Saturday, August 31, 2019

Is School Uniform A Good Idea Essay

Is school uniform a good idea? What is it good for? These questions are asked time and time again by pupils. In this essay I plan to explore the issue and discuss whether or not it’s a good or bad idea. Teens often complain and criticize about how uncomfortable school uniforms are and how they do not live up to their fashion standards. On the other hand, teachers argue that school uniform keeps students looking smart and the uniform helps identify any unknown person from entering the school, Furthermore students argue that everyone looks the same and the uniform is tedious and boring. A reason why school uniform is a good idea is it saves your clothes: but you’d like to show off your dear clothes. In my opinion I rather waste a two dollar primark top than 178 prada shirt, but obviously some people feel they would be bulled for not wearing dear clothes this is because in the society we now live in has a high demanad on having the â€Å"perfect† fashion look. On school outings teachers say that it’s easier to identify their students if they are wearing school uniforms, but this takes away the students creativeness, and they are unable to cnver their own style and wear what they feel comfortable in. Although some pupils will try and change their uniform to make them look more unique but teachers quickly catch on to this and demand that we wear what they call the â€Å"appropiate uniform†. Teens like to be different and have their own style but by schools demanding that everyone obeys the dress code, students will all look the same. An argument for school uniform is that if students were to wear what they like the less fortunate pupils would stand out and they would be bullied because they cannot afford the newest clothes, this would cause the bullying rate to go up and lower pupils self esteem and make them feel as if they cannot be themselves in scoiety. But I do think that if pupil were allowed to wear non-uniform the worry to have the latest fashion would in stages, fade away because everyone would get used to wearing normal clothes and then it wouldn’t be such a big thing not to wear uniform. Schools indubitably love uniform; in contrast to this view, students absolutely hate them! School s think uniform looks smart likewise so do most parents. In addition pupils sometimes do not follow the schools dress code and this makes teachers irate, and sometimes this leads up to pupils getting sent home. In recent years some schools have relaxed and accepted some different styles on the other hand some schools have strict rules that include girls only to wear skirts. I feel that making this demand some girls are being discriminated against because they might not want to wear a skirt because of their religion or they have a medical issue (skin problem). A reason for school uniform is that it makes the school look smart and represents the community. The usual uniform complies of a shirt, tie and trousers and also a sweatshirt for some people this is very uncomfortable: but this is a major improvement since the 1930’s when the uniform was restricted to a plain blazer and a shirt touched your ankles, and for p.e pupils were reduced to wearing underwear and basic sand shoes. Another good advantage of school uniform is that the big shop competitors like Asda and Tesco etc. Are competing with each other to provide good value uniforms for a better price this is also putting on pressur for the top range shops to reduce their prices to keep up with the cheaper ones. One disadvantage of school uniform is sometimes after the period of going back to school, the shops discontinue stocking the uniform and it makes it hard for the parents to buy a bigger size that there child has grown too, therefore a lot of pupils come into school not wearing uniform because it doesn’t fit them anymore. Sources say that a student in school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on school uniform signals that he/she wants to learn and that they are complying of the rules which you must undertake when you go to work. However some students don’t want to follow rules, forcing them to wear a uniform this only makes them more determined to be rebillious and wear what they want. In conclusion I think school uniform is a bad idea because it has no effect of the outcome at the end of the pupils school years however school uniform makes the school appear more pleasant and also makes the pupils look smart.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Exxon Mobil Resources and Capabilities Essay

Mobile is one of the most successful companies in the oil and energy industries today. But what makes them so successful? In an effort to answer this question, a thorough internal investigation can be helpful in determining what aspects of this company are making it an industry leader. Two aspects of this internal analysis of Exxon Mobile are the company’s resources and capabilities. Resources One of the most reputable resources that Exxon Mobil has today is a strong brand name. Exxon Mobil operates all over the world and is recognized in every part of the world (Datamonitor, 2008). When people all over the world know who a company is, what they do, and where they are located, the company gains a unique competitive advantage over the rest of the industry. A good way to analyze this resource is to use the VRINE Model (Strategic Management, 2007). This breaks down in order to analyze its value, rarity, inimitability, and exploitability. For this resource I’ll start by assessing its value. The question that must be answered is, â€Å"does this resource allow the firm to meet market demand or protect the firm from market uncertainties? † (Strategic Management, 2007). In the case of the brand name resource, I believe that it gives them ample protection against uncertainty and enables them to compete, if not lead, in the industry. Exxon operates in over 200 countries around the world (Datamonitor, 2008) The fact that this company is present all over the world, and not many other industry competitors operate in so many different regions, proves that this particular resource is very valuable to the company. If a company can possess something that another company cannot, value is inevitably created for that resource. This resource also protects them from uncertainty because this brand is already established itself within the market and can thrive in it without too much concern about the well being of the company, thus limiting some uncertainty. Next in the VRINE model is assessment of its rarity. Do any other companies possess such worldwide recognition as Exxon Mobil’s brand name can bring? There are some companies that have come close in competing with Exxon Mobil, such as ConnocoPhillips and Chevron, but none can compare with the unique profitability and opportunities that the name Exxon can bring to a region. The name is undoubtedly trusted throughout the world and rarely rivaled. Those aspects of the brand name recognition make this brand name a rarity. The next step in the VRINE model is to assess the inimitability. To assess this, the question of can competitors â€Å"acquire the valuable and rare resource quickly, or will they face a cost disadvantage in doing so? † (Strategic Management, 2007). The simple fact that the Exxon Mobil name is trademarked and registered makes it impossible for any other company to replicate its name. Also it would cost a substantial amount to buy out the company and gain its name. This alone makes the brand name inimitable. Now assessment of the nonsubstitutability is needed. The question arises, â€Å"is there protection against ready substitutes? † (Strategic Management, 2007). For Exxon, their name reputation is one that substitutes have a very difficult time matching. Exxon is leading the industry and continues to be a leader of almost every aspect of the industry today. Though substitutes are present in the industry, none can surpass the reputation of Exxon Mobil. The final step in the VRINE Model is to assess the resource’s exploitability. The question to answer is, can the firm â€Å" nurture and take advantage of the resources and capabilities that it possesses? † (Strategic Management, 2007). For Exxon, they can bring the company anywhere in the world and use the recognizable name to establish credibility and power in that region. This gives the company a considerable advantage when it comes to exploiting its brand name to establish the company around the world. After analyzing the resource using the VRINE Model, all aspects of the model have been met, so it is safe to say that this resource can give them a competitive advantage among its competitors. Another important resource that Exxon possesses is the presence of human expertise capital throughout the company (Datamoitor, 2008). Exxon employs many scientists and engineers that are researching and finding new ways to gain access to more energy resources and make the new innovations less harmful to the environment (Annual Report, 2007). This human capital has proven to be a very important resource for the company as shown by their development of new ways to increase liquid natural gas supplies and â€Å"enhancing heavy oil recovery† (Annual Report, 2007). Using the VRINE model again, I will assess this resource. In analyzing the value of the human expertise capital, again we must consider whether this resource helps the company meet market demand and can eliminate some uncertainty. In this case, I believe that the unique research department that houses these scientists and engineers is one that gives the company a great capability to compete in the market, and even excel within the industry. I believe it also eliminates some uncertainty because while the company is researching and developing cutting edge technology, it keeps them knowledgeable about all the new innovations and ideas that are throughout the industry. This makes the resource very valuable. Next, the rarity of the resource must be analyzed. I believe that this resource is rare because of the entire department (the Upstream Research Center) within the company devoted to letting these scientists and engineers use their knowledge to propel the company into the future (Annual Report, 2007). Some companies have R & D departments, but they don’t posses the funding for such expertise and capabilities within these departments like Exxon has in its Upstream Research Center (Annual Report, 2007). This makes the breadth of their scientists and engineers and rare resource among it competitors. Following the VRINE Model, inimitability is the next aspect to analyze. I believe that it would be very difficult for any company to gain the human expertise capital that Exxon has. Exxon pays particular attention to its scientists and engineers by providing opportunities to use their knowledge to help solve every day problems that the company is facing. Many of these scientists and engineers had PhDs in their respective fields, thus making their ideas more credible and valuable to the company (Annual Report, 2007). This make the human expertise capital an inimitable resource because it makes it hard for other companies to replicate the magnitude of the distinguished human capital that Exxon possesses. The next step in the VRINE Model is nonsubstitutability. It would be nearly impossible for a competing company to substitute an equally effective team of engineers and scientists. The cost would be too great for the company. Exxon is leading the way in Research and Development trends, and substitutes for the quality of employees that Exxon has would be very difficult for other companies, making the nonsubstitutability of Exxon’s human capital very high. The final step is to analyze the exploitability of the human expertise capital. Exxon has proven that the expertise that is present can be exploited to develop new and innovative ideas that help Exxon maintain as an industry leader. One example of the result of this exploitation is the development of Metallyte UBW-ES, which is a new polypropylene film for packaging that has unprecedented sealing power (Datamonitor, 2008). This example proves that the exploitability of this human expertise capital makes this resource a valuable asset to the company. After analysis of the human expertise capital resource using the VRINE Model, it can be said that this resource gives Exxon Mobil a competitive advantage in the industry. Capabilities After assessing the resources that Exxon has available to them, it is now easier to illustrate what Exxon’s capabilities are because of the acquisition and ownership of these resources. One of Exxon’s important capabilities is their extensive research and development capabilities. Exxon’s research and development capabilities are very dynamic in the sense that as new energy conservation and developments arise, they can adapt their research and development departments to meet the new technologies and innovations. Their research and development capabilities go insofar as to â€Å"improve existing products, and enhance service† (Datamonitor, 2008). Using the VRINE Model again, it can be easy to see if this capability really gives Exxon a considerable competitive advantage. First we have to look at the value of this capability. Exxon has utilized the company’s valuable resource of human expertise capital do help head the research for new improvements and innovations that help lead the way for Exxon to grow (Annual Report, 2007). One such innovation is the development of Enable mPE, which has â€Å"substantially reduced waste and energy consumption across a wide variety of film applications† (Datamonitor, 2008). This capability allows them compete within the market and gain headway in developing potentially high profit innovations, thus giving value to their research and development capability. Next the rarity needs to be assessed. Though almost all of Exxon’s competitors have research and development departments, none have invested the amount that Exxon has. Also there are only a handful of top competitors within the energy industry so that alone makes Exxon’s R & D department rare. In fiscal year 2007, Exxon invested $814 million in R & D. Though the idea of an R & D department is not a rarity in its own right, the amount invested and products produced because of their extensive R & D work makes this a rare capability among its competitors. The next assessment in the VRINE Model is the inimitability of this capability. As mentioned before many other companies have a R & D department, but not to the extent that Exxon’s is being funded and operated. In the past 5 years, Exxon has invested upwards of $3. 5 billion in research and development alone (Annual Report, 2007). Very few of Exxon’s competitors can match that without having an almost impossible financial obligation afterward. That is one feat that few companies can imitate. The next step is to analyze its nonsubstitutability.

Black Matters Essay

I must admit that this is the most challenging fruitful reading that I have ever endured. At first it was a drag, but once I took out my dictionary and got serious I begin to truly understand, accept and open my mind to a new learning experience. Black matters is a powerful statement, before reading I glanced at the title and it gave me pride. I thought to myself that black matters was a new meaning for my black people and standing up for what they believed in. Black matters means that my black people problems are equal to the white superior man or women. Black matters means that we the black race are the priority, we are important, we are not invisible and we do to matter. Toni Morrison, a strong African American woman, with a strong voice and many words. An author and editor: born February 18, 1931 in Lorain, Ohio; the first African American woman to receive Nobel Prize in Literature. I have heard students in my class refer to Morrison as a literature legend because of her most popular writings. I have never in life read or heard of Toni Morrison; however, my impression of her is charismatic, devoted, hardworking, strong will, expressive and much more. I look at her as a teacher and I believe that she practices what she preach. Her emotion in the passage was deep I sense anger, disappointment, and at some point fear. I also sense happiness to be able to inform. People all over the world would benefit from this particular writing because it expands literature from black prospective verses the ordinary expected. According to Brooklyn Academy, Morrison states that her ultimate goal is to â€Å"to restore the language that black people spoke to its original power†. Her intention in this piece is to take down the boundaries that limit African American literature to its people, not only us but she intends to broadcast it around the world for everyone to hear, see and understand. While planting the seed with a little imagination to draw a picture in our mind so we can better picture of African American adventure. It would take place without a big seen or drama it would just be food for thought for the African American race. I like when she says â€Å"my work requires me to think about how free I can be as an African American writer women writer in my genderized, sexualized, wholly racialized world. This is a very genderized, sexualized, wholly racialized world and throughout any career, the African American race will always be judged and challenged especially women. â€Å"American literature has been clearly the preserve of the white male views, genius, and power, those views, genius, and power are without relationship to and removed from the overwhelming presence of black in the united states†. This is totally not fair because they are only educating us from one prospective. They are leaving out our black genius people who have slaved and fought for our freedom. In their eyes W. E. B Dubois, Fredrick Douglass, James Baldwin, Alice Walker and many more do not matter. Let them tell it there is only one way and that is the white way. That is why are black children are uniformed and uneducated. That is why black history month is not longer celebrated in the schools today.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 7

Management - Essay Example Traditionally Management was considered a process of leading and directing all or part of an organization, often a business, by deploying and manipulating resources. It was also defined as a process of getting things done through people. (Dabbah, R. 1999 p,15). The old traditional ways of managing are not applicable now. The old management practice was established on the assumption of human limitations as a basis for organizing. This assumption is so pervasive that it can be found in almost every aspect of conventional managing. Consequently it over-bureaucratized organizations. (Dabbah, R. (1999 p.15) In the new knowledge-driven economy, people have become organization’s most important asset. Well-trained and motivated people play important role in the development and execution of strategies. A Company needs people who can deliver. (Dabbah, R. (1999 p.16) Literature Review Contemporary management theories help to understand the changing nature of today’s organizational environments. These theories emphasize following points Managers should make a decision keeping in view all aspects of the current situation and act on those aspects that are key to the situation at hand. While managing organization look at all the resources such as raw materials, money, technologies and people. All these resources may be mobilized and utilized to achieve desired objectives. Management is not limited to business management only. Management is the specific and distinguishing organ of all organizations. The task of the manager is to lead people. And the goal is to make productive and specific strengths and knowledge of each individual. (Harris, P., Lock, A., & Rees, P. (Eds.). (2000)) Organizational Structure Organizational structure provides the basic template for the continuance of an organization's culture; i.e., norms, values, philosophies, and informal activities. Organizational culture provides both the organization and its members insight into "how things are done around here" If the current organizational design is "wrong" for the change, then either the desired change should be modified or the organizational structure should be redefined. Successful organizational change depends on more than simple cosmetic or surface changes; it requires changes at the core of the organization. Management's responsibility within an organization is to continually carry out three management functions: 1) planning; 2) controlling; and 3) organizing. Planning involves defining organizational objectives and developing the methods and resources by which they will be accomplished. Controlling is the process of developing, implementing and using feedback systems that provide continuous information on the success of all system elements that have been put in place in order to achieve the organizational goals. Organizing is the activity of designing and deciding upon the most appropriate organizational structure for achieving the organization's goals. Management of a Maritime Organization A maritime organization for example shipping company should have to operate in, and be responsible to, a number of different external environments. Let us take example of a leading international shipping company and analyze the proposition in given in above statement

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Medicine and Healthcare in Brazil or The social and political status Research Paper

Medicine and Healthcare in Brazil or The social and political status of women in Mexico - Research Paper Example The study also suggests the allocation of medical staff and finances on the basis of vulnerability and need in order to implement health care as a basic right in Brazil. Medicine and health care in Brazil This paper studies the medicine and health care system in Brazil. I argue that Brazil has achieved major progress in health care system through continuous reforms. To prove my hypothesis, I will analyze income and class factors that are attributed to the access to health care system in Brazil. I’ll examine whether there is a difference in the chances to access healthcare services after the division of health care system in private and public sector. The paper analyses different studies from 2000-2011 in order to evaluate the existence of social inequality when it comes to accessing the healthcare services in Brazil. Health care system in Brazil initiated in 1923 with the establishment of social security system for urban workers in private sector by Eloi Chaves Law. Universali ty and equality of health services was not acknowledged before 1988, therefore the system was not as just and equal for every citizen (Cordeiro as cited in Elias& Amelia, 2002, p.4). Furthermore, Eliasand Amelia (2002) states that, â€Å"health care access is no longer organized according to a social security model, be it publically or privately based [since] 1988; health has been a right granted to all and an obligation of the state† (p.5). Brazil acquired a universal health care policy in 1988; the system originated a network of public providers in order to deliver complete range of health services from typical diseases to sex change operation, free of charge. Public network evolved into the Family Health Program (Programa Saude da Familia PSF). PSF worked by assigning a team of a doctor, nurse, nurse’s assistant, and other health workers to families in a particular region for providing free health care services(Cataife and Charles,2011,p.2). Health care system is di vided in public and private sectors in Brazil. Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS) is the public system which is created and defined in the Federal Constitution of 1988 in addition to the 1990 Organic Health Law. The system is working on the fundamental principles of universality, decentralization, and integrality. Universality refers to the idea that health care is a universal right and state is responsible for providing free health care facilities to its citizens. Integrality refers to the division of public health assistance into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. Decentralization further divides the system by entitling municipalities as responsible for management and organization of health services (Cataife and Charles, 2011, p.2).SSAM is being regulated by government in Brazil for ensuring consumer rights and to avoid expensive procedure and health care plans for SUS services. The segmentation gives rise to social inequality that cannot be easily confronted (Elias& Ameli a, 2002.p.5). Under SUS, health care services are universal, comprehensive, and free of charge for every citizen. Private sector availability is guaranteed against out-of-pocket payments or by association with a particular insurance plan (Noronnha & Monica, 2002, p.1). â€Å"The great expansion of the private sector in Brazil occurred between

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Gibbs Paradox Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gibbs Paradox - Essay Example : For a solid structure of perfect symmetry (e.g., a perfect crystal), the information I is zero and the (information theory) entropy S is at the maximum. If entropy change is information loss, ?S = I , the conservation of L can be very easily satisfied, ?L = ?S + ?I = 0 . Another form of the second law of information theory is: the entropy S of the universe tends toward a maximum. The second law given here can be taken as a more general expression of the Curie-Rosen symmetry principle [5,6]. The third law given here in the context of information theory is a reflection of the fact that symmetric solid structures are the most stable ones. Indistinguishable Particles:- Two particles are called identical if the values of all their inner attributes agree. H must be so constituted that the transposition of two identical particles is defined for every vector in H (quantum case) or every phase space point in H (classical case), respectively. Two identical particles are called indistinguisha ble if every pure quantum state (every classical microstate) is invariant under transposition of these two particles; otherwise the two particles are called distinguishable. Two non-identical particles are always considered distinguishable. Resolution of the paradox in terms of Indistinguishable particles:- In the preceding section as I discussed about indistinguishable particles (Two particles are said to be indistinguishable if they are either non-identical, that is, if they have different properties, or if they are identical and there are microstates which change under transposition of the two particles.) The GP1 is demonstrated and subsequently analyzed. The analysis shows that, for (quantum or classical) systems of distinguishable particles, it is generally uncertain of which... The GP1 is demonstrated and subsequently analyzed. The analysis shows that, for (quantum or classical) systems of distinguishable particles, it is generally uncertain of which particles they consist. The neglect of this uncertainty is the root of the GP1. For the statistical description of a system of distinguishable particles, an underlying set of particles, containing all particles that in principle qualify for being part of the system, is assumed to be known. Of which elements of this underlying particle set the system is composed differs from microstate to microstate. Thus, the system is described by an ensemble of possible particle compositions. The uncertainty about the particle composition contributes to the entropy of the system. Systems for which all possible particle compositions are equiprobable will be called harmonic. Classical systems of distinguishable identical particles are harmonic as a matter of principle; quantum or classical systems of non-identical particles are not necessarily harmonic, since for them the composition probabilities depend individually on the preparation of the system.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Psychology - Essay Example We will also relate Constructive Developmental Theory to the best development perspective out of the three. Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory is basically related to the working of unconscious mind. â€Å"Sigmund Freud's belief was that human beings possess minds that are divided into two parts: an unconscious and a conscious† (Slupesky, 2004). Freud believed that human development takes place in a predetermined order. This theory believes that unhealthy people can suffer from irrational pleasure seeking or guilt because they are in unconscious state of mind and are not aware of the unconscious processes taking place in their minds. The therapy for such people includes bringing an understanding of the unconscious into the conscious in order to make the person understand the choices that he or she has in life. Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Similar to Freud, Erikson also believed that human development takes place in a predetermined order. Erikson’s theory focused more on social development of a person whereas Freud focused the psychological development. Erikson expanded Freud’s theory by mentioning that the process of human development continues throughout the life of a human.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

My View of American Undergraduate Culture Essay

My View of American Undergraduate Culture - Essay Example My View of American Undergraduate Culture The book mentioned that, after fifteen years of teaching anthropology at a large university. Therefore Nathan decided to do what anthropologists do when confused by a different culture: Go live with them. She enrolled as a freshman, moved into the dorm, ate in the dining hall, and took a full load of courses. And she came to understand that being a student is a pretty tricky job,too. Since everyone's campus experience is brand new and different, I am going talk about somethings she did not mention in her book. Moreover I would like to discuss something she mentioned, because I have an differing view on those things (Bryson 93). Rebekah Nathan intended to participate in every step of being a freshman. And she was trying to learn how to integrate into campus life, in order to touch students better. During this particular type of research, Rebekah Nathan tried her best to observe all the details around. For example, "at the first day of the new semester, every freshman had to go to the designated place, because they should check in and get keys of their dorms. While Rebekah Nathan got the key, her roommate was a little depressed, because she knew that her roommate was not a girl who got a similar age to herself. However, when Rebekah was looking at her roommate, her roommate was still smiling to Rebekah.This is only a part of her experiences, she also participated in activities as many as she could, on account of understanding students' thoughts. In addition, she tried to communicate with other students on her own initiative, as she wanted to know what they were doing everyday and how students manage their college lives. Nathan spend much of book discussing individual student experiences and not much time on peer groups. I consider that Rebekah Nathan does not involve every type of situations, hence I am going talk about something she did not cover (Nathan 56). Gym is the first step for me to learn of American undergraduate culture, because this place is a public place for all the students to exercise, no mater where you are from or what language you speak, students just play together. Additionally, in my opinion, it is more comfortable to playful learn, because it is a kind of leavening influence. For instance, when I just came to UConn, I was too shy to talk to any American student. However, one of my Chinese friends told me that I could go to the gym, people in gym were pretty nice and easy to talk, because when you were playing with them, it meant that you guys had same hobby, therefore it would be easier to communicate. After I arrive at gym, I straightly walked to the basketball place, because I played it a lot when I was in high school, and it was also my most adept movement. I stood on the sidelines, a little while, some American students ask me if I wanted to play together, I said" Sure!"with nodding. During the game, a strong guy ran me down incautiously, but he put the ball down and help me up rapidly with saying" Sorry." From the se point, I found that American students were greatly friendly in human behavior. To communicate with American students is the most orderly way to learn of American undergraduate culture.Since I was a truly freshman, I was easier to communicate with American students than Rebekah Nathan. As I was talking to my American friends, I found that American students could say anything they want. Sometimes they even played joke of their won country, it really shocked me, because in my country, people all

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Residence Tiebreaker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Residence Tiebreaker - Essay Example This may lead to a double taxation system. The above necessitates for the individual to utilize the relevant treaties available in determining residency.1 Fortunately, many nations in the world have come together in development of international laws that will safeguard such individuals from such huge tax burdens. There are conditions that an individual should fulfill to be considered a taxpayer of country X instead of country Y. These conditions are referred to as the tiebreaker rules. Different countries use different criteria in carrying out assessments to determine the residence of an individual. There are instances where a person can be considered as a taxpayer in two different countries. The law provides for dual citizenship. In such a case, the individual can pay tax twice under specified laws of the two countries. In most countries, the residence factor is addressed in Article 4.2 They all address it as the Residence Article. In a case where the two countries have a treaty in respect to tie-breaking rules, the two countries can settle their claims on which country has the right to tax the individual. In many cases, these provisions are highlighted in paragraph 2 of Article four of the law. The international law provides the treaty with supreme powers over the domestic laws in determining the residence of the person.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Art, Self, and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art, Self, and Society - Essay Example The essay "Art, Self, and Society" discovers the wrapped Reichstag by Christo and Jean-Claude. Despite many challenges and rigorous process that someone has to go through in life, there is always a glimmer of hope and success at the end. The artists went through very tormenting moments, sacrifice and patience so that they could have the permission of the parliament to wrap Reichstag. Therefore, every endeavor that one undertakes should be driven by the end rather than the means. Arguably, the wrapped Reichstag also sends a message that in life nothing is impossible. Even the bigger structural constructions, which are more than the size of Reichstag, could be completed when adequate resources are properly used. Therefore, no matter how big something might appear, still there is a possibility of doing it to completion. This can as well be seen among the people who came to see the Reichstag structure that amazed many of them due to its big size and structural composition. Moreover, the Reichstag is a symbol of democracy to the people of the society. The convening of the old parliament building leaves a sign that the past dictatorship acts were outdated, thus autocratic laws were no longer passed. Indeed, the artwork at the moment identified with several people who had fallen victims of the oppressive dictatorship rules. The wrapping of Reichstag becomes very symbolic since it is a clear sign that the dark ages of oppressive rules are over, and this marks the new beginning of political dispensation.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Topics in cultural studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Topics in cultural studies - Essay Example The seven hills on which this civilization grew were divided into the Eastern and Western halves. The Eastern half comprising Quirinal, Viminal, Caelian, and Esquiline were part of a volcanic ridge. The Western group included the Aventine, Palatine and Capitoline hills. All these seven hills were separated by marshy lands.† (Maps of World, 2008) Government The government had three main stages: Regal that is governed by a monarchy; Republican that was run by two consuls and other elected officials; and Imperial that divided the citizens in three basic classes: the senatorial, equestrian, and lower classes (Spielvogel, 2011). Greece consisted of several city-states that each had its own government: monarchies that were ruled by kings; oligarchies that were run by aristocrats; tyrannies that were lead by one of the aristocrats who obtained power over the others by getting the support of the poor people; and democracies that gave the poor people more power (Carr D. K., 2011). Relig ion / Philosophy â€Å"Very similar cults appear under the names of different gods: fire festivals belong to Artemis, Demeter, Heracles, and even Isis; ox sacrifices in which the ox-slayer flees from the scene of his deed are celebrated in honor of both Zeus and Dionysos; maidens are consecrated to serve in the temples of Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite; a peplos may be woven for Athena as well as Hera† (Burkert & Raffan, 1985). There were plenty of gods to honor in pagan Rome They knew about religious procedures, or rather, the processes and formulas required in any given circumstance to ensure effectiveness of divine assistance. For Romans, religion is not a belief, a feeling, or a mystique; it was purely utilitarian practice (Turcan, 2000). Economics and Trade Greeks ideally lived on small self-sufficient wheat-producing farms, but bad agricultural practices made many households incapable of feeding themselves. Big estates took over, producing wine and olive oil, which were also the chief exports of the Romans (Gill, 2011). The Romans, who imported their wheat and annexed provinces that could provide them with this all-important staple, also farmed, but they also engaged in trade. , the economy of Rome was dependent on slave labor from the expansion until the late Empire (Gill, 2011). Art / Architecture The goal of the classical Greek sculptors was to produce an ideal artistic form. Art is divided into Mycenaean, geometric, archaic, and Hellenistic periods (Gill, 2011). The Greeks developed three architectural systems, called orders, each with their own distinctive proportions and detailing. The types of columns use in their temples and other buildings are typical of each architectural system or order. The orders are Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite, and Tuscan (Carr D. K., 2011). The goal of Roman artists was to produce realistic portraits for decoration (Gill, 2011). The goal of Roman artists was to produce realistic portraits for decoration. The Romans brought a lot of new ideas to architecture, of which the three most important are the arch, the baked brick, and the use of cement and concrete (Carr D. K., 2011). References Burkert, W. & Raffan, J. (1985). Greek religion: Archaic and classical. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Carr, D. K. (2011, March 2). Ancient Greek government; Roman Architecture. Retrieved May 2011, 7, from KidePede: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/government/ Carr, T.

A Farewell to Arms Essay Example for Free

A Farewell to Arms Essay A writers job is to tell the truth ? Ernest Hemingway. This quote means that it is a writers job to convey some sort of truth or accuracy to the reader. I agree. This is shown in the novel, A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway through the setting and characterization in the novel. It is also shown in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee through the themes and setting of the novel. In the war novel, A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway demonstrates that it is a writers job to convey some sort of truth to the reader through the setting of the novel. This novel takes place during a time of war and shows what war is like, realistically. For a war novel, there is not a lot of fighting but instead more of getting from one place to another and the situations that occur in the interim. This portrays a truth to the reader because it shows how war is in reality and that it is not all death and destruction. Hemingway expresses the emotions of the characters accurately for time of war and conditions or situations the characters are put into. The author shows us the characters interact with each other and how they deal with the war surrounding them. For example, in Book III of the novel, the priest says that people that summer finally realized the war and that people were gentler because they had been beaten. This, truthfully, shows how war affects people and their emotions because it shows how they are disappointed. Through the setting of the play, Hemingway tells the truth by stating that people are trapped biologically because of their setting and the fact that it is human condition. In the novel, Frederic feels trapped because of Catherines pregnancy. In the novel, A Farwell to Arms, the author establishes that a writers job is to deliver accuracy and truth to the audience of the piece of work through characterization in the novel. Hemingway shows the reader what war can do to a person. He shows this through Frederics personality and his change throughout the story. Frederic went from an innocent man who joined the army because he was in Italy at the time and spoke the language and after a lot of experience becomes cynical. This work of literature also shows how war can be dehumanizing on an individual. In Book III, Frederic shoots at a sergeant and thinks nothing of killing another human being because thats what occurs in war. Another way that the author tells truth in this novel is by showing that some characters keep their morals and human values. For example, in Book III, Frederic stops his fellow officers from harassing the two young girls who needed a ride. During the war times, most men did not have respect for their fellow people but Hemingway shows the reader that a select few fight to keep their morals straight. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee confirms that a writers job is to tell the reader the truth through the themes of this novel. One theme of this novel is racism; the townspeople are prejudice towards Tom Robinson because hes black. Even though, many know and believe that he is innocent and he did not rape Mayella they still blame him and find him guilty in court. Another theme of this novel, that shows truth as well, is the coexistence of good and bad. Harper Lee shows his reader that in his story, just like it is in the real world, good and bad exists. The good in this story is Atticus and him trying to fight for Tom and stands up for him as his attorney to show he supports him even though the town turns against him and he knows he cant win. The bad in this story is racism and inequality. The author of this novel conveys a lot of truth because these problems still occur to this day in real life situations. Another important theme that expresses truth to us from the author is innocence and the loss of that innocence. When the novel begins, Scout and Jem seem very innocent to the evil in the world, mostly because they had not ever witnessed it. After they see the racism, prejudice and unjust treatment that are put onto many characters they start to lose that childlike innocence. This is a strong truth, to this day. Young innocent people are losing and missing out on a lot because of their environment and surroundings. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the author shows the audience that the writers job is to distribute the truth to the reader through, the literary element, of setting. This story takes place in Maycomb, Alabama. Maycomb is home to many complacent, racist and prejudice people. The people of Maycomb try to ignore the truth that is plain to see by not acting on it. They let people in the town, who may be of different skin color like Tom Robinson, be stepped on and treated unfairly just because of his skin tone while many of the people of the town know he is innocent. During the course of the novel, the Great Depression is occurring. This sets the stage for poverty to be a strong point in this story. The characters make this a separation element. Another factor of setting that expresses truth in this novel being in the South in these days. The South had many rules and segregation laws concerning black citizens and white citizens. This caused an increase in the racism. As shown above, the two novels, A Farewell to Arms and To Kill A Mockingbird, both have many literary elements that help the author to express truth in his/her literary work. Some of these literary elements were setting, characterization and theme among many others.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Reflective Account Of Diversity And Team Performance Nursing Essay

Reflective Account Of Diversity And Team Performance Nursing Essay This reflective account concerns my experiences of participating in a diverse team of people from different nationalities, which was formed for the achievement of specific outcomes over a specific period. The opportunity to work in this team arose in the course of an assignment for syndicate group work. The importance of management of team performance is steadily gaining recognition in the area of modern day organisational behaviour. With modern organisations and operations becoming increasingly complex and dynamic, organisational performance is being driven by specialised employees who are organised into and work as teams. Salas, et al, (1992 p 4) defines a team as a distinguishable set of two or more people who interact dynamically, interdependently, and adaptively toward a common and valued goal/objective/mission, who have each been assigned specific roles or functions to perform Organisational experts have for long been intrigued by the fact that whilst team work is now an accepted tool for improvement of organisational efficiency, many firms that arrange their operations around teams with such expectations find, much to their disappointment, that (a) use of teams has little impact on productivity, and (b) such use of teams can furthermore lead to reduction of productivity (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). It is also frequently seen that teams with high performing individuals fail, even as teams with far less impressive members greatly exceed expectations. The performance of the Detroit Pistons basketball team in 2004 and 2005, when they won back to back NBA championships with a roster of unimpressive players illustrates the team performance paradox (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). The continued performance of the Ferrari racing team would not have been possible without the efforts of its back up staff (Robbins, et al, 2010, p 3). Such team performance paradoxes are evid ent across the world, with innovative start up teams with networking capabilities humbling huge established corporations with far superior technology and resources (Bolin, et al, 2006, p 2). Understanding the mechanisms of team work is an integral component of modern day learning in organisational behaviour. I was required to participate in a team of members from different nations with different academic, cultural and social backgrounds in the course of syndicated group activity for a period of 6 weeks. The experience gave me the opportunity to participate in an actual team environment, even as I was increasing my academic knowledge of team dynamics and processes. This reflective account details my learning experiences during the process of my participation in a diverse multi cultural team that was required to perform specific tasks and achieve particular objectives and outcomes over a specific timeframe. The essay is structured into sequential sections that take up the functioning of teams in its different aspects, the use of the IPO model for assessment of team effectiveness and the working, evolution and outcomes of our team over a specific 6 week period. Whilst academic theory on teams and assessment of team effectiveness is taken up in some detail, greater emphasis is placed upon my practical experience of participating in an interesting and enriching team environment. The essay ends with a concluding section that attempts to sum up my learning experience and details the ways in which I have gained from this experience in team work. Team Work Modern texts on organisational behaviour identify specific characteristics of teams that differentiate them from general groups (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004, p 7). These characteristics include (a) joint sharing of aims and objectives, (b) mutual dependency and trust, (c) overt expression of emotions, feelings and disagreement, (d) consensual decision making, (e) coordination, cooperation and cohesion, (f) management of trust feelings and conflict between team members, and (g) the creation of a collective and synergistic impact (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004, p 7). Hackman (2002, p 11), states that teams also have very clear boundaries for membership, relatively stable memberships and defined authority to manage their activities and processes. Team performance by and large represents the extent to which teams achieve their specific objectives (Hayes, 2002, p 43-46). Whilst such indicators of team performance are important for organisations because they assist in assessment of the extent of achievement of team goals, many teams, more particularly in business situations do not have targets that are clear and quantifiable (Hayes, 2002, p 43-46). Even where such targets are available, team members and managers can improve their performance in future if they are provided with a richer picture of the ways in which teams function (Senior, 1997, p 32-36). Teams, to be truly effective should thus have some understanding, not just of team outputs, but of the ways and means in which team members work together (Senior, 1997, p 32-36). The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model provides an approach to the understanding of team work and team performance. Inputs, in the IPO model, are seen in terms of issues concerned with group composition like leadership, size, term and diversity, along with factors like autonomy, training and resources that are provided to teams (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). Internal team processes comprise of factors like the motivation and commitment of team members, the cooperation and communication between them and their skills of leadership, conflict resolution, decision making and problem solving (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). Outputs on the other hand are largely depicted as team objectives or the larger concept of team effectiveness that includes a range of interrelated outcomes in areas of attitudes, behaviours and performance. Such outcomes can occur at the level of individuals, teams and organisations (Ilgen, et al, 2005, p 517-522). The theoretical paradigm behind much of research on team effectiveness comes from the application of the open systems theory, which states that team inputs (skills and abilities) are transformed into team outputs (the quality and quantity of team outcomes) through various interaction processes like utilisation of skills, effort and past strategy. The basic IPO model is flexible enough to be applied to a range of team settings and is illustrated in the figure provided below. A general set of factors for assessment of team work in the context of the above discussion thus needs to include (a) the attitudes, behaviours, thinking, roles and skills of individual team members, (b) team objectives and purposes, which include the setting, clarity, commitment and achievement of goals, (c) team processes like generation of ideas, making of decisions, management of controversy and conflict, communication style, allocation of responsibilities, planning of action and leadership style and (d) the organisational context with regard to structure, culture and associated issues. Working and Evolution of our Team Our experience of team work came about on account of participation in group syndicate activity for a period of 6 weeks. Our team was made up of six members and we were required to work together to (a) generate slogans for organisational use, and (b) achieve improvements in team working in areas of attitudes, behaviours and performance. I aim to assess different aspects of the working and functioning of our team, in terms of the IPO model, and deal sequentially with inputs, processes, and outputs. Inputs Our team consisted of six members, A- myself, B, C, D, E and F. As the oldest and most experienced member of the group, I was the automatic choice for its leader. The chart provided below gives basic details and personality types of group members. The personality ratings have been determined by organisational tests conducted on individual members. Member A B C D E F Nationality British Chinese Cyprus Indian Pakistan Nigerian Sex Male Female Female Male Female Female Education BA Hons History International Business And Management Business and Management Bachelor of Technology Graduate in BA BSC Logistics Profession leading public and private businesses Software Engineer Extraversion 3.8 1.9 3.8 3.9 3.7 3.5 Agreeableness 4.6 3.5 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.3 Conscientiousness 4.1 3.9 2.4 3.9 4.3 2.9 Neuroticism 2.7 3.4 3.1 2.4 3.2 4.1 Openness to Experience 4.5 2.8 3.5 3.8 3.9 2.3 As evident, our team was diverse with respect to nationality, gender, education, and work experience and personality types. Contemporary academic literature on organisational behaviour agrees on the advantages of diverse teams in various areas of organisational work. Diversity in teams, organisational experts feel, results in the availability of a range of perspectives and skills, which, if harnessed properly, can result in greater creativity in generation of ideas, alternatives and solutions than with homogenous teams and lead to better performance. Whilst diverse teams by and large have wider and better range of skills and abilities, it is often challenging to make them function in a coordinated and collaborative manner, in comparison with homogeneous teams. Such challenges to collaborative and coordinated working can arise because of differences in language, attitudes and perceptions of team members. The members of our teams came from different parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. Th eir academic backgrounds ranged from disciplines in the liberal arts to applied sciences, technology and management. Two of us, F and I had some working experience, even as the other four were fresh from college. Whilst the personality types of individual group members are different, all of us scored high on the agreeableness index and were happy to work and bond with each other. As the oldest and most experienced member of the group, its leadership automatically devolved upon my shoulders. This development occurred, without my asking for it, because the other group members looked towards me for advice, suggestions and direction on the functioning of the group. We were at the time of formation of the group provided with specific tasks requiring the generation of a number of slogans for ultimate organisational use. Apart from have to deliver such specific services, we were informed that we would be judged twice, once half way during the course, i.e. after three weeks and finally at the end of six weeks; on completion of the group activity. Various group factors like (a) innovative climate, (b) participation, (c) clarity of objectives, (d) reflexivity, (e) interdependence, (f) autonomy, (g) boundedness, (h) role clarity, (i) task conflict, (j) relationship conflict and (k) team satisfaction would be taken up for assessment during these occasions. We were inform ed to us that our progress would be made available to us at the middle and at the end of the syndicate activity in order to help us in organising our activities and improving our processes. Processes Leadership style is an important component of team work processes in the IPO model. Most texts on organisational behaviour stress on the importance of leadership in the efficient successful functioning of teams, even as the majority of both team successes and team failures are attributed to leadership decisions (Robbins, 2005, p 17-21). Fiedlers theory on leadership states that the adoption of leadership styles is often contingent upon situational circumstances and effective leaders alter their styles in line with situations, attributes and skills of team members, and team objectives (Fiedler, 1967, p 4-8).Leaders are otherwise expected to provide clarity regarding roles to members, communicate effectively, and generate feeling of inclusiveness by asking for comment and by expressing appreciation for contributions of team members (Stacey, 2003, p 15-19). Contemporary research on organisational behaviour also indicates that whilst leaders set the tone for definition of group activitie s, their subsequent responses are distinctly affected by their ongoing interaction and communication with team members (Stacey, 2003, p 15-19). Whilst the role of leadership devolved upon me without my asking for it, I did not ignore my responsibilities and worked towards the development of a committed, clear and collaborative team. I allocated responsibilities to each member and made constant efforts to improve and ensure communication with members on various issues associated with our team objectives as well as other areas of common interest. Although my efforts to communicate with group members were made easier by their general agreeableness, I often found B, the Chinese member to be reticent in her communication with the rest of us. She was not just very shy but also disinclined to explore new opportunities and experiences. These difficulties were however greatly made up by her conscientiousness towards her work. Our group activity and objectives required extensive discussions between member, generation and bouncing off of ideas, and long hours of brainstorming. Many of such sessions resulted in small and big disagreements, some of which ended with members refusing to talk to each other for some time. F, the lady from Nigeria whilst otherwise friendly and agreeable, was prone to excessive argumentativeness, and even hysteria, if her views were not supported by others. Conflicts between her and other members also arouse because of her lack of dedication towards group work and occasional proneness to shirk her responsibilities. We were fortunate that conflicts among group members were restricted and did not erupt frequently. Whilst friendly disagreements over work continued to happen, serious conflicts arose only on three occasions, all of them involving F. I felt conflict resolution to be one of my major responsibilities and was constantly looking for signs of disagreement and trouble. Whilst I would let constructive discussions and disagreements continue and sometimes even encourage them further, I took pains to ensure that personal bitterness between members did not set in and they refrained from making offensive statements towards each other. I am happy with the fact that all members, including F started bonding with each other by the end of the fourth week, started respecting each others point of view, and developed a healthy regard for their team mates. Output All our team members were delighted to find out that our group ended the activity practically at the top of the class, both in the number of generated slogans and in the originality of the two selected slogans. The result proved once more that a diverse team can do very well at creative work in an environment of transparency coordination and communication. We were otherwise pleased to know that we had made good progress in all activity areas, except for boundedness, team and relationship conflict and team satisfaction. I feel that our problems in these areas essentially relate to the inability of our team to manage the disputes and disagreements that often surfaced around F. As the leader I take responsibility for such failures and do feel that I should have tried to use my position as leader to communicate more successfully with F and quell her various mental insecurities in working with people who were possibly more hardworking and gifted than she was. Such an approach would have improved group communication, collaboration and outcomes. Conclusions This reflective account deals with my experiences in a diverse team of 6 persons that was formed for the achievement of specific objectives over a particular timeframe. The significance of team performance is progressively increasing in the discipline of organisational behaviour. With contemporary organisations becoming increasingly complex, organisational performance is now ever more driven by specially formed teams. Team performance normally represents the degree to which teams attain their particular objectives. Whilst such gauges of performance are necessary because they help in assessment of attainment of team goals, teams should also achieve some understanding of the ways in which team members work together. The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model represents an approach to understanding team work and has been used by me to assess the functioning of our team. Our team was diverse in many respects. Diversity, it is felt, leads to greater and to better performance. As the oldest and most experienced team, I became the team leader without asking for the position. I tried to live up to my responsibilities and worked towards the development of an effective team. We were fortunate that conflicts among members were limited and I tried to ensure that personal bitterness between members did not set in. Our team ended the activity at the top of the class with regard to set objectives. We also made good progress in all areas except in team relationships and satisfaction, where our progress was average or even less. I feel that such problems arose from our inability to manage disputes and disagreements. I take responsibility for such failures and feel that I should have tried to communicate more successfully with certain members. My experience of team work has however helped me immensely in maturing as an individual and as a professional and I am grateful for the experience.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Modernity of Buddhism and Christianity

Modernity of Buddhism and Christianity Adib Rahim Draft: Tribal to Universal Religion Prompt: Historians argue that religious traditions emerge within and through traditions and beliefs that already exist. These new religions borrow from, adapt, and reject older traditions, and their ideas can often be traced back to multiple existing systems of belief. The documents collected in Tribal to Universal Religion help you trace part of that lineage. Relying on a full analysis of the form, style, and context of these documents, consider how new religions break out of their localized context: How do Buddhism and Christianity draw from older traditions while creating something new? Historians have argued that traditions from religions have emerged within traditions and beliefs that have already existed before. These religions often borrowed, adapted or rejected the older traditions to create what their religions are now today. These religions borrowed core values but went in different directions. For example we see this idea with Buddhism and Hinduism and Christianity and Judaism. We see an alteration of old ideas and new ideas to appeal to people at the time to end controversy over the main set of values believed at the time. Christianity carried over many of the values and ideas of Judaism but at the same time branches off from the religion going in a different direction. Christianity and Judaism are mostly similar as they believe in this one god who is this almighty power. Christianity and Judaism also tend to share values of the Hebrew bible (Old Testament) but Christianity involves the New Testament to. Paul became the most vigorous missionary of Jesus, traveling throughout the Mediterranean converting nonbelievers and corresponding with communities of fellow followers Paul spread his gospel to others who were neither Jewish nor had known Jesus In this quote we see that the Pauls intent was to spread the word of god. Like Judaism there seems to be this emphasis on this obligation to god. Jews were considered to be only put in this earth to be only obligated to god. This idea is represented with this idea of circumcision. Circumcision in the Old Testament was a symbolic act to show your loyalty/obligat ion to god to which a Jewish male was entered to a covenant with god. The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. Even if you are a Jewish male following Judaism laws but you are not physically circumsized you arent actually Jewish. But theres also this similar idea with Christianity that covenant with god is through the acceptance and belief of your god. Christians werent only bound to mark with this mark of circumcision. We see the same idea with Judaism. A man is not a Jew if he is only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly: and circumcision of the heart, by the spirit, not by the written code. We see this juxtaposing idea of circumcision throughout both religions. This value of being attached to only god is seen through both religions. Unlike Judaism, Christianity believed that Jesus as god. Immediately a fter the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. This quote from the Christian bible shows how Jesus is glorified as this almighty being like god describing with much power and authority. We see phrases like stars will fall from heaven and the powers of the heaven will be shaken . This connotative language incites fear within the reader which the intent of a god is supposed to be as youre only fear should be god. In Buddhism we see that there are values and beliefs that branch off of Hinduism but still go in different directions. Both religions believe in this idea of reincarnation and this idea that suffering is caused by attachment to things and people in this physical world. There are two types of Hindus which are the Vedas and Upinishads There are two types of Buddhism commonly known Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada Buddhism believes heavily on Buddha. Mahayana Buddhism believes in this belief that these godly beings exist in other realms but they cannot help people in our physical world. They both share the fundamentals of Buddhism but they still arise differently in some aspects. Unlike Hinduism anyone can enter this state of nirvana no matter your stance in society or this caste system. We are introduced to the youth of Buddha in Buddhism:Gotamas discovery we see his first encounter with this idea of Universal suffering. We see Buddha being taken to a park by his charioteer in his car riage. He encounters 4 different men changing his view on his lifestyle. First he sees a man who is suffering with old age. The second encounter he sees a man who is suffering with sickness. The third encounter he sees death. This encounter leaves Buddha very confused as he is questioning this idea of life, if life is only full of suffering of old age, sickness and death. He then encounters a man who is appeared to have a shaven head and a yellow robe that can be described as solitary. Buddha follows this man to disattach himself from universal suffering. Was Buddha actually a god or rather just a being filled with wisdom. Connecting this idea to Hinduism we see this idea of questioning the fundamentals about the nature of life, death and how to act in accordance to your religion in The Bhagavad Gita. We are introduced to reach this way of spirituality is to be truthful. We see this binary with the two religions with karma vs Dharma. Karma is the act of something towards dharma whic h is a sacred duty. Every action that we do has an equal reaction and over the course of their lifetime if one is accordance with this divine we can gradually work our karma. The person whose mind is always free from attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, attains the supreme perfection of freedom from Karma through renunciation. Conclusively we see the alteration of old ideas that religions use to establish their core values. We see this juxtaposing idea with Christianity and Judaism and Buddhism and Hinduism.

Monday, August 19, 2019

M-commerce :: essays research papers

Contents Part A: What is M-Commerce? 2 Part B: Terminologies & Standards 2 Part C: Features & Advantages of M-Commerce 3 Part D: Services 3, 4 Part E: Limitations of M-Commerce 4 Part F: Conclusion 4 Part G: References 5 What is Mobile Commerce? M-commerce (mobile commerce) is the buying and selling or transaction of goods and services through wireless devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). OR Simply, any e-commerce done through wireless devices (e.g. mobile phones) over any network especially the internet. Some Terminologies & Standards Used in M-Commerce   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  GPS:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Global Positioning System A system of satellites and receiving devices used to locate positions on the Earth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  PDA:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Personal Digital Assistant It’s a handheld wireless computer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  SMS:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Short Messaging Service Enables us to send simple text messages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  EMS:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Enhanced Messaging Service Enables us to send simple melodies, images, sounds, animations and formatted text.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  MMS:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Multimedia Messaging Service Enables us to send multimedia messages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  WAP:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wireless Application Protocol It is an international standard for mobile internet access.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Smart Phone: Internet-enabled cell phones A combination of a mobile phone and a PDA.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  GPRS: General Packet Radio Service One of the latest advancements in wireless data. It is used in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) for transferring data in packets. Features & Advantages of M-Commerce Mobility Users can carry cell phones or other mobile devices anywhere. Reachability With a cell phone a user can be contacted anywhere anytime. Convenience These devices can store data and have advance features and are easy to use. Instant Connectivity Users can connect instantly and easily to the internet through their wireless devices anytime anywhere. Location-Based Services By knowing interests of a user sellers can send user-specific or location-specific advertising messages. Mobile Services Some services offered in m-commerce are:- Entertainment †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Music †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Games †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Graphics †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Video Communications †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Short Messaging †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Multimedia Messaging †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Advertising Messaging †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  E-mail †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Video – Conferencing Transactions †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Banking †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shopping †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Auctions †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Booking & Reservations Information †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  News †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sports †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jokes †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Directory Services †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Maps †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Traffic and Weather †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stock Exchange Limitations of M-Commerce   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Limited storage capacity of devices   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hard to browse sites   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Small size of mobile devices (screens, keypads etc.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Insufficient bandwidth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Power consumption limitations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Poor reception in some places (like tunnels) Conclusion Within a few years, there will be well over a billion mobile phone users worldwide and the majority of mobile phones will be connected to the Internet.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Iowa- An American Portrait :: essays research papers

â€Å"Iowa- An American Portrait†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The film â€Å"Iowa- An American Portrait† was narrated by Tom Brokaw. It described the land, people, education, work, religion, and family life of Iowa. One of the main topics of the film was the general view of Iowa- the Farm State. Iowa has more than two- hundred- thousand farms; ninety- eight percent of Iowa’s total land is used for production; with ninety percent of total land being used for the production of food. Reverence for the great land and rich soil of Iowa began with the Native Americans. Many years later, European immigrants settled the land of Iowa. They first settled near the Mississippi River and spread through out Iowa in the short time span of forty years. They soon began farming the land and found that one family could make a good living on eighty acres. Work was a necessity to Iowans. It gave meaning and pride to life, and farming was a business that could be passed on from generation to generation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Corn soon became the crop of choice to Iowa farmers. They found that it was more resistant to disease than the other crops they were growing, such as barley, oats, wheat, and apples. With this newfound â€Å"wonder crop†, Iowans found that farming had become the ideal way of life. Working on the farm involved all of the members of the family, which brought them together and made them stronger through hardships and great opportunities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Draft horses used for plowing later became a luxury and farming soon lost its fun and joyful qualities. It was a time of greater hardship than ever before, but the freedom Iowa farmers had to work, worship, live, and play in their own way made it worth the despairing times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Towns of all sizes began growing throughout Iowa. With them came churches, schools, businesses, and co-ops. The various institutions and businesses of the towns were flourishing. The children of Iowa were attending school regularly and doing well. The literacy rate of Iowa soon became the highest in the nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Farms weren’t the only means of earning a living in Iowa. Saw and lumber mills were abundant along the upper Mississippi River, but the lumber supply being harvested was exhausted quickly, putting the mills out of business. Iowa- An American Portrait :: essays research papers â€Å"Iowa- An American Portrait†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The film â€Å"Iowa- An American Portrait† was narrated by Tom Brokaw. It described the land, people, education, work, religion, and family life of Iowa. One of the main topics of the film was the general view of Iowa- the Farm State. Iowa has more than two- hundred- thousand farms; ninety- eight percent of Iowa’s total land is used for production; with ninety percent of total land being used for the production of food. Reverence for the great land and rich soil of Iowa began with the Native Americans. Many years later, European immigrants settled the land of Iowa. They first settled near the Mississippi River and spread through out Iowa in the short time span of forty years. They soon began farming the land and found that one family could make a good living on eighty acres. Work was a necessity to Iowans. It gave meaning and pride to life, and farming was a business that could be passed on from generation to generation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Corn soon became the crop of choice to Iowa farmers. They found that it was more resistant to disease than the other crops they were growing, such as barley, oats, wheat, and apples. With this newfound â€Å"wonder crop†, Iowans found that farming had become the ideal way of life. Working on the farm involved all of the members of the family, which brought them together and made them stronger through hardships and great opportunities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Draft horses used for plowing later became a luxury and farming soon lost its fun and joyful qualities. It was a time of greater hardship than ever before, but the freedom Iowa farmers had to work, worship, live, and play in their own way made it worth the despairing times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Towns of all sizes began growing throughout Iowa. With them came churches, schools, businesses, and co-ops. The various institutions and businesses of the towns were flourishing. The children of Iowa were attending school regularly and doing well. The literacy rate of Iowa soon became the highest in the nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Farms weren’t the only means of earning a living in Iowa. Saw and lumber mills were abundant along the upper Mississippi River, but the lumber supply being harvested was exhausted quickly, putting the mills out of business.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Employment Tribunal Essay

â€Å"Employment tribunals were established under the Industrial Training Act 1964. They were previously referred to as Industrial Tribunals, but their name was changed by s1 of the Employment Rights (Dispute Resolution) Act 1998, which took effect on 1 August 1998†³(J. Nairns,2011,p. 6). Now, HM Courts & Tribunals Service which is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, supervise employment tribunals. Employment tribunals are constituted on the basis of region. In England and Wales, there are 11 regional offices of the Employment Tribunals(ROETs). There is Regional Office in each region which copes with claims from applicants in that geographical area. â€Å"Any appeal from the Employment Tribunal would be heard in the EAT(Employment Appeal Tribunal), from there by the Court of Appeal and then the House of Lords†(J. Nairns,2011,p. 6). There are 9 offices of the Employment Tribunals(OETs) which are subordinating to specific ROETs where hearings occur. Nevertheless, OETs are administered by the relevant ROET under the auspices of the regional Chairman(Dennis Hunt, 2005). The jurisdiction of employment tribunals was not completely statutory until the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction Order 1994. â€Å"When an employee is dismissed, she may well have a claim for breach of the contract of employment as well as a claim for unfair dismissal and it seemed absurd that the two claims could not both be brought in the same court. The problem was highlighted when the Wages Act 1986 was passed and apparently provided an avenue for bringing contract claims in rocketed, indicating the need for such a mechanism†(Gwyneth Pitt, 2004, p. 14). That’s why employment tribunals created. The main advantages of setting up employment tribunals are as the following: 1. speed, which minimizes time-wasting for both employees and employers; 2. cost, rather than loser has to pay all the costs, both parties need to pay their own costs; 3. informality, without wearing wigs, an unintimidating atmosphere created to assist individuals to represent themselves better; 4. flexibility, strict rules of precedent are not operated in tribunals which makes it be more flexibly in responding than courts; 5. specialization, tribunal members obtain expertise in areas of related cases, they can offer professional nowledge of varied industries, in this regard, ordinary courts cannot match; 6. relief of congestion in the ordinary courts, the workload of ordinary courts will be very heavy if all the cases of tribunals are transferred; 7. awareness of policy, tribunal members’ expertise illustrates members can understand the policy behind legislation in their own areas, and the wide discretionary power they possess permit them to put it into practice; 8. privacy, individuals may meet in private tribunals under some circumstances, thus their circumstances don’t have to be open to public. C. Elliott & F. Quinn, 2009) â€Å"Employment tribunals are usually composed of three members. They are chaired by a solicitor or barrister of seven years’ standing and then have two lay members, drawn from each side of industry†(Gwyneth Pitt, 2004, p. 13). The employment judge must obtain at least seven years career of being qualified solicitor or barrister. The appointment of the employment judge is made by the Lord Chancellor. The role of employment judge is to make decisions and offer reasons of the decisions after case hearing. They also preside over the hearing and if necessary can advise lay members on points of law and procedure†(J. Nairns, 2011, p. 373). The lay members come from industry, their appointment is made by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. The industrial expertise of lay members can be attribution to help them work better and be more precise in the case hearing of employment tribunal. In this regard, the panel is equivalent to be an â€Å"industrial jury†. At very beginning, caseload of Employment Tribunals was very small. However, it can hear almost every employment law matter since its jurisdiction increased. Before 1994, Employment Tribunals could only hear statutory claims while after the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) Order 1994, Employment Tribunals’ role has drastically changed that they can now hear common law claims(Richard Kinder,1999). But there are some law matters of common law they cannot cope with like matters relating to moral tights and copyright, patents, designs rights, trade marks; breach of restraint of trade covenants; breach of confidence; breach of a contract terms requiring the employer to provide for the employee; personnel injury claims. From this regard, certain employment matters still have to be tackled in the civil courts. Since judges and solicitors don’ t need to wear wigs at employment tribunals, cases needn’t to be open to public under some circumstances and employment tribunals meant to be cheap, speedy and informal, but they are not informal, actually, they are becoming increasingly legalistic. As the complexity and magnitude of employment law keeps increasing, the workload of employment tribunals increases, lawyers are now needed, thus the employment tribunals are no longer as cheap and informal as before. As to informality, anyone going to an employment tribunal expecting a cosy chat can think again, despite the injunction in the regulation that tribunals should seek to avoid formality. In general tribunals follow a procedure which is akin to the procedure of ordinary civil courts, although if either party is unrepresented the tribunal chairperson often takes a more inquisitorial role†(Gwyneth Pitt, 2004, p. 15). Government has launched certain reforms in the procedures of employment tribunals to reduce backlog and weed out weak cases, the reforms are as following: Pre-hearing review, tribunals can award up to ? 0,000 (this figure has increased to ? 20,000 on 6th April 2012) against losing parts, the Employment Act 2002. The Pre-hearing procedure increases costs employees need to pay, which effectively reduce backlog while may dissuade those with genuine claim from bringing a claim since it is may be too expensive for those dismissed employees. The opportunity for tribunals to raise costs to losing side, this will reduce weak cases but also dissuade employees from being brought actions. The Employment Act 2002 also increase the costs people need to pay if they want to bring a claim to employment tribunal. For unfair dismissal cases by the Employment Rights(Dispute Resolution) Act 1998, power of running a statutory arbitration scheme which as an alternative to the employment tribunals was given by ACAS(Gillian Phillips & Karen Scott, 2005). Rather than to an Employment Tribunal hearing, parties in the cases of unfair dismissal now are possible to agree to take their cases to arbitration. â€Å"Since the introduction of SI 2004/753 parties may agree to the appointment by ACAS of an arbitrator who will decide whether the dismissal was fair or unfair. The decision will be binding on the parties, who will not then have recourse to a tribunal hearing†(Andrew C. Bell, 2006, para. 1. 4. 3). It also reduces the workload on the employment tribunals. There are some reforms in the Employment Tribunals under the Employment Tribunals(Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 (ET Regs 2004). The Employment Tribunals governed the employment tribunals from October 2004; By reg. 8 of the ET Regs 2004, the chairman of an employment tribunal must have at least seven years’ professional career as barrister or solicitor; Under reg. of ET Regs 2004, the prime objective of employment tribunals is changed to handle cases justly instead of intending to offer speed, cheap and informal means to resolve employment disputes; Tribunals get increasing emphasis on case management. Different from the past when cases were often not identified until hearing, almost all the cases are well-prepared and issues are completely well-identified before hearings; The president possesses the right in making practice directions under the reg. 13 of ET Regs 2004(James Holland & Stuart Burnett, 2007). In certain circumstance, a chairman sitting alone can consider the matter of costs. This depends on whether the issue of the costs concerns the Originating Application, or the full hearing. In the former, the Chairman can consider the matter, whilst in the latter, it is normal for the tribunal to consider the question of costs†(Dennis Hunt, 2005, p. 8). â€Å"Rule 8 (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 introduces a system of default judgements under which a tribunal chairman may, incertain circumstances, determine a case without a hearing if he or she considers it appropriate to do so. Such a judgement may decide liability alone, or liability and remedy(new rule8(3))†(Dennis Hunt, 2005, p. 9). The government will introduce fees in employment tribunals and employment appeal tribunal approximately from summer 2013. This action illustrates government’s hope that people can pay a fair contribution for the employment tribunals system they are using, or encourage people to choose alternatives to settle employment disputes. The fees vary depends on different circumstances. Employment tribunal can be dated back to its root of 1964’s industrial tribunal. The fundamental principle of this legal system is no fees apply. The forthcoming fees introduction can be a development in certain degree which combines the both sides, both for the claimant employees and the respondent employers. Nevertheless, this action will bring passive impact on employees who are in junior, unskilled, middle-ranking status, especially those without large salaries. Claimant employees will be dissuaded to bring claims to employment tribunals (Personnel Today). The initial objectives of setting employment tribunals are offering speed, cheap, and informal alternatives for claimant employees to settle employment disputes with respondent employers. The workload of employment tribunals is increasing rapidly and with bringing backload and weak cases at the same time. In 06-2005, the total workload of employment tribunals is 201,514(James Holland & Stuart Burnett,2007). In 09-2008, the total workload of employment tribunals is 266,542(Janice Nairns, 2011). From the comparison of these two data, we can directly discover that the total workload increased just a little bit within three years, and the reason of this change is reforms governments brought to employment tribunals which weed out the weak cases and also reduce the backlog of cases. Since lawyers are now needed in employment tribunals, government will introduce fees for this legal system, and pre-hearing is needed before hearing, the employment tribunals are no longer as cheap, quick and informal before. In this regard, the employment tribunals cannot play their roles effectively as they set in their times since the reforms and changes now may dissuade people with legitimate claims from bringing action, especially those people in junior, unskilled, middle-ranking status, without large salaries. David(2012)confirms the argument that over a thousand employees bring claims to Employment Tribunal, and the Employment Tribunal is regarded as the last line for employees as defence to unfairness in workplace. While the reforms and governments’ proposals of reforming Employment Tribunals have changed the situation and increase the burden of those claimant employees. In current situation, the employment tribunals can meet aggrieved employees in certain degrees, if the claimant employees have prepared enough expense and time for bringing actions to their legitimate cases.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Racism and Prejudice

Racism and Prejudice It is undeniable that in deed race matters. The four selections in this chapter and the Linda Lin article, talk about different kinds of racism and prejudice, all of them true and all of them equally detrimental. I think this country is far from being perfect and from not having racism or prejudice problems. Nevertheless, is undeniable that it has come a long way (President Obama) since the time of slavery and more recently Jim Crowe laws and the harassment that was brought against blacks.Later, recognized as the solution needed to afford minorities’ equal opportunities both in work and in school, Affirmative Action, was hailed as the leveler of the field. There certainly is no doubt that in the 1960's at the epicenter of the civil rights movement, that the government had an obligation to pass legislation aimed at equalizing the races on at least a social level. The question now has become whether or not Affirmative Action has passed its time. Does this on ce very necessary legislation now in today's society do more harm than good?There is all kind of racism if you include prejudice too. It has been going on since beginning of time. Maybe it is sometimes a person's own insecurity that makes them think everything is attributed to race. The truth is that each group tends to be prejudiced against the other. Some are angry because some people lay around and collect government money and some are angry because they blame another class for what they cannot achieve, or for past mistakes made some hundreds of years ago.I think far too many of us speak of equality and hope, yet secretly rationalize hate, based on little more than stereotypes and stories of atrocities that happened generations ago. Sadly, this is still a racist culture. The question is not â€Å"Am I a racist? † The question is â€Å"To what degree am I a racist? † â€Å"To what degree am I aware of my racism? † The selection from Jana Noel made me think abo ut those questions.At first I thought I am not a prejudice person and I am not racist, then I thought of little things I have done and indeed I do engage in racist behaviors like I find myself at a higher level of alertness when I am outdoors at night in the vicinity of a man of African descent. Behaviors like that are considered â€Å"micro insults. † I am more mindful of them now. However, unfortunately I acknowledge that I still engage in these barely conscious behaviors. Reading Noel I can associate the way my prejudice was form with the social control theory.There is no other explanation why I would react like that. That is certainly not something that my parents taught me. Most White Americans will tell you, that they are not racist individuals. Nevertheless, if you could delve deeper into their minds, you would discover that many of them have reasons that they believe justifies racism. Among those reasons or excuses, we found the reverse discrimination of Affirmative A ction, ignorance of other races and cultures, and the belief in the need for retribution for past injustices.Whites in America should start by admit the reality and begin to work under the assumption that this is a racist society. As we read in McIntosh and Sleeter articles, the white people in the United States have benefited from the structure of racism, whether or not they have ever committed a racist act, uttered a racist word, or had a racist thought. The same way minorities suffer in a white society because they are Black, Hispanics, Asian, Jewish, etc, Whites benefit because they are White. These minorities have grown up with racism and prejudice.One of the most difficult tasks in life to accomplish is to overcome the core fundamental principles that you are taught as a child. A child who grows up witnessing racism, as a way of life, is likely to become a racist adult. The world, in which we all live, is the same society in which our children and our children's children will one day be. It is our duty as parents and teachers to see that future generations have the best opportunity at thriving in an equal world. Only through tolerance and understanding can we ensure equality for all in this country.

Food Regulations in the Usa Essay

Everyone has heard the stories about mad cow disease and other food-borne diseases coming into the United States from countries such as United Kingdom and China. Besides that locally, foodborne illnesses are among the top of deaths within the United States. Cause of these deaths, most could be prevented if better rules and regulations were in place federally and locally in the United States. In this paper I will be discussing insight on how the US Government can improve the effectiveness of state and local food safety programs. Food safety responsibilities at the state and local levels reside in too many agencies (health, agricultural, industry, etc. ) With all of these agencies it is hard for all of them to cooperate together when detecting and reporting said incidences to the federal level. Without an effort to build a comprehensive national regulation that cover the three basic elements of prevention, detection, and rapid response. When it comes to the area of surveillance, there is a lack in the communication chain between federal agencies, state, and local health agencies. A good example of this lack of surveillance was back in 2008, when Federal Drug Administration found traces of melamine in infant milk products. However, the FDA concluded melamine or cyanuric acid alone, â€Å"at or below 1 part per million in infant formula do not raise public health concerns† in babies. (2008 Chinese milk scandal) Melamine is a toxic chemical that can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. According to FDA scientists, melamine can be absorbed into the blood stream forming clots that can cause kidneys to malfunction. United States FDA’s limit was put at 0. 63 mg, but was later reduced to 0. 63 mg daily. The World Health Organization’s food safety director estimated that the amount of melamine a person could stand per day without incurring a bigger health risk, the â€Å"tolerable daily intake† (TDI), was 0. 2 mg per kg of body mass (â€Å"Melamine†) To eliminate such risks from entering into the United States, FDA needs to improve on monitoring and/or inspection of the food safety practices of foreign food producers and suppliers. A solution to this surveillance problem would be improved communications and collaboration between federal agencies, state, and local health jurisdictions involved in food safety surveillance. As well as promote access to information from multiple passive foodborne outbreak surveillance databases by federal, state, and local health jurisdictions such as Pulse-Net. With better surveillances put into place, the next step would to concentrate on the inspection and regulation phases. There was an article written in 1956 (Eat, drink, & be wary, 1956) that explains how FDA does not regulate everything the same. The article goes on to explain about how Florida oranges and the additives that are used and how three of the dyes were deemed â€Å"highly toxic. It also states that if the FDA were to make new laws, which can take years for them to be passed. Another way is to mandate uniformity in product dating so consumers and regulators can differentiate between production dates, â€Å"sell by† dates, â€Å"use by† dates, and if dates are based on food safety concerns or product freshness considerations. Woteki & Kineman wrote an article entitled â€Å"Challenges and approaches to reducing foodborne illness† how the science of foodborne illnesses are accelerating faster than laws that can protects against said illnesses. While American consumers benefit from one of the world’s safest food supplies, the existing framework is a patchwork of laws and regulations that are frequently inconsistent and lag far behind current scientific knowledge of the risks posed by foodborne pathogens and toxic chemicals. (Woteki, Kineman, 2003) With proper regulations now in place, working on proper inspection procedures would be the next step to ensure safer food being imported and exported within the United States. Federal government needs to support continued development of a uniformed food safety inspection program for all state and local health jurisdictions and encourage its adoption through federal funding. The FDA has been working on this by developing Model Retail Food Standards. (NEHA, 2011) However, to improve the regulations that are needed the FDA have areas for improvement; such as encouraging (but not mandate) more uniformity in regulatory codes nationwide. Another solution in the inspection process would be to have a secure database where all the proper documents to be accessible by user-defined personnel. There was an incident where a local health department had to file a request for a copy of the most recent inspection of a food manufacturing plant from a certain federal agency. By the time that request was processed, six months had passed and the inspection was outdated and useless. (NEHA, 2011) Overall, the United States does ok in the prevention and detection of severe cases of foodborne illnesses. However, I believe that the FDA should do a better job in communicating with state and local government to better prevent and detect said type illnesses. Again some ways that could happen is to try to get a uniformed code of regulations across nationally. Now by doing this I am not saying we will prevent foodborne illnesses totally but we, as a nation, would be better off to indicate and be able to take the corrective actions needed.