Lake effect snow in areas east of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

The effect of lake effect snowfall has increasing been felt by residents of cities east side of Lakes Ontario and Lake Erie.   Areas surrounding these great lakes can attest to the fact that amount of snowfall each year increases causing devastating damages to the livelihood of city residents in Buffalo, Rochester Watertown and Syracuse.   These effects are felt more by these areas since they lie on the leeward sides.   During winter days, the snow surface can raise to as high as 1200cm.   In such extreme cases, recreational activities, schooling agriculture and other economic activities have been profoundly incapacitated (Rosenfeld, 2000).The major explanation that has been underpinned to increased lake effect snowfall is global warming caused by emissions of green gases.   This paper makes a summary of the proposed project which is an analysis of the lake effect snowfall in cities east side of lakes Ontario and lake Erie, by outlining the various data and methodology†™s, interpretation tools and reasons why the steps will be crucial to achieving objectives of this proposed research.  IntroductionThe scientific explanation behind snowfall production is a clearly understood topic at least to most scientists; however, the lake effect snow that happens over great lakes in the USA remains a mystery.   However, â€Å"Numerous studies have found a strong correlation between the strength of lake-effect snow and the degree to which the wind changes direction with height in the lower atmosphere. Thus, the minimizations of directional wind `shear` is considered to be an excellent predictor of LES snowfall rates and intensity. In general, when we think about wind direction and lake-effect snow, the first thing that comes to mind is fetch and how it affects lake-effect snow.Assuming that there is sufficient number of cases, one may examine how other variables affect lake-effect snow when fetch remains the same. An example is studying how wind speed af fects snowfall for a given fetch. The purpose of this project is to establish the extent of lake effect snow in Lake Erie and Ontario and its effect to Metropoliation Buffalo and Rochester along with the eastern cities on the eastern end of Lake Ontario.Background study.The scientific explanations advanced about lake effect snow is cold air masses that originate from Canada have low water content which is warmed up and moistened as it passes over the Great lakes thereby creating lower atmospheric instability and upward motion.   As a result, friction between the down winds land surfaces, upslope flow of winds cause boundary layer turbulence, and hence the LES (Dewey 1979).   Lake effect snow is used to describe snowfall that occurs during the winter months and falls due to the mixture of cold air and warm air from lakes as winds cross over water masses of the great lakes. (Niziol, 1987) The manifestation of this contact between cold occurs in localized manner.This is because the snowfalls are not wind driven.   Thus, it is possible to find clear skies in one area surrounding great lakes and another covered with heavy snow downpour.   It is crucial for residents of area surrounding great lakes to be able to predict when a snow burst is likely to strike. Although nature can be difficult to predict, climatologic have made some headways into techniques useful for prediction purposes say. Studying synoptic scale weather pattern, study of temperature of water surfaces wind direction and speed changes in wind direction with height and so on.The visible effect of these IES is heavy snowfall in surrounding areas of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.   It winter periods, the areas around these great lakes can experience a one-day snowfall of up to 175 cm deep or 300cm on a span of five days.   In extreme cases 1200 cm, deep snow has been reported in areas like New York (Dewey, 1979).   Wintertime in these areas is often a disaster due to the dramatic results of l ake effect snowfall. Meteorologists have expressed concern over increase of lake effect snowfall in areas surrounding Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Leather et al (1996) proposes that 30% to 60% of the increased instance of lake enhance snowfall increase has accrued from increased frequency of synoptic weather that is conducive for lake effect snowfall in cities east of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.However, the proposal advanced by leather is elusive because it does not submit the reason behind the rise of synoptic weather in the first place.   As seen in the formation of lakes effect lakes have a profound influence an adding to the amount of snow fall lake Ontario is a huge water mass and he warm air that rises and the moisture content from it also contributes to rise in lake effect snowfall.   In order to evaluate the extent of the effect of lake effect snow in cities east of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie it is important to have sufficient data to support itData and methodologyThis pr oject focuses on the areas east of Lake Ontario and Erie as well as Buffalo and Rochester.   In order to get the relevant data, a sample of 300 metrological stations located in these areas will be used. The stations for the sample will be ones that have weather records dating back to 30 to 40 years ago.   The records must be accurate and documented on a monthly basis.   The methodology of data collection shall be interviews with residents of cities around great lakes east of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.   The purpose behind interviewing them is to get a feel of how they experience the dramatic effects of lake snow effect.The sample selection methodology will be selective meaning only resident who have linked in the cities for more than 30 years.   The meteorological departments will be chosen in each city east of the lakes Ontario and Erie because different cities experience lake effect snowfalls at varied degree. Data collected by the NOAA will be considered. Recordings of wind speeds collected in the past 30-40 years will also be crucial. On average snow effect, snow occurs during months of November through to April. The frequency of snowfall has increased while the rainfall frequency has declined in the past 30 years dating back to 1970 thrugh to 2001.The data from NOAA also shows that the intensity of snowfall has risen owing to the increased events of precipitation. Data will be from metrological stations and key components that will be looked for are total cold season snowfall values collected over the period stated, statistic on the negative impacts of increased lake effect snowfall in areas east side of lake Ontario and lake Erie, documented changes in weather climate and precipitation sped and so on.   Evaluation of the data will use simple arithmetic methods such as mean modes standard deviations correlation and variance.These evaluations will help to better interpret the results and findings from the research.   For instance, mean tempe rature throughout a month relationship between snowfall and temperature average snowfall experienced during autumn and winter days, deviation of temperatures from recorded mean temperatures.The mode will equally help to determine the frequency of a heavy lake effect snowfall over a 5-year interval in order to see if there is any consistent pattern followed by the lake effect snowfalls. In order to establish to correlation between increase in temperatures water vaporization and the increase in lake effect snowfall in east cities of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, models such as regression model ANOVA models CHI-SQ, students T distribution techniques will be utilized.   These models will come in handy when measuring my analysis degree of accuracy at significant confidence levels.   A time series of the occurrence of changes in weather and lake effect snowfall will be observed.REFERENCESBraham, R. R., and R. D. Kelly, 1982: Lake-effect snowstorms on Lake Michigan, USA. Cloud Dynamics, E. M. Agee and T. Asai, Eds., D. Reidel, 87–101.Dewey, K. F., 1977: Lake-effect snowstorms and the record breaking1976–77 snowfall to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Weatherwise, 30, 228–231.Leathers, D. J., and A. W. Ellis, 1996: Synoptic mechanisms associated with snowfall increases to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Int. J. Climatol., 16, 1117–1135.Niziol, T.A., 1982: A record setting lake effect snowstorm at buffalo NY. Natl. Wea.Dig., 7(4), 19-24.Rosenfeld, D., 2000: Suppression of rain and snow by urban and Industrial air pollution. Science, 287, 1793–1796.

Factors Leading to Social Illness Among Teenagers Essay

Teenagers nowadays are very different with teenagers before then. Today,teenagers are getting wilder and tend to have more fun than they should.Rotten teenagers smoked, drink alcohols before they reach maturity, goclubbing and partying, have sex before marriage, involved in drugs, and a lotmore unhealthy activities that are not only useless and wasting their time butare also affecting their health. When asked, why do teenagers love this kind of lifestyle, their answerwould be easy, â€Å"Because this is the way teenagers of this era lived†. How sad itis to think about the social ills among teenagers these days. They preferred to be‘in the crowd’ rather than focussing on how to excel brilliantly in theirexaminations.One of the factors of why social ills are getting worse among teenagersthese days is less attention by their parents. This is a major issue. Today’sparents are very busy focussing on their careers until sometimes they seem toforget their responsibilities as parents. Children who feel lonely due to the lack of time spent with their parents will find new ways to live up their life. They start tosmoke, take drugs and socialising. Once they reach adolescence, children startto abuse the freedom that their parents give to them and become a ‘wild child’. Problems happening inside the home could also lead to social ills amongteenagers. Teenagers are easily stressed and depressed with the situation athome. They could be emotionally affected by divorcing of parents, death of family members, pressure by family to maintain good results, and many moreproblems. Because of too much tension, teenagers have the tendency to involvethemselves in the social ills, in order to release their stress and depression.Another factor that also causes the social ills to get worse is the influencesby friends. A teenager may have chosen wrong friends for him. Friends with badreputation and attitude problems will surely influence their friends to join themand have the blast of dating, clubbing, partying, drinking alcohols and manymore social activities that could ruin the innocence of a child. It is very easy toinfluence teenagers on trying new things as at this stage of life, they are still notvery sure of life and have the feeling of wanting to experience every single newthing in life if possible. Therefore, it is very easy to ‘pull’ teenagers into the worldof social ills. This issue must be looked into seriously as young generation of today arethe leaders of tomorrow. How could they lead the country in the future if theycontinue to mingle in social ills which will eventually destroy themselvesphysically and mentally? Serious actions should be taken immediately byparents, teachers, schools, societies and authorities to stop this issue fromgetting worse. Teenagers should be taught the real meaning of life. They need tochange for the sake of better and brighter future of the world.

Analysis of Corporate Governance by Monks, Robert & Minow, Nell Article

Analysis of Corporate Governance by Monks, Robert & Minow, Nell - Article Example As a result, the managers strengthened the company’s governance by ensuring that their imperative efforts focused on their judicial systems reforms, property rights, and informational freedom as well as evaluating other institutions that were vital for realizing democratic market economies. In addition, Banca Comerciala Romana of Romania experienced successful cases of good corporate governance in 2004. Due to itemized corporate governance, the institution was able to access cheaper debt that made it possible for the bank and its affiliate rating agencies to access lower borrowing costs. Fitch Ratings upgraded both individual ratings and long-term counterparty ratings from C/D and BB- to D and B+ respectively. The company cited the upgrading of the ratings came because of the improvement of corporate governance. They were able to manage the bank’s risks that led to changes that brought the bank back to European Union standards hence acting as a role model for the other financial institutions in the region. Furthermore, good corporate governance brings success in companies since it helps facilitate profit-making operations. With good corporate governance, investors will not just assume whether the company will perform better, but knows it will perform best due to better corporate governance (Monks & Minow, 63).  Ã‚   According to the study, the companies transformed due to affirmed systems of good corporate governance. The refining and developing of standards of corporate governance often followed cases of failures within the subjugated company. For instance, in the late 1990s, there were bursts of high technology bubbles associated with telecommunication companies. As a result, there was the development of interests by both brokers and analysts that led to conflicts, underpinning the ability to introduce the principle that would bring advice and analysis into the new system of corporate governance. Enron is one of the companies that felt the heat of failed corporate governance as it pointed the source of its failures to the auditing committee. The auditor and audit committee was an independent body thus mistakes involved during corporate governance application led to deficiencies due to failed accounting standards. Enron’s system of corporate governance failed due to lack of advice and an alysis principles. Another failed case of corporate governance is that of Parmalat. The Parmalat is a group of companies in Italy that deals with dairy food business worldwide. In December 2003, the company’s management team announced the collapse of the company due to lack of funds and entered into the bankruptcy protection program.  Ã‚  

ALIEN AUTOPSY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

ALIEN AUTOPSY - Essay Example Conversely, this is explicable by the underlying conditions under which the autopsy was undertaken (Farrell, pp29-39). According to the prevailing cameraman, four living aliens were found at the crash site. One of them never survives the revival operation whilst the second and the third succumbed after a month. The fourth alien stay lived until the year 1946. The autopsy of the first creature is not known thus it can be taken to be the subject of the massive scientific autopsy. The filmed of the prevailing second and third autopsies were on the year 1947 to find the main cause of their abrupt death thus aiding in finding appropriate means of keeping the fourth alien alive. This could also aid in the establishing of communication and finding the reason why the alien had come to Earth. This was the main interest of the national defense forces as compared to the scientific study of an alien life form (Mantle & Noe Torres, pp54-67). However, there was assumption that organs were taken fo r further learning during the process of dissection. Moreover, according to the cameraman, the fourth alien was autopsied logically within a medical theatre in the presence of the leading scientist in United States, England and France. Santilli footage depicted metals samples that mainly take after the manufacturing modus operandi utilized in the building of the I-Beams within the Santilli debris footage. The footage was precisely rounds at section of the symbols which were impossible to be made within the present milling machines (Mantle & Noe Torres, pp54-67). The nature of the fractures, light and highly reflective appearance of the I-beams baffled Murphy that prompted him to conclude that the metals were made from very fine, crystalline structure manufactured with unknown technique. The hieroglyphs on the alien I-beams resemble the Greek and Phoenician alphabets, which have the common origin of family diverse from Semitic alphabets-Aramaic, Procanaanitic and Arabic that originat ed from the hieroglyphic alphabet. Inscriptions clearly belong to the same family of the alphabets but pre-date the Phoenician and the corresponding Egyptian culture found in Peru (Farrell, pp29-39). The film brings out the understanding of both the I-beams and then decodes their underlying captions utilizing languages from the similar context and language families as the main alphabets. There were also twelve toed foot prints on Anasazi petro glyphs within the Canyonlands of Utah. The signs designated their divine origin. There was controversy on the part of the Roswell footage because it lacked witnesses on the year 1947 UFO crash to confirm either bodies or the debris. Moreover, it contained smaller corpses that had four fingers according to the witnesses (Mantle & Noe Torres, pp112-178). The cameraman said that the crash site was amidst the Socorro and Magdalena. Santilli’s full story of the cameraman confirmed that he had leant about the crash on the year 1947, which dat es the event back to the late hours of May, 1947. The conclusion was that the event of Roswell was totally different. The fact that the cameraman had been flown into the Roswell and brought to the underlying crash site by car caused him to think that

Analysis the UK Government's Strategy towards Work Training and Skills Essay

Analysis the UK Government's Strategy towards Work Training and Skills in the Light of the Current Economic Downturn - Essay Example This has been observed to contribute towards economic growth. This presentation attempts to look at and analyze the United Kingdom Government’s strategy towards work training and skills in the light of the current economic downturn. This entails the basic needs as aligned to work training and skills as have been focused on by the UK government as a requirement in trade, professions and general occupation (UKCES 2011: 34). It has been observed that the labour market recognizes the need to promote training beyond an individual’s novel qualifications. This work looks into such issues as well since there is a need for the nation to upgrade, maintain and update work skills in every aspect of employment so as to enhance working life in line with improving economic growth for the entire nation. The UK Government’s Strategy towards Work Training and Skills The United Kingdom’s government has in the past made strong moves and attempts to handle the potential failur es in skills trainings. It has been in the forefront with a focus aimed at improving the employees, skills and knowledge and at the same time has them undergo some relevant learning. This has been considered essential following â€Å"the government’s need to achieve sustainable growth in economy since it is importance to address it other than the country’s trends in skills trainings which have remained steady† (UKCES 2009: 34). This approach by the UK’s government is a reflection of its efforts and determinations to ensure the issues on the same are addressed effectively. However, Keith (2011: 32) notes that the government has not been able to source enough funds to help contain the problem though it has got plans put up to acquire and employ relevant resources. This will help enlarge programmes for apprenticeship especially for adults while also giving out support to people who are involved in trainings especially vocational trainings. In order to realiz e its goals for the strategy on the basis of works training and skills, the government has formulated reforms that incorporate expansions for adult apprenticeships in order that between the years 2014 and 2015 the country may boast of having 75,000 more grounds for skills trainings other than the labour plans by the government. According to UKCES 92011:46), â€Å"this will include loans from the government which will be given to 24 year old learners during the period between the years 2013 and 2014 as well as launch a growth innovation funding programmes which is deemed to have the potential of being a total of up to ?50m†. In regard to these, the government also plans to publish its skills book so as to assist both individuals and businesses to gain the relevant skills that are important in having the country achieve an increased economic strength alongside building growth that is sustainable in as far as long-term considerations on work trainings and skills are concerned. I n spite of the fact that the United Kingdom’s government has reduced the budget for further education and the expected skills, there has not been any continuation for the programmes in the protection and

Forces and Trends in Chocolate Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forces and Trends in Chocolate Industry - Essay Example Population Growth Like any other industry, the chocolate industry is driven by population growth. For the chocolate industry, this population growth occurs in one crucial way. This is owed to the fact that the elderly age group is anticipated to triple by 2015 (Silva and Simoes, 2010). Consequently, players in the chocolate industry must come up with inventive products that satisfy the needs of this generation. As mentioned earlier, Hershey Chocolates Company has already reacted by coming up with the Kisses dark chocolate. This product is associated with low cholesterol values and numerous antioxidants. Consequently, the product is tailor-made for the baby boomer generation. Supplier Power This refers to the company’s ability to operate regardless of the prevailing suppliers in the industry. It is necessary to note that the primary raw materials in the production of chocolates are cocoa bean, milk and secondary sugar. Therefore, with regard to the production of sugar and milk, there exist numerous suppliers in the market. Thus, supplier power in regards to these two products is limited. On the other hand, the supply of the cocoa beans is limited to only a few suppliers in the industry. This implies that the supplier power of the cocoa bean firms is extremely high. Therefore, the chocolate producing firms such as Hershey Chocolates Company must come up with effective ways of lowering the supplier power of these companies in order to remain competitive in the industry. Consequently, Hershey Chocolates Company has reacted to this challenge in the following ways: Research on alternative ingredient formulation Optimizing current cocoa production Research on Alternative Ingredient Formulation... The researcher focuses on the effects of economic recession, that today usually refer to a spell in the business cycle where there exists a contraction or slowdown in business activity. Consequently, economic recession impacts negatively on businesses. This implies that, for Hershey Chocolates Company to succeed it has to effectively wither the economic recession. Consequently, these products have given the company a competitive advantage over similar firms in the industry. However, the industry also faces stiff competition from other substitute products such as ordinary candy and cookies. Other non-chocolate snacks such as fruits, ice cream and yoghurt also pose a challenge to the industry. Health concerns are continually taking a toll on the chocolate industry with consumers insisting on consumption of healthy diets. Consequently, industry players like the Hershey Chocolates Company must develop increased premium products in order to penetrate into the consumer market. The products must be sensitive to the health and ethical issues so as to win a share of the crowded market in the industry. With regards to rivalry with other similar companies, market growth of around 20 percent annually, together with its unique products cushions the company from the stiff competition it would have to face. Therefore, the chocolates industry experiences various forces and trends. Thus, it can be concluded that Hershey Chocolates Company must employ strategic measures in order to maintain profitability in the fragmented market system.

Nat Turner's Trial Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nat Turner's Trial - Case Study Example Second, Nat Turner also answered did not feel so during the same arraignment date when he was read another charge for insurrection. Third, African Americans were considered the personal property of their purchasers and thus were curtailed of this basic rights as a free man or woman. Fourth, Nat Turner for knew that the only way to atone for his encouraging fellow African Americans to kill innocent men, women and children in their sleep was to accept the verdict of the court which would be hanging. Fifth, Nat Turner felt that he was given a fair trial under the white -favoring laws during the 1830s. First, Nat Turner answered that he did not feel so when asked whether he was not guilty of the case masterminding the murder of innocent white men, women, children including infants. He was arraigned in August 22, 1831. Some of the fifty five people murdered were Joseph Travers, his wife and their three children, Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, Hartwell Prebles, Sarah Newsome, Mrs. P Reese and her son William, Trajan Doyle and others. Some of Nat Turner's fellow African American co-conspirators that were also found guilty and sentenced by the same August 1831 court were Daniel who was owned by Richard Porter, Moses who was the property of J.T. Barrow, Nathan who was owned by Benj. Blunt's estate, Davy who was owned by Elizabeth Turner, Curtis and Stephen who were owned by Thomas Ridley and others. For, Nat Turner felt that his group overstepped their instructions from him by killing innocent women and children. Rightfully, Nat Turner answered that he did not feel so when asked whether he was not guilty of the case masterminding the murder of innocent white men, women, children including infants(Greenberg, 1996; p. 25-50). Second, Nat Turner also answered did not feel so during the same arraignment date when he was read another charge for insurrection. It was against the law to rise up and disobey their masters. Similarly, people today have to follow the laws of the land or else they will meted the corresponding penalties, fines, prison terms or even death. For, Nat Turner felt that rising against their White American owners was his mission on earth. Nat Turner felt that he was destined to curve a name for himself in American history by being the leader who tried to free the African Americans from the tyranny and hard life of the White Americans during his younger days. Clearly, Nat Turner also answered did not f eel so during the same arraignment date when he was read another charge for insurrection(Campbell, 1970, p. 20-35).Third, African Americans were considered the personal property of their purchasers and thus were curtailed of their basic rights as a free man or woman. The slaves did not have a ny freedom because they were forcibly kidnapped from Africa and sold as personal property to the white Americans. Today, the African Americans are free because the Northerners of Union forces defeated the Southerners or Confederate forces. Come to think of it, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and the boxer Muhammad Ali would still be slaves today had the Southerners run over the Northern forces. Ironically, the

BLOBs in database Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BLOBs in database - Essay Example The storage and retrieval of these items can be accomplished through a database system using a column type capable of storing binary data (commonly referred to as a "binary large object" or a BLOB). There are many existing database systems capable of storing BLOBs. Such systems' functionality, performance and cost vary greatly among vendors (with some costing as much as $25,000 for a single CPU license). The prohibitive cost often keeps some organizations from conducting full assessments of database systems for possible use in their operations, potentially causing a loss or revenue. Entities with limited resources need an affordable means of assessing or benchmarking their own database utilization. This thesis, first and foremost, provides a database benchmark for storing BLOBs in a database. Secondly, a database benchmark framework is provided with the example implementation being the BLOB database benchmark. By so doing: My research indicates that no research has been done comparing the performance of database systems' ability to store BLOBs. ... The software development community will now have a benchmark for storing BLOBs in a database. This benchmark will fill a void as most database benchmarks focus on OLTP (online transaction processing) that consist of very small records and none focus on the general storage of BLOBs. EXISTING DATABASE BENCHMARKS My research indicates that no research has been done comparing the performance of database systems' ability to store BLOBs. Similar research regarding database performance (for datasets not including binary data) does exist and come from the following sources: the Transaction Processing Counsel (TPC), Storage Performance Council (SPC), Open Source Database Benchmark (OSDB), Engineering Database Benchmark (EDB) and Wisconsin Database (Bitton). In addition to not considering BLOBs, the TPC and SPC benchmarks are implemented by vendors who perform many specialized database and operating system configurations. Thus, they are not pertinent to this discussion. These nonstandard configurations take advantage of the vendors' specialized knowledge of the hardware, database, operating system and benchmark. This thesis provides the first benchmark to assess the storage of BLOBs in relational database systems. The performance results are categorized into three general BLOB sizes: small, medium a nd large. Below is a brief description of the five similar database performance resources. Transaction Processing Council (TPC) Each TPC benchmark consists of a set of functional requirements to be run on any transaction processing system independent of the hardware or operating system. It is then up to the test sponsor to submit proof (in the form of a full disclosure report) that they have met all the requirements. The TPC has four non-obsolete database benchmarks:

Sustainable Hospitality Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Sustainable Hospitality Management - Essay Example Under such circumstances, the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be conducted at New Delhi, just few less than 1000 days away from inaugural, considered to be pride of India, the development has started at the banks of Yamuna River, will be the biggest and most expensive sports event to ever be held in India. But is it necessary that for merely conducting 15 days of play, the livelihood of thousands of villagers living around should be disturbed and turn them into immigrants and incur them huge losses, financially, socially and psychologically. New Delhi promises to present a next biggest stadium in the world, which will host the games and accommodation for participating players in the mega event for 15 days, but at the cost of poor indigenous peoples. As per the Brundtland Commission, "sustainability is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".1 Sustainable development is an assorted concept, as a wide array of views fall under its umbrella. The concept has included notions of weak sustainability, strong sustainability and deep ecology. Different conceptions also reveal a strong tension between ecocentrism and anthropocentrism. One of the first and most oft-cited definitions of sustainability, and almost certainly the one that will survive for posterity, is the one created by the Brundtland Commission, led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Commission defined sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."2The Brundtland definition thus implicitly argues for the rights of future generations to raw materials and vital ecosystem services to be taken into account in decision making. People talked about living conditions, resources, population pressures, international trade, education, and health. Environmental issues were related to all of these, but there was no hard and fast division separating environmental issues, social and economic issues. All the problems were intertwined. There were links among the environment, the economy and society that caused problems in one of these areas to affect the other areas. Sustainable development does not focus solely on environmental issues. More broadly, sustainable development policies encompass three general policy areas: economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability as mentioned in the diagram below at figure 1. In support of this, several United Nations texts, most recently the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, refer to the "interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars" of sustainable development as economic development, social development, and environmental protection. Figure 1: Scheme of sustainable development: at the confluence of three constituent parts The Indian capital New Delhi gets ready to host the mega single event of Commonwealth Games in 2010 for the first time. The Government of New Delhi has implemented a strategy to construct a 'New Delhi Games Village" just for hosting 2010 Commonwealth Games. It is definitely a pride issue for all the Indians,

Marketing - The Luxury Market Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - The Luxury Market - Article Example One simple answer: brand name. People trust the brand and â€Å"perceive them as having value over and above that of the ‘equivalent’ commodity† (Chernatony and McDonald 2003, p.367). The brand conveys a message. Hence the brand has aspiration, and people who want to be linked with that aspiration, and have the resources to ensure that happens are loyal to these brands. The brand makes one feel special; the brand makes provides one with superior confidence and heightened feeling. (Globe 2004). The brand is the differentiator; the brand is what helps you fit in. It is weird, but the brand is what conveys what you want to convey to the world. And if you can afford it, why not? Luxury Marketing To understand the difference in the marketing style for luxury brands, one must first understand the difference between regular and luxury goods. A brand that is highly priced does not automatically become a luxury brand. Price is only one factor. There are various others such as the quality of the product, its exclusivity, the precision in its making, innovation, and so much more! Such products are obviously targeted at consumers at the highest level in the wealth pyramid, ones that have resources they do not know what to do with. They need to be reminded about their status, the prestige, and so choose products from the luxury segment that differentiates them from the crowd and sets boundaries when it comes to their social status. (Vickers and Renand 2003). They are not worried about price of a product as much as the value it brings to their lives. These are the people who choose opulence over necessities, and why not? They have the resources for it. They even have an inexplicable bond with the products they choose. They prefer not to experiment and want what they want. Luxury Marketing Mix The marketing mix for luxury products differs from regular products in many ways. Let us take a look at what sets these apart. 1. Product: A regular product is produ ced in thousands, maybe millions. All these products have the same price, are standardized and are identical to one another in almost all aspects other than color or size. But take a luxury product and it become exclusive and special by customizing the product or producing a limited edition line. (Piron 2000). 2. Price: The pricing strategy for regular products is mainly value for money. This is due to the highly competitive market and the fact that there are substitutes in the market for almost anything. People know what they want and where they can get an alternate at a lower price. The luxury segment is premium priced for people who know exactly what they want and do not mind spending to get it. 3. Place: Regular products are easily accessible and are made available in multiple stores or in zones that will be convenient for the people in the target group. Luxury items do not need to be strategically placed. They are usually made available in very exclusive stores in high end area s where they will be accessible to the buyers. (Piron 2000). 4. Promotion: For a regular product, every form of promotion is used from Above the Line, Below the Line, advertising in all sorts of media, building product functional and aspirational appeal and so on. For a luxury product however, premium, above the line media are used, specific to the

Pressures Of Higher Education Essay Example for Free

Pressures Of Higher Education Essay It is a brisk day in October, and all the leaves are crackling as every college student around the country is headed to his or her library, trying to get some studying in for the next exams. Some fully understand the subject matter and will constantly pressure themselves to keep on getting better; Others do not fully understand the subject mater and are too busy thinking about how they intend to pay for this class again once they fail. Most belong somewhere in the middle, constantly contemplating why they even put the stress of higher education onto themselves. Higher education is the catalyst to advancing our society to unknown boundaries. The pressures that come along with higher education vary from relaxed to extremely exhausting. These pressures are showcased nonstop in community colleges, state universities and lastly Ivy League private universities. While community colleges have often been looked down upon as a relaxed version of actual higher education, community colleges have been proven to raise the amount of pressure and stress on the enrolled students. The levels of difficulty of the curriculums are indeed lower than those of other colleges and universities. That is not necessarily a bad thing knowing that the typical student enrolled in community college either was not fully prepared for the challenge of other colleges or universities, or they just were not financially ready to make that step up. These struggling students need more time to work on their problems. Students can pursue an Associates Degree in their major without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of trying to get a bachelor’s degree too early, leading them into failing grades. The students that are enrolled simply because of not having the financial means to enroll into other colleges and universities tend to have a high level of stress, not because they feel stunned by the subject matter, but because of the opposite. Not feeling challenged enough can create pressure on them because they do not feel as if they are getting the education they truly deserve. Community college may come off as a pressure free area, but in reality it has its pressure provoking aspects like all other outlets of higher education. The pressures of state universities are easily visible from the outside vantage point. To start, the number of majors offered at state universities is astounding. Most people that are given that much choice tend to realize that they do not really know what they want to major in. This epiphany leads them into declaring undecided. To go along with the high number of majors, the curriculums of all these majors often are just as breathtaking in difficultly. The number of students to teacher ratio is usually staggering, which creates more pressure for a student to grasp the concepts the first time. The tuition for state universities averages around twenty thousand annually. Most full time students cannot afford this price; therefore, students are forced to rely heavily on financial aid and scholarships. When that many people are competing for the same pile of assets, some tend to get left without enough. This increases the focus on the pressure of finding enough money for every semester’s expensive needs instead of focusing on the actual classes they are paying for. Even though the average students that attend a state university tend to have more control over the pressures of higher education, they can still feel the pressure. The pressures of higher education are substantially more evident in Ivy League students, due to the utmost need to succeed. The term â€Å"Ivy League† is defined as a group of long established eastern colleges and universities having high academic and social prestige. It is not hard to understand why the Ivy League schools are in their own prestigious bubble of higher education. Every student that enrolls in these schools was once part of the highly pressured top five percent of his or her high school. These students often have a genuinely hard time with transitioning from a fairly easy curriculum into their new extremely rigorous curriculums. A smooth transition is needed in order to earn a degree from their respective schools. Without that smooth transition, the students will start to feel overwhelmed, and the pressure will overcome them. Another contributing factor of pressure in Ivy League schools is the fact that the prices of attending these schools match the arduousness . The average tuition for an Ivy League school reaches into figures above fifty thousand annually. Grants, scholarships and financial aid play a very substantial part in full time students’ lives. If they were to receive unsatisfactory grades, then they would lose everything. Being forced to find a way to pay that much for their education would pressure them into dropping out, effectively ruining every high aspiration that student once had. Even though the Ivy League students have tremendous control over pressure, the pressures of higher education like money and making perfect grades, can lead to the failure of an otherwise perfect student. It does not matter whether a student is enrolled in a basic community college, state university or an Ivy League school, students will be faced with pressured situations. For a community college student, the pressures of worrying about not being fully ready for the challenges of college, or just not having the financial means to pay for it, will present themselves. Having control over how pressure affects them, and having the means for state universities, does not guarantee you will be ready for the feeling of being lost in the crowd instead of being an individual. Even though you would assume Ivy League attendees are perfect, sometimes the pressures of having to live up to that standard can overwhelm the student. No matter the level of difficultly, pursuing higher education will always create pressure on a student; the different routes of higher education will just affect the student in their own unique ways.

The Current Macro Environment Of South Africa Economics Essay

The Current Macro Environment Of South Africa Economics Essay Politically, the ANC has created 16 years of continuous rule and government stability but uncertainties surround their ability to manage union strikes and a steadily decreasing electorate vote. Economically, GDP is expected to show continuous growth despite a sharp drop in 2009. Business environment remains strong through FDIs although warning signs herald a weakening of the currency in the future. Socially, although economically viable to invest in this country when considering the low costs of entry, South Africas working population presents a lack of skilled labour required by our firm. Technologically, concentrated areas of RD, industry specific knowledge and improving transport infrastructure help to compensate the temporary shortcomings in energy supply. The legal system is generally supportive towards companies with strong regulation and employment laws. Environmentally, SA is an international leader in tackling global warming. It has great potential for producing renewable energy but environmental hazards and heavy reliance on coal for energy should be taken into concern. An extensive PESTLE framework will be used to highlight the major contributing factors that would affect such a strategic move. Political Government Stability The present government, the African National Congress (ANC), has shown relative stability, winning four consecutive elections since the fall of the apartheid in 1994. This has allowed continuous implementation of policies through sixteen years in power, the focus of which has been on improving social integration and employment generation. Source: Datamonitor, Aug 2009 Struggles under Political Unrest Despite strong governance indicators, SA still has much to develop as a democracy. The government is kept under pressure from the rising power of trade unions and an inability to control violent demonstrations. The ANC has also suffered a decreasing share of the electorate vote since first coming into power, receiving 65.9% in the recent 2009 election. Although a near two-thirds majority, commentators argue this is below the important threshold of 66% that allows the party to unilaterally alter the constitution. Implication: Pressure from trade unions may cause wariness in future business investment and a loss in consumer confidence. Economical Corporate Tax Rate There is a basic corporate tax rate of 30.2% of profit for all companies1 as of 2010. Interest Rates The South African Reserve Bank is independent and operates in much the same way as Western central banks, influencing interest rates and controlling liquidity through its interest rates on funds provided to private sector banks.2 Exchange Rates and Trading Unlike other African countries, SA prides itself as an open economy, benefiting from trade liberalization with many blocs3Â  . However, it has been posting a negative balance of payments since 2002. As of 2008, SAs total exports amounted to $96.1 billion, which was considerably higher than the total export value recorded at $83.0 billion in 2007. This has been exacerbated by the surge in inflation since monetary policies implemented in 2000. Recently, inflation has slowed to 6.89% year-on-year in June 2009 from 8.0% y/y in May 2009.4 Implication: An open economy will facilitate the expansion immensely, meaning less red-tape and cost savings. A negative trade balance can be advantageous as it will weaken the exchange rate, lowering costs for our firm. The lowered inflation will also help stabilise the economy. Foreign Direct Investments FDIs are highly valued in SA and the government has further encouraged them through the US ACU Trade, Investment and Development Cooperative Agreement signed in July 2008. This places special attention on customs cooperation, technical barriers to trade and investment promotion.5 Implication: Increases in FDIs will greatly aid entry into the country as these policies will help facilitate external investments such as ours. GDP Trends The GDP growth rate has been less than ideal with a sharp fall in 2009. However it is projected to bounce by 2011 with constant increase in GDP since. The economy is dominated by the services sector, which contributes 65.3% of its total GDP in 2008. 6 Implication: The increase in GDP shows that SAs economy is continually developing and could be a beneficial environment for setting up a company. Socio-cultural Unemployment The apartheid regime has resulted in social aspects wrought with conflicts. Despite high literacy rates and policies to improve this by the ANC, unemployment remains surprisingly high at 24.9%1. Implication: This highlights an underlying problem, which is the severe lack of skilled labor that does much in hindering business growth. High Crime Rate SA also presents a relatively high crime rate. A survey compiled by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime2 ranked South Africa second for assault and murder per capita, and first for rapes per capita. Implication: This results in a potential threat to the safety of both our physical and human capital. Effects of HIV There is also a growing impact of HIV on the supply of skills and productivity. The graph below shows the sources of indirect cost on a firm due to HIV.3 Lack of Skilled Labour More commonly, educated workers are deciding to move abroad, contributing to the rising brain drain and lack of skilled labour. Although there is a net emigration of -0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.)4 This is due to the an increasing flow of unskilled labour from neighbouring countries in search of better economic opportunities and does not contribute to the necessary labour force required for the growth of the nation. Implication: This lack of skilled labour will require huge cost on the company in training workers. Technological Infrastructure SA has some of the best transport infrastructure in the world, placed in the top 20 countries for number of airports, length of rail and length of roads1. In the past four years $6.95bn was invested into improving infrastructure. In the next three years capital investment is planned to be $7.52bn to increase capacity for the 2010 World Cup.2 56% of funding in 2009 was used to expand current operations and the remainder was used to upgrade existing infrastructure. Figure 1: Transport Infrastructure Investment (2009)3 Figure 2: Planned Transport Infrastructure Investment (2010)4 Implication: Improving transportation provides potential employees locally, nationally or internationally with reliable and convenient means of transport to the companys location. Energy The energy situation has much to improve with state-owned firm, Eskom, struggling to meet the demand caused by the post-apartheid economic boom5. The industrial sector uses 68% of the supply but it is estimated that savings of up to 60% can be made with low-cost investment6. Alternative means of energy are currently being looked into and Nuclear Power plants have been proposed and could be in place by 2020 if approved.7 Implication: Electricity supply is currently inconsistent but demand side management and planned expansion in the future should solve any problems. Communications Current services are not up to UK standards but broadband is becoming widespread with wireless available in some locations. Fibre-optic cables were laid under the Atlantic Ocean in 2009 by Seacom with the intention of providing high capacity bandwidth linking communities in Southern and East Africa, Europe, and South Asia.7 Implication: International communications are well catered for and services in cities are comparable with UK standards. Research and Development RD with respect to science and technology has been a growing area since 2002 with the Innovation Hub created in Pretoria. It claims to be the leading knowledge-intensive business cluster in South Africa8 creating a community focusing on innovation and knowledge creation. Implication: Locating in an area within the Innovation Hub could provide us with a pool of potential employees with the correct skills, education and backgrounds. Legal Labour Laws SA has strong labour laws especially after the creation of the Labour Relations Act 1995, created to allow consultation between employees and employers to remove discrimination and ensure a diverse labour force. Employment regulations include: Compulsory by law to abide by Minimum Wage guidelines set out by government. These levels vary from sector to sector. The South African Labour Legislation encourages the freedom of collective bargaining. Implication: Structured legal system in place which contains laws to aid our entry into the country. Labour laws are similar to those in which we already operate so only small adjustments are needed to current practices. Intellectual Property Rights SA is currently not a member of the Madrid Union so filing for international trademarks is more complex than most countries. However, they intend to join within the next year. Copyright can only be registered for films, but arises automatically by law under the Berne Convention and applies to all countries that are signatories of it.1 Patents cost between $915 and $1300 initially, with an annual renewal fee of around $130 beginning in year three.2 Patent Co-operation Treaties (PCTs) are available which provides 30 months of international protection in 135 countries. Implication: PCTs allow any costs of patents to be deferred until the domestic countries in which to obtain the patent can be more carefully selected. This additional time also increases the chances of a successful patent application. Starting a Business The process for business setup is as follows: Source: DoingBusiness.org, 2009 Environmental Leader in Climate Change Environmental developments and climate change are issues close to SA. Having hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 20021, the country also follows the Kyoto Protocol and featured prominently at the Copenhagen Conference in 2009. Incumbent President Jacob Zuma has pushed for plans to continue with CO2 reduction of 42% by 2025.2 Implication: Good international relationships with countries such as USA and UK, as well as a reputation in protecting global environments. The Department of Environmental Affairs has also implemented policies to subsidise firms who use renewable energy resources. With the local demand for environmental protection and reassurance of safety from environmental hazards, there are huge incentives for firm to improve energy usages efficiency1. Energy Reserves South Africa heavily relies on coal production for energy, coal providing 88% of total primary energy and 90 % of electricity generation. However, the nation has notable renewable energy potentials3. The country has an overflowing wind resource and the highest levels of solar radiation in the world. The expansion of renewable energy in South Africa is maintained and upheld by the White Paper on Renewable Energy (Nov 2003), which aims to generate 10,000 GWH of renewable energy for final energy consumption by 2013. Implication: The government has actively supported energy production development although some environmental hazards may be detrimental to a suitable working environment. Conclusion Through use of the PESTLE framework, we can conclude that the macro climate of South Africa is generally positive with much potential for expansion. The main areas of weakness found will undoubtedly require further investigations by management. However, breaking into the countrys technology sector can be a success given that the company is fully aware of the obstacles involved.

Concept Analysis Patient Advocacy Nursing Essay

Concept Analysis Patient Advocacy Nursing Essay The purpose of this concept analysis is to identify, focus, and refine how patient advocacy is perceived by professional nurses in the nursing community. Â   This paper will follow the Walker and Advant (2011) method of concept analysis to identify the concept of patient advocacy from existing literature with the aim to analyze and provide clarity and direction for enhancement of advocacy in nursing. Â   Further, steps will include the process of identifying attributes of the concept, describing all model cases selected, identifying antecedents and consequences regarding the concept, and lastly, identifying examples of empirical referents of the concept (Walker Avant, 2011). Â   Â   Identification of Concept and Aim of Analysis Patients often have an inadequate knowledge of illness and medicine, yet they desire more control over their personal healthcare. Â   In many healthcare settings, patient care is unpredictable and patients right to self-determine and quality-of-life has a tendency to be ignored (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Advocacy is understood as the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending (Websters Online Dictionary, n.d.). Â   Moreover, the concept most often noted in literature as a component of nursing advocacy involves acting on behalf of patients, including nurses activities of speaking, fighting, and standing up for their patients (Hanks, 2007). Â   Nurses are in a unique position to support their patients interests in the re-establishment of health and well-being through patient advocacy. However, due to the limited number of quantitative empirical studies of patient advocacy in nursing, the definition of patient advocacy is not consistent, and many nurses have a limited view of what patient advocacy is and how to perform the challenging task of protecting and supporting patients rights. (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   The aim of this analysis is to clarify, define, and refine the concept of patient advocacy in order to expand understanding of this concept in nursing practice. Defining Attributes According to much of the literature, defining attributes of patient advocacy involves a series of specific actions by nurses to protect, represent, and safeguard the patients rights, best interests, and values within the healthcare system (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   As well, safeguarding patients autonomy, acting on behalf of patients, and defending social justice in the delivery of health care are all core attributes of patient-care advocacy (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   The title of patient supporter and patient representative is also used frequently in research literature to describe the role of the nurse advocate (Hank, 2007). Â   These attributes place patients at the center of the of the healthcare system, emphasizing patients legal rights and well-being, and nurses humanity, kindness, and fairness in the delivery of health care (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Cases of Patient Advocacy Cases of patient advocacy can be examples of several main factors that define and challenge the attributes that facilitate or hinder nurses as patient advocates. Â   A model case is defined as an example of the use of the concept that demonstrates all the defining attributes of the concept (Walker Avant, 2011, p. 163). Â   In addition to the model case exemplar, the attributes of patient advocacy will be defined and challenged through case examples of borderline, related, and contrary cases. Model Case An example of a model case for patient advocacy involves a Registered Nurse who has been working as the charge nurse of a busy Emergency Department for 15 years. Â   P.B. has just come on shift, when an air emergency vehicle lands on the helipad with a 22-year-old, male, trauma patient. Â   The paramedic reports that the patient was involved in a two vehicle head-on collision, the patient was ejected from the vehicle, and that there is a possibility of a spinal cord injury. Â   Immediately, the trauma team attends to any life-threatening injuries, while P.B. quietly and efficiently attends to the patients emotional and safety needs. Â   She quickly determines that the patient would like his mother contacted only, that he would like to know the extent of his injuries, and that he suffering a considerable amount of pain. Â   After the patients primary care is complete, P.B. explains spinal shock to the patient, allows the previously-contacted mother to enter the Emergency Department, and carefully reviews the plan-of-care with both the patient and the mother. Â   She then offers to contact further family as needed, and presents herself available for any further questions. Â   Further, after administering ordered pain medications, P.B. is very astute with timed, follow-up, assessments regarding effective pain control. Â   The above nurse demonstrates the core attributes necessary when a nurse is successful in the role as patient advocate. Â   The nurse acted as a patient protector from pain and fear, representing and safeguarding the patients rights and autonomy through contacting the appropriate family members, and addressing the patients pain with medication and personal reassessment of patients pain control. Â   As well, the nurse showed kindness, fairness, and humility with congruity of care by personally providing the patient and the patients family with compassion and education regarding the patients injury and treatment. Borderline Case An example of a borderline case regarding the role of a nurse as a patient-advocator would involve the same scenario, but slightly different reactions from the above charge nurse. Â   As the helicopter lands and the patients life-threatening injuries are attended to by the trauma team, P.B. offers to contact the family members of the patient. Â   The patient asks that only his mother be notified, that he is afraid, and that he is in tremendous pain. Â   P.B. quickly reassures the patient that she will contact his mother, that being afraid is natural, and that as soon as she is given the order, she will provide the patient pain medicine. Â   When the patients mother arrives in the Emergency Department, P.B. explains the nature of the patients injuries, assures the mother that her son is going to be fine, and then leaves the two alone to discuss their options for care. The above example represents a borderline case due to the mid-range of appropriate reactions by the nurse attending the needs of a patient. Â   The patients autonomy, privacy, and rights were safeguarded when the nurse contacted the appropriate family members. Â   However, the nurse did not demonstrate effective fairness when assuring the patient and the patients mother that everything would be fine with regard to the patients injuries. Â   Further, the nurse did not display kindness and compassion when leaving the patient and his mother alone without first determining that their educational and emotional needs were met. Related Case An example of a related case using the previous scenario involves a variance in the actions of the charge nurse. P.B has just begun her role as charge nurse on the night shift in the Emergency Department. Â   One of the trauma nurses has called in sick, and she is now required to provide care as a nurse on the trauma team as well as fulfill the role as charge nurse. Â   Shortly after her shift begins, a 24-year-old, male, trauma victim arrives via air transport, and P.B. realizes that she will have to be the primary nurse on this patients case. Â   The patient is quickly stabilized, but a spinal cord injury with possible paralysis is soon diagnosed by the trauma physician. Â   The patient is very frightened, in pain, and requests that P.B. phone his mother. Â   P.B. calmly assures the patient that she will contact his mother, administers ordered pain medication, and then assures the patient that she will return to check on him shortly. Â   However, due to P.B.s charge nurse status, she is needed in another trauma case and the 24-year-old trauma victim is replaced by another trauma nurse. This case appears to demonstrate the concept of patient advocacy. Â   However, when examined closely, the trauma patient may have felt that P.B. did not provide kindness, compassion, and congruity of care when failing to return to his bedside after stating that she would. Unknown to the patient, P.B.s responsibilities as a charge nurse kept her busy for the rest of the shift, and in fact, P.B. explained the transfer of nursing care to the patients mother. Â   However, the patients mother left the department while the patient was asleep, and no explanation was ever made to effectively relieve the patients feeling of desertion. Â   This exemplar may simply be a demonstration of a nurse who is very busy with patient care rather than the absence of patient advocacy. Contrary Case Using the scenario provided above, the contrary case example involves P.B. as she has just arrived to work as the Emergency Department charge nurse for the evening shift. Â   A trauma victim has been transported into the emergency bay, and he is suffering paralysis due to a spinal cord injury. Â   The victim is 24-year-old male, appears extremely frightened, and is in pain. Â   As the charge nurse, P.B. does not typically have individual patients assigned to her, and this is no exception. Â   However, the nurse assigned to the patient asks P.B. to contact the patients mother and to stay with the patient until his anxiety and pain have lessened. Â   P.B. calls the number provided on the patients chart, and asks the patients father to immediately come to the Emergency Department, relaying that he should contact the victims mother as well. Â   Following the phone call, P.B. stays with the patient for a short time, but does not provide any comfort measures; instead, P.B. frequently leaves the patients bedside, avoids speaking with patient, and denies any knowledge of his condition when asked for updates by the patient. The above nurse does not demonstrate the core attributes identified when a nurse is successful in the role of patient advocate. Â   The nurse fails to act as a patient protector from fear or to represent and safeguard the patients rights and autonomy through contacting the inappropriate family member. Â   Further, the nurse does not attempt to exude kindness, humanity, or supporter-of-patients needs by frequently leaving his bedside and failing to offer reassurance or education regarding the patients injuries. Â   This is clearly not the concept of a patient advocate role. Identification of Antecedents Antecedents are those incidents or events in place prior to the occurrence of the concept being researched (Walker Avant, 2011). Â   Antecedents of patient advocacy occur at all levels of the healthcare system, and appeal for nurses to advocate for patients. Â   Advocacy for patients stems from a need to protect a vulnerable population that loses power to represent or defend itself (Hank, 2007). Â   Vulnerable patients are the most frequently mentioned situation demanding nurses advocacy actions (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Populations of vulnerable people include groups or individuals who cannot fully embody and defend their own rights, needs, welfares and wishes, are unable to make suitable choices, or unable to carry out their choices (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Identification of Consequences The consequences of patient advocacy are a result of nurses patient advocacy and can be either positive or negative (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Successful patient advocacy actions produce positive consequences through the protection of patients rights, needs, welfares, and wishes (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   The nursing profession may also have positive consequences as a result of patient advocacy through increases in professional fulfillment, self-confidence and self-respect through the preservation of personal integrity and moral principles (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Negative consequences can occur when nurses advocate for patients and risks are reported as the advocator being insubordinate; many patient advocators suffer loss of reputation, support system, and self-esteem (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Identification of Examples of Empirical Referent Empirical referents are classes or categories of actual phenomena demonstrating the occurrence of the concept, and in many cases the defining attributes and empirical referents will be the same (Walker Avant, 2011). Â   The concept of patient advocacy, or specific patient advocacy action, is classified under the core attributes listed above, and the empirical referents of this concept analysis are the same. Â   The defining attributes include safeguarding, protecting, representing patients rights, best interests, and values within the healthcare system (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Safeguarding patients autonomy, acting on behalf of patients, and defending social justice in the delivery of health care are also listed as defining attributes of patient advocacy (Bu Jezewski, 2006). Â   Patient supporter and patient representative are also included in this analysis to be attributes in the role of nurse patient-advocate (Hank, 2007). In conclusion, patient advocacy is an essential part of the professional nursing practice. If the need for advocacy is not appropriately acknowledged and applied, effective healthcare will not be received. Â   The concept analysis of this paper provided clarity, definition, and refinement of the concept of patient advocacy and promotes advocating of patients as a necessary step in the advancement intended for nurses professional practice.

Scarlet Letter, Pearl :: essays research papers

The Scarlet letter is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The plot focuses on sin in the Puritan society. Hester Prynne, the protagonist, has an affair with Reverend Dimmesdale, which means they are adulterers and sinners. As a result, Pearl is born and Hester is forced to where the scarlet letter. Pearl is a unique character. She is Hester’s human form of her scarlet letter, which constantly reminds her of her sin, yet at the same time, Pearl is a blessing to have since she represents the passion that Hester once had.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pearl is Hester’s human form of her scarlet letter; both she and the scarlet letter constantly remind Hester of her sin of adultery. Pearl is the result of Hester’s adultery; therefore she has a strong connection with the scarlet letter. As a young girl, Pearl had always had a fascination and obsession with her mother’s scarlet letter. For example â€Å"In the forest scene when Hester takes off the Scarlet letter, Pearl becomes frantically disturbed and won’t quiet down until Hester has it back on her dress, as if by discarding the letter Hester has discarded Pearl,† (Johnson: A Literary Analysis of The Scarlet Letter, pg.1). The scarlet letter is a part of Hester, as is Pearl, if Hester removes the letter, she also disowns Pearl. The only way Pearl recognize her mother is when she has the letter on. Hester dresses Pearl in red so she can represent her scarlet letter. In the chapter, â€Å"The Governor’s Hall,† Pear l was described; â€Å"The child’s whole appearance reminded the beholder of the token which Hester Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life!† (The Scarlet Letter, pg. 103 Johnson: Understanding The Scarlet Letter pg.1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although Pearl is looked at as the result of Hester’s sin, she is a blessing to her mother as well. Her name, â€Å"Pearl,† is fitting because of what she means to Hester. For instance â€Å"Hester names her†Pearl† because she has come to great price, and Hester believed that Pearl is her only reason for living,† (Johnson: Understanding The Scarlet Letter pg.1). Pearl motivates her mother to keep on going when she is tempted to give up. In the novel, Mistress Hibbins asks Hester to join her in a witches gathering, but she declines saying if she had lost Pearl, she would have gone.

Stress, The Invisible Tiger :: miscellaneous

Stress, The Invisible Tiger I was assigned to read the book Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp. The reason I was assigned this specific book is because I was at Oconto County Teen Court for fighting at school and told the panel I had an anger problem. This book, I think, was a very good one for me because before reading this book I got angry at very little things, was stressed all the time, and didn’t know how to handle either thing. After reading this, I now know how to handle things that stress me and simply how to look at things differently so I can be happier and life be easier. The first part of the book was the introduction. The main concept of then introduction was to point out that hundreds of young people feel stressed out by live, and I’m not the only one. I thought that was a good point to bring up because at times, when you have so much stress you feel like your all alone and no one can help or would understand. I use to be embarrassed and mad about the idea of going to a counselor because of the common misconception that only crazy people go to them and if you do your weird. After reading the introduction I realized that sometimes you need to let others help you figure out things about you and you cant do it alone. I now look forward to going to counseling, instead of dreading it, because I think of it as a way for me to vent and work on not getting upset so easily. The first section of the book titled â€Å"Life in the Jungle† taught me the history of stress and lots of other things about it. Stress, I learned, is a feeling you get from everyday problems and challenges. When you get the depressed feeling its when you have reached your limit of internal pressure. Internal pressure simply is just the amount of pressure and stresses you can handle. I sort of had an idea that stress could, over a long period of time, mess you up in the head but what I didn’t really realize was that stress can also lead to illness’s, long-term depression, and even bigger problems. Of course with learning about stress came some bad news. There is no easy way or quick way to manage stress, and you cant get rid of stress completely.

Essay --

O’Connor’s background impacted her writing style of southern cultures in her short stories. Being born and growing up in the south played Born into an Irish Catholic family; Flannery O’Connor grew up alongside her encouraging and supportive father, Ed, and her overprotective, proper mother, Regina. She was the only child and of devoted Roman Catholic parents. O’Connor is a Georgia girl; her younger years were spent in Savannah, Georgia until the family relocated to Milledgeville, Georgia when her father was diagnosed with degenerative lupus. Much of her childhood was spent with her mother having a close look on her, overbearing her welcome. Behind her bold attitude â€Å"was a precocious, gifted and shy loner struggling to assert herself against the expectations of â€Å"proper† Southern womanhood,† (Desmond 151). Unfortunately, her graduate school days at Iowa University were put to a halt when she was diagnosed with lupus at age twent y-five. At this point in her life she moved back to live with her mom on a dairy farm right next to Milledgeville. O’Connor’s time spent growing up in Savannah and with her mom on a dairy farm has allowed her to develop characters, settings and scenes from her native south especially the properness and mannerisms established. Besides the culture effect and another big part of O’Connor’s short stories was her religious background. Although it was not until two years after her father’s death that O’Connor’s creative and inventive talents swiftly came alive as well as her deep profound faith. John F. Desmond was one hundred percent correct when he said, â€Å"writing was for her a spiritual vocation, success or failure to be measured by the fidelity to God and not by human standards,† (Desmond, 152). Not ... ...ut ten feet above and they could see only the tops of trees on the other side of it. Behind the ditch they were sitting in there were more woods, tall and dark and deep.† (O’Connor 359). The tall, dark and deep woods are a parallelism to the lack of faith and moving forward in it. Three shots and the grandmother was silent. The grandmother’s death signifies the rising of Christ. Although she didn’t always live a Christian lifestyle, the third shot it was almost as if she became alive spiritually. O’Connor’s illustrates the scene, â€Å"†¦her face smiling up at the cloudless sky. Without his glasses, The Misfit’s eyes were red-rimmed and pale and defenseless looking† (O’Connor 365). Smiling at the sky and eyes helpless, dead physically her facial expressions resemble that she spiritually came alive and rose like Jesus did, as if she was a believer accepting Him.

Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering in Plants Essay

Less tillage needed, especially with crops containing herbicide tolerance transgenes, therefore conserves fertility through minimizing soil damage through compression. |GE agriculture claims low tillage weed control: this can be achieved by ending the practice of monoculture and instead introducing proper crop rotations designed specifically to combat the weeds of the particular locality. Monoculture creates a weed paradise. | All countries face problems caused by alien species accidentally or deliberately introduced into a new environment (e.g. prickly pear in Australia). The main factor permitting this is international travel, but nobody has suggested that this should be banned. The problem of alien species is manageable, as would be the problem of genetic pollution caused by spread of seeds or pollen. As regards pollen contamination from GM varieties and the call for compensation for growers of non-GM or organic varieties whose crops are contaminated, if one is to be fair one migh t reasonably expect growers of non-GM and organic varieties to compensate growers of GM crops if they are contaminated with non-GM or organic pollen. |Genetic pollution from transgenes spreads into other organisms through pollen, seeds and microbial processes. It is fundamentally different from other forms of pollution because once the genes are out, they can’t be recalled. The best example of pollen contamination is provided by the canola seed, which was multiplied in Canada. It was officially confirmed in May 2000 that this seed was contaminated with unapproved GM canola seed and accidentally shipped to UK and other countries. By then it had been planted in Europe and large acreages of the young crop had to be destroyed. According to Advanta, the contamination occurred because of cross-pollination in Canada, where the seed was produced. The nearest source of GM contamination was 4 kilometers away.| Organic farming has long accepted accidental contamination from herbicide sp rays from neighboring farms. If there is concern about GMOs, DNA tests can be carried out.|Risks destroying organic farming, which rules out the use of GM organisms. Who will compensate organic farmers for the extra surveillance and analysis, which will be needed to ensure that the organic food chains remain free of GMOs?| The Starlink debacle is indeed a lesson that the GM food producers will learn from. Identity Preservation Systems are being put in place, verified by DNA analysis, to ensure that GM and non-GM supplies are kept separate.|The massive contamination in 2000 of the USA corn (maize) crop and human food chain by Starlink, a variety that is not approved for human consumption, shows that genetic pollution from transgenic crops to non-transgenic crops and food is inevitable. Starlink maize produces the Cry9C protein, which may be a human allergen. Two other major contaminations of ordinary seed (maize and canola seed) with GM seed have already occurred leading to emergency recalls of the product.| Reduces labor costs. |Sustainable organic agriculture creates much needed jobs in depressed rural economies.| Environmentally relatively benign herbicides are used and less of them. Opposing GM crops forces farmers to use herbicide resistant varieties which have not been made by GM such as those resistant to sulphonylurea herbicides which more readily give rise to herbicide resista nt weeds.|Promotes â€Å"agribusiness†, therefore more herbicide use. Herbicides are responsible for much illness in farm workers and contaminate drinking water.| Enhances biodiversity by allowing weeds to continue growing for longer thus providing nutrition for animals. After weed kill a mulch forms which hosts a thriving population of insects, arthropods etc.|The total herbicides used with herbicide tolerant crops kill all weeds thus reducing biodiversity in the field.| No insecticidal sprays needed on crops that have insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-toxin genes engineered into them. Plants with Bt or other insecticidal genes are likely to give rise to lower levels of mycotoxins in the final food product. Less insect damage means less opportunity for fungi to infect the plant and bring toxic substances.|As with weed control, control of insect damage is achievable with properly designed crop rotation and other forms of good husbandry such as intercropping. Healthy pl ants not imbalanced by chemical fertilizers build up their own defenses against insect attack. | GM plants are carefully tested for environmental and ecological impact, including their effects on earthworms and beneficial insects. Bt crops target only insects, which attack the crop. Future insect resistance genes will be engineered to express in leaves and stem rather than in pollen and seed. There is already evidence that the Bt gene is expressed less in Bt corn pollen than in leaves/stems therefore the risk to butterflies (e.g. Monarch) through pollen drift onto their food plants (e.g. milkweed for Monarch) is diminished. |In relation to population variance, sample sizes in lab and field tests (e.g. of earthworms) are sometimes too low to detect even large effects. Insecticidal crops containing the gene for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-toxin kill beneficial organisms such as bees, ladybirds, lacewings & butterflies (e.g. through pollen). The Bt plant remains falling to the ground are harmful to earthworms and other members of soil fauna. Bt toxins are secreted into soil from Bt plant roots and are toxic to lepidoptera in the soil (Stotzky, et al. Nature 402, 480 (1999)). The specific targeting and elimination of one insect pest has led to other pestiferous insect species moving into the ecological niche created by the disappearance of the first species. Getting rid of one problem simply created another. If Bt toxin transgenes spread to wild relatives of crop plants the wild plants may also develop resistance to insect herbivores. This could lead to the affected wild plants becoming invasive weeds.| The problem of resistance to Bt toxin and other toxins engineered into crops can be countered by planting suitably sized ‘refuges’ of a non-GM variety of the crop at suitable intervals within the crop. The interbreeding of the wild population with the Bt-exposed potentially resistant population will dilute out the genetic trait and thus prevent it building up.|Putting the Bt toxin gene in the crop exposes the pest to the toxin for longer, thus allowing natural genetic resistance to the toxin to develop in the pest. So-called refuge systems do not work, partly because breeding cycles in the differing pest populations are not synchronized. Refuges of up to 40% of the acreage are having to be recommended and this is not practical or popular for farmers. The build up of Bt toxin resistance threatens to render ineffective an insecticide long used by organic agriculture. Increased use of biopesticides in transgenic crops deprives the ecosystem of one of its natural pest controls thereby putting at risk its ability to restore equilibrium after being upset by abnormal conditions. | Helps solve the problem of world hunger by creating varieties which will make more efficient utilization of scarce land and give higher yields because of better pest resistance, nutrient utilization etc.|World hunger will not be solved by technological means. It is a problem of inequitable distribution of wealth and corrupt governments. Reduces yields (e.g. cotton, soybeans and sugar beet in some areas).| If herbicide resistance spreads to weed populations it can be combated with another herbicide with a different active ingredient. The ecological and agricultural threat of a GM plant is no more than a non-GM invasive (exotic) species such as kudzu or purple l oosestrife. Although improved crop yields can be engineered by genetically modifying plants, there is ecological concern over whether these plants are likely to persist in the wild in the event of dispersal from their cultivated habitat. The results of a long-term study of the performance of transgenic crops in natural habitats on four different crops (canola seed, potato, maize and sugar beet) which were grown in 12 different habitats and monitored over a period of 10 years show that in no case were the genetically modified plants found to be more invasive or more persistent than their conventional counterparts. (M. J. CRAWLEY, S. L. BROWN, R. S. HAILS, D. D. KOHN & M. REES. Biotechnology: Transgenic crops in natural habitats Nature 409, 682 – 683 (2001)  © Macmillan Publishers Ltd)|Enhances spread of herbicide resistance to wild weed populations because the necessary genes are in the pollen, which can then pollinate wild relatives of the crop plant. This could create â₠¬Ëœsuperweeds’ especially if ‘gene stacking’ of several different transgenes occurs. Spread of transgenes is also caused by birds, animals & machinery carrying the seed to other locations (e.g. canola seed on Ailsa Craig isle, 10 miles from Scottish mainland) Increased weediness of GM crops is already beginning to show. In 1999, in Alberta, Canada canola seed volunteers (unwanted crop plants coming up the following year) resistant to three different herbicides have been discovered. A series of chemical and DNA tests confirm the weeds in farmer Tony Huether’s field near Sexsmith are resistant to Roundup ®, Liberty ® and Pursuit ® herbicide chemicals. Invasive species of plants can remain relatively unproblematic in a region for many years and then suddenly take a hold so much so that they become an economically significant nuisance. For this reason, the ecological impact of GM crops will be difficult to predict in the long term, i.e. over several decades. | Most cultivars are unlikely to survive amongst wild plant populations and those with herbicide resistance that escape will have no advantage from the herbicide resistance trait unless that particular herbicide is used. Such volunteers can be controlled with other herbicides.|Transgenic herbicide resistant cultivars could escape into the wild and become problematic ‘volunteers’ in agriculture. These volunteers will require increased use of more toxic herbicides.| Is a sustainable agriculture, because it reduces chemical inputs as well as fuel inputs for farm machinery.|Unsustainable — based on greed not need. Helps chemical agriculture to proliferate. The only sustainable agriculture for the future is organic (including biodynamic & permaculture).| Quicker and more precise than traditional breeding.|Breeding takes place outside the proper c ontext, i.e. in the laboratory, therefore the crops are so weakened that they need to have the environment of the laboratory (soil sterilization, artificial fertilizers and pesticides) brought to them in the field. Transgenic lines are unstable and can lead to crop failures (e.g. GM cotton in USA).| A greater range of distinct disease-resistant varieties can be created so that the farmer has a wide choice and can plant a mixture of several varieties of the same crop in the same field to insure against disease attack. Disease resistance traits can be rapidly introduced to cultivars, e.g. rice, thus keeping ahead of the changing pattern of disease in a particular locality.|Because of the huge investment in GM crops, the necessarily increased emphasis on single high-yielding varieties reduces genetic diversity within the crop itself. This can lay the crop open to massive losses when disease strikes.| Novel drought and salt-tolerant cultivars can be created (important for Third World Co untries).|Sustainable organic plant breeding can develop novel varieties properly suited to a locality perfectly satisfactorily.| Any royalties or technology fees are more than compensated for by advantages including higher yields and easier, therefore less expensive, husbandry.|No seed saving by the farmer is permitted. The farmer has to pay royalties to the biotech company. This undermines a traditional agricultural practice and particularly threatens peasant farming in developing countries. GM crops add to the tendency of modern chemical agriculture to undermine the autonomy of farmers and turn them into tractor drivers or machine minders for large transnational corporations.| New varieties are tested for toxicity more than any crop plants have ever been in the past, therefore they are likely to be safer. Jimmy Clark, a professor of ruminant nutrition in Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, reviewed the results from 23 research experiments, which wer e conducted over the past four years at universities throughout the United States, Germany and France. In each study, separate groups of chickens, dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep were fed either genetically modified corn or soybeans or traditional corn or soybean as a portion of their diet. Each experiment independently confirmed that there is no significant difference in the animals’ ability to digest the genetically modified crops and no significant difference in the weight gain, milk production, milk composition, and overall health of the animals when compared to animals fed the traditional crops. Clark concluded, â€Å"Based on safety analyses required for each crop, human consumption of milk, meat and eggs produced from animals fed genetically modified crops should be as safe as products derived from animals fed conventional crops.† Clark added that approximately 70% of the genetically modified soybeans produced in the world and 80% of the genetically modified corn produced in the United States are used as animal feed. â€Å"Since these genetically modified crops were grown beginning in 1996, they have been fed to livestock and no detrimental effects have been reported,† Clark said. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Release, Apr il 2001).|Increases herbicide residues in the food because the herbicide is applied later in the growing season and closer to harvest | The issue of spread of antibiotic resistance from GM crops containing antibiotic resistance marker genes is unproven. If it is a problem at all it is likely to be small compared with the induction of antibiotic resistance through profligate use of antibiotics in animal nutrition, veterinary and medical practice.|Spreads antibiotic resistance to microorganisms in the environment, and then to pathogenic bacteria.| More profit for the farmer, seed producer and biotech company shareholder.|No demonstrable benefit to the consumer. | Crops producing ‘nutraceuticals’ can be engineered, i.e. food additives that have a nutritional benefit bordering on a pharmaceutical benefit, e.g. modified edible oils. The vitamin content of plants can be enhanced by GM. Plants which previously did not contain a particular vitamin can now be made to produce lar ge amounts of it (e.g. Vitamin A ‘golden’ rice). The aim of the GM Vitamin A rice project is not to achieve ideal levels of vitamin A intake through this source but to augment the extremely low intakes which lead to blindness and death of hundreds of thousands of people a year (Prof. Dr. Ingo Potrykus, statement, February 2001). |In 1999, Deutsche Bank issued a report advising investors to avoid investing in GM crop technology (agribiotech). A balanced diet of fresh fruit & vegetables plus cereals and protein is all that is necessary. ‘Nutraceuticals’ are a sticking plaster (band aid) attempt to remedy fundamentally unhealthy diets. Existing food sources provide adequate daily intakes of vitamins provided they are eaten in sufficient amounts and the vitamins are not destroyed in the processing or cooking. Vitamin-enhanced GM plants are an unnecessary technical solution to a problem, which does not exist. Even with Vitamin A GM rice a normal daily intake of 300 gram of rice would, at best, provide 8% percent of the vitamin A needed daily.| The ‘killer genes’ of the technology protection system (‘terminator technology’) allows the seed producer’s intellectual property (patent) to be protected by a biological rather than litigious method.|No seed saving by the farmer is permitted. The farmer has to pay royalties to the biotech company. This undermines a traditional agricultural practice and particularly threatens peasant farming in developing countries.| The increased cho ice of modern high-yielding cultivars to farmers allows diversification to keep ahead of economic, climatic and plant disease trends.|The possibility of further globalization of crop varieties that GE offers through the introduction of traits necessary for introduction into new regions of the globe erodes cultural diversity – i.e. traditionally, different crops and varieties are grown by different cultures. Genetic engineering works towards global uniformity, i.e. globalization of Western/Northern culture. There used to be far greater choice of crop varieties for farmers, sometimes hundreds of varieties of a particular crop in a given region, but this diversity is falling at an alarming rate because of the industrialization of farming under pressure from the agrochemical industry. This will be accelerated by biotech agribusiness.| GE allows the creation of plants that produce vaccines, pharmaceuticals or enhanced pharmaceutical raw materials. |GE is already used to produce ph armaceuticals in microorganisms in the much safer containment conditions of biotechnology factories. It should not be taken out into the environment thus putting the environment at risk. In any case, much of the pharmaceutical production, which would be created, is designed to treat diseases caused by industrialization and urbanization, which could be better treated not by a genetic fix but by changing lifestyles and environment.| Novel food crops are tested for genetic stability (breeding true), ‘substantial equivalence’, nutritive properties, toxicity and allergenicity. It is well known that conventional breeding can introduce increased levels of natural plant toxins into a new variety or can modify its digestibility or nutritiousness. Furthermore, certain organic crops have been shown to have higher levels of toxic substances, e.g potatoes.|GE introduces unpredictable toxic or allergenic effects into food plants (e.g. Brazil nut gene in transgenic soybeans). ‘Substantial equivalence’ is a political-commercial concept rather than a scientific one. GM plants are not genetically stable. For instance, the number of copies of an inserted gene changes through later generations of the GM plant. | This technology is completely new to the insurance industry. It is natural that insurers will be cautious about it. However, when they realize that the risks are no worse than with introduced ali en species that are dealt with by conventional methods of weed control, the problem of insurance will disappear. No amount of research under containment conditions will reveal how a GM plant will behave when grown en masse in the open field.|As the degree of escape of genes from GM crops is unpredictable, they can’t be recalled once they have escaped and they could multiply in the wild, some insurance underwriters have stated that such risks are uninsurable. There should be a moratorium on experiments in the open until the safety of the GM plant is fully tested under containment conditions. | Plant pathogens need not be used in making GM plants. The genes can be blasted into plant cells using a ‘gene gun’, which fire microparticles of metal coated with the DNA of interest.|Plant pathogens such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens (literally ‘cancer causing’) are used to shuttle genes into plants and viral gene sequences such as cauliflower mosaic virus promo ter are used to make the genes express themselves once in the plant. The pathogens could recombine with their natural equivalents in the plant thus risking unpredictable outbreaks of plant disease.| Bioprospecting has gone on since very ancient times. There is no reason why an organism, which just happens to be at a particular location of the globe, should be in the sole ownership of the people living there. Agreements can be entered into in order to protect the traditional usages of indigenous peoples.|Steals genetic commons from peasant farmers and indigenous peoples (biopiracy by the rich North, e.g. neem tree & basmati rice).| Biopolymers can be produced in GM plants allowing the manufacture of biodegradeable plastics (e.g. PHBV, Biopol), which are also sustainable because they are not made from fossil fuels. |No comment|

Issues †politics Essay

Boeing is one of the world’s best known manufactures of aircrafts and so is Northrop Grumman who are the manufacturers of the airbus (Online News Hour, 2008). These are two top brands who are obviously competing in other areas of business and therefore any decision that involve them is bound to raise considerable heat. It should b noted that both are American companies though Northrop Grumman is partly owned by a French company. The nature of the contract which involves the security of America as a nation is a matter of national concern as it involves the development of structures that could ensure the growth of security systems. Boeing and Grumman being business structures, such a big contract will obviously attract the interest of stakeholders from both sides. There are a number of key issues that have been brought out by the airforce contracts which include: Military contracts are a matter of public concern since it is in place to protect the public, the resources used in the military contracts are derived from taxpayers and therefore the failure of such projects will be a waste of taxpayers money (Meyer, 2007). When McCain questioned the cost effectiveness in leasing planes that would otherwise have no values when their lease period was over his motive as the senator of Alabama was to ensure that the taxpayers money is channeled to useful projects. Furthermore, it is quite clear that the politicians have the ability to shoot down potentially useful deals due to what Northrop Grumman executives refer to as expensive lobbying. Politics is not always objective for there are situations where the stakes involved are shielded from the public and though the politics and viewpoints will be developed to suit the public, the real reasons are often personal (Meyer, 2007). The inclusion of politics in such cases therefore has both advantages and disadvantages and should be weighed carefully. Military procurement just like any other public procurement scheme is prone to corruption, this was the case in the original contract that was brought to an end by Rumsfeld in 2006. Moreover, the big money involved in military procurement processes act as a natural catalysts for corruption, therefore there is need to come up with a robust self regulated systems that will ensure that such unethical practices are not in anyway included in the procurement process, the congress thus comes into the picture (Meyer, 2007). However, the political system is not known for its objectivity. In the cases, some of the reasons brought out against Northrop Grumman are flimsy and lack in objectivity. The fact that there will be lobbying is a clear sign that there will be loss in objectivity thus the decision will tend to favor groups that are be able to garner enough political support in the congress. Furthermore, the political system is one of the most corrupt system there is and the rationale in placing such a system to guard against corruption is questionable. i.Security Military procurement is a security critical matter (Meyer, 2007). The military is in place to ensure that the US is protected against its external enemies (Meyer, 2007). The seriousness with which the equipment tendering process is treated and the keen eye that the media watches the unfolding of such events relay the importance placed on the military by the American people. The US is traditionally a ‘fighting nation’ and the effectiveness of its military and equipments is one of the factors that has cemented its place as a world power. Military activities require high levels of secrecy (Meyer, 2007). There is need to come up with effective equipments that can be used in varied situations. It should be noted that the arguments brought forward by the executives from both sides are centered around the superiority of their products or the weaknesses of their opposite. The need for accuracy and well developed products that have the required reputation are some of the considerations that led to the two big companies making it to the final stage. The two companies are multinationals that have developed their brands all over the globe. It is noteworthy that when the US defense secretary cancels Boeing’s leases other nations still seek their products and are continues seeking the products that have been labeled cost ineffective due to the reputation associated with their brand name. The importance of the security system is seen in the number of avenues and legislative systems that have been put in place to ensure that the process is done in a just manner (Krishnan, 2008). When the airforce declares that Northrop Grumman had won the bid for the airforce tankers, Boeing seeks redress through a different avenue: Public accountability office. The office looks at their complaints and decides to freeze the process. It should be noted that it was the same office that had early in the decades frozen a billion dollar Boeing contract due to corruption charges. Even though there are systems put in place to ensure proper procedures in procurement of services and services, they can be outdone easily (Krishnan, 2008). The corruption allegations made in the initial Boeing contracts are a clear case where the protocols were overridden and it only came to realization a couple of months after the contracts had been signed. Furthermore, the fact that is was later found out that a different design could meet the specifications made by the airforce with reduced costs clearly show that even though the guidelines are put in place they are rarely followed thus the need for a system or authority that will follow up on the recommendations and processes to ensure that they conform to the laid out guidelines. Some politicians have argued that the French affiliation of the airbus manufacturer is in itself a security risk and therefore a purely American company should be contracted. However, such a contracting systems will obviously lock out other capable companies and therefore bring about questions on the integrity of the bidding process. America has prided itself as being a liberalized nation, putting up measures that will lock out other qualified members on the basis of the compositions of its investors is contrary to the spirit of liberalization. Furthermore, being involved with a company that has partnered with a success story in Europe shields the tanker project from American economic downtimes though it effectively ensures that the project is affected by the happening in Europe. It is unrealistic to lobby for Boeing on the basis of confidentiality; a company that has already shown traces of corruption cannot be trusted and neither can a company that is yet to prove its worth in the military sector. Therefore, system should be put in place to ensure that the projects are monitored and compared to some given standards if either is to be awarded the contract. ii. Stability The US is the father of capitalism and is therefore a country that is characterized by intense competition between industry players who will always be on the look for additional finances that will ensure their development into the future (Verkuil, 2007). On the day it was reported that Northrop Grumman had won the military contracts its share prices rose by over 20 cents and Boeing’s shares fell by a couple of cents (CBS News, 2008). Note, the development in the contract procurement were being watched by investors who will then make their decisions on which company to invest in. Even though the large money involved in the transactions may be enough to lure investors into channeling their resources to a particular company, the reputation involved in being a company contracted with one of the world’s best airforce to develop its aircraft tankers is enough to cause significant changes in the company’s share index. Being a capitalistic economy where entities gain at the expense of others, Boeing is bound to feel the pinch. The situation is made worse by the consideration that Boeing has a well developed reputation and therefore failure to win a contract from a partner that it has associated with for a long time may be taken by the investors and its consumers in the wrong light. It may imply that the partner does not trust its capacity to develop superiors products or has doubts on its potential to remain productive. To bring the idea of reputation into perspective, many are of the notion that the corruptions charges brought against Boeing may have affected its chances of successfully bidding for the contract (Verkuil, 2007). This holds considerable weight in that the military is not all about facilities but also reputation. The American people and its enemies will always keep a keen eye on the military and any transactions conducted with a partner who is proved to be corrupt will dent on its integrity thus its reputation. Conclusion Awarding a contract to a company to deliver services that are of public interest is a complex process and will always involve the media and many other systems that have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public. Individual good and interest will always be central in the arguments brought forward by most people, this is more pronounced if the contract will significantly affect many people. It is therefore upon the government and the social systems to ensure that the systems put in place to ensure effectiveness of the bidding process are functioning properly and are robust enough to deal with the dynamism associated with such processes. If need be, changes must be instituted to ensure that the system are functioning. The products delivered must measure up to some predetermined standards to ensure quality and accountability. These measures and other quality management measures if well integrated into the bidding and implementation of contracts that are of public interest will ensure that the public benefits in the best possible way. Word Count: 3271 ,Reference List CBS News (2008). Boeing Spurned On Huge Air Force Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from Krishnan, A. (2008). War as Business: Technological Change and Military Service Contracting. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Meyer, J. (2007). Working in a War Zone: Military Contractors. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Online News Hour (2008). Boeing, Northrop Grumman Clash Over Tanker Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from United States Government Accountability Office (2008). Statement Regarding the Bid Protest Decision Resolving the Aerial Refueling Tanker Protest by The Boeing Company. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from Verkuil, R. (2007). Outsourcing Sovereignty: Why Privatization of Government Functions Threatens Democracy and what We Can Do about it. New York: Cambridge University Press.