Ethical Consumption - attitudes, behavior, ethical consumption Essay

Ethical Consumption - attitudes, behavior, ethical consumption literature - Essay Example Thus due to the growing importance of ethical consumption it has become crucial for marketers to understand the meaning and the relation between ethical attitudes and behaviour. Ethical behaviour denotes the characteristics of honesty, dignity, diversity and equality in interpersonal and professional approaches (Darley & et. at., 2001). On the contrary, ethical attitude suggests the principles or morality of a human being (Cowan, 2006).In the backdrop of this, the essay intends to explain why attitudes may not always help to predict behaviour and why the attitude-behaviour gap might be so prevalent throughout the ethical consumption literature in particular. During the discussion the initial object is to define the theory of reasoned action. It can be asserted as a model of guessing the behavioural aim. In accordance with General liberal arts (2014), it can be asserted as person’s attitude always leads to a particular behaviour for a certain outcome. Theory of reasoned action relates with reflecting relationship between attitude and actual behaviour. According to this theory behaviour and intention for behaviour is the dependent variables, whereas attitude towards the behaviour and subject norms are independent variables (General Liberal Arts, 2014). A person’s intention to perform a particular behaviour is measured by the behavioural intention. It has been observed that attitudes and norms are not measured equally in predicting behaviour. Instead, it depends upon the individual person and the situation (Vallerand & et. at., 1991). These factors can put different effects on behavioural intention. Correspondingly, these fac tors are identified below. According to the theory of reasoned action, attitude is an outcome of collection of beliefs regarding a particular behaviour based on the evaluation of these beliefs. It can be best understand through an example. Correspondingly, it can be asserted

Week 2 Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Week 2 Discussion Questions - Essay Example The teams are defined in order to support the business processes which are of significance as concerns to the relevance of the scope of the project that they are under. The resource pool structure is based on the construction of teams from similar kinds of resource. The elements that are different within these team structures are that two of them are people-centric while the last one depends heavily on the availability of resources. The project team structure is related with the project manager’s authority since he will then be able to have a better idea as to how things will be conducted within the domain that he is working under. The boundary of the project upon which the project manager has completed hold upon is indeed the project scope. It is a fact that there are some outputs of project scope as well, which are indeed the time and costs associated. Therefore project scope takes into consideration what will be included and what must remain excluded from the domains of the project. Scope changes with the passage of time. The components of the project scope include the justification for the project, the specification and description of the product that is sought, the project deliverables and indeed the objectives of the project. These components define the real essence of a project and hence the project scope is closely linked with it as well. The components will eventually define the basis of project scope which is important. 3. What does each of the letters in the SMART acronym stand for? In your own words, describe what each piece of the SMART acronym means? Why is the SMART acronym an important part of developing requirements for the project? SMART is an acronym used for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound activities within the project management domains. By specific, one means that the project objectives need to be significant, simple and stretching all at the same time. The

Air Asias Corporate and Business Strategies

Air Asias Corporate and Business Strategies Air Asia is a low cost air carrier that charges the lowest fares per kilometre in the world. A PESTLE analysis indicated that liberalisation of the air market has improved international market access and supported the growth in the number of airlines and passengers in East Asia. A five forces analysis indicates that the airline industry is highly competitive, with a high threat of new entries and of substitutes in the domestic travel market. Air Asia is positioned at the low cost end of the spectrum of competitors that fly internationally. A SWOT analysis indicated that Air Asia has strengths in management, operational efficiency and marketing, but has weaknesses in staffing, customer care, and attractiveness to business travellers. The airline has been successful because it has taken an entrepreneurial and innovative approach to the market, leveraging its competencies to create automated ticketing processes and to reduce other operational costs. The airline should consider expanding into Europe and western Asia using Abu Dhabi as a hub, which would require additional aircraft or joint ventures with other low cost carriers. The firm should also consider introducing business class flights that charge a higher price, but provide the services including convenient scheduling that can attract the business segment of the airline market in East Asia. 1.0 Introduction Air Asia is a low-cost air carrier providing service between its main hub in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia and destinations in East Asia. The airline also provides service to Abu Dhabi and London. Air Asia has adopted a generic strategy of cost leadership by reducing the cost of operations and passing the savings through to customers with very low ticket prices. The firm was founded in 1996 as a low cost domestic airline, and was purchased by Tony Fernandes in 2001. The firm was re-launched as a no-frills airline in 2001 with three aircraft. Air Asia entered the low-cost international market in 2003. The firm currently has revenues of $60 billion and provides services to 60 million customers a year. Air Asia is the first low cost airline to have formed a joint venture for the procurement of aircraft with a competitor, JetStar, which is based in Singapore (Quantas, 2010, 1). The airline currently has interlocking ownership through the Shin Corporation which holds a major equity position in b oth Air Asia and Thai Air Asia. The airline also holds a minority equity position of 30% of JetStar, which is a low cost Australian airline. 2.0 Environmental and Industry Analysis A PESTLE analysis provides an assessment of the industry environment, which is necessary to create a context for the airline industry analysis (Grant, 2008 p. 68). A Porters five forces analysis provides an indication of the competitive forces influencing rivalry in the airline industry. 2.1 PESTLE Analysis The PESTLE analysis is a qualitative evaluation of the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental forces affecting the airline industry. The focus of the analysis is on the East Asian region, which is the primary market for Air Asia. Political: The trend is toward liberalisation of the airline markets in East Asia to allow airlines access to markets without the need for a specific bilateral agreement concerning air transportation between nations. An ASEAN open skies agreement, the Roadmap for Integration of Air Travel Services (2004) was ratified by member nations in 2007 and will be fully implemented by 2015. Nations in the region such as India and China that are not members of ASEAN are also liberalising air transportation regulations (OConnell Williams, 2006, p. 362). Economic: The rate of economic growth in the ASEAN nations is variable, with the ASEAN member nations experiencing a growth rate of only 1.5% in 2009 because of the global economic crisis. In contrast Chinas GDP grew at 8.9% in 2009 while Indias GDP grew at 6.8%. Economic growth in 2010 and beyond in the region is likely to be strong because East Asia has largely recovered from the global recession. Social: The social trend in East Asia is towards increased consumption including transportation consumption because of the economic growth in the region. Globalisation has also increased the propensity to travel in East Asia for both business and recreational purposes. The population in the region is also growing rapidly. Another social trend is the increased use of personal computing devices, which intersects with the technology drivers in the airline industry. Technological: The air transportation industry is technology-driven, with information technology used to enhance marketing and engineering technology used to improve safety. Airlines use information technology systems such as internet ticket sales, paperless tickets and automated check in systems to improve customer care while reducing cost of operations (Buhalis OConnor, 2005, p. 12). These systems are also used to maximise load capacity by controlling scheduling and use of aircraft. Legal: The nations in East Asia have various ownership and anti-competition laws that affect the ability of airlines to merge or to acquire an airline (Hsu Chang, 2005, p. 558). In addition some nations in the region have laws that affect the ability and the nature of joint venture agreements between domestic and foreign airlines. Environmental: The PESTLE analysis suggests that the implementation of the Open Skies agreement can increase access to markets for air carriers although the various national laws concerning ownership may hamper the use of a merger and acquisition strategy for expansion. The analysis also suggests that airlines implementing new technologies to improve customer care may enjoy a competitive advantage. The growing population and affluence in the region will produce greater demand for air transportation in the long run. 2.2 Five Forces Analysis The five forces analysis is an industry-based assessment of the factors driving competition to support the development of strategy (Peng, 2009, p. 35) (see Appendix A). If the competition in the industry is high, there is less likelihood that a firm in the industry such as Air Asia will gain competitive advantage through a strategic initiative. Buyer Power: Buyer power in the airline industry is weak because of fragmentation of buyers and the large numbers of potential buyers. The propensity of air travel in East Asia is relatively low compared to the global average of 2.0 trips per year, with India at .1 and China at .3 (OConnell Williams, 2006, p. 362). At the same time, the large size of the East Asian market results in sufficient travel to support a growing airline market. Buyer power is somewhat strengthened by low switching costs in the industry, with buyers able to chose among many different competing airlines. Buyers can be segmented into business travellers and recreational travellers with different price sensitivities. Business travellers value flight schedule and convenience in an airline with price often a secondary consideration. In contrast, recreational travellers are more sensitive to price and the cost of the airfare relative to the total cost of recreation (Talluri van Ryzan, 2004, p. 17). Supplier Power: Suppliers in the airline industry consist of aircraft manufacturers, producers of fuel, and airports, with the power of these groups moderate. The manufacturers of aircraft have moderate bargaining power because of the high cost to airlines for switching aircraft types because of the need to carry additional parts inventory. Aircraft manufacturers, however, pose no threat of credible integration. The producers of fuel have relatively strong bargaining power because oil prices are established by global markets with airline consumption representing only a small portion of oil industry sales. Airports have moderate bargaining power through their ability to provide airlines with gates and ground services. Although airlines changing airports in a destination region face high switching costs, the increased development of regional airports intended to reduce congestion at major airports reduces the bargaining power of airports because of gate fee competition (Hooper, 2002, p . 293). Threat of Substitutes: The threat of substitutes is high in domestic markets because consumers in East Asia prefer rail and road transportation that is less expensive than air travel whenever possible despite the increase in time for travel (OConnell Williams, 2006, p. 362). The threat of substitutes in international travel within the region is low because of the absence of viable substitutes. Overall, the threat of substitutes in the industry is moderate. Threat of Entry: The threat of entry is high in the industry. Although the cost of aircraft is high, a new firm can enter the market with only a few aircraft as Air Asia did in 2001. The liberalisation of the market environment is eliminating barriers to entry in the form of governmental restrictions on airline routes. As a result, a threat of entry also exists from established airlines from other regions seeking to expand routes in the East Asian region. Competitive Rivalry: Competitive rivalry is high in the industry because of a diversity of rivals, high cost of fixed assets and operations, low switching costs, and low levels of product differentiation. Many airlines compete in the East Asian market, each of which has different strategies and different brand reputations. As a result, price rivalry is characteristic of the industry. Aircraft are expensive to purchase and operate, with a high load capacity necessary to cover costs. Passengers can switch airlines at a relatively low cost despite the use of incentive programmes by some airlines to increase customer loyalty. While air transportation can be differentiated based on the level of amenities available to passengers, the fundamental attribute of transportation service is similar in all airlines. The five forces analysis suggests that the primary threat in the industry comes from competition among rivals, which is intensified by the possibility that new airlines will enter the East Asian markets. The analysis also suggests that opportunities may exist for smaller airlines to form strategic partnerships with other airlines to expand the schedule and destination options for passengers at a cost less than the amount necessary for direct investment in aircraft and terminal gate facilities. In the low cost segment of the industry, taking advantage of this opportunity would require Air Asia to adopt a strategy that restructured in the industry (Cockburn, Henderson, Stern, 2000, p. 1127). 2.3 Competitors and Competitor Groups Competitors in the airline industry can be divided into the two main groups of full service airlines and low cost airlines. Full service airlines are large firms that have been in the industry for an extended period of time, with many of these airlines enjoying a monopoly or quasi monopoly on certain national routes prior to the gradual liberalisation of the airline industry in the ASEAN market, with full liberalisation taking place by 2015. These major airlines often use a hub-and-spoke routing system in which short-haul feeder flights bring passengers to a hub airport for transfer to other aircraft for long-haul flights or for other short-haul flights to reach their final destination (Burghouwt and Veldhuis, 2006, p. 107). Airlines in this competitor group use a differentiation generic strategy based on frequent flight scheduling and use of airports conveniently located with respect to major urban centres, with a wider range of services justifying higher ticket prices. They also ha ve a wider range of destinations including transcontinental flights. Competitors in this group include Singapore Airlines, Air China, Malaysian Air, and Thai Airways International. The low cost group of competitors focus on flights taking passengers directly from the point of origin to their final destination, although transfers may be necessary to consolidate passengers and maximize capacity utilisation. Airlines in this competitor group are regional airlines with destinations limited to East Asia. There are numerous competitors in this group including Jet Star, Tiger, Value Air, Firefly, and Maswings. Appendix B shows the positioning of firms in the two competitor groups. 2.4 Developmental Stage of Market and Industry The air transportation market in the East Asian region is in the growth stage of development, which is characterised by a rapid rate of increase in sales (Inglada, Rey, Cote-Millan, 2006, p. 9). The economic growth in the region is allowing more individuals to afford air transportation, particularly for tourism. In addition, the increased commerce with the ASEAN region and with China as a result of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement that was gradually implemented between 2004 and 2010 is producing higher commercial and business demand for air transportation between Southeast Asia and China (Wong Chan, 2004, p. 509). The low cost segment of the airline industry in East Asia can be viewed as at the point of emerging from the market penetration phase of growth. The low cost airline industry is comparatively new in East Asia, with independent airlines entering this market segment in 2001 (OConnell Williams, 2005, p. 260). Many of the firms in this segment of the industry can be considered prospectors using the Miles and Snow typology because they adopt strategies to use entrepreneurial skills for developing new types of services and have strong marketing competencies (Wratschko, 2009, p. 71). In contrast, the major air carrier segment of the industry can be considered mature, but undergoing a period of transformation because of the elimination to governmental regulations that had given many of these airlines a competitive advantage in routes and airport access. These airlines can be considered as defenders because they focus on retaining market share despite the instability in the market created by new market entrants such as low-cost airlines. 3.0 Resources and Capabilities In the resource-based theory of the firm, the resources and capabilities of the firm should be the foundation of the firms strategy. To use this approach, the firm assesses its resources, determines the capabilities that can provide it with competitive advantage, select a strategy that matches resources and capabilities with opportunities, and identify resource gaps that have to be filled (Grant, 1991, p. 115). A SWOT analysis can be used to identify the resources and capabilities of Air Asia and the way the firm can use these resources to take advantage of opportunities and counter threats (see Appendix C). A value chain analysis can provide an assessment of the areas in which Air Asia can add the most value for customers, which a gap analysis identifies the resources that Air Asia must acquire to implement a selected strategies. 3.1 Swot Analysis Strengths: Air Asia has a strong management team, with operations managed by an ex-Ryanair director with extensive experience in controlling expenses in a low cost airline (OConnell Williams, 2005, p. 264). The airline has a good technology infrastructure that supports very low cost of operations from its use of technology to automate customer processing and to maximise load on flights. The company also has strengths in operational cost containment through very low staff levels, lack of amenities on flights, and standardisation of aircraft which reduces expense for maintenance and parts inventory. Only 8% of the airlines passengers are business travellers, indicating that the cost leadership strategy has been successful in attracting the recreation segment of the market (OConnell Williams, 2005, p. 268). Another strength of the firm is its marketing competency, which has effectively designed and promoted a service targeted to the underserved low-cost no frills segment of the market . The airline has a breakeven load factor of only 52% and the worlds lowest airline unit cost of $.23 per passenger kilometre (OConnell Williams, 2005, p. 265). The airline also has a strong brand reputation in the market for offering low fares. The airline also has strong information technology competencies. Weaknesses: Air Asia has weaknesses in human resources, poor customer care in resolving complaints, and limited ability to attract business travellers. Because of its low cost approach to operations, the airline has lower staff levels than competitors. The lower staffing creates issues such as delays in turnaround time that result in delays in departures, with inadequate communications and support for delayed passengers. The airlines business model also reduces its ability to attract the business market that values flight scheduling, on time flights, and convenience. Air Asia uses only the A320 aircraft, which has a range of only 4,800 km with a full passenger load, which limits the destinations that the airline can serve (Airbus, 2010). Opportunities: Opportunities for Air Asia are providing expanded service in the growing East Asian airline market, opening new intercontinental routes, and forming joint ventures or other strategic alliances with competitors in markets not currently served by the airline. A significant overlooked opportunity in the region is the potential of tourism from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia (Winter, 2007, p. 28). Smaller airlines can gain greater access to markets in the region through joint ventures and strategic alliances that allows airlines to code share, which involves transporting passengers using aircraft from two or more airlines. Threats: The primary threat for Air Asia is an increase in competition with some airlines adopting a similar operating model to Air Asia which reduces differentiation. A threat to the business model comes from cultural differences such as the preference of Indonesians to use heavy luggage that must be stowed in cargo compartments (The Low Cost, 2009). Another threat comes from the regulations in some nations setting minimum fares and airport usage limitations, which are not covered by the ASEAN Open Skies agreement. The airline is vulnerable to the threat of an increase in fuel prices and the possibility of disruptions to travel caused by terrorist attacks. The SWOT analysis indicates that Air Asias strengths in management, operational efficiency, marketing, and brand reputation would allow it to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the region from growth and tourism potential. These strengths could also support efforts to develop more intercontinental routes and joint ventures with competitors. The weaknesses of the airline in limited human resources and poor customer care could inhibit growth unless they are addressed. The weakness of insufficient staffing increases the firms vulnerability to the effect of cultural differences. At the same time, the firms strengths can help overcome the threats posed by increased competition. The airlines difficulty with attracting business passengers because of its business model may ultimately have a negative effect on its market share as business travel in the region increases. 3.3 Value Chain Analysis The value chain analysis disaggregates the activities of the firm to determine which activities add the most value to customers (Grant, 2008, p. 145). The inbound logistics segment of the chain involves purchase or leasing of aircraft, fuel, and gate space at airports, which add some value through reducing overhead and by providing convenient or desirable routes. The airline adds significant value to the customer in its operations, which has reduced costs to allow the fares to be the lowest in the world. This segment of the value chain, however, does not add value for customers who desire amenities or assistance from airline staff because of insufficient support from the human resources management function. Outbound logistics in the context of an airline involves factors such as airport turnaround time, which are related to operations. Marketing and sales also adds significant value to operations by the airlines ability to leverage its technology support function for internet ticket sales, paperless tickets and automated check-in. Because of the difficulties that the firm has with customer care and complaints, the after sales service segment reduces value for the customer. Based on this analysis, Air Asia adds primary value for customers in the operational and marketing segments of the value chain. 3.3 Gap Analysis Gap analysis involves determining the discrepancies between the current resources of the firm and the resources necessary to achieve the desired future state (Grant, 2008, p. 162). The generic future state for Air Asia is continued growth in its primary market in East Asia and expansion into secondary markets. To increase its share of the market in East Asia, Air Asia requires additional aircraft, additional staff, and additional access to airport gates. The airline has 78 planes available including aircraft owned by the firm and aircraft available through joint ventures, all of which are A320 models. Because these planes operate near capacity, additional aircraft would have to be acquired for expansion. To expand into intercontinental markets, the airline would also need larger aircraft with longer range. The firm would also require additional human resources to meet the operational and customer care needs with expansion, particularly to attract business customers. The analysis sugg ests that the firm does not have sufficient depth and breadth of resources to support expansion and must acquire additional resources. 3.4 Technical and Landscape Fitness of Air Asia Air Asia has high technical fitness, but only moderately high landscape fitness. Air Asia has developed and implemented a proprietary yield management system, computer reservation system, and enterprise resource planning system. In addition, the firm makes extensive use of a front-end internet interface with its backend computer systems to support online internet ticket purchases and paperless tickets. The technology systems are flexible enough to respond to any change in customer requirements, and have been a factor in promoting the acceptance of paperless tickets in Malaysia (Sulaiman, Ng, Mohezar, 2008, p. 149). Air Asia has been successful in attracting the low-cost segment of the market, but may not have sufficient flexibility to respond to a change in the environment such as a surge in business demand or a dramatic decrease in demand because of terrorist attack or high fuel prices. 3.5 Competitive Scenarios A likely competitive scenario is an increase in competition in the low cost segment of the East Asian airline market from new entrants and low cost subsidiaries of established major carriers. A FAR analysis of the scenario suggests that other carriers will adopt some of the functions used by Air Asia such as paperless ticketing, reduced staff level, and no amenities to become cost competitive. The assets required for these airlines to adopt this business model are generally available with their existing fleets of medium range aircraft. The risk posed by this scenario is Air Asias loss of competitive positioning as the lowest cost carrier in the market. 4.0 Conclusion The most likely reason for Air Asias success has been its willingness to risk using innovative strategies to reduce costs while maintaining profitability. The firm was a pioneer in the use of internet reservation and paperless tickets in the market, with its marketing overcoming any passenger reluctance to use the electronic systems. It has also adopted the innovative strategy in the low cost segment of the market of forming joint ventures with competitors to gain entry into new markets and to reduce operational costs. 4.1 Recommendations Air Asia should expand into the intercontinental market by using Abu Dhabi as a hub for routes in western Asia, North Africa, and Europe. From the Abu Dhabi hub, the airline could offer flights to India and Southeast Asia. The business model would continue to follow the cost leadership generic strategy. To implement this strategy, the airline would have to expand the size of its fleet, with the possibility of adding some wide body aircraft designed for long haul flights in addition to A320s. Funding could be obtained from a seasoned equity offering, with the airlines historic performance supporting the offering. The airline could also form code sharing relationships with low cost airlines in Europe and western Asia. This strategy would offset some of the airlines vulnerability from additional competitors using a low cost business model entering the East Asian market. Air Asia should offer some flights designated as business class that provide a wider range of services for business travellers at a higher price than its normal flights. This strategy would be intended to attract a higher percentage of business travellers. Implementing this strategy would require modified A320s to provide passengers with additional seating space and may require additional staff for customer care. The business class aircraft would have priority in operations for scheduling and turnaround to ensure that they remained on time. The airline would use its marketing competencies to differentiate between low cost fares and business class fares. This strategy would address the problem of low market share in the business segment of the market and diversify the market base if competition in the low cost segment increases.

The War between Scotland and England in the Reign of Edward I Essay exa

Why did War break out between Scotland and England in the Reign of Edward I? On the 14th of May 1264, the forces of Simon de Montfort, Gloucester and the Londoners were set arrayed against the loyalist forces of King Henry III, Richard of Cornwall and Prince Edward (later to become King Edward I). The loyalists suffered a massive defeat at this Battle of Lewes and among those captured, aside from Richard of Cornwall and perhaps the King (Prestwich indicates the unsure nature of the King's capture 46), were the northern barons (Scottish lords) of Balliol, Bruce and Comyn. (Jenks 132) Prince Edward also became a hostage as part of an exchange after the battle. These same men who fought together and were held captive by the de Montforts would war against each other thirty years later. King Edward I (whom will be referred to as Edward) was not set on instigating a war against Scotland, nor were any of these Scottish lords interested in battling against such a formidable opponent as England. So why did war occur if none of these men were initially motivated for wa r? A series of unfortunate, but potent events led to the chrysalis of war, which was then allowed to grow and fully develop into a war by the specific actions of individuals. This essay will attempt to draw attention to many of the events which gave rise to war and investigate the complex nature of the individuals who in the end caused war through their acts (intentional and non-intentional). During Henry III's reign the baronial reform movement was renewed once again. The Provisions of Oxford attempted, among other reforms, to "reform the household of the king and queen" (Baker 10), which undoubtedly included the household of the King and Queen's son, Edward. This le... ...tic Scotland and the Middle Ages (Edinburgh, 1997) Vickers, K. H. A History of England: (Volume III) England in the Later Middle Ages (London, 1937). Webster, B. Scotland from the Eleventh Century to 1603 (London, 1975) *All primary documents from this text come with this preface in mind (especially that which I have bolded): In this volume, as in its predecessor, I have tried to keep both footnotes and editorial comment to a minimum, the only real problem occurring with documents written in the emerging literary English of the period. With most of these I have used modern versions, but one or two I have left in the original, to instance the spelling and form of the language. With these some notes have been necessary, but by and large they are intelligible with a little effort, and should be interesting to read. Such mistakes, as exist are of course, mine.

Causes And Impacts Of Global Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay

This paper investigates the causes and effects of planetary clime alteration. The issue of clime alteration has become good known in most societies. Still, a fragment of the universe ‘s population still refuses to believe in the rise of the temperature of the Earth ‘s surface or that worlds are the cause of it. Scientists all around the universe have come to hold that clime alteration is in fact go oning and will go on to worsen if stairss are non taken in the close hereafter. In this piece, the chief causes for clime alteration and the impacts of clime alteration on the Earth are brought up. Many surveies have been conducted on this country, but this paper attempts to convey farther information on the issue of climate alteration.IntroductionIn this twenty-four hours and age, clime alteration has become a great issue that scientists all around the universe have come to accept due to countless scientific grounds on the effects of clime alteration. Climate alteration is bas ically the addition of the average temperature of the surface of the Earth. Scientists are get downing to take this issue earnestly as the Earth ‘s temperature has risen significantly in recent old ages on history of clime alteration. If action is non taken fleetly and efficaciously, it will shortly be excessively late for us to salvage the Earth from a clime calamity. Though a portion of the planetary population are still non cognizant of this issue or are in denial and garbage to believe it is go oning, the of all time turning impacts of clime alteration are forces to be reckoned with. Climate alteration has been traveling on for a long clip now. Still, most of the society every bit good as many authoritiess have taken no steps whatsoever to control this planetary job. This may be because people and authoritiess are non yet alarm to the effects of clime alteration. The fact that people are unmindful to this issue must be changed. Scientists play a major function here as the work done by scientists can turn out clime alteration and furthermore provide grounds to back up clime alteration. Governments that consult scientists before doing determinations that affect the environment, and follow the suggestions and recommendations by scientists that benefit the environment can assist enormously to control clime alteration. In order to happen out the attacks and means to cut down planetary clime alteration, authoritiess and the society must foremost accept the fact that clime alteration is happening and cognize that the state of affairs will non merely non better, but deteriorate without every one of our aid. After accepting the state of affairs, the following measure would be to be cognizant of the causes of clime alteration so we can halt them. To make this, scientists have conducted many researches on different facets of clime alteration.Causes of Climate ChangeSome people believe that scientists are still divided on the affair of clime alteration. A little portion of society still holds on to the belief that clime alteration is non to the full proven or agreed upon by scientists. However, the declining province of the Earth is going proof plenty that something worlds are making is doing the Earth ‘s temperature to lift. Scientists have discovered that clime alteration is due to many grounds. O f them all, emanation of nursery gases emerged as a great subscriber to planetary clime alteration. Greenhouse gases are a type of gases that are released and absorbed in the ambiance. These gases when released in extra become highly harmful towards the Earth and contribute significantly to the lifting temperatures and in short, climate alteration. Harmful nursery gases include C dioxide, azotic oxide, methane, CFC and many more. These gases are emitted both from natural beginnings and human activity. Carbon dioxide is released in many human activities. The most important release of C dioxide is from the really organic structure of worlds because people release C dioxide into the ambiance through external respiration. Nonetheless, in the C rhythm, C dioxide which is released from worlds is retrieved by workss to carry on photosynthesis. Then, workss excrete O to be used in human respiration. Through this rhythm, the sum of C dioxide in the ambiance is kept at a safe degree. Sadly, deforestation has caused a immense figure of trees to be removed from our land. Large subdivisions of the surface of the Earth that used to be covered by trees have now become spots of bald land for building of edifices and roads. This means that the C dioxide released by worlds are now rolling free in the ambiance as it has no other to put to travel to. In add-on to deforestation doing the addition of C dioxide in the ambiance, many other factors contribute in the emanation of this destructive gas. Of these are the combustion of fossil fuels, emanation from production mills, and many other industries. Fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal are burned to bring forth electricity, which powers places, commercial edifices and mills likewise. This makes it difficult for authoritiess to command the burning of fossil fuels due to the sheer importance of the operation of these substructures. Besides C dioxide, another unsafe gas is methane. Methane is an abundant organic compound because it chiefly comes from farm animal such as cowss and sheep. Methane is released into the ambiance from the elimination of cowss, sheep and certain other farm animal. This nursery gas is in some ways more harmful than C dioxide because it traps heat and prevents heat from get awaying out of the Earth ‘s ambiance ( Hunter, 2008 ) . Furthermore, it is hard to cut down the emanation of methane from farm animal when it is obvious that we can non halt cowss and sheep from elimination. Chlorofluorocarbon is besides a nursery gas that is doing climate alteration. Chlorofluorocarbon is emitted by many semisynthetic contraptions. Out of the many are from air-conditioners and iceboxs. Fortunately, this can be changed if people would cut down the emanation of CFC merely by non turning on air-conditioners during yearss that are non excessively warm and non maintaining iceboxs open for excessively long so as to forestall extra CFC from get awaying from the icebox.Impacts of Climate ChangeClimate alteration has impacted the Earth and Mother Nature in uncountable and even irreversible ways. Based on a research by Maracchi and Baldi ( 2006 ) , the writers concluded that clime alteration has resulted in higher upper limit planetary temperatures, higher minimal temperatures, increased drouth hazard and increased tropical storm strength. This overall means that the yearss are acquiring hotter in some countries, and colder in others. Climate alteration has caused hurricanes and other natural catastrophes to decline over the past few old ages. In some topographic points, the conditions has besides been affected and showed alterations that had ne'er been exhibited before. From another angle, clime alteration has affected and will impact the wellness of the human population. In some countries of the universe, harvest output has become scarce due to the germinating clime and human nutrition may endure from this. Research by Lloyd, Kovats, and Chalabi ( 2011 ) showed that even after taking into history the fast turning economic system of the universe, clime alteration is still likely to weaken future attempts to cut down child malnutrition. In the context of human version and extenuation of the effects of clime alteration, research workers have conducted surveies to research whether or non people would pattern voluntary extenuation and how they would accommodate to climate alteration. Semenza, Ploubidis and George ( 2011 ) stated that â€Å" motive for voluntary extenuation is largely dependent on sensed susceptibleness to menaces and badness of clime alteration or clime variableness impacts, whereas version is mostly dependent on the handiness of information relevant to climate alteration † . In a separate survey, research workers investigated the wellness impacts of clime alteration in population motions, and examined the wellness deductions of three types of motions likely to be induced by clime alteration. These are physical supplanting by clime impacts, relocation strategies, and migration as an adaptative response ( McMichael, Barnett, & A ; McMichael, 2012 ) . The research workers found that if climate alteration continues on its current class, so it is likely that there will be an addition in the Numberss of people migrating over the coming old ages and wellness hazards will outweigh wellness benefits. On a more scientific note, clime alteration has had its effects on mass motion in mountain environments. By mass motion, Stoffel and Huggel ( 2012 ) referred to motion on mountain countries such as shallow landslides, dust flows, stone incline failures, and ice avalanches. In this survey, the writers found that â€Å" the effects of altering mean and utmost temperature and precipitation are likely to be widespread and to act upon both the happening and the magnitude of future mass motions in mountain parts around the Earth † .DiscussionIn my sentiment, the issue of climate alteration can no longer be solved. If the hole in our Earth ‘s ozone bed is any index, the harm that has been inflicted on this planet is largely irreversible. Nevertheless, authoritiess and people of the society can still take stairss to try to decelerate down the effects of clime alteration. For one thing, authoritiess can get down by happening ways to cut down the emanation of harmful nursery gases . Governments can besides work to increase consciousness of clime alteration and promote the society to take part in attempts to control the effects of clime alteration. Besides that, authoritiess all around the universe should work together to be able to to the full get the better of this job. More scientists should be hired in order to come up with more effectual ways to cover with clime alteration in the hereafter.DecisionClimate alteration is so traveling to go on to impact our Earth negatively and will convey much enduring to the hereafter coevalss if no action is taken shortly. Climate alteration is non an issue that will merely melt off without the attempt of the whole human population. To salvage our planet, it is clip we all came Forth to play a function in its saving. Though we think we are merely one, it is all the 1s that make many and do an impact on the universe.

Baxter Manufacturing Essay

Baxter Manufacturing Company (BMC) is a metal stampings company. Its major customers include, Ford, General Motors, Honda of America, General Electric and Whirlpool. The company is made up of two divisions it makes brackets and other components that go into the finished product, they also make motor casings. BMC employees about 420 non-union employees and has been steadily growing for the last 6 years. They have been approached to build a factory in Mexico, and settled on building in Queretaro, which is about a 3-hour drive north of Mexico City. Don Collins, who is the MIS manager, felt that since a new plant was being built with top of the line equipment and computer systems that they might be able to implement a system upgrade for the entire company. One of the problems was that BMC wanted the new system implemented by the end of the year. Given the quick deadline they decided to focus on support for the Mexico plant, a felt that the following approaches: 1. Connect the Mexican plant to BMC’s existing systems through a high-speed communications line   2.  Contract through an application service provider (ASP) to provide systems support to the Mexican plant. 3. Employ a piecemeal solution where they would acquire a number of software packages that could run on the networked PC’s in Mexico that would serve the basic needs of the Mexican plant. (MIS) The task force team ran into difficulties with language and cultural differences, the mindset of the employees and Mexico and the long distances between them. They met with resistance and self pride from the Mexican employees and were unable to communicate effectively with them. Target As a result of the lack of communication and the language differences the task force decided to go with option 3. They were working on locating vendors to provide support and with basic language software to help the employees stateside. The main issues that they are having are support for the systems and training for the equipment. By outsourcing some or all of ts IT work to a company that is familiar with the language and culture it could help expedite the time of getting the plant operational. In addition developing a training program that could be taught companywide could help benefit the entire company. Proposal One of the main issues that BMC is looking for is international support. They are been unable to work directly with its own employees due to the language barrier that it faces. By using a company like Unisys, they could provide the infrastructure support, business service support and many other features. They offer support in English and Spanish and could help ease the burden of the local IT department. Unisys could also implement a Cloud, in which the entire company could use to help transfer information to and from different locations. â€Å"Business forces have caused IT to try to figure out how to provide flexible services faster, but, without large, up front investments. Unisys has a number of cloud solutions for providing the necessary flexibility and responsiveness needed to achieve significant business value. † (Unisys) A great deal of time has gone into the development of this plant, but an equal or greater part must be present in training of the employees. In order for the plant to be fully operational at the level that is required by MBC, a training program must be designed. They would benefit greatly by having management train with how BMC currently runs its operation. By also setting up a video conferencing line they could help problem solve over the computer and or phone lines helping eliminate the distance between the two plants.

Thurgood Marshall, First Black Supreme Court Justice

Thurgood Marshall, First Black Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908–January 24, 1993), the great-grandson of slaves, was the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court, where he served from 1967 to 1991. Earlier in his career, Marshall was a pioneering civil rights attorney who successfully argued the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, a major step in the fight to desegregate American schools. The 1954 Brown decision is considered one of the most significant civil rights victories of the 20th century. Fast Facts: Thurgood Marshall Known For: First African-American Supreme Court justice, landmark civil rights lawyerAlso Known As: Thoroughgood Marshall, Great DissenterBorn: July 2, 1908 in Baltimore, MarylandParents: William Canfield Marshall, Norma AricaDied: January 24, 1993 in Bethesda, MarylandEducation: Lincoln University, Pennsylvania  (BA), Howard University  (LLB)Published Works: Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series) (2001)Awards and Honors: The Thurgood Marshall Award, established in 1992 by the American Bar Association, is presented annually to a recipient to recognize long-term contributions by members of the legal profession to the advancement of civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights in the United States, the ABA says. Marshall received the inaugural award in 1992.Spouse(s): Cecilia Suyat Marshall  (m. 1955–1993),  Vivian Burey Marshall (m. 1929–1955)Children: John W. Marshall,  Thurgoo d Marshall, Jr.Notable Quote: It is interesting to me that the very people...that would object to sending their white children to school with Negroes are eating food that has been prepared, served, and almost put in their mouths by the mothers of those children. Childhood Marshall (named Thoroughgood at birth) was born in Baltimore on Jan. 24, 1908, the second son of Norma and William Marshall. Norma was an elementary school teacher and William worked as a railroad porter. When Thurgood was 2 years old, the family moved to Harlem in New York City, where Norma earned an advanced teaching degree at Columbia University. The Marshalls returned to Baltimore in 1913 when Thurgood was 5. Thurgood and his brother Aubrey attended an elementary school for blacks only and their mother taught in one as well. William Marshall, who had never graduated from high school, worked as a waiter in a whites-only country club. By second grade, Marshall, weary of being teased about his unusual name and equally weary of writing it out, shortened it to â€Å"Thurgood.† In high school, Marshall earned decent grades but had a tendency to stir up trouble in the classroom. As punishment for some of his misdeeds, he was ordered to memorize portions of the U.S. Constitution. By the time he left high school, Marshall knew the entire document. Marshall always knew that he wanted to go to college but realized his parents couldnt afford to pay his tuition. Thus, he began saving money while he was in high school, working as a delivery boy and a waiter. In September 1925, Marshall entered Lincoln University, an African-American college in Philadelphia. He intended to study dentistry. College Years Marshall embraced college life. He became the star of the debate club and joined a fraternity; he was also very popular with young women. Yet Marshall found himself ever aware of the need to earn money. He worked two jobs and supplemented that income with his earnings from winning card games on campus. Armed with the defiant attitude that had gotten him into trouble in high school, Marshall was suspended twice for fraternity pranks. But Marshall was also capable of more serious endeavors, as when he helped to integrate a local movie theater. When Marshall and his friends attended a movie in downtown Philadelphia, they were ordered to sit in the balcony (the only place that blacks were allowed). The young men refused and sat in the main seating area. Despite being insulted by white patrons, they remained in their seats and watched the movie. From then on, they sat wherever they liked at the theater. By his second year at Lincoln, Marshall had decided he didnt want to become a dentist, planning instead to use his oratory gifts as a practicing attorney. (Marshall, who was 6-foot-2, later joked that his hands were probably too big for him to have become a dentist.) Marriage and Law School In his junior year, Marshall met Vivian Buster Burey, a student at the University of Pennsylvania. They fell in love and, despite Marshalls mothers objections- she felt they were too young and too poor- married in 1929 at the beginning of Marshalls senior year. After graduating from Lincoln in 1930, Marshall enrolled at Howard University Law School, a historically black college in Washington, D.C., where his brother Aubrey was attending medical school. Marshalls first choice had been the University of Maryland Law School, but he was refused admission because of his race. Norma Marshall pawned her wedding and engagement rings to help her younger son pay his tuition. Marshall and his wife lived with his parents in Baltimore to save money. Marshall commuted by train to Washington every day and worked three part-time jobs to make ends meet. Marshalls hard work paid off. He rose to the top of the class in his first year and won the plum job of an assistant in the law school library. There, he worked closely with the man who became his mentor, law school dean Charles Hamilton Houston. Houston, who resented the discrimination he had suffered as a soldier during World War I, had made it his mission to educate a new generation of African-American lawyers. He envisioned a group of attorneys who would use their law degrees to fight racial discrimination. Houston was convinced that the basis for that fight would be the U.S. Constitution itself. He made a profound impression upon Marshall. While working in the Howard law library, Marshall came into contact with several lawyers and activists from the NAACP. He joined the organization and became an active member. Marshall graduated first in his class in 1933 and passed the bar exam later that year. Working for the NAACP Marshall opened his own law practice in Baltimore in 1933 at the age of 25. He had few clients at first, and most of those cases involved minor charges, such as traffic tickets and petty thefts. It did not help that Marshall opened his practice in the midst of the Great Depression. Marshall became increasingly active in the local NAACP, recruiting new members for its Baltimore branch. Because he was well-educated, light-skinned, and dressed well, however, he sometimes found it difficult to find common ground with some African-Americans. Some felt Marshall had an appearance closer to that of a white man than to one of their own race. But Marshalls down-to-earth personality and easy communication style helped to win over many new members. Soon, Marshall began taking cases for the NAACP and was hired as part-time legal counsel in 1935. As his reputation grew, Marshall became known not only for his skill as a lawyer but also for his bawdy sense of humor and love of storytelling. In the late 1930s, Marshall represented African-American teachers in Maryland who were receiving only half the pay that white teachers earned. Marshall won equal-pay agreements in nine Maryland school boards and in 1939, convincing a federal court to declare unequal salaries for public school teachers unconstitutional. Marshall also had the satisfaction of working on a case, ​Murray v. Pearson, in which he helped a black man gain admission to the University of Maryland Law School in 1935. That same school had rejected Marshall only five years earlier. NAACP Chief Counsel In 1938, Marshall was named chief counsel to the NAACP in New York. Thrilled about having a steady income, he and Buster moved to Harlem, where Marshall had first gone with his parents as a young child. Marshall, whose new job required extensive travel and an immense workload, typically worked on discrimination cases in areas such as housing, labor, and travel accommodations. Marshall, in 1940, won the first of his Supreme Court victories in Chambers v. Florida, in which the Court overturned the convictions of four black men who had been beaten and coerced into confessing to a murder. For another case, Marshall was sent to Dallas to represent a black man who had been summoned for jury duty and who had been dismissed when court officers realized he was not white. Marshall met with Texas governor James Allred, whom he successfully persuaded that African-Americans had a right to serve on a jury. The governor went a step further, promising to provide Texas Rangers to protect those blacks who served on juries. Yet not every situation was so easily managed. Marshall had to take special precautions whenever he traveled, especially when working on controversial cases. He was protected by NAACP bodyguards and had to find safe housing- usually in private homes- wherever he went. Despite these security measures, Marshall often feared for his safety because of numerous threats. He was forced to use evasive tactics, such as wearing disguises and switching to different cars during trips. On one occasion, Marshall was taken into custody by a group of policemen while in a small Tennessee town working on a case. He was forced from his car and driven to an isolated area near a river, where an angry mob of white men awaited. Marshalls companion, another black attorney, followed the police car and refused to leave until Marshall was released. The police, perhaps because the witness was a prominent Nashville attorney, drove Marshall back to town. Separate but Not Equal Marshall continued to make significant gains in the battle for racial equality in the areas of both voting rights and education. He argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944 (Smith v. Allwright), claiming that Texas Democratic Party rules unfairly denied blacks the right to vote in primaries. The Court agreed, ruling that all citizens, regardless of race, had the constitutional right to vote in primaries. In 1945, the NAACP made a momentous change in its strategy. Instead of working to enforce the separate but equal provision of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision, the NAACP strove to achieve equality in a different way. Since the notion of separate but equal facilities had never truly been accomplished in the past (public services for blacks were uniformly inferior to those for whites), the only solution would be to make all public facilities and services open to all races. Two important cases tried by Marshall between 1948 and 1950 contributed greatly to the eventual overturning of Plessy v. Ferguson. In each case (Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents), the universities involved (the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma) failed to provide for black students an education equal to that provided for white students. Marshall successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that the universities did not provide equal facilities for either student. The Court ordered both schools to admit black students into their mainstream programs. Overall, between 1940 and 1961, Marshall won 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Brown v. Board of Education In 1951, a court decision in Topeka, Kansas became the stimulus for Thurgood Marshalls most significant case. Oliver Brown of Topeka had sued that citys Board of Education, claiming that his daughter was forced to travel a long distance from her home just to attend a segregated school. Brown wanted his daughter to attend the school nearest their home- a school designated for whites only. The U.S. District Court of Kansas disagreed, asserting that the African-American school offered an education equal in quality to the white schools of Topeka. Marshall headed the appeal of the Brown case, which he combined with four other similar cases and filed as Brown v. Board of Education. The case came before the U.S. Supreme Court in December 1952. Marshall made it clear in his opening statements to the Supreme Court that what he sought was not merely a resolution for the five individual cases; his goal was to end racial segregation in schools. He argued that segregation caused blacks to feel innately inferior. The opposing lawyer argued that integration would harm white children. The debate went on for three days. The Court adjourned on Dec. 11, 1952, and did not convene on Brown again until June 1953. But the justices did not render a decision; instead, they requested that the attorneys supply more information. Their main question: Did the attorneys believe that the 14th Amendment, which addresses citizenship rights, prohibited segregation in schools? Marshall and his team went to work to prove that it did. After hearing the case again in December 1953, the Court did not come to a decision until May 17, 1954. Chief Justice Earl Warren announced that the Court had come to the unanimous decision that segregation in the public schools violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Marshall was ecstatic; he always believed he would win, but was surprised that there were no dissenting votes. The Brown decision did not result in overnight desegregation of southern schools. While some school boards did begin making plans for desegregating schools, few southern school districts were in a hurry to adopt the new standards. Loss and Remarriage In November 1954, Marshall received devastating news about Buster. His 44-year-old wife had been ill for months but had been misdiagnosed as having the flu or pleurisy. In fact, she had incurable cancer. However, when she found out, she inexplicably kept her diagnosis a secret from her husband. When Marshall learned how ill Buster was, he set all work aside and took care of his wife for nine weeks before she died in February 1955. The couple had been married for 25 years. Because Buster had suffered several miscarriages, they had never had the family they so desired. Marshall mourned but did not remain single for long. In December 1955, Marshall married Cecilia Cissy Suyat, a secretary at the NAACP. He was 47, and his new wife was 19 years his junior. They went on to have two sons, Thurgood, Jr. and John. Work for the Federal Government In September 1961, Marshall was rewarded for his years of legal work when President John F. Kennedy appointed him a judge on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Although he hated to leave the NAACP, Marshall accepted the nomination. It took nearly a year for him to be approved by the Senate, many of whose members still resented his involvement in school desegregation. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson named Marshall to the post of solicitor general of the United States. In this role, Marshall was responsible for representing the government when it was being sued by a corporation or an individual. In his two years as solicitor general, Marshall won 14 of the 19 cases he argued. Supreme Court Justice On June 13, 1967, President Johnson announced Thurgood Marshall as the nominee for Supreme Court Justice to fill the vacancy created by Justice Tom C. Clarks departure. Some southern senators- notably Strom Thurmond- fought Marshalls confirmation, but Marshall was confirmed and then sworn in on Oct. 2, 1967. At the age of 59, Marshall became the first African-American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Marshall took a liberal stance in most of the Courts rulings. He consistently voted against any form of censorship and was strongly opposed to the death penalty. In the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, Marshall voted with the majority to uphold a womans right to choose to have an abortion. Marshall was also in favor of affirmative action. As more conservative justices were appointed to the Court during the Republican administrations of presidents Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford, Marshall found himself increasingly in the minority, often as the lone voice of dissent. He became known as The Great Dissenter. In 1980, the University of Maryland honored Marshall by naming its new law library after him. Still bitter about how the university had rejected him 50 years earlier, Marshall refused to attend the dedication. Retirement and Death Marshall resisted the idea of retirement, but by the early 1990s, his health was failing and he had problems with both his hearing and vision. On June 27, 1991, Marshall submitted his letter of resignation to President George H. W. Bush. Marshall was replaced by Justice Clarence Thomas. Marshall died of heart failure on Jan. 24, 1993, at age 84; he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Marshall was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in November 1993. Sources Cassie, Ron. â€Å"The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall.†Ã‚  Baltimore Magazine, 25 Jan. 2019.Crowther, Linnea. â€Å"Thurgood Marshall: 20 Facts.†Ã‚  Legacy.com, 31 Jan. 2017.â€Å"Past Recipients Keynote Speakers.†Ã‚  American Bar Association.â€Å"Thurgood Marshalls Unique Supreme Court Legacy.†Ã‚  National Constitution Center – Constitutioncenter.org.

The Platt Amendment and U.S.-Cuba Relations

The Platt Amendment and U.S.-Cuba Relations The Platt Amendment set the conditions to end the United States military occupation of Cuba and was passed at the end of the Spanish-American War of 1898, which was fought over which country should oversee the governing of the island. The amendment was intended to create a path to Cuban independence while still allowing the U.S. to have an influence in its domestic and international politics. It was in effect from February 1901 until May 1934.   Historical Background Prior to the Spanish-American War, Spain had control over Cuba and was profiting greatly from its natural resources. There are two major theories as to why the U.S. entered war: promoting democracy abroad and gaining control of the island’s resources. First, the War of 1898 was popular with Americans because the government promoted it as a liberation war. Cubans and the well-known liberation force Cuba Libre began revolting against Spanish rule much earlier, in the 1880s. Additionally, the U.S. was already involved in conflicts with Spain throughout the Pacific in the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, citing the European nation as an imperialist and undemocratic power. Therefore, some historians and politicians theorize that the war intended to promote democracy and extend the reach of the Free World, and the subsequent Platt Amendment was intended to provide a pathway to Cuban sovereignty. However, keeping Cuba in the U.S. sphere of influence had great economic and political benefits. In the 1980s, the U.S. was suffering one of the greatest economic depressions in its history. The island had tons of cheap tropical agricultural products that Europeans and Americans were willing to pay high prices for. Further, Cuba is only 100 miles from the southernmost tip of Florida, so keeping a friendly regime protected the nation’s national security. Using this perspective, other historians believe that the war, and by extension the Platt Amendment, was always about increasing American influence, not Cuban liberation. At the end of the war, Cuba wanted independence and self-government, whereas the United States wanted Cuba to be a protectorate, a region with a mix of local autonomy and foreign oversight. The initial compromise came in the form of the Teller Amendment. This stated that no country can permanently hold Cuba and a free and independent government will take over. This amendment was not popular in the U.S. because it seemingly barred the nation’s annexation of the island. Though President William McKinley signed the amendment, the administration still sought annexation. The Platt Amendment, signed in February 1901, followed the Teller Amendment to give the United States more oversight of Cuba. What the Platt Amendment Says The Platt Amendment’s primary stipulations were that Cuba became unable to enter into treaties with any foreign nation other than the U.S., the U.S. has a right to intervene if it is believed to be in the island’s best interest, and all conditions of the amendment must be accepted in order to end military occupation. While this was not the annexation of Cuba and there was a local government in place, the United States had much control over the island’s international relationships and domestic production of agricultural goods. As the United States continued to expand its influence throughout Latin American and the Caribbean, Latin Americans began to refer to this style of government oversight as â€Å"plattismo.† Long-Term Impact of the Platt Amendment The Platt Amendment and military occupation of Cuba is one of the leading causes of later conflict between the U.S. and Cuba. Opposition movements continued to expand across the island, and McKinley’s successor, Theodore Roosevelt, put a U.S.-friendly dictator named Fulgencio Batista in charge in hopes of countering the revolutionaries. Later, President William Howard Taft went as far as to say that independence would be completely out of the question if the Cubans continued to rebel. This only increased the anti-U.S. sentiment and propelled Fidel Castro to the Cuban Presidency with a communist-friendly regime after the Cuban Revolution.   Essentially, the legacy of the Platt Amendment is not one of American liberation, as the McKinley administration had hoped. Instead, it stressed and eventually severed the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba that has not normalized since. Sources Pà ©rez Louis A. The War of 1898: the United States and Cuba in History and Historiography. University of North Carolina, 1998.Boot, Max. The Savage Wars of Peace: Small Wars and the Rise of American Power. Basic Books, 2014.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Accounting Essay Example for Free

Benefits and Effectiveness of Accounting Essay The research was based on two variables these are computerized accounting systems which comprise of definitions, components of computerized accounting software and benefits and limitation of computerized system and financial reporting which also comprises of definitions of financial reports, benefits and effectiveness of accounting system used at National Water and Sewerage Corporation. The study will enable management to understand the significance of preparing quality and reliable financial reports. The study will point out weakness in the accounting system which management needs to address. The Government of Malaysia through the Department of Accountant General (MDAG) has instructed MARA to implement the Standard Accounting System for Government Agencies (SAGA). This is a total Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, developed based on web-based application and is using an accrual basis of accounting. The SAGA financial system enables its users, particularly the government agencies to close their accounts on a daily basis, monitor their daily financial activities as well as produce standardized financial reports to the stakeholders at any place and any time. However, upon completion of the SAGA financial system analysis, MARA identifies that the system could not cater all MARA business activities. Processes such as disbursement of scholarship and loans to students and entrepreneurs are not covered by the system. As such, MARA still has to maintain its existing databases and therefore made special request to the MDAG to exclude the implementation of SAGA while awaiting MARA ICT consultant’s recommendations on the development of a new MARA Total Information and Financial System. As a conclusion, the SAGA financial systems could not be used by MARA on its own. The end-users in MARA need to operate both, SAGA and its own systems at the same time. This situation could lead to users’ confusion if they are to use different type of system when updating certain type of financial transaction. This is because the end-user of MARA Computerized Accounting System could only utilized the SAGA Financial System just for ordinary operating expenditures whilst any disbursement of expenditure pertaining to subsidiary system, they still need to use the existing MARA Financial Systems. Consequently, internal controls and security functions may not be easily built in the systems. Concurrent use of both systems may affect job satisfaction and performance of the end-users. Introducing Computerized Accounting Information Systems in a Developing Nation: Egyptian International Motors This study aims to assess the implementation of accounting information system on a company in a developing nation. To answer this question this manuscript attempts to do the following: (1) identify the reasons for the shift to an automated system and the main goals that the company aim to achieve form this shift, (2) determine the company’s strategic decisions like choices between outsourcing versus in-house development, and ready made packages versus tailor made software, (3) describe the steps of implementation, (4) understand the reaction of the employees to the new automated system, (5) study the required changes on the organizational chart and human resources qualifications that are required, (6) recognize the problems that the company met during the process, (6) point the advantages of the shift to the automated system. A computerized accounting System provides many advantages over manual systems, for example entries do not have to be recorded in multiple ledgers so as to fulfill the cardinal rules of financial reporting.A single entry is made and the system will populate all the appropriate corresponding accounts automatically. Computerized accounting also makes it possible for people in other departments,not just accounting to enter data.It does not require avast amount of accounting knowledge for a payroll clerk to enter wages details into the accounts,a basic understanding of how to use the system is sufficient The study intends to find out the effect of a computerized accounting system on the quality of financial reports generated by an organization. To examine the effect of computerize accounting systems quality financial reporting. To determine the challenges encountere by organizations before and after implementing a computerized accounting system. To identify strategies/measures of ensuring quality financial reporting. An accounting system is part of the organisation’s management information system therefore a good or decent accounting system must be able to produce reports like trial balance, aged debtors and aged creditors. Accounting systems must provide data that should enable the production of management accounts, statutory accounts and must also assist the managers and accountants in discharging their stewardship roles. A good system should enable the firm to produce its management reports and management accounts at short notice. This will enable the organisation to monitor performance, to take decisions quickly and to make decision based on objective and verifiable information. Audit trail is very important as it will enable auditors and senior managers to monitor transactions entered in the accounting system and this will ensure that there is information integrity. A good system should document the changes that have been made in the system, who made the changes and it should also be able to track what was changed. Compatibility With Other Programmes A strong characteristic of a good accounting system is that it must be compatible with other systems. For example, it should easily be configurable so that it can communicate with other programmes like Excel or Crystal. An accounting system should be able to export transactions and reports into Excel and it should allow data and transactions to be imported from an external source. This will lead to time savings as there will be no need to duplicate a role or process. If an accounting system does not dictate errors then it is not a good accounting package as it is failing to perform a basic functionality. An accounting package should decline to post transactions that do not balance for example the total debits should equal the total credits and if this is not the case, then the accounting system should automatically flag this error. Internal controls are the eyes and ears of the organisation and a good accounting system should embed these internal controls into the system. Internal controls enable prevention and detection of fraud and error. An accounting system should enable internal control tools like segregation of duties, reconciliations and account allocations. A good accounting system should not allow users to delete data that has been posted into the system. Computerized accounting systems provide more benefits than manual ones, allowing for more accurate calculations, in less time. Compared to manual accounting, with a computerized system errors are far less common, eliminating human error. And with accounting programs that are industry-specific, you can benefit from various preset templates for your general ledger, saving more time. You can store virtually endless information, without any trouble at all. And if you later want to review financial information from several years ago, with a computerized accounting system you can do it easily, while with a manual one you would have to sort through stacks of paper ledgers. Bottom line, both systems may be useful to some extent. But for more accurate bookkeeping and increased efficiency, a computerized accounting system seems to have more advantages. You can find several free versions online, as well as more proficient accounting software available for purchase. Search online for such accounting systems, read about their features and decide which one would be better for your particular business needs. Although they will not allow you to physically handle the ledgers, it will provide a better accounting solution. The advantages of Computerized Accounting seem to be unknown by business owners and individuals who are in doubt of purchasing Accounting Software. Accounting Software has been a trend nowadays. With the vast Computerized System Providers and wide range of versions to choose from, Accounting System has evolved to be one of the trends in information technology. Computerized Systems are designed to create more value in Financial Accounting. Value can be relayed in terms of speed, accuracy and reliability of accounting data. With Computerized System, invoices can be transmitted in an instant through email; inventories are appropriately monitored; and disbursements are tracked for payments to be done before due dates. It helps Bookkeepers to reduce manual activities. When transactions are entered in the Accounting System, automatic entries are posted to generate data needed for financial reporting. Accounting Software enables Bookkeepers and Accountants to adjust necessary accounts to reflect the correct amount of each Account. Computerized Accounting allows Accountants to trace erroneous data and entry in a creative and organized manner through the help of summaries, list of accounts and original entries. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Tsang Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7017983 Computers are extensively used in accounting and there are multitude of computer software for Accounting, MIS, CRM. HiTech Financial Accounting is one such software which has been customized for users in many segments in business and services. Payroll accounting was the first commercial area to become widely computerized. The calculation of wages or salaries involves a number of variables which relate to the personal details of each employee, such as gross pay or rate for the job, individual deductions, tax liabilities of the employees and so on. These facts can be retained in the computers and processed every month of produce pay slips for the employees. The computer helps to exercise the type of stock control needed by the organization. It up to dates the sales and purchases records, determines optimum re-order levels for different items and prints out the stock lists when desired. The system can be so designed that it triggers orders when stock level reaches order point for variou s material items; tests those item which are slow moving or gives list for over stock items. Programming can be done for any sales accounting system. The computer will pin point defaulting debtors, determine the right limit for credit for each debtor and maintain stores ledger. Costing and budgetary control can be affected through the computer, the computer will point out the variations from the planned performance.The computer also helps greatly in production planning and control. It is possible that scheduling of the work may become necessary due to break downs etc. A new critical path may have to be worked out. A critical path is the shortest path to be followed in production to achieve production objectives. The computer helps the management lay down this new critical path. The increasing competition and the highly demands of globalization, Malaysia government attempt for Small Medium Enterprise, SME for the development of innovative, competitive with high technology. Computerized accounting system (CAS) adoption may be decisive factor for an organization to be success and also to survive. This research project which aimed to investigate SME practice of CAS and to identify the factor affecting the adoption among SMEs in Melaka. A survey was carried out through a set of questionnaires to examine the CEO Innovativeness Factors Scale, Perceive Usefulness Factors Scale, Perceive Ease of Use Factors Scale and Business Competitiveness. The sample selected comprised of CEOs of SMEs in three districts in Melaka, namely Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin. The data gathered were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression analysis, Pearson Correlation analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).This study reveals that CAS adoption rate in SMEs in Melaka is high. Results from the analysis also shown the significant of independent variables and proved the relationships have been substantiated to the dependent variable which contribute to the usage of CAS adoption between SMEs in Melaka. The findings indicate that CEO innovativeness; perceive ease of use and business competitiveness negatively correlated to the adoption of CAS. Results reveals that only perceive usefulness are significantly positive correlated to CAS adoption. Therefore it can be deduced that adoption of CAS among SMEs in Melaka is caused by its usefulness. The findings reveal that types of business and business location influence the adoption of CAS. However, size (paid up capital, sales turnover and number of employee) do not influence the adopter. Results also indicate that CEO literacy on ICT, accounting and CAS has influence the responded CEO to adopt CAS in their business. However, the advantages by using the accounting systems software were not fully utilized by CAS adopters. http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/view/18273 Benefits and Effectiveness of Accounting. (2016, Dec 08).

Article Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 18

Review - Article Example The audiences for the article include students, human resource managers, scholars, and other people involved in managerial duties. As cited by Brum (2007), a committed employee is one who is projected to remain at any given organization. The article defines the way we think of training employees in view of employee commitment and retention. The author evaluates a variety of literature in lieu of finding the gaps in the literature. The study evaluated the determinants of employee commitment, including investment, reward, and lack of alternatives. The study used a large variety of literature which increased the reliability and validity of the collected data. From literature employees are retained in firms that have heavily invested. Most employees also view training as a gift or reward thus enhancing their morale, job performance, and commitment, thus resulting in reduced employee turnover. When there is lack of alternatives, there are increased chances of the employee being committed. In other words, there are alternatives but the available alternatives are not better than the current ones. It has been found out that training is a tool can aid firms in developing a more committed and productive workforce. In the reward system, the employee assists the company more because the company has also assisted him or her. This creates a sense of debt in the employee towards the organization. In the study, Brum reported that training plays a very crucial role in the development of employee commitment. The employees participate in training programs with certain needs as well as objectives. If the outcome of the training program does not meet the needs of the participants, it results in negative change in attitude, lower commitment, and increase in the number of employees leaving the firm. Brum (2007) also pointed that those employee who considered training as the most relevant to their current jobs had the capability to acquire

(Annotated Bibliography) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

(Annotated Bibliography) - Essay Example By this, the authors mean how efficiently a product serves it purpose for the predicted period. The article claims that predicting the reliability of a product earlier is important since it helps in detection of aspects such as possible failure or decrease in life cycle. This is crucial since it ensures that the material selected for manufacture of the product is appropriate reducing inspection as well as impromptu maintenance. When making predictions, it is important to consider the environment to which the product will be exposed. This is because the lifecycle may change with environment. Mishra, Pecht, and Goodman (1) list the objectives of reliability prediction as reducing output drawbacks, enhancing maintenance, ensuring that the equipment remains effective, increasing profitability and enable designing of future products that are safer and with lesser failures. The article claims that advancement in technology has increased guarantee and liability of product letdown. This has led to increased product reliability. However, the authors argue that increasing function ability of products such as gate oxide might lead to neglect for reliability. The article posits, â€Å"A reliability prediction for a product is dependent on its structural architecture, material properties, fabrication process, and the life cycle environment† (Mishra, Pecht, and Goodman 2). This is because products manufactured from same production line vary in material properties. Variation in material properties during manufacture of semiconductor devices may lead to altered reliability, which affects functioning ability in different environments. For semiconductor devices, the product life cycle is the expected severity and the load conditions such as temperature, pressure, humidity, dust, electromagnetic radiation levels and the environment. The factors and other like acoustic levels, sand,

Define a Remote Access Policy to Support Remote Health Care Clinics Essay

Define a Remote Access Policy to Support Remote Health Care Clinics - Essay Example The personnel in charge of maintenance and creating security policy have the responsibility to identify technology changes in health care systems. A key area of concern in the modern society is to what extent privacy of people are protected. Advances that have been made by technology in the recent past has enabled storage of large information amounts with limited expenses involved.Similarly, technology has also hastened access to information within limited duration of time. Unknown individuals may access private information a factor that makes availability of security policies an essentiality. Programs of security awareness are designed in such a way to sensitize users on organization’s security policy. Security awareness education to the employees does not only focus on giving them access to information of the organization. It goes beyond giving them emails and password to use by covering aspects such as training on monitoring and gathering information using various tools (Fisher, 2001). Training of users and the systems administrators play a crucial role in an organization. The systems administrators and the management need to realize that security threats are very critical emanate from the inside (Fisher, 2001). For this reason, constant logging of user activity, monitoring internet, and email access are important ways of tracking breaches of both internal and external threats. If this is taken into account, the four principles of business security will have been upheld. They include, protection of information, maximizing on operational effectiveness, reducing corporate liability and protection of the organization’s

Death Penalty in New York State Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Death Penalty in New York State - Research Paper Example George Kendall is documented as being the first man to be officially put to death in colonized America by the state in 1608. Since then over 20,000 accused criminals have been executed in America for a variety of offenses ranging from murder to property crimes. The inclination of jurists to award the death penalty almost at will in the early part of American history was partly influenced by the lack of penitentiaries and an organized prison system. Execution was seen as the primary method to protect society from subversive and anti-social elements. Capital punishment was also employed as a means to control the slave population and many disproportionate capital sentences were imposed on slaves of African descent when the same would not have applied to Caucasians. In New York attempted murder or rape were capital crimes only when committed by slaves (Acker, 2003). The colony of New York was originally under the control of the Dutch albeit without any formal legal system. The death pena lty was practiced and administered in an arbitrary and reckless manner in those early days. It was often the case that when the culprit could not be identified, the accused would have to â€Å"draw lots† in order to determine who would be executed. The arrival of the British to New York saw the implementation of a penal code, where the death penalty was still a frequently awarded punishment. In 1741, 18 white colonials and 13 slaves were sentenced to death by burning at the stake. However, the new British legal system also contained a clemency clause. An individual on death row was eligible for a pardon if they agreed to leave the colony or chose to enlist in the armed forces. As a result of this provision during the 18th century 51% of individuals sentenced to death in New York were eventually pardoned (Heller, 2008). The death penalty statute continued to evolve after the formation of the United States of America and the subsequent imposition of its new legal system. In 188 8, The New York State Assembly passed a statute which would see it become the first state to directly administer the death penalty. According to the statute the death penalty was mandatory for extremely grave and depraved offences. The law also called for a new method of execution, which was â€Å"death by electricity†. William Kemmler became the first man to be executed by means of electric chair, in 1890. Up until the 1930’s the State of New York was responsible for more executions than any other state. During this period state statutes were amended in order to encompass a wider array of crimes that could be punishable by death. The most significant of these was kidnapping, influenced greatly by the â€Å"Lindbergh baby’ saga which dominated headlines during this period. Due to these amendments juries were also instructed to give sentencing recommendations in trials where the convicted were eligible for capital punishment (Heller, 2008). Rise of Abolitionist Movement Throughout the colonial era and up until the mid 20th century voices that were opposed to the death penalty slowly began to grow in strength. By the 18th century many American’s had begun to question the application of the death penalty for crimes that were petty and trivial in nature. Dissenting voices could also be heard in

Globalization (Extended Analysis) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization (Extended Analysis) - Essay Example Moreover, it never realized that state alone could not produce enough of wealth without people participation willingly – not forcefully. Also, it failed to understand that non-efficient or laggards could not be equated with efficient and committed workers in terms of rewards. Capitalism by its very philosophy rewards those who contribute most in the wealth generation. It is also true that communism did thwart the process of globalization at least until 1989 when the entire communist bloc, in principle and practice, collapsed completely across Europe and other parts of the world. It is obvious that when one political system or ideology – especially, when it has generated a great deal of hopes, fails miserably; people begin to look at other political system – ignoring whatever shortcoming it may have and that is what precisely happened. Capitalism bulldozed the old rotten ideas of socialism completely and began spreading its wings across most part of the world. It is perfectly fine to state that capitalism and globalization, in last two decades, went ahead neck to neck. Though the failure of communism is certainly one of the reasons for giving a way to globalization but it is equally true that technology and internet has been instrumental in accelerating the pace of globalization. It is because of the internet that messages get transmitted from one end to another in few seconds without any help from postal or courier services. Due to this, peoples across the world with different cultures, creeds and races have started feeling much closer than ever in the history of mankind. People need not move from one country to another for accomplishment of any task. A capital transfer from one country to another is virtually instantaneous without any inhibitions. Currency markets are now working round-the-clock and capital moves from one country to another just by click of a mouse. The fact remains that, if any country refuses to acknowledge or participat e in this process then it is certain to bring misery for its people. All said above, it should never be construed that globalization is a panacea for all evils. Barber correctly argues, â€Å"The collapse of state communism has not delivered people to a safe democratic haven† (29). According to Barber, the world is now racing ahead with Jihad and McWorld side by side. He further argues that Jihad and McWorld are not important in themselves; however, their relationship is important because anarchy rules them both. Both lack conscious and collective human control. Barber opposes both Jihad and McWorld equally. While Jihad emerges from narrowly conceived faiths that belie mutual dependence and social cooperation of people for growth and stability, McWorld tends to develop colonizing culture. Barber may be true in acknowledging that jihad is prospering in some parts of the world in last few decades but it is not an outcome of globalization. It is technology that has facilitated t hem. Further, I do not agree with him that both are interdependent. Globalization has more to do with economic system or free market economy that rests on efficiency of operations and comparative advantages of the nations. The proportion of â€Å"Jihadis† is very small compared to the total global population and majority of the world population do not

Define a Remote Access Policy to Support Remote Health Care Clinics Essay

Define a Remote Access Policy to Support Remote Health Care Clinics - Essay Example The personnel in charge of maintenance and creating security policy have the responsibility to identify technology changes in health care systems. A key area of concern in the modern society is to what extent privacy of people are protected. Advances that have been made by technology in the recent past has enabled storage of large information amounts with limited expenses involved.Similarly, technology has also hastened access to information within limited duration of time. Unknown individuals may access private information a factor that makes availability of security policies an essentiality. Programs of security awareness are designed in such a way to sensitize users on organization’s security policy. Security awareness education to the employees does not only focus on giving them access to information of the organization. It goes beyond giving them emails and password to use by covering aspects such as training on monitoring and gathering information using various tools (Fisher, 2001). Training of users and the systems administrators play a crucial role in an organization. The systems administrators and the management need to realize that security threats are very critical emanate from the inside (Fisher, 2001). For this reason, constant logging of user activity, monitoring internet, and email access are important ways of tracking breaches of both internal and external threats. If this is taken into account, the four principles of business security will have been upheld. They include, protection of information, maximizing on operational effectiveness, reducing corporate liability and protection of the organization’s

Globalization (Extended Analysis) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization (Extended Analysis) - Essay Example Moreover, it never realized that state alone could not produce enough of wealth without people participation willingly – not forcefully. Also, it failed to understand that non-efficient or laggards could not be equated with efficient and committed workers in terms of rewards. Capitalism by its very philosophy rewards those who contribute most in the wealth generation. It is also true that communism did thwart the process of globalization at least until 1989 when the entire communist bloc, in principle and practice, collapsed completely across Europe and other parts of the world. It is obvious that when one political system or ideology – especially, when it has generated a great deal of hopes, fails miserably; people begin to look at other political system – ignoring whatever shortcoming it may have and that is what precisely happened. Capitalism bulldozed the old rotten ideas of socialism completely and began spreading its wings across most part of the world. It is perfectly fine to state that capitalism and globalization, in last two decades, went ahead neck to neck. Though the failure of communism is certainly one of the reasons for giving a way to globalization but it is equally true that technology and internet has been instrumental in accelerating the pace of globalization. It is because of the internet that messages get transmitted from one end to another in few seconds without any help from postal or courier services. Due to this, peoples across the world with different cultures, creeds and races have started feeling much closer than ever in the history of mankind. People need not move from one country to another for accomplishment of any task. A capital transfer from one country to another is virtually instantaneous without any inhibitions. Currency markets are now working round-the-clock and capital moves from one country to another just by click of a mouse. The fact remains that, if any country refuses to acknowledge or participat e in this process then it is certain to bring misery for its people. All said above, it should never be construed that globalization is a panacea for all evils. Barber correctly argues, â€Å"The collapse of state communism has not delivered people to a safe democratic haven† (29). According to Barber, the world is now racing ahead with Jihad and McWorld side by side. He further argues that Jihad and McWorld are not important in themselves; however, their relationship is important because anarchy rules them both. Both lack conscious and collective human control. Barber opposes both Jihad and McWorld equally. While Jihad emerges from narrowly conceived faiths that belie mutual dependence and social cooperation of people for growth and stability, McWorld tends to develop colonizing culture. Barber may be true in acknowledging that jihad is prospering in some parts of the world in last few decades but it is not an outcome of globalization. It is technology that has facilitated t hem. Further, I do not agree with him that both are interdependent. Globalization has more to do with economic system or free market economy that rests on efficiency of operations and comparative advantages of the nations. The proportion of â€Å"Jihadis† is very small compared to the total global population and majority of the world population do not