Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Employment Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Employment Law - Case Study Example In fact, corporate accounting team was among the top performing teams of the company. But from last two months some misunderstandings evolved between the members of the team. The performance of last two months of this team also decreased at a substantial rate. This decrease in performance led to an investigation into the matters of the team. Upon interviews with all team members and other team member of other concerned departmental teams, some important issues between the above mentioned three members of the corporate accounting team have been identified. These issues must be brought into your knowledge. These issue need to be dealt in earnest to avoid some dire consequences. After working for years in a team, Mary and Michael become close friends. They go for lunch together. They often hang out together. John who is heading the corporate accounting team was also working with Mary for years. Mary is an attractive young lady and John also likes her and has developed feeling for Mary. But John is also jealous with the close relation between Mary and Michael. John is an able person and an important employee of the company. On the other hand the performance of Mary and Michael is also good. Last month John, Mary and Michael behaved normal during everyday happenings. But this month they frequently entered into arguments which the other team members think is not normal and therefore not good for the company. Due to this tension between John and Michael, the everyday matters of the team are getting disturbed. Whereas, John has many times favored Mary unduly thereby bypassing the merit. Actually, Michael is senior after John and is eligible for a promotion to head the team. John is also eligible to become manager, so after the promotion of the Michael, John would have to head some other larger team. But John wants to keep closer to Mary. At the same time John wants to keep Mary and Michael far

Monday, October 28, 2019

Processes of Employee Resourcing

Processes of Employee Resourcing INTRODUCTION EMPLOYEE RESOURCING PROCESS Employee resourcing process is a part of human resourcing management which addresses one of the core areas of human resource practices: recruitment and selection. The greatest and most precious Assets of any organization is its employees and the most successful organizations comprise of a well formulated strategy and better management of human resources. The major role of human resource management is acquiring the employee services, developing their skills motivating them to high levels of performance And ensure that they continue to maintain their commitment to organizational objectives that leads to the implementation of organizational Strategy. Now considering the broad of context of global recession with increasing competition and scarcity, for Modern corporation for operating in its core firms the large scale employment is both a constraint and opportunity, where we can see the birth of strategic human resource management. In order to say employee resourcing process supports strategic human resource management, by considering the facts we can see that the strategic management of human resources is spread in successive layers of organization, which is addressing some fundamental environmental demands starting from hiring the right people for participation, motivating them to achieve organizational objectives. EMPLOYEE RESOURCING PROCESS SUPPORTING STRATEGIC HRM Resourcing is a process which helps management to establish and then change the behaviour of employees and increase their competencies too. Strategies of resourcing are basically two: Recruitment: Recruitment is the process by which an applicant is attracted towards the company and where the organization sells itself as an attractive workplace. Selection: Selection is the process in which a candidate is given a job from the pool of applicants, even assessing the applicant’s performance in accordance with the legislation and companies requirements. Selection is different from requirement, where recruitment technically precedes selection. Recruitment involves identifying the sources of manpower and stimulating them to apply for jobs in the organizations. On the other hand selection is the process choosing best out of recruited. Recruitment aims at increasing the number of applications for increasing the selection ratios. SELECTION PROCESS According to Gupta (2006), selection is a process of choosing the most suitable persons out of all the participants. In this process, relevant information about applicant is collected through series of steps so as to evaluate their competence for the job to be filled. Selection is the process of assessing the candidates by various means and making a choice followed by an offer of employment (Graham, 1998, p.206). The selection process includes all activities related to internal movement of people across positions in departments and as well as hiring. The process should match the available human resources to jobs or positions in the organization. The main strategic concern is Design, Careful attention should be given to Design a selection system that supports the organizational strategy. For example if a company plans to diversify or is going to change its strategy a careful analysis should be made of the types of people who will be needed to staff the new business or businesses and also parallel analysis should be made of general availability Of such person. Even though some Companies say that this type of planning will not yield a sufficient return on their investment of Time and energy, they say that they will go out and hire the appropriate people from the competition, if necessary, when they are needed. Strategic fit is the key to the success of any recruitment and selection activity. Gathering of evidence and information does selection process from a variety of sources, most commonly by interviews, assessment centre’s, psychometric tests and references. Any selection method must be job related. Generally there are four stages of selection where these stages are again divided. Short-list from evidence supplied Selection process Assessment of evidence from all sources Validating selection 1. Short-listing Short-listing can be a difficult process if supply far exceeds demand or if the criteria specified for the job are so general that they fail to act as self-selecting filter. In some organizations, short-listing can be fairly arbitrary but in others an objective assessment against the job description and person specification or competency requirements will take place. 2. Selection It is unusual for one selection method to be used alone. A combination of two or more methods is generally used. A. Application forms Forms were considered to act as a useful preliminary to employment interviews and decisions. This made sorting of applications and short listing easier and enabled interviewers to use the form as the basis for the interview. Generally these are used as a straight forward way of giving a standard synopsis of applicant’s history. B. Telephone interviewing These can be used if speed is particularly important, and if geographical distance is an issue, as interviews with appropriate candidates can be arranged immediately. CIPD (2006) report that 56% of organizations use this method of selection. Positive aspect is content will be concentrated rather than person. Interviews Various interviews include one-to-one, one-to-two, panel, sequential and behavioral interviews.( these interviews are not discussed in brief as they are discussed in detail in the below 2nd section) C. Tests The use of tests in employment procedures is surrounded by for and against feelings. Tests can be seen as giving credibility to selection decisions in strategic aspects. Different types of tests include 1.Psychological tests, 2. General intelligence tests, 3. Special attitude tests, 4. Trainability tests, 5. Attainment tests. 6. Aptitude tests, 3. Assessments centre’s Assessment centre’s is a multi method strategy for selection and may include interviews and psychometric tests. Assessment centers are developed from the recruitment criteria. For each dimension identified for a particular job role a variety of exercises or tasks are developed to test that dimension. Design of an assessment centre is crucial and needs to be specific to the vacancy being filled and to the organization. 4. Validation of selection procedures The critical information that is important for determining validity is the selection criteria used, the selection process used, and evaluation of individual at the time of selection and current performance of individual. It is useful for validation process if a record is made of the scores that each achieved in each part of the selection process. Test results are easy to quantify and for interview results a simple grading can be used. This includes medical checks and reference checks. Reference check helps to confirm (or deny) the information received from the employee resourcing process (factual check) and/or provide evidence of character or ability (character reference). Factual reference gives an indication of the candidate’s previous experience, his /her suitability and development potential Useful to provide the referee with a job description and ask his/her questions about the candidate’s previous job performance and relate this to the position on offer. Structured telephone reference check is the most beneficial way to obtain the information as people are usually more forthcoming with verbal feedback than written information. If the company does supply a reference it must be accurate. Employee resourcing policy should state clearly whose reference will be used, when in the process they will taken up and what kind of references will be necessary (e.g. from former employers). Objectives of Selection The basic idea in a selection process is to solicit maximum possible information about the candidates to ascertain their suitability for employment. Various steps involved in a selection process. Firstly, the selection process depends upon the type of personnel to be selected. For example, more info is required for the selection of managerial person when compared with subordinate workers. Secondly, it depends on the sources of recruitment and the method that is adopted for making contact with prospective candidates. For example in case of advertisement, selection process is more comprehensive and time-consuming, where as in the case of campus recruitment the process is shortened Thirdly, it also depends upon on the number of candidates that are available for selection. If the number is large enough, there is a need for creating various filtering points and reducing the number of applicants at each successive point. There is no standard selection procedure to be used in all organizations or for all jobs. The complexity of selection procedures increases with the level and responsibility of the position to be filled. Therefore, the strategy and the method used for selecting employees varies from firm to firm and form one job to another. Selection Interviews Legislation underpinning the selection process in strategically aspects â€Å"Law is not an abstract thing, it’s a living organism Since it’s applied on living human beings â€Å" Impact of legislation on selection process Right from the starting legislation has greatly influenced the selection process. Legislation is geared to remove discrimination from the process and ensure equal opportunity. Any selection process is designed to discriminate, but it is on the grounds of who has the best skills and abilities which fits the job and nothing else. Lester says, â€Å"When people sell their services and spend their lives in the premises of the purchaser of the services, a varying amount of dissatisfaction, discontent, industrial unrest likely to occur Hence the need for employee legislations. The employee legislation, labour legislation, human resource legislation whatever name it may be called refers to one and same concepts that cover a number of legislations passed by the governments. As the companies invest a lot through joint ventures or own source will definitely look towards concept of maximizing profit, which will lead to exploitation of Human resources and the executives Needs to be trained in the labour legislations, sociology, psychology, and psychiatry aspects. Now we will discuss the Federal laws and state laws specifying required, acceptable and prohibited employment practices, place constraints on recruitment, selection, placement and training and other human resource activities. Facts and resources say legislation and regulations enacted by governments have a direct impact on area of HRM policy and practice in which they are concerned. Moon (1991) noted there is an impact of legislation in areas such as equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and industrial relations in Australia. Moore and Devereaux Jennings stated, †In Canada, to a considerable extent, legal regulations shape human resources policies and constrain HRM practices.† Source: ( Bob Kane, Ian palmer.1995.International Journal of Man power: page no 11-19,viewed on December 3rd 2008 ,15:16) link- .http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/viewPDF.jsp?contentType=ArticleFilename=html/Output/Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Pdf/0160160501.pdf) From the above figure we can easily identify the potential influences of legislation on HRM. LEGISLATIONS IN UNITED KINGDOM If we take United Kingdom, the employment laws are concerned with deterring employers from discriminating. There are two major acts of parliament that govern sex discrimination matters in UK, they are the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. Sex discrimination is an area of law which has been one of EU competence so appeals can be made to the European court of justice. Sex discrimination Act and Racial Relations Act Under this terms of Sex discrimination act(SDA) and the Race relations act 1976 (RRA), it is unlawful to discriminate in employment-including recruitment, training and promotion-on the grounds of a person’s sex or martial status (SDA) or their race, colour ,nationality, ethinic and national orgin (RRA) Three different types of discrimination is defined under this act Direct discrimination Indirect discrimination Victimisation Gender Reassignment Sexual orientation Genuine occupational orientation Race relations amendment act 2000 Disability discrimination Act Under the terms of this act (DDA) discrimination will arise if , for a reason which relates to the person’s disability, the employer treats that person less favourably than it treats or would treat others who are not disabled ,unless there is a substantial justifaction. Under this act a disabled person is defined as anyone with â€Å"physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Employers are expected to make â€Å"reasonable adjustments† to accommodate people with disabilities. Religious cultural beliefs Under this act no applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of his/her religion. This legislation out lawing discrimination on grounds of religion was introduced in UK in December 2003, Effectively it prohibits direct indirect discrimination, harassment and victimization on the grounds of religion or belief. Ageism Employment Equality(age) regulations 2006 came into force on 1 october 2006, They prohibit unjustified direct and indirect age discrimination, and all harassment and victimization on grounds of age. Equal pay act The Equal pay act means that men and women in the same employment have the right to equality in the terms of their employment contract. This applies where the person is engaged on like work, the work is related as equivalent work and also considered to be of equal value. Rehabilitation of offenders act The rehabilitation of offenders Act concerns the employment with a criminal record. If a person has been convicted of an offense, provides they have not been re-convicted for a further offense during a specific period. The person( job applicant) is required to disclose it, if asked by an employer. Data protection act This act applies to personal data held in a structured way in a medium (paper, computer, microfiche, tape, etc). To comply with Act, information must be collected and used fairly ,stored safely and not disclosed to anyone unlawfully. There are eight data protection principles set out in the act. Processed fairly and lawfully; Obtained and processed for specified purposes Adequate, relevant and not excessive Accurate and update Held for no longer than necessary Processed in accordance with subject rights Kept secure; Not transferable outside the European economic area –unless equivalent levels of protection for personal data exist. Asylum and immigration act Under the asylum and immigration act the employer could be guilty of a criminal offense if they employ someone who doesn’t have permission to work in UK . This act applies to all temporary, permanent and casual appointments. The fixed –term employees regulations 2002 This regulation on fixed-term employees came into effect from 1 october 2002. The regulations are intended to protect employees engaged on fixed term contracts from being treated less favorably than comparable employees on indefinite contracts. All the above regulations were made, not only for the employee but also for the employer so that the employment can be upholded. These regulations can affect the selection process so that no job applicant will receive less favorable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social crisis. Orange.co.uk Cipd.co.uk 1000ventures.com Hrmguide.co.uk Hr.com

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Globalization Essay -- Pros and Cons of

The notion of globalisation encompasses various different aspects of social, economic and political life. In order to answer the question of whether or not globalisation is a progressive or negative force, I must first define globalisation. Then I shall examine the impact of globalisation on the population and finally determine whether this is a positive or negative impact. There are five different aspects that I have chosen in order to define the phenomenon of globalisation. They are internationalisation, liberalisation, universilisation, westernisation, and deterritorialization. (Scholte, page 16) Internationalisation refers to the significant increase in relations between countries. Increases in economic trade and politcal relations between countries has led to increased interdependency between countries, especially on an economic level. There has also been increased movement of people, capital, and ideas between countries. International relations between countries have always existed, but in today's globalised world, these relations have become more important and more significant than ever before. Liberalisation refers to the loosening of government restrictions on movements between countries. It is easier for individuals to move between countries, and also for money and capital to move between countries. The main component of liberalisation has been economic. There have been increasing commitments on the part of nations to adopt free trade policies and allow the free movement of capital between states. There have been significant reductions in tarriffs and on foreign exchange restrictions. Capitalism has been adopted on a global level with companies competing against companies in other countries, and the in... ... has positive and negative effects as it does create for better awareness, understanding, and tolerance of other cultures, it has also eroded many tradional cultural values and this has caused resistance to globalisation. Lastly, globalisation has reduced the power of nation states and increased the power of international organisations and multinational corporations. Globalisation has positive and negative effects, but one certainty is that globalisation does exist and it remains to be seen how much further it will go. Bibliography Bamyeh, Mohammed A. The Ends of Globalisation. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2000. Sandbrook, Richard. Civilizing Globalisation - A Survival Guide. Albany: State University of New York, 2003. Scholte, Jan Aart. Globalization - A critical introduction. International Politics Studypack for Term 2, 2006. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Globalization Essay -- Pros and Cons of The notion of globalisation encompasses various different aspects of social, economic and political life. In order to answer the question of whether or not globalisation is a progressive or negative force, I must first define globalisation. Then I shall examine the impact of globalisation on the population and finally determine whether this is a positive or negative impact. There are five different aspects that I have chosen in order to define the phenomenon of globalisation. They are internationalisation, liberalisation, universilisation, westernisation, and deterritorialization. (Scholte, page 16) Internationalisation refers to the significant increase in relations between countries. Increases in economic trade and politcal relations between countries has led to increased interdependency between countries, especially on an economic level. There has also been increased movement of people, capital, and ideas between countries. International relations between countries have always existed, but in today's globalised world, these relations have become more important and more significant than ever before. Liberalisation refers to the loosening of government restrictions on movements between countries. It is easier for individuals to move between countries, and also for money and capital to move between countries. The main component of liberalisation has been economic. There have been increasing commitments on the part of nations to adopt free trade policies and allow the free movement of capital between states. There have been significant reductions in tarriffs and on foreign exchange restrictions. Capitalism has been adopted on a global level with companies competing against companies in other countries, and the in... ... has positive and negative effects as it does create for better awareness, understanding, and tolerance of other cultures, it has also eroded many tradional cultural values and this has caused resistance to globalisation. Lastly, globalisation has reduced the power of nation states and increased the power of international organisations and multinational corporations. Globalisation has positive and negative effects, but one certainty is that globalisation does exist and it remains to be seen how much further it will go. Bibliography Bamyeh, Mohammed A. The Ends of Globalisation. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2000. Sandbrook, Richard. Civilizing Globalisation - A Survival Guide. Albany: State University of New York, 2003. Scholte, Jan Aart. Globalization - A critical introduction. International Politics Studypack for Term 2, 2006.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Understanding the Production of Biofuels in the United States

The current situation in the global demand for fuel is definitely becoming a global phenomenon, which develops to be a worldwide problem that directly affects the global society and the lives of people. Thus, for the past years, the global oil industry has experienced shortage and/or a crisis, which has caused the international oil price to increase with more than twice its normal rate. This global oil crisis and the higher rate of oil prices are indeed detrimental and difficult for the people and in the global economy.This problem results to more difficulties in the financial burden of the people and makes the global society suffer from the expensive rate of the crude oil and affects other major industries in its operation. Hence, with the continuous increase in worldwide oil price and the broadening campaign for global crisis, the production of biofuels is now regaining fame and significance amidst all these global issues. In this regard, this research paper concentrates on the top ic about the production and use of biofuels in the United States as an alternative to the ones that is already in the global mainstream oil market.The paper would work on investigating the process of the United States in producing biofuels by utilizing natural materials such as plants that are rich with the needed substances in making such oil product. Thus, this research would also focus on determining the positive and negative implications of producing biofuels, as an answer to the growing oil and energy crisis, among the major industries that would directly affected by such process of manufacturing biofuels. Probable Plants to be utilized for the Production of BiofuelsAs seen to be one of the richest countries in the globe and with the present resources they have, the United States of America is regarded to be one of the leading countries that produces large amount of biofuels, more specifically ethanol fuel and biodiesel, which alternatively supplies the local demand for oil to power vehicles. It is seen that ethanol and biodiesel are the primary biofuels utilized in the United States and as such, the country uses mainly corn kernels and soybeans in producing respective biofuels for local transportation and industry consumption.As of the present time, the United States uses corn kernels in producing bioethanol, which also utilizes a little fraction made from sorghum (Hagens). As such, through the use of corn crops alone, the United States is able to produce 4. 9 billion gallons of ethanol in 2006. On the other hand, the production of biodiesel in the United States uses mainly soybean oil and other vegetable oils where in the same year of 2006, the country has produced 100 million gallons biodiesel out of these natural resources (Hagens).Moreover, other major countries that also produces biofuels as an alternative oil to power up their local transportation and industry also uses relatively the same natural resources with the ones that the United States has been using in their own production (Hagens). For instance, Brazil, one of the leading producers of bioethanol, also uses corn kernels being one of the countries which produces large amount of corn crops (Hagens).As for the developing countries such as the Philippines, the productions of biofuels just in their beginnings where the plants to be use for such process depends on the location and available plant resources. In the Philippines, plants like Jathropa Curcas or better known as Physic nut is given more attention as one of the potential primary natural resources in producing biodiesel and cassava perennial plant in processing bioethanol fuels (Varona). How this plants grown and processed to produce biofuelsPlanting and growing these plants in producing biofuels requires typical way plant farming, which only requires a certain demand for fossil fuel consumption for the entire process of producing biofuels. As for the plant that produces bioethanol such as the corn, the process of planting and growing is seen to be tricky that entails possible negative results in the environment (Biodiesel Edges Out Ethanol). Firstly, the corn is often globally regarded as a crop that is not environmentally friendly, which requires enormous quantities of fertilizers and pesticides in growing.Study shows that the impact of large-scale cultivation has negative adverse effects on the environment wherein the soil becomes uncultivable after the harvesting of corns that requires certain amount of time for recovery (Keim). As for the growing of soybean that is being used in producing biodiesel, the planting process is relatively easier but also environmentally unfriendly. To be able to achieve the greatest quality of soy beans for biodiesel production, though soybeans is adaptable to different conditions of soil, seeds must be planted in a top quality soil and in temperate weather.Thus, the impact of soybean large-scale cultivation entails negative adverse effects in the environmen t wherein through this entire process of planting and growing, the healthy and fertile soil and water are being polluted through the use of detrimental chemicals such as pesticide and fertilizer (Soybean Production). Production Process for Corn The process involved in producing ethanol out of corn involves several processes. The first step includes addition of water to grains which have been previously grounded (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†).The mixture of water and grounded grains is subjected to high temperatures under the liquefaction process and alpha-amylase are added (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†). After which, it goes through fermentation where yeast is used in order for the sugars to be fermented, which then produces ethanol and carbon dioxide (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†). The beer produced in the fermentation tanks proceed through a distillation system that separates the ethanol and leaves a â€Å"whole still age† (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†). In the â€Å"whole stillage† the solids are separated from the liquid through the process of centrifugation.Afterwards, an evaporation step is done for the liquid portion to remove any excess water and leaves condensed syrup (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†). This condensed syrup is placed back with the grains of wet distillers and is dried to come up with DDGS or â€Å"distillers’ dried grains with solubles† (â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products†). A diagram for this process is shown below: Production Process for Soybean The main process through which soybean can be turned into soy biodiesel is called transesterification, which makes soybean oil transform into esters (â€Å"How to Make Soy Biodiesel From Scratch†).In the said process, the oil of the soybean is separated and its glycerine sinks at the bottom and the soybean biodesel goes to the surface (â€Å"Ho w to Make Soy Biodiesel From Scratch†). When this happens, the soybean biodiesel is siphoned (â€Å"How to Make Soy Biodiesel From Scratch†). Efficient Producers of Biofuels In a sense, the fully developed countries like the United States and Brazil are regarded as efficient producers of biofuels as compared to the other developing countries that are having a hard time establishing and starting a reliable way of producing biofuels.Unlike any other countries, the United States and Brazil are the top producers of biofuels, more specifically the bioethanol, which made them successful in attending to their local demands for clean fuels for energy consumption. In addition to this, the European countries also are among the top and efficient producers of another biofuel which is that of the biodiesel that normally caters to the demand of clean diesel fuel for their local vehicle and transportation. In these countries, there is a reliable means of producing these biofuels due t o the available resources as compared to other countries.Plants Consumption for Biofuel and its effect in the Global Food Prices With the trend in using some of the major plants for producing biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel, this entire process entails negative impacts in the supply and price of food in the worldwide market, more especially among the developing countries. Thus, there are reports that the consumption of plants, more specifically with corns and soybeans, creates shortage on the supply for human consumption as food. As such? in most of the countries across the globe, the production of biofuels is being blamed to be the number one cause of global food crisis.In addition to this, such consumption of plants for biofuel production generates shortage and difficulties for developing countries with the continuous increase in the price of food in the global market (Lovgren). Conclusion In the end, the production of biofuels as an alternative solution for the ever loo ming energy crisis is indeed a brilliant idea and a positive approach to resolve such global problem. However, the countries which serve as the major producers of biofuels must also ensure the welfare of the people and do this in such a way that is not harmful for the public and the environment.Thus, the major biofuel producers must also continue to do research with the purpose of discovering other ways of producing biofuels aside from consuming plants that are supposed to be allotted for human consumption to be able to avoid the competition between the interest of the public and need for resolving the looming global energy crisis. Work Cited Aoko, Sam. 12 World’s Largest Biofuel Plants. Eco Worldly. 18 November 2009 < http://ecoworldly. com/2008/04/23/12-worlds-largest-biofuel-plants/> Biodiesel Edges Out Ethanol. Last Updated July 18, 2006. RenewableEnergyWorld. com. 18 February 2009 < http://www. renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2006/07/biodiesel-edges-out-ethanol -45457> Hagens, Nate. The Implications of Biofuel Production for United States Water Supplies. The Oil Drum. 18 February 2009 â€Å"How to Make Soy Biodiesel From Scratch. † 2009. All Soy Products. 18 February 2009 . Keim, Brandon. Corn-Based Biofuels Spell Death for Gulf of Mexico. Last Updated March 13, 2008. CondeNet, Inc. 18 February 2009 Lovgre, Stefan. Hardy Plant May Ease Biofuels' Burden on Food Costs.Last Updated April 21, 2008. National Geographic Society. 18 February 2009 Soybean Production. Last Updated February 18, 2009. National Soybean Research Laboratory. 18 February 2009 â€Å"Utilization of Bio-fuel Co-products. † University of Saskatchewan. 18 February 2009 . Varona, Bernice. Power plants: University spearheads biofuel R&D. UP System Information Office. 18 February 2009 < http://www. up. edu. ph/upnewsletter. php? i=321>

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Contrast/Comparison Essay on Horror Movies

Lexus Marshall English 101/Sec 011 Comparison & Contrast Essay 10/16/12 Ms. Watkins In two horror films, â€Å"A Nightmare on Elm Street† and â€Å"Texas Chainsaw Massacre† the main killers have similarities and differences between each other. By their past, their killings, and weapons. In the horror film, â€Å"A Nightmare On Elm Street†, takes place in a town called Elm Street where teenagers are paying the price for actions their parents made, by burning a man to death, when they were young.His face is disfigured from being burned, he wears a red and black sweater, and has razor knives on his hand. His name was Freddy Kreuger, and he would kidnap young children and burn them in a furnace. Although the parents killed him when they found out what he did, his spirit didn't erase and he had the ability to enter the teenagers dreams where he can exact his revenge. He brings them to an old abandoned building in their dream and stabs them with a glove that has razor knives.Unless they escape, which eventually he catches them. Except for one of the teenagers named Nancy Thompson, who manages to escape him every time. In the other horror film, â€Å"Texas Chainsaw Massacre†, a serial killer named Thomas Hewitt, also known as Leatherface, murdered people who would pass by their small Texas town. Unlike the film â€Å"A Nightmare On Elm Street†, the town is stranded and not a lot of people live there.Thomas Hewitt, who was abandoned as a baby turns into a murderer. Unlike Freddy Krueger, Thomas first sometimes tortured his victims in horrific ways by skinning them alive. He makes a mask with the skin he took off to make a mask for his face, Because when he was born his face was disfigured. He takes the people that he finds brings them into his house and commits the killings in his basement with a chainsaw, which people soon thought he was in love with. There were no survivors.The similarities between both the murderers in the films ar e that they both are serial killers who lived a rough childhood. Both were bullied by other children growing up. And thought of killing at a very young age. They also both have disfigured faces, but from different reasons. In two horror films, â€Å"A Nightmare on Elm Street† and â€Å"Texas Chainsaw Massacre† the main killers have similarities and differences between each other. Although one is fictional and the other is based on true events, they both still have

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Italian Immigration

Italians have migrated to the United States more than any other European group. Poverty and overpopulation started Italian emigration. Italy’s populations rose in the late 1800’s. Population numbers became severe, especially in some poor southern provinces of Italy. The Italian government was basically run by mostly northerners. The southerners were hurt by high taxes on northern industrial goods. Southerners also suffered from not having large amounts of good farming land, and a lack of coal and iron ore needed by industry. This all brought about poverty in southern Italy. This poverty in Italy started migrations to other countries. More Italians migrated to South American than to North America. The first Italian immigrants to the United States were the northern Italians. Later, larger amounts of migrants came from the south. The Italians that came to the United States settled to areas that were completely Italian. The Italian Immigration article mentions, â€Å"Newly arriving immigrants were also known to seek out those who had emigrated earlier from their same town in Italy† (â€Å"Italian†) this kind of states the fact that these communities set up by the Italian’s were based on place of birth and kinship. Most Italians were not planning on staying in the United States. They planned to stay for approximately a year or two. After that they were going to return to Italy, but instead women and children started coming to the United States with the hopes of starting a new life. Most of the Italians went right for cities, like New York and Chicago, to become unskilled laborers. This made competition between Italians and Irish for the jobs.... Free Essays on Italian Immigration Free Essays on Italian Immigration Italians have migrated to the United States more than any other European group. Poverty and overpopulation started Italian emigration. Italy’s populations rose in the late 1800’s. Population numbers became severe, especially in some poor southern provinces of Italy. The Italian government was basically run by mostly northerners. The southerners were hurt by high taxes on northern industrial goods. Southerners also suffered from not having large amounts of good farming land, and a lack of coal and iron ore needed by industry. This all brought about poverty in southern Italy. This poverty in Italy started migrations to other countries. More Italians migrated to South American than to North America. The first Italian immigrants to the United States were the northern Italians. Later, larger amounts of migrants came from the south. The Italians that came to the United States settled to areas that were completely Italian. The Italian Immigration article mentions, â€Å"Newly arriving immigrants were also known to seek out those who had emigrated earlier from their same town in Italy† (â€Å"Italian†) this kind of states the fact that these communities set up by the Italian’s were based on place of birth and kinship. Most Italians were not planning on staying in the United States. They planned to stay for approximately a year or two. After that they were going to return to Italy, but instead women and children started coming to the United States with the hopes of starting a new life. Most of the Italians went right for cities, like New York and Chicago, to become unskilled laborers. This made competition between Italians and Irish for the jobs....

Monday, October 21, 2019

History of lacrosse with Native Americans and includes modern facts

History of lacrosse with Native Americans and includes modern facts Lacrosse SpeechThe sport of lacrosse was established by North American Indians even before Europeans explored America. Played by tribes all over the United States and Canada, the game was played for religious purposes, to train young men for war, and to resolve disputes between rival tribes. Though some settlers attempted to play with the Native Americans, the lack of rules and overwhelming skill of the Indians deterred the playability of the game. Lacrosse has evolved since then, the sticks, equipment, and rules becoming more modernized.The name lacrosse is French, derived from a bishop's staff-like crosier, which is "La Crosse" in French. French explorers gave lacrosse its name when observing it being played by various tribes. Lacrosse incorporates a blend of the games of hockey, basketball, soccer, and football. The Native American form of lacrosse is significantly different from the game played today, mainly because of a lack of rules."Ball players" painted by George Catlin, illu strat...Teams were comprised of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of men and boys, and the field would be a half mile long. Also, the game was much more physical; players would literally wrestle for control of the ball.The object of the game of lacrosse is to throw the ball into the opponents net, giving the scoring team a point; the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. The universal rule of lacrosse has always been that no one may touch the ball with his hands. The ball is controlled by holding it in the net of the lacrosse stick.Older versions of sticks vary based on the region where the game was played. Some tribes played with two short, two-foot long sticks, one per hand, which had a net strung within an open circle at the end of each stick. The net used...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Octet Rule Explanation in Chemistry

The Octet Rule Explanation in Chemistry The octet rule states that elements gain or lose electrons to attain an electron configuration of the nearest noble gas. Here is an explanation of how this works and why elements follow the octet rule. The Octet Rule Noble gases have complete outer electron shells, which make them very stable. Other elements also seek stability, which governs their reactivity and bonding behavior. Halogens are one electron away from filled energy levels, so they are very reactive. Chlorine, for example, has seven electrons in its outer electron shell. Chlorine readily bonds with other elements so that it can have a filled energy level, like argon; 328.8 kJ per mole of chlorine atoms are released when chlorine acquires a single electron. In contrast, energy would be required to add a second electron to a chlorine atom. From a thermodynamic standpoint, chlorine is most likely to participate in reactions where each atom gains a single electron. The other reactions are possible but less favorable. The octet rule is an informal measure of how favorable a chemical bond is between atoms. Why Elements Follow the Octet Rule Atoms follow the octet rule because they always seek the most stable electron configuration. Following the octet rule results in completely filled s- and p- orbitals in an atoms outermost energy level. Low atomic weight elements (the first 20 elements) are most likely to adhere to the octet rule. Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams Lewis electron dot diagrams may be drawn to help account for the electrons participating in a chemical bond between elements. A Lewis diagram counts the valence electrons. Electrons shared in a covalent bond are counted twice. For the octet rule, there should be eight electrons accounted for around each atom.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Optimum Distribution - Internet Based Socialization Essay

Optimum Distribution - Internet Based Socialization - Essay Example A recent question came to mind in which I asked myself, what all I could do if I was given five thousand dollars to invest. It was really confusing to me to choose the best from the variety of options around me. Profit is a beautiful imagination about every venture, but my concern is all about the orientation of socially organized activities basically meant for the betterment of classified members of the society. In case I had that amount to spend, I would spend it on a project that long cherished in my mind – a social networking system for the differently-abled children of special education schools that are deprived of socializing. â€Å"Socialization enables children to learn what they need to know in order to be integrated into the society in which they live† (Berns, 39). The major implication of this project will be around the mainstreaming of most of the uncared schools privately managed by individuals which are partially aided by non-profit organizations. My propo sal is maintaining a virtual socialization spectrum for the children, which gives them exposure to the world of internet and allied amenities of the present world. In order to meet this purpose, I would regularly meet affluent philanthropists for over six months of time and explain them everything about my plan. The plan would include the development of software with the help of computer professionals for social interaction with all the charitable organizations and the creamy layer members of the society among doctors, contractors or businessmen. This software would be introduced to all major websites and social networking sites through regular advertisements. In the meantime, I would arrange a team of special school education to take sample surveys of requirements of the target groups in various cultures and living standards. The focus would be given to the variables like their age, physical standards, areas of interest and degree of disability.  Based on the information of the surveys, I would design special windows for gaming, chatting and other activities of interaction in the software.     Ã‚  

Friday, October 18, 2019

Unemployment has significant implications for the individuals involved Essay

Unemployment has significant implications for the individuals involved and for society in general - Essay Example In certain cases and for certain professions an individual can have a duty towards society more than the duty they have towards their employer. Positions like doctors, lawyers, fire-fighters, police officers and the like have positions which are immediately recognized by their social standing and certain schemas, expectations and duties are immediately attached to them. On the other hand, the state of being unemployed or without work can also have significant implications for the individual where the most significant effect is the immediate loss of a large portion of the person’s income. While the loss in income may be mitigated to a certain extent by the welfare benefits provided by the state, the loss in social status and personal abilities may be more striking. It is considered a social stigma to be without a job and being jobless has a measurable negative impact on a person’s wellbeing and happiness. Moreover, while the individual would feel most of the burden of unemployment for themselves, society at large is also affected in a negative way if a large portion of the productive workforce is also left without work. While it can mean that the society is underutilizing its capacity to produce, it can also point towards other more significant problems. The case of Ireland is one such example where despite low unemployment there are still jobs which are unfilled and the economy is suffering because of underutilization. To better understand the implications of unemployment, an examination of consequences divided into consequences for individuals and consequences for society is necessary. Historically speaking, a study of the impact of unemployment on the individual was first conducted during the depression era where the shock of unemployment was seen to put a person through the mental states which are common to a shock experience (Ritchie et. al, 2005). Being employed gives a person

Sociology and Class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sociology and Class - Essay Example However the Marxist theory of racism bases racism on another interesting premise. The class conflict where as the Proletariat (the working classes mainly composed of the Black and ethnic minorities) will be suppressed by the Bourgeoisie (the ruling classes primarily composed of the White majority who will be economically stronger and thus in a position to marginalize the "proletariat" i.e. the Black minorities) Today the modern African American can be identified with the likes of Opera Winfrey and Barrack Obama, as well as highly educated Hollywood stars like Will Smith etc.This denotes a respectable status for them but academics like in the Article at hand are quick to point to the reality of the ghettos and poor uneducated members of the ethnicity who live on low pay differentials. From the Marxist sociological perspective these economic and wage differentials are responsible for the continuous racial tensions in states like Los Angeles which have a large number of minorities settled there.Most of this crime and disorder is based upon race and ethnicity. The current racial tension is not just the usual white-black conflict but now statistics show that the local African American Population feels economically threatened by the immigrants that come from Latin America. As the article notes the root of most of the violence and unemployment in the Ghettos is poverty and increased immigration. Things are further complicated by racist judicial and law enforcement mechanisms which promote the gang culture and lure poverty stricken and suppressed young people into crime and disorder. The economic and sociological conflicts with in the "proletariat" (working classes) lead to ethnic squabbles between and with in the suppressed minorities in the over crowded metropolitan cities and it is worth noting from a political perspective that the black Latino rivalry for economic opportunities means that in 2008 presidential race there is not Latino support for Mr. Obama. Unemployment has caused a deterioration in race relations based on unequal wealth distribution and the fight for survival within the marginalized groups.As long as these minorities remain economically and socially suppressed there is little chance of reducing these tensions. There is a need for sustainable community measures to counter the problems in this area of racial economic conflict aimed at better race relations. All this however keeps us wondering whether these sociological conditions exist for their own sake or is the conflict theory " a Marxist ideological ploy" which divides the lower classes so that the White and Black and working classes from other races fight each other instead of the bourgeoisie.However one never fails to reflect on the political system and the society which seems to adhere to the well known rhetoric of George Orwell in his well known parody of the Communist Manifesto and the Marxist ideals of race and class i.e. the "Animal Farm" where he stated that , "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others". Source: Materials provided in

Positive effects on future U.S. national security based on global Assignment

Positive effects on future U.S. national security based on global trends 2030 - Assignment Example Although there are several elements of global trends, this policy paper will only analyze three of the trends which may have very huge positive effects in future. (Carpenter & Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). NIC should be able to provide framework regarding global trajectories by thinking about probable future and their consequences because it is not possible to predict the future. Explanation There is likeliness that the world of 2030 will be a different world ushering a new era of democratization both at the local and international level. There will be possibility of numerous changes concerning diffusion of power, individual empowerment, demographic changes and growth of food, water and energy nexus (Field & Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2012). Looking at the demographic patterns, there is needed to check on the aging, youthfulness, migration and urbanization because they will have a considerable influence on international relations. Perhaps, by 2030 the popula tion may have gone much higher than expected hence leading to serious constraint on resources that are already very limited. Possibly, there will be a shrinking number of youthful societies hence creating uphill battle of sustaining the living standards because of the large number of aged individuals who may not be able to work and feed the world sufficiently. In addition, there may be increased number of urbanization prompting increase in housing facilities and other amenities in the urban centers and lower food production globally (National Intelligence Council, 2012). Food, water and energy will have their demand going high due to population increase as well as worsening state of climate. Global warming may have serious effects on these critical resources owing to serious crisis. Water levels will go down accompanied by increase in precipitation that would largely increase scarcity in the world. It is undeniable also that the energy consumption shall have gone very high (Carpente r & Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). There is also likeliness of increase in individual empowerment in the coming years which may have a major impact by 2030. Individual empowerment may have very significant effect on poverty reduction being that the middle class will go high due to improved education standards as well as improved healthcare. Middle class will be regarded as the most vital class in the society especially being that they are both cause and effect of other trends such as improved communication and production technologies. Individual initiative will play an important role in taking personal initiatives in solving increasing global challenges. Most people will have access to disruptive technologies by 2030 which may enable them to initiate violence or any other form of information most likely through the social media (National Intelligence Council, 2012). Analysis Looking at demographic patterns, there are issues that should be carefully analyzed such as aging, y outhful Societies and states, migration and urbanization which may impose serious threat on the National intelligence Council. It is undeniable that the age structure is rapidly changing and will therefore have significant influence on the demographic pattern. Particularly, there would be an increase in aged and median age groups may impose health challenges. Youthful minority may have very huge effect when it comes to instability in many countries around the world. It is

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Philosophy--Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophy--Aristotle - Essay Example The simple answer to what human good is that its end is happiness. Happiness is, however, much more complicated, as Aristotle argues, â€Å"there are various views as to what happiness is.† (Book I, Chap. IV). This happiness should not be mistaken, as it is defined in contemporary usage as a relative state characterized by the amount of pleasure received from something or liking to something. Happiness and pleasure are not synonymous terms, though obtaining happiness will probably lead to pleasure. Happiness instead is what Aristotle characterized as â€Å"activity of the soul according to virtue.† (Book I, Chapter VII)1. Virtue, like happiness, should not be conceptualized in its contemporary vernacular, as pertaining to be highly moralistic. Aristotle’s definition of virtue in the Ethics is derived from the ancient Greek term â€Å"arà ªte† that holds the connotations of excellence or mastery. For example, the virtue of a knife is its ability to slice or the virtue of exercise is how well it improves one’s fitness. What are required to determine the virtue of any of these aforesaid objects are the ends these objects and actions hope to obtain. We exercise to improve our health, we want to improve our health to feel better, be more energetic or simply look more attractive to others, and the ends may continue to progress until some final aim, for example with exercise, to live better lives. Man too has a certain arà ªte or virtue, and since man is his or her own individualistic entity, their final ends may perhaps be different from other men and women. This is a major reason why the Ethics does not set out to determine what a person should or should not do. If man has excellence, then what constitutes that excellence and how is it obtained? There must be must some action or series of actions man can do and perform with excellence that separates

Corporate Balanced Scorecard Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Corporate Balanced Scorecard - Research Paper Example The balanced scorecard has long been integrated with management to make sure that the appropriate level of control is taken into consideration while obtaining corporate goals has become a primary factor to engage in maximizing operation. In various departments of an organization, the corporate balanced scorecard is a remarkable tool to help improve or ensure substantial operation that would lead to the company’s competitive advantage. For instance, in marketing department, it is important to make sure that significant information should be obtained from customers to guarantee high level of customer satisfaction and to make sure repeat purchase or positive word of mouth on certain product or service offerings. For this reason, it is important for companies to collect information from the customers in order to identify the level of customer satisfaction. In the balanced scorecard, the actual level of customer satisfaction should be set as the evaluative measure to know if there has been a good effort created that must have contributed to the actual level of performance concerning customer satisfaction. ... vel of satisfaction it serves primarily to the marketing department, because it is appropriate and substantial response with considerable haste could contribute to the actual level of customer satisfaction to be generated by the organization. Balanced scorecard is therefore a very important tool that would help enhance corporate performance. There are many things organizations should learn about it as a primary tool to help them realize adding a higher value for their customers, financial standing, learning and growth and internal business process. The purpose of this paper is therefore to explore the literature concerning corporate balanced scorecard, and the summary of information of organization using it. In finding these, there would be significant basis on certain conclusion why corporate balanced scorecard is used by specific organization. So it is important that the primary information about an organization should be well evaluated in order to find out at which point corporate balanced scorecard has been making sense in its actual purpose and usage. There are many literatures linked with the balanced scorecard and it is the intention of the proponent to integrate them into the actual discussion of this report. Furthermore, the integration of information concerning the organization using the corporate balanced scorecard is also taken into account in understanding possible implications of performance measurement and control. Literature review on corporate balanced scorecard The balanced scorecard was introduced by David Norton and Robert Kaplan in 1992 as they were interested to study performance measurement that would include tangible assets for value creation (Kaplan, 2008). They were primarily inspired to know about measurement for driving performance

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Philosophy--Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophy--Aristotle - Essay Example The simple answer to what human good is that its end is happiness. Happiness is, however, much more complicated, as Aristotle argues, â€Å"there are various views as to what happiness is.† (Book I, Chap. IV). This happiness should not be mistaken, as it is defined in contemporary usage as a relative state characterized by the amount of pleasure received from something or liking to something. Happiness and pleasure are not synonymous terms, though obtaining happiness will probably lead to pleasure. Happiness instead is what Aristotle characterized as â€Å"activity of the soul according to virtue.† (Book I, Chapter VII)1. Virtue, like happiness, should not be conceptualized in its contemporary vernacular, as pertaining to be highly moralistic. Aristotle’s definition of virtue in the Ethics is derived from the ancient Greek term â€Å"arà ªte† that holds the connotations of excellence or mastery. For example, the virtue of a knife is its ability to slice or the virtue of exercise is how well it improves one’s fitness. What are required to determine the virtue of any of these aforesaid objects are the ends these objects and actions hope to obtain. We exercise to improve our health, we want to improve our health to feel better, be more energetic or simply look more attractive to others, and the ends may continue to progress until some final aim, for example with exercise, to live better lives. Man too has a certain arà ªte or virtue, and since man is his or her own individualistic entity, their final ends may perhaps be different from other men and women. This is a major reason why the Ethics does not set out to determine what a person should or should not do. If man has excellence, then what constitutes that excellence and how is it obtained? There must be must some action or series of actions man can do and perform with excellence that separates

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Consumer Behavior Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumer Behavior - Research Proposal Example "Hostile attitudes towards expatriates held by many Gulf hosts are not conducive to successful interaction between the two groups. Many natives are alarmed by the erosive effect these expatriates may have on their local culture and identity" Atiyyah (1996). Some of the Non-resident Indians have gone into private banking and wealth management2. In UK South Asians are only 2% of the working age population; but their achievement is significant. Socio-cultural factors of long hours of work and socio-economic factors like higher education have contributed to their success. With delegation of responsibilities, and converting it into a family business with family members and friends help, trying to get cheaper labour from the community, these small entrepreneurs had been successful in creating capital and a comfortable life. "An important aspect not considered by ethnic resources and opportunities theory is the role of socio-economic resources such as the level of education and the class background of migrants, emphasised by Light (1984), in stimulating entrepreneurial entry and expansion" Basu and Goswamy (1999). They have They have managed well in small businesses with supporting ethnic clientele, previous business and professional experience, business inheritance in countries of origin, size of the starting up capital, informal capital from family and friends without interest and eliminating repaying pressure. They start in an extremely small way and this enables them to adjust and avoids difficult financial necessities. They have Asian clientele, ethnic labour, family support, and easy cash flow for expansion. The Indian-American group is described as: "The first group, who came to the USA in the 1960s, are generally well-educated successful men, with homemaker wives and adult children. The second group came in the 1970s and are also well educated. However, both the husband and wife are employed, and they typically have young children. The third group is generally less-educated and typically own motels and convenience stores (Mogelonsky, 1995)" from Kaufman-Scarborough (2000). They have achieved immense amount of success through socialization, consumer acculturation and traditional assimilation3. It is a fact that misconceptions exist due to media about this group. Organisations usually tend to over generalize certain similarities. They believe that all Indian population could be grouped together into a single segment. India is too large a country where regional dissimilarities are prominent. Another misconception is one Indian language is understood by all, which again is wrong, because there are hundreds of languages in India. Third one since all Indians seem to know English, it can be used to interview or advertise for them. Again this is wrong; they might know English, but not 'consumer English'4. Also it should be kept in mind that this group is growing rapidly due to education, mobilization and western need of IT experts, and cannot be

Monday, October 14, 2019

Russias Approach to Cyber Warfare

Russias Approach to Cyber Warfare Policy Briefing on the Imminent Russian Cybersecurity Threat: The Need For Action Against Russian Cybercrimes In recent years, Russia has found a reliance on using cyberwar and crimes as a tactic to achieve their strategic goals both in their near-abroad and against Western countries. The United States must be prepared to retaliate against any cyber attack directed at our nation by assessing options to limit and counter the Russians without leading to an overescalation and possible war. Background: The frequency with which we hear about Russian hackers hacking into a country’s important information and systems has become more and more regular, and as a result of this it is important to trace back the history of Russian cyber warfare. The first instance of a large scale Russian cyber attack happened in Estonia in 2007. At the time, tensions were high between Russia and the former Soviet State, and the Kremlin authorized a campaign which targeted Estonian governmental agencies and businesses through use of massive DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks that shut down countless websites essential to the functioning of these agencies and businesses (Batashvili). In 2008, Russia coordinated an even larger cyber attack during the Russo- Georgian War. On August 7, a cyber attack was conducted from Russia against Georgian government and media websites, while at the same time Russian troops were crossing the Georgian border. According to the Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia, the attack lead to several Georgian servers and high amounts Internet traffic being taken control of and placed under external control (Batashvili). The offensive persisted through the conflict lasting until ceasefire was announced on August 12. Furthermore, the Kremlin had tested their abilities in the lead up to the invasion, shutting down the official website of the president of Georgia for an entire day on July 10. The Russian cyber attacks affected practically all Georgian government websites, crippling the state’s ability to respond to the conflict. Additionally, attacks targeted Georgian media, business, and other political organizations in order to control them from turning the conflict away from Russia’s favor by making it difficult for information of what was happening inside of the conflict zone to spread out to the rest of the world. According to a report by the US Cyber Consequences Unit, â€Å"the primary objective of the cyber campaign was to support the Russian invasion of Georgia, and the cyber attacks fit neatly into the invasion plan†. The attacks achieved their intent, since they â€Å"significantly impeded the ability of the Georgian government to deal with the Russian invasion by interfering with communications between the government and the public, stopping many payments and financial transactions, and causing confusion about what was happening† (US Cyber Crimes Unit). Recent cyber attacks against Ukraine are a worrying signal of a continued use of this strategy. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that during in the final two months of 2016, Ukrainian state institutions had 6,500 instances of hacking, most directed towards the ministries of defence and finance, in addition to Kiev’s power grid and the treasury. According to the Poroshenko, the operation came at the hand of the Russian security services, following the same playbook as they had in Georgia (Batashvili). Russian cyber operations are not use solely in tandem with military offensives however, with many also being employed in the wars on information, especially against Western nations. The 2016 American presidential election, while highly publicized is not the only instance in which there is evidence of Russian interference with the 2017 French and German elections also being targeted. Numerous French officials and agencies, including the Defense Minister and DGSE have raised concern over the issue of Russian interference in the nation’s election, citing concern that fake news and cyber attacks were being directed to now President Macron and his party as they were not the candidates the Kremlin believed would be most beneficial to the Russian state interests. German intelligence agencies have also brought up similar concerns about Russian cyber activities being directed against Germany and its election, with Chancellor Angela Merkel, herself seeing attacks as threatening the foundation of German democracy and the effective functioning of the German state (Delker). Russian Objectives: As practiced today, Russian use of cyberwarfare has three common and consistent objectives: Capturing Territory Without Resorting to Overt or Conventional Military Force This was the strategic goal we saw Russia trying to achieve in 2014, when they successfully annexed Crimea. The annexation of Crimea relied on a group of Russian Special Forces operatives known as the â€Å"little green men†, who took their directives from a newly created Russian special operations command. The deployment of these highly trained operatives, in coordination with a massive information warfare campaign, as well as the involvement of   local Russian loyalist proxies created the opportunity for Russia to takeover without needing to shed blood as they had forced momentum to shift in their favor allowing for Crimeans in Ukraine to vote for secession from Ukraine (Chivis). In 2008, Russia used similar tactics in its invasion of Georgia, during which they similarly coordinated cyber attacks against essential government computing services while simultaneously operating special operation forces in coordination with Russian loyalists from the Georgian State. A major impact of these tactics has led to a weakened ability to integrate these countries with Western thought. In 2013, Russian Chief of the General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov showed Russia’s current views on such hybrid cyber warfare tactics, stating that in modern conflicts non-military means are put to use more than 4 times as often than are conventional military operations (Gerasimov). This suggests in the future such cyber attacks will be likely, and even at this point many are not being properly identified. In its use of cyberspace, Russia has shown it can find success in achieving territorial expansion goals in a manner that is nonviolent and seemingly peaceful, however there is always the underlying threat of actual military force being used unsparingly. Creating a Pretext for Overt, Conventional Military Action In a similar manner to capturing territory through covert, non-militarial expansion, Russia is also capable of using cyber warfare in order to create a conflict which gives them solid reasoning to use military force in foreign nations (Chivis). For instance, the Russian annexation of Crimea has lead to a reasonable concern that the Kremlin could engage in a hybrid strategy to manufacture a conflict worthy of military action elsewhere, possibly the Baltic states. As it did in Crimea, Russia could try to create tension in a country like Estonia by conducting a campaign which foments discord between the minority Russian population and the Estonians. In creating these sentiments which portray the government of Estonia as oppressive towards the minority Russians, the Kremlin can justify a Russian military intervention their behalf of the Russian minority, as Russian sentiment still sees these people as their own. Conducting an operation of this sort requires the accompaniment of simultaneous cyber operations directed at inflaming attitudes and creating difficulties in executing both national and NATO responses. It would almost certainly be accompanied by efforts to influence broader European and world opinion in ways that favored Russia’s intervention through use of propaganda and opinion shifting which portrays Russia as acting on behalf of a repressed population that seeks its aid. On the ground, it would involve the use of Russian secret agents and proxies, both to act as aid/support for local populations creating tensions, and to coordinate with military forces awaiting instruction and guidance. Using Hybrid Measures to Influence the Politics and Policies of Countries in the West and Elsewhere This last objective is the most pressing for the United States and Western countries out of the near vicinity of Russia. In this objective, the Kremlin seeks to use cyber operations in lieu of military action or war to create tension and distress in Western governments. The goal of this strategy is to influence and create favorable political outcomes in targeted countries to serve Russia’s national interests (Chivis). The countries where these types of operations are most likely to find success are those with high levels of corruption and weak legal systems. However, more stable countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom are similarly susceptible to such operations. Examples of ways the Kremlin can engage in cyber operations to influence an outside nation’s political system include the use of fake â€Å"troll† accounts used on social media to spread propaganda and create divides amongst the citizens of that nation. Also the hacking of servers of government officials can provide them with material which they can use to either influence that official through blackmail, or which can be leaked to induce further tension. In creating these narratives, Russia has the ability to influence democracy by planting false information and manufacturing biases against those that act against the interests of the Kremlin. American Stakes: The continued use of cyber attacks by the Russian government brings up very realistic threats both domestically and internationally for the United States. Internationally as Russia continues with their their goals of territorial expansion, the United States is faced with the concern of a wider influence of Russian thought and expansion of pro-Russian policies in areas where the United States has worked to promote democracy and peace. The desire of Russia to reassemble the Soviet Union remains very real, and as seen in Estonia, Georgia, and Crimea cyber attacks can play a key role in these territorial gains. By allowing continued expansion of the Russian state, the United States risks losing the strategic relationships they have developed with these countries as well as the progress they made towards finding them more independence from Russia as democracy began to take its roots in these nations. Furthermore, these attacks can be used by Russia in places like Syria as a way to promote the Assad regime which works in coordination with Russia in achieving other strategic goals, such as the development of an oil pipeline through Syria. Domestically, Russian cyber attacks can destabilize the US government by creating rifts and tensions amongst the American populace through the spread of false information and fake news.   As seen by the hacks against the DNC as well as the use of trolls during the 2016 Presidential Election, Russia’s use of cyber attacks can undermine American democracy by allowing for a foreign nation to alter the minds of our citizens, feeding them lies and inflammatory material to create disarray in our democracy. This is especially hurtful as Russia can cite American disorder as a reason to not take our example and implement democracy in the American fashion to foreign nations. Attacks by Russia can also cripple the government’s ability to function towards the service of its citizens.   Government Organization for a Cyber Attack The 2016 Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 41 United States Cyber Incident Coordination   defines a significant cyber attack as â€Å"likely to result in demonstrable harm to national security interests, foreign relations, the domestic and global economy, public confidence, civil liberties, or public health and the safety of the American people.† (PPD 41). Cyber attacks by Russia against domestic communication or critical IT infrastructure fall under this classification. Should such an attack actually occur, the National Cyber Response Group would lead the defensive response as an arm of the National Security Council (PPD 41). The Secretary of Defense, in tandem with the directors of our Intelligence agencies would be responsible for managing incoming threats, and coordinating any strategy or movement that would require active military response. In the event that the telecommunications systems of the National Security and Emergency Preparedness sector fail, the National Coordinating Center for Communications would be tasked with re-establishing communications. Furthermore, PPD 41 stipulates that if an operation with clear attribution is found to have occured, the Cyber Response Group shall assemble a team of qualified and skilled cyber personnel to respond to the cyber incident. This response team shall have experience together in the form of practice sessions and war games. U.S. Strategic Responses After addressing the immediate effects of a Russian cyber attack, it’s imperative the United States consider its options of strategic and tactical responses. One option for the United States is response through non-military means such as indictment, diplomacy, or sanctions (Bate). A lower-level military and intelligence strategy that could possibly be employed by the United States is the use of counter-surveillance intelligence operations,   non-attributable cyber or conventional attacks, or attributable cyber or conventional attacks (Herb). These operations would target Russian military, civilian, or critical infrastructure systems. Since NATO classifies cyberspace as the fifth operational domain, it is likely that if the United States identified a significant cyber incident against its citizens as originating from Russia, their response would come in the form of aggressive cyber tactics. The possibility of conventional military expeditions may be explored, however the risk of further escalation makes it more likely that the United States respond only through cyber operations. Low-Level Attributable Cyber Intrusion One possible response the United States could utilize in retaliation to Russian cyber attacks is low-level cyber intrusion, distributed across a array of cyber incidents that could not be collectively categorized as a major attack. This intrusion would appear as a result of what is called â€Å"loud cyber weapons†, which are tools that can be traced back to the U.S military (Herb). The US military would send these weapons, embedded with encrypted codes, into Russian networks. The United States would then publicly provide the encryption key to end the intrusions caused by these weapons as a way to claim responsibility for the attack. The purpose of taking credit for the attacks is a key paradigm shift in U.S military strategy, now emphasizing attribution as a key aspect of a successful operation, and public knowledge as vital for deterrence. The United States also has the option of conducting more basic cyber attacks against Russia’s network, including by not limited to: alteration of government websites, disruptions of Internet service, interferences and disablements of communications, or the spreading of propaganda (Department of Defense Law of War Manual). In the aftermath of the hack of the DNC, senior officials weighed options for counter attacks on the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Main Intelligence Agency (GRU), including the use of the NSA’s TreasureMap tool, which tracks all global connections to the Internet, and can be utilized to install malware in targeted Russian computer systems with the purpose of intelligence gathering and future cyber-assaults (Bamford). Medium-Level Cyber Attack -No Immediate Casualties   The United States also has to ability to employ the use of â€Å"logic bombs† in cyber operations targeting both military and non-military targets in Russia. â€Å"Logic bomb† are codes developed with the purpose of overloading a computer’s system rendering them incapable to operate by presenting them with an endless amount of logic questions to answer. Sending these â€Å"logic bombs† into computer systems critical to Russia’s infrastructure will lead to the United States causing dramatic economic and operational damages to the Russian government and its people (Sternstein). The United States has invested a large sum of money into the development of these â€Å"logic bombs†, with initial investment coming back in 2014 when U.S. Cyber Command offered a $460 million contract to develop a â€Å"computer code capable of killing adversaries.†(Storm). High-Level Cyber Attack – Possible Casualties The United States could use logic bombs or other cyber intrusion methods to attack Russian critical infrastructure in a more serious fashion, leading to a larger potential for loss of human life or safety. These attacks include targeting systems such as those of a dam above a populated level where a   hacking could lead to floodgates being opened onto Russian citizens, or disabling air traffic control services leading to air safety where planes pose a threat to each other and the land beneath them. These options, particularly if they are easily traceable, have the potential to escalate quickly into further intensified conflict. Military-Level Cyber Attack – Escalatory The United States also has the ability to use similar cyber operations to directly attack Russian military targets, with possible targets including the shut off of power at a nuclear facility or an airfield, which will lead to the cause of serious casualties. These attacks will most definitely lead to a triggering of a notable escalatory threshold of response by the Russians. It is significant that many Russian industrial networks run computer systems operating Windows XP, and in some cases even older systems, while maintaining connections to the Internet. Not only are these dated systems particularly vulnerable to attack, as evidenced by the United States already demonstrating its ability to break into these systems. In November 2016, the United States reportedly penetrated Russian military systems, leaving behind malware to be activated in retaliation in the case of Russian interference of U.S. elections (Dilanian et. al). This demonstrated both confidence in the success of the malware implant, and political willingness to trigger a consequential conflict given Russia attacks the United States in a serious manner (Bernish). Strategic Considerations for U.S. Decisions In response to a Russian cyber attack, the United State’s strategic responses should be a result of its classification of the attack as being non-significant, significant, or an act of war. State Department Cyber Coordinator Chris Painter said the United States would respond to incidents on a case-by-case basis in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Information Technology and National Security in November 2016, saying that retaliation â€Å"could be through cyber means. It could be through diplomacy. It could be through indictments and law enforcement actions.†(Pellerin). Some of these responses require action while others do not; the path taken must be dependent on actual and anticipated effects of a cyber attack, including damage, injury, and death. Painter testified that, â€Å"cyber activities may in certain circumstances constitute an armed attack that triggers our inherent right to self-defense as recognized by Article 51 of the U.N. Charter†(Hearing on â€Å"Digital Acts of War: Evolving the Cybersecurity Conversation†). The United States could also identify a cyberattack as being an infringement upon its territorial integrity and political independence, per Article 2(4) of the Charter. However, recent political happenings indicate that the United States would be hesitant in invoking Article 51, regardless of whether a Russian cyber attack lead to nominal death, injury, or damage. Instead, the United States could limit its declarations and address the attack as a â€Å"significant cyber incident,† invoking the full support of the U.S. military while avoiding over-escalation. Furthermore, even though NATO justifies military response in the realm of cyberspace, the lack of precedent means that the United States actually has more options in responding to Russia if it were to employ use of cyber means, that may or may not lead to conventional consequences. The United States would need to decide between conducting a covert or overt counter-cyber attack. The tactical considerations noted above show that hidden, non-attributable cyber attacks do not fall within the Department of Defense’s deterrence strategy, and would not be treated as a suitable strategy. In the aftermath of the 2014 Sony Pictures hacking by the North Korean government, the United States didn’t respond with a public cyber operation, and it was â€Å"unclear how the United States may have retaliated against the North in secret, if it even did so.†(Sanger). The lack of a publicly noticed retaliation as well mild economic sanctions now seems ineffective as punishment. A situation could come up that would give the United States the opportunity to execute an immediately observable cyber attack or a preparatory attack (logic bomb), with the target being either a Russian military or civilian infrastructure. Similar to Russia, the United States should also avoid directly targeting a military structure in order to avoid escalation to full-scale war. As a result of this, the United States should choose to deploy a cyber weapon against critical Russian infrastructure, leading to conventional consequences being faced by Russia. Even the use a medium-level choice in terms of retaliation, would require global ramifications to be taken into account. Even still, it is my recommendation to engage in a retaliatory strategy, which employs the use of both a combination of an observable cyber attack through use of â€Å"loud cyber weapons† and â€Å"logic bombs† against significant parts of the Russian infrastructure. The United States cannot allow Russia to attack them and take global credit for the attack without retaliating in some way to show dominance over Russia. â€Å"Loud cyber weapons† are particularly suitable for retaliation that the public is aware of and will show the world that the United States is not only willing to retaliate, but is better skilled in cyber war and confident enough in its abilities to retaliate swiftly. â€Å"Logic bombs† targeted against non-military sites that still hold significant value to Russian infrastructure will be the second leg of the suggested attack. The crippling of essential infrastructure will both warn the Russians that an attack on us will be met with an attack that hurts their citizens and keep them from being able to retaliate back since they will not have the resources to come back at the United States. Works Cited Batashvili, David. â€Å"Russias Cyber War: Past, Present, and Future.† EUobserver, 15 Feb. 2017, euobserver.com/opinion/136909. Delker, Janosch. â€Å"Germany Fears Russia Stole Information to Disrupt Election.† POLITICO, POLITICO, 28 Jan. 2018, www.politico.eu/article/hacked-information-bomb-under-germanys-election/. The Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation, approved by Russian Federation presidential edict on February 5, 2010 (translated). Accessed at http://carnegieendowment.org/files/ 2010russia_military_doctrine.pdf. Understanding Russian â€Å"Hybrid Warfare† and What Can Be Done About It (2017) (testimony of Christopher S. Chivvis). Print. US Cyber Consequences Unit. (2009) ‘Overview by the US-CCU of the cyber campaign against Georgia in August of 2008’ Valery Gerasimov, â€Å"The Value of Science is in the Foresight: New Challenges Demand   Rethinking the Forms and Methods of Carrying out Combat Operations,† Voyenno-Promyshlennyy Kurier, February 26, 2013.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

A Comparison between My Life and My Mothers Life Essay examples -- co

My Life and My Mother's Life My life compared to my mother's life is in many ways very different and in other ways a lot alike. The differences are there mostly because I was born into a different era. In 1928, my mother's life started out during the end of the Roaring 20's. It was a time of change in America. People were shocked at the short skirts, the drinking and smoking that the young women were participating in then. As the economy came to a crashing halt with the disastrous collapse of the stock market in October of 1929, so did many of the free and "high filutin" attitudes of the 20's. With the 1930's came The Great Depression followed soon after with the election of Franklin Deleno Roosevelt as U.S. President. His administration was responsible for many reform programs designed to help Americans get back on their feet again. President Roosevelt called it the "New Deal". As part of the New Deal, a program called the WPA was created. When I asked my mother what that stood for she replied "I can't remember the real name, we called it "We Poke Along". In my research, I uncovered the real name - Works Progress Administration. It was created in 1935 to combat unemployment at a time when it was at an all time high of 25%. The WPA employed 9 million people in various public works projects between l935 and 1943 of which my grandfather was one. They built roads, schools, dams, etc., which did a lot to improve their communities in those days; in addition, it provided a means to put food back on the table. My mother remembers little from these early days except th at there was not a lot to eat then, potato soup and beans being the constant staple. She and others who survived The Great Depression wanted t... ...ied 52 years now which in its' self says so much for her commitment and dedication. When I asked her what was the secret for a strong marriage she replied, "Never take each other for granted, get fixed up every morning. Try to make the home into a palace, cook good meals, tell each other 'I love you' often and be near him as much as you possibly can be, she said. Then added, "children add a lot to a marriage." Through her life alone, she has taught her children moral values that will be passed down for generations to come. With the faith and courage she has instilled in me, I was able to pull myself up and out of some bad situations where otherwise I would have been lost. I can truthfully say she is indeed my very best friend. Her strength and love for her family have never wavered, and our respect and love for her will always be a testament to her life.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Investigate the factors affecting the rate of Osmosis :: GCSE Biology Osmosis Coursework

Investigate the factors affecting the rate of Osmosis Planning Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a lower concentration of solute to a higher concentration of solute, through a partially permeable membrane. In a high concentration of water the amount of solute (e.g. sucrose) is low. This could be called a weak or dilute solution. In a low concentration of water the amount of solute is high. This could be called a strong or concentrated solution. When a partially permeable membrane divides two such solutions, the water will move from the area of high concentration to the area of low concentration until both sides are equal. In plant cells water flows through the cell wall and cell surface membrane into the vacuole from the outside. As a result, the cell swells up. It doesn't burst as the cell wall stops the cell expanding too much; at this point we say a cell is fully turgid. Aim The purpose of my investigation is to investigate the factors affecting the rate of Osmosis. The key factors I have found affect this are: Length - of membrane Temperature - of water Concentration - of solution The factor I am going to investigate is the concentration of the solution in which the potatoes are placed. By doing this I will have to control all other factors to ensure a fair test, these are; doing all the tests at room temperature to control the temperature as a higher temperature would mean diffusion would occur quicker. The mass and surface area of the potatoes at the beginning of the experiment are other controls I will need to monitor to ensure a fair test. The mass of the potato is a dependent variable; this means that it will be measured throughout the experiment. I will measure the mass in grams correct to 2d.p. The potato chip will be measured before it is put in the solution, and after. This will allow us to see whether osmosis has taken place, and to what extent. The volume of the solution that the potato chips are kept in must be fair. The must be totally covered in the solution, and the amount of solution will be kept the same because all the potato chips are the same size. The amount of solution I cover each chip in will be 20cm. Prediction I predict in my experiment that the higher the concentration of sugar in the solution, the smaller the potato chip will become. I predict this as the greater the concentration of water in the external solution, the greater the amount of water that enters the cell by

Friday, October 11, 2019

Eco 372 Week 2 Individual Paper

Week 2 Fundamental Macroeconomics October 22, 2012 ECO/372 There are several factors that affect our economy, gross domestic product (GDP), real GDP, nominal GDP, unemployment rate, inflation rate, and interest rates. All of these factors have influences over how we purchase groceries, weather there will be massive layoffs of employees, and decrease in taxes. Gross domestic product is the market value of final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. Which this is commonly considered an indicator of the standard of living within a country.Real GDP on the other hand is measure of the value of economic output that adjust for price changes. Nominal GDP is a gross domestic product figure that has not been adjusted for inflation. Unemployment rate is the measure of the prevalence of unemployment and is calculated as a percentage by dividing the number of unemployed people by the individuals that are currently in the labor force. Inflation rate is the percentage rate of change in price levels over time, usually one year. An interest rate is the rate which interest is paid by a borrower for the use of money that they borrow from a lender.All of these factors are related to our everyday lives and how we manager our money, what we spend our money on, and when we spend our money. Buying groceries sounds like a simple task but when you are on a budget it can be pretty stressful. The cost of groceries affects the government because this is a good that is produced and sold within our country; which affects GDP, real GDP, and nominal GDP. This is directly related to consumer spending and in times of a recession consumers pull back on their spending and go into savings mode.When consumers go into savings mode this affect every type of business because production is down and this could cause layoffs. Buying groceries affects households because thousands of people struggle everyday to provide for their families and when the cost of goods constantly goes u p but wages don't this makes it really difficult to live. Massive layoffs affect people's standard of living and that is what the GDP is centered around; as it measures the standard of living in that country.Massive layoffs will definitely affect the unemployment rate and a higher unemployment affects the economy because this means more people are on unemployment so there salaries are down so what they are spending is down. Massive layoffs has a vicious cycle and globally in 2012, 200 million people are without employment and this shows the slowdown in employment growth, which means companies aren't hiring and people aren't spending like the where. Massive layoffs affect the economy dramatically because it has a huge impact on consumer spending which in my opinion makes the world go around.If no one is buying then production is down and that's how layoffs happen, and this affects households, businesses, and the government. Tax decreases can stimulate economic growth because if peopl e are paying less in taxes, they have more money to spend. It has been proven over the years that tax decreases generate economic growth and federal revenue will always rise. From a personal standpoint I always spend more during tax season because I usually get a good return; since I am a single parent and full-time student, therefore, I qualify for various tax breaks.These obviously affect my household because I am more disposable income. Tax decreases can help a business if their taxes are decreased the organization will payout less and have more income. As we compare GDP, nominal GDP, real GDP, unemployment rates, inflation, and interest rates, it is obvious that all of these factors affect us everyday. They show how we spend our money and these factors give indications of recession. Buying groceries, layoffs, and tax decreases are all a reflection of these factors.Daily acts, such as, buying groceries has huge impact on our economy because it is directly related to consumer spen ding, which is a driving force. Massive layoffs affect our households, business, and government because this causes consumer spending to go down. Tax decreases on the other hand has a positive influence on all six factors. Plus it will benefit your household, business, and the government. References Colander, D. C. (2010). Macroeconomics (8th ed. ). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin http://www. forbes. com

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Ethical Decisions Essay

Irregardless or our differences, one thing that is general to all men is that we all have to make a decision at one point or the other. We are always faced with situations that call for us making a choice among alternative actions. Oftentimes, there are several alternatives before us and we have to make a choice. What do we do? At this stage, we are at a crossroad. Essentially, when man is at a crossroad, he should ask himself why he should do what he wants to do. We should appreciate the fact that the decision we are about to make determines a lot of things. For instance, the next decision we are about to make might make or mar us. We should also understand that since we do not live in an independent world, our actions have effects on the people around us. In view of this, we should not just make decisions but seek to make a good one. If we are to make a meaningful decision or choice, he should therefore evaluate the choices that lie before him. But the long asked question is; â€Å"How do we evaluate our actions? † Historically, many scholars and philosophers have made several attempts at answering the question. Many have come up with theories for the purpose of guiding man in his quest to make a credible decision. Interestingly, some of these theories are opposing to each other and so the struggle continues. We have to consider which of these theories gives the best answer to our question. On thing is sure, we have to make decisions. For better comprehension and clarity of this essay, I will attempt to make a briefly exposition on some of the ethical theories. I will also evaluate an experience I have had in the past in light of these ethical theories. Question that will be addressed in this essay includes; how can my decision be evaluated in light of the various ethical theories? Does these ethical theories approve of my action at this time? If it does, how does it? And if it does not why does it not? As an overview, in the course, we have learnt about utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, ethical egoism and various forms of relative theories, Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Aquinas natural law ethics. When I was in college, I was the course representative of my class. This position made me responsible for a number of duties, part of which is keeping the attendance details of students in the class. As part of the school’s rule, a student must attend at least 65% of all classes before he/she is allowed to sit for the final exam. As expected, some students did not comply with this rule and when we were busy having classes, they were no where to be found. The exam time came and I was told to submit the attendance register so that they can know who sits or misses the exam. When I went through the attendance, I discovered lots of people in my class fell into the category of those that will miss the exam and my friend was one of them. I asked myself, what would I do? After serious thinking, I decided to submit the register without altering it. Why? Because it is what is expected of me to do! Duty demands me to do so. Another reason why I made the decision was because my mind will not be at rest within me if I had altered the attendance register to please my friend. I also wanted them to learn their lessons and be better people. I believe that we should all have a sense of duty and that we should do be faithful people with what is place in our care. Evaluating my decision with Kantian ethics, I will hold that my decision was the right decision after all. In Kantian ethics, focus morality and rightness of action has its basis on duty, treating a man as an end, and universalism. Considering the issue of duty, it is my duty to properly keep the attendant sheet and not alter it. The attendance sheet was placed in my care and so my decision came out of a sense of duty. I did not also expect to be rewarded by my teacher nor do I seek for recognition from the principal. On this basis, Kant himself will approve of what I did. In addition to this, on the issue of treating a man as an end in himself and not a means to an end, I think my actions are also justifiable. For one, I did not submit the attendance sheet because I wanted the teacher to approve of my actions or to say â€Å"job well-done! † Although, I must admit that the teacher commended me and the principal later approve of my conduct, it was not the motivating factor for what I did. I did what I did because it was what I should do. It was the right thing to do. Also, on the issue of universalizability, will I wish that the same action be performed on me if I were the one in their shoes? My answer to this question is â€Å"Yes! † For one, I can not skip classes and even if I skipped classes and had to face the consequence of my action, I don’t think I will feel bad if someone who was merely doing his job did not help me. If I am guilty of an offence and I know the implication before I did it, then I should be made to suffer for it. Furthermore, when I look back and evaluate the decision I made at that time, I always come to a strong conclusion that that was the right thing to do. This is because I believe that no reason given can alter the consideration of duty. I had to ask myself why I was chosen to be the class representative. I was bound by some rules and some things are expected of me. I have to conduct myself in a manner where I will not go against the rules. I could have altered the sheet but that would have been against the purpose of my office. Apart from this, I will be encouraging laxity and indirectly be destroying their lives. They had to learn their lessons and it will not be to their good if they did not learn it. My friend, though furious with me for several years, is now grateful to me for doing what I did. From my own point of view, when we allow erring individuals to go scot-free, we are undermining the order in the society. Our society thrives because there is an order and so this order ought to and must be upheld. Our actions therefore should not be based on feelings or sentiments. We should all learn to do what we are meant to do. That is what is required of us. Reference: †¢ Popper, Karl. R.. â€Å"Objective Knowledge: An Evolutionary Approach. †(1972) Oxford University Press.