Race in America Essay

The racial issues have become less significant in today’s society than in earlier days among the American people. In today’s society, many improved racial equality measures have been taken in order to ensure that the people of the United States are treated as if in one social group. Although many actions have been done to improve the equality of the people of America, racial issues still exists. Race in my opinion is the perception that an individual have towards any social group and can see differences from a visual aspect. Even though racial profiling, in the earlier days were a top issue in America, it is dying out and is replaced with the equal standards of today’s society. When people come in to contact with one another they tend notice differences they see in one another. These differences can be attributed to the genotype and phenotype variation between people. It tends to not be biologically significant to divide humans in to racial groups it is more of a social concept. The various characteristics such as skin color, shape of face, hair and eye color, nose shape and hair form are used in categorizing people in to specific races. Race is a powerful social concept that affects many aspects of our culture now and in our history. In the past you would see much more endogamy due to breeding isolates. But now with more social acceptance and modern transportation we are seeing much more exogamy. This in turn has widened the gene pool and allowed much more genetic variation. With these changes come less of a chance and or preference for inbreeding like we have seen in our history. Inbreeding tends to increase the chances for the offspring to have genetic disorders there for is harmful to the population. The problem with this social categorization system it tends to lead to certain races believing their traits are more favorable. Once it is believed that one race is better than other that type of thinking leads some to believe in biological determinism. Many wars have been found over the years because a group of people thought they were superior to another. Completely stupid concept but some simply cannot see beyond it. A prime example of this is the eugenics that was being practiced by Hitler. He convinced and or scared an entire nation in to persecuting the Jewish people of Germany. He believed that he was improving the Aryan race by his horrific actions. Which to be honest has always confused me. A man wanting to rid the world of dark haired non Aryan looking people, yet he himself did not fit in to his own category. It seems to me that concentrating on our differences only opens the door to dividing us. We must learn from the past and look toward bettering the future, for all of our sakes.

ICT has changed the way people live, work and communicate

Information Communication Technology ( ICT ) has significantly changed the manner people live, work, communicate and learn. Therefore, ICT influences many parts of our plants and lives, every bit good as many of our free clip activities. The fact is it includes a assorted figure of tools like computing machines which help to better human life. In instruction to be more specific it has been proven that ICT is a really of import portion of instruction and acquisition procedure. ICT creates new signifiers of larning that can be customized to pupils demands. Using ICT tools, such as multimedia, e-mail, synergistic presentation, CD-ROM, computing machine simulations, computing machine lab and www-based resources, can form learning so that the pupils can command the acquisition procedure. Lessons that based on the scholars ‘ accomplishments can be designed in new and more effectual ways.A Enhancing collaborative activities among pupils utilizing networked computing machine labs. Stud ents can discourse subjects specified by the teacher utilizing on-line treatment forums. Scientific surveies are going easier through computing machine simulations and ocular tools enable pupils to better understand constructs ( Morrison, Lowther and DeMeulle, 1999 ) . The integrating of ICT in the instruction sector is of import to run into the challenges presented by new tendencies, particularly with the planetary communicating of cognition. It is of import that the pupils become familiar with the construct and usage of ICT in order to fit them for future occupation market. Besides, the instructors can accomplish better quality in learning methods.A A1.2 Education system in Saudi ArabiaThe primary instruction system began in Saudi Arabia in the thirtiess. By 1945, King Abdulaziz bin Abdelrahman Al-Saud, the state ‘s laminitis, had initiated an extended plan to set up schools in the Kingdom. Six old ages subsequently, in 1951, the state had 226 schools with 29,887 pupils. In 1954, the Ministry of Education was established, headed by so Prince Fahd bin Abdulaziz as the first Minister of Education. Primary, intermediate and secondary schools are handled by the Ministry of Education, but policies sing third instruction are handled by the Minist ry of Higher Education, established in 1975 ( Ministry of Education, 2010 ) . The kindergarten in Saudi Arabia is non-mandatory. It starts when kids aged 3-6 old ages. Nurseries and kindergartens are supervised, established and developed by different sectors ; the private sector, the Ministry of Education, General Presidency for Girls Education, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Health and governmental and private universities. The official instruction in Saudi Arabia starts from primary schools and above. A brief description for each phase is as follows: Primary schools in Saudi Arabia consist of six classs ( from age 6 to 12 ) . Get downing from this phase the male child and misss are separated in different schools. Middle schools in Saudi Arabia or intermediate schools consist of three classs ( from age 13-15 old ages old ) . In Saudi Arabia there are different sorts of secondary schools like general secondary schools, commercial, proficient and vocational secondary schools which are under The General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training. The general secondary schools consists of three classs 10, 11 and 12 ( from age 16-18 old ages old ) ( Ministry of Education, 2010 ) .1.3 ICT in Saudi ArabiaDeveloped and developing states have responded to the challenge by originating national plans to present computing machine engineering into instruction. Saudi Arabia made great paces in the countries of computing machine usage in instruction. With respect to the computing machine usage as learning stuff within the course of study of general instruction or its usage in the disposal of the educational procedure. Saudi Arabia takes the advantages of computing machines and introduced it in instruction since 1996 as a tool and course of study to heighten instruction system. Consequently, Computer l abs have been established in secondary schools to learn computing machine scientific discipline as a topic. Many undertakings were implemented beside part from private sector to the airing of computing machine civilization in line with the Ministry of Education programs ( Computer and Information Centre, 2008 ) . The Ministry of Education ten-year strategic program was established in 2004. It stated that its Information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) end is to develop the substructure of information and communicating engineering and its employment in instruction and acquisition ( Computer and Information Centre, 2008 ) . This comprehensive program for the integrating of engineering in instruction, through many undertakings such as: King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz undertaking for the development of public instruction was in 2007. It has a budget of SR 9 billion and aimed to vouch the handiness of a extremely skilled and motivated work force in the hereafter. The undertaking will get down with making a hi-tech schoolroom environment in the Kingdom in six old ages. More than 400,000 instructors will be trained to manage categories in the hi-tech manner ( Ministry of Education, 2008 ) . The Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia identified 39 stairss to implement this undertaking which includes course of study development, professional development programmes for instructors, betterment of the educational environment and the extra-curricular activities for pupils of the more than five million pupils ( Ministry of Education, 2007 ) . The execution of this undertaking required the readying of course of study, digital electronic books and educational elements of the course of study, and constructing proficient criterions integrating into the course of study, course of study development at all phases, get downing from primary through to secondary school. In fact, MOE identified nine stairss to better the educational environment including associating all schools through high-velocity digital communicating and supplying webs within schools with the necessary waiter, and supplying portable Personal computer ( laptop ) devices to each instructor for readyings and lessons. The Saudi authorities ‘s end is to intermix ICT with instruction ( Ministry of Education, 2007 ) . As a consequence, the Computer Based Labs undertaking has been established in schools across a scope of different engineerings. One of the Ministry of Education precedences is the development of Learning Resource Centre ( LRC ) in each school to supply information through ICT. LRC purpose to supply appropriate acquisition environment that allows the scholar to take advantage of several different types of beginnings of acquisition and make self-learning chances and heighten his accomplishments in research and geographic expedition, enabling the instructor to follow the modern methods in the design of the lesson and develop stuffs, execution and rating. This twelvemonth is the 3rd stage of the constitution of Learning Resource Centre in the public schools. Therefore, this undertaking contributes to increase pupils ‘ technological civilization and the effectivity of lessons. Fu rthermore, the authorities encourages the investing in E-learning or â€Å" distance instruction † to supply instruction and preparation of national workers. In short, Saudi MOE gives precedence in heightening instruction and acquisition procedure and developing educational environment with all updated engineerings.1.4 Statement of jobThe hereafter of the computing machine engineering as an educational tool which allows the interaction between the scholars and lesson, distinguishes computing machine engineering than the remainder of the educational tools that came before it. Furthermore, Banathy ( 1996 ) asserts that the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and acquisition is an educational invention that touches all facets of a school system such as course of study, instructional patterns, learning schemes and techniques, schoolroom scenes, stuffs, resources, instructors ‘ preparation and professional development, appraisal, etc. Teachers are an of import factor in the execution of computing machine engineering integrating in instruction. Without the engagement of instructors, most pupils may non take advantage of all the available possible benefits of computing machine engineering on their ain. The educational system in Saudi Arabia keeps increasing the attending in recent old ages on developing instructors and course of study. Promoting the usage of modern learning AIDSs such as computing machines and develop instructors ‘ accomplishments. The Saudi Ministry of Education has launched ambitious programs to incorporate engineering in instruction, and attention was given to both instructors ‘ and pupils ‘ computing machine accomplishments, like set uping the Learning Resource Centres which to a great extent depending on computing machine engineering to supply information for scholars, computing machine labs and computerized scientific discipline labs to research its assorted applications in t he Fieldss of instruction ( Computer and Information Centre, 2008 ) . Teachers ‘ phases of concern about this invention are an of import component to promote instructor to incorporate computing machine engineering in their instruction. Without the cognition of instructors ‘ phase of concern in this invention it will be hard how to continue in the execution of computing machine engineering integrating in instruction and acquisition among instructors in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, because instructors play cardinal function in the diffusion of educational invention it is indispensable to cognize their phase of concern about this invention while most of the surveies investigate instructors ‘ attitudes and degree of usage of computing machine engineering in learning and larning. Besides, teacher preparedness is a cardinal to measuring a instructor ‘s ability to originate, develop or follow a given invention ; it is utile for decision makers and pedagogues to understand instructors ‘ concerns, both before and during the execution stage of an invention ( Fullan, 1999 ) . Harmonizing to Hord, Rutherford, Huling-Austin, and Hall ( 1987 ) , alteration is best carried out by single instructors, and, therefore, placing instructor concerns about an invention is indispensable in easing the acceptance procedure and besides they recommended the usage of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model ( CBAM ) to steer invention execution to a successful point of acceptance. A few surveies about instructors ‘ phases of concern in The Arabic context like Al Shammari ( 2000 ) in his survey in instructors ‘ concern about computing machine engineering execution in the intermediate schools in Kuwait. He indicates that instructors with many old ages of experience expressed higher impact concerns, while instructors with few old ages of experience reported lower ego concerns. On the other manus most of the surveies focus on one learning country like scientific discipline instructors ( Dass,1997 ) , English instructors ( Aziz,2008 ) , computing machine instructors ( Al Shammari,2000 ) and societal surveies instructors ( Al-Aghbari,2007 ) . †¦ †¦ Therefore, the job of this survey is because of the deficiency of information sing Saudi secondary schools instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and acquisition.1.5 Research aimsThe purpose of this research is to look into Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning. The research aims are: To place Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and acquisition. To place the differences between Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning in footings of learning experience. To place the differences between Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning in footings of country of learning country.1.6 Research inquiriesThe information of this survey will be analyzed to reply the undermentioned inquiries: What is Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning? Is there a important difference between Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning in footings of learning experience? Is there a important difference between Saudi secondary school instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering in learning and larning in footings of learning country?1.7 Significance of the surveyDeriving an grasp of the instructors ‘ phases of concern about the integrating of computing machine engineering for learning and larning may supply utile penetrations into engineering integrating and use of engineering in learning and larning. It is expected that the consequences of the research will steer future research and development in the state and sketch the importance of the usage of information and communicating engineering in instruction for instructors, pupils, and decision-makers. Besides, this research will lend to the research on instructors ‘ concerns about the acceptance of an invention. The findings of this survey can assist the facilitators of alteration to do appropriate determinations on when and how to supply support to single instructors during the execution of ICT integrating in Saudi instruction.1.8 Restrictions of the surveyThis survey is conducted with the undermentioned restrictions: it is applied in Saudi general secondary schools in Al-Hassa state. The private general secondary schools, the proficient and vocational establishments and the schools in rural country are non included in this survey. Another restriction of this survey that the sample is from the male childs ‘ Secondary schools instructors merely because the educational system in Saudi Arabia is gender-based. Data will be collected from Secondary schools instructors in Al-Hassa state in Saudi Arabia by utilizing lone Phases of Concern Questionnaire ( SoCQ ) as a study instrument of this survey. Therefore, the consequences from this survey can non be generalized to all the Saudi secondary schools.1.9 Operational definitionsSaudi Secondary school instructors: this refers to instructors who teach in the 3rd phase of general instruction system in Saudi Arabia. This phase consists of classs ( 10-11-12 ) where the pupils are in the age from age 16-18 old ages old. Teachers in this survey are in different learning countries. Computer engineering: This term refers to the full scope of digital hardware and package used to back up instruction and acquisition across the course of study, runing from desktops, laptops, handheld computing machines and applications, local web and the cyberspace to digital peripherals such as cameras, scanners and adaptative devices. It does non include older parallel media such as movies ( Centre for Applied Research in Technology Education, 2005 ) . The integrating of Computer engineering: The incorporation of engineering resource ( computing machines and specialised package, network-based communicating system and other equipment and substructure ) and technology-based pattern into day-to-day modus operandis, work and direction of schools ( Christensen,1997 ; US Department of Education,2002 ) . It refers to the usage of computing machine engineering to heighten instruction and better the pupils larning ( Baker, 2003 ) . Phases of concern: It refers to the phases of concern in CBAM which includes Awareness, Informational, Personal, Management, Consequences, Collaboration and Refocusing.

Overall, the spread of the internet has actually had a negative effect Essay

Overall, the spread of the internet has actually had a negative effect on non-western societies. Using existing literature - Essay Example The answer is yes, though the internet has immensely influenced the development of these countries, the politics and cultures of these countries have also been negatively impacted as a result (Anne, 2009). In terms of the culture of these non western countries, the introduction of the internet can be said to have done more bad than good to their existence as a result of the alterations that have occurred as a result. Whereas in the past the culture of these countries were held in great esteem by the youth as a result of the teachings that were passed on from the older generations, they are now viewed as backward and non significant by many of the youth whose main information is retrieved from the internet (Clay, 2008). This can be said to be mainly because of the availability of the internet which has introduced the younger generation to different, and in their view, more attractive modern cultures mainly practiced in the westernized countries that has led them to abandon the teachin gs of their own cultures for these foreign practices (Harris, 2008). A good example of such change is the treatment and views of parents by the youth in these non western countries. Whereas in the past a child dare not disobey their parents wishes, the introduction of the internet has revealed countries such as America where an individual is capable of suing their parents in court and do not hold them in such esteem. This has led to the degeneration of the level of respect that was once accorded to these parents as a result as the youth ask themselves that if the American’s are doing it why shouldn’t they? Thus, it can be said that the introduction of the internet has led to the slow disappearance of a country’s culture as he youth give them up for more modern views on life and society (Yochai, 2006). The introduction of the internet has also affected the culture of non western countries cultures in terms of moral values that had previously played a large role i n the society of these nations (Steven, 2005). The number of moral beliefs that were previously upheld by then youth has decreased drastically as a result of the internet as well. The World Wide Web has opened up the gates of information and practices that were previously considered taboo are now accepted the younger generations in these non western countries as a result (Anne, 2009). This can be said to be due to the discovery that though such acts were forbidden in their countries they are widely accepted in the western lands and thus as a result, they become accepted as well as the youth strive to emulate the western lives that they see via the web. An example of such moral beliefs is the cohabitation of different genders (That is boyfriends and girlfriends) before marriage. Whereas in the past it was unacceptable for a boy and a girl to live together unless they related or married it is now a widely accepted role in many non western countries, something that was not the case bef ore the introduction of the internet (Sherry, 2011). Sex before marriage is also another subject that was unthinkable before the intro

Strategy at Tesco Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategy at Tesco - Assignment Example is therefore a lot of pressure on traditional means of consumer shopping and the consumer behavior in the current scene of the UK economy is bad news for all. In the third quarter however, there has been seen a slight increase in sales due to people shopping for winter clothes and school uniforms and economists believe that this my point to a recovery of the economy, starting in the beginning of 2013. The third quarter saw sales volumes grow by 1%, compared to 0% in the previous quarter – a tremendous improvement when compared to the low growth seen in the last two years of very low shopping. (Uruci 2012) Looking at the current figures, although the growth rate seems to be on the rise, there is always that nagging doubt whether the economy is going to flourish or fall in the near future and how that is going to affect the retail industry. Take for instance the Olympic season – online sales in the UK fell since people were busy watching the Olympics instead of shopping as they normally would. Such is the state of the economy in the UK. (BBC 2012) Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, Tesco is one of the largest retailers in the world. They operate in 14 countries and employ over 520,000 people, and serve millions of customers every week. (Tesco PLC: History). What used to originally be a grocery retailer has grown tremendously to include books, clothing, electronics, furniture, petrol, software, financial services, DVD rentals, telecom and internet services, music downloads and so much more. Food or groceries however, still remains their greatest strength. Tesco currently appeals to a wide audience, across social groups because of its variety of products that range between Tesco Value and Tesco Finest. This gives them a benefit as they aren’t just focused on cost, but they work to provide quality and experience as well. Tesco is in an extremely competitive environment. They face competition from quite a lot of retail stores, many primarily grocers like

Venous Leg Ulcer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Venous Leg Ulcer - Essay Example Financial expenditures are also substantial with costs in the United States estimated to be $75 million to $1 billion per year. Individuals who experience venous leg ulcers place significant demands on health services, particularly community-based agencies. healing is time consuming and lengthened, requiring health care professionals to spotlight on the wound or the branch that is affected by the leg ulcer in providing care. Although this is vital, existing research suggests that a more holistic perceptive of the experience of breathing with a leg ulcer may also be advantageous. Due to the actuality that community health nurses are the major care professionals providing care for this challenging health problem, they have considerable opportunity to impact not just wound healing but also the patient's experience of living with a leg ulcer. Leg Ulcer Pain, functional restrictions, and emotional suffering have all been recognized as contemporaneous difficulties connected with living with a leg ulcer. classification of these symptoms and their effect on lifestyles may provide important information to improve health outcomes, both from a provider and a patient perspective. Goals of alleviating physical and emotional suffering as well as improving wound healing may contribute to decreasing costs coupled with leg ulcers. Venous leg ulcers, like any unremitting disease, require self-management on the part of the individual. Self-management, in turn, requires knowledge, functional capabilities, and power in order to sustain healing behaviors. This preliminary research study sought to determine if individuals with venous leg ulcers had the necessary knowledge to participate in self-management and whether they were capable of performing the self-management skills that would enhance healing. Nursing role in curing pain Nurses, by virtue of their role in the close and continuous care of patients, are privileged to hear the stories of people coping in times of illness, feeling vulnerable and at the mercy of the system. Such stories reveal that the health of a society is more than mortality rates and numbers of surgical interventions and more than clever science. It is about how we support those in our society who are unable to care for themselves so that we have a society in which the quality of life is at least reasonable for as many as possible. This means facing the difficult decisions about redistribution of funding, about what constitutes good health and a healthy society, about who should make the decisions and about whose interests should be served in a health care system. The issues raised in this section are by no means all encompassing of our major social ills and make no claims to be so. They are merely those that claim the attention of nurses today as they work towards addressing how to e nsure better outcomes both for individuals and for society. But they can only do this if they are supported by a system with similar values and priorities. Implementation or Treatment A report commissioned by the Agency for Health Care and Policy and Research in 1992 found that less than 50% of venous leg ulcer patients reported having adequate pain management in the post-operative period. Studies undertaken in general

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

Mugwumps - Essay Example There were massive amounts of government corruption during the Grant administration and the resulting problems drove a wedge in the Republican Party, the Mugwumps supported Democratic reform candidates such as Grover Cleveland. According to Gerald W. McFarland, â€Å"Between 1870 and 1896, the Mugwumps, most of whom were members of the Republican party’s reform faction, frequently engaged in protests against â€Å"unsuitable† party candidates† (McFarland 40). These protests helped bolster the chances of those candidates running on a reform platform and partially assisted in the election of Grover Cleveland. However, the decision to go against ones political party was not taken lightly, as Allan Peskin writes, â€Å"To be a Republican or to be a Democrat-these were not lightly-made decisions but were shaped by self-interest, ethnicity, and, above all, history, most notably the polarizing trauma of the Civil War† (Peskin 703). As a result of the election fraud and other types of corruption that caused the backlash and mugwumps to begin their attempts at reform. The infamous Tammany Society was extremely influential during this time period as well, primarily in New York which following the Civil War had an inordinate amount of influence on national elections and politics. This was in no small part due the large influx of immigrants through Ellis Island. According to Peter Argersinger, â€Å"The highly competitive political system of the late nineteenth century, as Samuel T. McSeveny has written, â€Å"led to repeated charges, countercharges, and denials of corruption, coercion, bribery, and fraud-allegations that have been echoed by subsequent political biographers and historians. Taken at face value, these outcries would lead one to believe that the two parties alternated in cheating their opponents out of deserved victories† (Argersinger 669) It is no small wonder then that so many individuals

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

Corporate strategy - Essay Example It is irrefutable that the brewing industry and its market in UK have significantly changed over the years. It should be noted that most of the common assumptions and preconceptions of manufacturers about their distribution channels and consumer preferences are now obsolete. Thus, Coors Brewers Ltd. (Coors) needs to institute a change of strategic directions in order to account for these important developments and trends. This report generally aims to identify the various future strategic options for Coors. The first section will conduct an environmental scanning which will examine the different changes in the market of the business organisation. Secondly, this report will briefly outline its recommendations on how Coors can further enhance its performance by using its strengths and core competence to take advantage of the opportunities in the UK market. These will be conducted through the use of strategic management tools specifically the Ansoff Matrix. The market for alcoholic drinks is a very important sector in the UK market. It should be noted that the brewery sector generates more revenue than the other large industries like clothing, motor vehicles, tobacco, and confectionary. However, there has been a decreasing trend in alcohol consumption within UK households. It also noted that the traditional beer consumption in public houses is now overshadowed by the increasing consumer preference to consume brewed products at home as this is perceived to be more socially acceptable. The major trends in the UK brewing industry are identified as follows: â€Å"there is a growing female and mixed group influence; going to a public house is a leisure activity; consumption is often driven by occasion and events in both on-and off-trade; premium beers are becoming an important sector; there is wide choice of outlets; and there is a wide choice of brands.† In addition, it should

Analysis of a primary research article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analysis of a primary research - Article Example The null hypothesis for the second study is the diarrheal outbreak at a day care center was not caused by E. coli O145. In both studies, the independent variables were demographic and environmental characteristics in both settings while the dependent variable was the presence of either of the E. coli strain in stool samples. There was no multivariate analysis or standardization of variables in both studies. The first study is a case control study and the cases were defined as individuals with laboratory confirmed E. coli 0157:H7 or those with a clinically compatible diagnosis (Jay, Garrett and Mohle-Boetan). The cases were healthy individuals. The second study lacks defined cases and controls (Wahl, Vold and Lindstedt 7). The presence of E. coli in both studies was established by culture and typing and the units of measurement for the concentration of the organism were Colony-Forming Units per milliliter (CFU/ML). In both studies, statistics on laboratory diagnosis of the different E. coli strains were presented. Positive culture and typing results were used to support the hypothesis on the presence on an outbreak in both studies. The outbreaks were caused by the E. coli strains in the two studies. Based on the results of the two studies, the authors recommend routine surveillance in an effort to detect future outbreaks. Although no limitations were identified in the first study, the authors in the second study reported limitations in the study design and results. Another limitation in the second study was that the symptoms were self-reported; hence, the study was subject to variations between clinical data and what was reported (Wahl, Vold and Lindstedt 8-9). Wahl, Erik , et al. "Investigation of an Escherichia Coli O145 Outbreak In a Child Day-Care Center -Extensive Sampling and Characterization of eae- and stx1-Positive E. Coli Yields Epidemiological and Socioeconomic Insight." BMC Infectious Diseases 11.238 (2011):

Project at Aux Bons Soins Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project at Aux Bons Soins - Essay Example May be this was in response to the sentiments coming through from the finance department. But this as well drew the wrath of the end users of the new system. They were up in arms mainly due to what they termed as preoccupation with delivery time lines and technical implementation. They opined the project manager had no regard to personal considerations of the rest of the team especially the end users of the system being implemented. Several managers involved with the project felt that there was more emphasis on the speed of implementation as opposed to the nature of business processes. Some of the team members lamented that he/she was being paralyzed by the constant reporting on deliverables that the project manager was insisting on. The line managers started having second thoughts about the project thereby questioning the credibility of the IT team. This came through even as the IT team maintained that the system being implemented would revolutionize business processes and increase efficiency. These squables paralyzed the project manager and rendered him ineffective due to his inability to mobilize the team members to own the project. There had to be a change of strategy if not personalities. This was made necessary by the fact that the very people who were expected to own and drive the project had turned out to be its biggest critics. This complicated matters because they were the same people who were relied upon to deliver the new system. Their grievances may not have been very genuine but they were paralyzing the project none the less a solution therefore had to be found. From the three stories, nothing is said of the professional qualifications and experience of the first project manager. I have reason to believe that if at all he was well trained and experienced project manager, he would have been able to factor in the grievances being aired by both the users and the finance department. He may not be the one to bare the entire blame for the difficulties f aced in the project but it’s expected that having implemented other projects before; he must have come across such opposition before. He would have employed his previous experience to solve the current mess. A change in leadership of the project was necessary. Solutions A new project manager who had a vast experience in project management was brought on board. Andre Gagne has been trained as an accountant and also had a master’s degree in information technology. Those are two areas of expertise that were very vital for the project which may be the former project manager didn’t have or chose not to employ. Having managed several other systems that involved integration of business processes and information technologies not to mention the solid background in insurance industry, he was well placed for the job. Within a short time, the new project leader was able to win the confidence of team leaders and restored the credibility of the project. Some of the changes he made that eventually saw the success of the project was sharing out the work. He reorganized the team into multidisciplinary teams in charge of developing solutions for the various problems that the project was to solve. Each multidisciplinary team consisted of experts from the relevant departments, management and the IT technical team. He went on to put together an orientation meeting

AmeriCares Association, Strengths and Weakness Assignment

AmeriCares Association, Strengths and Weakness - Assignment Example The organization has strength associated with the ability to assemble product donations from the private sector, thereby determining the urgent needs and requesting financial support for sending aid through airlift or ocean cargo. The organization has health and welfare professionals who are deployed in impecunious areas faced by a need for medical support. Moreover, Americares applies a model, which is tested, cost-effective and driven by experience (AmeriCares, 2013). On the other hand, they have high accessibility to donated medicines and medical supplies offered by corporate partners, through an established and trusted network. In this case, they use locally based hospitals and healthcare providers in different places of the world. Contributions made by supporters of the organization around the world have a led to a positive influence on their operations in different parts of the world. The only weakness identified in the organization relates to the inability to access people suffering in some counties due to lack of information, high level of insecurity or lack of necessary capacity (AmeriCares, 2013). Most of the time, the organization is not able to access some these location due to lack of the necessary information that can assist in accessing these areas. Opportunities of Americare can be associated with long-standing commitment of fiscal responsibility that is always attributed to high rankings from the Charity Navigator for their success (AmeriCares, 2013). This provides a platform that facilitates recognition by different parties from different places of the world with the same interest in assisting people in needs. Therefore, the organization is able to acquire trust in terms of management of funds donated by corporate partners. In fact, the organization has used the donations as an opportunity to reflect their commitment towards support programs, whereby ninety-eight of their expenses are directly channeled to relief for people in need, while two percent is consumed through administrative costs.        Ã‚  

Becoming A Woman And Accepting It Essay Example for Free

Becoming A Woman And Accepting It Essay Becoming A Woman 1 At first reading, Elizabeth Bishop’s â€Å"In The Waiting Room† is a world full of wonderful imagery. I did not care what it meant, I just enjoyed the way she described what she saw in the National Geographic while waiting in a dentist’s room. I can perfectly see in my mind when she wrote about â€Å"the inside of a volcano, black, and full of ashes; then it was spilling over in rivulets of fire †¦ Babies with pointed heads wound round and round with string† (Bishop, 1977). The second reading, I began to wonder what she meant with â€Å"But I felt: you are an I, you are an Elizabeth, you are one of them †¦ Why should I be my aunt, or me, or anyone? † I thought maybe she has an identity crisis or something like that so I reread it again. This time, the phrase â€Å"I said to myself: three days and youll be seven years old† stuck on my mind. And that’s when everything clicked. I felt that with her seventh birthday coming on (for me, this is an idiom for a woman’s rite of passage like her eighteenth birthday or another significant event), Elizabeth feels she’s finally becoming a woman. When I say becoming a woman, it’s the transition from being a carefree girl to an adult female with responsibilities. She’s quite agitated by it, not quite sure if she could be like her aunt and the rest of the adults. Elizabeth is anxious and is not ready to become a woman, but whether she likes it or not, she’s a woman already. Thus, she said, â€Å"I knew that nothing stranger had ever happened, that nothing stranger could ever happen. † After questioning how she became a woman, Elizabeth finally accepted that she is one. In the end of the poem she said, â€Å"The War was on. † If you were a kid, a teenager, or someone who doesn’t care for responsibilities, a war is not something you’d think about. But Elizabeth now does think about it. She has finally accepted she is a woman with responsibilities, still scared about it but willing to face whatever that might come her way. Well, at least, that’s how I see it ? Becoming A Woman 3 Reference Bishop, Elizabeth. (1977). Geography III. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

Essay On Goa And Its Tourist Attractions

Essay On Goa And Its Tourist Attractions INTRODUCTION: ABOUT GOA Goa is popularly known as the Pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. It is located in Indias coastal belt on the western called the Konkan coast. It has an alarming scenic beauty. The architectural work done Goan Temples, Churches and old houses has brought great laurels to Goa. Some of these characteristics make Goa to be occupied by tourists. It is the most preferred option by the people who are planning their holidays. Goa as compared to other states is not greatly populated but compared in terms of tourists it is the most populated place in India. Apart from attracting tourists from all over India, it also attracts tourists of foreign background. During the months of November, December and January Goa is heavily crowded. The real essence of Goa lies in its rich history, unique culture and the original natural beauty. Peaceful Goan lifestyle and adventure sports also draw the attention of the travelers within and outside India. All kinds of tourists are expected to visit Goa. REASONS WHY TOURISTS VISIT GOA Beaches There are more than 36 beaches in Goa, each one is known for its own distinctiveness. North Goa beaches are most popular amongst the tourists while South Goa beaches are now gaining popularity because of its peacefulness. Sun Tourist visit Goa for loads of vitamin D which they have while having sun bath and also have drinks for complete relaxation from stress. They also visit Goa for relaxation for body. Massage Tourist visit Goan beaches for massage centers. Not just that, but to get some immunity and treat body with pure minerals. Natural views Goan view can be best viewed while travelling on the bike. The Sandy beaches, coconut trees waterfalls truly add flavor to the goan natural view. Lush green fields, majestic forests train track, long roads and cool breeze make up for the perfect natural view. Architecture Culture Goa is also famous for its heritage and its architecture. In goa you will find traditional mixture of Portuguese and goa. This offers a unique feature to witness a pure blend of Portuguese and goan culture in architecture of villas, forts houses and churches. Water Sports Tourist are offered water sports like surfing, para sailing waterscooter etc. these water sports add up towards attracting tourists to Goa Sea food Sea foods like Mackrels, Tiger prawns, King Fish, have separate delicacies in the hearts of tourists.. Party Destination The young are attracted towards Goa as it is a party destination. Many parties are organized during Christmas new years and its a tourist hotspot to celebrate these eves in goa. These parties usually go up for couple of days. Liberal Female tourist visit Goa as they find it to be most liberal compared to other places in India. In Goa you can feel free to dress up. Economical Goa is affordable for everyone. Thats the reason why tourist find it most attractive as compared to other places in India. Fairs and festivals Goa is famous for its carnival attracting tourist to goa during this time. Casinos People visit Goa for Casinos. People who enjoy gambling with chilled drinks and music find Goa to be a perfect place. The Main Attractions Beaches Goan coastline spread over 125 kms and is the home of over 50 picturisque and beautiful beaches. These beaches attracts tourist from all round the globe. Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor and Cavelossim beaches are famous and an increasing number of tourists visit these beaches every year. Calangute Beach Queen of Goa beaches, Colva Beach- Pride of Salcete Dona Paula, Miramar(Gaspar Dias)- A lovely golden beach and Anjuna beach are some of the famous beaches in Goa. Scenic beauty Goa has number of other scenic options. One such attraction is Waterfall. Goa lies between Sahyadri hills and Arabian Sea. Goa is full of beautiful springs, lakes, and waterfalls. While traveling to these places one gets to see the natural beauty of Goa. Dudhsagar Water Falls, Kesarval Springs, Mayem Lake, Arvalem Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall are some of the famous water falls in Goa. Churches Goa is well known for its Churches. Churches in goa well known for its architecture. During the Portuguese regime there were many churches built and now have become world heritage site. Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Church of The Carmelites, Church of St.Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St.Catherine, Reis Magos Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Goa Se Cathedral, to name few of them. Temple In olden times when Portuguese invaded Goa. In every village of Goa there was a temple and a lord to worship for each village. These temples still exist giving each village a distinct feature to differentiate. For example, Mangeshi Temple of Mangeshi village. Goan temple architecture is a mixture of Portuguese and Maratha style like Mandapa of Goa temples. Mangeshi Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple, Sri Vithal Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Kavlem are some of the famous temples in Goa. Mosque Jama Masjid and Safa Masjid at Ponda are the famous mosques in Goa. Wild life centuries Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife, Sanctuary,Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla wild life Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, are some of the famous wild life centuries. Monuments Forts   Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Teracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Mormugao Fort, Rachol Fort, Naroa Fort, Corjuem Fort,Cabo De Rama Fort in Goa Other attractions There are plantations like Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascol Spice Village which attracts tourist. There are caves and other natural beauties of Goa that attracts whole lot of domestic and foreign tourist. Tourist also visit the heritage homes like Sarah Fernandes. In Goa adventure sports attracts a number of tourists. Its one of the few places in India known to have adventure sports facilities.People also visit Goa for medical purpose also Impact of tourism in Goa It helps in the preservation of National Heritage and Environment. Helps in developing Infrastructure. It helps in creating job opportunities and in the development of economy. Most of the rich and famous metropolises are investing in Goa which has pushed up land prices and has created overcrowding. Garbage is one of the problem in Goa and there is no proper infrastructure to deal with it. Tourist places are piled up with garbage because of the increased number of tourist in Goa. As a result Goa is facing a major problem of solid waste management. Most of the tourist prefers to visit places in the North which has resulted in the exceeding carrying capacity. Goas tourism belt is getting overcrowded. Overexploitation of beaches due to the tourism related activities. Suggestions: Provide Information Centre to the inbound tourists Promote Real Goa and not the commercialized version of Goa The protection of the environment can be achieved by proper planning and management of various spatial entities viz. Water resources, land, settlements, forests etc. in the most effective manner. Strengthen the basic infrastructure at beaches, temples, churches, monuments and other tourist spots, including parking and changing rooms/toilets and proper illumination from safety and security point of view, besides regular and timely disposal of garbage generated by hotels, shacks and others Scope to develop ecotourism along the Ghats, hills and wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure tourism Encourage agro-eco-tourism Souvenirs and mementos prepared by village artisans and craftsmen, offer tremendous scope for branding the local products, help the rural economy to grow There are overcrowded beaches in north Goa like Calangute beach, Baga beach, Candolim beach, Anjuna beach but there are more beautiful beaches down south so can focus to arrange tours and travels for the less crowded beaches for example Keri Beach, Velsao Beach, Palolem beach, Majorda beach, Senabatim beach, Uttrda Beach and so on. Tour guides should properly be trained to accompany tourist to the places of special significance. Should be trained to explain significance of religious places also inform them about religious services which are being offered there.

Impacts of Salt on Water Resources

Impacts of Salt on Water Resources Introduction. Salinity, one of the major water crises occurring around the globe, is the high concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), such as sodium and chlorine, in soils and water (Rose, 2004). Salinity is a critical and prevalent problem affecting Australia, threatening the Australian natural environment and the sustainability of productive agricultural areas (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008; McDowell, 2008). This can be attributed to naturally high saline levels in the soils (McDowell, 2008; Pannell, 2001). Across the globe, in countries such as in America, Iran, Pakistan, India and China, large concentrations of salt have accumulated over time due to rainfall, rock weathering, sea water intrusion and aerosol deposits (Table 1) (Beresford et al., 2001; HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Dryland salinity, a form of secondary salinity, has particularly become a major problem worldwide (Beresford et al., 2001). Annually, approximately four million hectares of global farmland is abandoned due to excessive salt (Beresford et al., 2001). Salinity is a widespread problem with numerous major social, economic and environmental consequences (Beresford et al., 2001). Outline This paper will consider the occurrence and impacts of primary and secondary salinity on water resources. The discussion will commence by focusing on primary salinity, its occurrence and associated impacts using an example from the Lake Eyre Basin, Australia. The next part of the essay will discuss secondary salinity, its occurrence and impacts using examples from Katanning Western Australia (WA) and Turkey. Iran and Pakistan will then be examined as examples showing the occurrence and impacts of both primary and secondary salinity. Finally the impacts of salinity will be identified and the main arguments of this account summarised. Discussion Primary Salinity Primary salinity is a natural process that affects soils and waters and occurs generally in regions of the world where rainfall is insufficient to leach salts from the soil and evaporation or transpiration is high (McDowell, 2008). In episodes of high evaporation, transpiration and reduced rainfall, salinity becomes a problem as the volume of water decreases while salt concentrations increase (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). Approximately 1000 million hectares, which corresponds to seven per cent of the worlds total land area, is affected to some extent by salt (Rose, 2004). The majority of the globes saline affected land is influence by primary salinity resulting from natural soil evolution (HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Arid tropical areas, in particular, are subject to potential evaporation that is higher than rainfall, which leads to the rising of water to the topsoil where solutes accumulate and salinity can occur naturally (HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Australias arid and s emi-arid areas usually have salt present in the groundwater (Table 2) (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). For example, the River Darling becomes saline during harsh drought periods and salinity concentrations increase in the Hunter Valley when flow diminishes (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia The Lake Eyre Basin (LEB), in central Australia, is a largely flat area dominated by semi-arid to arid environmental conditions (Figure 1) (McMahon et al., 2008). The area encounters high evaporation rates and spatially and temporally highly variable rainfall (Kingsford Porter, 1993). Year round, potential evaporation is usually greater than actual evaporation with average yearly Class A pan evaporation rates of 3300 millimetres (mm) (Costelloe et al., 2008). Average yearly rainfall in the LEB ranges from less than 200mm in some areas, up to 700mm in others, with an annual coefficient of variability spanning from 0.2 to 0.7 (McMahon et al., 2008). Hydrological conditions in the LEB can vary between prolonged periods of 18 to24 months of no flow, to shorter phases where inundation of slow-moving floods can occur (Costelloe et al., 2008). The portioning of the stable isotopes of water such as d16O/ d18O can be utilised to determine whether evaporation (enriching/fractionation occurs) or transpiration (no fractionation) occurs (Costelloe et al., 2008). In Lake Eyre, the water is sodium and chlorine ion dominated with salinity varying from approximately 25 300 mg L-1 and 272 800 mg L-1 (Kingsford Porter, 1993). The absence of invertebrates and waterbirds in Lake Eyre is thought to be due to salinity from increased evaporation during the dry months (Kingsford Porter, 1993). This salinity is also said to be responsible for massive fish kills that occur as the lake dries after a flood period (Kingsford Porter, 1993). Samples taken in the LEB showed that there was greater enrichment of the isotopic signatures of the surface water than the groundwater samples, a product of high rates of evaporation (Costelloe et al., 2008). The Diamantina River catchment, a major contributor of streamflow to Lake Eyre, was found to have hypersaline, 85,000 mg L-1 [Cl], residual pools in the channel, with a highly enriched isotopic signature, indicating evaporation (Costelloe et al., 2008). The Neales River catchment in the LEB demonstrated extremely saline groundwater (71,000 mg L-1 [Cl]) and hypersaline residual pools of 130,000-150,000 mg L-1 [Cl] (Costelloe et al., 2008). Secondary Salinity Secondary salinity is caused by man made changes to the hydrological cycle either through the replacement of native vegetation with shallow-rooted vegetation or through the excessive use or inefficient distribution of water in irrigation for agriculture (Beresford et al., 2001; Rose, 2004). Modern anthropogenic land-use practices are increasing the area of salt-affected land, which is a major environmental issue (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). Estimates of secondary salinity affecting the globe are suggested at around 74 million hectares, with 43 million hectares of that land occurring on irrigated land and the remaining area on non-irrigated land (Rose, 2004). In Australia, areas of the Murray Basin and the Mallee region in Victoria (VIC) and New South Wales (NSW) are affected by dryland and irrigation salinity, while irrigation salinity impacts the Riverina Plain in VIC and NSW and the Riverland Region in South Australia (Beresford et al., 2001). Dryland Salinity Dryland salinity is the resultant change in subsurface hydrology in which native vegetation with deeper roots are replaced by shallow-rooted vegetation, such as agricultural crops (Rose, 2004). This process causes a decrease in annual evaporation and an increase in the amount of water reaching the water table (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). The proceeding rise in the amount of water available can then lead to saline water reaching the soil surface and vegetation (Rose, 2004). When this saline water intersects or reaches the surface, waterlogging and salinization of the surface soil can occur due to the accumulation of salts (Rose, 2004). There is an estimated lag time of 30 to 50 years between vegetation clearance and the emergence of salinity (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). Around a third of the areas in Australia that are susceptible to dryland salinity are expected to become saline (Figure 2) (Rose, 2004). Dryland salinity has impacted North and South Dakota in Norther n America and the Canadian Western Prairies due to large scale wheat farming in which there is now increasing loss of productivity and rising death rates in a variety of wildlife (Beresford et al., 2001). India, Thailand, Argentina, and South Africa are some of the other countries that experience problems with dryland salinity (Pannell Ewing, 2006). Katanning District, WA In the Katanning district, extensive clearing of native vegetation has lead to the area being reported as having one of the worst salinity problems in WA (Beresford et al., 2001). The town is located in a low, flat part of the landscape, and is agriculturally centred on crops, such as wheat and canola, and sheep (Figure 3) (Beresford et al., 2001). The initial perennial vegetation, mainly of Mallee associations, has been removed and replaced with the aforementioned crops (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). Following 1891, there was increased wheat cultivation in the district and land clearing (Beresford et al., 2001). In the early 1900s, the increase of salt in nearby natural water sources was quickly linked to the clearing of native vegetation (Beresford et al., 2001). In 2000, records of the Katanning Creek Catchment showed that only 1000 hectares of remnant vegetation remained translating to less than 10 per cent of the catchment being covered (Beresford et al., 2001). It was al so discovered in 2000 that 125 hectares of land neighbouring the town boundary was salt affected, the water table was less than one metre from the surface in some areas and older infrastructure were showing evidence of salt-induced decay (Beresford et al., 2001). Groundwater under the township is influenced by the subsurface flow from catchments where extensive land clearing has occurred (Beresford et al., 2001). Dryland salinity in Australia will continue to increase unless farming systems are dramatically altered on a large scale (Rose, 2004). Irrigation Salinity The application of irrigation can increase salinity levels in soil water, surface water systems and/or aquifers (Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). Irrigation can also raise water tables, lead to waterlogging, and cause evaporation directly from the water table, increasing solute concentration in the soil (Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). Around the world, the greater part of anthropogenic salinity is associated with irrigated rather than non-irrigated land (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). A higher amount of land in Australia that is non-irrigated, rather than irrigated, however, is salt-affected (Pannell Ewing, 2006). Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson (2008) stated that irrigated areas that have their water table within two metres of the soil surface are salinized. Agriculture, in which irrigation systems are utilized, is especially prone to salinization with approximately half of the irrigation systems globally affected by salinization, alkalization or waterlogging ( Munns, 2002). Countries particularly affected by irrigation salinity include Egypt, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and Argentina (HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Sanliurfa-Harran Plain Turkey Turkey faces salinity problems due to large-scale and intensive irrigation, such as in the Harran Plain (Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). Only 25 percent, or 19.3 million hectares, of Turkeys land surface is usable for agricultural practices, three percent of which is affected by salinity (Atis, 2006). The main source of soil salinity has resulted from the adverse effects of irrigation water, leading to the formation of high water tables resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and income (Atis, 2006). The Sanliurfa-Harran Plain region is located in an arid and semi-arid climate (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005). In this area, high levels of total dissolved solids have emerged in the shallow groundwater due to excessive and uncontrolled irrigation, waterlogging, rising water tables, and drainage problems (Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). Prior to the implementation of irrigation in the central and southern parts of the Harran Plain, salinity and drainage problem s already existed, which were then exacerbated when irrigation was applied (Table 3) (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005). It was estimated over fifty percent of productive agricultural land in the Akcakale Groundwater Irrigations area of the Harran Plain was becoming saline after irrigation, some 5000 hectares (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005). In the towns of Harran and Akcakale, within the Sanliurfa-Harran Plain, increased salinity problems and high saline and sodium soils were attributed to public irrigation (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005). Within the Sanliurfa-Harran Plain, over 29 percent of soils examined were becoming saline following irrigation (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005). Combined Salinity In Iran and Pakistan, the salinization of land resources is a major problem due to a combination of primary salinity and secondary salinity (Kahlown et al., 2003; Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Thirty per cent of Irans irrigated area and 26.2 per cent of Pakistans are severely affected by irrigation salinity, much of which may need abandoning (Kendirli, Cakmak, Ucar, 2005; HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Iran and Pakistan mainly endure arid and semi-arid environmental conditions (Kahlown et al., 2003; Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Annually, rainfall nationally averages 250mm in Iran, while average yearly potential evaporation is extremely high, varying from 700mm to over 4000mm (Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Approximately 34 million hectares in Iran are salt-affected (Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). In the northern area of Iran, slight to moderate salt-affected soils exist, where as highly saline soils are present in the central areas (Figure 4) (Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Primary salinity in Iran is a result of a combination of factors including: the geological composition of the soils parent material, such as halite and gypsum, natural salinization of surface waters due to stream salinity, salinity and the expansion of salinity from wind-borne origins, seawater intrusion, low rainfall and high potential evapotranspiration (Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Secondary salinity has been a result of: irrigation with saline waters, deficient drainage, unsustainable groundwater pumping, saline aquifer over-exploitation, excessive irrigation and overgrazing (Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Some 4.2 million hectares in Pakistan are severely affected by irrigation salinity (HÃ ¼lsebusch et al., 2007). Salinization of soils and water in Pakistan are a result of: natural climatic characteristics, such as high evaporation, geological conditions and the dissolution of salt bearing strata, waterlogging, intensive irrigation, poor drainage, salinity ing ress, inefficient irrigation and inappropriate use of low quality groundwater (Kahlown et al., 2003; Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). Widespread soil and water salinization in Iran and Pakistan has occurred due to varied combinations of these factors (Kahlown et al., 2003; Qadir, Qureshi, Cheraghi, 2008). Impacts Salinity can cause tree die back, changes in ecosystems, loss of productive lands, salt bush growth, erosion, saline groundwater discharge and saline surface water (Beresford et al., 2001; Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). The groundwater that rises as a result of dryland salinity can contain relatively high amounts of salts which results in saline seepages emerging where the water table intersects the ground surface (Bridgman, Dragovish, Dodson, 2008). If concentrations of sodium ions are high enough, the physical structure of soils may be completely degraded from salinity (McDowell, 2008). This is due to the collapse of soil aggregates and deflocculation of clay particles; compaction then occurs and causes decreased permeability and porosity which restricts water storage as well as slowing internal drainage (McDowell, 2008). Salinity can result in the deterioration of river and stream quality, for example, in the Murray Darling River system in SA, the town of Morgans water qual ity is expected to exceed the desirable drinking limit of 500 mg L 1 total soluble salts within the next ninety years (Pannell Ewing, 2006). Concentrated salt-affected water can move to surface water systems, infiltrate below the root zone or may reach an aquifer and contribute to a progressive increase in salinity of groundwater, decreasing the water quality (Van Weert, Van der Gun, Reckman, 2009). There can be a greater risk of large-scale water quality problems due to an increase in leakage of saline waters from the impacted region (McDowell, 2008). Increased flood risks have also been identified as an impact of dryland salinity as a result of shallower water tables which can lead to at least a two-fold increase in flood flows (Pannell Ewing, 2006). Conclusions Salinity is a major problem throughout the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid environmental climates. Primary salinity is a natural phenomenon that affects soils and waters in periods of high evaporation, transpiration, and low rainfall. This process occurs notably in Australia, as well as many other countries, such as Iran and Pakistan. Secondary salinity is human induced from either land clearing or irrigation. Numerous countries experience dryland salinity, such as North America, India, Canada, Thailand, Argentina, and South Africa, as well as Australia. Countries that are affected by irrigation salinity include Egypt, Australia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, India, and Argentina. Generally, salinity causes a decrease in the quality of water resources and can lead to a decrease in quantity, if the water table has risen substantially as a result, and increased evaporation occurs. References Atis, E 2006, Economic impacts on cotton production due to land degradation in the Gediz Delta, Turkey, Land Use Policy, 26, pp. 181 186. Beresford, Q, Bekle, H, Phillips, H, Mulcock, J 2001, The Salinity Crisis: Landscapes, Communities and Politics, University of Western Australia Press, Crawley. Bridgman, H, Dragovish, D, Dodson, J 2008, The Australian Physical Environment, Oxford University Press, USA. Costelloe, JF, Payne, E, Woodrow, IE, Irvine, EC, Western, AW, Leaney, FW 2008, Water sources accessed by arid zone riparian trees in highly saline environments, Australia, Oecologia, 156, pp. 43 52. HÃ ¼lsebusch, C, Wichern, F, Hemann, H, Wolff, P (eds.) 2007, Organic agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics Current status and perspectives Supplement No. 9 to the Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, Kassel University Press, Germany. Kahlown, MA, Chang, MC, Ashraf, M, Hassan, MS 2003, Salt Affected Soils and their Reclamation: Research Report 4, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Islamabad. Kendirli, B, Cakmak, B, Ucar, Y 2005, Salinity in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (Gap), Turkey: Issues and Options, Irrigation and Drainage, 54, pp. 115 122. Kingsford, RT, Porter, JL 1993, Waterbirds of Lake Eyre, Australia, Biological Conservation, 65, pp. 141 151. McDowell, RW (ed.) 2008, Environmental Impacts of Pasture-Based Farming, CAB International, Oxfordshire. McMahon, TA, Murphy, RE, Peel, MC, Costelloe, JF, Chiew, FHS 2008, Understanding the surface hydrology of the Lake Eyre Basin: Part 1-Rainfall, Journal of Arid Environments, 72, 1853 -1868. Munns, R 2002, Comparative physiology of salt and water stress, Plant, Cell and Environment, 25, pp. 239 250. Pannell, DJ, Ewing, MA 2006, Managing Secondary Dryland Salinity: Options and Challenges, Agricultural Water Management, 80, pp. 41 56. Qadir, M, Qureshi, AS, Cheraghi, SAM 2008, Extent and Characterisation of Salt-Affected Soils in Iran and Strategies for their Amelioration and Management, Land Degradation Development, 19, pp. 214 227. Rose, C 2004, An Introduction to the Environmental Physics of Soil, Water and Watersheds, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Van Weert, F, Van der Gun, J, Reckman, J 2009, Global Overview of Saline Groundwater Occurrence and Genesis, International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre, Utrecht.

Accounting Terms :: essays research papers

The following explanations of terms are presented to aid in understanding the narrative discussions and illustrations included in this text and the terminology generally used in governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting and budgeting. Because this glossary is reprinted from the Government Finance Association's Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, the terms and explanations have not been modified to reflect specific Texas school district issues, etc. Synonyms for specific terms also may be presented in this appendix. In such instances, the abbreviation "syn." is used before the term. ACCOUNTABILITY. Being obliged to explain one's actions, to justify what one does. Accountability requires governments to answer to the citizenry-to justify the raising of public resources and the purposes for which they are used. Governmental accountability is based on the belief that the citizenry has a "right to know," a right to receive openly declared facts that may lead to public debate by the citizens and their elected representatives. [SGAC1] ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES BOARD (APB). Authoritative private-sector standard-setting body that preceded the FASB. The APB issued guidance in the form of Opinions. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (AcSEC). An AICPA committee that is authorized to issue Practice Bulletins. A Practice Bulletin specifically targeted to state and local governments and cleared by the GASB would enjoy "level 2" status on the hierarchy of authoritative sources of GAAP established by SAS No. 69, The Meaning of "Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" in the Independent Auditor's Report. ACCRUAL BASIS OF ACCOUNTING. A method of accounting that recognizes the financial effect of transactions, events, and interfund activities when they occur, regardless of the timing of related cash flows. ACQUISITION COSTS. Term used in connection with public-entity risk pools. Costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal contracts. Commissions and other costs (e.g., salaries of certain employees involved in the underwriting and policy issue functions, and inspection fees) that are primarily related to contracts issued or renewed during the period in which the costs are incurred are considered to be acquisition costs [SGAS 10] ACTIVITY. A specific and distinguishable service performed by one or more organizational components of a government to accomplish a function for which the government is responsible (e.g., police is an activity within the public safety function). ACTUARIAL ACCRUED LIABILITY. Term used in connection with defined benefit pension plans. That portion, as determined by a particular actuarial cost method, of the actuarial present value of pension plan benefits and expenses which is not provided for by future normal costs.

The OSI Model and The Pony Express Essay -- Essays Papers

The OSI Model and The Pony Express The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model is essential to the world of computer networking. The model was created in 1977 by the International Standards Committee, in response to a difficulty that was facing computer networkers at the time (Shelly, Cashman, and Serwatka 142). In order to understand the difficulty, one must first realize that computer networks consist of computer hardware, the software that is to be used in conjunction with this hardware, and the medium (such as wiring or cabling) that will interconnect the computing devices that are in the network. The computer networker’s job is to determine which hardware, software, and medium types will create the network that will best suit his client’s needs. Then, the networker must combine these elements into a functional system of interconnected computers (Fortino and Villeneuve 112). It was in attempting this latter task that the computer networker of the late 1970s often found himself in a pickle. The problem was that each vendor of computing equipment had developed his own unique set of products; products that were incompatible with the products of other vendors. This incompatibility made it very difficult for a computer networker to combine the various network components into an operational computer network (Stamper 27). The OSI model provided for a solution to this problem. The model organized those tasks that are essential for computer network operation, into seven groups. These groups were called layers. All manufacturers of computing equipment were recommended to make their products compliant with the OSI model. This meant that each computing product was to perform the functions associated with a specific layer within the model; any method of accomplishing these functions was acceptable. In a network composed of equipment that operated according to OSI guidelines, a separate product would be used to perform each layer of OSI functionality. Thus, all elements of the network would be aware of the specific jobs performed by every other network element; this would allow for compatibility between networking products that were created by different vendors. By designing networks according to OSI guidelines, the networker was able to combine any group of products, made by any number of vendors, into a fu nctioning computer network (Stamper 28). .. ...he secret of its success in the field of computer networking, and this is also the key to its use in other areas of communication as well. Works Cited Derfler, Frank J., Jr., and Les Freed. How Networks Work. California: Macmillian Computer Publishing, 1996. Dicerto, Joseph J. The Pony Express: Hoofbeats In The Wilderness. New York: Franklin Watts, 1989. Fortino, Andres, and Arnold Villeneuve. Networking Technologies: A Complete Guide To Passing The Novell CNE Exam. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1996. Introduction To Networking. Diskette. 1992. Networking Technologies. Diskette. 1992. Oslin, George P. â€Å"Pony Express.† Encyclopedia Americana. 1999 ed. â€Å"Pony Express.† Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Microsoft, 1997. Settle, Raymond W., and Mary Lund Settle. Saddles and Spurs: The Pony Express Saga. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1955. Stamper, David A. Business Data Communications. 5th ed. Massachusetts: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 1999. Shelly, Gary B., Cashman, Thomas J., and Judy A. Serwatka. Business Data Communications: Introductory Concepts and Techniques. 2nd ed. Massachusetts: Course Technology, 1998.

Symbolism and Repression in The Yellow Wallpaper -- Yellow Wallpaper e

Symbolism and Repression in The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story, â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is as a wonderful example of the gothic horror genre. It was not until the rediscovery of the story in the early 1970’s that â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† was recognized as a feminist indictment of a male dominated society. The story contains many typical gothic trappings, but beneath the conventional faà §ade hides a tale of repression and freedom told in intricate symbolism as seen through the eyes of a mad narrator. It is difficult to discuss the meaning in this story without first examining the author’s own personal experience. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† gives an account of a woman driven to madness as a result of the Victorian â€Å"rest-cure,† a once frequently prescribed period of inactivity thought to cure hysteria and nervous conditions in women. As Gary Scharnhorst points out, this treatment originated with Dr. Weir Mitchell, who personally prescribed this â€Å"cure† to Gilman herself. She was in fact driven to near madness and later claimed to have written â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† to protest this treatment of women like herself, and specifically to address Dr. Weir Mitchell with a â€Å"propaganda piece.† A copy of the story was actually sent to Mitchell, and although he never replied to Gilman personally, he is said to have confessed to a friend that he had changed his treatment of hysterics after reading the story (15-19). Although the autobiographical aspects of â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† are compelling, it is the symbolism and the underlying feminist connotations that lead best to discussion. First is John, the narrator’s husband. He could be viewed as the patriarchy itself, as Beverly Hume says, with his dismissal of all... ... J.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th ed. New York: Harper Collins, 1995. 424-36. Hume, Beverly A. â€Å"Gilman’s Interminable Grotesque’: The Narrator of ‘The Yellow Wallpaper.’† Studies in Short Fiction 28.4 (1991):477-84. Johnson, Greg. â€Å"Gilman’s Gothic Allegory: Rage and Redemption in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper.’† Studies in Short Fiction 26.4 (1989):521-30. King, Jeannette and Pam Morris. â€Å"On Not Reading between the Lines: Models of Reading in ‘The Yellow Wallpaper.’† Studies in Short Fiction 26.1 (1989): 23-32. Owens, E. Suzanne. â€Å"The Ghostly Double behind the Wallpaper in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s ‘The Yellow Wallpaper.’†   Ã‚  Ã‚   Haunting the House of Fiction. Ed. Lynette Carpenter and Wendy K. Kolmar. Knoxville: U of Tennessee P, 1991 64-79. Scharnhorst, Gary. â€Å"‘The Yellow Wallpaper.’† Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Boston: Twayne, 1985. 15-20.  

Implementation Plan Research Essay

Founded in 1899, Harrison Keyes has been a leader in publishing business, scientific and technical information. Due to recent changes in the industry, and an attempt to revamp its former successes, the company is in the process of redefining itself in the market. One major change is transforming the sales market from a printed version of books to an e-book platform. (University of Phoenix, 2007) Primary focus is on developing a full service site. This paper will identify companies that have faced specific issues related to those identified in the Harrison Keyes scenario (University of Phoenix, 2007) and related to the concepts of enter concepts. For each company the paper will: discuss the following the issue identified in the scenario that is also facing the company, how the company responded to the issue, and outcomes of the company’s response to the issue. Additionally, the paper will provide an analysis that synthesizes the key findings. The analysis will identify the key course concepts and compare and contrast the practices of each company related to those concepts Research Summaries NASA NASA, being a government agency that utilizes the expertise of private firms  for many of its projects, has developed a very articulate request for proposal (RFP). Requirements and features must be in enough detail that contractors have a clear description of the final deliverable that will meet the customer’s needs. In most cases the RFP also specifies an expected format for the contractor’s bid proposal so the responses of different contractors can be fairly evaluated. (Gray & Larson, 2005, p 52) This is to avoid ambiguity and provide an even ground to start from. When comparing the utilization of a RFP with NASA and Friar Tuck (FT), one may note that if FT had implemented a RFP, many of the issues the organization is facing could have been alleviated. With FT, a RFP delivered to all vendors involved would have provided the starting blocks of the project. Each company would have an opportunity to bid on a project that best suites their needs and expertise. This way, when the selected project is under way, the involved parties have an active, vested interest in the success and outcome of the project. HKIA Hong Kong International Airport was built with the expectation that there would be a large volume of travelers and goods going in and out on a daily basis. As demands increased, the airport authorities had the competence to create a work breakdown structure (WBS). The early stages of developing the outline serve to ensure that all tasks are identified and that participants of the project have an understanding of what is to be done. Once the outline and its detail are defined, an integrated information system can be developed to schedule work and allocate budgets. This baseline information is later used for control. (Gray & Larson, 2005, p.99) If Friar Tuck had implemented a WBS, there would have been a clearer understanding of the deliverables, the costs associated with each deliverable, when each deliverable was due and who was responsible for ensuring that his or her assigned work was completed within the allotted timeframe. Because budget and tasks appeared to be important, FT found itself with the goal but lacking details of how to execute. Because HKIA  realized that their greatest assets are the passengers and cargo, the organization took great lengths to ensure that the daily business transactions were not disrupted and that the airport was able to meet the demands placed upon it by its customers, which include passengers and cargo. Project planning at Harrison-Keyes has progressed to develop a WBS which is being worked within their existing functional organizational structure. A status check on Harrison-Keyes’s tact to project management demonstrates difficulties with task completion and employee behaviors. Organizations that choose to manage projects within their current functional structure face uphill battles between the functional silos. Project management within existing functional organizational structures has known advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are no changes, flexibility, in-depth expertise and easy post-project transition. Disadvantages to managing projects in this manner are lack of focus, poor integration, slow, and lack of ownership (Gray & Larson, 2006, p. 58). Harrison-Keyes has alternatives to consider provided the pros and cons of managing projects within their existing functional structure and the United States Department of Defense provides a benchmark for consideration. Conflict with the authors at H-K has to be addressed for a successful transition to an e-publishing company. As a benchmark examination for H-K, the DOD is commonly faced with large and complex project implementations which are riddled with differences of opinion between the functional branches of the service, the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Three types of conflict were identified by the DOD case along with effective measures to counteract the friction. The DOD recognized three types of conflicts which hindered project implementation in a functional organization, which are 1) interpersonal-based conflict, 2) task-based conflict and 3) process-based conflict (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). In response to identifying three broad-based conflict classifications the DOD case study created effective strategies to address them while managing projects. Interpersonal-based conflicts within projects at the DOD are addressed with a strategy to compromise and build collaborative relationship to create win-win discussions between functional areas (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). Task-based conflict resolution relies on an effective project manager navigating aspects of stakeholder’s position, power or influence. As a project manager evaluates these factors a determination can be made to deploy a competing, collaborating, or compromise strategy to effectively manage the project (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). Process-based conflict resolution is more clear-cut due to the sequential requirements of projects. A heavier-handed approach towards stakeholders is required as less flexibility can be allowed in order to move the project forward. If flexibility is allowable within the project step a more collaborative approach can be considered (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). A second case study of Honeywell, Inc. provides H-K the possibility of determining is a process breakdown structure (PBS) is better suited than the currently developed work breakdown structure (WBS). First let us look at 10 lessons learned by Honeywell in the use of PBS and contrast the potential into Harrison-Keyes’s situation. It is important to note that both Honeywell and H-K are faced with a dramatic shift in their business strategy. Honeywell’s experience yielded 10 lessons when attempting to make radical change in an organization. The 10 lessons learned were (Paper, et al, 2001): People are the key enablers of change Question everything People need a systemic methodology to map processes Create team ownership and a culture of dissatisfaction Management attitude and behavior can squash projects Bottom-up or empowered implementation Redesign must be business-driven and continuous IT is a necessary, but not sufficient, enabler Set stretch goals Execution is the real difference between success and failure Similar to Harrison-Keyes’s competitive requirements to change from print publishing to e-publishing, Honeywell faced competitive pressures to reduce defects by 1000% and production cycle-time by 500%. Honeywell dramatically changed its method at project implementation within the organization to accomplish successful results. Honeywell eliminated project management by tasks and details (WBS) in favor of managing them by process-orientation (PBS). Honeywell learned two key lessons in project implementation of radical change. The first lesson learned through Honeywell’s project execution through PBS was execution separates high performers from less successful PBS projects. The second lesson learned by Honeywell involved the identification of the difficulty of change not being sufficient enough. A critical step was to change the vision of the organization to reflect the radical change (Paper, et al, 2001). In addition to these two lessons, Honeywell experiences the behavioral aspect of project management as H-K. Honeywell found that successful execution is dependent upon behavioral change. Behavioral change was found to be extremely difficult and required time to be successful. The need for time is often in conflict with the need for quick profits (Paper, et al, 2001). Middle management was found to be the most resistant to change because of their dedicated knowledge skill-set versus process skill-set. Strong training programs coupled with pay for performance plans to provide financial incentives helped Honeywell overcome this hurdle. PayPal and YouTube are two of the biggest success stories since the dotcom bubble burst sometime after the year 2000. For all of the companies’ success there has been a well publicized and scrutinized series of shortcomings and fallbacks that could have been avoided. Risk management practices would have prepared these companies for growth and expansion while building their brand and could have possibly eliminated the issues they face today. PayPal burst onto the ecommerce scene in 1999. The public was just beginning to embrace the idea of shopping for everyday goods and services online but were weary about giving personal information to strangers or having to repeatedly enter credit card information online. PayPal was able to offer consumers a simple web interface and piece of mind by storing that sensitive data and allowing buyers and sellers to seamlessly complete online transactions. The thought that the website would explode and be the defacto payment solution on the Internet did not cross the designers mind and the risk was not properly assessed. PayPal has lost many customers and has had to fight many lawsuits due to poor planning. Even now PayPal is struggling to catch up while meeting the demand for their service. This same lack of a contingency plan could doom H-K as they search for a firm to perform the digital formatting. YouTube has become one of the most visited websites on the Internet in just a few short years. While the designer can be proud for creating a forum for all things video, he too can be blamed for not creating a risk management plan. Allowing users to upload their own videos has opened the door to copy righted material being available on the website. The networks and studios are slow to embrace the sight as a way to increase brand awareness and have instead blamed YouTube for declining revenues and ratings. Entire movies have been made available on the website the same day they were released in theaters providing some credence to the argument against the site. Had YouTube made alliances with the studios and networks prior to allowing users to upload videos they could have avoided the problem altogether. This is another case of a business that did not properly mitigate and assess the risk and now face the threat of lawsuits. General Electric and Siemens have successfully dealt with the issues of a corporate culture that negatively affected their ongoing project structure as well as a culture that fostered individuality among the various departments. HK faces similar problems in that its culture is one of individualism and lack of accountability that has led to a lack of consensus among its leadership as to project management structures, organizational culture, and creating and communicating that culture throughout the organization. GE has created a corporate culture that is not individualized by department like HKs, but instead involves all members of the GE community, its management, its employees, and its customers. GE has also created a corporate culture that dismisses politics as a means to an end. Through the changes to culture and GE’s team approach they were able to organize projects as dedicated teams within functional organizations. Culture has a considerable affect on the success rate at HK as well. Their organization’s culture has affected their projects. HK has hired a new CEO, Meg McGill, to move them into the strategic direction of â€Å"all things digital.† However, nowhere in her emails and correspondence among HK’s leadership did she address the change in culture in order to affect her strategic business objectives. Meg needs to implement a change in corporate culture like that of the CEO of Siemens Klaus Klenfeld, who changed the corporate culture to one where â€Å"Everyone, including the boss, is accountable. We commit to something, and we deliver† (Ewing, Jack, 2007). In order to affect this, Klenfeld has had to deploy hard tactics. By implementing a changed culture that emphasizes accountability, project management structures will become more thorough and thought out. Organizational culture and structure influence project management more than HK realizes. Addressing the culture of HK to one of accountability will go a long way in formalizing project management structures such as organizing those projects through dedicated teams; organize projects within the functional organizations of HK; organizing projects within a matrix; or organizing projects within their network organizations. GE organized their projects through dedicated teams, Siemens’ organized by  deploying hard tactics within their functional organizations, and both implemented these project structures by changing their corporate culture. HK must take similar steps in order to realize their business objectives. When University of Phoenix decided to implement e-books into the on-line learning system, the management knew that they needed a corporate strategy and high quality project management. The lack of the above mentioned items meant costly lawsuits because a great deal of authors opposed the idea of e-books due to possible fraud and copyright violations. The company was not able to avoid lawsuits, but it was able to protect itself from future legal issue and establish ground for strong digital contend on the learning websites. It was made possible by clearly defined corporate strategy and project management: In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Patrick G. McKeown, alleges that the Thomson Corporation and two of its subsidiaries sold a customized electronic version of his book Information Technology and the Networked Economy, to the _UNIVERSITY_ of _PHOENIX_ , which in turn has sold more than 23,000 copies to its students. (Mr. McKeown says an updated royalty statement he recently received shows that the actual number of copies sold by _PHOENIX_ is now about 45,000.) Thomson did not return telephone calls seeking comment. In a written statement, _PHOENIX_ said that it it honors intellectual-property rights of others, adding, â€Å"the _UNIVERSITY_ licensed its rights to use the textbook from a reputable, well-known publisher, that represented it had the appropriate rights to the book. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 2007). OnStar OnStar represent an example of Risk Response Development. OnStar provides wireless access to emergency and security services from General Motors vehicles. A great number of opponents were claiming that OnStar collect personal information and might use it for marketing and other purposes. The company did not try to refute the statement since the information is indeed collected: â€Å"You start [collecting] individual pieces of information that  seem benign,† he says. â€Å"But when you begin to combine bits of information it becomes less and less so.† White says OnStar, in storing data only in aggregate, is walking a fine line. â€Å"It is disingenuous to talk about aggregate data when you have the ability to differentiate it,† he says. There may not be a business case for creating individual profiles today, White adds, but there may be someday, and that’s when potential privacy violations will become a concern,† (CIO, 2006). The response of General Motors to the risk of having the idea of OnStar shot down due to the information collection, provoked the company to issue the results of the survey which indicated regardless of the above fact, a great number of drivers still choose OnStar: â€Å"It’s clear from the survey responses that women are looking for ways to enhance their peace of mind when driving — whether it’s a long-distance solo car trip, the daily commute to work, or simply ferrying kids to and from after school activities,† notes Chet Huber, OnStar President. â€Å"Ninety four percent of female subscribers say that OnStar provides peace of mind when they’re traveling alone; 87 percent of female subscribers say that OnStar provides that peace of mind when loved ones are traveling. And more than 70 percent of OnStar’s female subscribers tell us they prefer or will only purchase an OnStar equipped vehicle,† (OnStar, 2006). Researched Company Synopses Since its inception in 1958, NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats in air and space. (NASA, 2007) With its continued research and development programs, the agency has provided a renewed interest in space, the planet and the environment in general. _Identified Issue_ NASA, in its quest to improve manned space exploration, began the Ares project. The project was initially created to develop a rocket that would enable astronauts to travel to the moon and eventually to the planet Mars. The organization needed assistance from private firms in the creation of the avionics unit that crew members would use to control navigation, guidance and other hardware (NASA, 2007). The organization needed to implement a process that would ensure that the winning contract go to the most qualified company. _Response to the Issue_ In order to ensure that the organization brings in a highly qualified private firm that knows exactly what NASA is looking for, the project team created a request for proposal. The issues covered included, but not limited to: 1. Synopsis of requirements and request for action 2. Statement of work (SOW) detailing the scope and major deliverables 3. Deliverable specifications/requirements, features, and tasks 4. Responsibilities–vendor and customer 5. Project timetable 6. Costs and payment schedule 7. Type of contract 8. Experience and staffing 9. Evaluation criteria (Gray & Larson, 2005, p. 52) _Outcome_ The organization, after interviewing and investigating several well qualified firms, hired the Boeing Company to provide support for both design and  production. Crew transportation to the International Space Station is planned to begin no later than 2014. The first lunar excursion is scheduled for the 2020 timeframe. (NASA, 2007) In 1998, the Hong Kong International Airport was opened. The construction took 6 years and cost upwards of $20 Billion USD. Although constructed under British Colonial rule, the airport began operations under Chinese law. As the world’s fifth busiest international passenger airport and most active worldwide air cargo operation, HKIA sees nearly 800 aircraft take off and land every day. (Hong Cong Airport, 2002) _Identified Issue_ As business increased at the airport, the ramp-handling operations began to experience delays. Aircraft ramp handling refers to services on the ramp for an aircraft. It includes loading and unloading of baggage, air cargo and air mail onto the aircraft, and transportation between the aircraft and the passenger terminal, air cargo terminals and the air mail centre. In addition, ramp handling services cover preparation for delivery onto aircraft of bulk baggage and baggage containers, aircraft loading bridge operation, and passenger stairs operation. (Hong Kong Airport, 2002) The airport needed a solution that would not impact the daily operations of the facilities. _Response to the Issue_ The HKIA leadership team decided to implement a wireless-enabled ramp management solution, which would enables control room staff to monitor the entire airport using computer terminals, links to airport-specific databases and existing IT infrastructure, as well as covers finance and accounting. (Hewlett Packard, 2003) In order to roll out the project, a work breakdown structure needed to be implemented. This allowed the team to align itself with the scope, define deliverables, create work packages, and assign specific duties to all involved. _Outcome_ The wireless-enabled ramp management solution integration was completed without incident, as far as daily airport activities were concerned. The ability to apply the technology into the existing wired network infrastructure meant that employees had options in accessing data, and performing their duties. Ramp workers are able to receive current operational information, more efficient utilization of employees throughout the facility, increase security through more accurate recording, and the ramp-handling operations has been able to keep up ith demands. (Hewlett Packard, 2003) _Identified Issue: Defining the elements of a project – Process Breakdown Structure (PBS)_ When an organization faces projects to produce tangible outcomes, such as design and building, WBS is an ideal way to attack them. When radical change in an organization is needed through a series of steps or phases, PBS is best suited to complete the project (Gray & Larson, 2006). Harrison-Keyes is striving for a radical change in transitioning the operation from print publishing to e-publishing. Honeywell, Incorporated serves as an example for Harrison-Keyes to benchmark as a similar radical change faced Honeywell in 1989. Harrison-Keyes should note that to drive transformational change as Honeywell accomplished then a PBS approach over a WBS should be considered. Honeywell began to experience lagging performance results in its industrial automation and control (IAC) business unit. Global competition was requiring manufacturing firms to operate more efficiently than ever before while maintaining high levels of quality. Customers from around the world ranging from refineries, chemical plants and paper mills purchased Honeywell’s TDC 3000X system to achieve world-class process control capability. Defects, production cycle-time and materials management had to be improved to remain competitive (D. Paper, J. Rodger & P. Pendarker, 2001). _Response to the Issue_ As a result of lagging performance a world-class -manufacturing (WCM) program was undertaken over a three-year period. Radical improvement measures were established to reduce defects by 1000% and production cycle-time by 500% (Paper, et al, 2001). To accomplish these revolutionary results Honeywell focused on processes and not detailed tasks. Multi-skilled workers in charge of building entire products or modules were favored over individual workers in a functional department. Resources were assigned to processes over individual tasks and factories were shut down for an intensive 6-hour training session with the need for radical change emphasized (Paper, et al, 2001). Employee motivation was instituted through pay for performance plans which were tied to salaried workers performance reviews. Through Honeywell’s PBS experience 10 key lessons of success were identified but two of them were identified as most critical to the outcome. _Outcome_ The two most critical lessons learned the Honeywell’s adaptation of radical change through PBS were 1) execution separates high performers from less successful PBS projects and 2) identification of the difficulty of change is not sufficient enough. The vision of the organization must change to reflect radical change (Paper, et al, 2001). The Honeywell PBS experience found that execution that is dependent upon behavioral change is extremely difficult and requires time to be successful. This is often in direct conflict with an organization’s requirements for quick profits and impatience (Paper, et al, 2001). Honeywell found the largest obstacle to successfully implementing via a PBS method was middle management resistance. Employees in middle management positions were notorious for being experts in their specific areas and the transition to a process expert over a specific functional area proved difficult to accomplish. With strong training programs and incentives, Honeywell overcame this hurdle and was eventually successfully in transforming the organization. _Identified Issue – Project Management Structure within a Functional  Organization_ Organizations often approach project management through their existing functional hierarchy and Harrison-Keyes is no different as it proceeds towards its adaptation to e-publishing. When organizations choose to adapt project management within their existing hierarchical structure they accept the disadvantages of this choice, which are lack of focus, poor integration, slowness, and lack of ownership (Gray & Larson, 2006). Similar to Harrison-Keyes, the Department of Defense (DOD) operates project management within a functional hierarchy with a dedicated project manager coordinating traffic. In a case study of the DOD project, Light Amphibian Heavy-Lift (LAMP-H), the disadvantages parallel Harrison-Keyes’s situation. The DOD’s experience serves as a benchmark for failure of project management within a functional organization and proposes a model to offset the issues that are encountered. _Response to the Issue_ Managing projects in the DOD has been described as the most complex process and the most difficult to manage under the best circumstances (J. Sutterfield, S. Friday-Stroud & S. Shivers-Blackwell, 2006). The Navy, Army, and Air Force compromise a formidable functional structure to navigate when coordinating projects. In the case of the LAMP-H project, three types of conflicts were identified in hindering the project, 1) interpersonal-based conflict, 2) task-based conflict and 3) process-based conflict (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). In response to identifying three broad-based conflict classifications the DOD case study created effective strategies to address them while managing projects. _Outcome_ Interpersonal-based conflict within the LAMP-H project was addressed with a strategy to compromise and build collaborative relationships. When the Army, Navy, and Air Force created win-win discussions all details of the LAMP-H project were agreed upon which resulted in a successful outcome of the  project (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). Task-based conflict resolution strategy is dependent upon the project manager and stakeholder’s position, power or influence. As a project manager evaluates these factors a determination can be made to deploy a competing, collaborating, or compromise strategy to effectively manage the project (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). Process-based conflict resolution cannot be influenced by a project manager because of the sequential requirements of a project. In other words, a step has to occur in its proper order for the project to proceed. This affords a heavier-handed approach towards stakeholders as less flexibility can be allowed in order to move the project forward. Because of this constraint, a competitive strategy to resolve conflict can be deployed. If flexibility is allowable within the project step a more collaborative approach can be considered (Sutterfield, et al, 2006). Successful conflict management within a project managed within a functional structure increases the likelihood of a project meeting with success. The Project-Conflict Management Framework developed from the DOD LAMP-H project provides Harrison-Keyes a methodology to resolve the current e-publishing project issues. Risk Management YouTube is a popular website that allows people to post, watch, and share video clips at no charge. While the site was initially created so the designer could share home movies with family members in other states, the website quickly caught on with the public and was soon a household name. In October, â€Å"2006 web juggernaut Google purchased YouTube for 1.65 Billion dollars in stock. Some analysts considered this a risky investment despite the 100 million plus page views YouTube receives daily† (Wood, 2006). In an article written by Daniel Wood of the Christian Science Monitor â€Å"many users cannot get enough of the idea and love the service because it is entertaining, informative, and a community of sharing things; but some concepts are too good to be true† (Wood, 2006). At any given time there are thousands of copyrighted videos illegally being shown on YouTube. â€Å"YouTube completely missed the boat by not immediately identifying the risk with  allowing user s to upload videos and making deals with television and movie studios prior to launching their service† (Wood, 2006). As news of lawsuits and boycotts spread YouTube has taken the stance that they have done everything in their power to remove copy written material from their site and are also quick to remove any videos that receive a complaint from a studio. Some users have received â€Å"cease and desist† letters from attorneys and are facing the threat of a lawsuit if copyrighted material is not taken down immediately (Wood, 2006). Recently Viacom announced a one billion dollar lawsuit against YouTube while accusing the company of â€Å"massive intentional copyright infringement† (Cashmore, 2007). Although consumers seem to enjoy the unlimited access to copyrighted work, other stakeholders are not dealing with the risks as well. â€Å"YouTube board members are becoming increasingly skeptical and worry that impending lawsuits and copyright issues will eventually do them in since they are not making a large profit† (Cashmore, 2007). In their defense the creator of YouTube obviously did not recognize the scope of this type of service in when it was created but Google knew exactly what it was getting into when they purchased the upstart company. Prior to Google purchasing YouTube members of the media predicted that the lack of a business model and persistent problems with copyright would eventually bankrupt the company (Murray, 2006). Analysts were comparing YouTube to Napster and imagined the company would soon suffer the same fate as the former king of peer to peer file sharing. Google undoubtedly recognized the risk involved with their purchase of YouTube but due to their deep pockets they can afford to take that risk while working on a solution that can appease copyright holders. â€Å"What Google ultimately wants to do is work with the companies that have their material posted by others on YouTube and give them a share of the profit from the add revenue† (Taylor, 2006). In order to do this, Google will have to create a suitable formula for  projecting profit amounts and will then have to negotiate with outside companies for agreements to avoid future legal issues. The explosion of YouTube has excited consumers and led some to predict the end of television reign, but has caused issues for almost everyone else involved. There was no legal and/or contractual consideration involved during the design or implementation stage and a strategy was never identified along with the project details. Paypal eBay Incorporated is an online auction site that provides buyers and sellers a place to trade goods and services for a fee. The site has made billions of dollars as the world’s largest online marketplace without the use of warehouse space, inventory or salespeople. â€Å"Pierre Omidyar initially launched Auction Web during the infancy on the Internet in 1995 as a market to sale collectible and rare items. Auction Web incorporated and changed its name to eBay in 1996 as the site was becoming more popular with everyday users† (Marketline, 2006). â€Å"PayPal was launched in 1999 under the name Confinity. The idealistic vision of the company was one of a borderless currency free from governmental controls. However, PayPal’s success quickly drew the attention of hackers, scam artists and organized crime groups, who used the service for frauds and money laundering† (Grabianowski, 2007). The payment system also caught on with the online auction community who found it was a safe and easy way to make and receive payments for goods without having to exchange sensitive information. â€Å"The site grew far too quickly for PayPal to handle and as a result the customers suffered† (Marketline, 2006). PayPal was able to work out some of the issues associated with their system but for the most part were always one step behind the criminals and scammers that were a threat to their system. When dealing with money it is essential that the risk is evaluated prior to taking the first transaction. In July of 2002 eBay announced they were purchasing PayPal for 1.5 billion dollars and phasing out their own fledgling payment section. While some buyers and sellers assumed PayPal is a bank, PayPal is actually an â€Å"account based system that services approximately 96 million total accounts which are available to users in 55 markets. The 96 million total PayPal accounts include approximately 19 million business and 77 million personal accounts† (Marketline, 2006). With the deep pockets of eBay behind the company, analysts assumed the security issues that were prevalent in the early days of PayPal would be quickly shored up. In fact fraud was occurring on the PayPal system in record amounts and the payment system soon caught the eye of government regulators who were forced to step in and investigate. â€Å"Regulators and attorney generals in several states, including New York and California, fined PayPal for violations and investigated the company’s business practices. Some states, such as Louisiana, banned PayPal from operating in their states altogether† (Grabianowski, 2007). PayPal has since received licenses to operate in those places but lost millions of dollars in revenues while playing catch up. Security issues were not the only problem that PayPal faced. In October of 2004, PayPal experienced five days of power outages. The Sudbury Star reported â€Å"continued intermittent service outages despite furious attempts to repair the ailing online payment service† (2004). There was a possibility that due to the system setup and lack of redundancy across the network that many accounts could be lost forever or profoundly affected by the power losses. PayPal had been playing catch up since 1999 and it looked like time was catching up to them (Grabianowski, 2007). The power outage allowed some but not all users to complete online transactions which resulted in a very frustrating situation for PayPal users and caused some long time account holders to close their PayPal account altogether. General Electric Co. – Robert Reimer _Similar Issue Facing GE/Harrison-Keyes Publications, Inc._ Harrison-Keyes is faced with a corporate culture that is different for every  department. Corporate politics has become the norm for any decision that needs to be made. The corporate culture that fosters a self-centered approach to results, coupled with their lack of project structure, has led them to failure to implement a successful plan. General Electric (GE) has faced similar issues in its long and illustrious history and has dealt with them in such a way as to build GE into a recognized global business leader. Specifically, GE has the following issues that they have confronted and that currently face Harrison-Keyes: 1. Aligning organizational culture with project structure to achieve their corporate strategies, 2. Create a corporate culture that does not tolerate corporate politics and in fact breeds a cooperative environment between management, employee, and the customer/authors, and 3. Identifying managers that are talented and that will perform. _GE’s Response to the Issues_ The former CEO of GE, Jack Welch, the recognized business leader of the twentieth century, has stated that â€Å"If you ran a baseball team, who would you want to hang out with? The head of player personnel or the chief accountant?† (ABA Banking Journal, 2006) Mr. Welch’s point is that in business, as in sports, â€Å"the whole game is about talent-whoever fields the best team wins. Nothing you do is more important as building talent. Spend at least half your time developing people† (ABA Banking Journal, 2006). GE has developed managers by encouraging their input and to take chances and by allowing them to take on leadership roles at young ages. GE has relied on performance based initiatives and rewards risk takers. As Mr. Welch has stated, â€Å"give people chances to try new things and run things when they’re 30, not 50. If you’re spending all your time developing good people†¦they can’t wait for you to grow. If you want new things, take care of the people who try things. When they make mistakes, praise them, or they’ll become afraid to make mistakes† (ABA Banking Journal, 2006). GE has also created a corporate culture that dismisses politics as a means to and end and encourages a culture that involves all members of the GE community, its senior management, its employees, and its customers. GE’s success has developed based on defining a corporate culture that is not individualized  by department but practiced as an organization. GE’s success is based on the acronym LATIN. Leadership in that they make sure they have the right leaders for the job and at the right time; Adaptability by developing flexible strategies; Talent by investing in high potential people; Influence by being a company that is proactive instead of reactive, and ; Networks wherein expectations are met by maintaining discipline and consistency (PR Newswire, 2007). This creates a corporate cult ure that advances the overall goals of GE, involves the entire company, and results in not only the creation, but the communication of this culture that results in projects that are structured for success. _Outcomes of GE’s Response_ The result of these corporate strategies and the resulting project structure has been that GE increased production and has empowered its employees by adopting a program called Work-Out (D’O’Brian, Joseph, 1994). This program was created following a â€Å"town meeting† format wherein employees at all levels are asked to gather and solve problems, ultimately coming up with solutions to specific problems. When they are done they pass these along to senior management. This program has changed the relationship between management-employee in several ways, the most significant being that it has â€Å"horizontalized the company to some degree: Individual accountability for specific products and functions is maintained, but it is easier for any employees to take a hand in improving the making or doing of any specific thing† (D’O’Brian, Joseph, 1994). As to identifying managers that are talented and will perform, Jack Welch, former CEO of GE advocates the policy of firing the worst performing staff on a yearly basis. Although controversial, this tactic has not harmed GE’s performance (MacAskill, John, 2007).