Saturday, November 30, 2019

Operations Management Product Delivery Problem, Cessna Aircraft Company

Introduction In today’s business environment, effective management of primary processes is fundamentally critical for organizations to achieve the desired competitive advantage. More often than not, most primary processes within the organizational framework are directly related to the flow of goods and services (Lewis Slack 2003, p. 13). Organizations have been wound up due to problems emanating from this area, especially in the delivery of finished products and materials to end-user customers.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Operations Management: Product Delivery Problem, Cessna Aircraft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Other organizations have survived to tell the story of how this particular segment is of immense importance in operations management. It is the purpose of this essay to describe a delivery problem that rocked Cessna Aircraft Company at the turn of the millennium and evaluate how best it could have been solved using the relevant operations theory and techniques. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Cessna is the largest manufacturer of small piston-powered single-engine aircrafts and business jets. Presently, the company employs over 16,000 employees, and commands a 50% share of the business jet market worldwide (Avery 2003, p.8). From its inception in 1927, Cessna Aircraft has manufactured over 191, 000 aircrafts, making it the leading general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world (Cessna Chooses 2007). The company has manufactured over 5,400 Cessna Citation business jets, making it the largest manufacturer of business jets in the world. According to its official website, Cessna is committed to its customers and offers the best customer service backup with its 10 organization-owned Citation Service Centres that are fully equipped to meet the inspection, maintenance and service needs of its customers. In addition, the company has strategically positi oned over 400 Authorized Service Stations in 18 countries around the world to offer outstanding propeller aircraft maintenance support. The company practices an integrated supply chain management, revolving around an interrelated series of organizations, resources and processes that are concerned with the â€Å"creation and delivery of value in the form of both finished products and services to end customers and shareholders† (Purchasing.com 2000, para. 3). In this type of supply chain, all decisions that influence the design and flow of raw materials into and through an organization to achieve the desired end products are integrated. Before the integration, the organization’s major business strategies were based on traditional approaches.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Problem Identification and its Relationship to Operations Practice In 2000, Cessna air craft was experiencing delivery problems due to its traditional structure in the supply, purchasing, assembly, and sourcing departments. The customer satisfaction rating had significantly dropped since Cessna could no longer honour the set product delivery dates. Indeed, statistics reveals that the organization failed to honour pledges made to customers for timely deliveries by over 35% in 1999. By this time, the organization’s production sales and inventory procedures were severely lacking (Avery 2003, p. 5). As a result, customers were asking for shorter lead times. The above problem directly emanated from the operations practice of the organization before the introduction of the integrated supply chain management discussed above. For instance, the organization’s supply side was overly bloated and lacked clear direction that could add value to the organization. Majority of the suppliers failed to deliver the requisite materials on time, making it almost impossible fo r the organization to make timely product deliveries to their customers (Avery 2003, p. 14). The traditional organizational structure also hindered efficiency and effectiveness in some core business processes such as sourcing and manufacturing of aeroplane parts. This in turn affected product lead time levels. Processes under Consideration From an operations management point of view, several business processes need to be considered to solve the delivery problem that had threatened to decimate Cessna’s customer base. The first priority would go to the organization’s assembly line since this is where most of the products are assembled. All the factors that increase the product’s cycle time within the assembly facility must be identified and put into perspective. According to Swamidass (2000), the term ‘cycle time’ is used in the management field to signify the duration of time taken by the production personnel to avail the product for onward shipment or delivery to the customer (p. 360). Product cycle time is affected by factors such as the number of production stages, in process inventory, employee orientation, nature and effectiveness of automation, among others The inventory system used by the organization also need to be put under a microscope since inefficient inventory processes often lead to delays. The push production system used by the organization caused it to carry huge amounts of inventory. This coupled with an inefficient MRP (Materials Requirements Planning) process effectively limited the company into producing products according to programmed demand rather than producing the items based on the customers’ actual needs (Avery 2003, p. 28). During the time of the delivery crisis, Cessna was utilizing obsolete metrics to measure productivity, thereby allowing considerable variations in core tasks. The process map below shows some of the fundamental core processes and some grey areas that occasioned the delay i n delivery of products to customers. Process Map of Cessna’s Assembly Line Relevant Operations Theories Techniques Some relevant operations theories and techniques need to be incorporated into the efforts made to solve the delivery problem. The Theory of Constraints (TOC), developed by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, can be used to identify causes of the problems highlighted above and their effect on organizational performance. According to AGI (2009), the TOC process can be â€Å"†¦described via the use of three statements: what to change, what to change to, and how to cause the change† (p. 5).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Operations Management: Product Delivery Problem, Cessna Aircraft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In deciding what to change in the organization, this theory can be used to identify some unresolved problems or conflicts that keep the company trapped in an invariable tug-of-war or distracted from achieving its fundamental objectives. Every organization has its own core conflicts. In the same vein, organizations are known to develop policies and regulatory frameworks to deal with devastating effects that may arise due to the core conflicts. According to the theory, business managers must then challenge the logical assumptions that are seen to fuel the core conflict. This is seen as the first step towards the development of a comprehensive solution (AGI 2009, p. 5). A strategy must be formulated to resolve all the initial challenges once and for all. For the theory to be effective, the formulated strategy must include the changes to be occasioned alongside the identified solutions to the core conflict to ensure the organization is restored to its best performance. This therefore means that changes must be made in the organization’s policies, behaviours, measurements and strategic objectives. For the intervention strategy to be effective, a ll potential side-effects of the planned intervention strategy must be identified. According to AGI, the means for alleviating the side-effects must be incorporated as key elements of the strategy. It is imperative to note that reducing or alleviating the side-effects actively permits a business entity to intentionally and systematically develop winning strategies. Afterwards, a plan should be developed to facilitate the realization of the formulated strategy. This plan of action must comprehensively include what actions are to be taken, the personnel charged with the responsibility of overseeing the changes, and the time-frame. Another theory that can be used to explain the customer dissatisfaction that was occasioned by the product distribution delays is the Queuing Theory. Although the theory is mostly used in service-type operations to evaluate the shortcomings brought about by queuing, it can be used in our situation to evaluate the loss of reputation and increased customer dis satisfaction level brought about by the organization’s failure to meet delivery pledges and prolonged lead times. According to Lambrechit Vendaele (1994), the Theory of Queuing is based on the assumption that individuals endeavour to receive services from a limited number of facilities, and must therefore wait in a queue for their turn to be served. (p. 415). The theory also presupposes that a significant number of queuing challenges occurs in production and inventory management. The second assumption touches the raw nerves of what was ailing Cessna product distribution systems – huge inventory and production problems in the assembly line.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, customers were kept waiting for long durations of time for their ordered products to reach their destinations. The importance of Queuing Theory is amplified by Lambrechit Vendaele assertion that â€Å"†¦with a little understanding of how queues behave, the solution to many operations management problems becomes clear if not obvious† (p. 415). Another outstanding postulation of the Queuing Theory is that the greater the uncertainty, the higher the undesired impact of amplified clogging on inventories and lead times (Lambrechit Vendaele 1994, p. 418). This means that customers’ uncertainties on requested orders from the organization served to worsen Cessna’s delivery problem by increasing inventories and product lead times. According to the theory, customer uncertainty should be kept at a bare minimum if organizations are to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The theory also presupposes that elevated levels of capacity exploitation caus e increased congestion in the ordering process, enhanced lead times and large inventories due to customer uncertainty. Sadly, this presupposition underlines what was going on within the organization when the delivery problem was first unearthed. Apart from TOC and the Queuing Theory, Cessna’s delivery problems could have been solved using other methodologies such as TQM, Lean Production approaches and Six Sigma. According to Ross Perry (1999), TQM â€Å"†¦is the integration of all functions and processes within an organization in order to achieve continuous improvement of the quality of goods and services† (p. 1). TQM is centred on achieving quality based on the active participation of all members, and lays its focus on customer satisfaction and employee empowerment. At Cessna, TQM could have effectively reduced the variations in critical tasks occasioned by the organization’s use of outdated metrics to evaluate success. According to Kanji (1995), TQM can be used to minimize variation arising from every organizational process so that greater consistency of the inputs and efforts is obtained. This often translates to increased customer satisfaction, higher revenue and growth. Lean production is also an effective methodology in such circumstances since it concerns itself with elimination of waste, reduction of inventory, customer satisfaction and employee empowerment (Malloy 2008, para. 3). A large number of inventories had been cited as one of the causes of Cessna’s delivery woes. Available literature points to the fact that lean production systems have the capacity to drastically reduce inventory and variations in crucial organizational tasks. According to Black (2008), lean production â€Å"†¦ demands that we know how to get our workforce to produce exactly what is needed, in the amount needed, where it is needed.† (p. 3). It should be remembered that Cessna’s production personnel took orders on what to pro duce from the marketing department, a situation that largely contributed to the organization’s distribution and delivery woes (Avery 2003, p. 18). According to the description given above, there was a clear disconnect between customers’ needs and requirements on one hand and what was being produced in the assembly line on the other. Accordingly, lead times increased drastically and the level of customer dissatisfaction was threatening to spill over. The level of customers’ loyalty to the organization plummeted since clients could not receive their orders on time. This scenario could have been greatly assisted by lean production since the techniques facilitate the organization to produce what is needed by the customers and at the right quantities. What’s more, lean production techniques facilitate innovativeness and quality of products. Within the management realm, it is widely believed that â€Å"the key to management innovation is the pursuit of total q uality (Black 2008, p. 6). Six Sigma can be defined as a data-driven statistical technique used to achieve a near perfect quality in organizational processes. The methodology is mostly used to evaluate production and customer oriented activities (Pande 2006, p. 6). Invented by the Motorola group, the technique started as a defect reduction strategy in manufacturing process. However, the technique can now be applied to a multiplicity of business processes to achieve the same purpose. Due to its rapid growth and uptake, Six Sigma can be described as a business improvement model that directs an organization on how to understand and manage its customer obligations, align fundamental organizational processes to achieve those obligations, and facilitate fast and sustainable improvement to organizational processes. Six Sigma make use of precise data analysis to reduce variations in business processes. In Cessna’s delivery problem, the Six Sigma model could have been used to streamli ne operations in the assembly line with the aim of avoiding delays in delivery of products to customers. This technique is usually combined with other quality assurance techniques such as TQM and JIT to facilitate product cycle time and timely delivery of the assembled products to end customers. Defects in products are likely to reduce with the introduction of Six Sigma since the model basically evaluates organizational performance based on how many imperfections are likely to arise in a given product or process. The Six Sigma level allows 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO). Cessna Aircraft had a problem of reputation occasioned by failure to meet its pledges for delivery. The Six Sigma model could have been effectively used to rebuild the lost reputation and recoup the lost market share (Textron Six Sigma 2009, para. 1). Indeed, Six Sigma methodology can be fundamentally used in nearly all Cessna’s critical business processes such as designing new aircrafts, enhanc ing the production and distribution processes to meet customer demand, and reducing discrepancies in product quality. Comparisons of Theories with Practice The TOC theory can be compared to what was happening on the ground at Cessna Aircraft Company. For instance, Cessna’s core conflict during the period that the delivery problem was reported was occasioned by the MRP system offering too much leverage to the marketing department at the expense of the needs and requirements of customers (Avery 2003, p. 28). Another core conflict arose from the fact that the assembly line was encountering difficulties in reducing or staying within the allowed product cycle time due to a number of varied reasons, key among them the large number of inventory and increased variations in critical tasks. These shortcomings had invariably increased lead-times and failure to honour pledges, ultimately increasing customer dissatisfaction levels. This was hurting the business. Since the primary and the underlying constraints had been identified, TOC could be used in practice to utilize the bottlenecks and challenges with the aim of increasing products lead-times, reduce operating costs, and minimize inventories. The Queuing Theory could have been combined with other management approaches such as JIT and lean production to effectively deal with the problem of large inventory that inarguably occasioned product delivery problems in the organization. According to the delivery problems highlighted in this paper, it is possible that the organization was using an approach of increasing inventory and holding immense stock for their customers to choose from. Problems arose due to the fact that customers were increasingly demanding customizable products for their aeroplanes (Avery 2003, p. 25). When JIT approach is used, the organization could have been able to minimize inventory, reduce the production lead time, and be able to respond with speed to customer requirements (Lambrechit Vendae le 1994, p. 416). Due to the need of customizable products by customers, the approach used by Cessna of satisfying customers’ requirements from the already existing stock was no longer tenable. In the light of this, the management could have combined the JIT approach with the core propositions of the Queuing Theory to come up with strategies through which customers demands for customizable products could be met within a certain time delay, kept at a minimum. Such an arrangement could have eliminated major wastes, enhanced continuous product improvement, improve customer satisfaction and occasion total quality creation. The resulting improved productivity and dependable delivery processes could be the basis for the organization’s sustainable competitive advantage. The Impact of the Delivery Problem on Customers In any organization, problems relating to operations management can be devastating if adequate remedial measures are not taken in time (Lewis Slack 2003, p. 28) . As already mentioned elsewhere in this essay, the delivery problem had negatively impacted the organization in terms of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Due to management and organizational defects emanating from the assembly line, Cessna Aircraft Company failed to honour over 35% of pledges made to customers for timely deliveries (Avery 2003, p. 5). An inefficient MRP system effectively limited the organization into producing products according to programmed demand made by the marketing department rather than producing the items based on the customers’ actual needs. This worsened the situation further as customers could not secure timely deliveries of the most needed products. In addition, an oversized inventory presented a lot of difficulties when it came to customer service, satisfaction, and timely delivery of products. Such a multiplicity of challenges has the capacity to reduce customer satisfaction levels, return rate, and loyalty, ultimately affecting the organiza tion’s revenue base (Hayes 2009, p. 36). Recommendations Areas of Improvement Various recommendations to the problem can be forwarded, especially when viewed in light of the TOC and other management techniques such as TQM and lean production. For instance, the delivery problem could have been improved through the use of just-in-time (JIT) production philosophy, largely encompassed under the auspices of lean production techniques. According to Lewis Slack (2003), JIT mainly deals with elimination of waste, reduction of inventory, involvement of all employees in the organization’s operation and adoption of continuous concepts and ideas aimed at improving organizational processes (p. 102). This approach also underscores the importance of quality, reliability and fast product cycle time. Lead-times would have been greatly reduced if the organization came up with strategies aimed at enhancing throughput time as well as product cycle time. In addition, some TQM techniques such as ‘quality at the source’ method should have been employed to lessen variability within the assembly line. This paper has revealed that the roots of the delivery problem were firmly entrenched in the assembly line. The self-inspection process that arises from the method ensures that defects are not passed from one production unit to another or from task to task (Lewis Slack 2003, p. 108). This way, Cessna would have been able to meet the pledges made to customers as considerable amount of time would be saved by using the TQM technique. Lastly, problems of long lead-times and huge inventory could have been successfully dealt with if the management had undertaken a critical analysis of key business processes based on TOC. The theory could have enabled the management to realize the issues and challenges that ganged up together to cause the delivery problem. Once identified, the management could have initiated some operational management tactics aimed at reversing th e setbacks. For instance, standard work practices should have been introduced for each unit at the assembly line. According to Clarke (2005), standardization of work processes in an assembly line is important because it helps not only to minimize organizational variation but also to distinguish employee skills that require improvement (p. 215). This process would have allowed the organization to make timely deliveries to the customers. Conclusion All in all, the importance of operations management in an organization can never be underestimated. It forms a core component of the organization by controlling and influencing the system of operations (Ross Perry 1999, p. 3). In the same vein, operational problems can prove costly to organizations if the correct prescriptions are not adhered to in the process of solving the problems. Business empires have fallen under the heavy weight of making the wrong decisions in operations management. Cessna Aircraft must have resolved the product di stribution problem and returned to profitability. But it is imperative that the correct decisions are taken to avoid any chance of problem escalation. The above stated remedies would have effectively dealt with this problem, not mentioning the fact that they would have served to rebuild customer confidence due to quality assurance. List of References AGI – Goldrat Institute 2009. The Theory of Constraints and its Thinking Processes. Web. Avery, S. 2003. Cessna Soars. Web. Black, J. R. 2008. Lean Production. Implementing a World Class System. Industrial Press Inc. ISBN: 9780831133511 Cessna Chooses China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation as Manufacturing Partner for Model 162 SkyCatcher 2007. Web. Clarke, C. 2005. Automotive Production Systems and Standardization: From Ford to the Case of Mercedes-Benz. Springer. ISBN: 9783790815788 Hayes, J. 2009. Customers are King: Maintaining Customer Relations and why it is Important. Create Space. ISBN: 9781440486821 Lambrechit, M., Vendaele, N. 1994. â€Å"Queuing Theory and operations Management.† Journal of Economic Development, Vol. 39(4), pp. 415-424. Web. Lewis, M., Slack, N. 2003. Operations Management: Critical Perspectives on Business Management. London: Routledge. ISBN: 97804155249249 Malloy, J. 2008. Lean Production. Web. Pande, P. 2006. The Six Sigma Leader: How top Expectations will prevail in the 21st Century. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9780071454097 Purchasing. 2000. Cessna Charts a Supply flight Strategy. Web. Swamidass, P. M 2000. Encyclopaedia of Production and Manufacturing Management. Springer. ISBN: 9780792386308 Textron Six Sigma 2009. Web. This assessment on Operations Management: Product Delivery Problem, Cessna Aircraft Company was written and submitted by user Shania W. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Romantic Poetry Multiple Choice Essays

Romantic Poetry Multiple Choice Essays Romantic Poetry Multiple Choice Paper Romantic Poetry Multiple Choice Paper Essay Topic: Poetry the speakers questions in lines 1-2 and 9-10 suggest that the subject of the lamb is the creator of the lamb reread lines 5-8 of the chimney sweeper from songs of innocence. the author symbolizes the loss of innocence in these lines with the shaving of toms head why are the boys in Toms dream in the chimney sweeper from songs of innocence able to play on the green plain an Angel unlocks their coffins that trap them the boy says that he is alone in lines 1-4 of little boy lost because the father walks too fast for the boy to keep up the questions in lines 5-8 of the tyger suggest that the tiger is a wild and powerful force in lines 13-16 of the tyger, the descriptions of furnaces, hammers, chains, and anvils create a sense of the creators strength which phrase best expresses the boys unhappiness in lines 1-4 of the chimney sweeper from songs of experience crying weep weep compare lines 1-4 of the two poems titled chimney sweeper. what idea do both poems express some parents force their children to work what does the author show his concern for in all of the poems innocence where is the speaker at the beginning of lines composed a few miles above tintern abbey in a beautiful landscape in lines composed a few miles above tintern abbey, the speaker shows romantic poetrys interest in the commonplace by describing a cottage orchard with unripe fruit notice that semicolons interrupt the main idea in lines 114-119 of lines composed a few miles above tintern abbey. What does this stylistic element express in the sentence love that the speaker feels for his sister reread lines 155-159 of lines composed a few miles above tintern abbey. In years to come, the sister will remember the speakers love of this place because of her at what time of day dies the speaker in composed over westminster bridge see the view sunrise line 11 of westminster bridge contains inverted syntax. which is the best rewrite of this stylistic element I never saw or felt such a calm before what problem does the speaker identify in the world is too much with us people have lost their connection to nature in i wandered lonely as a cloud, the speaker finds daffodils along the edge of the lake which phrase from i wandered lonely as a cloud is a good example of the natural speech that romantic poets sometime used beside the lake, beneath the trees lines composed a few miles above tintern abbey and i wandered lonely as a cloud are similar because the speakers value a relationship with nature in rime of the ancient mariner, reread lines 31-38. the wedding guest beats his own breast because he is missing the wedding in this literary ballad, the repetition of the word ice in lines 58-60 emphasizes that the ice completely surrounds the ship the sailors are unable to speak in Part 2 because thirst dries up their mouths reread lines 162-170 and the authors margin notes to clarify the narratives plot. why does the sailors joy at the sight of a ship change to horror the ship sails despite the lack of wind or tide what has life in death won in the game of dice the mariners life what torments the mariner on the boat for a week in part 4 the stares of his dead crewmates the mariners spring of love for living things in line 284 causes the spell on the mariner to break why do the spirits say that the spirit of the land of mist and snow will continue to punish the mariner the spirit loved the bird that the mariner killed reread lines 493-495 of this ballad. the author most likely uses the strong rhyme of these lines to stress the supernatural quality of the beings the mariner says that the activity that is sweeter far to him in line 602 is praying in church with others in the second stanza of to a mouse, the speaker describes people as fellow creatures living on the earth during what time of the year does to a mouse take place early winter in lines 21-24 of to a louse, the speaker is amazed to see the louse trying to climb the very top of the bonnet where is the one place in which the speaker would expect to see a louse a ragged boys clothing the animals in both poems are causing emotions in the speakers what has happened to the statue in ozymandias the statue has fallen apart over time where are the kings works that the words on the pedastal in ozymandias command people to look upon all have been destroyed over time the regular rhythmic pattern of iambic pentameter in line 14 of ozymandias has the effect of emphasizing the unchanging stretch of sand reread lines 7-11 of ode to the west wind. what brings new hope in the section spring wind waking the earth the event in section 2 of ode to the west wind that best reflects the violence of the poems historical context is the burst of fire in a dark storm reread line 54 of ode to the west wind. the iambic rhythmic pattern in this line emphasizes the speakers actions of falling and bleeding which expression tells you that the speaker in she walks in beauty admires the womans gentleness that tender light reread the third stanza of she walks in beauty. what main idea does the stanza structure allow this sestet to emphasize the speaker admires the womans goodness what sight in nature inspires the speaker in when i have fears that I may cease to be a night sky full of stars and clouds if you paraphrase line 14 of when i have fears that I may cease to be, the result of the speakers thinking is that his thoughts about death make love and fame meaningless the gods and maidens in the first stanza of ode on a grecian urn are part of the decoration on the urn in lines 41-50 of ode on a grecian urn, the speaker stresses the immortality of the urn in lines 31-35 of ode to a nightingale, the speaker will be able to join the nightingale through writing poetry that portrays his joining the bird in stanza 6 of ode to a nightingale, the speaker thinks a good time to die would be at midnight while the nightingale sings

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Growing Importance of Monetary Policy in Government

The Growing Importance of Monetary Policy in Government Monetary policy is important in decisions the United States government makes about economic practices and regulations, but equally important are the fiscal policies, which government spending and tax reform are geared toward in stimulating the economy. To understand the importance of monetary policy in the equation, one must first understand what the term means. The Economic Times defines monetary policy as the macroeconomic  policy  laid down by the central bank, which manages interest rates, money supply, and functions as the demand side of economic policy to affect inflation, consumption, growth, and liquidity. There is, however, a limit to the amount monetary policy can affect the economy because it hinges upon interest rates and monetary circulation. Once the interest rate hits zero, theres not much more the Federal Reserve can do in terms of monetary policy to help the economy. Fighting Inflation Versus Fighting Unemployment The  U.S. Department of State  argues that one of the key reasons that monetary policy is favorable during financially successful periods of the American economy is that it affects inflation rates positively but is relatively useless in fighting unemployment.   This is because theres a limit to the amount of monetary manipulation the Federal Reserve can do to the global value, or exchange rate, if the U.S. dollar plummets. Monetary policy primarily affects interest rates through control of the amount of currency in circulation (and other factors), so when the interest rate bottoms out at zero percent, theres nothing else a bank can do. If you take a look back at the Great Depression, over 3,000 banks failed during the 1930s- monetary policy meant very little when the value of the dollar had sunk to its lowest rate in history. Instead, fiscal policy and a series of unpopular yet successful economic policies helped America get back on its feet. Fiscal policy opened up new jobs and increased government spending to right the wrong of the market crash. Basically, the United States- or any governing body- can, in times of need, enact aggressive fiscal policy to combat market stagnation. How Monetary Policy Applies Now Because the United States economy has experienced its highest point in the last decade (the 2010s), monetary policy that cuts taxes and increased government spending in business and job-creation markets, especially under former President Barack Obama, has led to a decrease in the unemployment rate and a rapid increase in the United States GDP. Fiscal and monetary policies go hand in hand in the  federal legislature, where annual budgets dictate government spending in certain economy-stimulating areas as well as the creation of jobs through social welfare initiatives. The Federal Reserve annually dictates interest rates, liquidity, and currency circulation, which in turn also stimulate the market. In truth, without either fiscal or monetary policy in United States federal- and indeed local and state- government, the delicate balance of our economy might slip back into another Great Depression. Regulations, therefore, are important to maintaining a status quo across all states wherein each citizen is guaranteed their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Event Sponsorship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Event Sponsorship - Essay Example The sponsorship should take into consideration the continuous funding of the event and the value and goals that should be met. Commercialisations of events have led to the compromise of values in event managements and have led to failure in some events. The project proposal aims at evaluating the challenges faced by event managers in handling sponsorship. It also aims at coming up with better strategies to improve sponsorship. Event management is a task that has a long history. Today, various events are held. The events range from games, festivals, concerts, meetings to political rallies. Up to these days, events remain an important part of people's culture and help social development of people. For their success, these events need to be managed. In managing events, sponsorship is very important. It should be noted that managing events is expensive and needs funds. Sponsorship of an event is not just as way of raising funds for the events, but it also entails marketing. The finding of sponsors, choice of sponsors and managing marketing and commercials should be an integral part of event management. Sponsors are important in event management. Good management of sponsors is lacking in event management. It should be noted that events are very important elements to people's culture. A successful event should send the required message or meet the desired goals (Allen, Bowdin, 2006, pp123). It should be noted that there are different categories of sponsors. Some sponsors are not motivated by business while others are motivated by business and aim at marketing their products. In managing sponsors, some event management conflict over the amount allocated to a certain sponsor and the recognition of the sponsor as a sponsor to an event. Poor management of sponsor could explain the conflict in events and the inability to sustain a sponsor for a long time. Lack of good sponsorship management also leads to failure of some events. Research Question Which and how important is the role of sponsorship in an event management context Aim and objectives Managing a sustainable fund is a principle element of event management. Sponsors are the main sources of funding to an event and they should be well managed. The management of sponsorship should ensure a sustainable fund and at the same time maintain the integrity of the event (Cornwell, Amis, 2005). The research will establish the problem encountered in managing sponsorships and come up with a better way of managing the sponsors. The project will also establish things which people managing events can do to ensure sustainable fund for events. Literature review Events are an integral part of communities. In the early days, every community had its own events and activities. The events were great opportunities for social development and development of cultures. It was also a great opportunity for interaction, communication and development of leaders (Berkowitz, 2008). In the past, the major activity had either cultural or religious base and involved people from a given geographical region. Although cultural and religious events remain important today, events have taken different perspectives including people from various cultures and large geographical regions. Small events are not involving and their management is simple;

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Career Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Career Research Paper - Essay Example The conductor is the most important person in an orchestra even when they do not play any instrument at all. The most basic job for a conductor is to indicate to other members of the orchestra the beat of the music they should be playing at. The conductor does this using a long stick called a baton, which assist the conductor make the desired beat as clear as possible. As the song goes on, the conductor’s role is to move the baton towards several imaginary points indicating the beat in the bar the orchestra is currently playing. A conductor communicates with the other musicians verbally during rehearsal while during performance, different movements, gestures, and facial expressions indicate the conductor’s requirements (Wittry 61). The conductors work does not end with indicating the kind of beat the music should be played. The conductor has other roles in the orchestra such as the rehearsal and preparation of the orchestra for performance. The conductor also makes inte rpretative decisions concerning some aspects of the performance that includes whether some passages should be fast, smooth, slow, soft, aggressive, or loud. Further, the conductor in an orchestra knows the best way for all the players to play their instruments efficiently in addition to creating mood, atmosphere, and interpretation, which matches the conductor’s vision of the performed piece. Although in reality the conductor does not play any of the instruments during the performance, the orchestra as a whole is the conductor’s instrument (Mick 9). The compensation and working conditions in symphony orchestra is also attractive due to the potential it has for a stable career in addition to excellent job security, salary and other benefits. Douglas Yeo claims, â€Å"The base scale pay for performers in American cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia is roughly $2000 a week on the lower scale†. Performers of these orchestras are off ered up to ten weeks paid holiday, sick leave, full dental and medical insurance coverage in addition to entitlement to pension after a thirty-year career. A performer cannot be dismissed before determination by an arbitration panel, which is usually composed of peer members of the orchestra. Just like any other career taking symphony orchestra as an occupation whether as a player or a conductor has its challenges as seen from news about bankruptcy, strikes and lose of conductors (Eatock 273). A good salary and satisfied life in music notwithstanding, many artists in symphony orchestra become cynical and jaded since the profession does not recognize individuals but the whole group as a whole. For one to be satisfied with life in this industry one has to appreciate achievements made as a group and not to seek individual recognition. Yeo particularly singles out mandatory deductions made by unions claiming it can have negative influence that goes past the average 3% per week work dues deducted from a player’s income. Activism in the union is sometimes frustrating where players are denied the chance to make their own decisions by forcing them abide by those made by the union. However, happiness is an individual choice; one can decide whether to focus on the positive or negative aspects of a career in symphony orchestra. The other challenging aspect of a career as a conductor of symphony orchestra is the demanding nature of the work. There is a need for players to be in

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Educational inequality and NGOs Essay Example for Free

Educational inequality and NGOs Essay You have, perhaps, never heard a discussion or symposium on the topic, â€Å"Men-their role in the society. † The discussion is always about women. Men perhaps, have no role! This is not to say that the men can not do some of the jobs normally done by women. Even today the best chefs are men! The talk of giving equal rights and educational facilities to women goes on all over the world unabated. All the Acts of Parliaments in the world will not bring equality for women. The change has to be achieved within-both men and women. How can you say that women need to be given equal rights? God has created her, given her the status of more-equal. Nobody can take that right away. It is the mother who gives ‘protection’ for the initial nine months to the divine creative force of the future male or female! A female child is victimized at every step of life, from the moment of birth. Women should be the legal and spiritual equals of men. Male and female are alternative beats of the same heart. Discrimination against females contributes negative impacts as for the wellbeing of the society as a whole. The gender differences are transmitted from generation to generation. Their impact varies, softens or hardens, due to various social, cultural and political factors. Basically gender means the biological differences between females and males. â€Å"Gender refers to the meanings that are attached to those differences within a culture. † ( Kimmel p. 3 ). Apart from the biological differences, other differences are human-made. â€Å"Traditional gender ideologies and present changing gender norms affect the way gender is taught through the â€Å"hidden curriculum† found within every classroom today in America. Gender ideologies past and present influence the policies and the economic realities of education in today’s society. Education is one of the leading institutions that teaches and bolsters the gender inequalities which we see in America. † (Our Educational†¦)Even the most enlightened find it difficult to transcend the concept of gender inequality. The thorn will have to be removed by thorn. We say classrooms contribute to maintain inequalities; we also need to understand that the educational system implemented through the classrooms is the ideal place to make a start in educating the gender inequalities. Kimmel writes, â€Å"†¦the message students get, from both the content and the form of education, is that women and men are different and unequal, and that the inequality comes from those differences, and that, therefore, such inequality is justified† (p. 151). As for removing the gender inequalities, NGOs can do a lot in awareness campaigns, running small model schools, but this great social malady deeply impacted by the cultural, religious traditions, can not be set right overnight. The political will of the people of a country to obtain equal opportunities for the subjugated female gender counts much. If one turns the pages of history of gender education, what used to happen a century ago seems unbelievable in the circumstances prevailing today. Stupendous advancement has been made by the female gender in education, and consequently on all fronts. â€Å"When women tried to enter the classroom in 1900 at the University of Rochester, after it opened its doors to women who could raise money to build new dorms and facilities, â€Å"male students responded by stamping their feet, physically blocking classroom doors, and jeering at them whenever they appeared on campus† (Kimmel p. 153). World renowned intellectuals like Rousseau averred that women are created to give pleasure to men. The intervention of the NGOs has softened the attitude of the policy makers to a great extent. Four decades ago, before the 1970s, women had lees openings to obtain a good education. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, provides an equal opportunity to all in educational programs and activities. â€Å"The average female pre-kindergarten teacher in 1980 earned $8,390, while her male counterpart earned $14, 912. †in USA. (Kimmel, 2000). America has the special gender related problem, closely linked to its racial history of African American community. This is a highly complicated issue that needs to be viewed from attitudes about sexuality, culture, the role of the Black Church, Male dominance within Black communities, which obstructs the progress of women in the field of education etc. â€Å"The process by which Black communities has arrived at its current situation, in which 54 percent of Black children live in single-parent, largely female-headed and less prosperous households, 68 percent of African-American children are born to unmarried mothers and 47 percent of the prison population and 29 percent of those who are confined to mental hospitals are Black. † (Henry, 2007) So much about the global north as for the gendered educational inequality! As for the global south, if we take the example of a developing country like India, women in Indian Society are no better. The conditions are slowly evolving in favor of women and emancipation of women is in sight and that is due to women’s education, diversification of their roles, bar to child marriage, encouragement to widow remarriage, occupational mobility etc. The urban women in India are better placed than their rural counterparts for obvious reasons. Most of the NGOs working in the field of education are established in the urban and metropolitan areas. Whereas the NGOs can not exercise legal powers directly, they help women in making them aware about the existing legal rights. NGOs also play active role in sensitization of Women, Building confidence in women, Change in Social Attitude, Collective Awareness, etc. Conclusion: â€Å"Schools are like old-fashioned factories, and what they produce is gendered individuals,† says Michael S. Kimmel. But hopefully they are changing for the better. Education to women on par with men, may lead to other cultural and social problems. That is another issue. On this factor, women can not be denied their right to higher education. Education is the mainstay on the basis of which many a reformation and rehabilitation programs can be chalked out and implemented for the benefit of women. NGOs all over the world are precisely attempting that. Legislation can extend the helping hand legally. What matters is the change in the male perception and attitudes as for the all round growth of the personality of the female gender.   References: Kimmel, Michael S. 2000. The Gendered Society. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Henry, Kathy: Gender Talk29 May 2007 In the African-American studies book Gender Talk, Dr. Johnnetta how gender inequality affects the entire African-American community. ezinearticles. com/? Gender-Talkid=584732 –Retrieved on July 25, 2008

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Global Warming Essay -- Environmental Global Climate Change

Global Warming One of the hottest topics being discussed now a days is the effects of global warming on the environment and the efforts being made in order to combat the potential effects. Simply put, global warming refers to the environmental effects caused by the constant emission of carbon dioxide from carbon based fuels. These effects are supposedly widespread; the temperature of the earth will rise, the land becomes less conducive to, vegetation, and various ecosystems become extinct. There is no common consensus on how to control the problem and through out the paper it discusses the issues of global warming. There were three articles read that discussed how global warming is becoming a potential problem that needs to be analyzed thoroughly. One article (â€Å"On Global†, 1:18) is very cautious about how to approach the problem; the author believes that not enough is known about the effects of global warming versus the costs of containing it. He suggest no more than a modest flat tax on carbon based fuels Another article (Schneider, A:17) discusses the debates that the Clinton white house representatives have over the best route in dealing with the problem. The third article (Reuter, C:7) touches on the potential effects of global warming in tropical rain forests. Furthermore, each article shows that there is no common consensus in dealing with global warming. One article stresses that the issue is so murky that it is open to debate. Another article shows how members of the White House cannot agree on the matter and yet another author shows how countries cannot agree to ratify a treaty. After reviewing the information available on the subject, it appears that there is no easy answer to how to deal with global warming. To begin with , there is absolutely no consensus whatsoever as to the extent of the problem. One article (â€Å"On Global†, 1:18) simply maintains that the models available to judge the damage that global warming causes are just too ‘ primitive and insufficient. Both technological and economical models used to deal with the subject seem flawed. Additionally, the question arises as to whether the U.S. should have to calculate the cost of cleaning up the environment for countries like India and China that are too poor to give the matter priority. But another article (Reuter, C:7) maintains that the effects of global warming are alr... ...es on carbon based fuels and timetables for monitoring progress. It is therefore interesting to note how these issues were dealt with by the Clinton-Gore administration. The vice president did not discuss the issue at all after his inauguration. Many Clinton-Gore campaign promises were never fullfilled. Why? because they were not practical goals. They met with too much resistance from opponents. This lesson ought to be taken to heart on a number of issues. While Gore and Clinton might have been sincere in their campaign promises, the voters should always wonder what influence the opposition had over them. Additionally, it is on curiosity how the European community backed the climate treaty, but when time came to ratify the documents it didn’t pass. Work Cited â€Å"On Global Warming; Why no Carbon Tax?† The New York Times 25 May 2006, late ed. Sec 1:18 Reuter. â€Å"Dangers to Forests Seen from Warming.† The New York Times 17 Aug. 2003 late ed., Section C:7 Schneider, Keith â€Å"Gore Meets Resistance in Efforts for Steps on Global Warming..† The New York Times 19 Apr. 2003, Late Ed. Sec A:17 WWW. Discover. Org WWW. NASA .Gov WWW. Global Warming. net www. Edf. org/

Monday, November 11, 2019

My inspiration to go into medicine

People never want to become doctors. They strive towards the goal of being one. Perhaps the process of healing awakens a hidden potential for answering the mysteries of life; or provides some form of protection for the pilgrim that had himself couthed into the sheath of white: either way the attractions of medicine are undeniably numerous. What, then, of reputation or the great self-devouring love for humanity? What of saving others and finding significance in one’s own existence? All superficial! As undergraduates, we are driven by absolute inquiries into the depths of knowledge to recover fragments of our lives. Where do we fit into the puzzle of life? That’s the question. I have an image to maintain: in front of others and in front of myself. My father is a renowned pediatrician back home in New Zealand. I used to stalk him to his workplace and follow him around all through the singular years of my childhood. Not that I particularly liked staying in the hospital or anything. As a matter of fact, I despised hospitals. The scent of sterility, driven by the notion of vacuumed air straight from the void; the faded color of those walls dressed to match in uncunning fashion; and the ethereal atmosphere of the admission halls grazing through the clarity of perception as if to enforce its own presence. Ugh! But to weigh out all of these, I had a doctor’s magic! (I mean this in a strictly in a figurative sense for no matter how much of a rogue that institution turned to the normal rules of a civilized, everyday society, it had no magic there. Certainly not my father. He was a serious character, always in motion, wearing a frown and a deliberate mask of indifference. He wasn’t particularly liked by the nurses or popular among the patients, either. But he did have remarkable powers for comforting people. Whether cheeky brats, angry rebels or crybabies; my father ticketed them all through the examination roll until they were shipped back to their quarters. His executions were perfect and timely, as he never ran out of tricks to pull from the pockets of his lab coat. The essential part of the battle is to win them over,† he always used to say, So, yes, I have an image to maintain. An infolding of personality I wish to develop into the outside world. Like a newborn, it chides and kicks to be let out, and though I realize fatherly affection is still beyond me in this immature state, I want to bring this child to the world. I believe becoming a doctor is the only answer to this immortal call, and for this reason I hope to study medicine in — university. Tracing the steps I used to take in the hospital dorms, more vivid impressions surface to my mind. I remember the time when, lost in between the labyrinth of curves and swings in the hospital, I perceived the shadow of my father’s coat- just a sliver of its sheath, impressing me with such overpowering impulses. I didn’t doubt it for a moment. I followed that formless ghost until its sheath materialized in my slight grasp. Unable to control myself, I sobbed and cried: painfully†¦ shamelessly†¦ until I was completely relieved. I remember fighting by my father’s side against no worthier adversary than himself: latching myself unto him to keep him from leaving. The staff had to tear me apart from him. At that moment, I had a premonition that I might never see my father again. I cried for him to come back, but he disappeared into the bright light beyond the door at the end of the hallway. The door at the end of the hallway was big, scary; its windows were blurred; and the stripes that clambered over its bulk seemed to have forsaken all hope of stretching back to its point of origin. It really was a magnificent light and my father approached it with such a look of importance as I’ll never forget. It was priceless! The melodramatic setting; the overdramatized characters; and my utter stupidity: â€Å"I still have long ways to go,† this memory always reminds me. This child has something to share with you all. If I’m given a chance, I’m sure the prayer will be fulfilled. Teach me the secret beyond that light. Help me cross that door I daren’t cross as a fledgling. Show me I can be better.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Theories of Crime Causation

American Intercontinental University Unit 1 Individual Project CRJS 105 – Theories of Crime Causation November 11th, 2010 Abstract The following will examine the differences between criminalists, criminologists and forensic psychologists. It will then transition into how what exactly is a white collar crime and a blue collar crime. Lastly the paper will discuss the differences between index-one and index-two crimes as defined by the UCR. Media Portrayal of Crime Introduction With the prevalence of crime being portrayed in the media world, it can be difficult for the modern American to decipher all the aspects of crime. Criminology, the study of crime and its causes, is a excellent way to find out just what makes a criminals mind tick. Although it may be hard to know just what makes a person commit a crime, having a better understanding of the base of criminal justice aspects may be of assistance. Criminologists, Criminalists, and Forensic Psychologists With a plethora of jobs out there relating to the field of criminal justice, it may become overwhelming to try and decide who does what and how they do it. To have a better understanding of such fields one must know exactly what each field does separately from the other. A criminologist uses sociological theories and methods to study criminal behavior and how societies respond to crime (Hall, 2010). This means the criminologist seeks to find out the mentality behind a crime and how that thinking affects the society as a whole. By creating theories as to why of how this crime was committed the criminologist can form a wide array of possible answers for the crime. A criminologist would most likely be in an office but regularly would attend a crime scene to interview witnesses and others to gather sociological data about the crime. A criminalist examines physical evidence using investigative skills and practical experience. A criminalist is forced to look at nothing but the physical evidence of a crime without prejudice of the person or persons involved. This type of crime evaluation allows for an individual to make findings based on what is physically presented before them. In way you can say that evidence doesn’t lie so the criminalist should not be able to either as they are required to follow the evidence. A criminalist would be most commonly found at the site of the crime collecting physical evidence related to the crime. After the collection a criminalist would be typically found at a crime laboratory, analyzing the collected evidence. Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system (abfp. com, 2010). This side of the criminal justice world refers to strictly the legal side of a crime. In this profession and individual would focus primarily on the criminal/person/persons on trial, as well as any other individual as it related to the case and would be required to provide an expert opinion on topics such as sanity, and competency. The psychologist enters the mind of the individual through a series of interviews and allows a better understanding of the person beneath what we see on the surface. Criminologists are typically found at interviews and trials related to the crime. This would typically be at the police station of in a courtroom. Misconceptions of such fields With constant development of new television shows relating to police work, as well as media portrayal of the criminal justice field, there can often be misconceptions placed upon these fields of work. A common misconception related to the field of criminology (criminologist) is that they live a life of danger and unpredictability. While the criminal mind can be unpredictable criminologists often stay low key and behind the scenes as they are analyzing the criminal mind and would not want to compromise that by running around in the field. In the life of a criminalist, the most common misconception has been brought on by the onslaught of television shows such as CSI and all its spin offs. The typical criminalist doesn’t run around shooting at bad guys in the newest designer jeans, or analyzing evidence in seconds. A criminalist is usually in a decontaminated suit and gloves doing nothing but collecting evidence. They are not there to fight crime nor solve it, they are there specifically for evidence collection (Criminalist, 2009). And as for the seconds long analysis, it’s more like weeks for a result to be returned, sorry to burst your bubble! Finally, a forensic psychologist may look like a cool job on the television show Profiler, but in actuality, there is much more to it than what is portrayed. While criminal profiling is one aspect of this field, there are many more unseen. They work in a wide variety of settings connected to law, depending on their prominence in forensic psychology. Clinical psychologists in the forensic field, for example, may work in a mental health center, a hospital, a prison, or a private agency. Developmental psychologists are found in both medical and academic settings, as well as give consults in court in regards to the behavior or testimony of children. So as you can see the media skews our view of what these individuals actually do and are responsible for. White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime When you first hear the terms white collar crime and blue collar crime, you may think, â€Å"People who commit crime are classified by the color of their collars? † On the contrary that is not the case. The terms White Collar and Blue Collar refer to the class of society in which a crime is committed. Blue collar crime typically refers to such crimes that are most likely committed by individuals in a lower class of society. Crimes of this nature are typically unplanned, spontaneous and sometimes involve direct harm to a person or property of others. An example of a blue collar crime would be an armed robbery of a bank of store by a person who is desperate. On the contrary, white collar crime is usually found among a higher class in society and consists of corporate, state and high tech crimes (Mojolaw. com, 2010). A good example of white collar crimes would be things such as Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, and the Enron debacle. White collar crimes are most often planned and well thought out as they take a lot of attention to commit. Often the person/persons involved have a lot of money to provide a defense for themselves if caught. For this student, who watches media quite regularly it is hard to make a determination as to which type of crime is more prevalent. You constantly hear of more and more people desperate for money in these hard times so, blue collar crimes are being committed more. But it can also be argued that the white collar side is hurting to so there are more stories of fraud and schemes taking place. This student would have to say though, blue collar crime tends to be more focused on because it usually involves a form of violence which the media seems to gravitate towards. Index-One vs. Index-Two Crime As defined by the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook of 2004, Index-One crimes are considered to be the most heinous. The crimes include but are not limited to, Criminal Homicide, Forcible Rape, Robbery and Aggravated Assault. It can be assumed that all serious felonies will fall under an index-one crime. Index-Two crimes are all other crimes that do not constitute a classification in Index-One. These crimes consist of less serious offenses such as fraud, vandalism, disorderly conduct, and DUI. These would be all arrestable offenses that are reported to the FBI’s statistics center. These crime indexes have no fine line, as there is a huge difference between the two. Index one crimes often involve physical harm to an individual whereas index two crimes are typically considered petty. When making a judgment as to which crimes that fall under Index one are violent or not, that can be left up to ones interpretation of violence. You have to consider each situation differently because, although motor vehicle theft in of itself is not violent, if aggravated assault occurs than that theft becomes violent. This student would have to conclude that in most cases all crimes listed under Index one offenses, they would be considered violent. Conclusion The media will continue to skew the aspects of crime, and that has been happening for years. It is up to the public to want to obtain the truth about what a specific job or career actually entails. If a person lives their life believing everything they hear from someone else, then they are simply uninformed of the truth. Crime will always be a hot topic throughout society, so society must become educated in all facets of the criminal world (without committing crime itself). References The Differences Between Criminology and Forensic Science (2010). Hall, Shane. Retrieved on 11-Nov-2010 from http://www. ehow. com/list_6109148_differences-criminology-_amp_-forensic-science. html Criminalist. Criminal Justice USA (2009). Retrieved on 10-Nov-2010 from http://www. criminaljusticeusa. com/criminalist. html ABFP Brochure. Forensic Psychology. (2010). American Board of Forensic Psychology. Retrieved on 11-Nov-2010 from http://www. abfp. com/brochure. asp Forensic Psychology – Myths and Truths. (2010). All Star Directories, Inc.. Retrieved on 09-Nov-2010 from http://www. allpsychologyschools. com/psychology-careers/community/forensic-psychology-myths Mojo Law. (2010). Blue Collar and White Collar Crime, Mojolaw. com. Retrieved on 13-Nov-2010 from http://www. mojolaw. com/info/cl020 Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook. (2004). Federal Bureau of Investigations. , Retrieved on 09-Nov-2010 from http://www. fbi. gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/additional-ucr-publications/ucr_handbook. pdf

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Definition and Examples of Accessibility in Geography

Definition and Examples of Accessibility in Geography Accessibility is defined as the ability to reach a place with respect to another place. In this context, accessibility refers to the ease of reaching destinations. People who are in locations that are more accessible will be able to reach activities and destinations faster than those in inaccessible locations. The latter will be unable to reach the same amount of locations in a certain period of time. Accessibility determines equal access and opportunity. The public transport accessibility level (PTAL) in the United Kingdom, for example, is a method of transport planning that determines the access level of geographical locations in regards to public transportation. Mobility and Accessibility Mobility is the ability to move or be moved freely and easily. Mobility can be thought of in terms of being able to move throughout various levels in society or employment, for example. While mobility focuses on moving people and goods to and from various locations, accessibility is an approach or entrance that is either obtainable or attained. Both forms of transportation modes rely on each other in some way, depending on the scenario, but remain separate entities. A great example of improving accessibility, rather than mobility, is in the case of a rural transport scenario where water supply is needed at houses far away from the source. Rather than forcing women to travel long distances to gather water (mobility), bringing services to or closer to them is a more efficient effort (accessibility).  Distinguishing between the two is critical in creating a sustainable transportation policy, for instance. This type of policy may include a sustainable transportation system which is also referred to as Green Transport and considers, social, environmental, and climate impacts. Transportation Accessibility and Geography Accessibility in regards to geography is an important element in mobility for people, freight, or information. Mobility is determined by people and affects infrastructure, transport policies, and regional development.  Transportation systems that offer better opportunities of accessibility are considered well-developed and efficient and have a cause and effect relationship to various social and economic options. Capacity and arrangement of various transportation options largely determine accessibility, and locations range in terms of equality due to their level of accessibility. The two main components of accessibility in transportation and geography are location and distance. Spatial Analysis: Measuring Location and Distance Spatial analysis is a geographical examination that looks to understand patterns in human behavior and its spatial articulation in mathematical  and geometry (known as locational analysis.) Resources in spatial analysis typically surround the development of networks and urban systems, landscapes, and geo-computation,  a new field of research to understand spatial data analysis. In measuring transportation, the ultimate goal is typically around access, so that people can freely reach their desired goods, services, and activities. Decisions around transportations typically include tradeoffs with different types of access, and how it is measured affects larger impacts.  To measure transportation system data, there are three approaches some policymakers use, including traffic-based measurements, mobility-based ones, and accessibility-based data.  These methods range  from tracking vehicle trips and traffic speed to traffic time and general travel costs. Sources: 1. Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, The Geography of Transport Systems, Fourth Edition (2017), New York: Routledge, 440 pages.2. Geographic Information Systems/Science: Spatial Analysis Modelling, Dartmouth College Library Research Guides.3.  Todd Litman. Measuring Transportation: Traffic, Mobility, and Accessibility. Victoria Transport Policy Institute.4.  Paul Barter. The SUSTRAN mailing list.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Rise and Fall of the Borgia Family

The Rise and Fall of the Borgia Family The Borgias are the most infamous family of Renaissance Italy, and their history normally hinges around four key individuals: Pope Calixtus III, his nephew Pope Alexander IV, his son Cesare and daughter Lucrezia. Thanks to the actions of the middle pair, the family name is associated with greed, power, lust, and murder. The Rise of the Borgias The most famous branch of the Borgia family originated with Alfons Borja from Valencia in Spain, the son of a middling family. Alfons went to university and studied canon and civil law, where he demonstrated talent and after graduation began to rise through the local church. After representing his diocese in national matters, Alfons was appointed secretary to King Alfonso V of Aragon and became deeply involved in politics, sometimes acting as envoy for the monarch. Soon Alfons became Vice-Chancellor, a trusted and relied upon aide, and then regent when the king went to conquer Naples. While demonstrating skills as an administrator, he also promoted his family, even interfering with a murder trial to secure his kin’s safety. When the king returned, Alfons led negotiations over a rival pope who was living in Aragon. He secured a delicate success which impressed Rome and became both a priest and a bishop. A few years later Alfons went to Naples - now ruled by the King of Aragon – and reorganized the government. In 1439 Alfons represented Aragon at a council to try and unite the eastern and western churches. It failed, but he impressed. When the king finally negotiated papal approval for his hold of Naples (in return for defending Rome against central Italian rivals), Alfons did the work  and was appointed a cardinal in 1444 as a reward. He thus moved to Rome in 1445, aged 67, and changed his name to Borgia. Oddly for the age, Alfons was not a pluralist, keeping only one church appointment, and was also honest and sober. The next generation of Borgia would be very different, and Alfons’s nephews now arrived in Rome. The youngest, Rodrigo, was destined for the church and studied canon law in Italy, where he established a reputation as a ladies man. An elder nephew, Pedro Luis, was destined for military command. Calixtus III: The First Borgia Pope Hulton Archive / Getty Images On April 8th, 1455, a brief time after being made a cardinal, Alfons was elected as Pope, largely because he belonged to no major factions and seemed destined for a short reign due to age. He took the name Calixtus III. As a Spaniard, Calixtus had many ready-made enemies in Rome, and he began his rule carefully, keen to avoid Rome’s factions, even though his first ceremony was interrupted by a riot. However, Calixtus also broke with his former king, Alfonso, after the former ignored the latter’s request for a crusade. While Calixtus refused to promote King Alfonso’s sons as a punishment, he was busy promoting his own family: nepotism was not unusual in the papacy. Indeed, it allowed the Popes to create a base of supporters. Rodrigo was made a cardinal at 25, and a slightly older brother the same, acts which scandalized Rome because of their youth, and ensuing debauchery. But Rodrigo, sent to a difficult region as a papal legate, was skilled and successful. Pedro was given an army command, and the promotions and wealth flowed in: Rodrigo became second in command of the church, and Pedro a Duke and Prefect, while other family took a range of positions. Indeed, when King Alfonso died, Pedro was sent to seize Naples which had defaulted back to Rome. Critics believed Calixtus intended to give it to Pedro. However, matters came to a head between Pedro and his rivals over this, and he had to flee enemies, although he died shortly after of Malaria. In aiding him, Rodrigo demonstrated a physical bra very  and was with Calixtus when he too died in 1458. Rodrigo: Journey to the Papacy German School / Getty Images In the conclave following Calixtus’s death, Rodrigo was the most junior cardinal. He played a key role in electing the new Pope – Pius II – a role that required courage and gambling his career. The move worked, and for a young foreign outsider who had lost his patron, Rodrigo found himself a key ally of the new pope and confirmed Vice-Chancellor. To be fair, Rodrigo was a man of great ability and was perfectly capable in this role, but he also loved women, wealth, and glory. He thus abandoned the example of his uncle Calixtus and set about acquiring benefices and land to secure his position: castles, bishoprics, and money flowed in. Rodrigo also earned official reprimands from the Pope for his licentiousness. Rodrigo’s response was to cover his tracks more. However, he had many children, including a son called Cesare in 1475 and a daughter called Lucrezia in 1480, and Rodrigo would give them key positions. Rodrigo then survived a plague and welcomed a friend as Pope, and stayed on as Vice-Chancellor. By the next conclave, Rodrigo was powerful enough to influence the election, and was sent as a papal legate to Spain with permission to approve or deny the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, and thus the union of Aragon and Castile. In approving the match, and working to get Spain to accept them, Rodrigo earned the support of King Ferdinand. On returning to Rome, Rodrigo kept his head down as the new pope became the center of plotting and intrigue in Italy. His children were given routes to success: his eldest son became a Duke, while daughters were married to secure alliances. A papal conclave in 1484 demurred from making Rodrigo pope, but the Borgia leader had his eye on the throne, and worked hard to secure allies for what he considered his last chance, and was aided by the current pope causing violence and chaos. In 1492, with the death of the Pope, Rodrigo put all his work together with a huge amount of bribes and was elected Alexander VI. It has been said, not without validity, that he bought the papacy. Alexander VI: The Second Borgia Pope Hulton Archive / Getty Images Alexander had widespread public support  and was capable, diplomatic and skilled, as well as rich, hedonistic and concerned with ostentatious displays. While Alexander at first tried to keep his role separate from family, his children soon benefited from his election, and received huge wealth; Cesare became a cardinal in 1493.  Relatives arrived in Rome and were rewarded, and the Borgias were soon endemic in Italy. While many other Popes had been nepotists, Alexander was promoting his own children and had a range of mistresses, something that further fuelled a growing and negative reputation. At this point, some of the Borgia children also began to cause problems, as they annoyed their new families, and at one point Alexander appears to have threatened to excommunicate a mistress for returning to her husband. Alexander soon had to navigate a way through the warring states and families which surrounded him, and at first, he tried negotiation, including the marriage of a twelve-year-old Lucrezia to Giovanni Sforza. He had some success with diplomacy, but it was short-lived. Meanwhile, Lucrezia’s husband proved a poor soldier, and he fled in opposition to the pope, who then had him divorced. We don’t know why he fled, but accounts claim he believed rumors of incest between Alexander and Lucrezia that persist to this day. France then entered the arena, competing for Italian land, and in 1494 King Charles VIII invaded Italy. His advance was barely stopped, and as Charles entered Rome, Alexander retired to a palace. He could have  fled  but stayed to use his ability against the neurotic Charles. He negotiated both his own survival and a compromise which ensured an independent papacy, but which left Cesare as both a papal legate and a hostage†¦ until he escaped. France took Naples, but the rest of Italy came together in a Holy League in which Alexander played a key role. However, when Charles retreated back through Rome, Alexander thought it best to leave this second time. Juan Borgia Alexander now turned on a  Roman family  who stayed loyal to France: the Orsini. The command was given to Alexander’s son Duke Juan, who was recalled from Spain, where he had earned a reputation for womanizing. Meanwhile, Rome echoed to the rumors of the excesses of the Borgia children. Alexander meant to give Juan first the vital Orsini land, and then strategic papal lands, but Juan was assassinated and his corpse thrown into the Tiber. He was 20. No one knows who did it. The Rise of Cesare Borgia Mondadori / Getty Images Juan had been Alexander’s  favorite  and his commander; that  honor  (and the rewards) were now diverted to Cesare, who wished to resign his cardinal’s hat and marry. Cesare seemed the future to Alexander, partly because the other male  Borgia  children were dying or weak. Cesare secularized himself fully in 1498. He was immediately given replacement wealth as the Duke of Valence through an alliance Alexander brokered with the new French King Louis XIII, in return for papal acts and aiding him in gaining Milan. Cesare also married into Louis’ family and was given an army. His wife became pregnant before he left for Italy, but neither she nor the child ever saw Cesare again. Louis was successful and Cesare, who was only 23 but with an iron will and strong drive, began a remarkable military career. The Wars of Cesare Borgia Alexander looked at the condition of the Papal States, left in disarray after the first French invasion, and decided military action was needed. He thus ordered Cesare, who was in Milan with his army, to pacify large areas of central Italy for the Borgias. Cesare had early success, although when his large French contingent returned to France, he needed a new army and returned to Rome. Cesare seemed to have control over his father now, and people after papal appointments and acts found it more profitable to seek out the son instead of Alexander. Cesare also became Captain-General of the churches armies  and a dominant figure in central Italy. Lucrezia’s husband was also killed, possibly on the orders of an angry Cesare, who also was rumored to be acting against those who badmouthed him in Rome by assassinations. Murder was common in Rome, and many of the unsolved deaths were attributed to the Borgias, and usually Cesare. With a substantial war chest from Alexander, Cesare conquered., and at one point marched to remove Naples from the control of the dynasty who had given the Borgias their start. When Alexander went south to oversee the division of land, Lucrezia was left behind in Rome as regent. The Borgia family gained great amounts of land in the  Papal States, which were now concentrated in the hands of one family more than ever before, and Lucrezia was packed off to marry Alfonso d’Este to secure a flank of Cesare’s conquests. The Fall of the Borgias As the alliance with France now seemed to be holding Cesare back, plans were made, deals struck, wealth acquired and enemies murdered to take a change of direction, but in mid-1503 Alexander died of malaria. Cesare found his benefactor gone, his realm not yet consolidated, large foreign armies in the north and south, and himself also deeply ill. Furthermore, with Cesare weak, his enemies rushed back from exile to threaten his lands, and when Cesare failed to coerce the papal conclave, he retreated from Rome. He persuaded the new pope to re-admit him safely, but that pontiff died after  twenty-six  days and Cesare had to flee. He supported a great Borgia rival, Cardinal  della  Rovere, as Pope Julius III, but with his lands conquered and his diplomacy rebuffed an annoyed Julius arrested Cesare. Borgias were now thrown out of their positions, or forced into keeping quiet. Developments allowed Cesare to be released, and he went to Naples, but he was arrested by Ferdinand of Arag on and locked up again. Cesare did escape after two years  but was killed in a skirmish in 1507. He was just 31. Lucrezia the Patron and the End of the Borgias Print Collector / Getty Images Lucrezia also survived  malaria and the loss of her father and brother. Her personality reconciled her to her husband, his  family, and her state, and she took up court positions, acting as regent. She  organized  the state, saw it through war, and created a court of great culture through her patronage. She was popular with her  subjects  and died in 1519. No Borgias ever rose to become as powerful as Alexander, but there were plenty of minor figures who held religious and political positions, and Francis Borgia (d. 1572) was made a saint. By Francis’ time the family was declining in importance, and by the end of the eighteenth century it had died out. The Borgia Legend Alexander and the Borgias have become infamous for corruption,  cruelty,  and murder. Yet what Alexander did as pope was rarely original, he just took things to a new extreme. Cesare was perhaps the supreme intersection of secular power wielded to spiritual power in Europe’s history, and the Borgias were renaissance  princes  no worse than many of their contemporaries. Indeed, Cesare was given the dubious distinction of Machiavelli, who knew Cesare, saying the Borgia general was a grand example of how to tackle power.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Characterize the role of ICTY in developing international criminal law Coursework

Characterize the role of ICTY in developing international criminal law - Coursework Example A few years ago the concept of the establishment of international war crime tribunal seemed unrealistic but now ad hoc tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda have been established and the development of permanent international criminal court (ICC) is expected soon2. This paper will analyze the role of International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). ICTY was formed under chapter VII of the UN Charter. Under article 39 of the Charter, the Security Council found threat to the international peace and security therefore it was decided to establish a subsidiary unit that assures law enforcement to maintain security and peace internationally under article 7(2) and 41. The tribunal operates independently of political and Security Council considerations3. The United Nations set up ICTY for prosecuting those who were held responsible for committing serious crimes during the war in the former Yugoslavia and put perpetrators on trial for their actions. The purpose of establishing ICTY was to deter military and civil officers in the former Yugoslavia from committing more violent incidents. It was also intended to give a message internationally that those who attempted crimes would meet justice4. The international criminal tribunal (ICTY) was meant to maintain security and peace internationally. Case studies from Yugoslavia, Cambodia, and Rwanda showed that international tribunals have significantly contributed towards the international law and retributive justice. It can further help in reconciliation in other forms of justice and establishing peace. The impact of ICTY on the local public protest also signifies the disparity between local and international perspectives on justice. In Nuremberg and Tokyo practice of the victors’ justice, the role of ICTY has been very significant. It is also asserted that the practice of ICTY is and will continue to