The Medieval Civilization

The greater part of medieval civilization was a time of simplicity and little cultural development. Feudalism was the structure that governed medieval society and came to represent this time period. The church became the universal symbol of medieval unity. Toward the end of the medieval period, however, town life and large-scale trade and commerce were revived. Great changes took place in the church fostering a new era and change. Feudalism was a system of government that provided the structure for the political, social, and economic aspects of medieval civilization. It consisted of contracts between members of the nobility and less powerful nobles who served as their vassals. Economically it was a contract between the serfs who farmed that land and the nobles who owned it. Feudalism was very complex and confusing in some ways, but it could also be looked at as very simple. It was constructed in a pyramid or chess board-like form. Kings were at the top although they did not have much power, lords and vassals followed the king and had control of the lesser nobles. The serfs were at the base of the pyramid. A manor, otherwise known as the lord†s estate, was where everyone lived and worked. In exchange for a place to live, food, and mainly protection, the serfs farmed the land. Agriculture was the foundation of feudalism, where land and food was used to barter for other items. There were different taxes and positions of distinct people on the manor. This illustrates the complexity of feudal life during the medieval ages. If you look at it as what the duties were of each specific class you see the simplicity of feudalism. Each member of medieval society had its own particular tasks to perform. The serfs preformed the most labor-intensive tasks and often did the same thing everyday. The knights protected the manor and the lords were responsible for taking care of everyone on their manor. The feudal system could be compared to a modern corporation. The serfs could be looked at as the workers, the lords as management, the knights to the security, and the king would be the CEO of the company. Feudalism was complex in its organization and simple it its implementation. During most of the medieval time period the church was the center of society and was the law of the land. The church regulated business practices, had the power to tax, controlled all people through the power of excommunication and had influence on the aesthetic aspects of life. The church exemplified both the simplicity and complexity of medieval life. Monks led a very simple life. Their days were spent working hard, studying, and praying. The church wanted to make life simpler by standardizing the rite, calendar, and monastic rule. It was more complex then simple however. The church held a great deal of power that was often in conflict with the monarch. The head of the church, the pope, spent much of his time in Rome while attempting to govern the rest of Europe. It was difficult to govern such a large geographical area while residing in a city that was not centrally located. In A. D. 1377, Pope Gregory XI left Avignon and returned to Rome. This was known as the great schism and it developed great entanglement in the popes† standing in medieval society. The crusades, while increasing the status of the pope, also increased the power of the monarchs over the nobles. Feudalism was broken down and the power the church was illustrated in the crusades. Certain aspects of the church tried to simplify life while other things only made it more complex. Population growth contributed to the migration of people from the manor to the town, which was the base of complexity in the later stage of the Middle Ages. A self-sufficient manor sometimes was the beginning of a town where people came to form a complex web of commerce and trade. Products were bought with money rather then used to barter for other necessities such as in the earlier stage of the Middle Ages. As the towns grew the people became dissatisfied with being ruled by the nobles and church. They wanted to govern and tax themselves, and eventually they began to do these things without the consent of the church or nobles. To better protect themselves the townspeople often joined together with people from other towns to form leagues. These leagues would band together to protect one another and promote trade. The people organized themselves even further with forming merchant and craft guilds. The guilds controlled the making and sale of particular products. Feudal lords as well as the church was concerned with the formation of towns. Townspeople were able to increase their wealth through the sale and manufacturing of goods, while the lords only produced what was needed for their manor. The serfs began to move away from the manor because they realized that they could have a better life if they lived in the towns. By forming autonomous towns, people created complex relationships between themselves and the monarchs and churches. This was the development of a more complex form of economic subsistence known as capitalism. Medieval civilization was a time of change in many different ways, both simple and complex. Feudalism was organized in a quite clear way yet the structure in which it was carried out and the roles played in it were confusing. The church†s power was very perplexing in that it had the power to run the government and economy. The way that the church wanted to standardize certain things was easy to understand. Towns were complex in their organization and in the way they divided the power among the common people and the nobles and church. Medieval society that was once based on faith became rooted in scholasticism. Many new ideas brought up through the medieval civilization forced the society to be both simple and complex in many aspects.

Decision Making Process WRT Consumer Behavior

Question 1. Explain Decision making process and various types of decision with examples? Ans: Decision making can be regarded as the mental processes (Cognitive process) resulting in the selection of a course of action among several alternative scenarios. Every decision making process produces a final choice. The output can be an action or an opinion of choice. Developed by B. Aubrey Fisher, there are four stages that should be involved in all group decision making.These stages, or sometimes called phases, are important for the decision-making process to begin Orientation stage- This phase is where members meet for the first time and start to get to know each other. Conflict stage- Once group members become familiar with each other, disputes, little fights and arguments occur. Group members eventually work it out. Emergence stage- The group begins to clear up vague opinions by talking about them. Reinforcement stage- Members finally make a decision, while justifying themselves that i t was the right decision.When in an organization and faced with a difficult decision, there are several steps one can take to ensure the best possible solutions will be decided. These steps are put into seven effective ways to go about this decision making process. An Example illustrating Decision Making Process in an Organization * The first step – Outline your goal and outcome. This will enable decision makers to see exactly what they are trying to accomplish and keep them on a specific path. * The second step – Gather data. This will help decision makers have actual evidence to help them come up with a solution. The third step – Brainstorm to develop alternatives. Coming up with more than one solution ables you to see which one can actually work. * The fourth step – List pros and cons of each alternative. With the list of pros and cons, you can eliminate the solutions that have more cons than pros, making your decision easier. * The fifth step – Make the decision. Once you analyze each solution, you should pick the one that has many pros (or the pros that are most significant), and is a solution that everyone can agree with. * The sixth step – Immediately take action.Once the decision is picked, you should implement it right away. * The seventh step – Learn from, and reflect on the decision making. This step allows you to see what you did right and wrong when coming up, and putting the decision to use. Another example showing Decision Making Process with respect to consumer behavior. This model is important for anyone making marketing decisions. It forces the marketer to consider the whole buying process rather than just the purchase decision (when it may be too late for a business to influence the choice! The model implies that customers pass through all stages in every purchase. However, in more routine purchases, customers often skip or reverse some of the stages. For example, a student buying a favourite hamburger would recognise the need (hunger) and go right to the purchase decision, skipping information search and evaluation. However, the model is very useful when it comes to understanding any purchase that requires some thought and deliberation.The buying process starts with need recognition. At this stage, the buyer recognises a problem or need (e. g. I am hungry, we need a new sofa, I have a headache) or responds to a marketing stimulus (e. g. you pass Starbucks and are attracted by the aroma of coffee and chocolate muffins). An â€Å"aroused† customer then needs to decide how much information (if any) is required. If the need is strong and there is a product or service that meets the need close to hand, then a purchase decision is likely to be made there and then. If not, then the process of information search begins. A customer can obtain information from several sources: †¢ Personal sources: family, friends, neighbours etc Commercial sources: advertising; salesp eople; retailers; dealers; packaging; point-of-sale displays †¢ Public sources: newspapers, radio, television, consumer organisations; specialist magazines †¢ Experiential sources: handling, examining, using the product The usefulness and influence of these sources of information will vary by product and by customer. Research suggests that customer’s value and respect personal sources more than commercial sources (the influence of â€Å"word of mouth†). The challenge for the marketing team is to identify which information sources are most influential in their target markets.In the evaluation stage, the customer must choose between the alternative brands, products and services. An important determinant of the extent of evaluation is whether the customer feels â€Å"involved† in the product. By involvement, we mean the degree of perceived relevance and personal importance that accompanies the choice. Where a purchase is â€Å"highly involving†, th e customer is likely to carry out extensive evaluation. High-involvement purchases include those involving high expenditure or personal risk – for example buying a house, a car or making investments. Low involvement purchases (e. . buying a soft drink, choosing some breakfast cereals in the supermarket) have very simple evaluation processes. Post-purchase evaluation – Cognitive Dissonance The final stage is the post-purchase evaluation of the decision. It is common for customers to experience concerns after making a purchase decision. This arises from a concept that is known as â€Å"cognitive dissonance†. The customer, having bought a product, may feel that an alternative would have been preferable. In these circumstances that customer will not repurchase immediately, but is likely to switch brands next time.To manage the post-purchase stage, it is the job of the marketing team to persuade the potential customer that the product will satisfy his or her needs. T hen after having made a purchase, the customer should be encouraged that he or she has made the right decision. Question 2. Take any international country of your choice and list down their social, cultural, lifestyle, business etiquettes and trade practices in detail? Ans: Country in Discussion: Nigeria Social / Cultural and Life Style Background The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups.The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani who are predominant in the north, the Igbo who are predominant in the south-east, and the Yoruba who are predominant in the southwest. The Edo people are predominant in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. Much of the Edo tends to be Christian while the remaining 20 percent worship deities called Ogu. This group is followed by the Ibibio/Annang/Efik people of the coastal southeastern Nigeria and the Ijaw of the Niger Delta. The rest of Nig eria's ethnic groups (sometimes called ‘minorities') are found all over the country but especially in the middle belt and north.The Hausa tend to be Muslim and the Igbo are predominantly Christian. The Efik, Ibibio, Annang people are mainly Christian. The Yoruba have a balance of members that are adherent to both Islam and Christianity. Indigenous religious practices remain important in all of Nigeria's ethnic groups, these beliefs are often blended with Christian beliefs. Nigeria is famous for its English language literature and its popular music. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called " Nollywood" has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over the continent.All over the country, and even increasingly in the conservative north, western music, dresses and movies are ever popular. The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments , such as the Gongon drums Football (soccer) is extremely popular throughout the country and especially among the youth, both field soccer and professional international soccer, has developed into a cult of unity and division.Supporters of English football clubs Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Nigerian food embellishes a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as Yam and Cassava as well as vegetable soups made from native green leaves.Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, Garri is a powdered Cassava Grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite cheap. Yam is either fried in oil or pounded to make a Mashed Potato like Yam pottage. Nigerian beans, quite diff erent from green peas, is widely popular. Meat is also popular and Nigerian Suya, a barbecue like method of roasting meat, is a well known delicacy. Bush meat, meat from wild game like deer and giraffes is also popular. Fermented palm products is used to make a traditional liquor, Palm Wine, as is fermented Cassava.Business Background in Nigeria The fact that Nigeria is not a magnet for international investment could be seen as a tragedy of immense proportions. Years of political instability, regional strife and the weakening influence of massive corruption have resulted in the country failing to capitalize on its many advantages; leaving the mass of the population in relative poverty and the country enormously infra-structure poor. A large number of international organizations and business people have been wary of doing business in Nigeria for many years.This may seem strange given that Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa as well as being one of the most oil-ric h places in the world. Couple this with the fact that the country is abundant in many other natural resources and has good port facilities and you might think that international business would be fighting for a piece of the action in Nigeria. Huge strides have been made in the last few years to try to tackle the many endemic problems which assail the country — with political and economic stability being seen as the key weapons in attacking the corrosive influence of corruption.Whether the actions being taken on the ground now lead to dramatic improvements in levels of transparency and levels of corporate governance remain to be seen — in the meantime, the country struggles along and those doing business in Nigeria need to be aware of the issues that await them. Business Etiquettes Nigerians like to use language in a fairly flowery fashion and will often address you with great courtesy and overt signs of respect. This desire to show respect to people is shown in the Nig erian use of titles and honorifics.People will often be addressed as Uncle, Auntie, Chief, Mazi, Doctor etc. rather than by the use of first names. Business conversations will often veer towards the personal and you may be asked questions about family, hobbies and other interests within business meetings. This is an important section of the meeting and should be treated as such. It is not seen as overly personal but rather as a signal of warmth and friendship. Handshaking is very important and it is usual to exchange long, lingering handshakes with everybody you meet. Nigerian Management StyleAs you would expect in a strictly hierarchical culture, managers are expected to lead quite strongly. The boss is expected to make decisions (with or without wider consultation) and the decisions of the boss are expected to be carried out to the letter. Directions should be given in a polite and friendly but definitive fashion. Spell out in detail what needs to be done — anything which i s not explicitly requested, is likely to remain undone. This does not mean that subordinates are inefficient or lazy, merely that they expect the boss to know exactly what he wants to happen and to explain things to them fully.It is important to dress well in Nigeria as the way you are dressed will signal your relative level of importance. Men should wear dark suits and ties and women should wear dark, demure business-style suits. In return for loyalty, the manager will often take on a paternalistic role with regard to colleagues. The manager is expected to take an interest in subordinates beyond their directly work-related duties. People are as likely to ask the boss advice on personal matters as they are on business issues. Indigenous Nigerian companies will, however, have an approach and flavor all of their own.All native Nigerian companies will display massively hierarchical tendencies as befits a country rich in tribal tradition and culture. Thus the boss expects and receives r espect from those below them in the structure. As age is highly valued in Nigerian culture, managers are often of the older generation — age brings wisdom. Although people at a middle-management level will like to give the impression that they have great power in the organization, they rarely do. Decisions are invariably made right at the top, so try not to waste too much time trying to force decisions out of more junior employees.If possible, go right to the top. This does not, however, mean that people lower down the corporate structure can be ignored as they may very well be pivotal in influencing the eventual decision-maker. As a relationship-oriented culture, it is important to be seen to be trying hard to develop good relationships at all levels within the organization. Economic Facts previously hindered by years of mismanagement, economic reforms of the past decade have put Nigeria back on track towards achieving its full economic potential. Nigerian GDP at purchasing power parity more than doubled from $170. 7 billion in 2005 to $374. billion in 2010, although estimates of the size of the informal sector (which is not included in official figures) put the actual numbers closer to $520 billion. Correspondingly, the GDP per capita doubled from $1200 per person in 2005 to an estimated $2,500 per person in 2009 (again, with the inclusion of the informal sector, it is estimated that GDP per capita hovers around $3,500 per person). It is the largest economy in the West Africa Region, 3rd largest economy in Africa (behind South Africa and Egypt), and on track to becoming one of the top 30 economies in the world in the early part of 2011.Although much has been made of its status as a major exporter of oil, Nigeria produces only about 3. 3% of the world's supply, and though it is ranked as 15th in production at 2. 2 million barrels per day (mbpd), the top 3 producers Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States produce 10. 7mbpd (16. 8%), 9. 8mbpd (15. 4% ), and 8. 5mbpd (13. 4%) respectively, collectively accounting for 63. 6mpd (45. 4%) of the world's total production. [2] To put oil revenues in perspective: at an estimated export rate of 1. 9mbd, with a projected sales price of $65 per barrel in 2011, Nigeria's anticipated revenue from petroleum is about $52. billion. This accounts for less than 14% of official GDP figures (and drops to 10% when the informal economy is included in these calculations). Therefore, though the petroleum sector is important, it remains in fact a small part of the country's overall vibrant and diversified economy. The largely subsistence agricultural sector has not kept up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria, once a large net exporter of food, now imports some of its food products. In 2006, Nigeria successfully convinced the Paris Club to let it buy back the bulk of its debts owed to the Paris Club for a cash payment of roughly $12 billion (USD).Trade Practices: The Federal Government plays the ro le of protecting local industries and the labor market from unfair competitions and trade practices of developed countries. While Nigerian government appreciates that the world is a global village, in terms of exchange of goods, services and persons, it will not open the nation‘s borders to the influx of foreigners in whatever guise without considering the security and economic implication inherent in the administration of Expatriate Quota and other immigration formality. While it is true that Nigeria as a developing country needs to benefit from the xperiences and technology of the advanced nations, it is important that we protect our local manpower by ensuring that jobs that are meant for Nigerians are not occupied by foreigners in order to stem the unemployment rate in the country. Although the world is a global village and the WTO preaches free trade or liberalization of trade, it is the government’s duty both individually and as government to protect our local indu stries and markets in order to avoid being reduced to mere consumers of labor and technology of the advanced nations.Their focus at all times should be to develop indigenous technology, local capacity building for both our industries and markets". Also, the administration of Expatriate Quota helps attract foreign direct investment; fast track economic development; transfer technology through importation of modern machinery and equipment; build and enhance local capacity and skills; institutionalize Nigerian understudies attached to Expatriates and for appropriate documentation.ALTERNATIVE TRADE NETWORK OF NIGERIA (ATNN) The Alternative Trade Network of Nigeria (ATNN) was established in 1994 with 25 artisans drawn from different parts of Nigeria as a Non Governmental Trade and Development Network. It was formerly registered with Corporate Affairs Commissions Abuja on the 7th January 1999 as an Incorporated Trustee with a five member Governing Board. The daily operations of the n etwork are coordinated by program staff and team of volunteers under the leadership of the Director.ATNN is a registered pioneer member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) formed in 1994 now the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and also a founding member of the Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa (COFTA) with its Africa Regional Office based in Nairobi, Kenya. With a founding membership of 25 artisans and groups, ATNN membership has grown to 120 cooperatives, groups and individuals (over 3616 individuals) engage in both food and Non food products from different parts of Nigeria who are grass root based and committed to the principles and standards of fair trade. 3% of the current membership is women, employing over 3616 people. 1774 apprentices have also been trained and are now self employed and running their business in different areas of micro enterprises. ATNN has the following thematic areas of intervention 1. Fair Trade Market Access, Retailing and Export T rading†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ This program provides unique solutions to specific members based on identified needs, level of business development, size, structure, markets, retailing and other trading opportunities. 2. Producer Development, Community Mobilization and Empowerment.This program engages participatory method of development of both formal and informal groups of producers and communities in identifying and establishing core strength and weaknesses and collective designing of sustainable and achievable business solutions. 3. Fair Trade Advocacy and Economic Rights†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ The objective of this program is to develop and disseminate appropriate fair trade information to raise beneficiary's awareness and stake holder's interest and support for effective and proactive fair trade participations.It also highlights and lobby against unethical business, production and trade practices and policies that are detrimental to community growth, environmental protection and other impacts that are related to sustainable production and development. The Alternative Trade Network of Nigeria believes in fostering an accelerated producers businesses development and sustainable income through developing, consolidating and advancing the core mission and objectives of the global fair Trade Movement within Nigeria, Africa and the world over.This is achieved through the offering and provision of technical guidance, market support, networking and awareness rising for favorable trade policies and micro business development measures. ATNN, in its business development services also ensures that producers do not just access profitable markets, but produce quality products and get appropriate value for their labor. ATNN generally desires to achieve the following: 1. Increased and improved business skills

Difference between US and South Korea transprotation Research Paper

Difference between US and South Korea transprotation - Research Paper Example Notable areas that have witnessed tremendous development include the public transportation sector. The growth in the economy has led to the rapid expansion of air, land and sea transportation. To this end, the period of rapid growth in the transport sector can be traced back to the early 1990’s. During this period, South Korea was emerging as a formidable trading nation globally. Consequently, the transportation sector garnered 7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in 1999. Apart from the rapid economic growth, increase in population density in Seoul and the greater metropolitan area created an incentive for growth of the public transport sector. To this end, a raft of reforms in the transportation sector enabled Seoul to gain a competitive edge against established public transport networks globally. The subsequent sections will elaborate on the reasons for development of South Korean public transport network. Furthermore, the positive effects of the public transport develop ment to the South Korean society will be discussed. In addition, a comparative analysis of the differences between the South Korean public transport and the United States model will be comprehensively discussed. Reasons for Development of South Korean Public Transport In order to understand the development of South Korea’s public transport, a background of the precipitating factors is essential. Foremost, Seoul and the wider metropolitan areas of Gyeonggi and Incheon province have witnessed rapid population growth since 1942. The effect of population growth from 9 million to 25 million by 2010 increased demand in transportation. Furthermore, coupled by a rapidly growing economy, the public transportation sector was in need of reforms to mitigate over the crisis. Consequently, the reforms initiated touched on technology, infrastructure and policy affecting public transport. To this end, the reforms undertaken were based on visionary and integrated approach. The vision was to m ake ‘Seoul a clean and attractive city’(Kuranami et al 8-1). Consequently, the focal themes were centred on three areas. These were: environmental sustainability through a low carbon emission transport system; human centred traffic system; social inclusion, and economic growth through the building of demand management. Reforms in the public transit sector were undertaken by the Seoul Metropolitan government (SMG). Foremost, the SMG introduced rapid transit corridors for the buses to ease congestion. This involved redesigning of the bus routes and the introduction of feeder routes. Second, the SMG implemented a uniform fare structure and an automated ticket system across all modes of transportation and designated routes. Consequently, the SMG maintained the decision of fare regulations as well as schedules and routes. In addition, a colour coded numbering system of the buses was introduced in order to specify the types of services they offered. In terms of infrastructura l development, median bus right- of- ways were expanded to accommodate the Bus Rapid Transit services. Moreover, the bus lanes were increased and upgraded as well as the expansion of the length of curb side bus lanes. Railway transport equally experienced development strategies that boosted development of So

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

Lomi - Essay Example Managers are therefore, challenged to act as advocates for their organization and products to enable them achieve their desired market share. Possession of the knowledge and skills of successful negation in such business environment is vey paramount. Steps towards a successful negotiation involve evaluating whether the situation at hand really requires negotiation. Then coming up with a plan on how to execute the negotiation progress, consequently, approaching the opposite party and creating a rapport is highly advisable. This rapport helps in creating a cooperative environment for the negotiation and preparing a critical thinking in this regard. Effective negotiation strategy is one that is systematic and involves deliberate thought. In that case, their strategies will be proactive and will be anticipative of the opponent reaction. Negotiation skills are better acquired through learning and practice. These persons will know how to present their case tactfully in a manner that is likely to be peaceful and result oriented. Concepts in the article that have similarities include the art of preparation before negotiation. Both the article and study material detail on the importance of diagnosing the essential aspects in the situation; such may include the context and history of the negotiations. Familiarity with the problem background and the reputation of the other opposing party is highly recommended. The second concept regards ethical approach used in negotiations. Here, both the article and the study material emphasize on negotiators to embrace ethical behavior. Such is the case that good negotiation will require concerned parties to avoid any aggressive approach to issues. On the contrary, such persons should put every effort to convey an attitude that encourages cooperation. This will in turn create an atmosphere where friendliness, openness, and thinking reasonably thrive. Lastly, both the article and the study materials cite

Marketing strategy and management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing strategy and management - Coursework Example However the pricing strategy based on the experience curve effect of the production process should not be infinite. This means that the pricing strategy should not be based on the maximum production level. This is mainly because at the maximum level of production, the company will not be able to increase its output. Price should thus be set on a production capacity that is reasonable, for example 70 or 80%. There are very many reasons why a company would chose to use the experience curve effect for its market pricing strategy. This is because of the various implications it has on such strategies. The experience effect helps a company to attain a larger market share and this enables the development of a cost advantage. By using this curve to develop a marketing strategy, the company sets a price that it deems fit to the product and that will offer competition to other products in the market .The use of this curve also forces a company to improve its efficiency and effectiveness so as to reach the production level from which the experience effect has been calculated. There are however few discrepancies that are associated with the use of the experience curve. For example, the curve effects apply to real costs and prices only. This means that in situations where this curve is used, an index or notation must be formulated. This particular index renders prices and costs exhibited at different time periods on a platform or a basis that is comparable. The consequence of this is that the index may consume a significant portion of the profits accumulated after production and in the process; the experience effect is washed out. The second argument against the use of the cumulative curves is that it does not apply to calendar time but only to the cumulative experience. The company should therefore take into consideration all these factors when determining whether to use the experience curve effect in its

Evaluate the Strengths and Weakness of the Union and Confederacy Essay

Evaluate the Strengths and Weakness of the Union and Confederacy - Essay Example The war lasted from 1861 to May 1865 and was prompted by the attack of the union navy by confederacy at fort Sumter, South Carolina (Gallagher, 2001). The main goal of the war for the union which comprised 23 states was to maintain the union while the south comprising of 11 confederates was fighting for independence. The paper will discuss the causes of the civil war, the strengths and weaknesses of the union and the confederacy as well as how the north, south and west contributed to the outcome of the war. Kelly (2011) argues that the main cause of the war was the economic and social differences that existed between the north and the south. The north had many material resources and was industrialized while the south depended on agriculture especially cotton plantations. The north had many factories and industries and processed the cotton from the south. As a result of industrialization, the whites and the African Americans in the north interacted socially and the republicans advocat ed for free labor and democracy and this angered the south (Engle, 2001). Slavery was another issue that led to the war. The institution of slavery was viewed as degradation to the value of free of labor by the north. For the south, slavery was inevitable as it provided the much needed cheap labor in the cotton plantations. ... ugh and Muntone (2009), the election of Abraham Lincoln as the president of United States was the height of dissent by the south as he was a proponent of the black rights. Furthermore, the Republican Party was opposed to the extension of slavery to the west hence his election was seen as a threat to slavery by the south thus the secession. The south also felt its rights were being infringed. The union vowed to bring back the states which had seceded and the confederacy on the other hand, vowed to fight for its independence. The north had many advantages over the south at the beginning of the war. It had a population more than twice that of the confederacy. Gallagher (2001, p. 22) observes that the north had a population of 31, 500,000 people in 23 states while the south had a population of 9,100,000 people in 11 confederate states which included 3,500,000 slaves and 130,000 free black people. Since the slaves and the free blacks were opposed to slavery, they were unlikely to help in the fighting. The north thus had a pool of men where it could get replacements, reinforcements and people to engage in noncombat jobs in the industries. Moreover, it had the support of the Border States as well as the free black men from the confederate states. The north also had an advantage in terms of economic strength. According to Farabaugh and Munte (2009, p. 163), the north owned 80% of material resources, factories and industries. It also had four times cash on deposit in the banks than the south hence it could easily obtain the materials needed for the war. The north also had a railroad mileage of 22, 000 compared to 9,000 in the south. Moreover, the northern roads were modern and better maintained. It also had a navy and was in control of the seas thus blocking the ports would

Alternative Energy Sources Solar Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Alternative Energy Sources Solar Energy - Essay Example Research indicates that solar energy has the capacity to satisfy all the energy requirements of all the people in this world. In fact, it can do the same in just one year, if all the sunlight falling on all parts of the world is harvested. Usage and concept of solar energy is no new concept and it exists in its simplest and passive form since ancient Greeks. However, for the past three to four decades there has been a lot of research in this field. Production of solar vehicles, automobiles, boats, aircrafts and others have made important news. Quite understandably, solar energy provides quite a lot of advantages over the traditional sources of energy generation. Firstly, this method is extremely cost effective since all the consumers need to pay is the fixed cost of buying and installing the machine on their roofs and the rest is free. Secondly, they reduce the risk of the hazards and environmental concerns developed by the use of oil as fuel. Thirdly, solar energy is pretty much useable even in most remote areas moreover the culture of the United states suits it since most of the homes have their own roof tops for installation of these machines. The United States has been doing a lot for promotion of solar energy. Currently, the United States is getting less than 1000 MW of electricity from solar energy but it aims at increasing it more than six times by the end of 2014 (Richards, 32-46). Moreover, currently the governments is providing with many incentives like tax exemptions, soft cheap easy loan facility, leasing, installments, rebates, bonds and others to encourage people to shift to using solar energy. Consider the following scenarios. Experts all around the world agree to the fact that the United States of America did not launch the war in Iraq for the search of Weapons for Mass Destruction nor it was

Locate the budget for a local government Assignment

Locate the budget for a local government - Assignment Example This league has been serving officials since 1915 through the Garden State, and it was authorized by state statute (Dressel, 2014). The revenue sources for the league include property taxes that are levied on all classes of properties this levy is assessed locally and collected to aid in the running of the municipality and county government. The state also gives the municipality some funds directly or indirectly through reliefs in for instance property taxes. Other sources of revenue include; service charge, optional local taxes and counties or special district government levies (Dressel, 2014). Another source of revenue is the inter-governmental transfers, which may be for funding of government activities or specific projects. The largest income percentage of the budget comes from taxes, this is so because there are many direct and indirect taxes levied on individuals and corporations within the league. They include property, sales and income taxes (Dressel, 2014). This method is the best since it covers a wider base as they are charged either directly or indirectly. The government should think outside the box in collecting revenues by looking at other avenues instead of relying on the traditional sources. The internet has opened up many possible opportunities that may help to a great extend in harnessing the incomes. The league can also reduce the operational costs thus increase the net revenues, which will be available to

Colorado Juvenile Court Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Colorado Juvenile Court Law - Essay Example The juvenile justice system has been built incorporating the values of restorative justice as influenced by Judeo-Christian beliefs and traditional legal philosophies. However, the availability of handguns, drugs, and gangs has intensified the level of violence that erupts from the juvenile criminal element (Territo, Halsted, and Bromley, 2004, p.572). This paper will examine the laws of Colorado and evaluate the situations that invoke the application of the Colorado Discretionary Waiver provision as amended in 2007. It will make a determination as to the appropriateness of the law and the proportionality of its implementation. Juvenile offender and status offender laws vary by state, and Colorado has some significant differences in their approach to juvenile justice based on the Colorado Discretionary Waiver provision as amended in 2007. According to the provision, "The juvenile court may certify a child meeting age/offense criteria for trial as an adult in district court if, after investigation and a hearing, it finds that (1) there is probable cause to believe that the child committed an offense for which judicial waiver is authorized and (2) it would be contrary to the best interests of the juvenile or of the public to retain jurisdiction" (Griffin, 2008).

Gender inequality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gender inequality - Essay Example The cult of domesticity is a generic phrase for women to stay at home, clean the house, cook the food, and raise the children. In this model, the men are the bread winners. Since women rely on men for financial support, it is almost unorthodox for women to work outside the house. The idea of gender disparity in school, government and overall progression of women is clearly hindered in these cultures. These same issues have become the focal points that factored into gendered inequality for Malian Minianka women. These factors consisted of culture norms, sexuality, marriage and kinship. Without a doubt, one of the challenges for Malian Minianka women was to break the culture norms that dominated the perception of women. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. The idea of gender discourse was so prevalent throughout America that it sparked a cry for reformation. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood, was one of the original groups, that challenged the lack of development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset (Week 6, Lecture 2). The second aspect that challenged women were child rearing and birth. Mothers, in their aspect of nurturing are responsible for showing the ropes of behavior to their children in this culture. Malian Minianka sheds some key highlights on how political domesticity has impacted the true notion of the evolving role of women (Week 7, Lecture 3). Although women were induced at home, they created a strong environment that harnessed and cultivated growth. I think one of the aspects that people fail to acknowledge is the fact that mothers have strong emotions. The mutual connection between mothers and children is awe-inspiring. One can only imagine the hardships that each mother undergoes during pregnancy and birth (Week 6, Lecture2). From this context, Spocks book represents an advance in salutary counsel for care of

Global economic development Essay Example for Free

Global economic development Essay Evaluation of Gwlad’s position within the global economic environment Swot analysis (Hewings, 1995) Strengths – Gwlad as a country should focus on its administrative strength in the public sector. This would allow the country to delivery better services to the public in terms of quick processing of documentary and information needed by the citizens. Secondly, the country has seems to be one of the states in Western Europe which has highest number of population with diverse cultural activities. The Gwlad country’s population diverse cultural work attracts a number of tourists. Weakness- the country offers low level services. It also shows that it has low manufacturing productions. In the overall results, the country has not developed to high production scale hence there is relatively low gross domestic productivity per head. Threats-the fact that the country has no ties with the other neighboring countries is vulnerable to incur high import and exports taxes. Other threats that may exits are those associated with shortages of vital good which are not produced locally. Opportunities- the country being in the region of Western Europe is most likely to be having advanced technology. This means that the wealthy in technology based activity can be worked to increase both the level of manufacturing as well as GDP per head within the country. Suggested policies to follow (Trogen, 1999) Technological policy- the group needs to utilize this policy in curbing the problem associated with the low productivity. In such a policy, the teams must emphasis both on innovation and invention work. Still many efforts should seek technical assistance from part of the globe where possible. Competition policy- in every kind of economic growth of region, amicable environment which allows competition is a must for spurring economic growth and development. This means that the local competition environment should be bestowed to all potential citizens in every particular sector of production. Apart from the local competitors, the policy should encompass other issues that would allow the external competition as part of initiating news ways of economic growth. activity2: yes! The issues that Dai has identified part of the main issues to look when deciding, marketing of Gwlad. It is clear that Dai has taken location, distance and labor as the main factors to consider in this marketing strategy. However, it should be known that security and resources available within the country plays important role in economic developments. Furthermore, the means of communicating available and the accessibility of they location goes hand in hand in determining the attraction external investors to come and invest in a particulars region. Overall, it would be very important to first consider the costs involved in the marketing of the Gwlad to the external world. While business activities are diverse, they entail a lot of interwoven interaction of many sectors. Any decision made within the government directly and indirectly affects the performance of the business. This form the fundamental issues as the governance procedure are final on business prosperity or failure. Hence, incentives and subsidiaries that are offered by the government in Gwlad perhaps would make the citizens and the foreigners’ interest to invest much aroused. Politics and policies enacted in the Gwlad also have enormous impact to business. Services and the rate at which they are available to interested business operators are also major part of marketing the state. This is because delay and bureaucracies in service and information acquisition are both derailing factors in business operations. Activity 3- (Meier, 2004): (I)-no! I do not agree that technological advances are the only key factors to economic development. There are other issues which are also of great importance. This is because economic development focuses on three or more area in its development. One of the focuses is the government policies. In such a field, economist examines issues which are concerned with price stabilities, employment and taxation as well as the policies set to have sustainable growth. as the economic development protocols are integrations of several factors, government operates on many areas which are directly in connection with economic development such monetary policies, trade transaction and taxation policies together with regulation pertaining to financial institutions. The second major area determining the economic development of a place or region is the manner in which policies dealing with services and infrastructures are set. These include highways, housing, security and still parks. Thirdly and the final section in which economic developments is determined is directed to policies of job creation, retention and expansion, technology transfers and marketing as well as neighborhood development. In such consideration, it is vivid that the economic development is not achieved only through technology advancement. Certain factors are physical factors which are needed for the operations of certain economical activities. Other factors are human based availabilities like policy making that affects the economic growth of an area. For instance, trade restriction may be major factor contributing to low rates of economic developments due to lack of competitive environments. Abolition o such trade restrictions create a better environment for potential foreign investors. Financial factors have been seen as prominent factors that enable economic developments as can be revealed in most developing and underdeveloped countries. Their economics developed rates are not associated with inadequate funding for projects based on economic development and projects on research work which brings about technical advances. Thus, human policy factors, financial status factors and technical factors are all attribute to economic development As from the above revelation, I do not agree the three sectors are the core that economic policy should concentrate in. Energy; environmental, telecommunication and ICT are not the core that can bring economic growth in a country without integrating changes in governance. Management of any organization/ institutions is vital. Thus the inclusion of effective management and services delivery would enhance proper utilization of the resources available in the three sectors which would lead to economic growth. Activity4-(Isard, 1985): analysis of inward investment attraction, domestic company development and combination strategies Inward investment Strengths- depending on the financial ability of the surrounding neighbor countries, this form one of the greatest strong hold in which the foreigners can capitalized in. this means that they would be able to provided financial services and their products. Weakness- the fact that the country has got no ties in trade transactions such as free trades areas with the neighboring states, many inwards investments are likely to be heavily taxed and barred in their operations. Generally, unfair treatment to the inward investors is likely to cause low rate of investment. Opportunities- the fact that most neighbors have advanced technology and also they are able to having greater GDP than the Gwlad, it means that the inwards investment would be able to replicate similar productivity phenomenon making trading a competitive issue in the country. This means that the inward investors would enjoy the advantages of large scale production (Pleeter,1990) Threats- following the inwards investors interacting with the locals, there is that possible of technology transfer which the local would gain an advantage of learning the new techniques and therefore begin producing local products that would halt the utilization of the investors’s products Domestic company development: strength- the country seems to be lagging behind in all the areas. This implies it has very limited strengths on which it can take an advantage over its neighbors. (Peterson, 2001) Weakness- the country is portrayed to lag behind in general productivity which implies that their is low trade activities in the regions Opportunities- the country having a score of learned individuals within its boundaries can be utilized both in the management level to bring technology to its required standards enhancing production which is a core to level of trade activities in country. Threats- the domestic company development are likely to be threaten when the country goes to inwards investment. The inward investors being more competitive than the domestic companies would render the local companies uncompetitive in terms of quality of products, price and in marketing strategies. For the above consideration of the analysis, I would choose the combined strategy the main reason for choosing this particular mode is because, with proper policy formulation and enactment for both internal and external investor companies, there are high chances of mutual benefits. Technology advancement, financial investment availability leading to higher production of the products would enhance the general growth of the economy of the country. Activity 5:- (Bulmer-Thomas, 1992, Leistritz, 1991): the GDEAD’s members are supposed to come up with policies which would enable low cost in the supply chains. These policies includes:- The policy of strategic vision and concrete actions in cooperating in the supply of the material and the distribution of the products to all parts on the country Reduction of taxes in the products produced locally the investors Development of local infrastructures that will enhance logistics from one area to another Recruitment and training of human resources to enable smooth distribution of the products Policies to enable persuasion of U. S multinationals in financing, marketing and RD in Gwlad The GDEAD must come with policy that allows globalization of market in Gwlad The team should use merger systems of the a few industries so that they begin venturing in to the same market in which the multinationals are operating to break monopoly of the U. S automotive companies. The team should advocate for new methods of technology in information and communication to enhance global advertising both from local and multinational companies. Activity 6:- (Dewhurst, 1991) Pros of the EU are that the EU members have several methods in which its negotiations and terms are based. First, the EU group has strong negotiating power than any other union. This means that the pooling together of efforts in the negotiating process makes the members to have great influence in international trade. Its members are said to be first in the leading in foreign direct investment. The united stated are depicted as the second while they remain the first for foreign investment. While the EU operations are undertaken within the 130 countries, it commands a relative open economy that accounts over 14% of the international trade of its gross domestic products. In comparison with the United States gross domestic products, it commands of 12%. It implies that the EU association with the Gwlads is of more advantageous than joining any other of the above state. (Bull, 1995) I would make arrangements of integration type in joining EU for the Gwlad. This because the EU integration would protect the local first and then from the integration the other collaborating states would have an influence in Gwlad in political, security, technology and other areas in which economic issues are connected. He Gwlad would be changed in its institutions through the established rules and regulations of the EU integration that sets the culture and philosophical basis of government as well as other authoritative bodies which could change economic Institutions. However, free trade would definitely bring in unfair competitions to the locals industries and communities leading to the poorly performing ones. (Dewhurst, 1991) Activity7:- (Grady, 1989) The clusters economic development established in this region is not of best nature. Locating an economic zone far 100km from each other is like creation of monopoly of the various institutions established. Secondly, the interaction of the various institutions when they are far from one and yet they are no quicker means of communication implies less information transfers/ ineffectiveness or delay actions would be frequent. This implies especial in the health, bioscience, financial services/ products and professional services. Similar disadvantages would exist in creative, automotive and aerospace zone. However, the distance would be of advantage to automotive and aerospace in advancing the technological world as this would be determined by increased needs to travel from one zone to another. In organizing the above sectors, I will use different policy as they all differ in the application of creating and reduction economic growth. While the bioscience and the health sectors are there for the purpose of ensuring fitness of the community, the automotives and aerospace are established for saving time in production. Thus health and bioscience would policies towards health facilities and proper nutrition while the latter two would venture policy on technology of speedy safer means. Activity8:- (Grady, 1989, Brace, 1993) Costs and benefits of meeting the demands of the aerospace industry The costs of the meeting the demands of the aerospace industry involves the productions costs. This would require importation of new materials for the manufacture of the aerospace device. Second is the maintenance cost, which will be cut through the use of the correct quality materials. Thirdly is the training cost which will be an essence in having potential skilled human resources and engineers who work on the technological manufacture of the aero plane as well As maintaining them. Finally, the country would have to invest in R D that would enhance development of modern aerospace using the most advanced technologies than any other competing companies Suggested policy to GDEAD: (Hunter, 1999, Walsh, 1996) The GDEAD should come u p with a policy for which given the current financial situation, it would be able to meet the same demands, but through institution establishment and collaboration with the industry, it would support them in the research work. Reference: Brace, P. (1993). State government and economic performance: Johns Bull, A. (1995): The economics of travel and tourism: Longman. Bulmer-Thomas, V. (1992): Input-output analysis in developing countries: Wiley Dewhurst, J. (1991): Regional input-output modeling / new development and interpretation: Avebury Grady, D. (1989): Governors and economic development policy: vol. 17, pp 870-84 Hewings, G. (1995): Regional input-output analysis, Beverly Hills: Sage Publications Hopkins University Press Hunter, K. (1999): Interest groups and state economic development policies: Praeger Publishers Isard, W. (1985): Introduction to regional science: Prentice Hall. Leistritz, F. (1991): The socioeconomic impact of resource development: Westview Press. Meier, G. (2004): Leading issues in economic development. Oxford Peterson, W. (2001): technology, planning, and Development: Oxford University Press. Pleeter, Saul (1990). Economic impact analysis: Boston: Maritinus Nijhoff Publishing Trogen, P. (1999): Which economic development policies work: retrieved from http:// University Press Walsh, R. (1996): Recreation economic decisions: Venture Publishing, Inc www. spaef. com, on 1st December 2008

The Isolation of Hamlet and Oedipus Essay Example for Free

The Isolation of Hamlet and Oedipus Essay Drama gives its readers a chance to delve into the inner selves of the characters as they sort out their internal struggles and external obstacles.   Often times these characters struggles lead them into a world of isolation as they battle against some type of seemingly unconquerable external force. As Tennessee Williams aptly said â€Å". . . we are in the jungle with whatever we can work out for ourselves. It seems to be that the cards are stacked against us. . . .†Ã‚   This is true for both Hamlet of the play by Shakespeare with the same title and also for Oedipus from Oedipus Rex.   Hamlet finds himself facing the obligation of revenge from his recently murdered father, the former King.   While he does not particularly want the challenge of avenging this murder, he does take steps to accomplish it.   However, the steps he takes are what serve to create his further isolation.   Before the ghost appears, Hamlet has the friendship of Horatio, a loving mother and a promising relationship with Ophelia.   He has no real enemies except for possibly his uncle Claudius.   As he continues with his roundabout plan for revenge, he alienates nearly everyone. First, Hamlet struggles with this newfound obligation and his own personality.   He notes â€Å"the time is out of joint,:O cursed spite / that ever I was born to set it right† (I,v).   He does not want to be the one chosen for this task, lacking the confidence and even motivation to take this step. Next, Hamlet struggles against the very credibility of the ghost.   He notes to Horatio his doubts when he speaks of adding a scene much like the death of his father and uses the play to test the veracity of the ghost’s claim.    When he sees the reaction of Claudius he is sure, but has raised the suspicion of his uncle, the King, to greater heights, placing himself in danger.   Now the struggle becomes a physical one with the king.   Even more isolating is Hamlet’s murder of Polonius, Ophelia’s father.   While accidental, this death serves to send Ophelia into suicidal insanity and to create a rival in her brother Laertes, who is also now driven for revenge.   Now, Hamlet is struggling with himself, guilt, and the dangerous union of Claudius and Laertes, who both want him dead. During this journey, Hamlet becomes increasingly isolated.   First, he feigns insanity himself to allow himself the opportunity to be less conspicuous which creates a rift between himself and his family.   To keep his cover, he must act cruelly toward Ophelia, his love.   He tells her that she should not have believed him when he said that he loved her and to â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery!†(III,i).    Only Horatio remains true to Hamlet, perhaps as the only character that can see Hamlet’s decline clearly.   He attempts to warn Hamlet of the finality of the arranged duel: â€Å"you will not win this wager, my lord.†Ã‚   As predicted, Hamlet does not win.   He, Polonius, his mother, his uncle, Ophelia, and Laertes all die as a result of Hamlet’s inability to win his internal and external struggles. Oedipus also struggles agains the hands of fate.   He has been fated to kill his father and marry his mother.   While he is far away at this time, he seeks to avenge Laius murder and travel away.   His struggle agains his own arrogance is evident when he condemns the prophet Tieresias who warns him.   Tieresias responds with â€Å"You blame my temper,/ but do not see the one which lives within you† (line 403-404).   This temper reveals itself when he continues to goad Tieresias and discovers that â€Å"I [Tieresias] say that you yourself are the very man you’re looking for† (ln.434-435). He then gives the prophecy that will forever haunt Oedipus:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He will be blind, although he now can see. He will be a poor, although he now is rich. He will set off for a foreign country, groping the ground before him with a stick. And he will turn out to be the brother of the children in his house—their father, too, both at once, and the husband and the son of the very woman who gave birth to them. He sowed the same womb as his father and murdered him. Go in and think on this. If you discover I have spoken falsely, you can say I lack all skill in prophecy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (lines 550-562). Of course he is referring to Oedipus, but Oedipus’ arrogance will not allow him to see it at this time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Slowly fate comes to blows with Oedipus.   He learns that Laius was killed in a similar fashion as a way he once murdered a man.  Ã‚   In addition, he learns that who he believed to be his father died of natural causes and that he had been given as a baby to another man.   The knowledge isolates Oedipus from his people and from his wife, who kills herself as a result of the horrible news.   Finally, he isolates himself from the world and the truth when he blinds himself saying, You will no longer see all those atrocious things I suffered, the dreadful things I did! No. You have seen those you never should have looked upon, and those I wished to know you did not see. So now and for all future time be dark! (lines 1517-1521). He cannot accept the truth so he retreats into the wilderness alone.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Both Hamlet and Oedipus must accept what fate brings them.   Hamlet struggles against his duty and isolates himself from everyone he loves, eventually losing his own life.   Oedipus struggles against the truth, ultimately losing his position and family in the process.   Indeed, it seems as if these characters were left alone, to their own devices, and did not win the struggles.

Risk Analysis And Vulnerability Information Technology Essay

Risk Analysis And Vulnerability Information Technology Essay The term risk management has been established in the last twenty years as an evolution of the term insurance management. The field of risk management includes a huge variety of activities and responsibilities than does insurance management. Risk management is now a widely accepted description of a discipline within most large organizations. Common risks such as building catastrophes, personnel injuries, and automobile accidents, as well as more major threats like product liability, environmental impairment, and employment practices, are the fields of the risk management department in a typical corporation. Although risk management has usually to do with property and loss, nowadays it is considerate to include financial risk management, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and derivatives, but also new types of risks that businesses expose themselves in E-commerce. As the role of risk management has increased, some large companies have begun invest in large-scale programs k nown as enterprise risk management. Risk management involves identifying, analyzing, and taking measures to decrease the exposures to threats towards organization. Risk management uses many techniques, to manage a multiple risks. Every business faces risks, some of which are easy to predict and under special managers control, and others which are apart from unpredictable, are also uncontrollable. Risk management is important for all kind of businesses. More specific, for small businesses, there are many types of threats, such as theft, fire, flood, legal liability, injury, or disability, which can cause serious economical damage, even bankruptcy. These kinds of losses and liabilities can affect companys operations and decrease its profits at very low even to zero level. On the other hand, many large companies are able to hire a risk manager to predict risks and execute a plan to protect the firm against them; unlikely to smaller companies, they dont include a risk manager in their annual budget. Instead, the handling of the threat probably will come from small business owner. ANALYSIS Risk assessment involves the integration of threat, vulnerability, and consequence information. Risk management involves deciding which protective measures to take based on an agreed upon risk reduction strategy. Many models/methodologies have been developed by which threats, vulnerabilities, and risks are integrated and then used to inform the allocation of resources to reduce those risks. Threat Assessment A threat assessment is the first thing to examine in a risk management plan. A variety of threats are being considered in a threat assessment considers such us natural, criminal, terrorist, accidental, etc. for specific facility or location. In order to evaluate the possibility of occurrence for each threat, the assessment should examine all types of information needed. For natural threats, a risk manager should determine the credibility of the given threat by using historical data concerning frequency of occurrence for given natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fire, or earthquakes. For criminal threats, the facility maybe is threatened from many types of criminal activities and that is why a risk manager should examine the crime rates in the surrounding area. Of course, the type of assets and activity which are taking place in the facility may also increase the possibility of a criminal attack by external or even internal aggressors. Furthermore the type of assets and activity which are taking place in the facility will also relate directly to the possibility of different types of accidents. For example, if heavy industrial machinery are utilized by employees, then they will be at higher risk for serious or life-threatening accidents than employees in a typical office building. For terrorist threats, the attractiveness of the facility as a target is a major consideration. In addition, the type of terrorist act may vary based on the potential adversary and the method of attack most likely to be successful for a given scenario. In general, the likelihood of terrorist attacks cannot be quantified statistically since terrorism is, by its very nature, random. Hence, when considering terrorist threats, the concept of developing credible threat packages is important. To determine vulnerabilities, use the matrix to interview personnel, review previous security incidents, and examine audit and system records and system documentation. Contact vendors for reports of known system vulnerabilities, check advisory Web sites and look for security issues by using automated tools. Then, evaluate the vulnerabilities while considering their number and nature and any countermeasures in place (discussed further next week). Using the matrix, what vulnerabilities exist in the organizations physical areas as applied to information security? Analyze findings from your observations and personnel interviews, risk assessment and historical site surveys, reviews of written and informal procedures and audit trail data, and any other research, like diagrams, practice drills, etc. Using these findings, determine what vulnerabilities exist in the organizations administration, policies and documentation area, and in the organizations personnel practices. Consider the organizations communications/network connectivity and in the computer system itself. Once the threat levels have been identified and quantified, evaluate the vulnerability. B. Vulnerability Assessment After identifying all existing threats, we have to perform a vulnerability assessment. Vulnerability assessment evaluates the impact of loss that any pre reported threat can cause after a successful attack. The evaluated degree of the damage that emanatates from such an attack is determined by Impact of loss. For achieving the properly definition of the impact of loss a threat is able to cause, a key component is needed. Each facility must be examined on its owned definitions. Below we can see some definitions for impact of loss in a company that serves the public. Devastating: In this case the facility is damaged and there is a need of repair in most of its items or assets. For that reason, the organization is forced to reduce the number of visitors in a certain degree for several period of time. Severe: In this case a part of the facility has been damaged or partially contaminated because of several events such as fire, extreme rain, smoke etc. Examples include partial structure breach resulting in weather/water, smoke, impact, or fire damage to some areas. Some items/assets in the facility are damaged beyond repair, but the facility remains mostly intact. The entire facility may be closed for a period of up to two weeks and a portion of the facility may be closed for an extended period of time (more than one month). Some assets may need to be moved to remote locations to protect them from environmental damage. The number of visitors to the facility and others in the organization may be reduced by up to 50% for a limited period of time. Noticeable: The facility is temporarily closed or unable to operate, but can continue without an interruption of more than one day. A limited number of assets may be damaged, but the majority of the facility is not affected. The number of visitors to the facility and others in the organization may be reduced by up to 25% for a limited period of time. Minor: The facility experiences no significant impact on operations (downtime is less than four hours) and there is no loss of major assets. C. Risk Analysis Vulnerability A combination of the impact of loss rating and the vulnerability rating can be used to evaluate the potential risk to the facility from a given threat. Vulnerability is defined to be a combination of the attractiveness of a facility as a target and the level of deterrence and/or defense provided by the existing countermeasures. Target attractiveness is a measure of the asset or facility in the eyes of an aggressor and is influenced by the function and/or symbolic importance of the facility. Sample definitions for risk ratings are as follows: Very High: This is a high profile facility that provides a very attractive target for potential adversaries, and the level of deterrence and/or defense provided by the existing countermeasures is inadequate. Countermeasures recommended to mitigate these risks should be implemented as soon as possible. High: This is a high profile regional facility or a moderate profile national facility that provides an attractive target and/or the level of deterrence and/or defense provided by the existing countermeasures is inadequate. Countermeasures recommended to mitigate these risks should be implemented as soon as possible. Moderate: This is a moderate profile facility (not well known outside the local area or region) that provides a potential target and/or the level of deterrence and/or defense provided by the existing countermeasures is marginally adequate. Countermeasure implementation should be planned in the near future Low: This is not a high profile facility and provides a possible target and/or the level of deterrence and/or defense provided by the existing countermeasures is adequate. Countermeasure implementation will enhance security, but is of less urgency than the above risks. The vulnerability assessment may also include detailed analysis of the potential impact of loss from an explosive, chemical, or biological attack. Professionals with specific training and experience in these areas are required to perform these detailed analyses. A sample of the type of output that can be generated by a detailed explosive analysis can also be shown graphically. A graphic representation of the potential damage to a facility from an explosive attack allows a building owner to quickly interpret the results of the analysis, although a more fully detailed and quantitative engineering response would be required to design a retrofit upgrade. In addition, similar representations can be used to depict the response of an upgraded facility to the same explosive threat. This allows a building owner to interpret the potential benefit that can be achieved by implementing various structural upgrades to the building frame, wall, roof, and/or windows. D. Upgrade Recommendations Based on the findings from the risk analysis, the next step in the process is to identify countermeasure upgrades that will lower the various levels of risk. If minimum standard countermeasures for a given facility level are not currently present, these countermeasures should automatically be included in the upgrade recommendations. Additional countermeasure upgrades above the minimum standards should be recommended as necessary to address the specific threats identified for the facility. The estimated capital cost of implementing the recommended countermeasures is usually provided in the threat/vulnerability assessment report. The estimated installation and operating costs for the recommended countermeasures are also usually provided in the threat/vulnerability assessment report. All operating costs are customarily estimated on a per year basis. E. Re-Evaluation of Risks The implementation of the recommended security and/or structural upgrades should have a positive effect on the impact of loss and/or the vulnerability ratings for each threat. The final step in the process is to re-evaluate these two ratings for each threat in light of the recommended upgrades. Using an exterior explosive threat as an example, the installation of window retrofits (i.e., security window film, laminated glass, etc.) will not prevent the explosive attack from occurring, but it should reduce the impact of loss/injury caused by hazardous flying glass. Therefore, the impact of loss rating for an explosive threat would improve, but the vulnerability rating would stay the same. CONCLUSION A Generic Model for Assessing and Integrating Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Many models/methodologies have been developed by which threats, vulnerabilities, and risks are integrated and then used to inform the cost-effective allocation of resources to reduce those risks. For this report, CRS reviewed vulnerability assessment models or methodologies, including some developed and used, to varying degrees, in certain selected sectors SUGGESTIONS Using Assessments to Identify and Prioritize Risk Reduction Activities. Identify Ways to Reduce Risk. Risks can be reduced in a number of ways: by reducing threats (e.g. through eliminating or intercepting the adversary before he strikes); by reducing vulnerabilities (e.g. harden or toughen the asset to withstand the attack); or, by reducing the impact or consequences (e.g. build back-ups systems or isolate facilities from major populations). For each potential countermeasure, the benefit in risk reduction should also be determined.26 More than one countermeasure may exist for a particular asset, or one countermeasure may reduce the risk for a number of assets. Multiple countermeasures should be assessed together to determine their net effects. The analyst should also assess the feasibility of the countermeasure. The cost of each countermeasure must also be determined. Costs, too, are multidimensional. There may be up-front financial costs with associated materials, equipment, installation, and training. There are also longer term operational costs of the new protective measures, including maintenance and repair. There may also be operational costs associated with changes to overall operations. Costs also include time and impact on staff, customers, and vendors, etc. Expenditures on the protection of assets also results in opportunity costs, i.e. costs associated with not being able to invest those resources in something else. Prioritize and Decide In What to Invest. Once a set of countermeasures have been assessed and characterized by their impact on risk, feasibility, and cost, priorities may be set. Decision makers would have to come to a consensus on which risk reduction strategy to use to set priorities. Most of the methods reviewed suggest a cost-effective selection process (i.e. implementation of the risk-reduction method(s) should not cost more than the benefit derivedby the reduced risk). Cost-effectiveness could also imply that the country invest in risk reduction to the point where the marginal cost to society equals the marginal benefit. Alternatively, given a fixed budget, cost-effectiveness might imply investing in protections that maximize the benefits for that investment. Countermeasures that lower risk to a number of assets may prove to be most cost-effective. Also, focusing attention on those assets associated with the highest risks may yield the greatest risk reduction and be one way to implement a cost effective approach. While cost-effectiveness is usually the recommended measure for setting priorities, decision makers may use others. For example, decision makers may be risk averse. In other words, even if the chance of an attack is small, or the potential target is not particularly vulnerable, the consequences may be too adverse to contemplate. In this case, decision makers may wish to bear the costs of additional protection that exceed the expected reduction in risk. Roper notes, however, that, in general, protection costs should not exceed a reasonable percentage of the total value of the asset.2 Another measure by which to select protective actions might be to favor maximizing the number or geographical distribution of assets for which risks are reduced. Alternatively, decision makers might want to focus efforts on reducing a specific threat scenario (e.g. dirty bombs) or protecting specific targets (e.g. events where large numbers of people attend). The electric utility checklist states that the ultimate goal of risk management is to select and implement security improvements to achieve an acceptable level of risk at an acceptable cost. The concept of acceptable risk is mentioned in a number of methodologies, and it needs to be determined by decision makers After selecting which protective measures to pursue, programs, responsibilities, and mechanisms for implementing them must be established. Many of the reviewed methodologies conclude with the recommendation to revisit the analysis on a regular basis.

Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use Essay -- Environmental Issues

Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use One of the main issues involved with fossil fuels are the environmental impacts that occur from their use. These problems; such as acid rain, oil spills, climate change, global warming, etc., are not only occurring with fossil fuel usage, but are also increasing due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels. This essay will vaguely explain the area of environmental impacts from fossil fuel use, and will attempt to change, or further increase your understanding of the very serious environmental impacts that occur from fossil fuel use. One of the biggest environmental impacts which is steadily increasing in severity due to fossil fuel usage is global warming. Global warming is mainly caused due to the trapping of heat in the atmosphere due to increased amounts of carbon dioxide. Because of the burning of fossil fuels, there has been a twenty five percent increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the last 150 years (Clean Energy). This increase over the years has caused the global average surface temperature to raise ...

Experiment In Pupilometry :: essays research papers fc

Introduction: Pupilometry is the study of how a pupil reacts to different emotions and stimuli. The research on the topic of pupilometry is scattered and fairly shallow. Related research has been conducted on facial expressions and their reaction and relation to emotion. There are some relationships to the facial expression research and pupilometry, but these relationships do not tell the whole story. Some interest has been brought up through research in the field of pupilometry and its predictive powers on emotion. Pupilometry has to do with the dilation and contraction of the pupil relative to the stimulus or emotion being studied. In the early stages of pupil dilation research, there was intrigue as to the response of the pupil to emotional situations. That focus shifted toward information processing, and soon emotional studies were completely ignored. One emotional study that was done questioned whether pupil size change, as a response to seeing nudity, was a general indicator of arousal. Fifty women and fifty-seven men of the heterosexual college student variety, with a mean age of 21.4 years were studied. Results of that experiment indicated that pupils did dilate significantly more for nude test group than they did for the clothed group, regardless of the sex of the subject or the sex of the pictured person. It was the study’s conclusion that the pupils dilated because of the increased emotional presence of arousal (Aboyoun and Dabbs 1998). Often, the eyes are poetically quipped as â€Å"the window to your soul†, â€Å"mirror of you heart†, or â€Å"the gauges showing fleeting feelings and changes† (Whiteside 1974). It has been studied that facial expressions can be inhibited by cognitively trying to hide them. In a study by Ursula Hess and Robert E. Kleck, spontaneous vs. deliberate facial emotions were studied. It was concluded that people could deliberately control facial expression. Pupil reaction on the other hand is not controllable by cognitive means. The dilation and contraction of the pupils is an involuntary response based on reaction to stimulus and or emotion. Even if a person tried to hide their reaction to some stimulus physically, the size of the pupil could still be measured to observe a person’s reaction to a situation (Hess, U. and Kleck 1997). Eckhard Hess states in his book that normal reactions to the emotion â€Å"happy† should indicate significantly larger pupil size than the emotion â€Å"mad†. He goes on to suggest that large doe-eyed pupils are seen as happy, and small beady-eyed pupils are seen as mad (Hess, E.