Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Knowledge Management in Emirates Secondary Schools Assignment
Knowledge Management in Emirates Secondary Schools - Assignment Example In this essay the researcher presents his proposal for a piece of research, which is aimed to investigate the relationship between the current state of management, technology and culture and the knowledge management activities in the Emirates secondary schools. The researcher also hopes that this study will promote an improvement of the existing knowledge management practices in the UAE educational system and make a contribution in positive changes in the country economy at a whole. The modern education system in the UAE is based basically on the same fundamentals as educational systems of many other world nations – on Western pedagogical models and the current K-12 curriculum. However, it differs profoundly by its cultural and political context. One of the major distinctions of the system is the lack of qualified national teachers. Results of the study presented by Muysken discusses the causes of the deficient educational system in the UAE, the implications of this system and main factors constraining knowledge transfer in the UAE schools. The results prove evidently the necessity of improvement of the educational system of the Emirates, where the effective KM may be crucial. This essay suggests that this research will be a remarkable step towards the deeper understanding of nature and particular features of these supporting factors regarding the UAE educational system. The researcher believes that this study will be also helpful for researchers who are going to conduct further research in the area of KM in education.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Ethics in health services and policy a global approach Essay Example for Free
Ethics in health services and policy a global approach Essay Ethical dilemma Introduction            Ethics is the study of sensible thinking. Nurses face moral dilemmas on their daily practices. Ethical activities depend on several factors. What one person consider as moral may be different from another person’s approach of the circumstances? Nurses encounter ethical dilemma regardless of where they function in wide-ranging tasks. These principled decisions can have a collision to the nurses as well as their patients. In general, there is no apposite decision to a moral dilemma. An ethical dilemma can be defined as a quandary without satisfying solution. The significance of moral decision making depend on the perception that regardless of numerous ethical alternatives made pertaining to a given ethical dilemma, the resultant choice can pose to neither right nor wrong judgment. Ethics involve doing right and causing no impairment. However, definition of principles varies from one nurse to the other. Ethical guideline classes provide the nurse with suitable tools to base moral decisions upon. Though, these principles are habitually shaped by the beliefs, values and knowledge of the nurse. Accordingly, various choices may be raised concerning the identical impasse.            There are assorted ethical distresses that nurses can come across in the place of work. They include: freedom versus control, quality versus quantity of life, truth telling versus deception, pro-choice versus pro-life, empirical knowledge versus personal beliefs, and distribution of resources. Quantity might focus on an individual life span whereas quantity focuses on the number of citizens who will be influenced by the judgment. Quality address the goodness of life of a person, but it varies depending on how a person defines â€Å"good†. For example; the nurse’s position in supporting the patient deciding among a therapy that will lengthen life, but comprehending the quality of life. The patient’s life may be extended, but will experience major unattractive effects from the therapy. Nurses are called upon to use moral perceptions in delivering patient care.            Ethical perceptions include provision of accurate, good and coherent care. Patients necessitate to be offered prospects to put across their autonomy of preference in determining how they desire to be attended and in acquiring services. Ethical nurses identify that they are obliged to offer individualized care which will help the patient to realize their highest welfare. Ethical nursing care is based on lucid decision making and science. There are four fundamental concepts which are significant to a proficient nursing practice. They include: respect for patient self-rule, the task to operate with generosity, no mischief and justice. Nurses present respect to the patient self-rule by enhancing and recognizing a patient’s freedom of preference, respect their opinions, and providing privacy. The National League for Nursing issued a statement which highlights patient rights. Nurses are expected to encourage the rights of patients and adv ocate for patient’s who are unaware of their rights.            Nurses exhibit generosity by helping patients to attain their highest welfare. This can be attained by developing health care policies that affect large population or provision of direct care to individual patients. Nurses are not allowed to cause any damage to their patients. This is the principal of non-mischief. Nurses often do have to perform operations which make the patients uncomfortable. For example, when a nurse is administering an injection to the patient. Patients need medication to relief the sicknesses, though, in the process of relieving the symptom, the nurse might cause distress. Non-mischief must be balanced by kindness, while providing patient care. The intention of the nurse provides a treatment whose gain must outweigh the discomfort caused. The nurse aim must be to assist rather than causing impairment. Equality and justice in nursing care is usually linked to the delivery of services. The current health care restructu ring strategy is an end result of people acknowledging that the present health care structure requires streamlining. Controversy arises over what is practical, fair, and efficiently realistic.            Nurses are involved at every phase of current health care classification, assisting with policy development and decision making. Professionals propose that nursing concept of ethical care is outstanding case and needs staid implementation throughout the nursing practice. It is related to medical replica of ethics since it deals with life and death matters. The nursing model is one of the personal patient empowerment. Ethical nurses control health care reform plan which put emphasis on healing even in situations where curing is impossible. It position quality of life at the front line. Ethical dilemmas which the nurses face everyday are diverse. They include assorted topics such as end of life care and staffing ratios.            Nurses might face ethical dilemma as they attend patients with disabilities which might position them at peril for self-harm. For instance, an aged patient might be eager to stroll without directive. The nurse desires to endorse patient sovereignty, though the possibility of patient harm because of falling may be large. The dilemma is how to balance the contrasting situations. The nurse is in a dilemma to choose which one is more significant between security and independence. Each family, patient and health care staff faces these challenges in daily basis. Momentous challenges may be experienced by nurses operating with parents who have infants with mental or physical disabilities. The nurse is left to decide whether it is moral to subject the infant to an inexperienced process which will impose pain if it provides them with distinct chance of survival. The nurses have to decide whether it is ethical to prolong life while the quality of li fe is being comprehended.            Recent research findings reveal that, nurses as caregivers central to health care, face a growing rate of ethical dilemma. The know-how is helping patients to endure serious sicknesses. However, recent studies disclose that people are surviving, but they are not living decent lives. Nurses have a task of executing clinical and educational operations which deal with the subject that professional care provides. The other dilemma is that there are insufficient health care resources across the world. The resources are also not equally scattered. The nurses are left to ensure that there is equitable distribution of health care resources. Patients from various cultures and personal experiences may present with different opinions of what is moral. The nurse can serve as resource to make sure that every individual feels that their opinions were considered. They have to decide who should get the scarce resources? For instance, nurses working with p atients living in vegetative state; nurses decide whether these patients should be left on life maintenance? The outlay of sustaining these patients is high. The patients might be consuming possessions that could be utilized by patients whom such expensive interventions, if reachable, could set aside their lives. The dilemma is determining the position of the nurse when a family wishes to go on with life hold up for a medically ineffective patient.            In conclusion, ethical principles are very noteworthy in the nursing practices since they direct the nurses to make their every day decisions. The nurses, however, face ethical dilemma since they are not able to settle to a superior decision. Nursing is a profession that requires a lot of decision making since they are working to save patient lives, though they are required to make decisions depending on the code of ethics. References Blasi, A. E. (2012). An Ethical Dilemma. Journal of Legal Medicine, 33(1), 115-128. Burkhardt, M. A., Nathaniel, A. K. (2008). Ethics issues in contemporary nursing (3rd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning. Butts, J. B., Rich, K. (2008). Nursing ethics: across the curriculum and into practice (2nd ed.). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Garber, P. R. (2008). The ethical dilemma. Amherst, Mass.: HRD Press. Garber, P. R. (2008). The ethical dilemma. Amherst, Mass.: HRD Press. Harris, D. M. (2011). Ethics in health services and policy a global approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Harris, D. M. (2011). Ethics in health services and policy a global approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Hendrick, J. (2000). Law and ethics in nursing and health care. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes. Hoffman, J. (2003). A Knotty Ethical Dilemma. Emergency Medicine News, 25(1), 36. Johnstone, M. (2007). Clinical risk management and the ethics of open disclosure when things go wrong: Implications for the nursing profession. Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, 10(4), 215-216. Liaschenko, J., Peter, E. (2004). Nursing ethics and conceptualizations of nursing: profession, practice and work. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(5), 488-495. Retrieved February 8, 2009, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03011.x Linzer, N. (2003). An Ethical Dilemma in Volunteer Professional Relationships. Social Thought, 22(4), 37-51. Lowe, M. (2000). Ethical dilemma. A question of competence. Age and Ageing, 29(2), 179-182. Martin, C. W., Vaught, W., Solomon, R. C. (2010). Ethics across the professions: a reader for professional ethics. New York: Oxford University Press. Mcmahon, R. L. (2003). An ethical dilemma in a hospice setting. Palliative Supportive Care, 1(01), 35. Miller, S., Selgelid, M. J. (2008). Ethical and philosophical consideration of the dual-use dilemma in the biological sciences. New York: Springer. Monga, M. (2007). An Ethical Dilemma. Monash Business Review, 3(3), 34-35. Pattison, S. (2010). Emerging values in health care the challenge for professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Spector, T. (2001). The ethical architect: the dilemma of contemporary practice. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. Spector, T. (2001). The ethical architect: the dilemma of contemporary practice. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. Tschudin, V. (2003). Approaches to ethics: nursing beyond boundaries. Edinburgh: Butterworth-Heinemann. Tschudin, V., Davis, A. J. (2008). The globalisation of nursing. Oxford: Radcliffe Pub.. APA formatting by BibMe.org. Source document
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Harley Davidson Strategic Analysis Essay -- Motorcycles Harley Davidso
Harley Davidson Strategic Analysis      William Harley and Arthur Davidson wanted to take the work out of riding bicycles in 1901. After being joined by the Arthur brothers, Walter and William, they came up with the idea of putting a motor and a bicycle together. Many engine changes were made before the builders were satisfied. In 1903, they created the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle and produced three that year. Harley built its first building in 1907 on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. That same year, 150 motorcycles were produced. As they were used for recreational purposes, they were also used in military situations. They proved useful in border skirmishes and the government called for 20,000 bikes to be shipped overseas. Following the war, other companies tried to enter the market, but Harley remained the largest. The depression had an unfavorable effect on Harley as it did with most corporations, but it outlasted the crisis and celebrated its fiftieth year in 1953 as the sole survivor in the motorcy cle industry. Harley did turn public in 1965, but was bought by thirteen senior Harley-Davidson executives in 1981. It was returned to public ownership in 1986 by offering two million shares of common stock. It was approved by the New York Stock exchange in 1987 and has been there ever since. 2.     A company with the history of Harley-Davidson has few weaknesses and threats, but a SWOT analysis can help them turn them into favorable opportunities and strengths. Strengths- Customer loyalty is probably the number one strength of Harley's business. Once a person buys a Harley, it seems as though they become trapped in the entire Harley business. Once they buy a Harley, they usually never buy another brand of motorcycle. Along with the bike comes the apparel. Once a person purchases a bike, the jacket, bandanas, etc. become a must. Opportunity- For Harley is that the economy is at a place where people will go out and purchase a motorcycle for recreational purposes. Whether the economy is good or not, is a place where they may thrive. When the economy is not doing as well, people may look at a motorcycle as a more economical way to travel so Harley can do well in both situations. Weaknesses- Large numbers of products being produced can make for many errors. When there is such a demand to produce many of one type of product, there can be many mistakes that... ...s and perhaps by reaching out to them with these types of products, they will develop future relationships with them. These performance products can be used for recreation and competition while keeping that edge that Harley has had since it began. 5.      The stock of Harley continues to rise as the idea that the Japanese is dominating the industry. Since the beginning of the year, the stock for Harley has risen almost 49%. Part of the reason is the change in their operations. For years, people would have to wait for months for a bike due to the huge demand, but foul ups have been fixed and they are now pumping out bikes like never before. This article also states how well Harley deals with its employees and their union. Most recently, they signed a seven-year contract while still having one year left on their previous contract. There are some critics though who believe that Harley is just a "balloon waiting to burst". Due to the expensive price, they believe that there is not much room to grow and that it is only a matter of time before the stock price begins to drop. -     www.harleydavidson.com -     http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/nov2000/nf20001117_421.htm
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Internship at malaysiaairlines Essay
As a part of requirement of Bachelor in Accountancy Programme, an internship training programme for six months is mandatory for every student in 7th semester. Therefore, it is necessary for me to complete my internship session in any company which offers relevant job scope and experience to my area and specialization. Previously, I had experienced working in an audit firm and now, I chose to be working in industrial and commercial sector in order for me to experience a new working environment. Hence, that is the reason why I decided to undergo my internship programme with Malaysia Airlines. I began my internship programme on 1st February 2013 with MAS and it ends on 31st July 2013. During that time, I was attached to Accounts Payable Department, 4th Floor, Admin 2 Building, MAS Complex A, SAAS Airport, 47200 Subang, Selangor. The department is headed by Cheah Paik Un and the Manager of the department is Pn. Nik Azlina Bt Nik Yusoff. I was put under the supervision of Nurul Izzati Bt Noordin and my immediate supervisor was Azizah Bt Azmi. 2.0 MALAYSIA AIRLINES (MAS). 2.1 Company Overview Malaysia Airlines (MAS), formerly known as Malaysian Airline System Berhad was found in the year of 1947. It is a Malaysian-based company engaged in the business of air transportation and the provision of related services. Basically, it operates in two segments. The first segment is airline operations, which engaged in the operation of aircraft for passenger and the second segment is cargo services which related to the operation of aircraft for cargo and mail services. In addition, MAS’s other business segment also includes catering, engineering, computerized reservation services, trucking and warehousing services, retailing of goods, terminal charges and tour and travel related activities. Up to now, MAS has over 20 subsidiaries with 13 of them are fully owned by MAS. Some of the subsidiaries are Abacus Distribution Systems (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, MAS Golden Holidays Sdn Bhd, and many more. Malaysia Airlines has its headquarters and registered office on the third floor of Administration Building A at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor. 3.0 WORK EXPERIENCES. 3.1 Duties and Responsibilities. Since I was attached to the Accounts Payable department, basically my tasks involve the handling of incoming invoices from arrival to post. Usually, I would first classify and sorts the invoices into various categories. Then, after performing invoice verification, I would enter the park invoices and update it using SAP system. After that, the superior may have to check and approve the invoice and if there are no variances, the invoice is posted into the accounting system. Apart from that, I also need to update the manpowers’ time sheet and summary as well as the fuel uplift quantity and buffered flights using the Integrated Fuel Management System (IFMS). Therefore, I can state that I already had a clear picture on how exactly MAS handle their accounts payable. In addition,I am well aware that accounting departments are constantly challenged when it comes to validating the accuracy of invoices, obtaining agreement and sign off for expenditure and taking measures to eliminate double payment occurrences. 3.2 Exposure to the Airline Industry. As a part of exposure to the airline industry, Finance Business Support Department has provided all the practical trainees the Internal Finance Module (Basic Airline Economics) on 26th February 2013. I found it very beneficial to me as I am able to apply my knowledge on costing specifically for airlines industry. I was exposed to different cost classification which MAS applied on its expenditure incurred, for example variable costs can be divided into flight related,traffic related and revenue related. After that, on 4th April and 12th April, I went for a half-day visit to Engineering Hangar and Malaysia Airlines Academy where I had the opportunity to observe how the aircrafts are being maintained, CCTS mock up, flight safety demonstration and so on. 3.3 Achievements. During my training period, I have acquired many new skills and knowledge on accounting mainly for airline industry. First, to me it was a success when I was given the opportunity to learn in depth on what type of expenditure incurred by MAS, and other related issues in the way of settling it. Next, this internship programme has certainly enriched my curriculumvitae (CV) and my interpersonal skills as I was given the chance to interact with most staffs from every different level. This has largely broadened my perspectives on career opportunities available in the accounting profession as they always provide me with good advice on it based on their experiences. Thus, I am able to shape my career goals more clearly and it will surely benefit me in the near future. Lastly, I am more familiar with accounting systems such as SAP and ESKER solutions as well as IFMS which is a system mainly developed for managing fuel. I can confidently use it with ease and I found that these systems really make accounting as one of the most enjoyable fields to deal with. This is because, from what I have observed, since ESKER is being used by Accounts Payable Department on 3rd of June 2013, it helps on reducing the problem related to traditional invoice processing method. Some of the problems linked to traditional method are increase in the chance of error due to multiple sources and paper invoices are also hard to monitor as well as labour intensive. Therefore, ESKER solutions really make paper-free AP a reality and helps in cutting operational and administrative AP costs as the invoice approval workflow is simplified and consolidated. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS. I must recommend MAS to create a more structured training programme where supervisors are directed to plan a more comprehensive and organized training schedule for every trainees in order to optimize the training period with significant tasks in developing the trainees’ knowledge and skills rather than focusing on the same task for the whole period. Next, I suggest that Accounts Payable Department should once in a while organize a team building exercise for its staffs in order to bring them closer and I am sure that this would encourage them to appreciate the importance of team work and able to share personal experiences and ideas. 5.0 CONCLUSION. In conclusion, I can state that my internship at Malaysia Airlines was a rewarding experience. This is because, it provided me with some new perspectives that I did not come across during my studies back at the college and the work experience I gained here was very different compared to the private practice sector due to the specific job scope. Next, I would like to attest both of my supervisors (Nurul Izzati Bt Noordin who was my senior supervisor and Azizah Bt Azmi who was my immediate supervisor) at Accounts Payable Department, MAS for the good job. Above all, working together with them was a true pleasure and theirs faith in my abilities was a real source of motivation. I really appreciate the way I have been guided through this internship programme with MAS, beginning from the opportunity to take the time I needed to refresh and expand my knowledge in several issues concerning every single expenses incurred by MAS and ways to make payment, over a somehow protected period where I could discover and learn to value my new working environment, and finally earned the confidence to deal with assignments myself. Last but not least, I need to stress that all the staffs in this department contributed greatly to making my stay at MAS a very enjoyable one. It is through them that I did enjoy my work every day and I am very grateful for the internship opportunity given by MAS.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Rebbecca Skloot Henrietta Lacks
In Rebecca Skloot’s â€Å"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,†the ethical issue of the hospital taking Henrietta Lack’s cells seems be a very major deal and plays an important role throughout the entire book. The books starts off telling you of Mrs. Lacks’ life struggles which helps build an emotional appeal to her. Rebecca Skloot painted a vivid picture of Henrietta’s life to help give the readers a greater of how immoral the doctors were when they took her cells without her permission. Henrietta was a part of a very poor family.The book describes how they didn’t have very much money so they left their home in Roanoke, VA to go to MD for a better job opportunity for her husband, David Lacks, which was also her 1st cousin. The doctors at John Hopkins typically felt like they had the right to take certain things from their patients who were in the public ward since they were a giving away a costly service for free. They felt like they were entitled to some kind of payment so taking cells from unaware patients was a justified trade-off in their eyes.Henrietta had six children, so it safe to say that it was hard just living off of her David’s salary. The book described that several things were wrong with Henrietta, besides the cervical cancer. Henrietta also had syphilis and gonorrhea. Henrietta wasn’t the only person in her household that had medical problems either. Henrietta’s daughter, Elsie, was simple and Henrietta also had a couple of very young children. Her medical problems and her children’s medical needs were very costly, so as it was common for poor folk, they just ignored them.Henrietta’s family were too poor to afford health care and would continue to be to poor enough to afford health care after the doctors began to sell her cells without her permission and well after her death, even up to the point that this book was being written. Henrietta’s cells were her prop erty and no had the right to make a profit of it without her permission. Henrietta’s cells were taken against her will, so they were stolen! Her cells great impacted medical research. They have been used to find cures for cancer and AIDs, to test human’s sensitivity to certain products, gene mapping, and were used to test vaccines for polio.Henrietta’s cells were very instrumental for the production of modern medicine and also very profitable as well. They greatly impacted the lives of people all over the world, but it seems like they almost did nothing for Henrietta and her family. Henrietta’s cells were used to help advance medical research, but still Henrietta’s family still couldn’t afford health care. Her family wasn’t informed that her cells had been taken until almost 20 years after her death in the 70s. Henrietta’s family just struggled through life like they hadn’t changed medical research for ever.Henriettaâ₠¬â„¢s cells were the first â€Å"immortal cells†, yet it was horribly immoral for the scientists and doctors to steal it from her and then use to them to make millions, while her family barely made it by day to day. The HeLa cells, the cells from Henrietta Lacks, were used to grow tons and tons of cells. The cells, though token wrongly, were used to do very positive things. The people in public wards were used wrongly as guinea pigs. The doctors had no right to steal from them and test on them, just because they couldn’t afford health care. They had rights!They were human beings! They deserved the right to be notified and they deserved the right to be asked for their permission of whether or not they wanted to give small parts of their body to be researched on, no matter how miniscule. They belonged to the patients and therefore they had the upmost right to be informed and given some type of payment for their contributions. If I own some land and my neighbor decides he wants to grow some crops on it without my permission, because he felt like I wasn’t using it and he grows one of the most successful batch of wheat or corn.Do I not deserve some of the credit or some of the proceeds? Yes, it was his seeds that he used and his labor and also his tools, but my neighbor also used my land and therefore my neighbor is indeed indebted to me and owes me a portion of what he received. This is the exact same for Henrietta Lacks situation. Their tools were used to grow the HeLa cells, but they still took cells from Henrietta and her family was definitely entitled to gaining something.I completely agree with Rebecca Skloot’s position on this problem and she was definitely depicted this story in a very well delivered way and I believe that she did indeed address this ethical issue and even went into it a little more when she mentioned the Tuskegee experiment with syphilis. All in all, Ms. Skloot did a very excellent making this story very underst andable and very attractive. She delivered an amazing story on how the health system betrayed one of their patients and took advantage of her and treated public ward patients immorally wrong.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Biometrics and crime triangle Essay Example
Biometrics and crime triangle Essay Example Biometrics and crime triangle Paper Biometrics and crime triangle Paper Biometric technology is becoming an integral element of law enforcement system. Despite the variety of forms, all biometric solutions are represented within one technological framework which is usually referred to as the means of â€Å"automated identification, or verification of identity through physiological, or behavioral traits†(Coleman, 1999). Biometric systems of suspect identification are actively used in various law enforcement procedures; these technologies have proved their effectiveness and reliability in all crime prevention activities. Biometric technologies and human analytical abilities go hand in hand, and compete to achieve excellent crime prevention results. However, even despite the significant benefits biometric technologies offer to law enforcement professionals, serious ethical issues should be addressed to make biometrics safe in use.  Thesis statement: biometrics has turned into the indispensable technological element of crime prevention, but future effectiveness of biometric solutions will be threatened, if specialists fail to address significant privacy and security gaps that currently exist in the area of biometric technology use. Biometric technology and the need to use biometrics in crime prevention Crime prevention cannot be effective without identification. Identification is the essential element of all crime prevention and law enforcement procedures. Contemporary technological advances, the development of internet-related crimes and terrorist threats require creating and implementing the whole set of new technological solutions. In crime prevention, â€Å"everything else is ultimately secondary to the need to identify†(Nieto, 2002). That is why biometrical systems of crime prevention are constantly improved to guarantee cost-effectiveness and relevance of crime prevention activities. Current network of law enforcement agencies cannot develop an effective infrastructure that would guarantee safe and effective storage of information. The importance of biometric identification is justified by the need to create a relevant, cost-effective and secure data storage system that would not infringe citizen rights but would guarantee speedy and easy identification of suspects. As a result, biometrics is gradually turning into a real industry, with law enforcement serving its target market. Face recognition, iris scan, and fingerprints identification software are the results of the thorough analytical work that are successfully implemented at all stages of crime prevention. As software manufacturers are fighting for their portion of law enforcement market, they are trying to offer more relevant biometric solutions that will meet the challenging requirements of the difficult criminal situation. â€Å"What biometrics offers now and in the future is the possibility of improving the overall ‘clear-up’ rate of crime, therefore increasing the confidence of the public in the system and their overall sense of security in society†(Nieto, 2002). In simpler terms, better biometric technology is the direct pathway towards security, public awareness about the benefits of biometrics in law enforcement, and better citizen acceptance and recognition of various types of identification software. Biometric applications satisfy the widest range of crime prevention needs, starting with face recognition and up to voice recognition and border control. In the contemporary context, face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scan represent the three most widely used types of biometric solutions. â€Å"No two fingerprints are alike. For this reason, law enforcement and the courts recognize fingerprints as unique personal identifiers†(Jain, Bolle, Pankanti, 1998). Human analytical skills are too limited to identify the differences between fingerprints and to convert this information into the instrument of coordinating crime prevention procedures. Fingerprints require special technological approach; the smallest pores and ridges on the human skin should be detected to guarantee the relevance of investigation (and as a result, crime prevention) results. Iris scan and face recognition require similar technological approaches. Thus, the state cannot neglect the importance of biometric technologies in its striving towards minimizing the number of crimes. Biometrics forms excellent combination between human analytical abilities and unbiased technology’s ability to identify, match, and analyze personal biometric information.
Monday, October 21, 2019
buy custom Psychopaths essay
buy custom Psychopaths essay Sociopaths or psychopaths is a term used to describe individuals who lack conscience or feeling for others and does not consider social rules to have any meaning. It is very probable that at one time or the other we come across sociopathic individuals without knowing it, since they cover a much broader spectrum than we would imagine. They are social predators and they manipulate, charm, and ruthlessly work their way through life (Patrick, 2006). Psychopaths never have any sense of guilt or regret, regardless of the fact that they leave behind shattered expectations and a broad trail of broken hearts on bewildered victims who are left wondering what kind of people psychopaths really are. Psychopaths are morally depraved individuals who commit planed, purposeful and emotionless violence. When these persons are 50 years of age, the violence is at a plateau then it tampers off. They reflect a detached, fearless, dissociated state, revealing a low-state automatic nervous system and lack of anxiety due to lack of emotions. Their most probable motivator is control and dominance as have no strong bonds with or much rhyme to their reason with others Many are times psychopaths are thought to be the disturbed criminals who are on headlines and are crowded in a nations prison. However, this is not always the case as they might be individuals who live in supreme self confidence bu lack conscience since not all psychopaths are killers. Due to this lack of conscience it is thus evident that psychopaths are likely to engage in criminal behavior (Cooke, 2001). Psychopaths are influenced to commit a crime by several factors. Lack of guilt, shame and a combination of a tendency for impulsive risk-taking can lead to a criminal career or a business one depending on the circumstances. Their conquest is based on manipulation and lying. A debate concerning this issue has been provoked on whether the phenomenon is just an aberration or whether it is favored by natural selection especially when it is found rare in a given population. Prisons are perfect places to keep psychopathic individuals in order to protect ourselves, otherwise without them; even crime is the preferred remedy of safeguarding ourselves. The factors that would reduce the likelihood of a psychopathic engaging in criminal behaviors is by firm refusal of having a nervous breakdown anytime they deny reality or claim that we are suffering from delusions and that we are not mentally stable (Hill et al, 2004). Victims should also learn to have a good memory as opposed to the psychopaths selective memories which only allow them remember things that only suit their purpose. This way we will challenge their wits and make thhem reluctant in committing their evil acts whenever persons that challenged them are concerned. The other most convenient tool of curbing criminal acts by psychopaths is by avoiding them especially if you suspect what they are. In a biological point of view, it affects both sexes although similar to color blindness biologically. Psychologically, a deficit picture is seen among men only, since it is toned down among women by an effect of a second normal allele. The condition is inherited through a semi-dominating gene via the X chromosome (Patrick, 2006). Psychopaths can be appropriately discussed under the psychological theory. This is mostly due to the lack of conscience and the fact that not all psychopaths have inherited the trait. Whether or not psychopathic character is as a result of brain disorganization or dysfunction, abnormal cerebral asymmetry, or general difficulties in information processing or simply psychological effects, it is a vice the needs to be curbed. Psychopath pulls down development and breaks decent families. It is a social setback that needs to be dealt with using all available suitable means. The improving of boardrooms or prisons is among the best measures that curb this evil vice and need to be upheld to have a better human environment. Buy custom Psychopaths essay
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Why You Should Consider Uploading Your Books to IngramSpark
Why You Should Consider Uploading Your Books to IngramSpark How can you add another stream of passive book-sale income? Upload your books to IngramSpark. Ingram has been a global book distributor for decades, and partnered with Lightning Source in 2009 to become a print-on-demand publisher. The beauty of print-on-demand is that you don’t have to pay for a print run- books aren’t printed until they’re actually ordered.  As a long-time global distributor, Ingram makes books available for distribution to every outlet in the world, including libraries, indie bookstores, and university bookstores. Some authors have complained that even local bookstores who love local authors won’t carry books printed Other authors complain about CreateSpace’s bad customer service, hidden costs, and the quality of the books. I’m not saying CreateSpace isn’t a great option, because I personally know several authors who are very happy with their experience of publishing with CreateSpace. But why not take advantage of every market? I especially appreciate having my books available on Indiebound.org for readers who carry torches for indie bookstores. And the real plus for IngramSpark is that you can send a copy of your book for consideration to Barnes Noble’s Small Press Department (barnesandnobleinc.com/publishers-authors/sell-your-book-at-barnes-noble/). So far, I’ve had three of my books accepted, and when I sent two together, BN ordered 36 copies of each. Plus, if you promote your books with BN links, there’s nobody there selling used copies of your books to take new sales away. If you use IngramSpark, you can bop around to bookstores and let them know your book is available in Ingram’s database (or, if you’re an introvert, just call and ask if they have it - maybe they’ll order a couple!). Before you quit your day job, there is a caveat: if you want to sell many books, you have to choose the 55 percent discount to booksellers, and make the books returnable. After Ingram takes their cut, I only make a bit over $4 per book. You can choose a 40 percent discount, but probably won’t sell as many books. Here’s a tip: IngramSpark usually has two periods during the year when they offer a free promo (spring and fall), so you don’t have to pay their standard $49 (print) or $25 (ebook) setup fee.  If you’re in a hurry, that’s not even a high price.  You’ll need to buy an ISBN (https://www.myidentifiers.com/). I have a lot of books, so I made one quantity purchase when I began, which was my primary expense ($295 for 10 ISBNs). Buying your own ISBN lets you provide comprehensive details about your book (including searchable tags) for Bowker’s Books in Print database, which is used Unlike Amazon, IngramSpark provides no setup support- you’ll need to complete the entire pre-production process yourself or hire someone to do the editing and the interior and cover designs, so you have everything (interior and full-size cover) ready to upload.  Interior design is not that hard, and IngramSpark offers very clear info about their specs to make the learning curve easier.  It does take some time to master the process.  After you upload, you’ll receive specific info about any changes that are needed. There’s also a Cover Creator tool, which will send you a template to work with based on the size of your book. Two more reasons: the quality of the books is generally very good, and customer service is excellent. You can even get chat support during office hours in the midst of a frustrating issue. Some authors use both CreateSpace (to get Amazon’s attention) and IngramSpark. Might as well cover all the bases Happy Publishing!
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Diganostic Radiography Image Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words
Diganostic Radiography Image Evaluation - Essay Example plate, a good quality image would need to fulfill certain physical criteria for an accurate diagnostic yield, although some parts of it are contributed to by technical soundness of the process of imaging and some are contributed to by the factors essentially related to the patient. Whatever may be the reason, a poor image quality compromises the diagnostic yield, and in some cases, a reading or a diagnosis is not possible, where the radiographic plate needs to be rejected, and re-examination is mandated (Beutel et al., 2000). In this assignment, an evaluatory report of a radiographic image will be presented with a critical discussion about the reasons for it being discarded and a re-examination being recommended. While evaluating an image, it must be borne in mind that evaluation of image is dependent on human vision as related to the examiner. Since radiographic images are essentially black and white, it is to be considered that ideal white light has flat spectrum in which all wavelengths of lights are present. In practice white light sources approximates this property. The light which has no colour or is achromatic such as in radiographic plates has only one descriptor, which is its brightness or grey value. This light has a saturation of 0% and it contains only white light. However, when the saturation varies, it becomes difficult to differentiate between two adjacent differing shades of gray which are considered to be mixtures of varying blacks and whites. Therefore, it is also to be noted that equal distances in physical intensity are not perceived as equal distances in brightness. This occurs due to the fact that intensity levels are dynamic and hence must be measured and indicated log arithmically. Intensity levels must be spaced logarithmically rather than linearly to accomplish equal steps in perceived brightness (Dougeni et al., 2007). The most important parameter of an image is its resolution. The perceived resolution is also determined by the imaging
Friday, October 18, 2019
International Relations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
International Relations - Assignment Example Study of international relationship also pertains to finding amicable means towards the resolution of the problems faced through diplomatic engagement of the parties (Wilkinson 2007). Realism is based on the mindset of military might, war hysteria and aiming to gain maximum ground against the rivals. The military empowerment and use of force as a means to protecting oneself makes up for the main idea of realism. In practical scenario, the Cold war era depicted the realism in terms of international relationship. In the light of realism, the countries aimed at establishing their influence by providing military and other forms of assistance that was directed towards a less safe world. Liberalism on the other hand does not stress for hardcore usage and empowering oneself with the state of the art military equipment and arsenal, instead it advocates the presence of intergovernmental organizations such as United Nations and other associated entities. The NATO and other economic entities established for purpose of economic corporation make up for liberalism model. Economic prosperity and Mutual Corporation is sought as an alternate to realism. Liberalism aims at finding hope for mutual co existence. A state is characterized by number of factors. These are total of four factors. These factors include presence of territory with fix defined boundary. The second variable of state is that of population. A specific amount of people is a necessary factor for a group of people to be declared a state. The third factor is presence of government within that would be administered over the people and internal affairs. The fourth basic element of a state is it should be able to engage itself in relationship and exchange of views, dialogue with the foreign world. This comes in the form of recognition of the global community. The recognition may be done
Examining the life of Abraham Lincoln Research Paper
Examining the life of Abraham Lincoln - Research Paper Example Tutor Signature: Date: Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 The Events of His Time 6 Slavery Issue 6 Election to the Presidential Position 7 The Civil War 9 Lincoln was regarded as commander in chief and was noted for the energetic measures. He was also regarded as the odds at the constitution of military commanders. Lincoln’s preoccupancy at the presidency at the time of war was regarded as the political vied. During the war, there is a need for the deployment of a large number of me at war and also several quantities of material related to the administrative assistance. This led Lincoln to turn towards to the only organization that can be used i.e. the Republican Party. Lincoln during the war period tried thoroughly that the Republican Party must consistently favoured with the other parties. The total military appointments were highly divided into the Democrats and the Republi cans. This led the Democrats to accuse Lincoln being a dictator because of his decisions of proscribed civil liberties. Lincoln during this period has suspended the injunction of habeas corpus in some of the areas; this led to the arrest of 13000 arbitrary. During this period Lincoln also tolerated several criticisms from several politicians and press, due to his decisions for the overzealous arrests, and this has led to show him his tendencies of not becoming the dictator. 9 At the time of Civil war, Lincoln appropriated powers no other previous President has wielded. Lincoln used his war powers for proclaiming the blockade, spends the money without any congressional authorization, suspended the writ of habeas corpus, and even imprisoned the 18000 suspected Confederate without provided them any trail. At the time of Civil War Abraham Lincoln faced conflicting politicians and pressure over the issue of slavery, but the movement towards the black Americans was unalterable 9 As the president of United States of America, Lincoln has to manage both the military and political dimensions of the conflicts that arose at the time of civil war, and that has the leadership record that depends over the ability for coordinating with the two aspects of war efforts. Lincoln never lost the control from the revolution of the war due to its testimony for the great leadership ability of leading the nation towards the victory and succeeding in preserving the union without destroying the democracy that assured his ever lasting place in the history of America. Success never came to him very easily. 10 At the time of his early political career, the setbacks and defeats outweighed the achievements and victories. Throughout the time of Civil war period, his basic character was shone through: his basic decency, good will, and remark able self-confidence encapsulated into his genuine humility, immunity to passions, hatred the spawned war, spirit generosity, and extraordinary patience. Even in the war darkest days, Lincoln never faltered into his commitment for preserving until the union was restored. The political and personal qualities of Abraham Lincoln brought him to face the challenge of waging the civil war. After the Civil war, the lesson and experiences of life made the Lincoln rethink about the early teachings and even restored his faith in Bible and God. Specially, public and personal losses endured at the time of the presidency that leads him towards reassessing
Thursday, October 17, 2019
David Sedaris and Projecting Sexual Orientations Through Speech Research Paper
David Sedaris and Projecting Sexual Orientations Through Speech - Research Paper Example The opening of the report consists of the information about David Sedaris as a writer. Writers generally write about their experiences. As an essayist and a humorist, David Sedaris chronicles his experiences and more, in order for the people to get entertained. His works can be satirical and deadpan, or maybe even exaggerated. Whatever the style is, David Sedaris is a chronicler of life. And his life, whether you want to admit it or not, is really interesting, and that makes it very readable. But then again, David Sedaris is not a very special man. In fact, he is too much like the rest of the world, which is why many people read him. But the fact remains that he is sure interesting enough in order for the person to have such interesting experiences – experiences that lead the readers to enjoy a funny, vicarious experience. Why is this so? Why is David Sedaris genuinely interesting to the rest of the world? David Sedaris is an American writer, first and foremost. Most of his wo rks focus on his experiences on being American: being American in America (as he recalled in â€Å"End of the Affair†in the book Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, for example), being American in Paris or being American in Japan, or wherever it was he went (such as the essays in When You Are Engulfed In Flames). He offers a different take on being American, and this is largely due to his colorful personality and his ability to appreciate reality. His works are funny largely because of the people around him which can be quite rambunctious and funny, all because they differ than most people. But generally, the observations made by Sedaris as an American are quite useful for the traveler, as they can actually use the information as tools for insight, as the self-deprecating humor can actually highlight the flaws on has for being who he is, which in this case, is being American. It offers non-biased, non-judgmental reflection on how it is to be an American, especially abro ad. Add to the fact that he is a smoker, and how it means to be a smoker. Experiences which relate to being a smoker can be largely found in the book, When You Are Engulfed With Flames, especially being a smoker in foreign countries like France and Japan. But then his earlier work always through references to smoking, especially with his family: his mother and sisters are all smokers. This time, smoking is not preached as good or bad, it just is smoking. His being a smoker adds dimension to his persona, to his experiences. He is also not rich. He came from a working class family. His essays revolve on his experiences as a struggling writer. He was a cleaning guy in New York for some time. He was also an apple-picker once, just to take a stab at romanticism. Although they were not struggling as a family, his experiences as a young man (or boy) trying to make ends meet are hilarious. There is this essay where he talks about how obsessed he was at being rich. He was constant dreamer. T hat’s for sure, and his constant to be part of something grad, something that most people are not privy to, makes him a very good vessel for many who would also like to try his antics, but couldn’t. But he also suffered some tics. Maybe they were developmental tics at the time, who knows. In Naked, there is an essay called a â€Å"Plague of Tics†, casually making his experience with tics accessible to
Department of state Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Department of state - Essay Example The first display that I would like to take the time to speak about concerned the efforts of the Peace Corp as a function of the work they have accomplished in different parts of Southeast Asia. The exhibit showed the harsh conditions coupled with the difficult work that the Peace Corps volunteers have performed as a means of providing fresh drinking water and means of sanitation to some of the more remote districts in places such as Burma and Bangladesh. The exhibit was eye opening because although it is common to hear about the Peace Corps working to better the lives of people in remote corners of the world, it is rare to actually see or hear information that directly relates to the methods by which they do this. Additionally, since news stories are almost always concentric upon the negative with relation to what is going on in the world, it was necessary to visit the museum in order to see first hand some of the things that are being done. Secondly, I spent some time at an exhibit of Joseph E. Davies personal correspondence. To those that are not familiar with him, Joseph E. Davies is the US Ambassador who was responsible for meeting with Joseph Stalin during World War II. As such, the personal correspondence helped to reveal a side of Soviet Russia and the interactions that he had with Joseph Stalin that would otherwise be unknown to history. Furthermore, even though Joseph E. Davies presented an optimistic view of the Soviet Union to the president (FDR), he held a bit of resentment towards the Soviet Union as a result of the show trials that were currently being carried out upon the instructions of Joseph Stalin. With relation to how each of these related to the overall class them, it should be noted that each display helps to show the spirit of integration and involvement with which US diplomacy and foreign
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
David Sedaris and Projecting Sexual Orientations Through Speech Research Paper
David Sedaris and Projecting Sexual Orientations Through Speech - Research Paper Example The opening of the report consists of the information about David Sedaris as a writer. Writers generally write about their experiences. As an essayist and a humorist, David Sedaris chronicles his experiences and more, in order for the people to get entertained. His works can be satirical and deadpan, or maybe even exaggerated. Whatever the style is, David Sedaris is a chronicler of life. And his life, whether you want to admit it or not, is really interesting, and that makes it very readable. But then again, David Sedaris is not a very special man. In fact, he is too much like the rest of the world, which is why many people read him. But the fact remains that he is sure interesting enough in order for the person to have such interesting experiences – experiences that lead the readers to enjoy a funny, vicarious experience. Why is this so? Why is David Sedaris genuinely interesting to the rest of the world? David Sedaris is an American writer, first and foremost. Most of his wo rks focus on his experiences on being American: being American in America (as he recalled in â€Å"End of the Affair†in the book Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, for example), being American in Paris or being American in Japan, or wherever it was he went (such as the essays in When You Are Engulfed In Flames). He offers a different take on being American, and this is largely due to his colorful personality and his ability to appreciate reality. His works are funny largely because of the people around him which can be quite rambunctious and funny, all because they differ than most people. But generally, the observations made by Sedaris as an American are quite useful for the traveler, as they can actually use the information as tools for insight, as the self-deprecating humor can actually highlight the flaws on has for being who he is, which in this case, is being American. It offers non-biased, non-judgmental reflection on how it is to be an American, especially abro ad. Add to the fact that he is a smoker, and how it means to be a smoker. Experiences which relate to being a smoker can be largely found in the book, When You Are Engulfed With Flames, especially being a smoker in foreign countries like France and Japan. But then his earlier work always through references to smoking, especially with his family: his mother and sisters are all smokers. This time, smoking is not preached as good or bad, it just is smoking. His being a smoker adds dimension to his persona, to his experiences. He is also not rich. He came from a working class family. His essays revolve on his experiences as a struggling writer. He was a cleaning guy in New York for some time. He was also an apple-picker once, just to take a stab at romanticism. Although they were not struggling as a family, his experiences as a young man (or boy) trying to make ends meet are hilarious. There is this essay where he talks about how obsessed he was at being rich. He was constant dreamer. T hat’s for sure, and his constant to be part of something grad, something that most people are not privy to, makes him a very good vessel for many who would also like to try his antics, but couldn’t. But he also suffered some tics. Maybe they were developmental tics at the time, who knows. In Naked, there is an essay called a â€Å"Plague of Tics†, casually making his experience with tics accessible to
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Compare internship chosen with own professional goals Personal Statement
Compare internship chosen with own professional goals - Personal Statement Example I expect that this period will be a great learning experience for me, and will lay the foundation for the future that I see for myself as finance professional. I think that finance is the core sector of any business, because how finances are managed will be the key to whether a business makes a profit and prospers, or makes losses and dwindles. To begin with I shall need to learn the basics of how to use accounting tools, balance budgets and make accurate forecasts, taking into account future trends in markets and economies. The management of variances in actual and budgeted expenses and revenues, will be a challenge that I shall look forward to. I would like to gain an in depth understanding of how budgeting is done for various products, as well as how strategic goals are shaped and executed, and growth is driven through disciplined and efficient operations. Above all, I shall look forward to learning how processes and policies are put in place in order to drive growth, and improve the financial health of the company. In today’s world of global competition, I shall be particularly interested in learning how finance wizards work with fluctuating currencies, and the techniques they use to manage risks. The meeting and interaction with eminent Chief Financial Officers of various companies will be the icing on the cake. The seminars that I expect to attend as part of my internship will also help me hone my problem solving and communication skills. Interactions with people from varied walks of life, will give me insights into different ways of analyzing and addressing problems, and give me the confidence to put forward my own views and ideas. I hope also that meeting people will enhance my interactive and people skills. All in all I am expecting that this period of internship will be a big step forward for me in the direction of my ultimate goal. On my part I shall
Monday, October 14, 2019
Coffee Shops Essay Example for Free
Coffee Shops Essay Whenever I am in need to study or just want to find a place to hangout, what instantly springs to my mind is a coffee shop. There are many different coffee shops around me, but only one is my absolute favorite. My favorite coffee shop is Beca House. Beca House is a locally owned business and is only about twelve minutes from my house. It is the coziest little nook, where I usually spend my mornings before class eating breakfast and drinking my favorite espresso coffee drink. After all, coffee is the best way to wake up and get the body moving. As I walk into Beca House every morning, the strong bitter aroma of ground coffee beans drift through the air, soaking into my clothes as I make my way to the counter to place my order. The smell was circulating because the coffee bar is located near the left side of the shop. The first attraction for me was the baked goods. They are tidily placed in the transparent glass cabinet, lining up and waiting for me to eat them all. There were all different types of baked goods like muffins, streusels, cheesecakes, cookies, and biscotti’s. Up above near the ceiling of the bar, there were an assortment of coffee beans packed into brown bags. The barista takes my order, large campfire frappe, double espresso. On a cooler day, I order a hot vanilla cappuccino. The delicious smell of coffee generates from the espresso machines. There is also a blackboard on the counter near the menu with a quote written with chalk that will change from day to day. The barista hands me my custom beverage order, and I stroll back to the front of the coffee shop to find a place to get comfortable. All along the walls of the shop are strategically placed vintage paintings and inspirational quotes. Dim lights shine on the spaced out vintage furniture, making for a very soothing and quiet atmosphere. No two pieces of furniture are the same, big couches, small wooden chairs, dark colored pillows, and rustic end tables. I like admiring this type of environment: soothing and calming, yet still inviting. In comparison to most restaurants, coffee shops are by no means a noisy place. The sound of chatters and laughter blends together with the background music playing around the shop, and the volume is set at a medium tone. Coffee shops provide a comfortable, yet sociable gathering spot for people of all ages. I often find peers of my own studying for big tests, writing papers, or maybe just reading a new book and relaxing. The Beca House is my favorite part to my day. I cannot start without it. Even on days that I do not have class, I find myself getting my daily cup of coffee at the crack of dawn, just before work. Stopping at Beca House has become part of my daily routine, and I do not see it being cut out any time soon. I know I go there a lot when the barista’s know my order when I walk through the door. There’s something so perfect about it being just me, my thoughts, and my morning cup of coffee.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
The need for reward management and systems
The need for reward management and systems Reward management is not just about money. As shown in the above diagram, it is concerned with intrinsic as well as extrinsic rewards and with non-financial as well as financial rewards. Intrinsic rewards arise from the nature the job itself. Decenzo and Robbins ( 2005, p.274) stated that intrinsic rewards are self initiated rewards like pride in ones work, a sense of accomplishment or being part of the job. Intrinsic rewards related to responsibility and achievement they are inherent in individuals and not imposed from outside. On the other hand, extrinsic rewards arise from the factors associated with the job context such as financial rewards, promotion and benefits. They are external to the job and come from outside source. All reward systems are based on the assumptions of attracting, retaining and motivating people. Rewards are of two type Financial and non-financial rewards. Many people view money as the sole motivator but many studies have found that among employees surveyed, other non financial reward also motivate them and influence the level of performance. A recent study of reward practice by CIPDs shows that higher proportion of employers have adopted a total reward approach, in which they try to align the financial and non-financial elements. Non financial rewards indirectly increase workers financial position. It differs from workers to workers. For example an employee may value office furniture and other may find it useless whereas financial rewards can be wages, bonuses, or indirectly paid sick leaves and paid vacation. They are mainly of three types such as profit sharing, job evaluation and merit rating. However, Decenzo and Robbins (2005) classified financial rewards as shown in the diagram above as performance based, implied membership based and explicit membership based. They mentioned that performance based use commissions, piecework pay plans, incentive system, group bonuses, merit or other node of payment for performance whereas membership based rewards include cost of living increases, benefits and salary increases attributable to the labour market conditions, seniority, qualifications, and specialised skill. Membership-based rewards may attract many employees on the whole when the extent of the reward increas es with seniority. Though, there are drawbacks: They discourage poor performers from leaving and people from leaving the organization, they indirectly motivate job performance. However, Seniority-based rewards lessen turnover because the cost of leaving raise with the employers duration of service. 2.3 REWARD MANAGEMENT LINKED TO THEORIES OF MOTIVATION Employees motivation depends on the perception of achieving the reward, i.e. their expectations. Motivation theory describes why people at work act in the way they do, and what organisations can do to persuade people to apply their efforts and abilities in ways that will help to achieve the organisations goals as well as satisfying their own needs. Everyone has their own needs and a different set of goals. Employees can motivate themselves in different ways that will guide them to expect that their goals will be achieved whereas management can motivate people through methods like pay, promotion and praise. Motivation is important because there is reward. People work because they get revenue to spend on their individual, family and society needs. Some needs are the basics of life, what individual needs to survive physiologically. Maslow defined the hierarchy of needs with essential physiological needs at the base and going up through safety, social needs and ends in the need for self-fulfillment. However, some critics say that there is little empirical evidence to support this model. Herzberg differentiated between firstly hygiene extrinsic factors such as pay and organisation strategy and measures that will cause dissatisfaction in the workplace if absent or insufficient. Secondly, motivators which are intrinsic factors such as the worth of the work, attainment, appreciation, responsibility and potential for growth which will positively motivate people. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs and Herzbergs Two Factor Theory are a content theory of motivation. They both suggest that needs should be satisfied for the employee to be motivated but, Herzberg argue that only the higher levels of the Maslow Hierarchy (e.g. self-actualisation, esteem needs) act as a motivator. The remaining needs can only cause dissatisfaction if not explained clearly. Thus he stated that satisfaction and dissatisfaction were not necessary related. Taylor developed his theory of scientific management where he made three assumptions in his observation: Man is concerned with maximising money, People are considered as individuals and they can be treated like machines. Taylor had analyzed what motivated people at work which was money. He though workers should be paid for what they worked and pay should be associated to the amount produced Workers who work less would be paid less and Workers who did more than usual would be paid more. The main limitation in Taylors approach is that it overlook that each individual is unique Secondly, money is not an important motivation for everyone. Taylor ignored the fact that people work for reasons other than financial reward. Other theories of motivation have been developed as well which are believed to focus on cognitive or process theories that are how people consider their reward. Expectancy theory distinguishes two factors of value and probability. People value reward according to the level it satisfies their needs of security, community esteem, achievement and autonomy. Armstrong also agrees with the fact that Expectancy is the likelihood that reward depends on effort where there is more effort, the higher the reward but Marchington and Wilkinson (2006, p.325) argue that this is not a fixed and there may be other sets of expectation at different times. For that effort to be useful to the organisation, individuals need to have the correct ability and the right perception of their role. The theory implies that low motivation will be product of jobs where there is little worker control. (Marchington and Wilkinson 2006, p.326) Two other theories of motivation are significant to reflect on. Latham and Locke developed goal theory which describes that both performance and motivation are improved if people have challenging and monitored goals but accepted when there is feedback on performance. On the other hand, Equity Theory which advocates that people are more motivated when they are treated equitably and demotivated if they are treated inequitable while they deserved more than that. 2.4 STRATEGIC REWARDS Reward strategy is a declaration of intent that defines what the organization wants to do in the longer term to develop and implement reward policies, practices and processes that will further the achievement of its business goals and meet the needs of its stakeholders. (Armstrong 2006, p.643) Reward is more than compensation and benefits. Thus, a reward strategy must consider many aspects of the workplace in order to both attract and keep high value employees doing the correct things in the correct way so that they the organisation is successful. Reward policies provide guidelines for the implementation of reward strategies and the design and management of reward process. Basically, every employer must obey four major policies (White Druker 2000): internal alignment, external competitiveness, employee contributions, management of the pay system. Many research and studies on reward strategy has revealed that people are difficult and motivation is a complex process. What is obvious is that while financial reward is essential, for many people other factors are also, and can be more, important. Rewards are designed to promote behaviour that will contribute directly to the achievement of the organisations objective.Reward systems should be in line with the following: HR Strategy Business Strategy Organization Culture The elements of reward management and their interrelationship can be shown in the figure 1.2 Figure 2.2: Rewards management: elements and interrelationships Source: Michael Armstrong, 2006, A Handbook of Human Resources Management Practice, p.630 The elements of a rewards management system are: Job Evaluation Job evaluation is an organized method for defining the relative value or size of jobs within an organisation in order to institute internal relativities. It provides the basis for designing a fair grade and pay structure, grading jobs in the structure, managing job and pay relativities and guiding the success of equal pay for work of equal worth. However, there has been many criticism of job evaluation by some HR practitioners, in the late 1980s and early 1990s A numbers of major charges were made against it in many organisation. Critics argued that it was not only bureaucratic and rigid, but also time-consuming and unsuitable in todays organisations. 2.4.2 Grade and Pay Structure Pay grade is a system indicating rate and shows the rate at which an employee receives basic pay. It is also a means to compare ranks, which may have different names in the different services. Pay grades facilitate the employment method by providing a flat range of salary whereas Pay structure refers to the various levels of pay for jobs or groups of jobs by referring to their point as determined by job evaluation as compare to market rate surveys. it provides scope for pay increment in accordance with competence or contribution. Market Rate Analysis Market rate tell us the actual salary of some jobs. It is determined by the forces of demand and supply of the labour market. If an organisation pays below the market rate then it will probably have trouble in recruiting and retaining suitable staff. To know the market rate an organisation has to do pay surveys. It helps to obtain and keep high quality staff and response to market pressures. There are several ways in which a company can obtain data on market rates such as Local employment agencies, Job centres, Job adverts in national newspapers 2.4.4 Contingent Pay Contingent pay measures what do we value and what we are ready to pay for? It refers pay for individual that is related to performance, competence, contribution or service. Employee Benefits Benefits can be defined as all the indirect financial payments an employee receives for continuing his or her employment with the company. Benefits are generally available to all firms employees and includes such things as time off with pay, health and life insurance, and child care facilities. (Dessler 1997, p503) Today many organisations regard benefits to be an important approach in reward management in order to achieve a competitive advantage in labour markets. Both financial and non-financial benefits play an important function when it comes to attract, keep and motivate employees. As an addition to base pay financial benefits may improve an organisations ability to attract and retain employees, and non-financial benefits allows organisations to meet the specific needs of the employees. Allowances Allowances may be regarded as additional to base pay. Example of it may be meal allowances where some employees in any organsation are given a sum of money for a meal. Performance Management Performance Management refers to a process, which frequently measures work as it occurs. It is a way of obtaining better results by managing performance according to set of planned goals and competency achievements. It motivates people to do the right things by specifying their goal. Non-Financial Rewards It refers to rewards that are not related to pay but rather satisfaction arising from the job itself like recognition, success, responsibility, autonomy, and leadership skill. Total Remuneration Total remuneration refers to all the monetary reward and benefits than an employee received for working in the organisation. Total Rewards A total reward refers to all the rewards that exist like financial aspects of reward of basic pay, any bonuses and additional financial benefits with the non-financial benefits at the personal and organisational level. WorldatWork (2006) introduced a total rewards framework that proposed to advance the concept and help practitioners think and implement in new ways. Today, professionals primarily use the terms total rewards, total compensation or compensation and benefits to describe the joint strategies. There are five elements of total rewards, each of which includes programs, practices, elements and dimensions that together define an organizations strategy to attract, motivate and keep employees. These elements are: Compensation Benefits Work-Life Performance and Recognition Development and Career Opportunities 2.5 INDIVIDUAL REWARD SYSTEM Many sectors of employment use remuneration systems that contain direct relations to individual performance and results. On an individual basis this may be payment by results (PBR) for example bonus, piecework, commission, work-measured schemes and pre-determined motion time systems, measured day work (MDW), appraisal/performance related pay, market-based pay and competency and skills based pay. 2.5.1 Performance Related Pay Performance-related pay (PRP) is a method of remuneration that links pay progression to an assessment of individual performance. Performance pay may be defined as any remuneration practice in which part or all of remuneration is based directly and explicitly on employees assessed work behaviour and/or measured results (Shields 2007, p.348). Performance related pay is generally used where employee performance cannot be appropriately measured in terms of output produced or sales achieved. Like piece-rates and commission, performance related pay is a form of incentive pay. Individual performance is reviewed frequently (usually once per year) against agreed objectives is known as performance appraisal. Then employees are classified into performance groups which determine what the reward will be. The method of reward involves a cash bonus and/or increase in wage rate or salary. However performance related pay is not very understandable in the mind of researchers. Thorpe and Homan (2000) accounts both for research stating that one of the main advantages of performance related pay is that it attract and retain good employee while other research indicates that performance-related pay fails to motivate and that the employees generally regard the performance-related pay system as unfair in practice. Some drawbacks may be rewarding employees individually does very little to encourage teamwork and, such schemes also usually carried out only once a year assessment and payout, which may weaken any incentive effect. If a worker rated less than satisfactory receives no increase at all under an appraisal pay scheme their motivation and morale may be badly affected. Thus, it is important to focus appraisals on the assessment of performance, the identification of training needs and the setting of objectives, not on any dependent pay. 2.5.2 Individual Payment by Results (PBR) The aim of any PBR scheme is to provide a direct relationship between pay and productivity: the more effectively the employee works, the higher their pay. This direct link means that incentives are stronger than in other schemes. However, in recent years traditional bonus, piecework and work-measured schemes have decreased, as many employers have moved to 360-degree feedback, also known as multi-rater feedback that is employee development feedback that comes from all around the employee. Nevertheless, payment by result fails because material shortages or delays can affect production and Individual skills are not rewarded and indeed the most skilled may be put onto more complicated and potentially less rewarding work. 2.5.3 Piecework, Bonus Schemes and Commission Piecework is the easiest method of PBR workers are paid at a particular rate for each piece of output. This means the system is simple to operate and understand, although open to the shortcoming that it is often at the expense of quality. Pieceworkers must be paid at least the national minimum wage. Incentive bonus schemes is where for instance an extra payment is paid when production exceeds the established threshold, or where there is a raise in sales which surpasses given targets. Variable bonuses can also be paid in relation to performances achieved against pre-determined standards so that the higher the performance achieved, the greater the level of bonus produced. However, Armstrong (2006, p.635) mentioned that bonus payment are related to achievement of profit and or to other financial targets. Time rates are used when employees are paid for the quantity of time they spend at work. The common form of time rate is the weekly wage or monthly wage. Generally the time rate is fixed in relation to a standard working week (e.g. 40 hours per week). Time worked above this standard is known as overtime. Overtime is generally paid more than the standard time-rate. It reflects the extra contribution of the employee. The main advantages of time-rate pay are that they are appropriate for organisations that desire to employ workers to present general roles (e.g. financial management, administration, and maintenance) where employee performance is not easy to evaluate. Commission is a payment made to employees based on the value of sales achieved. For example, in sales jobs, the seller may be paid a percentage of the selling price or a flat amount of each unit sold (Werther Davis 1997 p.411). The rate of commission depends on the selling price and the amount of effort required in making the sale. Armstrong (2006, p.638) stated that commission provide a direct financial incentives and attract high performing sales staff. 2.5.4 Measured Day Work Measured day work (MDW) has been developed from both individual PBR and basic wage rate scheme. Salary is constant and does not vary in the short time provided that that the targeted performance is maintained. MDW systems need performance standards to be placed through some framework and undergo modifications as required. It involves full commitment of management, workers and trade unions. The pay structure is regularly formulated by job evaluation and with full employee agreement. MDW is now somewhat unusual. It suits organisations where a high, secure, expected level of performance is required, rather than highest potential individual performance. 2.5.5 Market-Based Pay Market-based pay refers to the salary level available in the market for the same type of work. Factors that help to consider the market rate are: the skills that are necessary are widely accessible, the unemployment level in general versus the employment rate and the jobs requirement for specialised skills. It is usually used in conjunction with other rewarding scheme like performance appraisal, but may be element of a reward strategy integrating several performance elements. 2.5.6 Competency and skills-based pay Competency and skills-based pay schemes are more common nowadays. There a direct relationship between the attainment, development and effective use of skills and competencies and the individuals pay. Competency and skills-based schemes measure what the employee is inputting to the job. Competency based systems have become more popular because many organisations use competencies in staffing and in performance appraisal for non-pay reason, such as training. There is an increasing trend for pay to be associated to the abilities of the individual. Competency based pay is used together with an existing individual performance related pay scheme and will reward them not on the basis of their performance but competencies. Leadership skill or team-working may be examples of competencies. Reward is given for the skills already gained and for the acquirement of new skills that would be helpful in other jobs in the same job band. This can promote multi-skilling and improved flexibility. 2.6 GROUP AND ORGANISATIONAL REWARD SYSTEMS Group pay schemes include those based on the performance of the team, plant or company. Team-based pay gained its importance with the increased interest in teamworking. It reflects the performance of the team. It is not easy to define the team, the goals, and the right reward. Peer group pressure can also be useful in increasing the performance of the whole team. Company based performance pay schemes are based on the whole organisation performance. The most common forms of this system tend to be based on overall profits (profit sharing), gainsharing systems. They are effective where communications and employment relations are good Share incentive plans involve the provision of shares to employees. In the journal of knowledge management, Milkovich and Wigdor, (1991) said: Team-based rewards may potentially result in a loss of motivation because of feelings of inequity due to a perceived free-riding of other team members and the use of an equality principle when allocating rewards rath er than an equity-based principle. (Milne 2007, p.33) 2.6.1 Gainsharing Gainsharing is a pay scheme that links workers pay to the success of organisational goals by rewarding performance above a pre-determined target. This is always led by measures of productivity, performance and quality. Gainsharing aims to develop these indicators by improving communications, staff involvement and promoting teamwork. It should be element of a full long-term strategy to maintain an effective system through involvement and sharing. It may thus be used as a substitute for bonus/piecework schemes, where quality is at times lost to quantity. The whole employees and management who have any association in the product of the organisation should be integrated in any gainshare plan. Marchington and Wilkinson (2006, p. 336) pointed out that such scheme have the merit that employees perceive their contribution to the total effort of the organisation and they do not consider themselves as individual units. They further mentioned that gainsharing plan will affect the role of trade union as their collective bargaining will become less important in determining wages or union will think employees will be more committed to the organiastion. 2.6.2 Profit Sharing Profit Sharing means rewarding employees a percentage of the companys profits. Singh (2006, p 385) defines profit sharing usually involves the determination of organizations profits at the end of the fiscal year and the distribution of a percentage of the profits to workers qualified to share in the earnings. Profit sharing helps employees to form part of oganisation success. However, Beardwell and Holden (1997, p.574) argued that there is little evidence that such schemes have any great consequence on the performance, motivation or attitudes of employees. 2.6.3 Share Ownership Schemes Businesses whose shares are traded on a stock exchange can offer shares to its promising employees. This compensation method can motivate employees to be committed to the business in the long run.There are different schemes available which companies can use to offer shares such as: 2.6.3.1 Share Incentive Schemes Under this scheme employer gives employees shares directly or ask them to buy. This motivates staff to be involved in the performance of the company. The Share Incentive Plan, previously known as the employee share ownership plan. For example, In the UK, a company using an ESOP can give employees shares worth up to  £3,000 each year. 2.6.3.2 Savings Related Share Option Schemes (SAYE) All employees and directors benefit from this scheme All scheme members get the right to buy a number of shares (normally at a lower price than their current price) after three, five or seven years. In this period of time, employee members save an expected amount to pay for the shares. If the shares increase in price, employees have a profit when they buy the shares. No income tax is paid on any gains made on these shares. 2.7 INFLUENCES ON PAY DETERMINATION According to Beardwell and Holden (1997 p.555) the pay system is affected by the following: 2.7.1 Beliefs about the Importance of the Job If a job is considered to be of high value, the salary scale of the job will be higher as compared to other jobs. 2.7.2 Personal Characteristics Individual characteristics like age, experience, education, skill affect the salary of a person. 2.7.3 Labour Market The demand and supply of labour affect pay determination. A business will have to match its pay with that of its competitors before setting its own pay structure. 2.7.4 The Strategies and Policies of the Company Each company has it own remuneration policy and strategy that determine the salary of its employees. 2.7.5 Government Rules and Regulation The government usually intervene for the welfare of employees like we have the equal opportunity Act, employment right Act 2008, and the employment relation Act 2008. Organisations have to consider all these Act before setting a fair compensation program. 2.7.6 Power of Bargaining Group Trade union action may affect the pay level. They can bargain for an increase in salary. 2.7.7 Cost of Living Due to high inflation rate, the cost of living tends to increase. Thus, this may affect the salary of employee.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
The Pros and Cons of Welfare Reform Essay -- Poverty Government Argume
The Pros and Cons of Welfare Reform There have been numerous debates within the last decade over what needs to be done about welfare and what is the best welfare reform plan. In the mid-1990s the TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Act was proposed under the Clinton administration. This plan was not received well since it had put a five year lifetime limit on receiving welfare and did not supply the necessary accommodations to help people in poverty follow this guideline. Under the impression that people could easily have found a job and worked their way out of poverty in five years, the plan was passed in 1996 and people in poverty were immediately forced to start looking for jobs. When the TANF Act was up for renewal earlier this year, the Bush administration carefully looked at what the TANF Act had done for the poverty stricken. Bush realized that, in his opinion, the plan had been successful and should stay in effect with some minor tweaking. Bush proposed a similar plan which kept the five year welfare restriction in place but did raise the budgeted amount of money to be placed towards childcare and food stamps. Both the TANF Act and Bush's revised bill have caused a huge controversy between liberal and conservative activists. The liberals feel that it is cruel to put people in a situation where they can no longer receive help from the government since so many people can not simply go out and get a job and work their way out of poverty. They feel if finding a job was that easy, most people would have already worked their way out of poverty. The conservatives feel that the plans, such as the TANF Act, are a surefire way to lower poverty levels and unemployment rates as well as decrease the amount o... ...ademic ASAP. Article A83774321. Ehrenreich, Barbara and Frances Fox Piven. ?Without a Safety Net.? Mother Jones. 27.3 (May-June2002):1?4. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A86047838. O?Beirne, Kate. ?The State of Welfare: An old and tricky question resurfaces.? National Review 54.2 (February 11, 2002): 1--2. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A82106612. ?Off Welfare, Better Off.? National Center for Policy Analysis. October 1,2002. http://www.ncpa.org/iss/wel/2002/pd100102a.html. (March 26, 2003). Rector, Robert E. ?Welfare-Reform Critics Were Wrong.? The Heritage Foundation. March 6, 2003. http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed030603.cfm. (March 26, 2003). ?Vanishing Act.? The Progressive 62.5 (May 1998):1-2. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A20527623. The Pros and Cons of Welfare Reform Essay -- Poverty Government Argume The Pros and Cons of Welfare Reform There have been numerous debates within the last decade over what needs to be done about welfare and what is the best welfare reform plan. In the mid-1990s the TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Act was proposed under the Clinton administration. This plan was not received well since it had put a five year lifetime limit on receiving welfare and did not supply the necessary accommodations to help people in poverty follow this guideline. Under the impression that people could easily have found a job and worked their way out of poverty in five years, the plan was passed in 1996 and people in poverty were immediately forced to start looking for jobs. When the TANF Act was up for renewal earlier this year, the Bush administration carefully looked at what the TANF Act had done for the poverty stricken. Bush realized that, in his opinion, the plan had been successful and should stay in effect with some minor tweaking. Bush proposed a similar plan which kept the five year welfare restriction in place but did raise the budgeted amount of money to be placed towards childcare and food stamps. Both the TANF Act and Bush's revised bill have caused a huge controversy between liberal and conservative activists. The liberals feel that it is cruel to put people in a situation where they can no longer receive help from the government since so many people can not simply go out and get a job and work their way out of poverty. They feel if finding a job was that easy, most people would have already worked their way out of poverty. The conservatives feel that the plans, such as the TANF Act, are a surefire way to lower poverty levels and unemployment rates as well as decrease the amount o... ...ademic ASAP. Article A83774321. Ehrenreich, Barbara and Frances Fox Piven. ?Without a Safety Net.? Mother Jones. 27.3 (May-June2002):1?4. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A86047838. O?Beirne, Kate. ?The State of Welfare: An old and tricky question resurfaces.? National Review 54.2 (February 11, 2002): 1--2. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A82106612. ?Off Welfare, Better Off.? National Center for Policy Analysis. October 1,2002. http://www.ncpa.org/iss/wel/2002/pd100102a.html. (March 26, 2003). Rector, Robert E. ?Welfare-Reform Critics Were Wrong.? The Heritage Foundation. March 6, 2003. http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed030603.cfm. (March 26, 2003). ?Vanishing Act.? The Progressive 62.5 (May 1998):1-2. Online. Information Access Expanded Academic ASAP. Article A20527623.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Death benefits Essay
Scholars such as Gnckenzie (2007) advised people to take action before the 1st of July in order to ensure that they stand an opportunity to benefit under the new super rules. Among the things people were advised to do were to make a clear review on their nominations of death benefits, to make sure that they were still appropriate and in the current manner. Doing a review on insurance cover was also necessary to consider whether the amount in the account should be increased or not. Another strategy was to do a combination of all or part of the money for those who started their funds before 1983, the 1st of July. The set one million as a limit was also supposed to be utilized by people if they were to get advantage in the new changes. According to Betamann (2006) a person was supposed to make sure that they had effectively quoted the number on the tax file (TFN) to make good use of the new rules on their superannuation funds. Co-contributions were to be appropriately made to the government for the people whose contributions on the super is non-concessional, all these were recommended to be done before 1st July 2007. People were also advised to review their arrangements on salary contributions and confirm that the contributions they made did not go above the set limits. The set one million as a limit should be utilized by people if they are to get advantage in the new changes. A recommendation was also made that one should make sure that they have effectively quoted the TFN to make good use of the new rules on their superannuation funds. Co-contributions should be appropriately made to the government for the people whose contributions on the super is non-concessional. Annette (2006) advised people to make a review on minimum payments allocated on pension and be careful about the amount of money they withdraw, because if one withdraws a lot of money, then it means their accounts would soon run out. There was an advice to people to make applications for the health card of the seniors if they were legible for that. Checking whether one would suitably fit in the non-commutable to be able to enjoy the benefit of exception on the asset test which is on a 50% limit. Conclusion By and large the, the changes made on the 2007 simplified superannuation Act as Gnckenzie (2007) stated, have had a great improvement on the lives of the employees who were approaching retirement period. The exemption of tax, tax deduction, reduction of tax on death penalties and tax free death benefits upon the immediate dependents are among the benefits the seniors have enjoyed. However, the limitations introduced in the Act may have negative effects on the retirees who may not be able to comply. If a retiree takes action on the advice offered by the scholars, then they stand a great chance to take advantage of the 1st of July simplified superannuation Act. References Annette, N. (2006).Choices of Individual Investment and Retirement Enhancement: The Subcommittee Hearing. New York: McGraw Publishers. Batemann, H. (2006). Retirement Provision in Scary Markets (3rd ed. ). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Clare, S. (2005). Retirement in Australia and Superannuation: The Government Fund. Cambridge: Anderson Publishers. Cohen, P. (1998). Superannuation and Retirement (2nd ed. ). Chicago: Moody Press Gnckenzie, R. (2007). The Book That talks On Money: How to Manage Your Money Well. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Genetically Modifying Crops Essay
Summary: What are the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modifying food crops? Can developing countries or countries struggling with famine profit from these techniques?Does it affect the surrounding environment? These are all questions that have kept scientist biologist and ethicists busy. Religious groups would also like to have there say in it. Can genetic engineering help society, or will it be a burden for our future generations, because it has disastrous effects on our environment. Approximately 10,000 years ago the first crops were consciously planted. In the Middle East, wheat and barley were planted, the early farmers in Peru cultivated potatoes and beans and in the Indus valley the ancient civilization there started sowing their fields with rice. How they figured this out we don’t know it was probably a long process of trial and error and a fair bit of luck. This early agriculture consisted out of four stages: sowing the seeds, caring for the plants, harvesting, selecting and keeping back some of the seeds for the next generation. Although these people that had settled down to farm had improved their life styles considerably, they still wanted a higher crop yield and a bigger variety of crops. This lead to certain techniques. Some that they understood like crop rotation, but others that have only been recently been explained by modern DNA research. These early farmers unconsciously crossed for example certain types of walnuts together, so that they w ere not poisonous anymore. Wild walnuts contain cyanide and the concentration in wild walnuts is enough to kill a human. These early farmers also tried to get bigger seeds and fruits of their crops and make them more resistant to diseases. Of course they booked some progress, but not a lot. Nowadays scientists are still trying to genetically modify crops using new techniques which involves cutting and pasting the DNA with enzymes. So is it only good that, because of the work of these scientists we will have stronger and healthier crops or are there also disadvantages to genetically modifying crops?One of the obvious arguments against genetically modifying crops comes from religious groups. They think that experimenting with DNA and genes is messing with the natural order. They believe that â€Å"God†created everything and meant it to be created that way. These religious groups can not prove that â€Å"God†meant it to be like this, so it is not valid evidence. Never the less they still make a point. If you genetically modify a crop in Area A these crops will of course also pollinate. When they pollinate there seeds will be carried by animals and the wind to the areas lying around them, Areas B, C, D and E. So if the grass in Area A was genetically modified than the seeds may carry and affect the grass in Areas B, C, and D and E which have normal natural grown grass. This of course could affect the ecological system that was in place in Areas B, C and D and E. There are certain genetically modified crops that yield infertile seeds, but these have not yet been approved and been given free. An advantage of genetically modifying crops is obviously that farmers, who are in most countries struggling financially, can get a higher crop yield. Not only by making crops resistant for certain diseases or pests, but also by making them resistant to the herbicides which are used to kill the weeds. The first reason stated has already been used. The European corn borer used to destroy about 7% of the annual yield of corn on the world. Since they added the gene that produces the Bt protein, which causes the corn borers to die of hunger, the annual yield in the USA has risen 5-10% in all areas. More interesting though is if scientists could make the crops resistant to herbicides. This would especially be financially attractive for farmers, since they don’t have to hire in people to do the weeding and they don’t have to pay all kinds of environmental taxes. The farmers sometimes have to pay these taxes, especially in Western countries, because of the biodegradability of t hese herbicides. Biodegradability, which I mentioned in the last paragraph, is one of the most important arguments of the group for using the special herbicides and modifying crops. They believe that the herbicides that are used now affect the ecosystem in a disastrous way. The term biodegradability means how good the environment is able to digest the herbicides. Some herbicides that are used now also affect the animals in the area. This is bad for the ecosystem, because the natural balance will be affected. So if through genetic engineering they can modify the crops so that they are resistant to these herbicides this might contribute to raising the biodegradability in the ecosystem. This is because the products they use to make these specific herbicides are general better for the environment. Also farmers can use less herbicide if the crops are resistant to them. They can spray a rough coat of their fields without having to worry that it will also hit their crops. For the consumers it would also be a good move, because of the higher crop yield the food prices would go down. The water supplies would also benefit, because there would be less toxic groundwater, which is caused by the herbicides seeping into the soil, pumped into them. Biologists are very worried about the loss of bio diversity, because of the genetic engineering of foods. Also medicine developers are worried that certain types of crops will be lost, because scientists are changing the genes of these crops. Medicine developers would like to keep and preserve as many different types of crops, because in the future they might be able to make medicine out of them. They would like to do this through using the genes of plants that are resistant to a disease and putting it in a human virus cell. By injecting these cells into humans these humans would become immune to it. So in principle the medicine developers are not against genetically modifying products but they would not like to lose any plants that might be of value for them in the future. Biologists are less interested in the healing qualities of these plants, but purely in the bio diversity. They would like to retain as much different species and types of plants to keep the natural order in balance. What, however, is more important is that if crops are genetically modified the original crops can not cross pollinate with other species of the same plant. This might lead to just one type of from example corn crop. This in the future could become a big problem, because if the climate changes the crop will not be able to cross pollinate with another crop and thus not adapt to the changing climate. This is a big issue, because with the global warming getting worse each year a climate change in the future could be disastrous. Biologist and ecologists have though started creating vaults in which all different types of plants are being preserved to maintain the bio diversity. An advantage of genetically modifying crops is that people in developing countries can get a higher crop yield and maybe even have two harvests per year. With this advantage though comes a big advantage. The companies that develop the techniques and sell them are all Western companies and there are only a few. So if African countries want to get these genetically crops they have to pay these companies. This will give these companies indirect access to the food supplies of Africa and other developing countries. If the companies also consider the poor companies in the way they handle genetically modifying these crops and selling them would contribute to making the world a better place. It is, however, more likely that they might unconsciously handle in favour of their own companies and profit. Another important issue is if crops that have been genetically modified should be labelled or not. Most people prefer to know what has been done to the food they’re eating. It is the same with organic eggs. People would like to know if the chickens that laid the eggs are having or had a good life. Most people are not against the fact that the crop is modified, they would just like to know it. There are many advantages, but also many disadvantages with genetically modified crops. There are ethical ones which come from religious groups. They believe you should not mess with â€Å"God’s†creations. A disadvantage is that genetically modified crops can cross pollinate with other normal crops in the areas around them. An advantage is that farmers and especially farmers in poor countries can get a higher crop yield and maybe have more than one harvest a year. A disadvantage though is that the companies that modify the crops could handle unfairly and would have control over their food supply. There might also be a loss of bio diversity. I think that genetically modifying crops is a good idea. It does have to be controlled properly though. There should only be certain areas where it should be allowed and foods that are made with it should be labelled. I also believe that the companies that produce these modifications should share the technology with other less rich companies to prevent a monopoly. Plants could also hold many products that could produce medicines in the future. So overall I think that crops should and can be genetically modified, but there should be strict regulations and the bio diversity should be preserved. Sources: Department of Agriculture, South AfricaISAAAhttp://www.geocities.com/gm_crops/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops#Genetic_modification_of_plantshttp://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/gm-foodGuns, Germs and Steel by Jared DiamondANW course bookhttp://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0111sp.htmhttp://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml
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