Aristotle Refutes Platos Theory Of Ideas On Three Basic Grounds That

Aristotle refutes Plato's Theory of Ideas on three basic grounds: that the existence of Ideas contradicts itself by denying the possibility of negations; that his illustrations of Ideas are merely empty metaphors; and that they theory uses impermanent abstractions to create examples of perception. Though the theory is meant to establish concrete standards for the knowledge of reality, Aristotle considers it fraught with inconsistencies and believes that the concept of reality depends upon all forms' correlations to other elements. Ideas, Plato believes, are permanent, self-contained absolutes, which answered to each item of exact knowledge attained through human thought. Also, Ideas are in Plato's view concrete standards by which all human endeavor can be judged, for the hierarchy of all ideas leads to the highest absolute - that of Good. In addition, the theory claims that states of being are contingent upon the mingling of various Forms of existence, that knowledge is objective and thus clearly more real, and that only the processes of nature were valid entities. However, Aristotle attacks this theory on the grounds that Plato's arguments are inconclusive either his assertions are not al all cogent. Aristotle says, or his arguments lead to contradictory conclusions. For example, Aristotle claims that Plato's arguments lead one to conclude that entities (such as anything man-made) and negations of concrete ideas could exist - such as non-good in opposition to good. This contradicts Plato's own belief that only natural objects could serve as standards of knowledge. Also, Aristotle refutes Plato's belief that Ideas are perfect entities unto themselves, independent of subjective human experience. Ideas, Aristotle claims, are not abstractions on a proverbial pedestal but mere duplicates of things witnessed in ordinary daily life. The Ideas of things, he says, are not inherent to the objects in particular but created separately and placed apart from the objects the mselves. Thus, Aristotle says, Plato's idea that Ideas are perfect entities, intangible to subjective human experience, is meaningless, for all standards are based somewhere in ordinary human activity and perception. Thirdly, Aristotle assails Plato's efforts to find something common to several similar objects at once, a perfect exemplar of the quality those things share. Beauty is a perfect example; Plato considered Beauty both a notion and an ideal, isolated by abstractions and fixed permanently while its representatives fade away. Aristotle claims that abstractions like Beauty cannot be cast as absolutes, independent of temporal human experience; the Idea of Beauty changes with time and individual perceptions and cannot (as Plato felt) exist forever as a concrete standard. Plato and Aristotle reach some agreement, though, on the topic of reality. Plato believes that all reality was derived from his Ideas (which themselves dealt with concrete hierarchy of rational ideas. St. Ansel m, though, makes the most dogmatic and logically tortuous case for God's existence, relying not upon explanations of goodness, truth, or rational order of ideas but upon an absurd argument. He claims that everyone has some sense of God, and he claims that for one to deny God's existence is an invalid and contradictory assertion; therefore, God exists. Also, Anselm believes that those capable of understanding God cannot believe that he does not exist - as if the enormity of the idea was so clear than only a fool could not perceive it. His arguments seem the weakest of the four viewpoints here, for they are riddled with dogma and assume that God is a constant - using faith alone. Anselm considers faith paramount to logic or other forms of thought and asks no questions as to what powers the universe or what goodness is - he basically follows the Christian party line too closely to be valid. In general, St. Augustine combines Plato's idea of a moral hierarchy with his own rational obser vations of truth and goodness being embodied in their highest form by God. While Plato wavers on God's superiority, Aristotle views man as god's pawn, and Anselm uses tortuous dogmatic logic, Augustine's arguments seem to make the most sense from not only a Christian point of view but from a moral and rational one as well. The philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Anselm on the existence of God all vary on the issue

Brownfields Essays

Brownfields Essays Brownfields Essay Brownfields Essay Brownfields are abandoned, idled or under-used and industrial commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination. These areas are scattered all through out the nation and are more numerous in areas that are industrial centers. The redevelopment of brownfields are supported by all agencies of the government, the Department of Transportation made a policy that would enable the availability of funds for the redevelopment of brownfields, the DOT believed that brownfield redevelopment with transportation programs can bring new jobs, services and amenities to a neighborhood, reduce vehicle miles of travel, reduce time spent in congestion and increase the viability of transit, walking and biking. Brownfields and transportation are connected in ways that create opportunities to accomplish transportation, economic, community and environmental goals. Transportation facilities play a major role in commerce and industry, in the past industrial plants were always located near transportation facilities. However, transportation and economic changes have shifted number industrial operations away from centers of transportation. As the case maybe, transportation is key to brownfield redevelopment, as it gives access to people and goods, this would include fixing existing highways, waterways and public transportation and the other transportation related use of the land like intermodal terminals and bus barns. The local government together with the community are interested in the redevelopment of brownfields as an existing brownfield would lower property values, stifles local investment and be an environmental threat, in the same way the local government see redevelopment as bringing in jobs, increase in taxes and make use of taxpayer’s investment in infrastructure. Thus, the federal, state and local government coordinates to achieve these goals through the Transportation Improvement Program. To the communities, re-using brownfields through transportation investments would later on bring transportation benefits. The redevelopment of brownfields would also improve the environment by lessening or eradicating contamination in these sites. As well as reviving measures to control the quality of water and air and the conservation of open spaces. The protection of open spaces reduces conversion of land to impervious surfaces which is very critical in the maintenance of watershed health. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) has a projected budget of $198 billion for transportation spending for 1998 to 2003. The act supports brownfield redevelopment through a number of funding programs. For new highways, roads or bridge construction on brownfields, there’s the National Highway System, Surface Transportation Program, Bridges, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and the Transportation Enhancements. For the construction of new transit lines or station, there’s the Transit Capital Investment Grants and Loans, the Urbanized and Non-urbanized Area Formula Grant Program. The improvement of railroads in brownfields can be funded through the Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program. In improving pedestrian and/or bicycle access can be channeled through the National Highway System and the Transportation Enhancements. For recreational trails a funding from Recreational Trails is available and innovative sust ainability projects can be pursued through grants from the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program. In order to receive TEA-21 funds to redevelop a brownfield site, a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) state must have a transportation clause in the project and should be included in the Long-Range Transportation Plan and its Transportation Improvement Program. In general almost all funds allocated under the TEA-21 are disbursed through the standard planning and TIP process. The MPO has the obligation to coordinate with air quality planning and encourage public involvement as required by federal law. The Long-Range Transportation plans are created to project a 20 year transportation development program. The project however needs to satisfy the following criteria to be included in the LRT, the project must help advance state or regional transportation objectives, it should be able to provide information about the financial resources of the project and the impact on air quality of the project should not violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Evaluating a brownfield redev elopment project proposal requires reviewing financial, environmental, social and legal considerations of the project. Another means of acquiring federal funding is for the organization or state to apply directly to the DOT for grants and loans provided under the TEA-21, wherein Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot grants and the Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans are the most relevant to brownfield projects. The TCSP grants were given to innovative transportation projects which must meet the goals of TCSP which includes reducing the impacts of transportation on the environment, reducing the need for costly future public infrastructure investments, to ensure efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade and lastly examining private sector development patterns and investments that support TCSP goals. In the TCSP program, public entities are eligible to get finds form the federal government without a state or regional MPO intermediary. Municipal governments, MPO’s, states agencies, school boards, air and park districts and public transit agencies are eligible to apply for the TCSP loan. The Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program give out loans and loan guarantees for acquiring, improving, developing or rehabilitating intermodal or rail equipment facilities, this is available to local governments, and government sponsored authorities, corporations, railroads and joint ventures with at least one railroad. In conclusion it was reported that transportations funds can be used to clean up environmental contamination on brownfields if it is a part of the transportation project. It can also be sued to stimulate private sector revitalization of brownfields, as well as provide an opportunity for the collaboration of stakeholders and meeting public goals. Funding is available for such projects but the application process takes a lengthy route and that limited funding is available directly form federal government. There have been a number of projects that involved redeveloping brownfields which ranged from the construction of roads, a new bridge, a parkway and an intermodal terminal. In Portland, Oregon a new road was built to improve access to deepwater port and cleaned up a 2,800-acre Rivergate Industrial District, it also increased the value of land in the industrial area and initiated the expansion of manufacturing and shipping operations. Portland encapsulated the contaminated soils at a former pesticide-formulating plant with new road surface. In Lawrence, Massachusetts a new bridge was constructed to improve transportation access and infrastructure, it supported economic development, it improved pedestrian traffic as well as remediation of environmental contamination.   The project not only will clean a downtown brownfield but also create a new park and pedestrian walkway. A parkway in Buffalo, New York linked the industrial areas of Buffalo and the regional road network which then im proved transportation and develop under-used areas which are also brownfields. The construction of the parkway also satisfied American Axle’s needs for access and re-engineering obsolete infrastructure. Since the project was privately funded it had significant support form federal and state governments. An intermodal terminal in Salt Lake City, Utah was funded by congress with a $40 million budget as part of the brownfield redevelopment. When the Interstate 15 was redesigned it opened an opportunity to develop an old rail yard to an intermodal hub. The city will also be participating in the Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program to serves as a protection form environmental contamination. These examples reiterate that developing brownfields are beneficial to the community although it entails a complex weaving of government and community efforts as well as the liability to ascertain that contamination can be eradicated or managed.

Need to find a trending topic in the field of civil engineering Research Paper

Need to find a trending topic in the field of civil engineering - Research Paper Example The production involves an additive process different from the machining techniques that uses subtractive processes such as drilling and cutting. 3 D printing is exclusively done from digital models. The impact of 3 D printing is enormous and continues to shape the civil engineering sector. 3 D printing is being used in civil engineering in two main ways. Firstly, the technology has taken toll in prototyping. Engineers, architects and contractors have relied on 3 D prototyping in the recent times to manipulate designs and digital models to materials that are used in construction. It has been established that 3 D prototyping is an efficient, fast and cost friendly method in the fabrication of complex designs when high definitions are required. Prototyping enables production of high quality maps and plans that have well defined terrain and surface features. Secondly, distributed production has been utilized in the industry in manufacturing some of the raw materials. It takes into use d ispersed facilities used in manufacturing and are coordinated using information technology platforms. This aspect has boosted the activities of civil engineering industries that have a wide range of geographically separated activities. It reduces shipment and freight costs for the company. Engineering jobs have and will be affected by the technology. 3 D printing technology has been reported to contribute to job cut in the engineering sector (Frick 1). The automation in printing of models and the efficiency that accompanies has made many clients to seek 3 D printing services. For the last twenty years, 3 D printing companies in the world have demonstrated tremendous growth. Materialise, one of the companies that has retained the convectional methods, has employed approximately nine hundred people of which around eight hundred and fifty are engineers who play the role of designing projects’ processes. This number of engineers is so big compared to the companies that have embra ced 3 D printing technology such as the New York based 3 D printing manufacturer, Shapeways that has less than one hundred employees (Frick 1). The customized design apps that are supplied by Shapeways make the role of engineers to be limited hence the smaller number of engineers that are required. In addition, the apps are capable of facilitating creation of more complex structural models. The additive strategy adopted by 3 D technology has many benefits over the convectional subtractive manufacturing methods. The results of the technology are evidenced by the ability to do local production; the only requirement is to have the digital designs in place. The designs are distributable through digital platforms, thereby can be retrieved through a networked computer system. Stocking is another problem that is avoided. Conventionally, engineering companies have been producing models that are kept in the stores, with 3 D technology, production is based on demand. Another advantage of the technology is the ability to print wholesome products instead of joining parts together; this reduces the need for assembling while facilitating the production to be made at the point of demand. A deviation from the convectional manufacturing where engineering products were made in a particular fixed way, 3 D printing technology allows for customization of a product according to the specific needs of the client. In addition, the speed of production is highly improved, hence saving on the time required for the

The benefits and necessity of bilingual education in schools and Essay

The benefits and necessity of bilingual education in schools and universities - Essay Example The debate on bilingual education has been something that has been ongoing since the 1960s when the equality of different Minority groups in the United States was first asserted.This is because there were many American citizens who could not speak fluent English,but were quite fluent in other languages such as Spanish and FrenchToday there are many schools that champion the case of bilingual education. In some of such schools, the students are in English as well as their native languages. Comprehending the disadvantages as well as advantages of a bilingual education can help people to develop an impartial perspective on the necessity of giving the educational system a bilingual structure. While many people may think bilingual education is ineffective and unnecessary, I have discovered it to be otherwise. Why Bilingual Education is Unnecessary. There are many people who feel that the bilingual system of education will not be beneficial for English speakers in the long run. For example , in English speaking nations, there are people who feel that adopting a bilingual system will compromise the students’ grasp of the English language. To others, it appears that adopting a bilingual system is giving too much power to foreign elements within their own nation (Sizeron). To them, the effort to become a part of the society lies with the foreigners who relocate to English speaking nations. The citizens of an English speaking nation should not be inconvenienced in different ways in order to make foreigners feel that they are accepted by society. Another reason why some people may be against bilingual education in their schools is because they do not wish to be forced to start learning new languages. Bilingual education systems inevitably result in a larger fraction of citizens who speak two languages clearly. From there, it is quite easy for the reigning government to make the decision that it will have an additional national language. This means that it is not jus t the students who will be compelled to learn the new language. The English speaking citizens of the nation will also be compelled to learn the new language in order to be able to navigate around public systems that may start operating in two different languages. Not all people are talented and able to learn other languages easily. For many people, learning a new language is quite a difficult undertaking. Another reason why some people oppose the structuring of a bilingual educational system is that it might cost more than can be dedicated to expanding a nation’s educational system. Using different languages in different nations, states, or cities in the same region means that there will have to be different facilities to cater for the speakers of all languages. This will also further strain the educational systems of most countries which do not even fully cover the existing programs (National Latino Children’s Institute). Opponents of the bilingual educational system also often stress that children may be confused if they are suddenly required to start speaking different languages and master all of them. From their point of view, subjects such as English can only be mastered through the ‘immersion’ method. This means that the student has to have the opportunity to speak this language in all settings in order to become accustomed to it. Introducing a new language means that students will have to learn two languages concurrently. This could mean that none of the languages become well mastered. Why Bilingual Education is Necessary. According to the proponents of bilingual education, there are many reasons why bilingual educational systems are beneficial both for students as well as the general society. In addition to allowing children to develop a feeling for cultural pluralism, there are academic as well as cultural benefits associated with speaking two languages right from childhood. According to a research documented by

Marketing strategies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing strategies - Assignment Example Implications of this change on marketing strategies, specifically, major shift from traditional ways of marketing and promotion to major usage of online social media like facebook, tweeter and other popular social networking sites will also be analysed in this paper. Therefore, this study includes a complete package of changing business environmental related issues and its effects and implications on marketing strategies. Introduction Continuous changes in various factors of macro business environment are the most important areas of global businesses. Business organizations keep in-depth focus on the new trends or changes in these macro factors. Most important macro environmental factors are political factors, economical factors, social factors, cultural factors and technological factors. Substantial changes on these environmental factors have major impact or effects on the marketing strategies of the organizations. Management of leading organizations in the world have collaborativel y developed business associations to research on the forthcoming trend and trend on global market. There are also many research organization have been formed who specialises in the market research to identify the changes and develop necessary changes in the strategic marketing and provide advisory services to the organizations in each countries. Organizations are constantly facing difficulties in this critical of business where expected or predicted changes sometimes differ from the actual changes in the market especially in the purchasing and consumption behaviour of the potential target consumers. Consumer behaviour changes according to the ever changing trend on economical, social and technological environment in the world or a specific country. In this study, the major changes in the macro environmental factors in South Africa will be discussed in details with respect to changing trend in the global business environment. Detailed overview of the change/ trend in macro business e nvironment Business organizations in South Africa or any other countries have become open systems after the worldwide globalizations or open economy or open market. Therefore, organizations get resources from the environment that may be domestic, may be regional or international. Similarly, nay organizations have the opportunity to get the world market as the target market of them and can access any market across the world. Therefore, external environmental factors of a business have major impact on the both input and output level as organizations always tries to grab the opportunities from the changing business environment in national or international level. Firms cannot change any of the macro environmental influences but they can only react by the continuous changing the strategies with the changes in those environmental factors. Therefore, business change the internal business environment i.e. strategies and activities to grasp the opportunities of changing trend in the external environment and also can protect from any negative impact of new trend on the businesses. Therefore, it is very impotent for the managers, strategic decision makers to analysis the business environment in regular basis be3fore developing any strategic decisions for the

Birth Control: History, Methods and Issues

Birth Control: History, Methods and Issues David Birth Control Introduction How amazing would it be if we lived in a utopia where people can choose whether or not to get pregnant after unprotected sex and have no Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STD). Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STD) are diseases that has a high chance to be transmitted between humans by sexual intercourse, such as but not limited to: â€Å"vaginal intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, etc.†[1] Well unfortunately there is no utopia. But we have birth control methods that can prevent pregnancy and Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STD). Birth control is the practice of preventing a woman from getting pregnant.[2] Birth control is an issue in society that needs more attention, simply because it leads to more problems such as: â€Å"teen pregnancy, abortion, overpopulation, STD, etc.† History of Birth Control Birth control was first used in the 1550 B.C by an Egyptian manuscript called the Ebers Papyrus. It gives women directions on how to mix dates, acacia and honey into a paste, spread it over the vagina and use it to prevent pregnancy. [3] In the 1700s, the first condoms were being experimented. It ranged from sheep-bladder condoms to the use of half a lemon as a makeshift cervical cap. [4] The first ever rubber condoms were invented in 1839 by Charles Goodyear. In 1873, United States of America is the only Western nation to criminalize contraception. During the 1800s a large cervical cap in developed.[5] In 1954, John Rock conducted the first ever birth control pill and tested it on 50 women. In 1960 the FDA approved the use of birth control pills but little do they know that almost half a million U.S women are already using it.[6] Now we have more advanced birth control methods. More and more people are using birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Methods of Birth Control In the world today there are various ways to prevent pregnancy and a lot of them are very effective and safe. From sheep bladder condoms to super thin latex condoms. We see that as ass technology is improving, birth control methods are getting more and more advanced at the same time. There are birth control methods that are â€Å"natural† and do not involve any pills, condoms, and etc. Abstinence is a natural birth control method, this is a method that doesn’t involve having sex with a partner. Couples may enjoy other types of sexual activities that do not lead to the female getting pregnant.[7] This method is 100% effective and safe because there is no interaction between a penis and a vagina. Similarly to abstinence outercourse is also a natural birth control method. Outercourse includes any kind of sexual activity that doesn’t involve vaginal intercourse and penetration.[8] It is also 100% effective and safe because it doesn’t involve any interaction between a penis and a vagina. The withdrawal (pull out) method in the other hand is a natural birth control method that involve sexual intercourse. A man will pull his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. Ejaculation is when the semen spurts out of the penis.[9] This method can prevent pregnancy but has the risk to be diagnosed with Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STD). There are various birth control methods that involve the use of pills, substances, and objects. Birth control pills are well known throughout the world. There are many types of birth control pills, some are effective and some are not. A birth control pill prevents the egg from leaving the ovaries. It makes the cervical mucus thicker so the sperm is blocked and can’t make contact with the egg.[10] There is another kind of birth control pill but this one is for emergency use. It is called the morning after pill. After having unprotected sex, within this 5 days taking this emergency birth control pill will prevent pregnancy. It can take up to six days for the sperm and egg to meet after having sex so this pill can prevent pregnancy. This pill keeps the woman’s ovary from releasing egg for longer than usual.[11] Condoms are made of thin latex or plastic that has been shaped like a penis. During sexual intercourse it is worn on the penis. Condoms can prevent pregnancy and lower the risk of getting Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STD). When a man ejaculates the condom collects the semen so it prevents the sperm entering the vagina.[12] There are also condoms for women. It works exactly the same as the condom worn by men, it collects the semen and prevents it entering the vagina. The female condom is inserted deep inside the vagina. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the vagina to block the semen entering the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening during intercourse where the man inserts his penis in.[13] There are objects that is inserted into the women’s vagina to prevent pregnancy when no condom is used during sexual intercourse. They all have similarities in use. Some of them contain spermicide. Spermicide has chemicals that can stop a sperm from moving to prevent it from joining with the egg.[14] For example, the birth control sponge contains spermicide. It is soft, round, and two inch in diameter. It is made out of plastic foam.[15] Before sexaul intercourse, the birth control sponge is inserted deep inside the woman’s vagina. When the man ejaculates in the vagina, the sperm will be blocked by the birth control sponge.[16] And will be absorbed by the sponge. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim.[17] It is made out of silicone and it is placed on the cervix to block the opening of the uterus.[18] The spermicide stops the sperm from moving so fertilization is not going to happen. There are some that don’t have spermicide. For example, the cervical cap. The cervical cap is a silicone cup that has a shape of a sailors hat.[19] Woman inserts it into their vagina and over their cervix. [20]The cervical cap blocks the uterus from opening so the sperm is unable to fertilize the egg.[21] There are birth control methods where hormones (Estrogen) are released into the body that prevents pregnancy. The birth control implant is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a matchstick.[22] It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. [23]It can prevent pregnancy for 3 three years. [24]Estrogen is released which prevents pregnancy. The birth control patch is similar to the birth control implant. It also releases estrogen into the body. But the birth control patch is a thin plastic patch that sticks to the skin like a bandage.[25] Once a week the patch has to be replaced by a new patch for three weeks then there will be a patch free week.[26] The birth control shot is an injection of hormones (Progestin) into the body to prevent pregnancy. Each shot prevents pregnancy for three months.[27] We see that there are mostly birth control methods for females. Males only wear condoms to prevent pregnancy. So now people are starting to develop male birth controls. A new male birth control method is being developed. It is called Vasalgel; it is an injection not a pill. It blocks the tube where the sperm swim through from the testicle.[28] A man can have unprotected sex and won’t ejaculate. However, the injection has to be taken just above the testicles.[29] The Vasalgel is still in its early stages of development, it has only been tested on baboons and rabbits.[30] No human being has ever tried it yet. The price is not yet set, but the Foundation noted that Vasalgel is not more than $800. In other words, if you can afford an iPhone 6, you can definitely afford this new male birth control.[31] Birth control comes with side effects too. Mainly the hormone-based birth control often comes with side effects that can range from little annoying to the point where you get fired up.[32] The birth control that involves inserting objects into a woman’s vagina has side effects such as vaginal infection.[33] The birth control pill can cause headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness. According to Hilda Hutcherson, MD, an ob-gyn professor at Columbia University.[34] These side effects will go away after taking the pill for a while.[35] Nausea is mainly caused by the birth control patch.[36] According to Hilda Hutcherson, MD, an ob-gyn professor at Columbia University. Switching to oral birth control methods can help decrease nausea.[37] Decreased sexual desire is caused by the birth control pill.[38] According to Hilda Hutcherson, MD, an ob-gyn professor at Columbia University. Switching to other types of birth control pills may help but if not change to other methods.[39] Mood swings are caused by hormonal birth control methods.[40] Changing to nonhormal methods will help decrease mood swings.[41] All hormonal methods are likely to cause mood swings.[42] Family Planning in Thailand Since Thailand is a buddhist country birth control pills and condoms are the more preferable and acceptable methods.[43] Condoms are favourites among Thais. Because condoms don’t just prevent pregnancy but also prevents STDs.[44] According to Mechai Viravaidya, a politician in Thailand, the Buddhist scriptures say that many births cause suffering, so Buddhism is not against birth control. And we even end up with monks sprinkling holy water on pills and condoms for the sanctity of the family before products went out into the villages.[45] Mechai has been known as â€Å"Mr.Condom† in Thailand.[46] He brought awareness to condoms, birth control, and AIDS. Before he would giveaway condoms every valentines day.[47]From the time he began his campaign, the average number of children in Thai families has decreased from 7 to 1.5.[48] We can see that the number decreased dramatically. This is one of the reasons why Thailand is not overpopulated. Birth Control in China China has the most population in the world 1,366,990,000.[49] It takes up 19% of the world’s total population.[50] In the 1970s China’s population was growing tremendously. Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping established a policy called One Child policy in 1979 to limit China’s population growth.[51] This policy limits couples to one child. It is well known that those who violate the policy have sometimes been subjected to abortions.[52] If they already gave birth, they are forced to pay fines and have been sterilized.[53] Which means they are unable to give birth for the rest of their lives. A lot of people have been questioning whether or not this policy can reduce the growth of China’s population. A study taken by the University of California in April 2007, found that the policy is very effective and reduces the fertility rate in China. After the announcement of the one-child policy, the fertility rate in China dropped from 2.63 births per woman in 1980 (already a sharp reduction from more than five births per woman in the early 1970s) to 1.61 in 2009. The Chinese government didn’t directly inform people to use birth control. By having the one-child policy, the Chinese people are very well aware that they must use birth control to prevent breaking the law. Different Views on Birth Control Different religions have different views on birth control. Some are against it and some support it. Even some religion changed their view on birth control over time. Until the 20th century birth control was not approved by Christianity. It was seen as a barrier to God’s procreative purpose of marriage.[54] In Judaism, Orthodox rabbis believe that making babies is a male duty. But many rabbis allow birth control cases because pregnancy can seriously harm the woman.[55] Conservative and Reform Jews however feel that birth control have benefits, such as family stability, disease prevention, and less stress, etc.[56] Hinduism encourages reproduction within marriage, but there is appeal against birth control.[57] Most Hindus accept that there is a duty to have a family during a persons lifetime. So they are unlikely to use birth control to prevent having children.[58] In Hinduism people are encouraged to make more babies. In Islam, birth control is encouraged to youngsters and marr ied couples. Birth control is supported because of economic reasons and the health of the woman. Also it will make the marriage more fun.[59] UDHR Birth control is related to article 16: Marriage and Family in the United Declaration of Human Rights. Every adult has the right to marry and have kids if they want to[60]. Every single person has the right to use birth control or not. It’s their own decision whether or not to want to have a baby and how many babies they want. Nothing can stop you from preventing pregnancy or getting pregnant. Conclusion Birth control is an issue that hasn’t really been recognized by the society. Birth control is a very serious issue since it can lead to more problems such as: â€Å"teen pregnancy, abortion, overpopulation, STD, etc.† As we can see India’s population is growing tremendously quick. By 2030, India will surpass China and be the world’s most populated country.[61] India does not have the One-Child policy and poor people do not have access to birth control pills or other kind of methods. I think that right now there are too less male birth control methods. Vasalgel is being developed but seeing that it is an injection right above the testicals scares a lot of men. Also it hasn’t been tested on a human yet. In my opinion researchers should develop some type of pill that can stop the tube that the sperm swims through from the testicle. More people will buy it because it is safer than an injection. I think condoms are the safest and most effective method. It can definitely prevent pregnancy and also prevent STDs. No direct contact is being made between the penis and vagina so no STDs can be transferred. People complain that it doesn’t feel as good as unprotected sex. But unprotected sex can kill you, on the other hand condom is there to prevent you from dying. The One-Child policy helped China stabilize their population growth. I believe India should have this policy too because the population of India is increasing dramatically. If it is not stopped it can affect India’s economy and their will be a high demand of goods and not enough supply. By limiting one child per family the population growth will slow down a lot and the country can improve different things. I truly believe that birth control should be paid more attention to. Because it leads to series of other issues in society that we want to avoid. Such as: â€Å"teen pregnancy, Sexual Transmitted Diseases(STDs), abortion, overpopulation, etc.† There are so many ways to prevent pregnancy, you can choose the one you feel is good. Some people support birth control and some don’t. But no one should ever tell you what to do because according to article 16: Marriage and Family says that every person has the right to choose whether they want a family or kids. [1] Sexually Transmitted Disease. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexually_transmitted_disease>. [2] Birth Control Definition. Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. www.merriam-webster.com%2Fdictionary%2Fbirth%2520control>. [3] A Brief History of Birth Control. Time. Time Inc., 03 May 2010. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1983970%2C00.html>. [4] A Brief History of Birth Control. Time. Time Inc., 03 May 2010. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1983970%2C00.html>. [5] A Brief History of Birth Control. Time. Time Inc., 03 May 2010. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1983970%2C00.html>. [6]A Brief History of Birth Control. Time. Time Inc., 03 May 2010. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1983970%2C00.html>. [7] Collins. Abstinence Facts. Abstinence Facts. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/abstinence>. [8] Outercourse as Birth Control. Outercourse as Birth Control. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/outercourse>. [9] Pull Out Method. Pull Out Method Withdrawal Method. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method>. [10] Birth Control Pills Birth Control Pill The Pill. Birth Control Pills Birth Control Pill The Pill. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-pill>. [11] The Morning-After Pill Emergency Contraception Cost Info. The Morning-After Pill Emergency Contraception Cost Info. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception>. [12] Condoms How to Put On a Condom Video. Condoms How to Put On a Condom Video. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/condom>. [13] Female Condoms How to Use a Female Condom. Female Condoms How to Use a Female Condom. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/female-condom>. [14]Spermicide Effectiveness Spermicides. Spermicide Effectiveness Spermicides. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/spermicide>. [15] Birth Control Sponge. Birth Control Sponge. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge>. [16] Birth Control Sponge. Birth Control Sponge. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge>. [17] Diaphragm :: Planned Parenthood. Diaphragm :: Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/diaphragm>. [18] Diaphragm :: Planned Parenthood. Diaphragm :: Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/diaphragm>. [19] Cervical Cap. Cervical Cap. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. www.plannedparenthood.org%2Fhealth-info%2Fbirth-control%2Fcervical-cap%23>. [20] Cervical Cap. Cervical Cap. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. www.plannedparenthood.org%2Fhealth-info%2Fbirth-control%2Fcervical-cap%23>. [21] Cervical Cap. Cervical Cap. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014. www.plannedparenthood.org%2Fhealth-info%2Fbirth-control%2Fcervical-cap%23>. [22] Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-implant-implanon>. [23] Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-implant-implanon>. [24] Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Implanon Side Effects Birth Control Implant. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-implant-implanon>. [25] Birth Control Patch. Birth Control Patch. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-patch-ortho-evra>. [26] Birth Control Patch. Birth Control Patch. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control/birth-control-patch-ortho-evra>. [27] Birth Control Shot. Birth Control Shot. Planned Parenthood, n.d. Web. 27

The importance of Human Resources :: Human Resources Essays

The true value of any company in any economy is its people. Could a company survive if it lost all of its equipment, all of its machinery or all of its office supplies? The answer to this question is absolutely, because the employees of the company would pitch in to make sure it survived. On the other hand, could a company survive if it lost all of its employees? These questions emphasize the importance and necessity of people in businesses because without them, the businesses would not be able to run. The importance of human resources is staggering and it acts as an advocate for the most important business resource, people. Without human resources, people would have no incentive or motivation to stay in there jobs I believe there is a clear relationship between the effectiveness of a company’s people practices and the company’s market value. Focusing on people definitely pays off; therefore strong human resource practices have the potential to increase a company’s productivity and profitability. The expanse of issues human resources deals with in a company is extremely large, effecting most if not all aspects of a person’s job. For example, compensation, benefits, harassment, hiring, job evaluation, leaves of absence, occupational health and safety, vacation, retirement, education and training are just a few of the topics human resource professionals deal with on a full time basis. Can you imagine working in a company where there was no person or group of people to turn to with a question or concern regarding your job evaluation or career path? What would happen if you felt you were being harassed because of your sex or race at work and there was no human resource department or policy in place against harassment? These questions stress the fact that without human resources in a company, employees would feel unimportant and discouraged as well as other negative feelings. There are endless scenarios that could show the disadvantages an employee would face without human resources and the policies and practices it follows that work to protect and benefit employees. In businesses, incentive programs are almost always coordinated through human resource departments. These programs are very important because they motivate an employee’s job performance or attendance for example. A popular incentive program is for attendance, in this program, an employee is rewarded for meeting certain attendance criteria, for example, not using any sick days in a calendar year.

Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic Approaches Essay

Coping with the death of a loved one often means that the bereaved must develop a new way of viewing themselves and the world around them without the presence or influence of the deceased. In general, reactions to the loss of a loved one are considered intense in the initial period following the death, but on average, these feelings lessen over time (Parkes, 1975; Rando, 1993; Sanders, 1989, 1993, cited in Malkinson, 2001). Some bereaved individuals can successfully cope with this transitional phase and are capable of returning to â€Å"an adaptive level of functioning† within the time frames expected (Marwit & Matthews, 2004) without experiencing severe impairments. However, some grievers can experience severe affects to their physical and psychological well-being (Gallagher-Thompson et al., 1993; Ott, 2003; Stroebe & Stroebe, 1987, cited in Marwit, et al, 2004); cases in which the bereaved is demonstrating prolonged irrational beliefs and/or behaviours about the loss can be an indication of an emotional disturbance (e.g. complicated grief). Complicated grief (CG) can be defined as â€Å"the intensification of grief that does not lead to assimilation of the loss but instead to repetitive stereotypic behavior as well as impaired functioning† (Malkinson & Witztum, in press, cited in Malkinson, 2001, p. 672). The discourse of this paper will compare and contrast psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories with examples of models used to facilitate grief work in situations of complicated grief as well as a brief explanation of what is considered grief resolution. Let us begin with a brief explanation of the core principles of each approach. Psychodynamic counseling is concerned with the role of the unconscious, childhood experiences and how they can ultimately effect our mental processes which in turn manifest in our actions. According to this approach in order to deal with conflicts certain defensive actions or mechanisms instinctively come to our rescue whenever we feel vulnerable or as if our view of reality is being challenged. For example in bereavement cases, clients will often use denial as a defense mechanism and coping strategy in order to avoid the intense pain that comes with acceptance of loss. However effective this may be for short-term relief, in the long run, the client runs the risk of developing symptoms of complicated grief (Hough, 2010). Contrariwise, cognitive-behavioral approaches place almost no emphasis on the past and childhood events, unless it directly relates to difficulties of the present day, in such cases it acknowledges but does not focus on this factor. Rather it concentrates on present day thinking/behavioral patterns exhibited by the client, ways to recondition the client’s cognitive processes and how to eliminate unwanted or destructive cognitions and behavior. Additionally, (and specific to aspects of behavior) this approach adheres to empirically sound principles and procedures that have been tested for their effectiveness and reliability (Hough, 2010), whereas the psychodynamic approach is theory based. The rationale behind CBT being, since negative patterns of thinking and behaving are learned they can be unlearned. We now examine established beliefs about grief and grief resolution. Grief has traditionally been seen as a healthy process aimed at decathexis, abandoning or letting go of commitment to one’s relationship to the deceased (Freud, 1917/1957, cited in Malkinson, 2001) as well as the ability to form new relationships (Malkinson, 2001). During most of the 20th century, leaders in bereavement research followed Freud’s (1917/1957, cited in Marwit, et al., 2004) theoretical model of decathecating grief in which he believed that the bereaved invested a great deal of mental energy into maintaining the attachment to the deceased and in order to reach a resolution of grief it was vital to release this attachment, i.e. to exhaust the energy. To facilitate the process of grief work, the survivor must confront the feelings of loss and allow himself to express the emotions associated with the loss by revisiting the events leading up to and during the death. However, the notion held by Freud (accepting the loss is a sign of grief resolution) is not supp orted by empirical evidence (Artlet & Thyer, 1998, cited in Malkinson, 2001). Cognitive-behavioral models have expanded to include treatment of loss and grief, specifically complicated grief (Fleming & Robinson, 1991, 2001; Florsheim & Gallagher-Thompson, 1990; Malkinson & Ellis, 2000; Neimeyer, Prigerson, & Davies, 2002; Reynolds,1996,1999; Stubenbort, Donnelly, & Cohen, 2001, cited in Marwit & Marwit, 2004). Researchers maintain that more consideration must be given to other processes of grieving which allows for a continued connection between the survivor and the deceased as opposed to decathecting. Additionally, modern day research criticizes the need for finality and closure as a sign of resolution, and instead views the bereavement process as an on going modification of preexisting cognitions and emotional reactions to the â€Å"new reality† (Malkinson, 2001). As opposed to severing ties to the deceased, the maintenance of bonds is now being proposed (Malkinson & Bar-Tur, 1999; Rubin & Malkinson, 2001; Silverman, Klass, & Nickman, 1996, cited in Malkinson, 2001). Klass (1999, cited in Marwit, et al., 2004) reasoned that resolution is achieved â€Å"by integration of the deceased into the ongoing life of the griever† (p.852). Research involving grieving parents reveals a common element of prolonged association and connection with the deceased. As a result of this theory Stroebe and Schut (1999, cited in Marwit, et al., 2004) put forward the Dual-Process Model (DPM), which allows the bereaved to confront painful feelings and cognitions involved in mourning, but to avoid them as well. They maintain that clinicians and researchers must understand the cognitive processes experienced by the griever, and also, the regulation of these cognitions during the bereavement process (ibid.). According to this model, there are two types of stressors: loss-orientation and restoration-orientation. Loss-oriented coping focuses on dealing with the actual loss itself and cognitions such as â€Å"He was too young to die†. Also, addressing the aching desire for the person, for example allowing the emotional expressions to flow, i.e. crying over pictures of the deceased as well as recalling happy moments shared. Alternatively, restoration-oriented coping deals with the task of successfully continuing life and developing a new identity without the deceased and at times, even having to take on those duties and responsibilities, which were previously held by the deceased. Some examples of these potential challenges may include, identity shifts such as â€Å"homemaker† to â€Å"employee† or â€Å"daughter† to â€Å"orphan† and new responsibilities such as entering into the work force for the first time and learning to manage finances. In this way the bereaved goes through a process of learning and coping with new cognitions and realities, such as â€Å"I am the breadwinner now.† (Marwit, et al., 2004). The bereaved must learn to process such new cognitions as a part of moving forward. The DPM is concerned with the interaction of a myriad of cognitive process. According to Bower, et al (1998, cited in Marwit, et al, 2004) in this instance cognitive refers to â€Å"the process of actively thinking about a stressor, the thoughts and feeling it evokes, and its implications for one’s life and future†. Cognitive processes taking place among the bereaved can therefore be described as split between implicit and explicit processes (Marwit, et al, 2004). There is evidence to suggest that exposure therapy can do more harm than good, also that complete avoidance is not always successful in grief resolution, Stroebe & Schut (2001, cited in Marwit, et al, 2004) use an approach referred to as oscillation which allows the griever the balance of both confrontation and avoidance in both loss- and reorientation-coping. This is similar to psychodynamic approaches in which the client has control in directing the course of the therapy (we shall see below). Oscillation gives the client a break from dealing with intense painful emotions for a long period of time. To begin the process of grief work in a psychodynamic setting involves establishing an explicit therapeutic agreement between the therapist and the client whereby the client makes the decision to focus on the loss when he is ready (Lamb, 1988). Once the agreement is made, the therapist explains what the client can expect during future sessions and continues to reassure the client that the pace of the therapy, area of exploration and subject matter discussed will be entirely at his discretion (Lamb, 1988). This gives the client a sense of control during a crisis where he may feel helpless. The therapist can now guide the bereaved through the process of actually acknowledging the loss, reawakening reminiscences, adjusting to their existence in the world without the lost one and to experience all of the pain and emotions associated with this actuality (Worden, 1982, cited in Lamb, 1988). This is achieved through interventions such as, instructing the client to bring memorabilia to sessions like pictures, belongings of the deceased and other â€Å"linking objects† (Volkan, 1972, cited in Lamb, 1988); also the application of such techniques as role-reversal, â€Å"the empty chair† and keeping a dream diary (Lamb, 1988). Another way to elicit emotional response is by encouraging the survivor to talk about positive as well as negative features of the relationship with the deceased (Lamb, 1988). It is also important to allow the client the opportunity to tell their story as often as they wish as this not only assists the griever to confront painful feelings associated with the loss, but it also affords the therapist the opportunity to point out underlying issues which may be the source of the pain. Hough (2010) describes a case study in which a young woman, Linda, sought grief therapy after suffering with depression stemming from the death of her grandmother two years prior. During one session Linda mentioned having to move in with her grandparents after her parents divorced and showed avoidance and discomfort at the mention of this point (i.e. left that particular session early, arrived late for next session). Through â€Å"listening, observing, interpreting, linking, giving reflective response and looking at defences and resistance† (Hough, 2010) the therapist was able to address and draw attention to an underlying issue, which was the actual source of the depression; one that Linda had never been able to identify on her own. Wogrin (2008) explains her approach to this process as listening for what she calls the client’s quieter voice, the one that even the client himself is unaware of. Another form of psychodynamic intervention is group therapy, during which grievers are encouraged to try and understand how unresolved conflicts beneath the surface may be hindering their abilities to cope with loss (Kipnes, et al, 2002; MacNair-Semands, 2004; Piper et al, 2001, cited in Para, 2009). Let us consider two operational forms of group therapies: interpretive and supportive groups. Interpretive group therapy provides a forum for individuals suffering from complicated grief, to gain insight into trauma and recurring internal struggles that impede the griever’s ability to mourn in a normal way (Piper, et al, 2001, cited in Para, 2009). This form of therapy also aims to assist the client’s understanding and acceptance feelings of ambivalence toward loved ones lost (Para, 2009). The counsellor refrains from praise with the purpose of promoting tolerance of stress and uneasiness (Para, 2009). The most important objective of supportive group therapy, however, is to enhance acclimatization of the bereaved to their current situation of loss and grief (Piper, et al, 2001, cited in Para, 2009). The counsellor promotes a pleasurable environment for grievers to express shared experiences and emotions common among the bereaved (Para, 2009). During supportive group therapy the counsellor is non-interpretive and less probing as opposed to interpretive therapy(ibid). So far, we have discussed the two approaches separately, but there are occasions where integration of the two may be necessary and beneficial to the client. For instance, in situations where the survivor suffers from nightmares relating to the death, it may be practical in integrate behavioural exposure techniques as well as symbolism and imagery. Reynolds (1996) asserts â€Å"Drawing as well as verbal representation could also be regarded as an effective form of exposure therapy, helping the client to stay with the anxiety-provoking death-related images† (p.1) To conclude According to the cognitive perspective, suffering a loss through death is a very difficult external occurrence that completely changes one’s belief system and consequently all related sentiments and actions. Internal feelings and beliefs are challenged in CBT as the therapist attempts to show the client other ways of thinking about and adjusting to their loss, this is not unlike the psychodynamic approach. However, in psychodynamic models, internal belief systems are challenged with regards to unconscious conflict resolutions. CBT seeks to inform the client of what can happen as a result of grief due to a loss, to identify different reactions which may be normal responses to loss and to reveal new or better coping skills. Again, this is similar to psychodynamic therapies in as much as the therapist explains emotions which may arise during therapy sessions. Additionally, exposure techniques are used by both theories as a way to encourage the client to face the death head-on. This can be achieved by using emotional cues of the loss i.e. sorting through the personal belongings, talking to them in an empty chair this allows the client to experience a sense of connection to the deceased. The aims of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches to grief are similar and may at times be integrated in order to provide the best possible intervention for the bereaved. (2242 Words) References: Para, E. A. (2009) Group Counselling for Complicated Grief: A Literature Review. Graduate Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1(2). Article 10100-112. Malkinson, R. (2001) Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy of Grief: A Review and Application. Research on Social Work Practice, 11, 671-698. Lamb, D. H. (1988) Loss and Grief: Psychotherapy Strategies and Interventions. Psychotherapy, 25(4), 561-569. Marwit, L. T. & Marwit, S. J. (2004) Complicated Grief and the Trend Toward Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Death Studies, 28, 849-863 Neimeyer, R. A. & Wogrin, C. (2008) Psychotherapy for Complicated Bereavement: A Meaning-Oriented Approach. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 16(1) 1-20. Reynolds, F. (1996) Laying Mother to Rest: Working with Grief-Related Nightmares Through Exposure Therapy and Imagery. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 9(3) 1-7 Hough, M. (2010) Counselling Skills and Theory 3rd Ed, UK: Hodder Education

Free Essays on Organizational Change And Development

organization development is a system and or effort that are set up in a specific way. In the table shown below is the â€Å"planed system of change† (Jacobs, 1994). TABLE 1 Planned. OD takes a long-range approach to improving organizational performance and efficiency. It avoids the (usual) "quick-fix". Organization-wide. OD focuses on the total system. Managed from the top. To be effective, OD must have the support of top-management. They have to model it, not just espouse it. The OD process also needs the buy-in and ownership of workers throughout the organization. 2 Increase organization effectiveness and health. OD is tied to the bottom-line. Its goal is to improve the organization, to make it more efficient and more competitive by aligning the organization's systems with its people. Planned interventions. After proper preparation, OD uses activities called interventions to make system wide, permanent changes in the organization. Using behavioral-science knowledge. OD is a discipline that combines research and experience to understanding people, business systems, and their interactions. There are several ways organizations go about change efforts, examples are technological innovation, training and development or new product development. These ways a... Free Essays on Organizational Change And Development Free Essays on Organizational Change And Development ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT AND INTERVENTIONS What is organization development? â€Å"Organization development is a process that applies behavioral science knowledge and practices to help organizations achieve greater effectiveness†. (Cumming and Worley, 2001). The purpose of organization development is basically to help the company grow and develop as an organization. â€Å"Organization development is an effort, planned organization wide and managed from the top to increase organization effectiveness and health through planned interventions in the organization’s processes, using behavioral science knowledge†. (Rouda and Kusy, 1995). In other words organization development is a system and or effort that are set up in a specific way. In the table shown below is the â€Å"planed system of change† (Jacobs, 1994). TABLE 1 Planned. OD takes a long-range approach to improving organizational performance and efficiency. It avoids the (usual) "quick-fix". Organization-wide. OD focuses on the total system. Managed from the top. To be effective, OD must have the support of top-management. They have to model it, not just espouse it. The OD process also needs the buy-in and ownership of workers throughout the organization. 2 Increase organization effectiveness and health. OD is tied to the bottom-line. Its goal is to improve the organization, to make it more efficient and more competitive by aligning the organization's systems with its people. Planned interventions. After proper preparation, OD uses activities called interventions to make system wide, permanent changes in the organization. Using behavioral-science knowledge. OD is a discipline that combines research and experience to understanding people, business systems, and their interactions. There are several ways organizations go about change efforts, examples are technological innovation, training and development or new product development. These ways a...

Solar Energy Essays - Energy Conversion, Renewable Energy

Solar Energy Essays - Energy Conversion, Renewable Energy Solar Energy Tran 1 Solar Energy About 47 percent of the energy that the sun releases to the earth actually reaches the ground. About a third is reflected directly back into space by the atmosphere. The time in which solar energy is available, is also the time we least need it least - daytime. Because the sun's energy cannot be stored for use another time, we need to convert the suns energy into an energy that can be stored. One possible method of storing solar energy is by heating water that can be insulated. The water is heated by passing it through hollow panels. Black-coated steal plates are used because dark colors absorb heat more efficiently. However, this method only supplies enough energy for activities such as washing and bathing. The solar panels generate low grade heat, that is, they generate low temperatures for the amount of heat needed in a day. In order to generate high grade heat, intense enough to convert water into high-pressure steam which can then be used to turn electric generators there must be another method. The concentrated beams of sunlight are collected in a device called a solar furnace, which acts on the same principles as a large magnifying glass. The solar furnace takes the sunlight from a large area and by the use of lenses and mirrors can focus the light into a very small area. Very elaborate solar furnaces have machines that angle the mirrors and lenses to the sun all day. This system can provide sizable amounts of electricity and create extremely high temperatures of over 6000 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar energy generators are very clean, little waste is emitted from the generators into the environment. The use of coal, oil and gasoline is a constant drain, economically and environmentally. Will solar energy be the wave of the future? Could the worlds Tran 2 requirement of energy be fulfilled by the powerhouse of our galaxy - the sun? Automobiles in the future will probably run on solar energy, and houses will have solar heaters. Solar cells today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons. Each electron carries one negative charge and each proton one positive charge. Neutrons carry no charge. Every atom has the same number of electrons as there are protons, so, on the whole, it is electrically neutral. The electrons have discrete kinetic energy levels, which increase with the orbital radius. When atoms bond together to form a solid, the electron energy levels merge into bands. In electrical conductors, these bands are continuous but in insulators and semiconductors there is an energy gap, in which no electron orbits can exist, between the inner valence band and outer conduction band [Book 1]. Valence electrons help to bind together the atoms in a solid by orbiting 2 adjacent nuclei, while conduction electrons, being less closely bound to the nuclei, are free to move in response to an applied voltage or electric field. The fewer conduction electrons there are, the higher the electrical resistively of the material. Tran 3 In semiconductors, the materials from which solar sells are made, the energy gap E.g. is fairly small. Because of this, electrons in the valence band can easily be made to jump to the conduction band by the injection of energy, either in the form of heat or light [Book 4]. This explains why the high resistively of semiconductors decreases as the temperature is raised or the material illuminated. The excitation of valence electrons to the conduction band is best accomplished when the semiconductor is in the crystalline state, i.e. when the atoms are arranged in a precise geometrical formation or lattice. At room temperature and low illumination, pure or so-called intrinsic semiconductors have a high resistively. But the

Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Environment - Essay Example I don’t think there is any evidence to support this idea. There are certainly people in the world who lead decent, secure, happy lives. But there are also many who do not. In order to have a good life it is important to have your material considerations taken care of—shelter, food, clothing. It is also important to have a sense of dignity and purpose. A happy person is one who sets goals that can be achieved; not impossible pipe dreams that will always disappoint. Sadly, many people in the world do not have the opportunities we have in the West. One of the biggest factors in examining environmental impacts is heavy industry. I would look at how many factories a rich country has versus a poor country. Countries that do a lot of manufacturing, especially products like chemicals, often pollute more than countries that have an economy based on financial services, for example. Another important factor would be environmental legislation to prevent companies from easily polluting. Usually rich countries have better, stronger laws that have developed over time. Rich countries are usually democratic countries that listen to lobby groups like environmentalists. Many poor countries are dictatorships where the ideas and opinions of only one man rule. Ecosystem are often defined as a matter of convenience because we cant study everything at once. How would you describe the characteristics and boundaries of the ecosystem in which you live. In what respect is your ecosystem an open one? I would say the ecosystem I live in is an urban one made up mostly of people plus some rats and pigeons and bacteria. It is a distinct ecosystem with clear boundaries—aka the city limits—but it is not closed. Food and animals and people enter it everyday, some for their jobs, other because of trade. Birds fly in and worms cross through the earth to enter. Also waste products are constantly

GM ignition switch recall Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

GM ignition switch recall - Research Paper Example The deaths were linked to the failure of the airbags deployment during the accidents. However, reports suggested that an addition 72 persons died because of ignition key switch faults. Because of the faults, GM recalled over 29 million cars. In addition, the manufacturer incurred approximately $1.2 billion to counter the ongoing recalls and legal expenses (Cheeseman, 56). Various scholars have criticized the moral ethics exhibited by the GM management as their actions resulted in deaths and losses for the company. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with ideas concerning what amounts to good and bad behavior. Based on the definition of ethics, it is clear that GM were ethically wrong since the management were aware of the faults in the vehicles long before they decided to recall. The management aim was to maximize the company’s profit rather than meet the customer needs. GM would have carried substantial tests of their vehicles before sale or in addition review the customer feedback concerning the vehicles. The company continued with the vehicle sales for more than seven years hence making then ethically liable. GM focused on the numbers of individuals who continued to enjoy problem free ignition related ignitions rather the ones who felt victim to the problem. Therefore, it has clearly to indicate that GM was ethically wrong. Socrates held being ethical as one of his primary role in all of his psychological theories. In addition, he held the belief that the suitable way for people to live was to aim at self-development rather than material wealth (Barry, 66). At all times, Socrates welcomed others individuals to attempt and focus more on a sense of friendships and real community since he had a sentiment that it was the suitable way for people to develop mutually as a populace. Socrates lived up to this doctrine and that is can be proved by his actions when he was