How Dna Technology Are Used in Solving Crimes? Essay

â€Å"I am strongly optimistic that enhancing the generation and the use of DNA information and analyses will contribute greatly to the field of criminal investigation and in effect, downgrade with expediency the crime rate in the country,† Angara said. What are those for? DNA matching will become an ever more powerful weapon against crime. Law enforcement will increasingly be able to identify suspects from biological evidence at crime scenes, saving investigative time and protecting innocent people from suspicion. When DNA evidence is properly handled and stored, it is well accepted by courts, and used to convict the guilty and free the innocent. There were different ways in solving crimes and identifying the correct suspects. This includes estimating time of death, forensic entomology, DNA profiling, analyzing blood stains and doing some autopsy. (Nicholson, 2012) But, which of this ways is the most accurate and which can give an unbiased result? The past decade has seen great advances in a powerful criminal justice tool: deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA can be used to clear suspects and absolve persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes. DNA can be used to recognize criminals with incredible accurateness when biological data exists. Therefore, DNA technology is increasingly vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system. DNA is generally used to solve crimes in one of two ways. In cases where a suspect is identified, a sample of that person’s DNA can be compared to evidence from the crime scene. The results of this comparison may help establish whether the suspect committed the crime. In cases where a suspect has not yet been identified, biological evidence from the crime scene can be analyzed and compared to offender profiles in DNA databases to help identify the perpetrator. Crime scene evidence can also be linked to other crime scenes through the use of DNA databases. (Osuna, 2011) A certain police process covers up to 14-15 days or too long in terms of solving violent crimes. Arizona Scientist early develop rapid DNA testing machine that could cut DNA sequences in two hours. And so, it is easy to see results. Other ways take a lot of time and potentially damage the specimen. DNA evidence is generally linked to DNA offender profiles through DNA databases. For example, assume that a man was convicted of sexual assault. At the time of his conviction, he was required to provide a sample of his DNA, and the resulting DNA profile was entered into a DNA database. Several years later, another sexual assault was committed. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner worked with the victim and was able to obtain biological evidence from the rape. This evidence was analyzed, the resulting profile was run against a DNA database, and a match was made to the man’s DNA profile. He was apprehended, tried, and sentenced for his second crime. In this hypothetical case, he was also prevented from committing other crimes during the period of his incarceration. The development of forensic DNA technology in other countries and its potential to improve the Philippine criminal justice system are briefly discussed. The utility of forensic DNA testing in criminal investigations was highlighted using an actual criminal case wherein DNA evidence played a clear role in the resolution of the case. It aims to eliminate the current backlog of unanalyzed DNA samples and biological evidence for the most serious violent offenses — rapes, murders, and kidnappings—and for convicted offender samples needing testing, protect the innocent, improve crime laboratories’ capacities to analyze DNA samples in a timely fashion, provide access to appropriate post conviction DNA testing of crime scene evidence not tested at the time of trial, ensure that DNA forensic technology is used to its full potential to solve missing persons cases and identify human remains and develop training and provide assistance about the collection and use of DNA evidence to a wide variety of criminal justice professionals. (Ridgeway, 2012) In all, the availability of forensic DNA technology in the Philippines necessitates the amendment of current rules of evidence to incorporate scientific advances which enables the judiciary to better appreciate the value of physical evidence in criminal court s. (De Ungria, 2003) Bibliography ARTICLES: Osuna, J.P (2011). Using DNA to solve crimes. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/ag/dnapolicybook_solve_crimes.htm. Ridgeway, G. (2012). DNA Initiative: Advancing Criminal Justice Through DNA Technology. Retrieved from http://www.nij.gov/topics/forensics/evidence/dna/dna-initiative/welcome.htm. Nicholson, J. (2012). Crime Scene Science: The Modern Methods for Solving Crimes. Retrieved from http://visual.ly/crime-scene-science-modern-methods-solving-crimes. Balana, C. (2008). Angara bill to provide DNA technology in crime solving. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080816-155107/Angara-bill-to-provide-DNA-technology-in-crime-solving. JOURNALS: De Ungria, M.C. A. (2003). Forensic DNA Analysis in Criminal Investigations. Retrieved from http://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/vol132no1/pdf/forensic%20DNA%20analysis.pdf

The Yellow Wallpaper Essay English Literature Essay

During the nineteenth century, adult females sought to asseverate themselves in an effort to get the better of the position quo of male domination, which forbade them from political assignment and rational indulgence. Furthermore, experts in the kingdom of medical specialty and scientific discipline sought to qualm the idea of feminine upward mobility, by observing the comparative failing of females in an effort to warrant inequality ( Bed Rest 4 ) . â€Å" The Yellow Wallpaper † by Charlotte Perkins Gilman represents an flight from society ‘s functions of adult females and recovering the freedom they have lost. The storyteller, endeavoring for female individualism is invariably hindered by male domination derived from the 19th century which drives her to perpetrate self-destruction.In the articleWoman Sphere and Public Squarewritten by Karen Fisher Younger, she states:Americans from this clip period defined adult female ‘s function as domestic and private, separat e from the universe of public life. More than this, it was thought adult female was morally and spiritually purer exactly because she stayed off from the perverting public sphere. It was during this clip adult females ‘s traditional domestic functions at place as married womans and female parents took on a sacred quality. And this separate domains ideology one private for adult females and the other public for work forces were perceived as changeless jurisprudence from God. ( 43 ) Ironically plenty, the political orientation of separate domains helped magnify adult females ‘s influence in the populace, harmonizing to historiographers. Womans were viewed as more moral and spiritually sound than work forces, touting the belief that adult females were better equipped to lend to the overall morality of society. The storyteller, a adult female prescribed to rest remedy by her physician/husband John, is confined to her sleeping room, a kid ‘s baby's room with bad xanthous pigment and bars on the Windowss. The two Windowss that she looks out of, represents the possibilities of adult females if seen as peers by the opposite sex. The words she uses to depict her position through the first window are â€Å" I can see the garden, those cryptic deep-shaded arbor, the exuberant antique flowers, and shrubs and gnarled trees † ( 328 ) . The word picture of â€Å" the garden † represents society. The word â€Å" cryptic † show that adult females ‘s ability has n't been brought away into the visible radiation. The 2nd 1 shows â€Å" the lovely position of the bay † and â€Å" a small private pier, belonging to the estate † ( 328 ) . The bay shows that society was unfamiliar with the abilities of adult females and the private pier shows that adult females ar e excluded from things in society. Following is the xanthous wallpaper. The colour yellow is looked at as mark of illness or failing. â€Å" The colour is rebarbative, about revolting: a smouldering dirty yellow, queerly faded by the slow-turning sunshine, It is a dull yet lurid orange in some topographic points, a sallow sulfur shade in others † ( 327 ) . This implies that adult females are the weaker of the two sexes. The storyteller ‘s hubby tells her to acquire over her disfavor of the xanthous wall paper in the room. â€Å" He laughs at me so about this wallpaper! At foremost he intend to repaper the room, but subsequently he said that I was allowing it acquire the better of me, and that nil was worse for a nervous patient than to give manner to such illusions † ( 327 ) . This shows that when adult females try to liberate themselves from the restrictive bonds of society, work forces oppress them and implement the thought that they are inferior. The want of the storyteller ‘s individualism drives her to perpetrate self-destruction. She wants to leap out the window but â€Å" the bars are excessively strong even to seek † ( 335 ) . The bars symbolize the restrictive clasp that her hubby or all work forces have on her, or all adult females in society. â€Å" I ‘ve got a rope up here that even Jennie did non happen † ( 335 ) , the rope symbolizes the manner she is traveling to manage her state of affairs. As John comes to the door and tells the storyteller to open it, she had already locked it from the interior. â€Å" In the soft voice † she tells him, â€Å" I ca n't, † and that â€Å" the key is down by the front stairss under the plantain foliage † ( 335 ) . At this minute in clip she is â€Å" firmly fastened † by the â€Å" well-hidden rope † and is already strung up like â€Å" all those strangled caputs † behind the wallpaper ( 335 ) . John goes to reco ver the key, he comes back to open the door and to his surprise he faints. The horror behind all this was he put her in that room where she became imprisoned by the wallpaper. In decision, you could state that hanging herself was her signifier of flight. In a male dominated society adult females during this period were suppose to be seen and non heard, and their occupation chiefly was to hold kids and take attention of the house. The storyteller had things she loved to make, but because of the clip in which she lived, those things were non what the regulations of society wanted. â€Å" There comes John, and I must set this off – he hates to hold me compose a word † ( 327 ) . She has her ain thoughts and ideas that she would wish to show. â€Å" I think sometimes that if I were merely good plenty to compose a small, it would alleviate the imperativeness of thoughts, and rest me † ( 328 ) . The manner adult females were treated so â€Å" It is so detering non to hold any advice ; and companionship about their work † ( 328 ) . The storyteller ‘s state of affairs could hold been avoided, if her hubby had listened to the warnin g marks and allowed her the little pleasances she delighted in. The parturiency of the xanthous wallpapered room allowed the mute subjugation of her life to attest and subsequently lead to her self-destruction.Plants Citedâ€Å" Bed Rest Would n't Make for Pioneering Feminist. †USA Today Magazine139.2777 ( 2010 ) : 4-5. Print. Fisher Younger, Karen. â€Å" Women ‘s Sphere and the Public Square: The Beecher Sisters ‘ Dilemma Over Slavery. †International Congressional Journal8.2 ( 2009 ) : 43-51. Print. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å" The Yellow Wallpaper. † Kennedy and Gioia 325-336. Kennedy, X.J. , and Dana Gioia, eds.Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing.6th Compact erectile dysfunction. New York: Longman, 2010. Print

Technology And Society Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Technology And Society - Term Paper Example Technology and healthcare Gone are the days when diseases like TB and malaria were uncontrollable mass-killers. The advent of technology has made it possible to ensure effective prevention and treatment of such diseases. In addition, technology has the ability to provide a secure and convenient environment for interaction between doctors and patients. For example, these days, it is possible for patients of even far-off places to be in constant touch with their doctors through modern communication devices. Yet another point is the flexibility it allows for doctors and patients. The availability of modern communication devices makes it possible for doctors to identify and handle more critical issues first and less important ones at a later convenient time. Another benefit is that there is considerable cost reduction when medical facilities are accessible through modern technology like internet. Through the use of these devices, doctors can follow-up their cases, provide necessary advic e, and can help patients locate useful information on the net. Thus, time and money are considerably saved. However, the most important point that is worth mentioning is the availability of modern medical equipments that help identify and treat diseases and defects that were not at all changeable in the past. As Kabene and Wolfe point out, cloning and the treatment of genetic disorders deserve special attention at this juncture. Technology and education Education is another sphere where technology has made great strides of changes. The introduction of e-learning has made it possible for pupils to pursue a graduation from any educational institution around the globe by sitting in the comfort of their homes. In addition, it opened a vast array of educational resources for students to assist in their studies. One can access information on any subject in any library through the search engines. In addition, the availability of technology promotes the idea of self-learning. This enables s tudents to pace their study according to their own learning capacity without being forced to wait for other students to catch up. Also, technology made it easy for educational institutions to manage their student records and to coordinate their activities. Furthermore, learner assessments and responses become quick and accurate, saving time and effort (Advantages and disadvantages of technology in education and military, Science and Technology). Finally, internet opens up new avenues like chat-rooms that help students seek and share knowledge. Business and employment The impact of technology on business is unimaginable. Today, the whole picture of business has changed due to technology. The benefits of using technology in business are, in simple terms, faster communication, easy management of files, better coordination of various departments, better prediction of future chances and risks, easy identification of business opportunities, and easy analysis of the business environment. F or example, it becomes easy for the CEO of a company to manage the operations of his company at various sites around the globe using only a computer. Communication is faster and easier both within and outside the company. This speeds up the business, and thus profit. In addition, there are software that help companies monitor the fluctuations in the market around the world by

The Sociological View of Power in Egypt Research Paper

The Sociological View of Power in Egypt - Research Paper Example † The Sociological View of Power in Egypt   According to Pip (2008), the main theoretical issue in political sociology is enabling the nature of power. Social politics focuses on coercion, political correctness and influence. These have been applied to come up with the various forms of leadership. Resistance, limitation and resistance that may be encountered must be overcome for power to affect social activities. People may however rebel by forming political movement to protest against state power. This occurs when people feel that there is abuse of power and that this abuse of power deprived of their rights. Political influence entails persuading and convincing others to accept one’s views. The main types are propaganda, genocide, political correctness and manipulation of public opinion. Coercion on the other hand entails the use of force and threat. There has been abuse of political power, through dictatorship, in Egypt. This is contrasting with the sociological view of power among the citizens. Sociological view requires that state power should be decentralized and democratic. The government is expected to protect democracy in the society. If any political influence is to be made, then it has to be within the range of individual freedom and choice. However, the Egyptian government has used coercion instead of ethical influence in governing the people. The Egyptians have been forced to take in whatever the government decides for them. This opposes the sociological view of politics in which power is vested on few individuals to act on behave of the rest. At the same time, they must put into consideration the interests of the people they represent. Dictatorship has led to the deprivation of basic human rights among many citizens. For a long time, the citizens of Egypt have wanted an end of political dictatorship and come up with a political institution governed by a democratic type of leadership. Political sociology identifies three types of lead ership styles that are developed by utilizing influence, coercion or political correctness. These are charismatic, bureaucratic and traditional (Farganis, 1996). The three types of sociological powers have become a base for social movements. Citizens protest as a way of airing their views concerning them. The people want political reforms that would address their basic needs for example standards of living and unemployment. This will be achieved if the leaders have political correctness. Leaders are expected to play their roles of giving guidance and direction to the people and not oppress them. When political leaders are on the right, they must overcome resistance for them to be fully able to exercise power. This is because the society consists of people with varied interests and views. Those with extreme ideas must be forced to agree with the majority (Merton, 1968). There is lack of political correctness in Egypt. Corruption is still present in the government yet the people are a lready impatient about it. The social movements mainly emerge from marginalized youth who are trying to express their rejection of the government’s present social and political system. During the recent protests, protestors were expressing their frustrations to the government. They were complaining that the government has not heeded to their cry for the country to have some democratic reforms. The country has been ruled though oppressive

Sociology involves the systematic study of human society Essay

Sociology involves the systematic study of human society - Essay Example A lot of people become engaged in different social activities and participate in different movements, events or festivities which bring people together. Globalization is a social reality of the 21st century which changed the world. Sociology is helping people accept the movement and it is encouraging greater tolerance towards diversity. Social sciences make contributions towards helping society validate a lot of commonly help assumptions. The importance of commonly held lies in that without them we would not have any knowledge, in fact questioning or proving wrong commonly help assumptions can make entire knowledge system fall apart (Uncg). The view the University of North Carolina – Greensburg depicts refers to more abstract concepts such as the universe is empirical; the universe works according to law-like principles and these laws like principles may be discovered by humans through investigative efforts. Sociology is part of the overall body of sciences and assumptions within this field also influence the body of knowledge. People tend to be curious about knowledge and many times want proof about the validity of an assumption. In the social science field whenever someone requires proof of something, there are ways to prove any assumption of theory to be true or false. Researchers can design experiments t o validate knowledge. These experiments can be performed utilizing different techniques such as observation, control groups, experimental groups, surveys and correlation (NesSmith, 21). Humans are subjected to different social interactions which provide sources of opportunities for them, but depending on the circumstance can become a constraint variable which limits access to certain experience in different people. For example an American worker which suddenly becomes unemployed may face tough times ahead. If this person lives in a city with lots of job

Is Deterrence Still a Useful Concept in the Post-Cold War World Research Paper

Is Deterrence Still a Useful Concept in the Post-Cold War World - Research Paper Example In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, international policymakers became increasingly preoccupied with the potential ramifications of nuclear warfare in creating an imbalance within the world political order. After the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Stalin asserted that â€Å"A single demand for your comrades†¦ Provide us with atomic weapons in the shortest possible time. You know that Hiroshima has shaken the whole world. The balance has been destroyed. Provide the bomb – it will remove a great danger from us1†. From a historical perspective, the Cold War phase following the Second World War led to what has been termed the â€Å"First Nuclear Age†2. This phase highlights how nuclear weapons’ programmes were rooted in the need of both superpowers to assert power in the arms race3. Moreover, Walton & Gray submit that the demise of this superpower rivalry has re-ignited the nuclear proliferation question in arms control measures within the world political framework4. This in itself highlights that the stability of international relations and the political balance at the international level is inherently dependent on the axis of nuclear control. Therefore, whilst the deterrence theory undoubtedly plays a central role in the relationship between nuclear war programmes and international relations, the inherent weakness of the theory is the failure to account for the changing global political climate, whereby nuclear strategy and proliferation is shaped by a correlation of complex, mu ltifarious.

Brand Implentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brand Implentation - Essay Example It however faces very stiff competition by the Toyota brand as well as the general motors’ company (GM). The Volkswagen brand currently ranks second from the Toyota and preceding the general motors’ brand within the global context. Though the general motors’ has had dominance within the US in the past, an acute decline within their sales has resulted to the takeover by the Volkswagen brand within the region. She is now the fastest growing brand as well as the brand whose sales has sky rocketed within the recent past. Future projections reveals the brands’ target as being to double their sales and production within the near future by adopting a strategy of increasing by more than 10% their sales annually. The greatest strength attributable to the commendable success of the business brand is the diversity within their products. Not only does the brand company produce the Volkswagen motors but has other products such as the golf, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Bentley, L amborghini, Bugatti, and Porsche. This diversity of production ascertains the good coverage of the market with the variations with their products. This also provides an advantage to the brand in that there is wider scope of distribution of risks from just one brand of operation to the diversified brands. There is also good representation of the various economic classes of people within the diversification strategy. Moreover, the sales made through the various brand products ascertains higher profit realization form various customer segments without actually affecting the main motor brand; the Volkswagen. Over and above, the innovativeness of the team strategically places the brand a notch higher that their competitors as they have been seen to have a very strong team of innovators. Nevertheless, the SWOT analysis reveals critical weaknesses that the brand suffer worst of which is the poor cash flow as noted by the extreme credit facilities extended by the brand especially to the fir st time customers. The brand is consented to the policy of ‘sign and drive’ through which potential buyers are not obligated to have any down payment as they purchase the vehicles in credit. This is a competition tool that has been useful to rate the brand the best within the competition spheres as her popularity of low credit as well as the no down payment has surpassed all her competitors’. Moreover, her diversification within the product line has seen her increase customer base over the years by gaining more access within the Indian as well as the Chinese market through the support of the Golf. These economies are popular in preferring the small vehicles and as such the brand gains the advantage over her competitors. Through the Golf, the brand records over two billion new customers annually within the emerging economies. Despite the internal challenges that the brand is faced with lots of internal challenges though some pointed out to the external environment which must be thoroughly addressed for the purpose of successful progression of the brand. The fuel shortage or concern within the global market necessitates the design of conservative automotives. The fossil fuels are facing the threat of extinction and thus require that locomotive industries device of ways that shall safe and utilize the fuels more efficiently. The

Relationship between theory and practice in human resource management Essay

Relationship between theory and practice in human resource management - Essay Example In order for employees to improve their output, they have to be motivated.Motivation in itself takes many forms.But motivation must be seen to be taking place practically than just by the word of mouth.The human resource practitioners must understand the fact that different human resource persons are motivated by different motivators. As others may be motivated by better pay, others would be motivated if the working environment is conducive. Therefore it is important to understand the nature of each employee for motivation to be practically enhanced. Their areas of interest need be identified and motivation geared towards improving that area.The human resource practitioners can on a continuous basis give out questionnaires asking the employees questions such as: - where the management made improvements within the organization's area they fell should be improved etc. These should then be acted upon by management. By doing this the employees feel that they are part and parcel of the or ganization and this finally motivates them. Management should go to the extent of rewarding good performer in monetary terms, in kind e.g. through promotions etc. This would make everyone in the organization to work harder and achieve higher results. Other areas where motivation can be better shown in practice include better health and safety - No one likes working in unhygienic and unsafe conditions. Management should protect the employees from hazardous conditions... Practically the training and development must be seen in motion. Employees should be asked through their seniors to identify their training needs after which resources are set aside for training. This should then be related to promotions in the work place because employees will see the essence of training. Off -the job exercise and motivations: - Motivation can be further enhanced practically by managers through annual leaves by employees as this allows them to relax their minds Theory and Practice of Management Performance Management and Appraisal Performance management is the close monitoring of employees' results overtime. Appraisal is the rating on the performance. 3 It is not enough to theoretically apply performance management and appraisal. Performance appraisal starts with targets which the management has set. These should neither be too low nor too high. The employees would be rated on what they have achieved as compared with the expected/ targeted results. Not only should the final results be measured but also the time span at which they have been achieved. Clock cards should be introduced in the organization to indicate at what time they reported and the time they left, since idle time affects the level of performance achieved. The performance of one individual can also be checked by another. This is the system referred to as internal checks. It is mostly applied in written work -pieces where on employee peruses through the other's work. It also gives an employee the opportunity to learn from others thus improving his own performance and output. Performance management should entail getting feedback from the clients/ customers or any other stakeholders of the organization. Suggestion boxes can be

Muslims Consider Prophet Muhammad a Religious and Political Role Model Essay

Muslims Consider Prophet Muhammad a Religious and Political Role Model - Essay Example n-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.† The Prophet of Allah was able to establish laws that protected animals, trees and environment. On the other hand, he encouraged trade and ethical investments and secured the workers’ rights. This is why we take Muhammad as our religious role model. With regard to politics, Prophet Muhammad is regarded as a role model because of various reasons. One of the reasons is that he married numerous wives on the basis of humanitarian reasons. Prophet Muhammad is well known for the Jihad which translates to struggle in the way of Allah. The Prophet of Allah believes that we as Muslims should struggle in the ways of Allah both within ourselves and externally. The prophet of God is against anyone who stands against Islam and therefore those opposing the struggle for Allah and oppressing Islam should be persecuted. As Muslims we regard this as holy war. This is also another reason why we take Muhammad as our political role model. He convinced people to leave alcohol, prostitution, crime, drugs and He promoted healthy living (Patricia Crone Pg

Stereotypes of African American Women in Film Essay

Stereotypes of African American Women in Film - Essay Example In film, the seductive and worldly imagery of the African American woman has endured. While more empowered positions have been created over time with race relations slowly repairing and providing for a less judgmental view on the African American woman, the films of the early twentieth century reveal the story of how she was viewed. Through the work of Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, the stereotypes can be seen, but explored with a deeper complexity that was brought to the roles because of the presentations that Horne and Dandridge brought to their work. In many ways, the work that was done by Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge broke some of the stereotypes that had been most prevalent about African American women. Horne stated of her position in Hollywood that â€Å"They didn’t make me into a maid†¦but they didn’t make me into anything else either. I became a butterfly pinned to a column singing away in Movieland† (Bogle, 2001, p. 127). She came across as w holesome a problem for the sex-object roles that she was given. Because of her nature, she was not seen as a â€Å"slutty† character, but was engaging as an alluring woman who flirted and teased, rather than performed acts that would diminish her nature. She was elegant and poised, thus creating sophisticated presence. In this, her roles created a sense of broken stereotypes, the women she portrayed not the average that was promoted during her time. Horne’s portrayal of Georgia Brown in Cabin in the Sky never broke through to representing a woman of ill-repute. Bogle describes her work as â€Å"startling freshness and untainted wholesome beauty† from both Cabin in the Sky (1943) and Stormy Weather (1942). Her role in Stormy Weather, made her an â€Å"object of contemplation, rather than one of possession† (Bogle, 2001, p. 127). In Cabin in the Sky, she is positioned as an instrument of Lucifer, but she brings a complexity as she never fully slips into the state of a tainted woman. In Stormy Weather, puts Horne in context with the music industry of the early 20th century. She represents an ambitious, but desirable woman who is seeking a career over love. This representation broke with the traditions of both women and African American women, her desires for something beyond an immediate gratification not a familiar stereotype. One of the problems with Cabin in the Sky was that it was set in a familiar type of fantastical setting in which there was an ideal ‘otherness’ in which African Americans lived. This concept suggested that while their lives were separate, they did not suffer from segregation, but flourished in communities that were just out there somewhere (Bugle, 2001, p. 131). Where Cabin in the Sky created an unrealistic domestic space, Stormy Weather created a somewhat unrealistic professional space in which African Americans experienced their lives. The film was an example of wartime escapism, providing an unre alistic world in which to experience a diversion from the seriousness of the nature of life during the war. Both of these films, however, were ground-breaking as they each had fully African American casts, the diversity of the roles within those films providing for a better exploration of African American life. Two roles that Horne greatly desired, ended up being given to Dorothy Dandridge. The role of both Carmen Jones (1954) and Jane Richards in Bright Road (1953) were given to Dandridge over Horne. Where Horne exuded a ‘

A Summary Of Research On Job Retention & Turnover In Child Welfare Service Essay Example for Free

A Summary Of Research On Job Retention Turnover In Child Welfare Service Essay This article discusses job retention in social welfare. Smith (2004) raises a problem that cannot be dismissed lightly: â€Å"staff turnover in child welfare agencies† with estimated turnover rates within â€Å"23% to 85%† annually. Smith (2004) suggests â€Å"the need to explain, understand, and prevent it. † According to Smith (2004), various business environments have used models to explain employee turnover reflecting perceived organizational support and organizational commitment. Only a few studies applied this model when studying child welfare retention. Data was gathered from two surveys to test organizational support on job retention to include factors such as supervisor support, extrinsic rewards, and intrinsic job values. Smith collected data from child welfare staff on two occasions at various agencies to study job retention in child welfare. First, an in-person survey was given. A couple of months later, information was collected from the participating agencies to examine the percentage of individuals that remained employed at the agency. Twelve counties participated. Staff turnover rates were high in these areas of study. Smith (2004) measured organizational and job satisfaction, supervisor supportiveness and satisfaction, job tenure, workload, time use, and perceptions about job turnover and retention. Smith used the organizational support theory and work place exchange relationship to theoretically examine the perceived effects on job retention. The â€Å"work place exchange relationship†, stated by Smith (2004), looks into the relationship of a â€Å"frontline staff† and a direct supervisor. This relationship suggests that when subordinates perceive their supervisor to be supportive â€Å"they become more committed to the organization† (Smith, 2004) Smith (2004) considers the organizational establishment of arrangements that support work-life balance to be an important form of organizational support. This theory suggests that â€Å"workplace arrangements that facilitate work-life balance will promote employee commitment to the organization. † Another aspect of the organizational support theory is that it highlights the â€Å"roles of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards† in employees’ decision to stay with or to leave their employers. For instance, one study concluded that extrinsic rewards, like, benefits package, are important â€Å"motivator† whereas another study on intrinsic rewards found that the latter is a more powerful motivator than the former. (e. g. , Deci, 1971; Snelders Lea, 1996). The results of Smith’s study indicated that â€Å"extrinsic rewards such as the facilitation of life-work balance and supervisor support are associated with job retention, but reports of intrinsic job value or not†. According to Smith (2004), a social exchange framework is useful for understanding turnover and retention dynamics in child welfare organizations. In my personal view, I find one weakness of the research having â€Å"study measures. . . not standardized. † This makes the research less scientific and subject to criticisms from the scientific and business communities. On the other hand, I find the strength of the research in its confidence in declaring that its findings â€Å"can appropriately be generalized,† however, â€Å"only to high-turnover agencies in rural areas†Ã¢â‚¬â€œthus, the knowledge obtained from the research can be used by decision-makers in formulating and adopting certain policies on employee retention and turnover.

Pain Consultants Essay Example for Free

Pain Consultants Essay Pain, as stated by Kozier, is considered to be the fifth vital sign in assessing a patient’s over-all health. Also, pain is whatever the patients says it is, hence, one cannot evaluate pain just by simply looking at the patient, because pain is relative, it is subjective. Pain is a very important aspect that many tend to neglect because of pain being tolerable at times, but its assessment is essential to the healthcare team to ensure that the patient is comfortable even during the course of his or her illness and to avoid complications. According to Bullock, pain can be indicative of complications such as infection or inflammation, tissue necrosis among others. For these reasons, pain management has taken on the next level in lessening or even eliminating a patient’s pain. The Pain Consultants of Atlanta or PCA aims to provide pain relief to patients with the use of precise and state-of-the-art equipment. The doctors behind PCA, who are all pain management specialists, believe that this is a biological need, and that people experiencing pain are not capable of going about with their activities of daily living, impeding the normality of their lives. The doctors who make up the PCA are all board certified anesthesiologists, and they make use of a fluoroscopy to guarantee accuracy and security for all, most especially in doing procedures such as, epidural steroid injections, discogram, lumbar sympathetic blockage, among others. Their clinics can be found at The Macquarium Suite, The Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Decatur, and Stockbridge. As a proud employee of this prestigious institution, I participate in the client’s healthcare assessment by preparing the client before consultation. I take the blood pressure and other patient vital signs, and make them comfortable before they see the doctor. The healthcare industry is one of the best industries in the world. You get to feel the benefits of knowing about health conditions and the satisfaction you get when the patients thank you is more than enough to get you through the day, what more if you help in ceasing their pain.

Lulu Hypermarkets In Dubai Commerce Essay

Lulu Hypermarkets In Dubai Commerce Essay Lulu Hypermarkets belongs to EMKE Group which is a leading consortium in Dubai. There are 78 hypermarkets of the group that are operating within the GCC Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (Bahrain, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE). The hypermarket competition in Oman is composed of: Lulu Hypermarkets with the French company Carrefour Hypermarkets, the Kuwait-based Sultan Center Hypermarkets, Oman-based Safeer Hypermarkets, the Dubai-based KM Trading Hypermarkets, and the new entrant from Dubai Al Maya Hypermarkets (opened in April 2009). Lulu is operating currently four (three in Muscat, one in Sohar) hypermarket retail outlets (in the metropolitan areas) and eight supermarket retail outlets (in small towns and upcountry areas) in Oman and will be opening its fifth hypermarket in Salalah the third largest city in Oman after Muscat and Sohar. The Companys central warehouse for Oman is located in the capital city Muscat. The Problem Situation Lulu Hypermarkets has been facing tough price competition from the Dubai-based: KM Trading Hypermarkets and the new entrant Al Maya Hypermarkets. With the current global economic crisis and fluctuating oil prices Oman too is facing the need to tighten finances and the same applies to consumers in Oman. The result is consumers have become more careful and frugal in spending and sometimes end up cutting their volume of purchases and are more motivated here in Oman by discounted prices and Sale since the middle of year 2008. A major proportion of the inventory of Lulu Hypermarkets is made up of imported grocery items and consumer electronic items, fashion goods, clothes, stationery, toys, and furniture) from Australia, India, China, the EC, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. This merchandise goes into stocking via Lulus vertically integrated supply chain. The stores staff in Lulu hypermarkets and supermarkets report to their floor supervisors and each of the supervisors (there are 3 floor supervisors one for each floor in each of the hypermarkets and 1 floor supervisor (only ground floor) in each of the supermarkets) directly report to the purchasing supervisor in each hypermarket and supermarket. The purchasing supervisors directly report to the Purchasing Manager (see Figure 1 below for a simplified Lulus organisation structure of its purchasing department). Figure 1: Organisation Structure of Lulus Purchasing Department, Oman The purchasing manager receives orders from the purchasing supervisors who base their order requisitions from the informational output generated from the EPOSs at each hypermarket/supermarket outlet. Thereafter the purchasing manager orders stocks from abroad and liaises with overseas suppliers through and with the Tendering Contract Specialist. [As is common here in the GCC countries, Lulu too has a very conservative top management that includes its Board of Directors]. However, currently Lulu is actively engaged in replacing the old IT architecture and revamping its Management Information Systems (MISs), including a Inventory Management System, soon (around end of September 2010) to take advantage of online ordering systems with the introduction of its own web-portal. Customer retention is a key factor for successfully operating any business at all times (Hurley, 2004). This is all the more critical now given the global economic crisis which most of the countries worldwide, including Oman, are going through. Of late (since mid 2008) there have been frequent shortages of stocks (spray dried milk and other staple grocery items leading international brands) and as a result Lulus customers (both the Omanis and expatriates) are unhappy over the non-availability of items/brands of their choice that were retailed by Lulu. In certain lines of grocery items there were excess stocking and on others there were shortages. And in order to overcome the shortages orders were made to be transported by air which significantly increased the freight cost of imported goods. On the other extreme, some grocery items (low bulk) that are supplied to small institutional buyers (e.g. coffee shops in Muscat) could not be sourced from the exporters in time for delivery as several orders had to wait to be bunched to make up the bulk to obtain low cost freight from the shipping companies. These mistakes have been caused by weak or bad decision making resulting from poor information and communication flows between the store outlets (sales) and purchasing department (purchases). For example, the Inventory Status Analysis Report and Customer Sales History have been found to be not that accurate during a specially commissioned operational audit in February 2009. Furthermore, Lulus warehousing space in (Muscat) Oman is limited. Although the EMKE Group is capable of building a new warehouse in Muscat, the mountainous terrain makes it difficult to construct warehouse buildings in the short run. In consequence, poor inventory management is a serious issue which is threatening Lulus efforts in customer retention and loyalty and the profitability of its business in Oman. An attempt has been made in this paper to analyse the above issue in Lulu, Oman by applying Checklands (1981; Checkland Scholes, 1990) Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). Metaphors Problem situations such as the above can be effectively tackled by the application of critical systems thinking (Jackson, 2003). Critical systems thinking approach employs a wide range of organisational metaphors (images) which can help in understanding the organisations as well as to explore and analyse the difficult problem situations which managers need to tackle (Flood Jackson, 1991). Metaphors can be viewed as cognitive lenses through which people make sense their situations for obtaining a better understanding of the same (Kendall Kendall, 1993). The most common archetypal metaphors that can be used to guide systems thinking are (Jackson, 1993; Morgan, 1997): Organisations as machines Organisations as organisms Organisations as brains Organisations as cultures Organisations as political systems Organisations as psychic prisons Organisations as flux and transformation Organisations as instruments of domination Metaphoric expression of the organisation helps to understand how its stakeholders make sense of their organisation and their worldviews and also encourages its managers to think creatively about their organisations as well (ibid). This is because metaphors provide a useful avenue to make creative assumptions in organisational analysis for describing and exploring the problem situation effectively (Morgan, 1980 1997). To guide the critical systems thinking, in relation to the above problem situation, the organisms metaphor has been chosen at the dominant metaphor and the machines metaphor as the dependent metaphor. The organisms metaphor represents open view and the machine metaphor represents closed view (Flood Jackson, 1991). According to Jackson (1993) an organisation when viewed as a machine is seen as a tool created for achieving the purposes of the owners of the organisation. Managers are assumed to be rational in their decision-making (ibid). Control in the organisation is enforced through strict rules and procedures within a rigid organisational hierarchy of authority (ibid). An organisation when viewed like an organism appears as a complex system composed of sub-systems that coexist together (ibid). The main aim of the organisation is survival from which the derivatory objectives are set for each of the organisations sub-systems to accomplish (ibid). If there are functional failures then the sub-systems should be examined as whether they continue to meet the organisations objectives and needs and also the organisation should be cross-checked as to whether it is properly aligned with and well-adjusted to its environment (ibid). To this end the managerial sub-system must be entrusted with this important task (ibid). Accordingly with regard to the Lulus problem situation above, the organism metaphor is considered as the dominant metaphor as the inventory management and costs involve external environmental participants (for e.g. suppliers and customers) and the machine metaphor as the dependent metaphor since it produced negative effects through poor information and communication flows in relation to purchases and sales as well as wrong decision making in relation to ordering supplies. Hard Systems Thinking and Soft Systems Thinking Problem situations in organisations can be tackled by managers by using a hard systems thinking approach or soft thinking approach. Hard systems thinking approach is useful when systems exist and the objectives of the system/s can be easily defined (Checkland, 1981 1988). Hard systems thinking approach is based upon rational and scientific methods where a single optimal solution is found (Checkland, 1981). However, the hard systems thinking approach is not useful to handle messy, unpredictable, and ill-structured problem situations wherein the human participants constitute an important variable in the complex problem situation (Checkland, 1981 1989). Soft systems thinking approach does not require systems to exist and views the human activity systems (HAS), which indicates the human activity to accomplish a certain goals, quite distinct from other systems in the organisation (Checkland, 1981). The strong emphasis placed upon systemness sets hard systems thinking approach distinctly separate and different from soft systems thinking approach (Checkland Holwell, 1998). The System of Systems Methodologies (SoSM) For exploring the complex problem situation of Lulu Checklands (1981; Checkland Scholes, 1990) Soft Systems Methodology has been chosen from Jackson and Keys (1984) the System of Systems Methodologies (see Table 1 below). The reason behind choosing SSM was that Lulus problem context involved unique participants separated by locations and the unique nature of the inventory system which is significant both in the problem context as well as for Lulu to satisfy its customers needs. Table 1: The System of Systems Methodologies (Jackson Keys, 1984). PARTICIPANTS Soft Systems Methodology SSM Checklands (1981; Checkland Scholes, 1990) Soft Systems Methodology is a useful methodology for applying systems thinking to complex problem situations in organisations to analyse both qualitative and quantitative information for the same, since Lulus problem situation involves complex human, political, and social elements. SSM Process The SSM is a 7 stage process of enquiry wherein the logical connections of the SSM process help the actual problem solving activity to move more flexibly between one stage and the other in the SSM (Flood Jackson, 1991). Although the SSM is a 7 stage process the stages need not necessarily to be used in a strict sequential order (Checkland Scholes, 1990). Figure 2 below illustrates the 7 stage SSM process. Figure 2: 7 Stage Model of SSM (Source: Adapted from Checkland Scholes, 1990) Stage 1- The Problem Situation In this first stage of the SSM the participants of the HAS start investigating the ill-structured problem situation without any assumptions which eventually lead to a common understanding of the messy-problem which requires immediate attention (Jackson, 2003). Lulus messy problem situation represents the shared need of the participants of the organisational (Lulu) human activity system (HAS) to collect the available information together as a team in order to explore. The HAS in Lulus problem situation is represented in the form of a Review-Group composed of: the Director and Assistant Director Purchasing Warehousing -, Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Supervisors (Muscat only), one floor staff from each of the Lulu Hypermarkets, two general stores staff members from Lulu hypermarkets and supermarkets, and the Tendering Contract Specialist. Accordingly, the information was gathered and sorted through data collection on physical and social structures and processes (departmental, for e.g. Accounts Finance) by studying the inventory records, large samples of daily till rolls, minutes of the purchasing department meetings, interacting with customers, etc. In addition to this 3 workshops were conducted, at Lulus Head Office (its first Hypermarket at Darsait a metro in Muscat) with the above participants where open discussions were encouraged. Stage 2- Problem Situation Expressed through Rich Pictures Rich picture/s is/are used to represent the available information which was gathered from stage 1 of the SSM process to depict the actual situation involving the human activity (Paucar-Caceres Rodriguez-Ulloa, 2007). In other words, the rich picture helps to visualise the generalised characteristics of the problem situation better. The following key characteristics emerged from the workshop with the participants of the Review-Group: Poor Inventory Management Stock-out situations Limited inventory storage space May lose customers to competitors Poor information and communication flows between the store outlets and purchasing department Inadequacy of the existing inventory management system. The rich picture shown in Figure 3 (on the next page) illustrates the review groups impressions and viewpoints on Lulus problem situation. Figure 3: Rich Picture for Lulu The above rich picture in Figure 3 illustrates the concerns of the Lulu staffs and the members of the Purchasing Department in the problem situation. Dotted line indicates the inadequacy/ lack of good communication and information flows. Stage 3- Root Definitions After examining the rich picture in detail, a systematic description of the viewpoints or the worldviews from different angles are made. Root definitions help capture the core purpose of the activity systems to explore effectively into the problem situation and improve it (Checkland Scholes, 1990). Root definitions in effect are verbal descriptions about the systems which are being examined (Hicks, 1991). The root definitions help to describe the transformation processes and the situational-changes in the real world (Paucar-Caceres Rodriguez-Ulloa, 2007). Accordingly a single root definition was derived from the above rich picture and has been reproduced below: An inventory management system owned by the Company with the objective of improving the inventory control through timely and efficient procuring and purchasing of goods by utilising the available resources effectively in order to sell profitably. This inventory management system will be used to manage the purchase routines effectively through better communication and exchange of information among all the staffs for satisfying customers by providing improved customer services. The abbreviation CATWOE is consisting of the six key elements: Customer, Actor, Transformation, Worldview, Owner, and Environment, are used for formulating the root definitions. The CATWOE elements for the above root definition are: Customers: Lulu and its customers Actors: The entire staffs of Lulu Transformation: Improved inventory control and better communication flows World view: Provision of improved customer services Owners: The Managing Director and Shareholders Environment: Market competition and the organisational sub-systems. Stage 4- Building Conceptual Models The root definitions serve as the basis for building the conceptual models for the problem situation. The conceptual model (see Figure 4 on the next page) from the above root definition indicates the following: The purchasing department of Lulu must establish an effective feedback system to improve decision making in purchasing as well as in inventory control. Effective management of information and communication flows. Motivate the staffs to participate positively in the inventory management. This feedback system should also inform Lulu about its customers needs. Figure 4: Conceptual Model The conceptual model in Figure 4 depicts the activities that are required to carry out the transformation processes from the above root definition. The conceptual model indicates that for timely imports to be made a number of key activities have to be carried out like inputting the customer history, maintaining an active cooperation with the overseas suppliers etc for improving the inventory management system and thus ensure that Lulus business operations run efficiently and effectively with least disturbances. Stage 5- Comparing Conceptual Models with the Real World This stage is to promote constructive debate (open discussion among the Review-Group participants) based on the conceptual model. This is carried out by comparing the conceptual model with the real world and identifying the differences therein to determine any changes for implementing them successfully in such a way that the reality matches closely to the conceptual model derived from the application of systems thinking approach (Jackson, 2003). Stage 6- Systematically Desirable and Culturally Feasible Changes The debate in the form of open discussion is continued in this stage as well. The main aim of this debate is to identify systematically desirable changes relevance and culturally feasible people oriented -. The purpose here is to determine changes that need to be made for improving the problem situation rather than the conceptual models (Checkland Scholes, 1990). The Review-Group identified the following systemically desirable and culturally feasible changes for intervention: Introduction of an up to date Inventory Management System (new application software) which is capable of keeping the stock levels under control such that adequate (optimal) quantity levels and lines of stocks are available at all times. Ensure that the staffs are motivated to work in a cooperative way, especially, the staffs that are involved in Lulus purchasing function. It would be necessary to incorporate customer sales history for having control over slow moving items (that still have customers who buy them but not frequently). Although Lulu maintains an excellent rapport with all its overseas suppliers, the group felt that more active cooperation from the suppliers should be elicited. Timely imports through enhanced purchasing procedures. With improved purchasing procedures and optimal re-order sizes better discount deals from the suppliers should be actively negotiated and obtained. This could give a competitive advantage for Lulu over its rivals in Oman through competitive pricing. Increasing the capacity of storage space for holding stocks would involve capital budgeting procedures by the Top Management. Stage 7- Taking Actions to Improve the Problem Situation This stage involves taking systematically desirable and culturally feasible actions for improving the problem situation. The taking of systematically desirable and culturally feasible actions can help further to improve the problem situation (Jackson, 2003). Accordingly, the information gathered from the 3 workshops with the Review-Group participants was helpful for Lulu in creating recommendations that require intervention in the real world for improving the problem situation, through the possible implementation of the systemically desirable and culturally feasible changes identified in Stage 6 above. Conclusion This paper attempted to apply the Soft Thinking approach to complex problem solving in the case of Lulu Hypermarkets, Oman through the application of Checklands (1981; Checkland Scholes, 1990) Soft Systems Methodology. Lulus operations in Oman is driven by the need to totally import all of its stocks from overseas (which is inevitable in Oman as the industrialisation is being developed only since 1995 after the implementation of privatisation by the Omani Government) and the objective of Lulu to keep all its customers satisfied with availability of goods as and when the customer requires. (Part A: 3,021 words without Contents References) Part B The present day business environment is dominated by rapid and continuous global changes, which businesses and other organisations as well as their managers cannot afford to ignore these changes today and continue (Turban et al, 2005). Further organisations have become and are becoming more complex due to the changes in the business environment in economic activity, population, and technology as a result of which organisations need to build their ability to adapt to these changes in order to meet the challenges imposed by the changes (Sterman, 1994). Todays managers require effective strategies to facilitate their organisations to adapt to the changing business environment and allow their organisations to continue their operational existence successfully into the future (Hitt, 1996). Fifth Discipline In order to face the changes in the business environment an organisation need to be a learning organisation (Senge, 1990). A learning organisation is one which is expanding its capacity continually for the purpose of obtaining a sustainable continued operational existence into future (ibid). In other words a learning organisation is one where it continually renews itself to stay in step with the changing times in the present as well as into the future. A learning organisation is distinctly unique from the other forms of traditional organisations in terms of the following five disciplines (ibid): Building shared vision Mental models Personal mastery Team learning Systems thinking. The Five Disciplines of Learning Organisation Building Shared Vision Shared vision according to Senge (1990) is the common mutual image /view which people in an organisation have in regard to the activities of the organisation they are in and the organisation itself. The main purpose of the shared vision discipline is to ensure that the individuals goals and objectives are aligned with the organisational goals and objectives in order to promote a mutual shared understanding of the organisation to which they belong. The discipline of shared vision is aimed at bringing about voluntary and wilful commitment from the people in an organisation. Mental Models Mental models are the embodiment of deeply seated generalisations and assumptions, images and pictures as to the worldview held by individual from his or her own perspectives (ibid). In other words, the mental models allow an individual carry out introspection for deeper exploration within him or her for the mutual benefit of the individual and the organisation. Personal Mastery This discipline involves the continual clarification and strengthening ones personal vision to facilitate concentrated focus of human energies by learning to be patient and developing the ability to see the real world in an objective way (ibid). This is usually the highest of human aspirations which we all strongly endeavour to achieve. Team Learning The team learning discipline is about individuals thinking in a unified way where US is more important than I. The core of the team learning discipline is about mutual dialogue that permits s thinking together (ibid). Team learning is indispensable for the learning organisation where teams are the dominant resource for learning in order to remain adaptable to changes in the organisational environment. Systems Thinking Systems thinking is a modern approach to decision making that is composed of valid knowledge that help in the understanding of the problem patterns more clearly to formulate better improved solutions (ibid). Systems thinking is the key discipline of the learning organisation. Thats why Senge (1990) calls it as the Fifth Discipline in his book. Senge states that the systems thinking discipline integrates the previous four disciplines of the learning organisation. In his view the systems thinking discipline facilitates managers to obtain a better understanding of their organisational systems in order to plan and carry out action that are more appropriate to the problem situations in question. Systems thinking implies and indicates to the modern approach to thinking about systems that systems are important (Forrester, 1994). Systems thinking can help managers to handle complex problems more effectively by allowing them to view their organisational systems holistically (Checkland, 1981). In other words, the systems thinking approach helps managers to reconceptualise complex issues as well as find workable solutions to them (Senge Sterman, 1992). Using the conventional approach, assuming linearity, managers used to break a problem into their separate constituent parts to formulate a solution by analysing each of these parts and form conclusions in a scientific way (Kofman Senge, 1993). However, the modern problem situations which managers face in todays complex world do not yield to the conventional linear approach and hence would require systems thinking that forces to look into the circularity of the variables that make up the problem situations (ibid). Further systems view manifest systems thinking approach by helping and banding people to make their mental models that can foster group learning and obtain a shared understanding of the purpose (Turban et al, 2005). Given the current globalised world it is imperative to understand the importance of systems thinking in making decisions to address the challenges imposed by the changes in the global business environment (ibid). According to Senge (1990) systems thinking has three core elements that provide the basis for systems view of the organisations. These are (ibid, p.373): Practices: What you do, Principles: Guiding ideas and insights, Essences: The state of being those with high levels of mastery in the discipline. Leaders and managers can bring about the desired behaviour from their people in the organisation by focusing on the four levels of the behavioural perspectives of their people (ibid). These are (ibid): Events observable behaviours and actions; Patterns of behaviour repetitive behaviours and actions; Systemic structures the interrelationships between the patterns of behaviour; and Purpose story forming mental models that keep that hold the systemic structures. Summary The cornerstone of Senges learning organisation is systems thinking discipline and systems thinking helps the individuals to learn in their organisations with a holistic view of their organisation as a system. This is because systems thinking is a unifying discipline which integrates all the other disciplines (the disciplines of: shared vision, mental models, personal mastery, and team learning) of the learning organisation to meet the challenges of changing and turbulent business environment in order to sustain the organisations continued existence. Systems in the learning organisation are composed of interrelated mental models (composed of each of the individuals perceptions) from its people. For a successful learning organisation to take place individuals must share their mental models without inhibition in order to obtain a coordinated understanding of the actual system holistically through a shared vision. It should be noted here that the concept of shared vision help individuals to learn more willingly and actively in a cooperative way. However, to do so managers should be free willing and equally actively extend their cooperation as well. Also managers should come out of their traditional mindsets to allow new systems thinking to get in (Senge, 1990). Fifth Discipline Lulu Hypermarkets (Muscat, Oman) Application of the Soft Systems Methodology, the soft systems thinking approach to Lulus complex problem situation, in Part A of this paper is good example of applying Senges Fifth Discipline Systems Thinking. Global Economic Crisis The current global economic crisis has impacted Oman also. As a result the private sector as well as the public sector is facing challenges due to the global economic crisis. One of the major effect of the current global economic crisis is businesses in Oman, including Lulu Hypermarkets, are cutting back on their investments as well as their current pending capital projects. A key challenge faced by Lulu is the reduced spending pattern that has become noticeable since August 2008 in Oman (as is indicated by the drastic fall in the resale-value of the beach-side prestigious properties of the Wave project in Muscat). Lulu wrongly estimated that its sales would remain either unaffected or marginally affected by the impact of the global economic crisis. This is because about 78% of Lulus sales revenue comes from selling food and grocery items. But the inventory management problem situation coupled with reduced customer spending on food and grocery items threatened not only Lulus sales but also made it vulnerable to tough price competition from its rival hypermarkets. Together these indicate the unpreparedness of Lulu to changes in the external environment such as the one caused by the current global economic crisis. Systems Thinking Systems thinking is the vital element for learning organisations that aim to continually have organisation renewal (Senge, 1990). And the use of systems thinking discipline implies that the organisation and its managers in question are willing to adapt to changes and meet the challenges posed by those changes to overcome them successfully. Systems thinking presupposes (although not necessarily) the use of shared vision, mental models, personal mastery, and team learning disciplines. The above SSM study for Lulu from Part A can be used to illustrate these disciplines in order to obtain a better understanding of the reduced spending arising from the impact of the global economic crisis. Shared Vision The formation of the Review-Group for applying the SSM process brought together the participants from Lulus different locations in Oman, though many of them were sharing similar job responsibilities, in a face-to-face and peer-to-peer contact with one another as a group as well as workshop participants, allowed direct personal and open interactions with the members of the top management (the Purchasing Director and the Purchasing Manager). During the entire period of each of the workshop debates within the SSM process the open interactions helped one another to share their ideas and opinions regarding the problem situation, more so due to the close proximity of the factors that revealed the inventory management problem. In doing so the Review-Group members and the members of the top management and thus Lulu were on the same track to address the problem situation. Mental Models The exercise of

Julius Caesar Essay: Gender Transformation of Caesar -- Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar: Gender Transformation of Caesar  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare's Julius Caesar opens with the concurrent celebrations of Caesar's defeat of Pompey and the annual fertility festival of Lupercal. The coupling of the two historically separate events each celebrating distinct gender roles dramatically highlights the importance of gender characterization. Rome's patriarchal society demands a leader who embodies the virile spirit of the state with leadership marked by strength, courage, and constancy. Caesar quite fittingly assumes this role as he returns valiant and victorious from the battlefields; thus, in order to remove him the strong ruler of Rome, Caesar's enemies must retrench his masculinity. Roman society considers women as the embodiment of weaknesses, thinking that their physical, mental, and political inferiority make them of little use beyond reproductive purposes, explaining why aspirants to the throne feminize the identity of the masculine warrior figure to position him as unfit for the crown. The portrayal of the two female characters of the novel, Portia and Calphurnia, captures the prevailing stereotypical perceptions of women. Caesar's wife, Calphurnia, demonstrates women's predisposition towards fearfulness and superstition when she pleads with Caesar to remain at home after dreaming that a statue made in the likeness was Cesar pouring forth blood. Calphurnia establishes the sentiment that fear is a feminine trait with her entreaty to Caesar asking him to use her anxiety as an alibi, saying, "Do not go forth today. Call it my fear." (2.2.50). Caesar agrees to this arrangement temporarily with a veiled acknowledgment of the reality- a rhetorical question relating to the fact that he is "afeard to tell th... ... and Brutus. Cassius proclaims in his death "Guide thou the sword- Caesar, thou art revenged, /Eve with the sword that killed thee" (5.3.45-46). This conclusion of ultimate victory of the masculine spirit seems the only fitting outcome for Shakespeare to engineer if his play is to be a true reflection of Roman culture. Women hold value only in terms of the services that the provide which advance the interests of the masculine community, and in this case, the conspirators needed grounds to render Caesar inadequate for his position and feminizing him provides a useful mechanism in doing so. The retransformation of Caesar solidifies itself in Octavious' declaration to the world that "This was a man!," (5.5.75) reinforcing the notion that the masculine spirit will prevail in Roman society. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. New York: Simon, 1975.

Impact of European Expansion on the Environment :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

Impact of European Expansion on the Environment Technology has facilitated the transportation of a mass of people from one part of the world to another. This massive human travel, either it be the exploration, colonization, or trade of the early European nations or the contemporary infrastructure of trade, tourism, or globalization, has impacted the environment and the humans involved. This paper focuses on the era of European expansion to examine the effect of human travel on the environment and humans. The Europeans were not only responsible for the actual exploitation of natural resources in the places they discovered, but they also took diseases, new technologies, and non-native plant and animal species which had a tremendous impact on the native human population as well as the environment. The hunger for more natural resources and the need to trade for exotic goods were the main causes for European exploration and colonization. Even though religion was used as a â€Å"pretext† for European expeditions, â€Å"gold† was the real motive (1). Cippola further explains that, â€Å"Through the idea of mission and crusade the conquistadores succeeded where the medieval merchants failed and were able to reconcile the antithesis between business and religion that had plagued the conscience of medieval Europe†(2). Cipolla also discards Malthusian pressure as a possible cause for European expansion. Devastating and recurrent epidemics were constantly keeping the population growth in check and â€Å"no population pressure of any relevance was felt in Europe till the second half of the eighteenth century† (3). By eliminating these two powerful driving forces as the motivation for expansion, Cipolla claims that European expansion was basically a commercial venture (4). This expansion, being a very aggressive commercial venture, has some effect on the environment. The Europeans exploited the natural resources of the places they ‘discovered’. Excessive mining for natural resources and deforestation for shipbuilding are examples of environmental damages caused by European expansion (5). As the expansion spread throughout the world and the European Empires grew bigger and stronger, so did the pressure put on the environment to sustain this expansion. In addition to the actual exploitation of the natural resources of discovered nations and the harm to the environment associated with it, the Europeans brought with them diseases and introduced non-native plant and animal species that had catastrophic effect on to the native human population and the ecosystem, respectively. Even though the Europeans ventured into all the continents, the Americas were the ones that were greatly affected by the diseases that traveled with the Europeans.

James Joyce and the advent of Viagra Essay -- Sports, Olympics, Sex Ve

The Olympics are an international competition event for summer sports and winter sports that happen every 2 years. It was originally an event created for men to compete in various sports. However, women were allow to participate in the early 1900s due to the increasing number of female athletes. After female athletes started to participate in the Olympic games, the question of gender identification arose. People fear that males may masquerade as females and have an unfair advantage over other participants in women-only events. To prevent this from happening, the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) started sex verification to test the participant’s sex. The question of sex verification in women’s sports started in 1936, when a Polish journalist accused the American gold medallist in 100m track and field of being a man. Helen Stephen, the gold medallist who broke the 100m record of track legend Stella Walsh was a 6 foot tall female athlete.(Carlson, 2005). Her size brought up the questions about the definition of femininity. Ironically, when Stella Walsh was found dead in an accident it was discovered that she had ambiguous genitalia and abnormal sex chromosomes. Another stunning case which prompted developing the sex verification protocol involved an athlete named Hermann Ratjen in the mid 1950s (Carlson, 2005). Ratjen admitted that he was persuaded to masquerade as a female in an Olympic event in 1936. He hid his genitals and used a fake name, â€Å"Dora,† to compete in the women high jump event. Although he set a world record in 1938 and definitely had some advantages over other female participants, he only came in at fourth place in 1936. This case made a lot of people question the sexuality of some Eastern Bloc competitors. ... ...discriminating. Due to all the human right issues and Semenya’s privacy, her test result was never released to the public and she is able to continue her sports career (Swarr,Gross & Theron, 2009). After all, sex testing is not a reasonable way to identify masquerading men, it only puts female athletes in trouble. The only case of masquerading is Hermann Ratjen, and apparently he did not even win the competition. Sex testing is discriminatory and inaccurate while it is time and money consuming. It puts a number of female athletes with genetic disorders in a nightmare situation. Luckily, Maria Patino and Caster Semenya were re-qualified in the end. We can only conclude that sex testing is simply a black and white method to categorize male and female, but this world has more than male and female. Sex testing underestimates the complexity of the human structure. James Joyce and the advent of Viagra Essay -- Sports, Olympics, Sex Ve The Olympics are an international competition event for summer sports and winter sports that happen every 2 years. It was originally an event created for men to compete in various sports. However, women were allow to participate in the early 1900s due to the increasing number of female athletes. After female athletes started to participate in the Olympic games, the question of gender identification arose. People fear that males may masquerade as females and have an unfair advantage over other participants in women-only events. To prevent this from happening, the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) started sex verification to test the participant’s sex. The question of sex verification in women’s sports started in 1936, when a Polish journalist accused the American gold medallist in 100m track and field of being a man. Helen Stephen, the gold medallist who broke the 100m record of track legend Stella Walsh was a 6 foot tall female athlete.(Carlson, 2005). Her size brought up the questions about the definition of femininity. Ironically, when Stella Walsh was found dead in an accident it was discovered that she had ambiguous genitalia and abnormal sex chromosomes. Another stunning case which prompted developing the sex verification protocol involved an athlete named Hermann Ratjen in the mid 1950s (Carlson, 2005). Ratjen admitted that he was persuaded to masquerade as a female in an Olympic event in 1936. He hid his genitals and used a fake name, â€Å"Dora,† to compete in the women high jump event. Although he set a world record in 1938 and definitely had some advantages over other female participants, he only came in at fourth place in 1936. This case made a lot of people question the sexuality of some Eastern Bloc competitors. ... ...discriminating. Due to all the human right issues and Semenya’s privacy, her test result was never released to the public and she is able to continue her sports career (Swarr,Gross & Theron, 2009). After all, sex testing is not a reasonable way to identify masquerading men, it only puts female athletes in trouble. The only case of masquerading is Hermann Ratjen, and apparently he did not even win the competition. Sex testing is discriminatory and inaccurate while it is time and money consuming. It puts a number of female athletes with genetic disorders in a nightmare situation. Luckily, Maria Patino and Caster Semenya were re-qualified in the end. We can only conclude that sex testing is simply a black and white method to categorize male and female, but this world has more than male and female. Sex testing underestimates the complexity of the human structure.

Fuzzy Logic

Overview The reasoning in fuzzy logic is similar to human reasoning. It allows for approximate values and inferences as well as incomplete or ambiguous data (fuzzy data) as opposed to only relying on crisp data (binary yes/no choices). Fuzzy logic is able to process incomplete data and provide approximate solutions to problems other methods find difficult to solve. Terminology used in fuzzy logic not used in other methods are: very high, increasing, somewhat decreased, reasonable and very low. [4] [edit]Degrees of truth Fuzzy logic and probabilistic logic are mathematically similar – both have truth values ranging between 0 and 1 – but conceptually distinct, due to different interpretations—see interpretations of probability theory. Fuzzy logic corresponds to â€Å"degrees of truth†, while probabilistic logic corresponds to â€Å"probability, likelihood†; as these differ, fuzzy logic and probabilistic logic yield different models of the same real-world situations. Both degrees of truth and probabilities range between 0 and 1 and hence may seem similar at first. For example, let a 100 ml glass contain 30 ml of water. Then we may consider two concepts: Empty and Full. The meaning of each of them can be represented by a certain fuzzy set. Then one might define the glass as being 0. 7 empty and 0. 3 full. Note that the concept of emptiness would be subjective and thus would depend on the observer or designer. Another designer might equally well design a set membership function where the glass would be considered full for all values down to 50 ml. It is essential to realize that fuzzy logic uses truth degrees as a mathematical model of the vagueness phenomenon while probability is a mathematical model of ignorance. edit]Applying truth values A basic application might characterize subranges of a continuous variable. For instance, a temperature measurement for anti-lock brakes might have several separate membership functions defining particular temperature ranges needed to control the brakes properly. Each function maps the same temperature value to a truth value in the 0 to 1 range. These truth values can then be used to determine how the brakes should be controlled. Fuzzy logic temperature In this image, the meaning of the expressions cold, warm, and hot is represented by functions mapping a temperature scale. A point on that scale has three â€Å"truth values†Ã¢â‚¬â€one for each of the three functions. The vertical line in the image represents a particular temperature that the three arrows (truth values) gauge. Since the red arrow points to zero, this temperature may be interpreted as â€Å"not hot†. The orange arrow (pointing at 0. 2) may describe it as â€Å"slightly warm† and the blue arrow (pointing at 0. 8) â€Å"fairly cold†. [edit]Linguistic variables While variables in mathematics usually take numerical values, in fuzzy logic applications, the non-numeric linguistic variables are often used to facilitate the expression of rules and facts. 5] A linguistic variable such as age may have a value such as young or its antonym old. However, the great utility of linguistic variables is that they can be modified via linguistic hedges applied to primary terms. The linguistic hedges can be associated with certain functions. [edit]Example Fuzzy set theory defines fuzzy operators on fuzzy sets. The problem in applying this is that the appropriate fuzzy operator may not be known. For this reason, fuzzy logic usually uses IF-THEN rules, or constructs that are equivalent, such as fuzzy associative matrices. Rules are usually expressed in the form: IF variable IS property THEN action For example, a simple temperature regulator that uses a fan might look like this: IF temperature IS very cold THEN stop fan IF temperature IS cold THEN turn down fan IF temperature IS normal THEN maintain level IF temperature IS hot THEN speed up fan There is no â€Å"ELSE† – all of the rules are evaluated, because the temperature might be â€Å"cold† and â€Å"normal† at the same time to different degrees. The AND, OR, and NOT operators of boolean logic exist in fuzzy logic, usually defined as the minimum, maximum, and omplement; when they are defined this way, they are called the Zadeh operators. So for the fuzzy variables x and y: NOT x = (1 – truth(x)) x AND y = minimum(truth(x), truth(y)) x OR y = maximum(truth(x), truth(y)) There are also other operators, more linguistic in nature, called hedges that can be applied. These are generally adverbs such as â€Å"very†, or â€Å"somewhat†, which modify the meaning of a set using a mathematical formula. [edit]Logical analysis In mathematical logic, there are several formal systems of â€Å"fuzzy logic†; most of them belong among so-called t-norm fuzzy logics. edit]Propositional fuzzy logics The most important propositional fuzzy logics are: Monoidal t-norm-based propositional fuzzy logic MTL is an axiomatization of logic where conjunction is defined by a left continuous t-norm, and implication is defined as the residuum of the t-norm. Its models correspond to MTL-algebras that are prelinear commutative bounded integral residuated lattices. Basic propositional fuzzy logic BL is an extension of MTL logic where conjunction is defined by a continuous t-norm, and implication is also defined as the residuum of the t-norm. Its models correspond to BL-algebras. Lukasiewicz fuzzy logic is the extension of basic fuzzy logic BL where standard conjunction is the Lukasiewicz t-norm. It has the axioms of basic fuzzy logic plus an axiom of double negation, and its models correspond to MV-algebras. Godel fuzzy logic is the extension of basic fuzzy logic BL where conjunction is Godel t-norm. It has the axioms of BL plus an axiom of idempotence of conjunction, and its models are called G-algebras. Product fuzzy logic is the extension of basic fuzzy logic BL where conjunction is product t-norm. It has the axioms of BL plus another axiom for cancellativity of conjunction, and its models are called product algebras. Fuzzy logic with evaluated syntax (sometimes also called Pavelka's logic), denoted by EVL, is a further generalization of mathematical fuzzy logic. While the above kinds of fuzzy logic have traditional syntax and many-valued semantics, in EVL is evaluated also syntax. This means that each formula has an evaluation. Axiomatization of EVL stems from Lukasziewicz fuzzy logic. A generalization of classical Godel completeness theorem is provable in EVL. edit]Predicate fuzzy logics These extend the above-mentioned fuzzy logics by adding universal and existential quantifiers in a manner similar to the way that predicate logic is created from propositional logic. The semantics of the universal (resp. existential) quantifier in t-norm fuzzy logics is the infimum (resp. supremum) of the truth degrees of the instances of the quantified subformula. [edit]Decidability issues f or fuzzy logic The notions of a â€Å"decidable subset† and â€Å"recursively enumerable subset† are basic ones for classical mathematics and classical logic. Then, the question of a suitable extension of such concepts to fuzzy set theory arises. A first proposal in such a direction was made by E. S. Santos by the notions of fuzzy Turing machine, Markov normal fuzzy algorithm and fuzzy program (see Santos 1970). Successively, L. Biacino and G. Gerla showed that such a definition is not adequate and therefore proposed the following one. U denotes the set of rational numbers in [0,1]. A fuzzy subset s : S [0,1] of a set S is recursively enumerable if a recursive map h : S? N U exists such that, for every x in S, the function h(x,n) is increasing with respect to n and s(x) = lim h(x,n). We say that s is decidable if both s and its complement –s are recursively enumerable. An extension of such a theory to the general case of the L-subsets is proposed in Gerla 2006. The proposed definitions are well related with fuzzy logic. Indeed, the following theorem holds true (provided that the deduction apparatus of the fuzzy logic satisfies some obvious effectiveness property). Theorem. Any axiomatizable fuzzy theory is recursively enumerable. In particular, the fuzzy set of logically true formulas is recursively enumerable in spite of the fact that the crisp set of valid formulas is not recursively enumerable, in general. Moreover, any axiomatizable and complete theory is decidable. It is an open question to give supports for a Church thesis for fuzzy logic claiming that the proposed notion of recursive enumerability for fuzzy subsets is the adequate one. To this aim, further investigations on the notions of fuzzy grammar and fuzzy Turing machine should be necessary (see for example Wiedermann's paper). Another open uestion is to start from this notion to find an extension of Godel’s theorems to fuzzy logic. [edit]Fuzzy databases Once fuzzy relations are defined, it is possible to develop fuzzy relational databases. The first fuzzy relational database, FRDB, appeared in Maria Zemankova's dissertation. Later, some other models arose like the Buckles-Petry model, the Prade-Testemale Model, the Umano-Fukami model or t he GEFRED model by J. M. Medina, M. A. Vila et al. In the context of fuzzy databases, some fuzzy querying languages have been defined, highlighting the SQLf by P. Bosc et al. and the FSQL by J. Galindo et al. These languages define some structures in order to include fuzzy aspects in the SQL statements, like fuzzy conditions, fuzzy comparators, fuzzy constants, fuzzy constraints, fuzzy thresholds, linguistic labels and so on. [edit]Comparison to probability Fuzzy logic and probability are different ways of expressing uncertainty. While both fuzzy logic and probability theory can be used to represent subjective belief, fuzzy set theory uses the concept of fuzzy set membership (i. e. , how much a variable is in a set), and probability theory uses the concept of subjective probability (i. . , how probable do I think that a variable is in a set). While this distinction is mostly philosophical, the fuzzy-logic-derived possibility measure is inherently different from the probability measure, hence they are not directly equivalent. However, many statisticians are persuaded by the work of Bruno de Finetti that only one kind of mathematical uncertainty is needed and thus fuzzy logic is unnecessary. On the other hand, Bart Kosko argues[citation needed] that probability is a subtheory of fuzzy logic, as probability only handles one kind of uncertainty. He also claims[citation needed] to have proven a derivation of Bayes' theorem from the concept of fuzzy subsethood. Lotfi Zadeh argues that fuzzy logic is different in character from probability, and is not a replacement for it. He fuzzified probability to fuzzy probability and also generalized it to what is called possibility theory. (cf. [6]) [edit]See also Logic portal Thinking portal Artificial intelligence Artificial neural network Defuzzification Dynamic logic Expert system False dilemma Fuzzy architectural spatial analysis Fuzzy associative matrix Fuzzy classification Fuzzy concept Fuzzy Control Language Fuzzy Control System Fuzzy electronics Fuzzy mathematics Fuzzy set Fuzzy subalgebra FuzzyCLIPS expert system Machine learning Multi-valued logic Neuro-fuzzy Paradox of the heap Rough set Type-2 fuzzy sets and systems Vagueness Interval finite element Noise-based logic [edit]Notes ^ Novak, V. , Perfilieva, I. and Mockor, J. (1999) Mathematical principles of fuzzy logic Dodrecht: Kluwer Academic. ISBN 0-7923-8595-0 ^ â€Å"Fuzzy Logic†. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford University. 2006-07-23. Retrieved 2008-09-29. ^ Zadeh, L. A. (1965). Fuzzy sets†, Information and Control 8 (3): 338–353. ^ James A. O'Brien; George M. Marakas (2011). Management Information Systesm (10th ed. ). New York: McGraw Hill. pp. 431. ^ Zadeh, L. A. et al. 1996 Fuzzy Sets, Fuzzy Logic, Fuzzy Systems, World Scientific Press, ISBN 9810224214 ^ Novak, V. Are fuzzy sets a reasonable tool for modeling vague phenomena? , Fuzzy Sets and Systems 156 ( 2005) 341—348. [edit]Bibliography Von Altrock, Constantin (1995). Fuzzy logic and NeuroFuzzy applications explained. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR. ISBN 0-13-368465-2. Arabacioglu, B. C. (2010). â€Å"Using fuzzy inference system for architectural space analysis†. Applied Soft Computing 10 (3): 926–937. Biacino, L. ; Gerla, G. (2002). â€Å"Fuzzy logic, continuity and effectiveness†. Archive for Mathematical Logic 41 (7): 643–667. doi:10. 1007/s001530100128. ISSN 0933-5846. Cox, Earl (1994). The fuzzy systems handbook: a practitioner's guide to building, using, maintaining fuzzy systems. Boston: AP Professional. ISBN 0-12-194270-8. Gerla, Giangiacomo (2006). â€Å"Effectiveness and Multivalued Logics†. 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