows that environmentalists are making their efforts to make corporations into social service units following a statist agenda. But this is something which market-oriented companies are not supposed to follow. (The Triple Bottom Line: Authentic New Model or Tripartite Nonsense?) Article: 3 The author Chris MacDonald in his article on â€Å"Ethics, jargon, and the triple bottom line† states that the supporters of the concept of ‘triple bottom line’ are not satisfied with the concept being just another form of a metaphor and they have made all efforts to make it into a full-fledged management concept and it is now one of the dominant as well as the progressive management concepts of the present day world. And the popularity of the concept tends to be skyrocketing. The author states that that the efforts of conscientious business managers in order to attend to the societal as well as the environmental implications of their business dealings are not at all out of importance. Knowledgeable and far-sighted managers had understood that such activities would tend to have the dual advantages of being right from both an ethical as well as the financial side. However it is not clear still that the concept of ‘triple bottom line’ adds anything valuable as to what the conscientious managers are already been doing. Further as it does not give any concrete and reliable measures to analyze the performance, the concept of ‘triple bottom line’ could even lead to a type of smoke and mirrors that will obscure the efforts of the less progressive firms. The author further asks as to what is the bottom line on the triple bottom line? He states that in their efforts to bring about ethical behavior, like that in anything else that they tend to do, firms should look carefully before they involve in buying. Another point to be noted is that, there should be careful reflection with regard to the best techniques as well as the tools for managers in order to ensure of their efforts to emphasize upon the ethical cultures in their companies. Ethics, whether it is in business or whether in the field of health care or politics, is really about thinking in a clear manner and understanding as to what our obligations really are and agreeing upon the principles that really make value and then abiding by those principles whenever times tend to get tough. (Ethics, jargon, and the triple bottom line) III. Compare/Contrast All the three articles show that even though the concept of Triple bottom line has become a popular approach to functioning of social and environmental commitments of the corporations, most of the companies tend to make less or even virtually no commitment at all towards the concepts of societal and environmental responsibility. As a result of the absence of any real bottom lines pertaining to societal or environmental performance for calculation, the comparability of firms is considered to be difficult and not worth-while. The authors agree that even though most large corporations now tend to create annual environmental reports along with their annual financial reports, mentioning the growth of the company with regard to several environmental benchmarks, a majority of these gains are considered to be only mere efficiency gains, which could be even profitable in several of the cases. Because the triple bottom line gives no concrete reliable methods to measure the performance levels, the concept could account to a type of smoke and mirrors that could obscure the actions of the less progressive firms. The authors of the three articles thus argue that Triple Bottom Line are best only for the purpose of promoting hypocrisy as companies are only interested in making profits and by adding the commitment towards environment and society in their company policy, they however do not make any concerted efforts towards improving the environment or society. In short, the three articles agree that because of its inbound emptiness as well as vagueness, the triple bottom line concept enables it easy for a cynical company to appear to be dedicated towards societal and environmental sustainability. 1V. Critical Evaluation: Even though the authors of the three articles state that the concept of Triple bottom line has not been made use of in the right direction, businesses are being forced upon in order to react to the societal, environmental and economic changes that are occurring in the world around them. Just as we understand that the global warming is basically changing the commercial as well as the regulatory landscape for the energy as well as the auto companies, similarly the occurrence of HIV/AIDS, SARS as well as contagious malaria is altering the fundamental business models for the pharmaceutical companies. In the ever-changing modern world, the real sustainable company would tend to have no requirement of writing checks for the purpose of charity or to provide back to the local society, as the firm’s daily functions would not tend to deprive the society, but would on the reverse tend to enrich it. (The Triple Bottom Line: How today’s Best-Run Companies are Achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success And How You Can Too) Conclusion To conclude, it can be said that there should be concerted efforts and research done to make triple bottom line as the model of the future and up-coming corporate firms. There should be strong regulated efforts made to create the awareness required that business firms even when contributing towards the societal and environmental concerns can tend to be financially successful. By giving equal importance for the society and environment, companies can tend to have a situation of ‘win-win’ on all sides. References Hayward, Steven F. The Triple Bottom Line: Authentic New Model or Tripartite Nonsense? Sept-Oct, 2002. Vol:12; No; 5. Religion and Liberty. http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/article.php?id=437 MacDonald, Chris. Ethics, jargon, and the triple bottom line. The Chronicle Herald.   March 3, 2005. http://www.herald.ca/external/sobeys/march05.html Norman, Wayne; MacDonald, Chris. Getting to the Bottom of â€Å"Triple Bottom Line†. Business Ethics Quarterly, April 2004. http://www.businessethics.ca/3bl/triple_bottom_line_abstract.html Savitz, Andrew W; Weber, Karl. The Triple Bottom Line: How Today’s Best-Run Companies are Achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success And How You Can Too. Jossey-Bass/Wiley. September 2006. http://www.thetriplebottomline.net/ The triple bottom line. Business and Sustainable Development: A Global guide. 2007. http://www.bsdglobal.com/tools/principles_triple.asp

Friday, November 15, 2019

Societies Influences :: essays research papers

Societies Influence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Society seems to influence all ages by poisioning our minds with lies and aggression. Aggression and hockey have gone together as long as sports have been around, be it the players themselves, to the parents, coaches, friends, they just seem to be an inseparable part of each other. The term violence is defined as physical assualt based on total disregard for the well being of self and others, or the intent to injure another person. Hockey seems to be promoting violence by broadcasting it all over the world advertising it to all children. There is no room for violence in our great game from my prospective. I have been around this game my entire life and I don’t believe we need to make violence a part of it. I have seen to many injuries, to many concusions, broken wrists and broken faces. I have seen twelve year old kids trying to kick each other with skates on. All this is a mentality, that is taught to us hockey players. This lesson is to be rutheless to a nyone and everyone. I remember my very fist lesson I was in my first year in the rep system. I was fourteen and at that age I was very large for my size. My ncoach between the first and second period told me that if I didn’t go out there and lay a bone crushing body check that I was going to sit next game. He believed that all I was good for was to be violent. I was fourteen scared out of my mind and my next shift I went out there and just crushed a player from the opposing team. From that point on all my coach wanted me to do for the rest of the season was fight. That year when I was fourteen I fought over twenty times in that season because of the surrounding pressure. The worst year of my life and I never ever want to see or hear of a player put in that position I was in. The game of hockey has always been violent to an extent like any other sport but in our up and coming society it seems that violence is influencing our game of hockey. In conclusion, I believe that if hockey the sport should continue we as a society should stop putting pressure on our children and friends and just let them have fun.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Inflation always bad for an economy

Is inflation always bad for an economy? Inflation is a general Increase in prices and fall In the purchasing value of money measured as percentage; ways of measuring It Include the retail price index and the consumer price Index. One cost of Inflation Is that firms may have to spend money, time and effort moving money around financial Institutions (banks etc. ) so that they can ensure It doesn't lose Its value, It Incurs shoe leather costs as a result of this.However these costs can be offset by advances in technology, less human intervention is needed and costs are lower Another cost is that inflation leads to Geiger prices, these high prices reduce the competitiveness of the countries companies on global markets this reduces exports and leads to a dependency on imports, severely affecting a countries balance of trade. As imports are a leakage from the circular flow of income, it has negative effects on consumers within the country.Reduced exports due to high prices may lead to firm s having to close, this may lead to staff being made redundant and Increasing the unemployment rate. However, these negative effects may be mitigated If the firms with which the source entry Is trading with has a higher level of Inflation, In which case, the firms In the country will still remain price competitive with foreign companies.One positive of inflation Is that If you have a low and stable rate of demand-pull inflation It may lead to companies producing more as they expect more consumption of their goods. This may lead to them hiring more staff or purchasing more technology, either increasing employment rates or increasing turnovers of other businesses that make the technology required, all of which increase economic activity and have positive effects.Companies can reduce redundancies by increasing real wages by less than inflation, cutting costs but without making staff unemployed which would have sever negative effects on consumers and the economy. The economic costs of i nflation are dependent on a variety of factors, such as the degree of Inflation, for example: higher levels of Inflation always have a worse Impact on an economy than low levels, e. G. Hyperinflation reduces the functionality of money and also as low Inflation reduces the effect of shoe leather costs It Is clearly better than high levels of Inflation. Another determinant of the effects of inflation is whether the inflation was correctly anticipated by consumers and producers and whether inflation in one country is higher than the countries it partakes in trade with because if this is the case, measures can be taken to reduce the negative impacts of inflation.For example pensions could be increased to stay in line with inflation. If these factors are all set in a certain way then the effects of inflation can become positive, however generally this is not the case and inflation negatively affects an economy. Inflation always bad for an economy? By Chatterer Inflation is a general incr ease in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money measured as percentage; ways of measuring it include the retail price index and the consumer price index.One cost of inflation is that firms may have to spend money, time and effort moving money around financial institutions (banks etc. ) so that they can ensure it doesn't lose its value, it incurs shoe leather costs as a result of this. May lead to staff being made redundant and increasing the unemployment rate. However, these negative effects may be mitigated if the firms with which the source entry is trading with has a higher level of inflation, in which case, the firms in the country will still remain price competitive with foreign companies.One positive of inflation is that if you have a low and stable rate of demand-pull inflation it may lead dependent on a variety of factors, such as the degree of inflation, for example: higher levels of inflation always have a worse impact on an economy than low levels, e. G. Hyperinf lation reduces the functionality of money and also as low inflation reduces the effect of shoe leather costs it is clearly better than high levels of inflation.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Waiting for Godot: Proven as a Tragic-Comedy

Is the label tragic-comedy truly suitable for the drama Waiting for Godot? A tragic-comedy by definition, is a work which intertwines elements both tragic and comic in nature. This characterization can be questioned as to its legitimacy in its application to Waiting for Godot. However, such skepticism of the classification will soon be expunged. Necessarily, examples of tragic and comic techniques, as well as theme, will be identified and confirmed as content within the story. Body A Tragic-comedy is a play which claims a plot fit for tragedy but which ends happily like a comedy.The action is serious in theme and subject matter and tone also sometimes, but it seems to be a tragic catastrophe until an unexpected turn in events brings out the happy ending. The characters of a tragic-comedy are noble but they are involved in improbabilities. In such a play tragic and comic elements are mixed together. Fletcher, in his Preface to the Faithful Shepherdess, defines a tragic-comedy as: â₠¬Å"A tragic-comedy is not so called in respect to mirth and killing, but in respect it wants death which is enough to make it no tragedy. Shakespeare’s ‘Cymbeline’ and ‘The Winter’s Tale’ may also be categorized as tragic-comedy. Time is clearly presented as a tragedy and creates many hardships in Waiting for Godot. Waiting is generally perceived negatively and is the central focus of the story. The two main characters Estragon and Vladimir, are forced to waste away their days while awaiting the arrival of a man who never comes. Estragon and Vladimir have nothing to do in the meantime and in result time becomes a dreaded inevitability that they must endure. Because they extensively repeat the same actions, time is cyclical. Each character seems to have a faulty memory, which further proves problematic.For example, this is seen in a conversation between Vladimir and Estragon: Vladimir: â€Å"That passed the time. † Estragon: â€Å"It wo uld have passed in any case. † Vladimir: â€Å"Yes, but not so rapidly. †. Time loses meaning and value when the actions of one day are without purpose or certainty on the next. Tragically, Estragon is regularly beaten, he admits: â€Å"Beat me? Certainly they beat me. †. And Vladimir suffers from kidney troubles. Estragon’s feet and Vladimir’s kidneys are also taken to be granted. They both resent that they should be asked whether it still hurts. It is implied that it hurts all the time.When Vladimir asks Estragon whether his boots are hurting him, he responds: â€Å"Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! †. Estragon then asks Vladimir of his kidney trouble and comically Vladimir responds: â€Å"Hurts! He wants to know if it hurts! †. In actuality his trouble is so great that it does not even permit him to laugh. The comedy in Waiting for Godot quickly turns into tragedy at the thought of the helplessness Estragon and Vladimir now face. The two are waiting for someone who never arrives. In order to pass time they participate in irrelevant, meaningless activity.Their lives are impossible to control and are without pleasure and their lifestyles are extremely tragic as it is. The source is the situation of pointless waiting of Estragon and Vladimir. They do not know who Godot is and even do not know what will happen if they stop waiting. Lack of essential knowledge makes them totally impotent and powerless. The total atmosphere of the play is very bleak to dark-comedy. For example, Vladimir is determined not to hear Estragon’s nightmare. However, Estragon still pleads with him in vain to hear him, saying that there is nobody else to whom he may communicate his private nightmares.The situation of Lucky is comically pathetic, especially in view of his glorious past, as Pozzo describes it. Lucky is apparently frustrated and obsessed with life and the struggles himself and people as a whole must endure and begins to rant: â€Å"†¦ the flames, the tears the stones so blue so calm alas alas on on the skull the skull the skull the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis, the labors abandoned left unfinished graver still abode of stones in a word I resume alas alas abandoned unfinished the skull the skull in Connemara in spite of the tennis the skull alas the stones Cunard tennis †¦ the stones †¦ so calm †¦Cunard †¦ unfinished †¦Ã¢â‚¬ A comic moment involves Estragon putting off and on his boots, as well as Vladimir’s game with his hat which appears as if he was performing at a circus. He also suffers from a prostrate problem and walks with stiff and short strides. The two each seem to engage often in unsure banter and easily influenced decisions, for example: Estragon: â€Å"Let’s go. † Vladimir: â€Å"We cannot. † Estragon: â€Å"Why not? † Vladimir: â€Å"We are waiting for Godot. † (They do not move. ) Estragon and V ladimir put on and take off each other’s hat as well as that of Lucky again and again.It shows that in the world of tramps, there is no place of significant actions. The most farcical situation in the play is the one where the tramps are testing the strength of the cord with which they wish to hang themselves and the cord breaks under the strain. Waiting for Godot consists of two men unable to act, move, or think in any significant way while they kill time waiting for a mysterious man, Godot. The characters fail to realize that this very act of waiting is a choice; instead, they view it as a mandatory part of their daily routine.This habit of uncertainty extends even to the most extreme of decisions, for example: Vladimir: â€Å"We’ll hang ourselves tomorrow†¦unless Godot comes. † Estragon: â€Å"And if he comes? † Vladimir: â€Å"Then we’ll be saved. † Their inability to make conscious decisions can be viewed as tragically unfortunate, while at the same time it can also create humor. Conclusion In conclusion, multiple comic and tragic schemes were identified, as well as the theme of the drama; confirming Waiting for Godot as a tragic-comedy.Certain events and dialogue between characters throughout the story promoted tragic and comic scenarios successfully and proved to be legitimate examples. While Waiting for Godot contains tragedy and comedy, is this the expectation for all dramas to qualify as a tragic-comedy? Finally, all and every story should be precisely and attentively observed before generalizing it within a label, to prevent pre-determined opinions and encourage personal perspective.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Jessica Johnson v. Wilkinson Manufacturing Example

Jessica Johnson v. Wilkinson Manufacturing Example Jessica Johnson v. Wilkinson Manufacturing – Essay Example Jessica Johnson v. Wilkinson Manufacturing Labor law is a section of the laws that guides the relationship between employees and their employer, setting all the rules and regulation that controls this relationship (Albert, 2009). In the of case Jessica Johnson v. Wilkinson Manufacturing, there is an element of a conflict arising between the employee and the employer, based on a lack of equal pay for Jessica with the rest 0of the male employees who work at the same level with her. In such a case, she is aggrieved and has a cause to seek legal redress for the injustice perpetrated against her. Various acts have been enacted to operate in such a case, where the employer discriminates against their employees. In this case, the discrimination mooted against Jessica is unequal pay discrimination, which is based on her sex. Thus, the act available to address this injustice is the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (Walker & Morell, 2005). According to this act, any discrimination against individuals in pay, based on their sex is prohibited. Therefore, the act provides that individuals who work under the same establishment and in similar working conditions should be compensated equally for their services. If individuals are performing similar work, which is rated equally under the organizations job evaluation, and which is of similar value, then, they should be paid equally (Deakin & Morris, 2005). However, for any act of discrimination to qualify as an act of discrimination against an employees’ pay, based on their sex, then the following conditions must be met. The job in question must require similar skills, efforts and responsibility (Walker & Morell, 2005). The body that governs and enforces such laws is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Albert, 2009). Since Wilkinson Manufacturing has discriminated against Jessica based on her sex and awarded her a less pay by 30% as compared to her male counterparts, then Jessica should raise her complain to this body. There are however various defenses that are open for Wilkinson manufacturing to apply, in defending its action of paying her less salary than the male managers. If the employer presents sufficient evidence to the effect that such pay is provided based on the quality or the quantity of productivity of the employees, then Jessica might fail to have a good basis of accusing her employer (Walker & Morell, 2005). Another defense available for Wilkinson Manufacturing is to show that the differential in the pay offered is based on a merit or seniority system, where some employees may have some workers with higher levels of experience than their counterparts in the same job level, based on the number of years they may have worked with the organization (Deakin & Morris, 2005). Based on this case, Jessica is set to win the case against her employer and obtain equal compensation for her services as the other managers in the same level. Considering that, she has worked for the organization for m any years to the point of rising to the managerial level, then, she must have sufficient knowledge, skills and experiences, as well as productivity that saw her promoted to this level. References Albert, W. (2009). Employment Discrimination. College of a Business Administration, University of Georgia. Deakin, S., and Morris, G. (2005). Labour Law. Hart Publishing. Walker, K., and Morell, A. (2005). Labor and Employment: Workplace Warzone. Georgetown University Thesis.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

About Medical Residency and Training After Medical School

About Medical Residency and Training After Medical School Many applicants to medical school dont realize that becoming a doctor is not just a matter of graduating from medical school. A great deal of training occurs after graduation, during residency.   Residency typically lasts three years. It is during residency that you will specialize in a particular field of medicine. Residency by the Year The first year of residency is also known as an internship or first year residency (PGY-1 for post graduate year 1, the first year out of medical school). Interns generally rotate among specialties. During PGY-2, the second year of residency, the doctor continues to learn the field, focusing on a specialty area. Fellowship, PGY-3, is when the doctor trains in a sub-specialty.   Daily Tasks Residents are expected to fulfill several tasks daily. Responsibilities of a resident can include: Rounds (talk to each patient about their care).Rounds with the team: teams include several interns, an upper-level supervising resident, and an attending or teaching physician taking care of certain patients. Students are often questioned/drilled about diseases and treatment techniques. Students are able to speak with each patient about their needs and make suggestions for further diagnostic tests and treatments.Students check in with some patients again and delve deeper into their treatments.Residents leave notes or instructions on each patient including possible problems that may arise for the next shift resident.Attend various lectures and conferences.Study at home and work. Students may admit new patients and are expected to: Prepare a history of the patients medical past.Perform a physical examination.Write their admitting orders, which include instructions for tests and medications. All of this work is accompanied by an average annual salary of   $40,000 to $50,000.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Social and historical aspects of Latin American crime Essay

Social and historical aspects of Latin American crime - Essay Example Nevertheless countries that are the main suppliers of cocaine are also the poorest when their GDP compared to Brazil or Argentina. Yet exactly these countries have most shaky economic conditions and because of their political immaturity remain a good prey for manipulations and corruption. It is also difficult for them to exist after the violent and traumatic age of political repressions, totalitarian oppression and colonial tyranny before it. Latin America is really a gallery full to the edge with colorful and bright portraits of different dictators: Augusto Pinochet, Rosas, Chaves are among world most famous tyrants. Such position creates a bright contrast between the highly liberal and democratic system of the USA or even Canada colonized mostly by British and French on one side and Hispanic Latino Americans from the South part of the Continent. Like Spain and Portugal were in past more influenced by the African and Middle Eastern influences of Arab culture it can be said that Sout hern America felt deeply Eastern violence characterized by terrible dictatorships unknown to European Monarchies. People like Castro, Jimenez or other generals who like Stalin, Mao, Saddam or Kim Jong-il happened to take all the power in their hands because of war and total poverty of people. The poorer country is the easier it is to blackmail it with most simple products of high importance like food, water, simple safety in your own house and peaceful sky. Wars happen when people are so despaired that they can’t take it anymore.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Use of Humour in Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre Essay

Use of Humour in Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre - Essay Example Ligeti uses parody throughout the opera, as well as related techniques such as 'quotation, distorted quotation, ... and pastiche' (Searby, 2010, p.171). This parody is combined with the mixture of 'a number of contrasting musical elements' as diverse as flamenco, a church hymn, and ragtime to further undercut the seriousness of the music (Searby, 2010, p.71). Ultimately the effect of these musical techniques is a kind of incongruity which makes listeners laugh as they struggle to make sense of the mixed-together styles. Additionally, the parody of more serious works invites listeners to compare the opera to those other works as they listen. Outside of musical parody and pastiche, a good deal of the humor comes from the 'scenario of the opera itself,' which is very 'heavy-handed' and comes in a 'fast, sort of manic fashion'. The scenario, which focuses among other things on people who want to have sex constantly and someone who wants to destroy the world, is clearly humorous, even if it is not a happy kind of humor. As John Morreall points out, two of the things which make us laugh are incongruity or the unexpected, and ' feelings of superiority over other people'. One example of both kinds of humor, complete with heavy-handedness, in Le Grand Macabre is how the astronomer's wife asks for a good lover and is then killed because the sex she gets from Nekrotzar is so rough. While this should not really be funny, it is funny because we can feel superior to her and also do not expect sex to lead to death.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Why states obey the laws of war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why states obey the laws of war - Essay Example These laws and treaties have actualized an environment of self-regulations, so that the countries obeying it, have maximally minimized aggressive overtures against other countries as well as their own citizens. However, that is not the case all the time, as certain countries without obeying the international laws have acted or are acting aggressively and unilaterally. This gross violation of international laws by countries has raised doubts about the validity and efficacy of these laws. Even amidst these disobeying of laws, countries tend to obey laws due to certain reasons. States obey the laws and the related treaties and conventions due to mix of certain valid reasons, which mainly borders on self-interest and need for self-legitimacy, and also minimally due to coercion. Self interest constitutes various factors and one key factor is the want of the country to create a positive identity for itself. Participation in the transnational legal process and obeying all the laws helps â⠂¬Å"constitute the identity of the state as the one that obeys the law†. (Coleman). Importantly, they does not want to acquire the tag or reputation of a law breaker or a rogue nation, and thereby standing isolated and facing a barrage of debilitating sanctions. That is, if a nation continues to disobey the laws and thereby acts in a detrimental way against particular nations as well as global community on the whole, certain nations and also overseeing body like United Nations will impose economic sanctions, trade, food and other essential commodities embargoes, etc. These punitive actions will negatively impact the nation as well as its people. In order to avoid these scenarios, nations will tend to obey the laws. As another form of self interest, nations will obey laws to make or demand other nations to do the same. States will tend to obey laws whose underpinning political rational is clear and which they agree with, especially the laws relating to territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.(King 2005). Once obeying of law based on self-interest is done, then legitimacy will automatically fall into place. That is, states will always want legitimacy to its words and actions, and to get that they have to obey the laws. If they want other countries to be legitmate, they have to create and obey laws appropriately. This was validated by Professor Frank who states that legitimacy means that quality of law must derive from a perception, to those to whom it is addressed, that law has come into being in accordance with right process. (Rashid 2004). Even coercion and the resultant obeying of the law is also an extension of self-interest. When a state is coerced to obey laws through armed force or other means, they will accept it mainly from self-interest perspective. In certain cases, nations will obey laws as a form of nonconsensual coercion, but would like to exhibit as self-interest. The bottom line is, all states will want to live in peace, prosperi ty and in good coordination with other states and for that they will obey the international laws. When viewed from another perspective, certain States although generally act in accordance to the law, they do not always obey it. This happens mainly in the case of unilateral actions and importantly due to mis-interpretation of the laws according to their self-interests. Also, when certain States feel as they were not part of specific law making process, they are not obligated to follow that law. When states take unilateral actions to fulfil and pursue their self-interests, imperialistic ambitions, etc, they disobey and undermine the international laws. Although, they may be part of the law making process and could have acted in accordance with those laws most of the time, they could disobey. As an

Monday, October 28, 2019

Discovery Of Oil In Ghana Economics Essay

Discovery Of Oil In Ghana Economics Essay Since the discovery of oil in deep-water offshore the coast of Ghana in 2007, the nation has had amplified expectations on possible accelerated economic growth and development. This black gold if managed well has the propensity to transform a structurally week economy into a self-sustain economy or can lead to social, economic and political instability as evidenced in some resource rich countries where their economies are characterized by corruption, poverty, and conflict. As Ghana becomes a member of league of oil producing countries, it is imperative that the country considers available successful options for effective allocation of its oil windfalls. This paper examines policy instruments that the Ghanaian governments can adopt to promote rapid improvement in development indicators in order to avoid the resource curse. Now, with oil as a shot in the arm, were going to fly, Were going to really zoom, accelerate, and if everything works, which I pray will happen positively, you come back in five years, and youll see that Ghana truly is the African tiger, in economic terms for development.  [1]  This statement attributed to a former president of Ghana in 2007 upon discovery of oil in commercial quantities justifies the optimistic expectations from the government and people of Ghana on the acceleration of economic growth and development from revenues to be obtained from exploration and development of oil fields. However, countries endowed with abundance of natural resources often perform poorly in achieving their targeted economic development than those with fewer resources resulting in what is popularly known as the paradox of plenty or natural resource curse.  [2]  For most of these richly endowed countries, the dream of using revenues from oil and gas to propel economic development is shutte red due to poor governance, oil price volatility, overdependence of oil revenue and the enclave nature of the oil industry. Ghana, a resource rich country and already producing gold, diamond, bauxite, magnesium and aluminium has not been able to achieve economic stability and low poverty rate with revenues from these mineral resources. Based on current proven reserves, Ghanas production of oil from the Jubilee field is expected to reach it peak from 2013-2015 at a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, lasting for 20 years and a potential revenue generation of USD 1.8 billion per annum at its peak production.  [3]  Availability of both short and long term economic measures and macro-economic policies are needed to avoid the resource curse. This paper seeks to examine how the governments of Ghana can effectively manage this scarce resource (oil) in the nations quest to achieving a middle income status economy by 2020. For a proper understanding of oil exploration and exploitation, chapter two will consider the history of oil discovery in Ghana. A comparative approach method will be adopted in chapter three to analyse two diverging case scenarios of how one country (Norway) has been able to effectively manage it resources to advance economic development and the other countrys (Nigeria) failure to achieve such success. Chapter four will elaborate on how key mechanisms such as diversification of the economy, strengthening of contractual and legal framework, transparency and accountability and resource management can be used as a tool in achieving sustainable economic growth. The conclusion will be chapter five. 2. Ghana Overview: History of Oil Discovery Exploration of hydrocarbons in Ghana started in 1896 from the onshore Tano exploration in the Western Region (GPE, 2004). This initial exploration by the West Africa Oil and Fuel Company (WAOFCO) and later by the Socià ©tà © Franà §aise de Petrole in 1909 was hitched by the discovery of seepages of oil onshore by early explorers in surrounding communities onshore Tano (GNPC, 2009). The Saltpond field, which is the first major oil field in Ghana was discovered and developed by Signal Amoco in 1970 and began producing oil in 1975. A total of about 3.47 million barrels of oil was produced and 14 billion cubic feet of gas was flared between 1978 and 1985.  [4]  Three major discoveries Cape Three Points, Saltpond and North and South Tano were made from drilling of 31 wells by the end of 1980. With the nations vision of reducing crude oil importation and the provision of sustainable and reliable supply of petroleum products, Ghana Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was established in 1983 with a mandate to continue major and sustainable exploration activities through the usage of needed technology and personnel, accelerated petroleum exploration and preventing adverse effects on the environment from petroleum exploration.  [5]  Figure 1 shows Ghanas Jubilee Oil Field. Figure 1: Ghanas Jubilee field straddles two licenses: Deep-water Tano and West Cape Three Points Map of Ghana highlighting offshore projects Source: Tullow Oil Ghana, 2012 In June 2007, GNPC together with its partners in the Jubilee field, Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy announced the discovery of oil offshore Ghana. Tullow Oil expressed that the oil discovered offshore Ghana is one of the biggest oil finds in Africa in recent times.  [6]  Production of oil from the Jubilee field commenced in December 2010, and is estimated to contain 1.5 billion barrels of oil. Production in 2012 is estimated to be between an average of 70,000 and 90,000 barrels per day (bpd).  [7]  It is important to observe that since 2007, more offshore discoveries of oil and gas has been made with the recent discovery filed by Hess and GNPC for the Pecan-1 exploration well located in at deep-water Tano/Cape Three Points license offshore Ghana.  [8]   3. Comparative Analysis In recent years, due to the extreme variations in the standard of living of resource-rich countries, resource management has become a key element in exploration and development of natural resources. While countries such as Norway ranks very top in effective management of oil revenue, others such as Yemen, Angola, Nigeria and Chad have performed poorly in achieving economic development. Plagued in poverty, most of these countries have become rich with poor people often struggling to design appropriate resource management strategies for resource utilization.  [9]  Oil price volatility and the Dutch Disease are the two commonly known adverse effects to development path of resource endowed countries. The Dutch Disease which occurred in the Netherlands in 1970s refers to a sharp increase in the value of exported resource leading to appreciation of the local real exchange rate. This usually increases import as a result of increase in expenditure due to what is termed as petro-dollar an d makes exportation of local commodities unattractive and difficult, hence the spending effect. The shift in human resources and logistics from other sectors to the resource sector raises cost of production of other sectors creating resource pull.  [10]  A comparative analysis of Norway and Nigeria discussed is intended to offer Ghana with two practically extreme modules for guidance in avoiding the resource curse. 3.1 Norway Norway has earned a reputable position in resource management in oil and gas development. This has been labelled by many as the classical Scandinavian mechanism to tackling obstacles for long-term economic growth and development in the oil and gas industry. Norway discovered its first commercial oil in 1971 from the North Sea and considered its windfall from oil revenues as a temporal tool to insulate global economic shocks instead of stimulating present consumption. From the Norwegian Model, the government carefully and effectively disaggregated administration of petroleum development into policy formulation, commercial and regulatory arms. The separated arms included the national oil company (Statoil) which was mandated to undertake commercial oil and gas exploration and exploitation, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) as a regulatory body responsible for control, monitoring and provision of technical support and Ministry of Petroleum and Energy directing government policies.  [11]   To sustain revenue management and wealth, total and non-oil economy separation was introduced in economic forecasting in 1973 and was strengthened by the establishment of Government Petroleum Fund, renamed as Government Pension Fund in 2006. New fiscal policy guidelines were adopted by Parliament in 2001.  [12]  All these policy instruments instituted and strictly adhered to has resulted in prudent and transparent management of oil revenue. (Insert SWF institute) The success chalked by Norway in the management and administration of revenue from oil and gas production has attracted immersed international attention and has led to the formation of the Oil for Development (OfD) by the Norwegian government. The scheme launched in 2005 aims at supporting developing economies upon request, to manage, control and achieve economic development through efficient utilization of oil revenues.  [13]  With core members such as Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, Vietnam and limited cooperation countries such as Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa, Oil for Development now cooperates with more than over 23 countries depending on area of expertise needed. 3.2 Nigeria Nigeria joined the ranks of oil producers in 1958 after it had discovered oil in commercial quantities in 1956 by Shell-BP as the sole concessionaire at the time and producing about 5,100 bpd at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta. By the late sixties and early seventies, production level had surged to over 2 million barrels of crude oil a day.  [14]  Between 1971 and 1973, Nigerias oil revenue almost quintupled due to windfalls from increasing oil prices. Nigeria as a major oil producer joined the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1971 and established the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in 1977 as a national oil company to manage and controlled both the upstream and downstream energy sectors.  [15]  Though sectorial and trade patterns begun showing traits of oil income by early1970s, agriculture maintain its dominance accounting for about 40% of non-oil GDP and employing about 70% of the national work force. However, this achievement was short-lived as the economy suffered severe oil syndrome propelling a sharp decline in agriculture sector, collapse of non-oil export and appreciating of the countrys real exchange rate.  [16]  These were the result of high public capital spending (an increase from 3.6% of nominal GDP in 1970 to 29.5% by 1976) leading to high GDP deficit , inflation and wage increments by the government, based on the Public Service Review Commission (the average wage for civil servants doubled with increases of up to 130%).  [17]   http://www.eia.gov/countries/analysisbriefs/Nigeria/images/oil_production_consumption.png Nigeria has failed on the path to developing clear cut oil revenue management systems to manage its windfalls. This is traced to failures on attempted management commissions such as the Niger Development Board of 1960 and the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) of 1992 due to political instabilities. The most recent commission created to salvage the country is the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2000.  [18]  Nigerias crude oil production capacity is currently at 1.673 million bbl/d, with recent offshore oil developments and the restart of some shut-in onshore production increasing it to an average of 2.17 million bbl/d for the month of July 2011. High levels of poverty and corruption has led to kidnappings, militants takeovers of oil facilities in the Niger Delta and pipeline vandalism since 2005.  [19]  Though currently producing below capacity, Nigerias oil production is expected to increase based on the estimated 37.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and a more comprehensive revenue management system envisaged from the much debated Petroleum Industry Bill.  [20]   4. Implementing Strategic Management Framework The energy sector strategy and development plan 2010 drafted by the Ministry of Energy in Ghana advocate that in order to achieve the countrys goal of sustaining oil and gas exploration, development and judicious management of accrued revenue, the ministrys plan is to manage oil and gas revenues transparently and ensure equity for the benefit of the present and future generation of Ghanaians. This will be achieved through institutional reforms and transparent regulation for the management the oil revenue through legislative guidelines for the creation of a Future Generation Fund and stabilization fund.  [21]  The challenge is how Ghana positions itself in managing and formulating policies to achieve these set goals. Subsequent chapters will be dedicated to deliberating various successful policies and management styles governing allocation of oil revenues, how much to save (Current versus Future), building economic shocks for oil price volatility and guarding against the Dutch Dis ease 4.1 Strengthening Contractual, Regulatory and Legal Framework In modern business transactions, the buyer is always guided by the traditional concept of caveat emptor let the buyer beware of the natural risk in purchasing products in the market. To this end, and more crucial in the oil and gas industry is the opposite, let the owner beware of how resource revenue management if not meticulously planned could create inequalities.  [22]  Countries such as Botswana and Norway have been able to manage their resource sectors to sustain economic growth by adapting efficient and effective contractual and legal framework. Ghana in an attempt to follow such examples has passed two crucial bills, the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill (PRMB) and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Bill 2011 (PEPB). These bills governing exploration, development and management of oil revenues are intended to strengthen and provide a comprehensive approach to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act (PNDC Law 64), the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act (P NDC Law 84), the Petroleum Income Tax Act, 1987 (PNDC Law 188), the Internal Revenue Act 2000 (Act 592) and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 upon commercial discovery of oil in 2007. The Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011 provides for framework for the collection, allocation and management of petroleum revenue in a responsible, transparent, accountable and sustainable manner for the benefit of the citizens of Ghana in accordance with Article 36 of the Constitution and for related matters.  [23]  Thus, the bill provides instruments for key issues such as setting up of petroleum funds, allocation and disbursement of the funds, management and investments of the petroleum funds and encumbrances and auditing of the funds.  [24]  The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, also seeks to provide a robust framework for the sector for the exploration, development and production of petroleum and create an enabling environment for increased private sector participation and investment in the petroleum sector and to strengthen the regulatory framework for healthy competition and quality assurance.  [25]  By adopting Production Sharing Agreement in negotiati ng and awarding of petroleum contracts to IOCs, Ghana seeks to promote local contents and sense of ownership in petroleum production. However, it is important to state that creating these regulatory and legal frameworks alone is not the end, for Ghana to be able to be successful in promoting economic growth using petroleum revenues; it must strictly adhere to these frameworks as done in Norway and Botswana. 4.2 Transparency, Accountability and Democratic Governance Strong institutions and administrative capacity for transparency and accountability in the oil industry is an important tool in achieving the purpose of improving human lives. Independent and accountable institutions are needed to manage proceeds from natural resource revenues. As done by some countries such as Chile and Malaysia, even with relatively low institutional capacities have overturned the negative cycle and maintained social stability and accelerated economic growth.  [26]  Ghana as member of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) which promote good corporate governance, effective regulatory framework for economic activities, corporate accountability , sound, transparent and predictable government policies should adhere to these standards in order to promote quality standard of living and reduce poverty rate. Another mechanism used in tracking the performance of extractive natural resources countries in admonishing transparency, accountability and good governance is participating as a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). As a global standard of ensuring transparency, EITI provides all industry players (IOCs, civil society groups and international organizations) and country members with principles of upholding transparency and accountability of payment from natural resources.  [27]  Ghana together with other countries such as Norway, Nigeria and Tanzania as EITI compliant countries have been meeting all requirements in the EITI standards and must continue to do so as a measure of promoting and strengthening transparency. The democratic dispensation in Ghana is considered by far to be one of the most reliable and stable governance in Africa. Continuing this path of democratic governance and strong civil societies such as the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEP A), IMANI, Centre for Education and Policy and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Ghana, the country can tap experience from Chile and Botswana in avoiding the resource curse. The position of transparency and accountability is confirmed in article 8.1 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011. Its state that for the purpose of transparency and accountability, the records of petroleum receipts in whatever form, shall simultaneously be published by the Minister in the Gazette and in at least two state owned daily newspapers, within thirty calendar days after the end of the applicable quarter.  [28]   4.3 Resource Management A million question usually posed by many experts is whether Ghana should spend or save windfall revenues from the oil sector. Thus, should revenue management policy be structured towards repayment of Ghanas large foreign borrowing and eradicate capital scarcity and credit spreads, invest in foreign assets through sovereign wealth fund which has the capacity of building economic shock absorbers against volatile oil prices or to invest in domestic capital which has the tendency of promoting growth and structural transformation. In the case of Norway, the government instituted the State Petroleum Fund (SPF) in 1990 to function as both savings and stabilization funds to manage macroeconomic growth and guard against oscillating oil prices. Through prudent economic managements, strong democratic institutions, transparency and conservative fiscal policies, the SPF accumulated substantial wealth which led to consistent budget surpluses and the surging popularity of the Norwegian Model.  [29]  Though economic conditions and priorities between Ghana and Norway are different, Chile a developing economy has similar economic growth and development characteristics to that of Ghana. Like Norway, Chile in 1985 established the Copper Stabilization Fund for the management of its copper revenues and its effective management led to economic booms and poverty reduction between 1990 and 1997. Ghana governments oil revenue from the Jubilee field has four components, a royalty of 5% of gross oil revenues, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation share of 13.75% as oil fields commercial net profits, an additional oil entitlement of 10-25 % of petroleum revenue, net of royalties and the GNPC interest, is accrued if the project rate of return is between 18 and 33% and government levies on company income tax on all net profits of 35 %.  [30]  For effective management of windfall revenues from oil production and drawing experience from Norway, Chile and Botswana, Ghanas Petroleum Revenue Management Act allocates government oil revenues between annual budget and sovereign wealth funds based on benchmark revenue. The Petroleum Act established a Petroleum Holding Fund with Bank of Ghana to receive and disburse all public oil revenues. From the Petroleum Holding Fund, 50-70% is allocated to consolidate the annual budget with a minimum of 70% to be used for investment in eleven prior ity areas including agriculture, human resource, education and health, security, transport and the remaining 30% for consumption. The other 30-50% from the Petroleum Holding Fund goes into the Ghana Petroleum Funds which consist of the Ghana Stabilisation Fund and the Ghana Heritage Fund. The Ghana Stabilisation Fund, constituting a minimum of 70% of the Ghana Petroleum Fund, will be used to cushion the impact on o sustain public expenditure capacity during periods of unanticipated petroleum shortfalls and the remained 30% to be invested as the Ghana Heritage Fund to provide an endowment to support the development for future generations when the petroleum reserves have been depleted.  [31]  These policies, when properly administered and supported with strong democratic institutions can eliminate Ghana from the oil curse. 4.4 Conflict Management As observed in the case of Nigeria, political instability and authority has been a key fundamental issue hindering effective management of oil revenue. This is to say that though the promise of piece of share of the oil cake keeps the nation together, its distribution has plunged the country into political, social and economic instability resulting in high levels of poverty and corruption, militants takeovers of oil facilities and vandalism in the Niger Delta.  [32]  Similar cases are spread across the Middle East where poor management of oil revenue has led to polarization of the economy and economic laxity. Although Ghanas commercial oil discoveries have been made in deep water offshore Western Region, the fact still remains that region is most likely to suffer more in the case of oil spillage. Environmental safety trust funds and care must be taken to avoid social disruptions. From Ghanas own experience, towns such as Obuasi and Akwatia which are well known for the extraction of gold and bauxite have seen little development with respects to the national revenue generated from the area. As a result, there are important discussions on the need to establish Western Region Development Fund to cater for a more responsive regional development to avoid undesired sentiment of marginalisation and alienation. 4.5 Diversification and sustainable Economic Policy A key challenge of windfall revenues is how to avoid or minimize the possible negative effect that spending from oil revenues could have on the non-oil sectors of the economy. This negative effect usually leads to shrinking of non-oil sector by shifting production from exports while imports stay the same, shifting production from import substitutes goods and creating additional imports of goods and services. Unlike Nigeria which has seen a near collapse of export from the agricultural sector after discovery of oil, Indonesia has achieved tremendous improvement in agricultural production.  [33]  Other countries such as Angola, Iraq and Equatorial Guinea have also performed poorly in sustaining agricultural development and food security. Agriculture, services and manufacturing sectors are relatively labour-intensive, with agriculture alone employing about 65% of the work force in most developing countries as compared to the extractive industry , Ghana as a major exporter of cocoa, gold and a relatively growing manufacturing sectors should continue to diversify its productions to build a robust economy capable of sustaining oil price volatility. 5. CONCLUSION Ghana, like other developing countries can effectively manage its oil revenue and use the windfalls as an engine for accelerated development through sustainable planning from upstream, midstream and downstream activities. Major challenges for the country would be how to develop the oil and gas industry with optimal local content and participation, how to provide security for the industry and the overall management of potential revenue from oil and gas production. From a lot diverging experiences, Ghana can only do better in areas many countries have failed in relation to the management of exploration and exploitation of crude oil. Given the fact that crude oil and gas as natural resources are exhaustive and temporary, the broad objective of the country should be to use revenues accrued from oil production in support of the non-oil productive sectors in order to achieve a diversified and stable economic growth. The set-up of the national petroleum regulatory authority responsible for the regulation of all petroleum activities and the creation of a future generation fund and stabilization fund to ensure transparency and equity of benefit for both present and future generations are good initiatives. To maximize potentials from the oil industry, these initiatives should be cushioned by building a supporting human resource capacity, technological transfer and strong contractual, regulatory, legal frameworks.