Wednesday, October 30, 2019
USPS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
USPS - Essay Example Thus, the functional system if affected in the long run. II. Information system: which are supposed to ensure that information flows throughout the organization? However, the large number of union members makes it difficult for the organization to pass information to its members. This makes it difficult for the organizational members to make any meaningful decisions. This generally affects the team-building aspect of the organization and the financial situation of the organization only worsens the situation (Hicks, 2014). III. Divisional system ensures that an organization is able to enable its employees or members to have the required specialization and division of labor for the well-being of the organization. The employees reports to a general manager who then reports to a senior executive officer. However, the current absence of leadership makes the situation difficult. If the leaders were present in the organization, they could come up with creative strategies to motivate the workers thus enabling the required teamwork in the organization (Kille, 2013). Hicks, J. (2014, May 9). Postal Service lost $1.9 billion in second quarter, despite uptick for first-class mail. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal- eye/wp/2014/05/09/postal-service-lost-1-9-billion-in-second-quarter/ Kille, L. W. (2013, July 8). The U.S. Postal Service and financial sustainability: Research roundup. Retrieved from http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/budget/us- postal-service-financial-sustainability-research-roundup# Wieczner, J. (2012, August 27). Postal Service Financial Problems: 10 Things They Dont Want You to Know. Retrieved from
Monday, October 28, 2019
The True Monster Essay Example for Free
The True Monster Essay In Mary Shelleys gothic novel, Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates and animates a monster from various corpses. Victors experiment works, yet when the creature he creates comes to life, he is hideous. He immediately flees from Frankensteins laboratory and kills Frankensteins brother. Later, feeling ultimate loneliness, the creature begs Frankenstein to build a companion for him, but he refuses to complete the task. In revenge, the creature murders Frankensteins wife and best friend (Hawkins). Frankenstein is a story that focuses on the outcome of Victors endeavor to interfere with nature. In the novel, Victors creation is not born evil; rather it is the result of poor parenting that he becomes evil and vengeful. Throughout the novel, Shelley creates a definite perception of the creature and his creator by using various writing techniques. Shelley makes readers sympathetic towards the creature by offering hints in her work as to the creatures true sentiments. She also uses writing techniques to create the perception that the true monster is Victor, not the creature that he created. Shelley offers insight into a series of characters qualities and actions and this offers readers a greater view into their knowledge and their personalities. By using these effective writing techniques, Mary Shelley is able to create the perception that the real monster is Victor and not the monster himself. Shelleys use of the technique of having three different narrators offers readers a greater perception into the experiences and the personality of Walton, Frankenstein, and the creature. This switch allows readers to have greater insight into the inner experiences of the characters, which leads to further development in the attitudes in which the readers begin to grasp from each character. Shelley includes the story of Victor, the creator, and the story of the creature, the created, to emphasize the contrast between their personalities and their different experiences. The contrast offers readers two entirely different views, and thus two entirely different responses towards each character. One example of this can be found in the story of the creature. The story incorporates the innocence and benevolence in the creatures personality along with the tormenting hardships that the creature was forced to experience. Even the creatures creator detests him, and upon meeting him in the summit of Mont Blanc, Victor roared Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art (Shelley 81)! The revulsion that is presentà toward that creature causes the reader to sympathize with the creature rather than to detest him. Shelley also includes the perspective of Victor, which gives readers insight on Victors arrogant, haughty, and appearance-based personality. Again, this causes readers to sympathize with the creature, which has fallen victim to Victors thoughtless actions. The beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep (Shelley 42), Victor said. This example causes the reader to question Victors capability of thinking and the thought that he actually put in before making the creature, and thus the reader begins to question whether the creature is the monster, or whether it is actually Victor who is the thoughtless, ignorant monster. Readers are made to think that the creature is the more civilized creature of the two, and that the character of Victor is far more monstrous and dangerous than that of the creatures. By using the structure of three narrators, Shelley ultimately shapes the readers responses towards Victor and the creature. Shelley uses the writing technique of imagery and symbolism to shape the reaction of readers and the ideas surrounding them. The use of imagery portrays ideas visually, which is ultimately more effective in causing the reader to respond in a certain way (Imagery). For example, Shelley portrays the depressing and miserable world in which the creature is born into as full of hypocrisy, oppression, and prejudice. The creature experiences neglect and is left to fend off for himself. When he tries to acquaint himself to the DeLaceys, a family that the creature has been watching and learning from in the forest for a long time, and fails and is beaten, he is left with a sense of ultimate loneliness. My heart sank within me as with bitter sicknessI saw [Felix] on the point of repeating his blow, when, overcome by pain and anguish, I quitted the cottage, and in the general tumult escaped unperceived to my hovel (Shelley 115). This powerful imagery causes readers to visualize and place themselves in the situation of the creature, thus feeling his pain and suffering as he was continually beatenà by Felix for the cause of only trying to make an introduction and make some friends. In turn, this causes readers to deeply sympathize with the creature and understand the neglect and suffering that he is facing. This situation also causes readers to think about the prejudice he faced just because of his ugly appearance. It makes readers consider who the monster really is, whether it is the creature with the unsightly appearance, or the mad, heartless man who created him. Shelley cleverly uses the writing techniques of imagery and symbolism to shape the responses of readers towards the idea that the real monster is Victor, not the creature. Shelleys use of tone and word choice in Frankenstein is also very efficient in influencing the way readers thought about Victor and the creature. Shelleys tone always consists of emotion and figurative language. Along with powerful and expressive word choice, which emphasizes and dramatizes Shelleys ideas, her tone and word choice also helps to arouse the readers emotions in a particular way. For example, when the creature narrates, the tone is very depressing and unhappy and dramatizes the experiences that he had and the feelings that he felt. Shelley used words such as pain, miserable, desolate, and oppressed to describe the experiences of the creature, which dramatizes the suffering and torment that the creature faces and arouses the emotions of the readers to sympathize with the creature. Shelleys tone and word choice for Victor is also very influential in revealing his character. Shelleys word choice dramatizes the personality of Victor and highlights the selfish, appearance-based attitude which he is shown to have. When Victor first sees the creature, his own creation, and examines it, his tone is of shock and disgust rather than of admiration or love, and the first thing he mentions is how ugly the creature is. I beheld the wretchââ¬âthe miserable monster whom I had created (Shelley 43). Readers respond negatively towards Victor even from the beginning, ironically viewing him as more dangerous and treacherous than the monster himself. Shelley uses powerful words that force the reader to respond a certain way. She uses tone to arouse the readers emotions and to make her readers understand the relation between Victor and the creature and who the real monster is. Mary Shelley is able to create the perception that the real monster was Victor and not the monster himself. Readers continually sympathize with the creature and realize that Victor is actually more of a monster than the creature is. Readers realize that society never gave the creature a chance. Although the creature was born innocent, the corruption and prejudice of society spoiled the creature. Mary Shelley uses writing techniques, such as the implementation of characterization, imagery, symbolism, tone, and word choice to successfully depict ideas, create visual images, and arouse emotions, to create the perception that Victor was the real monster in Frankenstein.Ã¢â¬Æ'Works CitedImagery. HMS. Harris Middle School. 30 Sep 2008. Hawkins, Kathy. What is Frankenstein?. Conjecture 2003. 24 Sep 2008. . Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: New American Library, 2000.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Druids Essay -- essays research papers fc
DRUIDS Who were the Druids? The stereotypical image of a Druid is one of a thoughtful philosopher and magician, schooled in the lore of the traditions, and in charge of the education of the chieftains as well as those who sought to obtain knowledge considered obscure by the rest of society. They were knowers of truth, able to manipulate that truth as well as inform others of it. Druids not only influenced society religiously, they also influenced it socially i.e. they took on the parts of teachers, judges, magicians, craftsmen, advisors, priests, and masters of ceremonies, and in doing so, were greatly respected in society. The Role of Druids Teachers Caesar remarked that Druidism originated in Britain and that students would travel there for instruction, information and advice on astronomy, the ââ¬Ëessential nature of thingsââ¬â¢, and the power and authority of the Gods- both local and pan-Celtic deities. Their religion forbade them to write down what was being taught, as stated by Athelia Nihtscada: Druids of the past sought to preserve knowledge through passing their traditions to their students. Unfortunately, they did not feel it prudent to write any of this knowledge down lest the knowledge fall into the wrong hands or lose power, leaving us having to piece together what little we do know from other writers through the ages. Because Nihtscada is a woman born with Celtic roots, and was initiated into the Druidic tradition herself, this modern source is quite reliable. She is also a public speaker with a deep interest in her Celtic heritage. Her aim therefore, was to provide readers with accurate information about the Celts, much of which corresponds with information provided by the Romans. Instead of writing, information was communicated and learnt through verse. In fact, there were so many verses that the druids spent about 20 years studying them, learning about oral literature of sacred songs, prayers, incantations, divination and magic. Despite this however, not one verse has survived, nor are there any pure Druidic legends as all of them have been subjected to Christian or Roman interpretation. Master of Ceremonies Druids, as masters of ceremonies, are renowned for administering animal, and sometimes even human sacrifices, as told by the Romans. Pliny the Elder describes one Druidic ceremony in his Naturalis Historia (XVI, 95): "Anything growing... ...ltic lifestyle. Bibliography - The Early History of Rome (Books I-V), Titus Livy, Penguin Library of History (Books XVI.66-XVII), Diodorus Siculus, Loeb Classical Library - The Gallic War, Julius Caesar, Loeb Classical Library - Natural History, Pliny the Elder, Oxford University Press - The Tain Translated from the Irish Epic Tain Bo Cuailnge, Oxford Paperbacks à ³ Tuathail, Seà ¡n. The Excellence of the Ancient Word. Available via internet at: ftp://bronze.coil.com/pub/nemeton/lore/eaw.cnl Geography, Strabo, Loeb Classical Library - http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/d/druidism.html - http://www.religioustolerance.org/druid.htm - http://witcombe.sbc.edu/earthmysteries/EMDruids.html - http://celt.net/Celtic/History/d_overview.html - http://www.britannia.com/wonder/michell2.html - "Story of Druidsâ⬠, Microsoftà ® Encartaà ® Encyclopedia 2001. à © 1993-2000 Microsoft Corporation.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Solve a Problem
Solve a Problem Paper Laura Cud university to Phoenix PHALLI Creative Minds and Critical Thinking Jansen Buckler August 07, 2013 The concept of creativity in processing a strategic plan was not implemented in a professional scenario of consolidating two warehouses together; a consolidation that creates a centralized operation to maintain transparency for customer satisfaction. The creative process has two broad applications to open the thought process of being creative: solving problems and resolving controversial Issues (Ruggeri, 2009).More to the point the terms problem and issue noticeably overlap; both terms refer o an unpleasant condition that challenges the resourcefulness to provide a satisfactory remedy to an explosive problem. Although the term Issue divides personnel against each other, both sides have created barriers against the opposing party. By evaluating the four stages of creativity will gain an understanding to have a productive project while maintain transparency t o the customer. The tour stages to creative process that should have applied to a consolidation project begin with (a) searching for challenges (Ruggeri, 2009).Frequently challenges are presented with issues that create an evidential dilemma. Problems that include longer than expected customer wait time due to multiple warehouses to execute a response of materiel issue to the customer. To meet this challenges In an original yet effective way management must (b) express the problem or issue to identify the problematic areas for consolidating the warehouses. Recognizing the problems within an issue will yield a plausible solution.Furthermore having to transport materiel issue documents between building causing double and sometime triple handling of materiel hard copy issue documents. Only after the (c) investigating to problem or issue will management discover the pertain Information necessary to deal effectively with customer dissatisfaction of having to wait long periods of time to receive materiel, especially under urgent conditions. The investigating stage allows the process to be mapped out to see where fresh Ideas can be Implemented and old processed might be evicted bring about a new and improved management of hard copy documents.These fresh concepts will be the source of (d) producing ideas that generates credible consideration to decide what action to take In order to mitigate the current customer wait times. Although there are two obstacles to overcome: the unwitting tendency to limit Ideas regarding familiar habits and creating barriers to the ââ¬Å"unknownâ⬠to change (Ruggeri, 2009). The Ana in our project tell short in this stage, as a team on this consolidation project we taunt ourselves tempting to hold tight to the current processes. It seemed that the new processes were alien and the creativity within this project fell short.Because we fought the inevitable the turn-around time of the projects cradle to grave life line went from a two mon th expected closure to a six month lingering of barriers to change. Understanding the techniques used to break down the barriers of change and have a successful consolidation closed the fourth stage of creative processes. The techniques used in this consolidation challenge were trim-fold, stake holders that included the employees, management, and customers. Both employees and management was observant to the change that was occurring.Both parties were involved in his or her internal reveries causing them to miss the bulk of what was causing the change to occur. The customers were frustrated by observing the constraints in receiving materiel and watching the installation fall apart due to miss-communication between employee and management. Management was looking for the imperfection in the current processes and provided training to the employees before the change was executed. All three parties saw imperfections of their own and learned how to handle those changes when they searched f or their causes.Management had to be sensitive to the implications of this consolidation and recognize the controversy from the change. To properly investigate the currently problem, management must first identify the problems that need to be solved. Management had to search out the facts behind the change; they would use eye witness testimony from the customer (Ruggeri, 2009). This testimony will give the customer a chance to vent their frustrations. Expert opinions from other entities that have consolidated their processes to see were their problematic issues were and what worked smoothly.Conduct surveys with the employees who would experience the change in the processes and how that will affect daily production. Finally management shall review their own experiences to see where in the problem lays on their end. By taking in all these prospective will allow management to have a 360 degree view of the problem and possible solutions to resolve the constraints in the consolidation pr oject. Questions to be answered before the consolidation can be implemented: * What will the new management hierarchy look like? How will the new processes fall into the old processes of issuing materiel? * Will we still use hard copy documents? * How will the customers be affected by this change? * How will the customer overcome their current frustrations? To better understand the problem behind this consolidation project, the stakeholders were on the verge of experiencing a change that had a variable of unknowns. Yes, the consolidation would reduce the turn-around time for the customers to receive their materiel, and the use of hard copy documents prolonged the issues rates.There were several advantages for technology and computerized documents to expedite the materiel issues. Although the hierarchy would change moving employees into a centralized location, the employees would see a minimal impact because the management system was not going to change Just the location. The new pro cesses would fall into the old process nicely due to the computerized issue documents and the track-ability of the eateries will show a positive chain of custody with an exchange of hands.The Old nard copy documents cause constrains Witt the loss to paperwork and past issue to materiel. Currently there are no hard-copy documents they were resolved when the documents became electronic. The customers will experience a bottle neck effect during the consolidation but once the materiel is moved into the new building it will have a stronger turn-around time. The customer will overcome their frustration by keeping an open like of communication and give a advance notice of intent with urgent items that need to be expedited.At the conclusion of this project it was noticed that the Seems were customer constraints and the lost of materiel transparency during the move. And the Jewels were that communication between the stakeholders kept the material movement seamless, as well as the advances in technology. Ultimately this project was a success, although if we would have used the creative process within our implantation we would not have experience the various constraints. References Ruggeri, V. R. (2009). The art of thinking: A guide to critical and creative thought (9th deed. ). New York, NY: Pearson Longhand.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Promote learning and development in the early years Essay
1.1 Explain each of the areas of learning and development and how these are interdependent The EYFS sets the standards for children when they are aged 0-5. It sets out learning and development requirements, assessments and the safeguarding and welfare requirements. All schools, child minders, preschools and nurseries must follow the EYFS as it is a statutory document. There are two areas of learning that children will come across, these are prime and specific. Each of these areas are built up of different aspects which altogether make up the 17 early learning goals. The EYFS has characteristics that help practitioners understand how the children are learning and what they need to provide the children to progress. Characteristics help children become motivated and keep trying the things that they are not so good at. The prime area is split into three sections 1-communication and language 2-Physical development 3-Personal, social and emotional development The specific area is split into four different sections; 1- Literacy 2- Mathematics 3- Understanding the world 4- Expressive art and design. Prime areas are the ones that children are expected to learn first. If they are not taught correctly this could affect the specific areas. The prime areas are all interconnected. It is important to remember that each are of learning and development does not work in isolation but they are all in fact linked. Good activities will cover more than one area of development. For example; allowing children to access the outdoors will not only support their physical development, but encourage them to use their communication skills. In order to helpà children achieve their full potential across the six areas of learning development of babies and young children must be encouraged through opportunities for them to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. They must be supported in using all of their senses to learn about the world around them and to make connections between new information and what they already know.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Genetic Engineering The Frontier essays
Genetic Engineering The Frontier essays Science is a still somewhat obscure creature that continues to evolve, radically changing the face of mankind perhaps faster than its creator. The magnificent world of science has witnessed many profound breakthroughs and advances in this past century, but none as noteworthy as genetic engineering. As a subset of the more general subject of biotechnology, genetic engineering is the process of altering genetic material by purposeful manipulation of DNA (Wallace 339). To some, this field illustrates malicious scientists playing God, while to others it is a treasure chest of knowledge that holds the key to solving problems such as world hunger, cancer, and AIDS. Scientists have already been able to turn microbes into millions of tiny factories producing drugs, alcohol, and chemicals, and astonishing forecasts are being made for genetic engineerings future contributions to health, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture (Sylvester 2). By engineering the plants and other organisms that are the s ource for medications, possible defects that may occur due to mutations and genetic diseases can be avoided completely. This could not only produce a more effective medicine, but save lives as well. However, risks still remain in using genetic engineering to solve the worlds problems. Questions arise concerning ethics, public safety, and misuse by the economically or politically powerful, but how can we as human beings know what is truly to come? Read Aldous Huxleys ,A Brave New World, or perhaps Asimovs, Foundation. Truthfully, there is no telling what the future holds, other than the ability to research and understand more about this incredible science of genetics. It is worth taking the risk to gain more knowledge and try to solve these problems that plague the world than shut it back up in Pandoras Box. As a student, I find biology, specifically genetics, extremely fa ...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Evaluate Arlie Hoshschilds Social Therory of Human Emotions essays
Evaluate Arlie Hoshschild's Social Therory of Human Emotions essays Evaluate Arlie Hochschildà ¡s social theory of human emotions. The study of emotion is relatively new to the sociological arena. Writers have, in the past touched on the subject in relation to their particular theories. Marx for example uses the concept of alienation as a key part to his meta-theory of society. However, it was not until recently, that a 'sociology of emotionà ¡ had been studied as an isolated concept. The American writer and social theorist, Arlie Hochschild is seen as one of the key writers to address the social aspects of emotion in a more direct way than previous writers. Hochschildà ¡s work raises a number of important points that go towards a social study of emotions. 'Emotion managementà ¡, 'feeling rulesà ¡ and 'emotional labourà ¡ are just some of the concepts Hochschild has brought to the debate. This paper will attempt to provide a critique of Hochschildà ¡s social theory of human emotions. Firstly, the paper will highlight the key concepts and ideas that Hochschild raises in her theory. The second part of the paper will draw on a number of key writers on the subject, in an attempt to bring to light the main problems in her work. These criticisms will be centred on the idea that Hochschildà ¡s work is, over-simplistic and ahistorical. It will also attempt to show that 'emotion managementà ¡ is nothing new to human society that has always, to some degree, relied on the management of emotion. Many writers see Hochschildà ¡s work as foundational to the development of a 'sociology of emotionsà ¡. Stemming from the writings of Goffman and other 'symbolic interactionistsà ¡, her work has managed to clarify many of the problems social theory has encountered when seeking a social, as opposed to psychological explanation for our emotions. There is also a Marxist element to her work, which rejuvenates his theory of Alienation, this time with reference to 'emotionalà ¡ labour. In her analysis of flight attendants she bel...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Writing the Parts of a Stage Play Script
Writing the Parts of a Stage Play Script If you have a great imagination and you think you would enjoy telling stories through dialogue, physical interaction, and symbolism, you should really try your hand at writing scripts. It could be the beginning of a new hobby or career path! There are several types of scripts, including scripts for dramatic plays, television shows, short films, and full-length movies. This article provides a summary of the basic steps you can take to write your own dramatic play. At the basic level, the rules for writing and formatting are flexible; writing is, after all, an art! Parts of a Play There are certain elements youââ¬â¢ll want to include if you want to make your play interesting and professional. One important concept to understand is the difference between the story and the plot. This difference is not always so easy to understand, however. Story pertains to the things that really happen; it is the chain of events that take place according to a time sequence. Some of the story is fluff- itââ¬â¢s the filler that makes the drama interesting and keeps it flowing. Plot refers to the skeleton of the story: the chain of events that shows causality. What does that mean? A famous writer named E. M. Forester once clarified a plot and its relationship to causality by explaining: ââ¬Å"The king died and then the queen died is a story. The king died and then the queen died of grief is a plot. The time-sequence is preserved, but their sense of causality overshadows it. Plot The action and emotional ups and downs of a plot determine the plot type. Plots have been classified in many ways, starting with the basic concept of comedies and tragedies used in ancient Greece. You can make up any type of plot, but a few examples might help you get started. Episodic: Episodic plots involve episodes: several events are linked together with each event or ââ¬Å"episodeâ⬠containing a possible climax.Rising Action: This plot contains a conflict, tension, and climax to resolve the conflict.Quest: This type involves an adventurer who sets off on a journey and reaches a goal.Transformation: In this variety of plot, a person changes character because of an experience.Revenge or Justice: In a revenge story, a bad thing happens, but eventually everything works out evenly. Exposition The exposition is the part of the play (normally in the beginning) in which the writer ââ¬Å"exposesâ⬠the background information that the audience needs to understand the story. It is an introduction to the setting and characters. Dialogue The dialogue of a play is the part that allows you to show your creativity. A play is carried along through conversations, called dialogue. Writing dialogue is a challenging task, but it is your chance to flaunt your artistic side. Things to consider when writing dialogue are: Habits or accents that provide insight into the characterActions or behavior the character displays while talking Conflict Many plots involve a struggle to make things interesting. This struggle or conflict can be anything from a concept in one personââ¬â¢s head to a battle between characters. The struggle can exist between good and evil, between one character and another, or between a dog and a cat. Complications If your story is going to have a conflict, it should also have complications that make the conflict even more interesting. For instance, a struggle between a dog and a cat can be complicated by the fact that the dog falls in love with the cat. Or the fact that the cat lives in the house and the dog lives outside. Climax The climax happens when the conflict is resolved in some way. It is the most exciting part of a play, but the journey toward a climax can be choppy. A play can have a mini-climax, a setback, and then a bigger, final climax. If you decide you enjoy the experience of writing scripts, you can go on to explore the art in college through elective or even major courses. There you will learn advanced practices and proper formatting for submitting a play for production someday!
Saturday, October 19, 2019
The Main Sources of Law in England Today and the Role of Judges Essay
The Main Sources of Law in England Today and the Role of Judges - Essay Example The Human Rights Act of 1998 enables all the UK courts to guard the rights identified in the ECHR (Alisdair 2007, p. 20). The English law is based on three pillars; parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, and separation of powers. Parliamentary sovereignty refers to the supremacy of the United Kingdom Parliament in legislative matters. The principal source of UK law is the UK Parliament. Separation of powers means there is the existence of some degree of independence in the running the different roles of government. Conventionally, these roles are the executive, legislative, and the judicial functions of government (John 2011, p. 145). The rule of law calls for equality of all before the law. The rule of law encompasses basic liberties including freedom from arbitrary laws and arbitrary powers (Alisdair 2007, p. 21). Statutes Statutes are laws, which are made by parliament. The House of Lords, House of Commons, and Monarch are responsible for making legislation. Legislation begin s with a Bill, and there are three types of bills; public bills, private bills, private membersââ¬â¢ bills. Public Bills are introduced by the government on public policy matters that affect the entire country. Local governments or large public companies introduce Private Bills. Private Membersââ¬â¢ Bills are introduced by the Members of Parliament who are not Government Ministers or Lords (John 2011, p. 147). The Legislative Process Bills may be initiated into either House of Lords (except Finance Bills, which start in the House of Commons) or the House of Commons. A Bill follows several stages; First Reading, the title of the Bill and the main objectives are read out. Second Reading; the Bill is fully read. The main debate takes place concerning any contentious issues; amendments can be made at this stage. Joint Select Committee on Human Rights reports any occurrence of Human Rights issues. After the debates, the House votes whether to proceed or not. Committee Stage; at thi s stage the Committee scrutinize each and every clause of the Bill. The Committee Stage is an exercise of eliminating any drafting errors. Amendments of the Bill may be proposed by the Committee. Report Stage; the committee files its findings to the House of origin. The proposed modifications are then debated, and the members vote for or against the amendments (John 2011, p. 149). Third Reading; The Bill is fully read, and at this stage, a debate will be there if at least six MPs request it. The MPs will vote whether the Bill should continue or not. If a Bill successfully passes all the stages, it then continues to the alternative Chamber. Any modifications made in the alternative House should be submitted back to the House of origin to assent to the amendments; this in known as Ping Pong. Once a Bill successfully passes through both houses, it then goes to Royal Assent. This entails a formal process whereby the Queen assents the Bill, and it officially becomes a statute. The newly generated statute contains a date of implementation shortly following the Royal Assent. Delegated legislation is made under the power of the Act of Parliament. The Act gives an institution or a person authority to make the detail of the law on behalf of the Parliament (John 2011, p. 150). The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Statute Law as demonstrated by John (2011, p. 152). Advantages Parliaments are elected since they have policies citizens want. This means that their laws
Friday, October 18, 2019
Global Sea Level to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generations Term Paper
Global Sea Level to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generations - Term Paper Example Ice sheets were missing in Greenland and in the western regions of Antarctica. The huge ice sheet covering the eastern part of Antarctica was also responsible for the increasing level of the sea. Several controversies and studies have been ongoing on an understanding of how the ice sheets melt and increase the level of the sea (Parry). The present study focuses on the issue and discussion of the rising level of the sea as much as 70 feet for the future generations, which is a matter of serious concern for the world as a whole. Global Sea Level to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generations: Research studies have reflected on the issue of increasing level of the sea in the future that may be around 40-7 feet higher than in the present times. Even if the world becomes successful in limiting the global warming on earth, yet such a possibility remains significant, as research studies have revealed. A research team had been led by Kenneth G. Miller, a professor of earth and planetary s ciences in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University, for the study of the levels of sea and the possible consequences of such a situation. The team made studies on rocks and parts of soil in the regions of Virginia, Eniwetok Atoll located in the Pacific and New Zealand, and concluded their studies (ââ¬Å"Global Sea Level Likely to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generationsâ⬠). ... This situation has the capability of affecting the lives of almost 70 percent of the world population. It has also been estimated that such melting of the ice sheets would require hundreds to thousands of years of time. The existing course for the 21st century global increase of sea level is 2 to 3 feet owing to oceans warming up, partial melting of mountain glaciers, and partial melting of Greenland and Antarctica (ââ¬Å"Global Sea Level Likely to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generationsâ⬠). Miller in his studies also focused on the fact that the great ice sheets in the earth are highly sensitive to changes in temperatures. Hence even a mild change in temperature has the ability to increase the levels of the sea to greater extents. According to him, with the present levels of carbon dioxide, the natural condition of the earth reflects sea levels that are up to 20 meters higher than normal state (ââ¬Å"Global Sea Level Likely to Rise as Much as 70 Feet for Future Generat ionsâ⬠). Antarctic and Greenland are the only ice sheets that are present in the current times. The ice sheet of the Antarctica has been found to be the largest ice sheet on earth representing a single piece of ice mass. The ice sheet of Greenland occupies about 82% of the plane of Greenland. Melting of this ice sheet might cause increase in sea levels by as much as 7.2 metres. The rate of melting of the Greenland ice sheet has been found to be about 239 cubic kilometres in a year on average (ââ¬Å"Ice Sheetâ⬠). Sea Level and the Climate on Earth: The global rise in the level of the sea has been found to have a significant linkage with the climate on the earth. In the last 100 years, the climate of the earth has been increased by 1
Scope Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Scope Risk - Essay Example The move towards innovation is necessary as it can be stated that innovation is more important than acquiring the name of best company in the world. The other trend i.e. making shift in global market is necessary as it is regarded as one of the fundamental needs of the organizations in attracting huge customers along with increasing sales (Project Management Institute, 2012). The successful completion of a project requires the involvement of clients and their conduct of activities efficiently. In this case, if there lays the involvement of several members, it can create hindrance in the success of the project. In order to complete projects in a timely fashion by balancing the needs, initially a proper planning of the project would be made along with determining the actual number of members to be included in the project team. Then, proper allocation of tasks relating to the project must be provided to the actual number of members for the purpose of fulfilling the need to freeze project scope in a timely fashion (Global Knowledge Training LLC, 2013). In the context of slower economic growth, one of the viable and valid trends that would emerge is the changing economic conditions of the global market. The fact can be supported with the happening of global recessions in previous few years. Similarly, in the background of shifting global markets, a viable and a valid trend of improving the sales target for future rather than focusing upon developing the existing position in the business market would emerge (Project Management Institute, 2012). Based on the above discussion, it can be affirmed that a few of the factors such as innovation, shift in global market and economic growth are the elements that bring considerable changes in the operations of business organizations and identification of various opportunities. As per my understanding,
Thursday, October 17, 2019
The document will be a one-page critical summary of the five (5) Essay
The document will be a one-page critical summary of the five (5) handouts - Essay Example In ââ¬ËMan vs Machineââ¬â¢ this debated is also considered, visually indicating the specific elements the man and machine disagree on in terms of what is legitimate. This article indicates the specific parts of the art that have been disagreed upon by the art historian and the machine (namely, the original painting of a number of human figures). Ultimately, itââ¬â¢s clear that the technology is in need of further development, and may always fall short of human conceptual ability. In ââ¬ËThe Van Gogh Projectââ¬â¢ this analysis is furthered in terms of wavelet analysis on Van Gogh paintings. While similar to the previous articles, this article is notable for its potential contribution to art history, as it hints that the computer technology may be able to detect stylistic shifts through the artistââ¬â¢s different periods. The next article examined was ââ¬Ëââ¬Ë7: Decimel Numeration and the Place Value System.ââ¬â¢ This essay examined the historical nature of a number of mathematical elements, most notable the decimal system as an Indian invention. In these regards, it argues that the question is much more complex than simply being related to the development of a decimal system, but a complex process of evolution. Within this spectrum of development a number of cultural influences are demonstrated to be part of decimal system.
Rebuilding the Balkans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Rebuilding the Balkans - Essay Example Taking a look at the brief history of international intervention in the Balkan region will elucidate some of the reasons for intervention, the aims of those who intervene and the consequences of their actions, which often differed from their aspirations. The main issue discussed in this article is the contemporary remarkable continuities in the approach of the western world towards the Balkan states, with multilateral intervention largely being driven by a desire to contain crisis and maintain the status quo in a region perceived as lying on the periphery of Europe. With the exception of Greece, it was only until the mid-1990s when the policy was prefigured earlier, have there been signs that such approach might be replaced by a qualitatively different one based on contractual engagement and a possibility of eventual integration into the European mainstream. Contrastingly, the meaning of integration for the Balkan space remains vague. Within the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and the Stabilization and Association Process there are suggestions that it could eventually lead to EU accession and, certainly, this is the dream of many within the region. However, with the EU already facing the challenge of an unprecedented enlargement into Central Europe and the Baltic, the likelihood of this occurring within the short or even the medium term remains doubtful. Alternatives to membership have been canvassed, and European Commission President, Romano Prodi, has even floated the idea of some form of 'virtual membership' for the states of the region, but, if this is the case, will integration itself be anything less than 'virtual' (Siani-Davies 2003). International Intervention in the Balkans The wars in the western Balkans could be considered a laboratory for post-Cold War intervention. There have been five conflicts over the last decade: Slovenia 1991; Croatia 1991-1992; Bosnia-Hercegovina 1992-1995; Kosovo 1999; and Macedonia 2001. As a consequence of global media attention and civil society pressure, outside powers have been learning to adapt the forms of intervention to an interconnected globalised world. Broadly speaking, it is possible to distinguish between two types of security philosophy that have guided interventions in the Balkans. One has been the traditional geo-political approach, in which security is understood as the defence of territory. The geo-political approach tends to be top-down, using diplomatic, economic and military pressure to influence political leaders and warring parties. The other approach is cosmopolitan in which security is understood as the defence of individual human beings. This approach is bottom-up; the emphasis is on respect for human rights, support for civil society, economic assistance and regional cooperation. Top-down approaches, of course, remain important, but they are shaped by bottom-up priorities. In the context of globalization, geo-political approaches to security have perverse effects - they lead to fragmentation and instability. Indeed, it is the attachment to territory and borders that explains the disintegrative process in former Yugoslavia. By and large, the United States has tended to pursue geo-political
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
The document will be a one-page critical summary of the five (5) Essay
The document will be a one-page critical summary of the five (5) handouts - Essay Example In ââ¬ËMan vs Machineââ¬â¢ this debated is also considered, visually indicating the specific elements the man and machine disagree on in terms of what is legitimate. This article indicates the specific parts of the art that have been disagreed upon by the art historian and the machine (namely, the original painting of a number of human figures). Ultimately, itââ¬â¢s clear that the technology is in need of further development, and may always fall short of human conceptual ability. In ââ¬ËThe Van Gogh Projectââ¬â¢ this analysis is furthered in terms of wavelet analysis on Van Gogh paintings. While similar to the previous articles, this article is notable for its potential contribution to art history, as it hints that the computer technology may be able to detect stylistic shifts through the artistââ¬â¢s different periods. The next article examined was ââ¬Ëââ¬Ë7: Decimel Numeration and the Place Value System.ââ¬â¢ This essay examined the historical nature of a number of mathematical elements, most notable the decimal system as an Indian invention. In these regards, it argues that the question is much more complex than simply being related to the development of a decimal system, but a complex process of evolution. Within this spectrum of development a number of cultural influences are demonstrated to be part of decimal system.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Health Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Health Finance - Essay Example The cost of healthcare in the United States of America has been something of concern for some time. When the cost of healthcare services in the United States of America was compared to costs in some of the countries it was discovered that the cost of healthcare in the US was alarmingly high. In comparison to the other developed countries the United States of America has the highest prices for healthcare. In 1992 14% of the federal budget was allocated to healthcare. The percentage has gradually increased over the years. By 2012 the percentage had gotten to 22% of the federal budget. This report discusses the possible causes of the high cost of healthcare in the United States of America. The report will also go ahead and give recommendations of possible ways through which the situation can be improved. The most obvious explanation for the high cost of healthcare in the United States of America is the high healthcare prices in the country. A study on the prices of healthcare in the developed countries has proved that the prices of healthcare services in the United States in the US are very high. Factor such as frequency of visit to hospitals and quality of medical services have further proved that the high cost of healthcare in the United States of America. The German population was discovered to frequent the hospital more than the US citizens despite the fact that their healthcare costs their government less annually. The high cost was mostly attributed to the high healthcare services in the country. For instance, it was discovered that hip replacement could cost about $13,660 in Belgium while the same costs about $100,000 in the United States of America. This is a clear indication of high healthcare prices in the country. Another thing that can be said to be a contributor to the high cost of healthcare is the fact that there is very minimal intervention of the government
Cyber war Vs Cyber terrorism Essay Example for Free
Cyber war Vs Cyber terrorism Essay In this time and era, we have witnessed the emergence of electronic resources as the most important development of the modern day communication system. Technologies such as cellular phones, home computers, the internet and websites have added another dimension to the way we live our lives today. This presentation seeks to address and analyse the negative and positive aspects in view of the introduction of computers and telecommunications techniques as follows: Firstly, it raises awareness with regard to the new age of crimes, termed as cyber crimes. The paper focuses, in particular, on the difference between the two common types of cyber crimes, cyber war and cyber terrorism. Secondly, the paper examines the limitations and impact of having graduates through e-learning. Thirdly and lastly, the paper discusses on whether computer practitioners should be required to have a practicing license as it is with other professionals such as doctors, lawyers and teachers. 1. (a) Difference Between Cyber War and Cyber Terrorism The end result of both cyber war and cyber terrorism is the same, to damage critical infrastructures and computer systems. The major difference beingà that cyber war is launched by governments whereas cyber terrorism is launched by individuals or a group of individuals. Cyber war, often done in conjunction with traditional military attacks, is an organised attack by one nation against another nationââ¬â¢s information and communication systems with an aim of gaining an advantage over the enemy by disrupting their ability to fight back. Cyber war attacks often targets an enemies systems such as command and control systems, intelligence collection and distribution, information processing and distribution, tactical communication, troop and weapons positioning and so on. For instance, when the United States of America invaded Iraq, they disrupted the countryââ¬â¢s communication and defence systems, crippling their ability to find and take down US aircrafts. On the other hand, cybe r terrorism is when individuals or terrorist groups use computers, computer networks and the internet against persons or property to intimidate or coerce government, civilians, society in order to reach political, religious or ideological agenda. The things that are targeted are power plant systems, telephone systems, transportation systems, water or oil pipelines, financial institutions and so on. ([online] Available at: community.mis.temple.edu/mis2901001â⬠¦[Accessed 5 April 2014]) Cyber terrorism takes many forms. One of the more popular is to threaten a large bank. The terrorist hacks into the bankââ¬â¢s system and then leave an encrypted message for senior directors demanding for a sum of money. If the bank does not cooperate, the terrorist threatens to use anything from logic bombs to electromagnetic pulses and high-emission guns to destroy the bankââ¬â¢s files. Most banks would rather pay the money than have the public know how vulnerable they are for fear of loss of business. ([online] Available at: csciwww.etsu.edu/../cases.htm [Accessed 6 April 2014]) One practical example is where banks in Zambia have lost an estimated US$4 million to cybercrime through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) withdrawals. This was reported in the local Post newspaper dated 14 June 2013. This was after the state police discovered a scam in which three foreign criminals had recruited and trained Zambians in cyber-crime. ([online] Available at: www.postzambia.com/post-read article [Accessed 6 April 2014]) Cyber terrorism can also include terrorists getting secret data from defence files, network with other terrorists, or raise and manage funds for terrorism by hacking. (b) Limitations and Impact of Having Graduates à Through E-learning E-learning has become an increasingly popular learning approach in higher educational institutions due to the rapid growth of internet technologies. Many foreign renowned universities offer all types of programmes ranging from Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes, to Short Courses. Essentially, emerging evidence suggests that having graduates through e-learning has substantial beneficial impact on social and economic development of our societies today and includes the following. It has enhanced skills development to would be graduates and their countries to cope with the demands of the 21st century where rapid change and globalisation is taking place. For instance, graduates have acquired an improved ability to conduct independent research, think critically to solve problems through the use of e-technology to communicate and collaborate. It has lead to an increased student turnover because of its flexibility and cost effectiveness and hence has broadened educati onal opportunity for many, especially financially disadvantaged students and those with disabilities. This has resulted in an increased human resource base and enhanced economic progress from direct job creation in the technology industry as well as from developing a better educated work force, much needed in developing countries such as Zambia. Online access promises a new access route for millions of students. This new approach of learning facilitates different students at different continents to attend the same classes almost at the same time. It has brought about improved learning methods and teachers have a more positive attitude towards their work and are able to provide personalized learning. On the other hand, although e-learning has brought about many benefits for students and organizations alike, it also has its limitations. In order to perform the tasks required by system, an e-learning environment requires basic state of the art equipment and minimum level of computer skills. Thus, a student that does not have the minimum computer knowledge, or have access to these equipment is disadvantaged and will not succeed in an e-learning program. Certain subjects, such as sports and public speaking, require physical exertion and practice. Thus, they cannot be applied in an e-learning environment. Needless to say, it can be a useful companion to traditional education for teaching backgroun d and technical information. A successful e-learning program requires students that are well organised, self motivated and haveà good time management skills. In other words, an e-learning program is directly related to the amount of effort applied. Successful e-learning students are able to study independently and incorporate study time into their busy lives. Students that lack discipline and are not good at time management are disadvantaged and will not succeed. E-learning requires good reading and writing skills. Most activities and communications are written, and thus, the ability to efficiently interpret instructions is a critical skill to a successful e-learning program. Students that are not comfortable with the ability to express themselves through writing will not succeed in e-learning. 2. Are computer practitioners similar enough to other professionals that they should be required to have a License too? Licensing is not currently required for computer practitioners but is being considered by several professional computing organizations and is believed, in principle, as necessary as the certification and licensing of doctors, lawyers, teachers, hairdressers and other professionals. The question of licensing professional s in general is a very controversial and political question. Licensing generally means that to practice a certain profession requires a government licensee, usually administered through a professional organization. The general theory of licensing professional is that it is supposed to help the general public outside the professional to be assured that someone else is capable of doing certain jobs. For instance,à one of the top e-learning institutions, the University of Liverpool in conjunction with Laureate Online Education offer 41 distance learning courses from a wide area of disciplines. The notion that degrees through e-learning are perceived not to be as rewarding or valuable as full-time traditional degree has been proved not to be the case. In fact, in the late 1990s, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education of the British Government measured academic excellence in more than 100 universities, including the Open University. Surprisingly, the Open University was ranked in the top ten of British Universities in terms of academic excellence. The only underlying difference between a traditional degree and e-learning degree is the manner in which information is conveyed. The traditional setup has been based on a face to face communication where students and lecturers are brought together at the same time and the same place in classes,à laboratories and recreation centers for the purpose of learning, whereas in e-learning systems use technology to separate the learner from the teacher, and the learner from the learning group while maintaining the integrity of the learning process. Follow up statistics placing the Open University in the top 10 with Oxford and Cambridge have been repeated for several years and cannot be statistically be explained as a mere coincidence. ([online] Available at: http.//www.webbasedtraining.com/ [Accessed 3 March 2014]) The main focus of this presentation is to gain insights into critical issues confronting two major stakeholders in the new era of WBT, the student and faculty. The question at hand requires objective views on the advantages and disadvantages of WBT from a studentââ¬â¢s point of view as well as advantages of WBT from the collegeââ¬â¢s point of view. It further requires identifying ways that studying from a website is better than studying from written text as well as discuss in details the social and economical benefits and limitations of E-technology in Zambia. Systems Development Life Cycle The second part of this presentation discusses a linier Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) which is a technique used to assist developers effectively develop information systems. ââ¬ËGaining competitive advantage and improving information delivery will urge an organization to restructure its activities. The information system has to be developed to suite the business scenario and objectives. It needs to be carefully planned and activities well thought of.ââ¬â¢ (Ndhlovu, 2009). Thus, in an effort to answer the question at hand a description of the stages involved in a SDLC using annotated diagram shall be discussed. In addition, the discussion shall also include a description of techniques which can be used to investigate the existing system of an organization identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each and also give an alternative to SDLC for developing systems. Having said that, details of the mentioned topics in question is as follows. a) Web-Based Training Advantages and Disadvantages of WBT: Studentââ¬â¢s Point of View Advantages Utilisation of the World Wide Web is a current and extensive source ofà information and relatively easy to use. Some of the advantages from a studentââ¬â¢s point of view include the following. There is unlimited source of information on the internet as compared to textbooks and class lectures as it provides a variety and quality of learning materials. Encountering a new experience of sourcing information on the web increases a motivation to learn among students. For example, the web allows browsing from one link to another on a particular subject or topic Access to meaningful resources foster critical thinking skills and allows the student to see new ways of interpreting and evaluating information. For instance, gathering view points and knowledge from various internet sites cause students to debate previously held values and ideas which they may have had misconceptions. Gain of competence with technology by learning to navigate and use the web successfully, apply computer skill s, use of conferencing tools such as e-mail and listservs. Integration of technology with content-related work provided a more meaningful interaction with the subject matter. For example, students reflected on the lack of relevance in acquiring computer skills in isolation noting that when combined with content, those applications become a tool to improve learning in their field of study. Technological aspects of course assignments encourage cooperative dialogue rather than isolation. For example, e-mail and listservs are used regularly providing a valuable resource for support and collaboration among classmates for help in completing assignments, support with technological frustration and to share acquired skills or content resources. In addition, e-mail communication with instructors gives a student individual attention that is not apparent in a traditional coursework setup. E-mail utilization has many assets that face-to-face classroom contact lacks. For example, student need not wait for class time in order to get or clarify a piece of information. The student who would normally shy away and not ask a question in class or participate in a class discus sion are more comfortable using e-mail as a medium of communication and thus is not left out on the much needed information. For the student, online course allows them to integrate work, family and school more efficiently as it eliminates travel time to and from class for commuters. Disadvantages The positive aspects of WBT are countered with some frustrations that areà experienced by some students. These include the following. Student lack of computer skills, internet server being down, difficulty in accessing computer, use of obsolete computers and lack of technical and instructional support are some of the frustrations that a student may encounter. Required assignments are time consuming as mastering computer application tools and learning to navigate the web efficiently take up most of the time. Advantages of WBT: Collegeââ¬â¢s Point of View Higher education is evolving, consumer needs are shifting, and competition for students is increasing. Consequently, institutions must be driven to some extent by the needs and demands of the consumer. To satisfy the unique needs of growing numbers of nontraditional students and to make graduate degrees more attractive and feasible, the availability of online courses and distance learning opportunities is essential. Most of the faculties consider technology applications in university courses as the wave of the future citing their main reason for wanting its continuity as mainly being the benefits they believe their students receive. Moreover, in this time and era, a faculty member who does not use technology is often considered out of date and out of touch with skills that are needed for the coming millennium. Faculty respondents consistently identified convenience and improved learning as advantages for students enrolled in Web-based instruction. Other advantages identified by facul ty are as follows. Students gain knowledge on how to use numerous technology-based applications such as e-mail, PowerPoint, listservs, graphics programs, and HTML, many of which are considered essential skills for todayââ¬â¢s workforce. Students also gain comfort with the medium, anxiety levels are reduced, and they are more willing to explore the potential of technology applications. Students tend to become independent learners, are more motivated to explore related topics on their own, and develop critical thinking skills. The quality of completed assignments is often better than in the traditional classroom because students have more time for reflection and better access to resources. More information can be included in a course with the potential for students to expand on the information received by providing links to related sites. Many students will click on a link more readily than obtaining a print resource identified in a bibliography. Students learning how to access the extensiveà resources available on the WWW, online databases, and other technology-based resources. Student convenience. For example, online classes provide students with 24-hour access, eliminate the need to travel or find parking, and eliminate scheduling conflicts with jobs or family. These advantages may particularly benefit graduate students and nontraditional students. Connecting s tudents with technology allows the student to become part of a global community. Information and ideas can be exchanged with other students and experts throughout the world using e-mail and listserv discussions. Collaboration and communication among students are fostered, as well as communication between instructor and student. Online Studying Vs. Written Text Studying Among the several ways that studying from a website is better than studying from written text three distinct ways include the following. Text books become outdated almost immediately after publication and cannot be updated until the next publication which may take several years down the line. Information on the website can be updated daily and printing errors are corrected immediately. Written text is limited to the information on the page whereas educational websites can link to an infinite number of other educational sites to give supplemental detail in as much as possible on a particular subject or topic. Textbooks are limited to the points of view of their authors whereas the website allows multiple view points, which is essential for critical thinking especially if the author is too vague about a particular topic. ([online] Available at: English.varsavskyfoundation.org/education [Accessed 7 March 2014]) b) Social and Economical Benefits and Limitations of E-technology in Zambia Zambia is one of a number of countries in the Southern African region that have sought to include e-technology in its national development plans. E-technology is believed to contribute to improving development outcomes in two main ways: E-technology-based knowledge and products contribute directly to wealth creation. The use of e-technology contributes indirectly to national development through its impact in social and economic sectors such as agriculture, health and education, and by empowering individuals to take advantage of new opportunities. For example,à AfriConnect, in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Education, have been piloting a project aimed at bringing web-based e-learning to schools in different parts of the country. The objective is to move from the traditional chalk-and-talk pedagogy to enquiry-based learning, while at the same time bringing the option of lifelong learning to people who have already left school. Individuals also benefit from the availability and use of e-technology in a number of ways. For example, by substituting phone calls for travel, which saves time and money, and by using e-technology to obtain information on prices, for their own produce and for purchases. In these various ways, e-technology can have a significant impact on a countryââ¬â¢s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There are, however, also constraints on the potential impact of e-technology in many developing countries. These constraints include inadequate technical infrastructure, limited human skills to use available networks and services, the relatively high cost of communications equipment, and poor policy and regulatory environments. These factors reduce the scope for countries and communities to realise the potential of e-technology for development. Question 2 Solution (a) Model of the Systems Development Life Cycle highlighting the maintenance PhaseThe systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. In general, an SDLC methodology follows the following steps: 1. Planning Stage The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with support personnel. 2. Analysis Stage The new system requirements are defined. In particular, the deficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement. 3. Design Stage The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning the physicalà construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues. The new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage. 4. Implementation Stage The system is put into use. This can be done in various ways. The new system can be phased in, according to application or location, and the old system gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to shut down the old system and implement the new system all at once. 5. Maintenance Stage Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should be exhaustively evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up rigorously at all times. Users of the system should be kept up-to-date concerning the latest modifications and procedures. (b) The systems development life cycle (SDLC), also referred to as the application development life-cycle, is a term used in systems engineering, information systems and software engineering to describe a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system.[1] The systems development life-cycle concept applies to a range of hardware and software configurations, as a system can be composed of hardware only, software only, or a combination of both.[2] The waterfall model is a sequential design process, often used in software development processes, in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of Conception, Initiation, Analysis, Design, Construction, Testing, Production/Implementation, and Maintenance. What is systems development life cycle (SDLC)? (SDLC is also an abbreviation for Synchronous Data Link Control.) The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in projectà management that describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to guide the processes involved, including the waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method); rapid application development (RAD); joint application development (JAD); the fountain model; the spiral model; build and fix; and synchronize-and-stabilize. Frequently, several models are combined into some sort of hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model chosen or devised for any application, and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for the success of a project may be how closely the particular plan was followed. In general, an SDLC methodology follows the following steps: 6. The existing system is evaluated. Deficiencies are identified. This can be done by interviewing users of the system and consulting with support personnel. 7. The new system requirements are defined. In particular, the deficiencies in the existing system must be addressed with specific proposals for improvement. 8. The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out concerning the physical construction, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues. 9. The new system is developed. The new components and programs must be obtained and installed. Users of the system must be trained in its use, and all aspects of performance must be tested. If necessary, adjustments must be made at this stage. 10. The system is put into use. This can be done in various ways. The new system can phased in, according to application or location, and the old system gradually replaced. In some cases, it may be more c ost-effective to shut down the old system and implement the new system all at once. 11. Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should be exhaustively evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up rigorously at all times. Users of the system should be kept up-to-date concerning the latest modifications and procedures.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Changes to the Concept of Mass Audience
Changes to the Concept of Mass Audience Is the concept of the mass audience becoming increasingly redundant as new communications technologies such as the internet and interactive tv develop. In order to understand whether the concept of the mass audience is still influential, with regard to new communications such as the internet and interactive TV, one will first need to know the meaning attached to the concept of mass audience theory.à Blumer (1950) argues that mass audience theory can be described in four parts.à Firstly, the mass audience may come from all walks of life, and from all distinguishable social strata; it may include people of different class position, of different vocation, of different cultural attainment, and of different wealth etc. Secondly, the mass is an anonymous group, or more exactly is composed of anonymous individuals (he means anonymous in the sense that unlike the citizens of earlier communities, the people who are members of the mass audience for the media do not know each other).à Thirdly, there exists little interaction or change of experience between members of the mass.à They are usually physically separated from one another, and, being anonymous, do not have the opportunity to mill as do members of the crowd.à Fourth, the mass is very loosely organised and is not able to act with the concertedness or unity of a crowd.à His statement was five years after the second world war.à This was during and after a period when the media was used as propaganda, through films, radio, and poster art that they had attempted to persuade mass audiences to follow their policies, in which to the critics of the time it is not surprising that the media must have seemed like a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, capable of persuading millions to follow evil men.à The concept of the mass audience is essential to our understanding of the media.à It is the public in whose name programs are made and laws are passed.à It is the commodity that supports commercial broadcasting.à It is the arena in which the effects of mass communications are played out.à It is the place where the meanings and pleasures of media use are ultimately realized.à The audience, in short, is the foundation of the mediaââ¬â¢s economic and cultural power, whereby, without it, the entire enterprise has very little purpose, Webster and Phalen (1997).à The idea of an audience is common to both academic theory and industry practice.à As McQuail (2005) puts it, it is one of the few terms which can be shared without difficulty by media practitioners and theorists alike.à In most cases the audience is conceptualized as a large, loosely connected mass on the receiving end of the media.à In addition to this there are sufficient reasons to wonder whether the term audience is still a useful one, especially as there are so many kinds of use of many different communications media.à The term audience cannot easily be divested of its strong connotation of spectatorship, of rather passive watching and listening.à It is also closely tied in meaning to the reception of some message despite the fact that we know audience behaviour to involve several equally important motives or satisfactions, for example, social togetherness and the pleasures of actual use of a medium, regardless of content.à Despite this, there seems to be no viable alternative term, and so it will be used to cover diverse occasions.à In addition, Livingston (2002) comes to a similar conclusion, noting that no one term can be expected to cover the variety of relationships which now exist between people and the media.à She also adds that what is central is the nature of the relationship, rather than an artificial concept.à With this in mind one will move on to talk about the validity of the concept of the ââ¬Ëmass audienceââ¬â¢ becoming redundant as new communication technologies such as the internet and interactive TV develop.à Now, technology can be said to be one of the greatest challenges to the media in recent years, and one that will intensify further in the 21st century.à Its potential impact on the form and content of media output, the processes through which media messages are produced and consumed, and on the role of the media in society is bound to escalate to a level never seen before.à Such challenges are not new as the history of the mass media is a history of technological development with profound social consequences and implications at every stage.à There are however, strong grounds for believing that contemporary media are undergoing particularly dramatic technologically driven change, heralded by a qualitative new phase in the cultures of advanced capitalism.à This is a time that will be characterized by media interactivity, accessibility and diversity, with new freedoms for the audiences (or the consumer) McNair (1996).à It will also be the era of universally available cyberporn, information overload, and the decline or disappearance of some traditional media.à Cyberporn for example, is one big issue which has prompted some politicians and other interested parties to be pessimistic about the impact of these new technologies on the quality of cultural life.à à The internet which is also known as the information superhighway through which information can be passed at an unprecedented rate, is a new medium which is currently having a strong impact on the production and consumption (mass audience) of the media.à The internet links millions of individual users and networks by satellite and cable, offering access to the Worldwide Web mainly used by commercial organizations and Usenet, a network for private individuals organized in to thousands of newsgroups.à These facilities can be used for advertising and promotion (including that of university departments, many of which now have a Web page profiling their activities); for on-line publishing of the type discussed earlier in the discussion of print media; and for communication between individuals by e-mail.à The latter maybe used for the circulation of data by researchers (for example, one could subscribe to a Latin American based services supplying up-to-date information about the Latin American media) or for a two way communication between geographically disparate users with a common interest.à As the internet develops and the infrastructure becomes more sophisticated it has become routine for virtual conversations to take place in cyberspace involving many individuals sending and receiving messages almost as quickly as if they were in the same room.à The power of the internet was first demonstrated during the San Francisco earthquake of January 1994, when it was used to send out the first information about the disaster, beating CNN and other news organizations to the Scoop.à But the significance of the internet for media culture goes beyond that of another leap in the speed of information dissemination.à It constitutes an entirely new medium, harnessing the vast information-handling potential of modern computers, now easily accessible to the mass consumer market as well as the traditional scientific and industrial users, and the distributive power of cable and satellite delivery systems.à The internet presents a further, and to date the most radical dissolution of the barriers of time and space which have constrained human communication since after the Second World War.à Speculation about what the Internet will do for and to human society abounds.à From one perspective, which we might describe as utopian; the Internet does indeed herald the emergence of a true global village, a benign virtual community accessible to anyone with a computer terminal and a knowledge of how to use it.à This perspective stresses the accessibility and interactivity of the new medium; the fact that it allows ordinary people to communicate across continents at the pressing of a return key on the keyboard of the computer, at relatively low cost (by comparison with telephone and fax), on all different types of issues and subjects.à The internet is not owned by any state or multinational company, and no state or company can control its use.à The internetââ¬â¢s relative freedom from the commercial and political constraints which have accompanied all previous communicative media, combined with its accessibility and interactivity, censorship, regulation, and commercialization like no other.à Another view is to see the internet as the latest in a long line of dehumanizing technological developments, producing a population of computer-nerds who, if they are not watching TV or fiddling with their play stations, are addictively surfing the Net.à The internet can be said to encourage not communication but isolation, in which one talks not to real people, but disembodied screens.à In addition to this, the cost of buying and owning a PC or laptop is rather expensive for countries whose economies are still developing.à Most people in these countries would not be able to afford to buy and own a PC or a lap top.à Hence, although it is a very useful medium used by people in the developed countries, it will take sometime before a more than average percentage of the general populis becomes aware of the major advantages of the use of the internet.à In most counties in the UK for example, there are libraries that provide free internet services for certain duration of time.à However, most people tend to use the internet for personalized e-mail services and searching for items and services.à These are not accessible through the traditional forms of the media (i.e. newspapers, brochures, etc).à Concerns about the implications of the internet are often based on a fear of its anarchic, uncontrollable character, precisely the qualities welcomed by its most enthusiastic advocates.à The internet, it is argued, provides an uncensorable platform for the dissemination of all kinds of antisocial messages.à For example, in the US newsgroups are devoted to the propaganda of extreme right-wing, pro-gun militias.à Cyberporn as earlier mentioned is also cited, particularly in relation to children and young people.à In July 1995, Time magazine devoted the bulk of an issue, and its cover, to the problem of cyberporn Elmer-Dewitt (1995).à The cover depicted a young boy, face reflecting the green light of a computer terminal, his eyes wide open with ama zement.à The article warned that Usenet and Worldwide Web networks were being used to distribute pornography all over the world, including as the cover illustration made clear to children and young adults.à The material being distributed was of the most extreme kind.à Rimm (1995) argues that computers and modems are profoundly redefining the pornographic landscape by saturating the market with an endless variety of what only a decade ago mainstream America defined as perverse or deviant.à Cyberporn does illustrate the threat posed by the internet, as seen by some.à To a greater extent than is true with traditional forms of disseminating pornography to the mass audience (and this applies to all morally or legally sanctioned information), the internet permits a private mode of consumption (no need for guilty browsing among the top shelves); it is user-friendly, allowing a high degree of selection and choice for anyone familiar with the system; and it is free of censorship, respecting no community standards or national boundaries.à As McNair (1996) puts it, traditional means of regulating and restricting pornography are useless on the Net.à And as children and young people are known to be among the most frequent and adept users of the Internet, cyberporn thus emerges as a serious threat to new generations.à Moral chaos and anarchy without the control of legislators does harbour information overload which acknowledges the inherent difficulty in imposing traditional constraints on the medium.à The key issue here is whether the internet i s a print medium, which enjoys strong protection against government interference, or a broadcast medium which enjoys strong protection against government interference, or a broadcast medium, which enjoys strong protection against government interference, or a broadcast medium, which may be subject to all sorts of government interference, or a broadcast medium, which may be subject to all sorts of government control Elmer Dewitt (1995).à The internet is neither print nor broadcasting, but a qualitatively new medium, to which conventional means of exerting control are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to apply.à It still remains to be seen if the global community (and it would have to be a genuinely global effort) can agree on standards of taste and decency for the Internet which are both enforceable and acceptable to the growing population of users.à According to the BBC (2004), new technologies and services are increasing the choice available to audiences and transferring power from schedulers and broadcasters.à Public sector broadcasting (PSB) providers will have to work much harder in future to persuade audiences to access their material and build brands across a variety of platforms.à They also add that fragmentation of audiences and the growth of digital television are posing new challenges for public service broadcasters.à BBC (2004) do suggest that changes in technology are also creating new and potentially more effective ways of meeting the needs of audiences in the nations, regions and localities.à The BBC also accepts a responsibility to explore partnerships with ot her broadcasters designed to sustain the wider PSB ecology.à The BBC is currently engaged in discussions with Channel 4 about a number of potential areas of co-operation.à These range from sharing R D and technology advances in new media services, through co-operating on international distribution, to options for pooling technical infrastructure, back-office functions and training.à In the same response by the BBC they argue that there is mounting evidence that regional television may be insufficiently local to meet the needs of some communities, having been hindered for decades by technology, topography and patterns of transmitters.à This response by the BBC to Ofcoms review also states that many viewers would prefer more local news to the current model of regional provision.à In their view, it is important to consider new ways of harnessing digital TV technology and broadband distribution, rather than simply replicating the traditional model of regional opt-outs.à McQuail, Blumler and Brown (1972) published results of research into the goals served by media use, not for society, but for media users.à They assumed media and content choice to be rational and directed to specific goals and satisfactions.à Audience members are conscious of the fact that they make choices.à In general these choices, or personal utility as McQuail calls it, are a more significant determinant of audience formation than aesthetic or cultural factors.à All these factors they assumed could be measured.à They do, offer an explanation of media-person interaction, which lists: diversion, personal relationships, personal identity and surveillance (or information seeking) goals.à McQuail in general was critical of this with regard to his earlier work and suggests that social origins and ongoing experience are important in understanding audience and media relations, which fell outside the initial behaviourist and functionalist leanings of the research.à These however are not so easily measured.à Social origins, any personââ¬â¢s class background, for example, can be translated into quantit ative terms (as more or less formal and informal schooling), but ongoing experience may, for any one person, take a multitude of forms that need not even relate directly to one another: from what one learns from an individual film or article in a magazine, to witnessing everyday racism or parental neglect in the street, to boredom doing a job that has seemed so exciting.à Theoretically, uses and gratifications never really develops.à It is impossible to establish whether uses indeed precede gratifications in time, or whether gratifications are legitimized by inventing uses.à If the latter is the case, the uses and gratifications model cannot free us from the dominant paradigm: we are still seduced by the media, to such an extent even that we invent needs for what is basically imposed on us by capitalism (commercial media) or paternalist nation-state (PSB).à It is also important to stress that gratificationist research as it has also been called, was not initially understood to be a mainstream or conservative approach to media and society.à On the contrary, it appeared to break with a tradition of only looking at effects (mass communication research) or at texts (such as the film criticism of the British journal Screen) in order to conclude something about audiences.à Gratifications research at least asked people and made them part of the media meaning society equation.à It is only when gratificationaist research is used as a spearhead in debates about the possible convergence of quantitative and qualitative traditions in media research (the first seen as conservative and mainstream, the second as its challenger), that media critics such as Ang (1989) offer a strong defence of ethnographic method against individualistic quantitative research and of taking a closer look at what we mean by the term active audience.à Ang (1989) argue that it is basically impossible to bring the two traditions in mass communication research together.à The social scientists who work with quantitative method in uses and gratifications research and have here been labelled mainstream may superficially be seen to use the same terms the critical researchers use, but this does not mean that the two have consensus over the way in which the object of study needs to be conceptualized, or infact over the goals and aims of science or social research as an enterprise. CONCLUSION One can conclude here that neither the optimistic nor pessimistic views described above represent a realistic appraisal of the Internetââ¬â¢s significance for media culture.à Certainly, as the utopian perspective asserts, the internet permits a qualitatively new level of communication between human beings, and hitherto unimagined access to all kinds of information.à But the resulting global village can be no more benign than the individuals who use it, and the materials sent down its superhighways and byways.à The Internet, like all previous developments in communication technology is destined to reflect the best and the worst that humanity has to offer.à It will continue to evade state censorship and arbitrary moral regulation, undeniably a good thing, but it will certainly be subject to a creeping commercialization, as its economic potential becomes clear in which the mass audience will play a major role in this revolution.à This process has already beg un, and will accelerate in the twenty-first century.à One will also add that successive waves of information revolution from the invention of the printing press to film and television, and now cyberspace have each presented problems of control and regulation for legislators in the UK and around the world, problems of adaptation and restructuring for the media industries; new challenges and temptations for audiences. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY Ang, I., (1989), Wanting audiences, On the politics of empirical audience research, in E. Seiter, H. Borchers, G. Kreutzner and E. Warth (eds) Remote Control, Television, Audiences and Cultural Power, London:à Routledge, pp. 79 ââ¬â 95. Blumer, H., (1950), Audiences and Media Effects, An introduction. Briggs, A., and Cobley, P., (2002), The Media:à An Introduction, 2nd edition, Pearson Longman. BBC (2004), Ofcom review of public service television broadcasting ââ¬â Phase 2 Report, November, A BBC Response. Berger, A.A., (1995), Essentials of Mass Communication. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Elmer-Dewitt, P., (1995), On a screen near you: cyberporn, Time, July. Hay, J., Grossberg, L., and Wartella, E., (1996), The audience and its landscape. Livingston, S., (2002), Young people and New media, London: Sage. McNair, B., (1996), Mediated Sex, London: Arnold. McQuail, D., (2005), Mass communication theory. McQuail, D., Blumler, J., and Brown, J., (1972), The television audience, a revised perspective, in D. McQuail (ed.), Sociology of Mass Communication, Harmondsworth:à Penguin, pp. 135 ââ¬â 165. Rimm, M., (1995), Marketing pornorgraphy on the information superhighway, (on-line version), first published in George town Law Journal Spring. Whelan, P., and Webster, J.G., (1997), The mass audience:à Rediscovering the dominant model. www.ofcom.org.uk
Saturday, October 12, 2019
The Origin and Structure of our Universe Essay -- Physics Universe Spa
I suppose that the Universe we can observe and cognize consists of self-developing hierarchically co-subordinate and genetically relative systems of cosmic bodies. Each of the systems is distinguished by the qualitative state of substance composing its bodies but main evolution mechanisms are common to all the systems. What is common to all the systems? The central most massive body of every system is a parental body for its younger members. The central massive body of every system at intervals conceives in its interiors new cosmic bodies to put them into initial (circum-parental) orbits. In other words, the central body of every system stimulates newborn bodies to move under their own momentum (along a straight line) and to rotate about its axis due to its own gravitational attraction force. But the central gravitating body constantly and intensely loses its mass (photon and corpuscular). So, the orbits of newborn bodies are (must be) spiral-like rather than closed due to the law of universal gravitation. It means that newborn bodies move away from their parental body that is every system expands. It should be noted that every cosmic body is imponderable, i.e. it undergoes gravitational interaction with other bodies. What is the cause? The cause is that imponderability is provided by a certain orbital rate of the body controlled by the law of universal gravitation. The rate depends on radius of the body orbit relative to the system's central body: the more is the orbit radius, the less orbital rate the body needs to be imponderable. It can be seen from the motion of the Solar System's planets, satellites of giant planets and from the Earth's artificial satellites launched by man. The motion of both artificial satellites and cosmic bodies is governed by the same laws. I suppose that our Universe consists of hierarchically relative systems as follows: The first system: the Origin - the central gravitating body of our Universe, and its born nuclei of super-galaxies (the Origin is not considered in the present work). The second system: nuclei of super-galaxies and their born nuclei of galaxies. The third system: nuclei of galaxies and their born stars. The fourth system: stars and their born planets including giant planets, comets, meteorites. The fifth system: giant planets and their born satellites, comets, meteorites. One specific feat... ...ycles, regularity in variations of the Earth's biota and even its evolutionary orientation: from simple to complex, from protozoans unicells to man. In other words, the genetic code of the Earth is recorded in the congealed layers. Its deciphering will provide us with an insight into the past and the future of the Earth. In conclusion, a quick look at the future of the Earth as a planet. As it moves away from the Sun thus losing the supply of the Solar energy, the Earth will have to cool down. Its active geological processes will stop. The future of the Earth is the present of the Mars. But if my hypothesis is true, the future of the Earth is not so dismal. Penetrated beneath the lithosphere the man can be the owner of a huge bulk of treasures... as congealed layers of chemical elements. In other words, the humanity is provided by natural resourses. The problem is only how they can be extracted. Moreover, by defrosting elementary layers in the future, the humanity could revive the congealed Mars by regenerating its natural atmosphere and create conditions favourable for the existence. According to V.Vernadsky, the humanity will really become the geological and cosmic force.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Cost and Value of Providing Domestic Partner Benefits Essay
Employers worldwide are beginning to embrace the idea of a domestic partner employee by reorganizing their benefit packages to include coverage for domestic partners in order to stay competitive and retain current employees. Most often these benefits are an extension of the same ones offered to married employees. The only difference being that a marriage is not a requirement. Many are confused by what exactly a domestic partner is and readily assume it refers to an individual that is part of a same-sex relationship. When, in fact, it can refer to a variety of situations in which two people commit to and build a life together. Just as married couples do, they usually share bank accounts, financial obligations, home, meals, and a host of other things with one another. A domestic partner is defined as, ââ¬Å"a person you live with and have sexual relations with, but are not married toâ⬠(Merriam-Webster.com, 2014). It was in 1986 that the living arrangements of a domestic partner were first described as two persons sharing a family household but are not joined in a traditional marriage, common-law marriage, or civil union. The rising cost of seeking medical attention is making it nearly impossible these days to live without insurance coverage. Not recognizing our employees that are in unmarried opposite and same sex relationships is creating unnecessary financial hardships and stress. Changing the current benefit plan to include domestic partners will create a happier more committed employee for the business. Happy employees are more productive and aid the bottom line. It is important to note, that if something should happen to an employee or their significant other that medical attention is easily and readily available; allowing the employee to return to work sooner. As an employer, we have a moral obligation to respond to the needs of our employees. We can start by allowing them to define in their own terms what a family is to them. Background MCJAR, Inc. has suffered due to the loss of three of their high ranking positions resigning. The reasoning behind their resignation was due to lack of benefits being offered to their domestic partners. As in all positionsà the human resources person, Keri Miller, has posted the open position with much success. She had found three successful candidates to fill the positions with high qualifications, but all three had turned down the job once they learned about the lack of benefits being offered to those in domestic partnerships. Once finding out the candidates had turned down the positions, Ms. Miller had created a survey to give out to all employees to complete and turn in. The survey asked about how they felt about the current benefit package being offered to all employees at MCJAR, Inc. The results of the survey showed that those that were in a domestic relationship were unhappy of the benefits. That those in domestic partnerships are currently looking for work elsewhere because they feel they are not being treated fairly. Ms. Miller is understanding of the restriction on the benefits being offered due to the budget concerns. Ms. Miller also understands that the cost of the benefits may be minimal, just need to research the cost of adding domestic partnership benefits to the existing plan. Ms. Miller is also concerned to how the public will perceive the company unless the concerns of benefits being offered to those in a domestic partnership are resolved. Key Problems Primarily, the budget is already strained due to the comprehensive benefits package we currently offer our employees. We must carefully weigh the cost of providing benefits to those in a domestic partnership, not only for our current employees, but potential new hires as well. If we are to make room, where can we make these adjustments? Will they be from a specific department, from employeesââ¬â¢ pay, or perhaps we need to scale down our benefits package to make room for additional benefactors. Each option we look at has many different consequences, we may lose employees or productivity due to our lack of foresight. In addition, we must consult and potentially alter our corporate policies and if possible those of Federal and State as well. Federal law will be the most simple to circumnavigate if there is any rebuttal, but having the proper documentation will be the key to success. State law will also require the same attention. Correct wording is crucial for ensuring equal authority and proper application of power of attorney. Lastly, we need to adjust the new benefits package to match the modified policies and procedures. This includes everything fromà new hire training, corporate office signage, and our own interweb support. Finally, and most complicated is the reworking our benefits package with our health service providers, and insurance companies. We need to make sure that each person is covered with the same benefits. We also need to make sure that we can lower or maintain our current deductible with the increase in the number of patients being seen, and consequent incidents being filed. This process can take be lengthy at times and will be battled on two fronts. First is the unhappy employees without benefits, and the other is insurance companies fighting to make themselves greater profits. Solutions Providing domestic partner benefits will give the company a competitive edge, improve employee morale, and create an equal business environment, with minimal additional cost to the companyââ¬â¢s already strained budget. According to the Fickewirth Benefits Advisors (2012), website the majority of the nationââ¬â¢s largest companies provide benefits to the domestic partners of their employees. This trend is increasing in order to retain and attract talented employees. A domestic partner benefit plan can yield to employeeââ¬â¢s satisfaction and, therefore, produce a greater willingness to stay and recommend the company to others. This can be of great advantage because it can improve employee productivity. Employees will also feel that they have a safety net for their families thereby allowing them to better focus on work. Employers have raised the arguments about high cost, but despite such perception the overall cost of adding these benefits is quite low. In the end, implementing the new domestic partner plan will help this corporation to thrive. Solutions are listed as follows: Implementing a new domestic partner benefits plan for all employees Current employees are looking elsewhere since they have no access to domestic benefits. The way to rectify this problem is to implement domestic partner benefits plan. Before implementing this plan, Human Resource Director Keri Miller needs to have a private meeting with all managers involved in this matter along with a financial advisor. With everyone present, these topics can be thoroughly discussed and changed as needed, such as federal, state, and corporate policies or the application of a reasonable savings plan. Some existing benefits can be cut, but in the end the financial advisor will try to use the proper solutions to make sure the company is not affected in a negativeà manner that can hurt the morale of employees, the companyââ¬â¢s profit or production. An expert on the health benefits package needs to be also present in order to obtain the right guidance on how to rework the benefits plan with all health service providers and insurance companies. Executing things in this manner will ensure that the business can safely implement the new plan and be sure that it can afford to extend benefits to domestic partners. Once all issues are addressed and the plan is given approval, a meeting should be held to inform all employees. The companywide meeting will be arranged to discuss this issue with employees who have domestic partners and are interested in the plan. The Human Resources Director should direct the meeting along with other assistant managers that can assist employees after the meeting has ended. During this meeting, the new plan can be addressed and encouraging words used to assure employees that the company cares about them and their needs. It demonstrates that the company values equality among their employees. After the discussion, the manager can have a space of time for questions and answers. This encourages good communication between employees and managers. The assistant managers can have a few tables set up at the back of the room so that when the meeting has concluded employees that have more in depth questions or issues they can discuss them privately. Employees can obtain further guidance in the subject if needed and also have the opportunity to update and complete paperwork needed for enrollment in the new domestic partner benefits plan. As employees are exiting managers can hand out new surveys regarding the new benefits and turn them in the following day. This survey will ensure that the company has proper feedback from employees that state how satisfied they are with the changes being made to the benefits package. Modifications can then be made accordingly if needed, to ensure that employees are fully satisfied in this matter and all other areas as well. Having good communicatio n and treating everyone well will make certain that there is a positive work environment in the business and thus improving it greatly. Send letters to former employees informing them of new plan Following the implementation of the new domestic partner benefits plan, past employees who resigned due to this subject should also be informed and properly contacted. Letters can be sent to former employees notifying themà of the newly offered domestic partner benefits and extend an invitation for them to return to the company. Promote the recently implemented Domestic Partners Benefits Plan Publicize to all outside sources that a domestic partner benefit plan has been implemented. This includes updating the companyââ¬â¢s website and other sources that promote employment for MCJAR Inc. The quick and timely release of this exciting information regarding the renovation of our company offered benefits may inspire many potential new hires to apply for employment opportunities and decrease the amount of current vacancies. As a result from all these changes, the companyââ¬â¢s productivity and success will increase as a whole. Recommendations As a condition of employment, most employers require their employees to register for company provided benefits. It is recommended that MCJAR, Inc. develop a list of set criteria that would define an eligible domestic partnership. Common criteria used by many employers today are that the couple must live and maintain a home together for a minimum of six months and can provide proof. Next, financial interdependency must also be proved. They both must be at least 18 years of age and not legally married to anyone. MCJAR, Inc. has the leisure of choosing their own criteria and should do so as soon as possible. Offering domestic partner benefits will help MCJAR, Inc. reflect diversity as a company. It will also help recruit and retain employees, and boost employee satisfaction with very little additional cost. References Advisors, F. B. (2014). Fickewirth Benefits Advisors. Retrieved from Fickewirth Benefits Advisors: http://www.fickewirth.com/ask-an-expert.php?ask Astray-Caneda, E. E. (2011, Volume 40, No. 2). Offering Same-Sex Domestic Partner Benefits to Government Employees: Reasons, Examples, and Methods. Public Personnel Management, 89-97. Bevins, F. &. (2013, January). Making time management the organizationââ¬â¢s priority. McKinsey Quarterly. Retrieved from Insights and Publications: http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/organization/making_time_management_the_organizations_priority hrc.org. (2014, May 12). Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved from hrc.org: http://www.hrc.org/ James Schaefer, M. (2009, Volume 12, Issue
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