Based on the pic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Based on the pic - Essay Example genteuil is a riverside village along the banks of Seine and the late 18th century industrialization made it possible for the bourgeois to take the newly built railway trains and escape in the countryside. We can just about make the contours of few houses on the background and we cant see anything remotely industrial spoiling the tranquillity of this landscape. This painting is done with bright and pure colours. It tries to bring out the fleeting effects of daylight and the idyllic atmosphere of the river and surrounding boats. One can clearly observe the rippling surface of the floating river. The shimmering reflection of idle boats – some sailing, others moored evokes a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Captured on this painting is also the passing of time and changing seasons reflected by the yellow and light brown hue of the autumn leaves. This place is a sanctuary, away from the modern world, caught in a time capsule, whispering harmony and unspoiled grace. The picture demonstrates a simple lifestyle and This pictures brings a feelings of nostalgia in me – about the warm, summer days, walking along the river in London, picnics in the parks or just small talks with friends, lying on the grass. I can sit, relax and look at this painting and breath in the atmosphere of natural beauty. All my sensations are in harmony with the world around me. It is like a mediation technique when I look at his idyllic place. This picture conveys a sense of blissful happiness, infinite pleasure and enjoyment of life. The painting transported me into one of Jane Austins novels where the English countryside is marvellously depicted, with its rural, village life and simplicity. I believe Monet wanted to depict nature as it is, without fully sketching the canvas. Because nature is perfect when you look at it, but when you try to copy perfection on a canvas, it eludes somehow. So instead of focusing on symmetrical forms, attempting to re-create nature, the artist has

Agriculture Management of Tea Industry

Agriculture Management of Tea Industry Introduction This chapter will give the reader with the clear background of research study, research question, research objectives, justification of research, organisation of study, research framework and brief overview of what will present later in the whole dissertation. 1.1. Background of research study: All organizations evaluate the performance of their employees to find out their relative worth for the job they are doing. Performance is being related to the productivity, it is crucial for the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Effective performance for the organization means that output can be maintained with fewer numbers of employees. Performing effectively is also of crucial importance to the employee because organizations can no longer tolerate poor performance, they (employees) are more likely to be dismissed. The effective management performance, therefore, is not only vital for the long-term survival of the organizations but is also a moral obligation on the employees. Performance appraisal is considered as the systematic evaluation of individuals to their performance on the job and their potentials for development (Dale S. Beach, 1980: 290). Wendell French has defined performance appraisal as a systematic and periodic assessment of how employees are doing their jobs in relation to established norms and the communication of that kind of assessment to employees. It is a process of evaluation an employees job performance with respect to its requirements. A systematic performance appraisal provides information for making decisions about various issues such as promotions, pay increases, layoffs, training and development and transfers. It is managements powerful tool in controlling human resource and productivity. Managers can improve an employees job performance through clarifying expectations and evaluating performance. Employees also, in general, prefer having some kind of appraisal to develop an appropriate vision of their own effectiveness and opportunities (Wood, 1988). Formal performance appraisal can meet the three needs, one of the organization and the other two of the individuals within the organization: It provides systematic judgments to back up salary increase, transfer, demotion or termination. It is the means of communicating to subordinates the behavior, attitudes, skills or job knowledge and let him know where he stands. It is used as a base for coaching and counseling the individual by his superior 1.2. Selected organisation of study Beginning of tea plantation in Nepal dates back to the year 1863, when Mr. Gajraj Singh Thapa, the Badahakim (Chief Administrator) of Ilam, initiated tea plantation for the first time at Ilam. It is said that he was very much impressed by the taste of tea and fascinating beauty of tea gardens of Darjeeling. So he brought tea-technicians from Darjeeling and made local people join hands in tea plantation. His effort was later followed by planting tea in Ilam and Soktim in the year 1865 (both plantations are still under commercial production). It is believed that the tea seedlings were given by the Chinese government as gift to the then prime minister Jung Bahadur Rana. The first tea processing factory was established in the year 1872, in Ilam Tea Estate. But the further expansion of tea plantation lay virtually stagnant for about a century. No efforts were found to be made by the government or private sector in this direction. It was only in 1959 when Budhkaran Tea Estate was established at Rangiadanga (Maheshpur VDC, Jhapa), the first tea estate in private sector. Soon after this venture, a few other landlords also started tea plantation in Jhapa district, which gave birth to some tea estates such as Satighatta Tea Estate, Himalaya Tea Garden, Nakkalbanda Tea Estate, Mittal Tea Estate, Giribandhu Tea Estate. These tea estates are still among the leading private sector tea companies of Nepal. However, these plantations were done more with the motivation of saving the land from land ceiling being imposed under the Land Ceiling Act in 1963, because all the plantations during that period were started by big land holding families. This can be seen in some of the plantation fields of those days having the tea bushes at the distance of mor e than two feet. These ventures, however, opened the door for other entrepreneurs in tea sector. In the history of tea development in Nepal, the establishment of Nepal Tea Development Corporation (NTDC) is considered to be a landmark to augment the tea cultivation. NTDC was established in 1966, with the joint effort of the Government and Overseas Development Administration (ODA), Britain with the objective of making the country self-reliant in tea by producing more tea, thereby, substituting import of tea and earn foreign currency by exporting quality tea. Soon after its establishment, NTDC took over the first two tea plantations, namely, Ilam and Soktim tea estates. NTDC then extended tea plantation in Kanyam (Ilam) in the year 1971, with the aim of producing exportable quality tea. One year later, another tea garden was established in Tokia (Jhapa) in 1972. Keeping in view of the increasing internal demand of tea another tea estate was established in Barne (Shantinagar VDC, Jhapa). Later, two more tea estates, namely, Barradashi (Jhapa) and Chilingkot (Ilam) were established; making altogether seven tea estates under the ownership and management of NTDC. Despite its significant contribution for the development of tea cultivation, the only government owned corporation faced acute financial and managerial problems in the latter years, and eventually NTDC was leased out to the private sector in the year 2000. The management of NTDC was handed over for 50 years to Triveni Group, with the condition of keeping all workers in as it was form and terminating all staff under voluntary retirement scheme with extra two months salary as a golden handshake. Besides these plantations by government and private sectors, small growers started tea cultivation in the nearby VDCs of Kanyam, when NTDC established Kanyam Tea Estate. Some 40 small farmers started tea cultivation in some VDCs of Ilam district, such as, SriAntu, Kolbung, Kanyam, Fikkal, Pashupatinagar, Panchakanya, Laxmipur, and Godak. With the encouragement and technical support provided by NTDC, tea cultivation at small farmers level, expanded gradually in different parts of other districts, namely, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dhankuta, and Jhapa. In view of good prospect of tea cultivation in the Eastern Region, the Government declared these five districts as Tea Zone in the year 1982 and accordingly adopted a favorable policy to encourage tea farmers in private sector. The facilities incorporated in the policy included: providing easy loan to tea cultivators from Agriculture Development Bank with 50 percent subsidy in the interest on loan for the first 5 years in Terai and 7 years in hills, exemption from land-ceiling for tea cultivation and 90 percent rebate on land-tax. With the objective of extending technical services, seedlings and transport facilities, small farmers offices were established under NTDC in Fikkal, Manglabare and Jasbire of Ilam; Chilingden of Panchathar; Solma of Terhathum; and Hile of Dhankuta districts. All these efforts contributed quite positively to the expansion of tea cultivation, which consequently gave birth to the concept of Bought Leaf Factory. The first processing unit of this kind was established in the year 1989, at Fikkal of Ilam district. The enactment of Industrial Enterprise Act by the Government encouraged and facilitated more to the extension of tea cultivation. Industrial Enterprise Act, 1992 (amended in 1998) has an objective of encouraging the promotion of manufacturing industries in the country by making the environment of industrial investment more congenial and straight forward. The Act has categorized tea cultivation and processing industry as an agro-based industry which fall under national priority industries like horticulture and fruit processing, vegetable and seed farming, sericulture and silk production, animal husbandry etc. The Act has proposed some concessions to the agro-industries with an income tax exemption for a period of five years from the date of commercial production. If the tea industry wants to invest in the pollution controlling mechanism or equipment, then a reduction of up to 50 percent is granted in the taxable income. Such remission may be deducted on a lump sum or an installment with a period of three years. The Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) gave a high priority to agro-based industries such as tea plantation and processing. The plan recognized agro-based industries as the basis of industrialization in the country. This plan emphasized on the plantation of high-valued Orthodox tea for export. Similarly it placed importance on the promotion of CTC tea for domestic consumption. During the plan period, total tea area was projected to be 4564 hectare and total tea production was projected to be 4101 mt. from 3156 ha. Agriculture Development Bank actively disbursed credit to the tea sector during 1996-1997. As a result, the number of CTC planters under tea estates and out growers category increased rapidly. The reasons for increase in plantations, as responded by the tea planters, were: Good rate of returns as compared to traditional farming. Availability of bank credit attracted tea plantation. High demand for tea in both domestic and foreign market (esp Orthodox tea). Peer pressures also motivated out growers to start tea plantation. The other reason was that other food crops could not be grown in the land adjoining tea plantation. By the use of insecticides and pesticides in the tea plantation, insects are flushed out and take refuge in the nearby land which devours the crops. 1.2.1. Types of Tea: Generally two types of tea are produced in Nepal. One variety that is grown in the hilly region is called Orthodox tea. Orthodox tea has a huge demand in overseas countries and its export is increasing over the years. The major markets of Nepalese Orthodox tea are Western Europe and North America. Similarly, tea grown in Terai (plain area) especially in Jhapa district is called CTC (Crush, tear and Curl) tea, which accounts for more than 95% of the total domestic tea consumption. 1.2.1.1. Orthodox Tea: Black tea, in the form of traditional leaf tea produced from hill grown tea, particularly Chinese type of tea is known as Orthodox tea. The Orthodox tea, particularly popular for its aroma, is considered as premium tea all over the world (Singh, 2001). This tea is produced from the leaves of tea bushes in the eastern hilly region. Despite its long plantation history, the production and productivity of Orthodox tea have been low due to lack of conducive govt. policy, high cost of production (and therefore expensive) lack of technical know-how, and CTC oriented domestic market. However, the increasing demand of hill-orthodox tea in the overseas market provides good prospect of tea cultivation in the hilly region of Nepal. 1.2.1.2. CTC Tea: CTC tea, commonly used by majority of tea consumers of the world (produced in Jhapa district) is popular for its color. The manufacturing process of CTC tea consists of withering of leaves, rolling, fermenting, and drying through mechanical devices. Furthermore, sorting is done with the help of machine in different grades such as brokens, fannings, and dust. 1.2.2. Present Status of Tea Industry: Tea Industry includes all Tea Estates, processing plants, small growers, Packeters and marketers that are directly involved in production and marketing of tea. National Tea Policy-2000 defines Tea Industry as the tea cultivation with the registration of industry in the land availed under the concession of land ceiling facilities and having ones own processing plant. Although tea industry has a long history of more than a century, in real sense it is only after the establishment of Nepal Tea Development Corporation. Ltd. in 1966, that tea cultivation flourished in Nepal. At present, there are 128 tea estates and 45 tea processing factories as registered in NTCDB. Out of these 24 tea estates have their own processing factories whereas 21 tea processing factories do not have their own tea gardens. In addition to these, there are 20 tea packaging industries and export import agencies related to tea marketing. Tea industry in Nepal has developed under three different ownership status and management, namely, Public Estates, Private Estates and Small Holders. The only government owned and managed, NTDC was privatized in the year 2000. All these three types of tea producers have contributed significantly for the expansion of tea cultivation. The efforts made by Government and private sector entrepreneurs including small farmers have been the driving force for the extension of tea in the hills and Terai. Some of the important steps taken by the Government over the last 25 years include establishment of NTDC, implementation of outgrows scheme, declaration of tea zone, and policy package including facilities like providing loan and subsidy on bank rate, exemption from land ceiling and land tax etc., establishment of NTCDB, and issuing of National Tea Policy-2000. The organization structure in all the tea estates under study was not presented clearly in the charts. However, the procedures and processes being practiced in carrying out the everyday tasks in tea industry are more or less similar in most of the cases. On the basis of the management system being adopted in the tea gardens consisting of different levels and statutory requirements, a common type of organization structure could be designed. The common structural pattern of tea estates is presented in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.1 Structural Pattern of a Tea Garden Owners / Board of Directors Managing Director Labor Welfare Officer Asst. Manager (Factory) Office Finance Officer Asst. Manager (Field) Factory Babu Main Mechanic Garden Babu Garden Clerk Head Clerks Accountant Computer Operator Asst. Health Worker Staff Nurse Sisters Electrician Mechanic Fitter Babu Main Sardar Sardar Dafadar Chaprasi Bajliwala Kalwalla Sardars Bahidar Main Sardar Munshi Weathering Rolling Storing Workers Workers Tea Maker Tea Worker Tea Maker Workers Manager Medical Officer Asst. L.W.O. Asst. Clerk Asst. Accountant Peon In practice the estates in Nepal were having typically a very simple line organization structure to administer the day to day routine operations. Fig. 1.2 exhibits a typical form of common organization structure found in all tea estates, though it was not formally exhibited in charts. Each tea estate consisted of a manager with whole responsibility to look after the garden and the factory both as routine work. His roles were more of a technician with the knowledge of tea gardening and processing than a manager. Under the manger were appointed an assistant manager or an officer known as factory in-charge whose main roles and duties were related with running the tea processing factory with the help of technical assistants. And in the garden there were a few assistants called Sardars to supervise the field work whereas in the office were an accountant/clerks. Attendance-keepers called Hazira-Babus and a peon. On the basis of field visits and observation in different tea estates the exis ting common organization structure could be drawn as under. Fig. 1.2 Organization Structure of Tea Estates Owners / Board of Directors Managing Director Mechanics, Fitters Sardars Asst. Fitters Peon Guards Field Workers Workers Manager Office Accountant Factory Incharge Field Incharge Senior Sardars Clerks Computer Operators Attendance Keeper Sardars Bahidars 1.3. Research question Is the performance appraisal practice key to pay rise, training and development, promotion or termination of the employee in the tea industry of Nepal? 1.4. Research objectives The specific objectives of this study were: To examine how employee performance is appraised in an organization. To evaluate the effectiveness of performance appraisal system in the organization. To analyze the relationship between performance appraisal and the factors like pay rise, training and development, promotion or termination of employee in an organization. 1.5. Justification of research Tea industry which occupies an important position in the national economy is growing extensively mainly in the eastern region of Nepal. It is, being one of the most labor intensive, agro-based industries; it involves a great deal of workforce, which provides direct employment to about 41000 workforces. After the privatization of Nepal Tea Development Corporation in 2000, the change in ownership is also accompanied by deep changes in organizational procedures and culture that could have a profound effect on enterprise behavior and performance (Manandhar, 2002: 37). There have been only a few research studies in the field of human resource management in private enterprises of Nepal. And there has not yet been any specific research conducted in performance appraisal in tea industry of Nepal. So, in view of the poor research-based on performance appraisal and the lack of knowledge existing in this field, the research work is virtually called for the streamlining of performance appraisal practices. Research can lead to an increased understanding of and improvement in performance appraisal practices. It can provide insights for managers as they attempt to increase employee productivity and satisfaction while reducing absences and turnover. Research can also identify potential problem areas related to performance appraisal Lack of specific research in this field has encouraged the researcher to take up the task of conducting a comprehensive research with the purpose of examining and analyzing the actual performance appraisal practices in tea industry of Nepal. This study will reveal a clear picture about the existing state of performance appraisal practices in tea industry. The outcome of the study may serve as a research infrastructure on which further researches can be built. And the information and conclusions derived from this study may be useful and helpful for practicing managers, as well as planners, policy makers and other agencies concerned, through better understanding of performance appraisal practices relating to tea industry. Thus, it is a modest attempt towards examining and understanding performance appraisal practices in tea industry of Nepal. 1.6. Structure of dissertation Chapter 1: Introduction: In the first chapter of dissertation covers with background information followed by the selected organisation of study, research question, research objectives, justification of study, structure of dissertation and end with research framework. Chapter 2: Literature review: The second chapter reviews relevant literature of performance appraisal consisting of academic and institutional researches, seminar and survey reports, and articles. Also it includes purpose of performance appraisal and methods of PA. The literature showed that there is positive and strong relationship between performance appraisal and pay rise, promotion or termination, and training and development of employee. Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter deals with the general theories of research like phenomenology and positivism and shows the relevance of phenomenology for this research study. Apart from this, it includes the types of research like inductive and deductive research where the researcher applies the inductive research approach. Finally the data collection tools, techniques, analysis and interpretation methods are dealt briefly in this chapter. Chapter 4.Finding/result: This chapter presents all collected data from primary and secondary sources in tabular form for analysis in order to achieve the goal of the dissertation. Chapter 5: Analysis and discuss of finding: This chapter deals with the results of the data analysis and discussion on the findings. Chapter 6: Conclusion and recommendation: This chapter deals with summarizes major findings of the study and forwards some suggestions 1.7. Research framework Figure 1.3. Research framework: PROBLEMS LITERATURE REVIEW OBJECTIVES FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS PROBLEMS CONCLUSIONS PROBLEMS RECOMMENDATIONS PROBLEMS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Primary Data Questionnaires Interviews Secondary Data PAS Model of Tea Industry Analysis of Organisations Operating Systems and Performance CHAPTER: TWO Literature Review 2.1. Performance Appraisal The essence of the concept of the HRM is that people working in the organization are viewed as a valuable resource. If these people are managed properly, they can boost productivity through commitment and capability. HRM lays emphasis on the importance of integrating personnel functions (recruitment, selection, appraisal, reward, development, industrial relations, grievance and discipline, retirement, redundancy, dismissal) into the overall strategic management of the organization obligation on the employees. The effective management of performance is not only vital for the survival of the organization but is also in the best interest of the employees. The underlying assumption of performance management is that the individual employees can satisfy their needs and objectives by contributing to the attainment of the organizations objectives. This may result in employees motivation and greater job-satisfaction which is at the core of HRM (Foot and Hook 2008).The performance appraisal process generally consists of the following six steps as depicted in Figure 1 (Decenzo and Robbins, 1998). Table 2.1. The Performance Appraisal Process Establishment of performance standards Communicate the performance expectations to employees Measure actual amount of performance Compare the actual performance with standards Discuss appraisal with the employee If necessary, take corrective action Performance appraisal begins with the establishment of clear and objective standards of performance evolved out of job analysis and job description. These standards need to be communicated to the employees. Subordinates have to receive and understand the information properly. The third step is the measurement of the actual performance. For this, four measures can be utilized by managers, namely, personal observation, satisfied reports, oval reports and written reports. The fourth step is the comparing of the actual performance with standards. If any deviations are found between standards and actual performance, the manager may proceed to the fifth step to discuss the appraisal with the employees. Final step of appraisal is taking corrective action when it requires The objectives of performance appraisal can be classified by different ways but according to (Harrison, 1995) to the objectives of performance appraisals are i. administrative: which determine orderly way of promotion, transfers and increase of payment. ii. Informative: supplying the relevant data to management team according to performance of subordinates and weakness and strengths of individual. iii. Motivational: create good environment to employee which motivate staff to develop themselves and to improve their performance According to (Randell, et al. 1972) the main purpose of staff appraisal is to evaluate, auditing, constructing succession plans, motivating staff, developing individuals and checking. Similarly according to (Lefton, 1997 ) performance appraisal can be defined by mainly four characteristics a. its formal b. it tries to find out why and how a subordinates is doing the job c. it tries to explore how subordinate can do better way in a job d.it always tries to produce benefits for subordinate, the organization and the superior. Performance evaluation systems in Nepalese organizations are mandatory. The results of performance appraisal are not used in terms of career development, reward management and employee training and development. The results are mostly used to decide whether to promote employees or not (Adhikari, 2006).The main purpose of performance evaluation in government and public enterprises is the promotion of employees. It is not used for performance feedback to employees, reward management and identifying the needs of training and development. In civil service, 40 percent of performance appraisal is confidential and thus non transparent to employee (Agrawal, 2001). Three different approaches exist for doing appraisals. Employees can be appraised against (i) absolute standards, (ii) relative standards, or (iii) objectives (MBO). However, no one approach is always best. Absolute standards are individual oriented whereas relative standards rank individuals. Management by objectives facilitates continuous improvement of performance results. Most of the private sector enterprises in Nepal lack systematic performance appraisal system. Personal judgment and subjective assessment of owner-manager serves as the key criteria for performance appraisal (Agrawal, 1982). Formal and systematic performance appraisal system was non-existent in tea industry of Nepal. Promotion is the vertical movement of an individual in an organizations hierarchy, enhanced status, accompanied by increased responsibilities, and usually with increased income, though it is not always so (Monappa and Engineer, 1999). It is the advancement of an employee to a higher job-rank in the organizational hierarchy accompanied by a pay rise (Pigors and Myers, 1981: 303). Employees consider their ultimate success of their career and performance in terms of the number and frequency of promotion they get during their service. Yoder et al observed that promotion gives incentive to initiative, ambition and enterprise, unrest and minimizes discontent, attracts capable personalities, appropriate logical training of advancement, and forms and effective reward for cooperation and loyalty, long term service, etc. (Yoder,1979). It increases satisfaction in the employees that their talents and capabilities are being recognized. In turn, they trust the organization and devote for the acco mplishment of organizational goals and objectives. In Nepal, the Civil Service Act was promulgated in 1956 which stated that promotion should be given to civil service personnel on the basis of work efficiency (Civil Service rule, 1993). Many changes have been done in the promotion system of the employee in the government organization since that time. The Administrative Reform Commission formed under the chairmanship of Mr. Vedananda Jha suggested that the promotion criteria for civil service personnel should include (a) seniority, (b) experience, (c) academic qualification and training, and (d) departmental performance report including co-operative attitude. Another Administration Reform Commission formed under the chairmanship of Mr. B.B. Thapa noted as promotion occupied special importance in the career development of employees, so capability to hold higher promotion and the capacity to perform the work satisfactory in the present position were the main criteria of promotion (Government of Nepal, 1996, Report of Commission). Amend ments were done in the Civil Service Rules in 1978 and 1983. Similarly the Administrative Reform Committee formed under the chairmanship of the then prime-minister Mr. G.P. Koirala in 1991 emphasized performance oriented promotion system. The new Civil Service Act, 1993 laid stress on performance ability with criteria such as past performance, seniority, work experience of remote area, and academic qualification. Similarly, the comparative weight-ages of promotion criteria of civil service employees were changed after 1992. NASCs study on promotion system of civil services stated that there was lack of clarity in its purpose and no consistency in the average promotion period between level and services. The risk of subjectivity in merit rating was a major apprehension in the minds of civil servants for giving more weight to merit rating. Even the performance evaluators views were in favor of no link of the promotion with the performance. Basic perquisites for sound performance appraisal practices, such as clear organizational and sectional objectives, individual job descriptions, adequate and reliable information system etc. were not properly provided in the civil service. Majorities were in favor of number allotting 50 percent of seats to the promotion by competitive examination as compared to the exiting 25 percent, in some cases even less. Williams (1972) ascertained that managers lacked adequate means or determination to control the motivation and productivity of their workforce. Job description, performance appraisal and output indicators were non-existent; rewards and sanctions were irrationally applied; salaries were not genuinely related to knowledge and or effort requirements; offices had inadequate facilities; poor co-operation and limited delegation. The top of the decision making level was congested by trivialities while middle-level staff were in a soporific frenzy over the responsibilities for complex planning and fiscal matter. The review presented above fairly indicates that the limited attempts have been made to study personnel / HR management practices in public and private enterprises of Nepal. Those studies have shed light on some aspects of personnel / HR management, however, the concluding remark indicates that personnel /HR management in the past remained neglected areas of management. This review a lso indicates that no systematic attempts have been made to study HRM practices in tea industry of Nepal. This knowledge gap has called for a systematic study which could bridge up such a gap. The present study is an attempt in that direction. 2.2. Purpose of performance appraisal It can be appeared at first glance that performance appraisals are applied for a kind id narrow purpose to assess who is doing a better job (or not). Even so genuinely performance appraisals are one of the most various tools available to managers. They may operate many purposes that profit both the employee whose performance is being appraised and the organisation. Table 2.2.Purpose of performance appraisal ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT Decide on lay offs Describe individuals weaknesses and strengths Determine retention and termination Describe individual training needs Document personal decisions Provide performance feedback Find out promotion conditions Acknowledge individual performance Determine transfers and assignments Measure goal achievement Describe poor performance Assist in goal identification Evaluate training progress/program Determine the organizational training needs Personal planning Reinforce authority design

Increased Migration, Increased Security Concern Essay -- Economic Cris

Migration has the same meaning, the movement of a group of people who leave their native country to settle temporarily or permanently in a different country. People might voluntarily move, but others are forced to leave their country because of dire situations. An analysis shows how the economic crisis, terrorism, and leaders play a role in how immigration is viewed. While it is impossible to send all illegal immigrants back to their countries, preventing further immigration will help eliminate some security threats and increase the stability of a country’s government. The North-South gap has allowed immigration to become a global issue. While the rich North benefits from industrialization, the South suffers from poor development and wealth disparities. Because of this, people hoping for a better standard of living look to the North. When the economy was thriving, countries relied on guest worker programs to help fulfill the demand for labor. France, for example, needed immigrants to help in post-WWII â€Å"recovery and economic expansion† (Rudolph, 2006, p. 128). However, many countries around the world are feeling the effects of the economic crisis today. Since the economic downturn, there has been an increase in unemployment and anti-immigration sentiment. When people have a job and can maintain their families, immigration is put on the back burner. With the percentage of unemployed rising, illegal immigrants were to blame for taking jobs that rightfully belonged to citizens. The pressure from citizens for anti-immigration policies forced leaders to act. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, security was heightened around the world. There is more concern on who is entering the country because of fear of ano... ... given the circumstances Spain must be selfish and focus on its own problems. Increasing border security would help stop the influx of immigrants entering Spain. The situations in Italy, France, and Spain help illustrate the different approaches to fighting illegal immigration. Because of economic booms, countries relied on immigrant workers to provide needed labor. However, the economic crisis means more people are without jobs and immigrants are no longer needed for work. The risk of terrorist attacks means tighter border control and increased fear of people who are ideologically different. The decisions leaders make concerning immigration reflects the ideals of their citizens. While people may want immigrants to go back to their countries, many immigrants have made a life for themselves and their families and do not see their native countries as â€Å"home†.

The theory of relativity and its use in Sci-Fi

This investigation looks in to the different aspects of general and special relativity that has been used in science fiction movies. This report talks about the difficulties and possibilities of travelling at the speed of light (c), the different propulsion systems that could be used and how trecknology has changed the boundaries of physics in Hollywood features. Time travel also features looking at different theories behind it with a number of new ideas. The Foundations of relativity were set out in detail by Albert Einstein. The ‘special' version of the theory, which applies to observers in a uniform relative motion, has led to a number of successful conclusions of a variety of effects. Newton's laws of motion give us a complete description of the behaviour of moving objects at low speeds (speed of objects much less than the speed of light). These laws being thought up in the 17th century, when the classical laws of dynamics where being formulated by other early physicists, these classical laws are themselves subject to a relativity principle. Einstein's special theory of relativity gives the motion of particles moving at close to the speed of light. It actually gives the motion of any particle. This does not however prove Newton wrong; his equations are within Einstein's relativistic equations. Einstein's theory of special relativity is based on two assumptions: 1. All inertial (i.e. non-accelerating) frames of reference are equally valid (i.e. any observations or experiments performed will produce equally valid results). 2. The speed of light is constant for all inertial frames of reference. Given these two statements, Einstein showed how definitions of momentum and energy must be refined and how quantities such as length and time must change from one observer to another in order to get consistent results for physical quantities. Science fiction has for years tried to incorporate the theories that govern the reality of physics within their programmes, to keep those die hard science fiction fans happy. Science fiction has been subject to cult following for many years and in many countries, although no matter how hard they try there are a number of important facts that seem almost popular to overlook, the main one being travelling at the speed of light. Many programmes have some sort of light propulsion, warp drive and travel to other universes. But can this really be done? Many physicists all over the world have tried to find out if travelling faster than the speed of light is possible without violating relativity. We do know that is impossible to accelerate forever, because the closer to the speed of light we get the mass tends to infinity this means that there would need to be an infinite amount of energy needed to push us past this speed barrier; This equation represents what would happen to mass when relativistic speeds are reached. Here, m is the mass, of an object at rest; m' is the value for the moving reference frame. As you get closer to the speed of light the product at the bottom of the equation gets closer to zero so this means that m'/m tends to infinity. If you were to rearrange this equation so to get the value of m' the same results are seen. The increase in mass, however, is best understood not as a change in mass but as a change in the relationship of mass and momentum. Momentum (p) is the product of mass x velocity. Here, p' is the relativistic momentum and m is the rest mass. Once again we can see that the momentum this time will tend towards infinity as we reach the speed of light. Using one of Einstein's most famous equations E = mc2 we can now see that if the mass does tend towards infinity that an infinite amount of energy will be needed to remain at constant velocity let alone accelerate. Time dilation is another consequence of travelling at relativistic speed. We've all heard about the ‘twin paradox' if one twin went on a space journey at 99.5% the speed of light and returned in what he judged to be 4 years the other twin with have aged by 40 yrs! These effects cannot be seen with humans, yet it has been tested and seen to occur with particles at the atomic scale. So any sci-fi movie where the astronauts return home after visiting other galaxies after travelling at the speed of light is clearly impossible, if they had been travelling for any length of time they would have probably come back to their grandchildren. To explain this if you could imagine a spacecraft with a light source perpendicular to the motion; If there were an observer on the spacecraft and the light travelled 0.6m it would take 2 nanoseconds to travel that distance. By using a simple equation speed = distance/ time the light is travelling speed = 0.6 x 2Ãâ€"10-9 = 3Ãâ€"108 ms-1 this should not come to as a surprise as this is the speed of light. However if the observer then was then stationary with the spacecraft moving past them, they would see the light take this direction: Now in pre-relativistic (Newtonian) physics, both observers record the same period of time. Consequently, the velocity recorded by the two observers is different: the Earth-bound observer would record a greater velocity for the beam of light. But taking into account Einstein's assumption that the speed of light doesn't change, and is the same for both observers, the distance for the light to travel doesn't change as it is not in the direction of travel, the time which the light takes obviously changes. Does this then mean there is no such thing as absolute time? The distance that would have been observed for the light to travel would have been 1m so using the equation time = distance / speed, time = 1 / 3Ãâ€"108 = 3Ãâ€"10-9 s, so we can conclude the clock on the space craft is slower than that when stationary. This is given by the equation: If v

Place Of Buddhist Education Earliest and In Present Day in Vietnam

Buddhism has been present in Vietnam for almost two thousand years. Buddhism is an offshoot of Hinduism. It originated in Nepal in 530 B. C. A Hindu price, Gautama who did not like the idea of Hindu caste system, was the founder of Buddhism. Gautama did not believe that any man could be superior to the other and as Hinduism Brahmans are considered superior, he left this religion . Gautama had spent many years wandering and meditating. In the end he found answers to all his questions and hence found the path of enlightenment, â€Å"nirvana†. According to Buddhism, nirvana is the path to endless serenity.It is free from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Moreover, a person will achieve salvation if he believes in the four noble truths. These four noble truths are that a man suffers in all his consecutive lives; the reason for his sufferings is his wants for earthly things, when the person frees himself from all the wants of earthly things he then achieves deliverance. The la st noble truth says that a person can achieve deliverance by following the eightfold noble path . BUDDHIST SCHOOLS Buddhism spread in Vietnam through China in second century A. D. In third and sixth century it came from India.Buddhism came through Vietnam's Red River Delta region and Mekong Delta area. Mahayana Buddhism came from China and became more famous than Theravada (or Hinayana) Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism came from India and was accepted by people in the Southern delta region. Both of these have different views about Gautama Buddha. According to Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha was one of many enlightened people. They also believe that out of all these people Buddha was the divine one. Theravada Buddhism believes that Buddha was the only enlightened one and that there was no other than him.However they think that Buddha cannot be called as the divine one. The Mahayana school also believes that any person can achieve nirvana and that who ever follows the right path will be able to reach nirvana but Theravada school says that only monks and nuns can attain nirvana. These two schools of Buddhism are actually different interpretations of one basic belief. These are the earliest schools in Vietnam. Why did Mahayana become more accepted? It is because the Mahayana ritual and imagery attracted the Vietnamese. Its ceremonies were in conformity with original Vietnamese beliefs and rituals.This school of Buddhism also combined folklore with Taoist teachings. The enlightened ones in Buddhism were respected as animist spirits. In 7th century C. E, Mahayana school became a little more developed. It was then called Vajrayana. This had an influence of Hinduism also but had similar teachings as of Mahayana. The aim of Vajrayana is the same as that in Mahayana, that is to attain Buddhahood, but the tantric practices showed a quick way to achieve this end . BUDDHISM BEFORE UNIFICATION Before the country was unified, Buddhism was the state religion. When the communist gained power, Buddhism religion came under continuous hostility.Later, the Patriotic Buddhist Liaison Committee was formed. This committee tried to separate real collaborators from opponents. It promoted the idea that all Buddhist wanted to build a new society. This society was free from the feudal and neo-colonialist influences. This committee tried to prove that all Buddhist were involved in this committee and that they were trying to put a halt to independent Buddhist clergy’s activities to a halt. The communist in those times tried to pressure the monks and nuns to lead their life in such a way that they do not oppose their worldly desires.However the main aim of Buddhism is to lead a secular life, hence whoever disobeyed these communists was placed under house arrest or imprisoned. All their holdings were confiscated most of their religious places were turned in to public use. Trainings of monks and nuns were stopped. In 1981, a Buddhist church was formed in Vietnam which repre sented all Buddhists. Though Buddhists activities were taking place in some remote areas but each and every pagoda in the country had been destroyed. The main aim of these communists was to stop any religious growth of Buddhists.Whatever Buddhists remained were practicing their religion but no new monks and nuns were allowed to be ordained. When the Buddhist church was formed in 1981, it helped train a new generation of monks and nuns. Two Buddhists academy were formed one in Hanoi and another in Ho Chi Minh City. BUDDHIST EDUCATION The education system in Vietnam is of great importance as it declares the identity of a nation. This identity is also characterized by the culture and religion and is the core element in cooperation with other nations. The culture might makeup the identity of a nation.This culture is influenced by the education of the country and more importantly the higher education. From very early period Buddhists are concerned about education. In third century almost 9 Dhamma missionaries were sent to different areas of south East Asia in order to teach people about Buddhism . This is the oldest example telling Buddhists concern about Buddhist studies. These 9 Dhamma missionaries started a wave of missionaries. These were sent to Sri Lanka, Thailand and china etc. Today, due to these missionaries and Buddhist schools, Buddhists are present in very corner of the world.Vietnamese Buddhist education leaders are very much concerned about the global demands and needs of Buddhist education. In 1975, when the country got united, there already was a higher education institution in South; it was named Van Hanh University. This university was popular internationally and had close interaction with many other universities of the world. After 1980s two advanced schools were established in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. These schools trained monks and nuns at B. A level. Due to growing demand these two higher education schools were later turned in to universit ies.These now trained monks and nuns at not only undergraduate level but also postgraduate level. In 1997, one more Buddhist university was formed, this time in Hue city. Today, there are almost 40, 000 monks and nuns. There are almost six colleges and 31 high schools teaching Buddhism . In past few years many Buddhist colleges have been made. These Buddhist colleges give Buddhist education at B. A level. Many monks and nuns have been sent to other countries like India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and United States, in order to have higher education. These students come back with PhDs and master degrees.This will help improve the quality of education and increase the number of teaching staff in the country. These students not only spread the good name of Buddhism but also help impart their knowledge to other Buddhist students in Vietnam. Though Buddhism is present in every corner of the world and is considered on of the global religions, it has never tried to alter or threaten th e cultures and traditions of any place. The main reason for this is that Buddha’s original teachings never tried to alter anyone’s culture. It was with the doctrine of dependent origin (Paticcasamuppada).They have a general formula which says that nothing exists independently. Moreover, the Chinese Hua Yen school believes in the theory of totalism. This theory says that all the things in the universe have their own qualities. These are fully present within or without Dhamma. Hence, we can say that Buddhists studies believe that all existence in the world is interdependent regardless of their faith, nation or religion. This attitude of Buddhist studies has helped Buddhism spread throughout the world. Education can be called a tool which helps a human being grow, transform and learn.Education in many areas of the world is a social liability, but never can we see that it illuminates the light of truth and goodness like Buddhist education. The prime responsibility of Dhamm a schools is to transform a character. A person has values which are responsible for his character. These values come from ideals. Buddhist educators determine these ideals and teach students about a proper Buddhist life. There are five qualities that Buddhism education brings from the teachings of Buddha. The first one is concerned with emotions of a human. Second is related to education and wisdom.Others relate to better living styles like avoid killing, stealing, sexual abuse and drinking. The Buddhist education transforms a character in real terms. The character and intelligence, both are tried to be balanced. The entire Buddhist education comes from the studies of Buddha, who is the supreme teacher. All of the studies root from saddha, which is the faith in triple Gem. Depdnding upon these studies the students are taught according to the five rules. The students should know the rules, their reason and their appliance in daily lives. Most importantly, they should appreciate all these rules and believe in them.The students should know what is generosity and self sacrifice. These are essential elements that help the students overcome their worldly desires, their selfishness and greed. These five moral rules are dependent on each other. A student can gain by suta, which is by extensive reading of Buddhism texts. According to Buddhist studies the knowledge of a person is dependent on his inside belief of truth i. e. Dhamma. Calm and insight are the two main elements of any Buddhist teaching. In Buddhist education tasks and wisdom are dependent on each other. A student can attain wisdom by deep investigation, discussion and intelligence.This wisdom was the basic instruments which lead Buddha to salvation. This wisdom is the crown of all educations of Buddhism. Without wisdom, education is incomplete. Before French, people were chosen based on their education. These were officials known as â€Å"mandarins†. Learning was very important in those times. It w as not just education but it lead a person to intellectual understanding, social standing, wealth and power. According to Buddha himself, â€Å"There arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and light . † Today, Buddhist monasteries still give Buddhist education to scholars.Buddhist relics are found all over Vietnam. These relics indicate that there were Buddhists present there in one time or the other. Religious education was provided to masses, and every nook and corner of Vietnam had places for Buddhist education. During rainy seasons the monks rested in viharas, which was also their place of meditating. The Stupa is also a place where Buddhist education can be taught. Usually in a stupa there is a large place which can hold the teacher student class. Sometimes there are stone benches and a place on the wall used as a writing board.Sometimes there are cubicles which are all around the hall. In olden days Buddhist scholars were taught in stupas. The academic da y in a Buddhist school starts with paying of obeisance to Buddha. â€Å"Siddham namah† is recited till today and it means â€Å"I bow to Buddha †. Older Buddhists usually write these words when starting to write any text. Vietnamese Buddhists are trying hard to encourage people to learn Buddhism. They are conveying the message of peace as Buddhism is a religion of peace and mental development. Buddhism has contributed a lot to Vietnam’s development.Buddhists monks are brought together from inside and outside the country. VBS, also known as Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is the only representative of Buddhism in Vietnam . They have worked very hard in order to spread and teach Buddhism. Today there are almost 15,000 worship places in Vietnam and 10 million Buddhist followers. Almost 40,000 monks and nuns have studies Buddhism. Though there were a few schools in the country and only one Buddhist institute names Van Hanh in Ho Chi Minh City. Today there are four institute s, six colleges and 31 high schools which teach Buddhist education.Almost 200 monks and nuns went abroad to study Buddhism. Each and every one of them either got a PhD or a master’s degree. Many thousand students are studying Buddhism in Vietnamese schools. VBS runs almost 1,000 classrooms for disadvantaged children. There are almost 36 Buddhist orphanages all across the country. Almost 10 vocational training schools have been built by VBS. These schools train people free of charge. Buddhist education system is indeed prospering and when a nation’s education system is that well it certainly has an impact on other walks of life also.Buddhists Monks and nuns organize a large number of humanitarian works. They have campaigns to raise funds for flood victims, build charity houses and provide medical care to the poor and disabled. Over past 5 years VBS has raised almost $25 million for charity works. Due to Buddhists scholars going abroad for learning, there has been a deep integration of Buddhist education in the international economies also. Many Buddhist students from all over the world come to Vietnam to study Buddhism. It ahs become an international arena and attracts Buddhist scholars from all over the world.Though Vietnam is a poor country with low per capita income yet it has one of the highest literacy rates. The literacy rate in Vietnam in 1997 was 92%. There are over 2 million pupils all over the country. In 2000, the budget share for education was almost 15%, out of which almost 80% was paid to the teachers . In 2008, Birth anniversary of Buddha will be held in Vietnam for the first time. Already almost 100 countries have registered so far. Indeed Buddhist education in Vietnam has opened the gates to the world’s community. People now from all over the world come to Vietnam to study religion.Vietnamese education system is one of the oldest and yet most advanced. Though there were no universities teaching Buddhism as a subject, today there are several universities which have Buddhist studies as their main subjects. CONCLUSION Buddhism is one of the most important religions of the World and has become one of the fastest spreading religions also. The materialistic nature of human is the root of all evil and as Buddhism shows human that there existence is not for these worldly pleasures but for the attainment of nirvana, it is becoming popular.More people are now turning to Buddhism. These people want to find the true spiritual reason for the existence of humans. These spiritual values are one major thing that all other western religions lack. An innovation and reformation is occurring in all the study areas of the world. Globalization is becoming a new trend. Buddhists students are also not confined to Vietnam alone, but they go to many other countries in order to educate themselves. These students then come back and teach many other students who are eager to learn Buddhism.Due to new trends, Vietnam has also refo rmed its educational structures and strategies in order to conform it to global changes. Buddhism as a whole has under gone structural changes in higher education so that Buddhist universities can reach international standards . Many scholars suggest that educational institutions teaching Buddhism in Vietnam should have and entrepreurial structure but others say that a heuristic approach would help more. Here is a list of some Vietnamese Universities giving Buddhist education . †¢ Ho Chi Minh City College for Buddhist Studies, Thien Minh Temple, Do Xuan Hop†¢ Hanoi College for Buddhist Studies , Non Nuoc Temple, Xa Phu Linh, Huyen Soc Son, Ha Noi. †¢ Hue College for Buddhist Studies, Bao Quoc Temple,Hue. †¢ Can Tho College for Buddhist Studies, Chua Buu An, Quan Ninh Kieu, Can Tho †¢ Lam Dong College for Buddhist Studies, Linh Son Temple, 120 Nguyen Van Troi. Da Lat †¢ Ba Ria – Vung Tau College for Buddhist Studies, Dai Tong Lam Monastery. Tan Th anh. Ba Ria Vung Tau †¢ Bac Lieu College for Buddhist Studies, 3/234 Tinh lo 38, P. 5, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau †¢ Advanced School for Dharma Dissemination, Hoa Khanh Temple, 215 Phan Van Tri, Binh Thanh, HCMC†¢ Khmer Theravada Academy for Buddhist Studies, Pothisomron Temple, O Mon, Can Thos References Asia Recipe. (2000). Vietnam Education. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from: http://asiarecipe. com/vieteducation. html Brough, John. (n. d). Gandhari Dharmapada. India (n. p). B. Seshagiri Rao. (n. d) Andhra Karnata Jainism, Madras Dan, Nhan. (2007). Vietnam Buddhist Sangha on journey with nation. The Buddhist Channel. International Association of Buddhist Universities (2007). List of universities and colleges. Retrived January 2, 2008 from: http://www. iabu. org/ListOfUniversity. aspxLang, Nguyen. (n. d. ). History Of Buddhism in Vietnam. Viet Nam Phat Giao Su Luan Marginson, S. and Rhoades, G. (2002). Beyond National States, Markets, and Systems of Higher Education: A Glonacal A gency Heuristic, Higher Education. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. The Buddhist society. (2007). Schools and Traditions; spread of Buddhism. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from: http://www. thebuddhistsociety. org/resources/index. html The Buddhist World. (2007) The Buddhist Schools. (n. p). Retrieved January 2, 2008 from: http://www. buddhanet. net/e-learning/buddhistworld/vietnam-txt.htm Truyen, Chanh Tri Mai Tho (n. d). Buddhism in Vietnam. Vietnam news agency (2007). Vietnam Buddhist sangha in journey with the nation. Retrived January 2, 2008 from: http://www. vnagency. com. vn/Home/EN/tabid/119/itemid/227191/Default. aspx Vietnam News (VNS). (2006). 2006 a significant year for Buddhists. Retrived January 2, 2008 from: http://vietnamnews. vnagency. com. vn/showarticle. php? num=01REL270106 Van Hein, Vietnam. (2001) Vietnamese culture. Education. .Retrieved January 2, 2008 from: http://www. saigoninfo. com/vanhoa/education. php

The Matrix - Movie Overview essays

The Matrix - Movie Overview essays Thomas Anderson is a man who lives a double life. Thomas Anderson is a computer programmer at a reputable company. Neo is his alter ego and is a computer hacker that does side jobs for money. The movie opens with Neo waking up to a somebody talking to him through his computer. Neo doesnt know what to make of this but the person in the computer tells him to follow the white rabbit. Neo sees a woman with a tattoo of a white rabbit on her shoulder and decides to go with her and some other men to a night club. At this night club is where Neo meets Trinity. Trinity asks Neo if he wants to know what the matrix is and tells him about Morpheus. Neo awakens the next morning late for work and still confused as to what happened the night before. While sitting at his desk Neo gets a telegram that contains a cell phone. As soon as he opens the package the cell phone rings and Morpheus is on the other end. Morpheus informs Neo that agents are on their way to his desk to take him away. Morpheus instructs Neo of a way to escape the agents by going to the window and climbing up to the roof. Neo drops his phone while on the ledge and ends up getting taken into custody by the agents. This is where Mr. Smith is introduced. He is the head agent and is not someone to be taken lightly. Mr. Smith shows Neo, whom he calls Mr. Anderson, the personal file that they have kept of him and his crimes hacking computers. Mr. Smith offers Neo a deal that if he cooperates and helps them catch Morpheus then he will be rid of the file and have a clean start. Neo does not cooperate and the agents plant a bug like tracer into Neos belly button. Neo again awakens in his bed not sure of what has happened. His telephone rings and Morpheus tells him it is time to meet and arranges for Trinity and crew to pick him up. Trinity removes the bug from Neos belly button and takes him to go see Morpheus. Morpheus tells Neo what the matrix is. The matrix...

Explore the theme of love in Auden Essays

Explore the theme of love in Auden Essays Explore the theme of love in Auden Paper Explore the theme of love in Auden Paper Essay Topic: W H auden Poems This was an arranged marriage which allowed her to have the British citizenship and escape from Nazi Germany. Aden met his true love, the poet Chester Coalman, in New York in 1939. Coalman became Addends companion for the rest of his life. Love is a recurrent theme in Addends poetry but so are many others such as world war two, politics, indifference, nature or time. Therefore, we could ask ourselves how important love is in Addends poetry. As Aden has been in love for the major part of his life, a lot of his poems talk about it or at least mention it. Among them, the most famous one is Funeral Blues as it has been used in the movie Four weddings and a funeral. In this poem, Aden talks about the death of his lover. It is one of the rare poems in which Aden assumes his homosexuality when he says He Is Dead. It must be said that at this time, being gay was unacceptable and people could even end up in jail for that (this might be one of the reasons why in the memo Roman Wall Blues, Aden talks about my girl though we know that his lover was a man). In Funeral Blues, the poet describes how the lover meant everything to him, by using the lexical field of space North, South, East, West, time noon, midnight, but also senses such as the view or hearing especially in the first stanza. The entire poem is about the void that the death of the lover has left and how much he counted in Addends life. This is pretty much the same in the poem underneath the abject willow. Indeed, in the two poems the lover is dead. But in the second one, there is a positive note by the middle of the poem Strike and you shall conquer which become more and more imposing by the end of it. It ends up on a sign of hope walk then, come, no longer numb into your satisfaction which is contrasting with the beginning. This sudden change in the characters way of thinking almost makes the reader forget that at first, this poem was written after the lovers death and it could possibly be a way for the author to express his grief. This evolution of atmosphere is common with other poems such as The more loving one. It begins very sadly, the poet seems depressive for all they care, can go to hell. The use vulgarity is a sign of how fed up the poet is. He uses it again in stanza three stars that do not give a damn to emphasis that he has had enough. Indeed, being in love is never easy because as Aden says equal affection cannot be. One person always loves more than the other does. Aden wants to be the more loving one, not as a sign of sacrifice but rather as a sign of understanding of the situation. By the end of the poem, he seems appeased by his choice, or at least a little, and able to put things into respective l should learn to look at an empty sky. In this poem, Aden shows love as omnipresent in peoples lives as it keeps being a concern even at night time, under the stars. The evolution of atmosphere can be from a negative one to a positive one as we have just seen but it can also be inversely such as in O what is that sound and Refugee Blues. Indeed, in both poems, the atmosphere is quite pessimistic in the first stanzas but it becomes more and more obvious that the protagonists are wanted and that the end is going to be tragic. For instance, in O what is that sound, one of the two beakers still has hope in his voice at the beginning only the scarlet soldiers, dear, the soldiers coming but as we continue reading, we can feel that he starts worrying or perhaps a warning, now they are running and by the end, he is as scared as the first speaker is or maybe even more l promised to love you, dear, But I must be leaving. In Refugee Blues, the fact that the protagonists are wanted is really clear as soon as the first stanza yet theres no place for us, my dear, yet theres no place for us but it still becomes more ND more precise as long as we read the poem looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me. Those poems are both tragic as we understand that the characters are Jews wanted by the Nazi Germany. Love is here used as a way of moving deeply the reader as we can easily identify in the nickname dear used all along the two poems. The use of the theme of love can also be seen as a ploy to soften the harshness of reality. This use can also be found in Lullaby. Even though the major part of the poem is quite sad, love is present since the beginning lay your sleeping head, my love and until the ND watched by every human love. The love mentioned in this poem is not only romantic love, but also spiritual love. Indeed, Addends speech is quite philosophical, he wonders why the world is as it is. Love is one of the few elements that bring back the reader to the real world. It is shown as a positive thing that makes reality easier to accept. Sometimes though, love is not welcome. This is the case in Miss Gee, in which the old single lady is disgusted by the sight of the loving couples. It can be seen as a sign of jealousy and loneliness.

Mariana Trench Facts and Location

Mariana Trench Facts and Location The Mariana Trench (also called the Marianas Trench) is the deepest part of the ocean. This trench lies in an area where two of the Earths plates- the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Plate- come together. The Pacific plate dives under the Philippine plate, which also partially gets pulled along. It is also thought that water can be carried with it, and may contribute to strong earthquakes by hydrating rock and lubricating the plates, which might lead to a sudden slip. There are many trenches in the ocean, but because of the location of this trench, it is the deepest. The Mariana Trench is located in an area of old seafloor, made up of lava, which is dense and causes the seafloor to settle further. Plus, since the trench is so far away from any rivers, it does not get filled with sediment like many other oceanic trenches, which also contributes to its extreme depth. Location The Mariana Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and about 120 miles east of the Mariana Islands. In 2009, President Bush declared the area surrounding Mariana Trench as a wildlife refuge, called the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, which covers approximately 95,216 square miles. Size The trench is 1,554 miles long and 44 miles wide. The trench is more than 5 times wider than it is deep. The deepest point of the trench- which is known as the Challenger Deep- is almost 7 miles (over 36,000 feet) deep and is a bathtub-shaped depression. The trench is so deep that at the bottom that the water pressure is eight tons per square inch. Water Temperature The water temperature in the deepest part of the ocean is a chilly 33-39 degrees Fahrenheit- just above freezing. Life in the Trench The bottom of deep areas like the Mariana Trench is composed of an ooze made up of the shells of plankton. While the trench and areas like it havent been fully explored, we know that there are organisms that can survive at this depth, including bacteria, microorganisms, protists (foraminifera, xenophyophores, shrimp-like amphipods, and possibly even some fish. Exploring the Trench The first trip to the Challenger Deep was made by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh in 1960. They didnt spend much time at the bottom, and couldnt see much as their sub kicked up too much sediment, but they did report seeing some flatfish. Voyages to the Mariana Trench have been made since then to map the area and collect samples, but humans had not been to the deepest point in the trench until 2012. In March 2012, James Cameron successfully completed the first solo, human mission to the Challenger Deep. Sources Alden, Andrew. 2009. Why the Mariana Trench is So Deep.Dohrer, Elizabeth. 2012. Mariana Trench: The Deepest Depths. LiveScience.Jackson, Nicholas. 2011. Racing to the Bottom: Exploring the Deepest Point on Earth. The Atlantic.Lovett, Richard A. 2012. How the Mariana Trench Became the Earths Deepest Point. National Geographic Daily News.NASA Earth Observatory. 2012. New View of the Deepest Trench.Roach, John. 2005. Life is Found Thriving at Oceans Deepest Point. National Geographic.USGS. Understanding Plate Motions.

Exploring Strategies For Reducing Hospital Errors Research Paper

Exploring Strategies For Reducing Hospital Errors - Research Paper Example Later, using the quantitative techniques the benefits realized were determined as a result of the implementation. The research methodology used for this research paper was the survey design. A random sample of the hospitals was selected from all over the state and accordingly the perceived importance and the implementation of the error reducing strategies was checked using a questionnaire as the data gathering instrument. The target population was identified and the questionnaires were distributed via the electronic media. A follow up was made about whether the questionnaire was received to the right person by making phone calls. The problem statement of a research study is basically a set of puzzles that the researcher intends to solve. The statement may not be a single statement presenting the problem; rather it could constitute few paragraphs or multiple points covering the problem area. However, they should â€Å"present a concise description of the nature of the problem to be investigated† (Blaikie, 2000, p.16). With respect to this, the problem statement of this research paper is very well presented. It is actually covered in four very concise points which identify the problem areas that are dealt in the research paper. They deal with the variables identified (dependent, independent and moderating) with which all the study relates to. However rigorous the study might be, the vitality of selecting the appropriate sample and targeting the key respondents can not in any case be ignored; for a failure with this part of the study would result in the whole study being fruitless as the validity of the results could well be challenged. The research paper under consideration deals with the perceived importance and the implementation of the error reducing strategies in the hospitals and the barriers that come in the way. With respect to that, the key respondents that were identified for the

Literaty Anaylsis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Literaty Anaylsis - Essay Example The essay tries to make a literary analysis of Frost’s poem â€Å"Birches† laying special emphasis on its theme and the literary devices employed in it. One of the major themes of the poem is that of imagination versus reality. The poet, like the birch swinger, tries to fly into an imaginary world, but he ultimately realizes that â€Å"one must remain within the natural world itself and that complete escape into the world of the imagination is impossible† ("Birches: Themes"). The poet finds the birch tree â€Å"bend to left and right† and he understands the reality that it is the result of ice-storms. However, his imagination goes beyond the actual reason and concludes that some boy would be swinging on the birches. Thus, the tension between â€Å"the real world and the world of the imagination, runs throughout Frosts poetry and gives the poem philosophical dimension and meaning far greater than that of a simple meditation on birch trees† ("Birches: Introduction†). Later the poet himself identifies with the boy and considers himself to be a birch swinger. The poet is of the opinion that when one is â€Å" weary of considerations† and life seems to be â€Å"a pathless wood†, he/she is quite likely to â€Å"to get away from the earth awhile†. Thus, the climbing of the boy in the poem symbolizes man’s escape from the real world to the world of imagination or illusion and his coming down to earth suggests coming back to the world of reality. For the poet, the escape from the earth is only momentary and this occasional climb to the world of imagination provides one with the inner strength to face the real world. As Frost himself puts it: â€Å"Id like to get away from earth awhile / And then come back to it and begin over†. At the end, the poet comes to the realization that the â€Å"earth is the right place for love† and that he cannot find a better place than this. Thus, the poem can be rightly understood as a conflict of the soul

Finance and Accounting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Finance and Accounting - Research Paper Example It is without doubt that table salt had developed into a well-rounded and mature enterprise but Sea Shore Salt had grown gradually over the years however, on the peril of its competitors that were not well known in the business. The company had developed a legacy with its brand name that was ideally known and recognized in the area giving the company a competitive advantage despite it being very difficult to pronounce the name quickly (Sages & Grable 57). Bernice reported to work on January 2, 2006 and everything was seen to be going smoothly until Mr. Brinepool sent her a memo on the company’s cost of capital, giving her the task of explain to all the other managers the company’s weighted average cost of capital. Bernice had not expected such a task so soon and hence, she stayed at the office late that night to prepare for any questions that may be shot at her during the meeting that was scheduled to be held the following day. Bernice at first analyzed and summarized t he company’s recent balance sheet to and later on wrote down some points she had discovered: (Sages & Grable 58). The bank where the company had taken a loan charged an interest that was similar to the existing market rate bearing in mind that the long- term debt had previously been issued not so long ago. This meant that the book as well as the market values of the debt could not have a great difference in margin. The company had issued stock about 35 years ago at the time when the interest rates were significantly lower than they are now. The stock were expected to rise by a large margin over the years and eventually become very lucrative in future though this did not happen. The current stock which was initially preferred was now trading at only $70 per share contrary to what the management expected the share price to stand at by this time. Common stock was expected to trade at $40 per share by this time. Earnings for the subsequent year were projected to be at about $4 an d the dividends shareholders were going to receive at the end of the fiscal year was probably expected to be around $2 per share. Sea Shore Salt had a tradition of using 50% of her earnings to pay dividends to its shareholders and the rest would be retained by the company for future expansion and growth. Fig 12. 2 Mr. Brinepool’s cost of capital memo Sea Shore Salt Company Spring Vacation Beach, Florida CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM DATE: January 15, 2006 TO: S.S.S. Management FROM: Joe- Bob Brinepool, president SUBJECT: Cost of capital This memo gives and insight and understanding about the company’s long- term policy concerning rates to be considered in terms of making decisions involving capital investment. Recently, many people have started to raise questions and there has been an air of confusion with regards to this disturbing matter. Sea Shore Salt analyses investment by discounted a cash flow that is discounted. The problem in discount rate is the weighted average co st of capital experienced by the company after tax. The weighted average cost of capital is the combination of the amount of returns that investor expect a company to generate at the end of each fiscal year. These investors include persons or institutions such as banks, bond holders or even stock investors; this is on top of the already present stock owners. Sea Salt financings are summarized in the following table Amount (in millions) percent of total rate of return Bank loan 120 20% 8% Bond issue 80 13.3

David A. Sklansky's view of Katz v. United States Essay

David A. Sklansky's view of Katz v. United States - Essay Example (Sklansky, 2006) According to the author, Katz case remains a landmark both because it provides the constitutional framework that continues to govern electronic surveillance, and because it provides the modern test for a 'search' within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment has been the cornerstone in many legal cases for the limits to which the privacy of the person can be breached for the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. However, the case itself remains rather ambiguous, and there is still doubt, whether taking into account the modern situation after the events of 9/11 electronic surveillance and eavesdropping should be allowed without a warrant Some suppose that the judicial decisions made by Burger and Rehnquist may diminish the effect of Katz's case. It is possible to have a look at least one of the cases ruled by these justices in relation to the Fourth amendment: 'Smith v. Maryland, 442 U.S. 735 (1979). ... he urgency of the Katz's case is still relevant and even in the light of terrorist threats in the modern society it has its weight, it gives more questions, than answers. It was interesting to note, that actually Katz is viewed as a failure among scholars. It is agreed, that his striving to prove that surveillance is legal, but only under a warranty, is important, but the case itself has not set any reasonable limits for privacy and it should be defined; whether this framework should be adopted outside the domestic law enforcement and what it has to do with the new communication technologies. Sklansky notes, that 'reasonable expectation of privacy sounds nice, but what does it mean' (Sklansky, 2006) The question is absolutely reasonable, taking into account that the privacy has become a subject of major concern now with the cases of privacy breaches more and more frequent, and inability of Courts to define the reasonable privacy limits when it comes to crime. Noting again the events of 9/11 and bearing in mind that terrorist acts' elimination requires special thorough investigation and action, there is a question how privacy issue and national security issue can be weighted by both public safety entities and the court In Katz's case Justice White still left certain space for consideration, noting that in 'national security cases electronic surveillance upon the authorization of the President or the Attorney General could be permissible without prior judicial approval.' (Kitch, 1968) As a result and following the case, the executive Branch has asserted the power to use unwarranted electronic surveillance in the two specific types of national security situations: against foreign intelligence and against domestic subversion. This has been an attempt to weight privacy and

Is it important for people to have popular culture in daily life Essay

Is it important for people to have popular culture in daily life - Essay Example To emphasize on the consumerist and corrupted fiction that is popular culture, this essay will base its argument on James Harold article, ‘A moral Never-Never Land: Identifying with Tony Soprano’. This article will provide the essay with a counter-argument position to Harold’s reasoning. Harold’s article will assist this essay to provide points on why identifying with popular culture is a moral wrong and not vital to the everyday existence of man. The essay will pick various points against Harold’s final stand while also borrowing ideas from his article on why popular culture is a moral wrong. To further illustrate and prove the moral wrong of popular culture, the essay will use Harold’s examples borrowed from the TV series ‘the Sopranos’. In his article, Harold argues that associating with popular culture, in his instance, ‘the Sopranos’, does not affect the general public. He postulates that the show provides a balanced view of the good and bad people that it is impossible for one to get only caught up with the show’s protagonist Tony Soprano. He notes that the show’s other main characters such as Jeniffer Melfi provide the audience with a point of view that holds a different view from Tony’s violence filled life. In his article, the author bases it around the moral aspect of popular culture. Due to its consumerist nature, popular culture mostly tends to be sensationalist and in effect end up holding no moral ground or values. It is for this reason that this essay disputes it necessity to people’s everyday life. The strengths of Harold’s article is that it provides a double view argument on the subject of morality and popular culture. The author provides argument by Pl ato and Tolstoy’s moral criticism of art (Harold, 2011). He uses this countering argument to base his argument that art provides a plethora of perspectives which allow the

Contemporary ethical challenges and Leadership Essay

Contemporary ethical challenges and Leadership - Essay Example Things which people perceived as wrong in the past are now viewed as tolerable and acceptable. This change in the way people think has brought about numerous challenges which leaders have to face. Moral behaviour was initially judged on the basis of religious teachings. Irrespective of which religion an individual belonged to, the human life was focused on the religious teachings. However with the passage of time, the human focus has shifted from religion. With secular societies and nations being on the rise, religion is not viewed as the fundamental basis of how one should act. Consequently, the error theory and the meta-ethics have developed over time. In the present times, age old principles are not used as the basis of governing a situation. Be it an issue in economy or a problem faced in the business, people consider the present situation and weigh their pros and cons before terming an action as either ethical or unethical. It is believed that times have changed so immensely, th at the age old principles do not apply any longer to the issues faced by the people today (Mackie, 110). In a world, where people often do not abide by the rules of religion, it is very important for national leaders to be ethical. Similarly it is very important for business leaders and the executive managers to be ethical. Businesses are run on the basis of trust and ethics. An increasing number of business schools now teach philosophy and ethics as a part of their curriculum so as to avoid their graduates from following prey to scandals and breach of ethics in the real world (Fulmer, 308). The ethics of leadership have been analyzed time and again using the disciplines of science and humanities. While scientific scholars aim at providing people with descriptions and explanations, the humanities scholars deliver an understanding of the topic (Ciulla, 304). Every leader has to face his personal set of ethical challenges. These challenges may differ from one leader to another. In the case of national leaders, there are situations where their moral luck is to be blamed. Certain leaders are not unethical, but the situations that they have to face might lead them to make certain decisions which may look immoral. The decisions which leaders have to make on a daily basis are very sensitive and risky. At times they do not have complete information or may lack the time to gather the required information. When it comes to national decisions, leaders may often have to opt for a strategy which will cause the least amount of damage, but will cause damage nonetheless. Kant’s argument holds true in these situations. The argument was that since humans cannot guarantee the results of their actions, the judgments should be based on the right principles which a certain individual follows and not on the outcome (Ciulla, 309). The business scenario today is changing almost too rapidly. In such situations leaders have to be constantly on their toes, in order to keep themsel ves updated and be a step ahead of their competitors. Every business leader has numerous stakeholders to think about when making a decision. Every single decision made by the CEO of a company affects either the employees, vendors, consumers and shareholders or in certain cases all of them. Numerous companies today operate globally. They are not owned by a single person or family, but are publically owned companies. Multinationals like Unilever and Johnson & Johnson are

Is it important for people to have popular culture in daily life Essay

Is it important for people to have popular culture in daily life - Essay Example To emphasize on the consumerist and corrupted fiction that is popular culture, this essay will base its argument on James Harold article, ‘A moral Never-Never Land: Identifying with Tony Soprano’. This article will provide the essay with a counter-argument position to Harold’s reasoning. Harold’s article will assist this essay to provide points on why identifying with popular culture is a moral wrong and not vital to the everyday existence of man. The essay will pick various points against Harold’s final stand while also borrowing ideas from his article on why popular culture is a moral wrong. To further illustrate and prove the moral wrong of popular culture, the essay will use Harold’s examples borrowed from the TV series ‘the Sopranos’. In his article, Harold argues that associating with popular culture, in his instance, ‘the Sopranos’, does not affect the general public. He postulates that the show provides a balanced view of the good and bad people that it is impossible for one to get only caught up with the show’s protagonist Tony Soprano. He notes that the show’s other main characters such as Jeniffer Melfi provide the audience with a point of view that holds a different view from Tony’s violence filled life. In his article, the author bases it around the moral aspect of popular culture. Due to its consumerist nature, popular culture mostly tends to be sensationalist and in effect end up holding no moral ground or values. It is for this reason that this essay disputes it necessity to people’s everyday life. The strengths of Harold’s article is that it provides a double view argument on the subject of morality and popular culture. The author provides argument by Pl ato and Tolstoy’s moral criticism of art (Harold, 2011). He uses this countering argument to base his argument that art provides a plethora of perspectives which allow the

Hewlett Foundation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hewlett Foundation - Case Study Example The asset allocation policies are formulated by the foundation, internally managed but uses external manager to invest the portfolio. The external managers can either invest 100% of the asset in indexed instruments or invest partially depending on the allocation method. There are four methods that the foundation uses in evaluating the performance of its portfolio. To begin with, it uses a benchmark with which it compares the performance of each asset. If the portfolio outperforms its benchmark, then it is a worth portfolio to invest in. on the other hand, if its performance is less than that of the benchmark, then it’s not a worth portfolio. The second is comparing the performance of HF ‘composite benchmark’ with that of U.S stocks and bonds. The other method is by comparing performance of its portfolio relative to that of other tax-exempt institutions. Finally, accessing whether the return on assets exceeds the rate of inflation. It is evident that the process do es not use the mean-variance optimization method in the process. It is the most accurate method in analyzing portfolios as it incorporates risk and returns (Goetzmann at.al, 2006). Therefore, it is recommendable for HF to consider using it in asset allocation process. 1.2 Decision-making framework Proposal 2 In this option, 5% of the assets will be committed to a global distressed real estate fund. In order to assess the viability of this investment, the allocation committee should use discounted cash flows (DCF) models such as the Net present Value and the interest rate of return (IRR) (Goetzmann at.al, 2006). These methods take into account the aspect of time value for money and make use of cash flows not profits. The process starts by accessing the initial investment costs and then projecting cash flows. The project is acceptable if the NPV is greater than one meaning that the discounted cash flows should be greater than the initial cost of the investment. In the case for IRR, th e investment is acceptable if IRR is greater than the required rate of return and vice versa. Proposal 1 In this proposal, the committee aim is to reduce the foundation’s exposure to domestic equities, and instead increase this allocation to absolute return strategies and US TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities). TIPS are short term investments which are risk free. Therefore, they can use Capital asset pricing model (CAPM) in decision making. CAPM is a theoretical model used to determine the required rate of return of an asset. It also considers the risk free asset. Once the required rate of return (Ri) is calculated using the CAPM model, it is compared to the assets estimated rate return over a specific investment horizon to determine the viability of the investment. That is, whether the investment is worth to take. For such comparisons, technical analysis techniques such as the price earning ratio (P/E) can be used. Generally, an asset is said to be well priced if the estimated price is same as the required rates of

Relationship between Transport and Environment

Relationship between Transport and Environment The relationship between transport and environment is paradox in nature. From one perspective transportation is categorised in two areas, passenger transportation which consists of all transport of individual, refers to all forms of public and private transport of commuters, passenger baggage transport whether scheduled or unscheduled. The second category of transportation is freight movements meaning the movement of raw materials, of work in progress, finished goods from supplier to consumer and of returns of used and new products back to supplier. Freight movement is also consists of movement of agricultural products (food, fertilizers) and animals. Freight movement is progressively intermodal and multimodal and makes use of local, regional, national and international operations. Transportation causes a considerable amount of harmful emissions, which causes problems that become harmful and costly to the society and environment. According to EU analysis 35% of freight transport acco unts for eight percent of external transport cost to the GDP in European Union (EEA, 2001). The transport sector contributes to 30 percent of the CO2 emissions in OECD countries. 32 percent of Co2 emitted is accounted for by freight transport, while passenger transport accounts for 48 percent of emissions of CO2. This share of transport emissions however increases yearly. In this paper I will be focusing on freight transport (goods and services) impact on the environment. Based on different mode of transport which includes air cargo, shipping, rail, trucking, pipelines and intermodal terminals, the effects on the environment are majorly air pollution, water pollution, noise, global climate concerns, accidents, land take and habitat fragmentation both for humans and animals. The effects of freight transport on the environment affects the interrelation of the environmental system which is between the following:- Atmosphere (air quality) Hydrosphere (water quality) Lithosphere (soil quality) Biosphere (living organisms) In the process of defining the environmental impacts of freight movement, three components could be considered: Firstly the environmental stressors which include pollutants, noise, or exotic and toxic species are released in natural ecosystems. Each tonne of goods transported adds an additional stress on the environment. The cumulative amount of stress placed on the environment depends on the quantity of goods and the destination and distance they are transported. The total stress can be calculated as the quantity of goods times the distance carried multiplied by the stress per tonne. In addition the mode of transportation used is also put in to consideration. The total stress is also determined by the nature of the receiving environment. Visible characteristics such as physical ecosystem characteristics, how populated is the area affected, and how critical or endangered species in the receiving ecosystem will determine the willingness to avoid the impact and payments. This paper will be focusing more on the first component primarily to the other two components, with a little attention to the third component. Overview of Freight Movement Impacts on the Environment Air pollution: Air pollution is considerably seen has the most dangerous environmental threat caused by transportation. Highway vehicles (i.e. cars, trucks, vans e.t.c), marine engines (i.e. propels ships, boats), locomotive (i.e. diesel, coal trains e.t.c), and aircraft are the main causes of pollutant which affects air quality causing damage to human heath and the climatic changes in the environmental system, all these includes gas and emissions that are particulate matters. All these toxic air pollutant are closely related with the cause of cancer, cardiovascular (heart arteries, capillaries and veins), respiratory and neurological diseases. Air pollution reduces the availability of oxygen which affects the blood stream, and can be extremely harmful to public health if Carbon Monoxide (CO) is inhaled; also nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emission from different modes of transportation when inhaled reduces lung function, affects the respiratory immune defence system and put humans at higher risk of respiratory problems. Acid rain is caused by the emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere from different acid compounds that when they get mixed in the cloud water. Acid rain has serious disruption on the built environment, limits agricultural crop yields and causes deforestation. Acid rain also causes smog, affecting the visibility in the environment having adverse effect on the quality of life and less attraction of tourist activities. Emission from vehicle exhausts as well as non exhaust like dust raise due to vehicle and road abrasion affects air quality in such areas. The impact of the modes of transportation on air quality Air transport: air transport emission during take off and landing contributes to air pollution and global warming. Although emission from air transportation are minor relatively to other means of transportation of goods and services, the rate at which air transportation is adding to the emission from transportation is faster than all other emission source, due to the increase in air travels and air freight. (Vedantham and Oppenheimer 1994, p 1). From a survey two thirds of air freight is carried by commercial passenger flights, and estimated increases in air freight is expected to be distributed through passenger flights. (Snape and Metcalfe p. 176). Low level emission is recorded during take off and landing of air transport, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide during high altitude flight are pollutants to the atmosphere and ozone layer. These pollutants with other compounds could lead to smog. Road/trucking: the movement of freight by road or truck as a great impact on the air quality. The longer a truck is driven the more emission it impacts on the environment. Emission from both exhaust and non exhaust, like the abrasion between truck and road raises dust. Carbon Monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are all effects of emission on the environment. Rail: rail transportation is the less damaging mode of land transportation when compared with trucking. The effect of rail transport on the environment is determined greatly on the source of power generation for the train, like in Europe most of the trains are powered by electricity. In some other part of the world like Nigeria, trains are powered by coal (locomotive) this generates a lot of pollutant to the environment. Shipping: freight transportation through shipping are not a major source of air pollution. Nevertheless, most of ships are powered by combustion engines, so they do emit air pollutants. Emission occurs both underway on the waters and while docking. Pipelines: this mode of transportation is usually safe and free of air pollution, except in cases of accidents, pipe bursting or vandalized. Apart from the pumps been used to pump or compress oil or gas, which emit air pollutant like all other machine does. Water pollution: Generally most of the other mode of transportation does not really have effect on water quality, except for shipping and in land water ways transport, and also in times of accidents i.e pipeline bursting, car accident entering the waters, oil spill e.t.c. The activities of shipping are increasing because of the increase in demand for shipping. Emissions from marine transport as also increased as well; the main effects of marine transport on water subsequently arise from dredging, waste disposal, ballast waters and oil spills. Dredging is essential to build and maintain water depth for ease of shipping operations and port accessibility. Dredging affects the marine biological diversity. Waste disposal of plastics at sea is a major source of environmental harm, since the material are both sizeable (buoyant) and persistent i.e. fishing boats discard old nets, and lines, which are usually made of plastic. Ballast waters are used in containers to keep the ship balance when the ship is empty of cargos. It is used to control the stability and draught and to modify the ship centre of gravity in relation to the cargo and the difference in weight distribution. The water ballast is usually discharge in to the water and replaced with freight. These ballast waters are mixed and contaminated with oil and possibly with other wastes in the tank. The discharge is therefore water pollution to the waters. Oil cargo vessel accidents are one of the most heart breaing problems of maritime transport activities due to oil spills Oil. Road transportation is usually not a factor to consider when it comes to water pollution, but issues like road accidents and vehicle exhaust are both sources of oil and hazardous chemicals which run off the road into surface and ground by rain waters, into seas and ocean these are all direct and indirect causes of water pollution. Noise: Noise pollution refers to the unpleasant irregular and chaotic sounds. It traumatize the hearing organ, its unpleasant and disturbing character are serious threat to the quality of life, noise contributes to such health problems that affects the quality of life such as stress, sleep disturbances, cardio vascular disease, and hearing loss. Surveys show that noise pollution affects people more directly than any other form of pollution. German experience has found that as people become annoyed about noise, they become aware of other environmental pollution problems as well (Kà ¼rerp. 493). And also long term exposure to noise levels greater than 75db seriously hampers hearing and has a significant discomfort to human physical and psychological existence. Trucking: there is different size of trucks causing noise pollution at different scale. Trucks are considered to be a more significant source of noise than other modes of freight transport. Rail: rail freight movement is a lesser noise pollutant when compared to trucks. Air Transport: people living or working around airports suffer from major nuisance from the noise pollution generated during landing and taking off of planes, traffic congestion and other dangers of air crashes. It is a major nuisance to those who live or work in the vicinity of airport. Climatic change All the activities from different mode of freight transportation and passenger transport industry have lead to the emission of several million tons of gases into the atmosphere every year. Gasses, dusts from contact from road and tire cohesion and ash like substances from different modes of transport like lead (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), silicon tetraflouride (SF6), nitrogen oxides (NOx),benzene and volatile components (BTX), heavy metals (zinc, chrome, copper and cadmium) and particulate matters (ash, dust) as lead to climatic change when mix in the cloud waters. Land take and soil quality The construction of transportation infrastructures and facilities has an impact on the layer of urban landscape. The construction of roads, airport, and rail ways take up significant land space in the environment, in most cases displacing people of their habitat and farm land. Airport takes up space, and discourages people from living in areas close to the airport. Water transport displaces some organism from their habitat, and also dredging is bad for the water and soil organism. Dredging causes soil around the water to be contaminated. Green Movement of Freight The environmental effect of freight movement has caused a lot of harm and changes in the environmental system. Due to all these impacts, some companies have come together separately and some as a group working towards reducing the effects of freight movement on the environment. There lots of freight movement lacking fast and efficient transport underpinning the Global economy. Globally road transport is the most proffered mode of freight movement but rising traffic volumes cause congestion, pollution and extra costs. There are alternatives route which make more economic and environmental sense like rail, sea and inland waterways. Alternative forms of transport are greener, cleaner and even cheaper over time, but most manufacturers and producers and hauliers are not really interested in investing in change. Here are some of the companies investing in alternative green, cleaner and even sometimes cheaper mode of transport:- Damco: is one of the worlds leading company in rendering freight movement and supply chain management services. For more than 30 years Damco have been providing her customers all over the world with transportation and logistics solution. In the process of Damco working on her supply chain expertise extensively, Damco recognize and implements solutions for reducing carbon emissions in your supply chain. The extra advantages of conducting a Supply Chain Carbon Check helps the company have a lower carbon emission level based on best practises within the monitored period. The Supply Chain Carbon Check (SCCC): aides companies in assessing and reducing their supply chain carbon footprint. Damco conducts Supply Chain Carbon Check projects globally for many global companies from various industries. Through increased supply chain efficiency, the emission of CO2 can be reduced with the process of SCCC projects. It also reduces the cost of supply chain. Powered by the partnership with First Climate, Damco offers its clients the opportunity to offset their unavoidable CO2 emissions. Damcos Supply Chain Carbon Dashboard: is a tool use in able to reporting of carbon emissions on a periodic basis. Through the companies new Supply Chain Carbon Dashboard platform, Damco delivers a unique value proposition, assisting other companies in understanding their overall supply chain carbon emissions. By zeroing in on a particular level of emission levels, the Carbon Dashboard immediately allows companies to indentify carbon hotspots in their supply chain. This will help such companies to determine how and what to do to reduce and minimize their carbon footprint, in response to the effects of carbon emission on the climatic change. Damcos Packaging Optimization Service: this service helps in reducing environmental impact of freight movement, by implementing packages that suit companys end to end needs, reducing the number of trucks or containers needed. Damco as a company is able to achieve this new service by partnering with Supply Chain Optimizers (SCO) to deliver a unique Packaging Optimization service. Norbert-Dentressangle: is a freight forwarding company that operates in over 50 countries and across 3 continents. Norbert Dentressangle offers experienced and committed freight forwarding expertise and also work in cooperation with network of specialist partners and channel the transports of goods and services throughout the world using road, sea and air. Norbert Dentessangle provides transport and logistic network solutions that extends across Europe. In Norbert Dentressangle commitment in reducing the companys environmental impact on society, they have taken some measures and obtained accreditation of relevant environmental organisation body like ISO 14001 environmental certification for all the companys sites in Europe. The company is the leading owners of Europes No.1 HGV fleet, in reducing the green house gas emissions from trucks and other transport modes by the company, the company has kept a firm commitment and also believed trucks are not the problem, but form part of the solution. In showing their commitment the company developed some strategies in reducing the impact of their activities on the environment: The companys first strategy was to obtain ISO 14001 environmental certification for all their European sites. The companys sites meet up with stringent environmental management standards, these standards includes several dimensions, like complaisance with regulations, monitoring and measuring energy/water consumption, discards and waste all under the ISO 14001. The company carries out measurement of their consumption of natural and energy resources and reporting on waste treatment. Out of the companys 192 logistic sites, 79 are ISO certified. Truck/ Driving (Eco Driving) Hiring and training of responsible drivers in economical driving also know has eco-driving. Efficient driving that reduces fuel consumption over the same distance of freight movement. In the past decades engine technology has improved, with many drivers not adapting wit changes. Ecodriving offers lots of benefits, including GHG emissions reductions, fuel cost savings, as well as better safety. Working closely with their customers the company is able to optimise their transport plans and loading of associated vehicles. Also Norbert Dentressangle carries out RD projects in partnership with truck manufacturers, with primary objective on creating alternative technologies (innovation) to the diesel engine. The company renews her fleets of vehicle (85% of the companys fleets meets the Euro IV and Euro V standards) periodically to meet EU emission standards. Innovations like: increasing the level of aerodynamics (introduction of deflectors in roofing /lateral,feul efficient standard equipments in all vehicles average fuel efficiency gain of 1.5 l/100 km; tear drop style aerodynamic bodywork which has been tested in the UK: with proven estimated fuel efficiency gain of 5% estimate). Optimising transmission systems: purchases of automatic gearboxes which improve fuel efficiency in driving standard combined with standard equipment in all vehicles: a tested and proven statistics of an average fuel efficiency gain of 1.5 l/100 km). Investing in trucks by purchasing parts reducing rolling resistance (newly produced low-energy tyres by Michelin Energy) The company procures fuel economy device like Stop-Start technology, this device stops the engine from working when the trucks come to a stop, is made available as standard in all trailers purchased from major manufacturers, this new development as recorded an estimated fuel saving of 3% 5%. The company provides alternative multimodal transport solutions where possible. Either combining rail/sea/river/road in different channels. The company reduces carbon emission by carrying out proper packaging of freight goods, reducing the number of trucks and containers needed. Improved transport capacity (ambient and temperature controlled double-deck trailers). Testing alternative technologies to the diesel engine like hybrid technology innovation, being tested on four different prototype trailers in 2011: the following recordings and observations were made: 20% fuel saving efficiency, reduction of about 30% in pollutant emissions, less noise pollution. Carbon Calculator In the effort of measuring carbon emissions, given the fact that in 2013 the European regulations will make it compulsory for all companies registered to measure and publish their carbon emissions. Norbert Dentressangle with the help of its internal team has gone a step further in designing and developing a carbon calculator reliable in measuring emissions produced by the company and her customers during transport activities. The calculator analyse different types of information like mileage, diesel consumption, load weight, content in order to produce to indicators which are: Gross CO2 emissions and CO2 emissions/ tonne per kilometre DPS International DPS international is a global logistic company that has grown to become one of the most advance vehicle routing and scheduling systems service providers in the world. The company is the leading developer of desktop solutions by creating a state-of-the-art desktop solution called (LogiX) and also recently introduced their newly produced web based pay-as-you-go routing and scheduling system, logixcentral. In the effort of the company providing its clients with fleet efficiency, DPS has now developed a module to ensure her client are able to measure their fleets carbon emissions and the impact of introducing new and efficient fuel and emission saving vehicle types, and reducing mileage and numbers of vehicles. For several years the companys customers have been able to reduce their carbon emissions by using the state-of -the art DPS LogiX routing and scheduling software to optimise their vehicle usage. In 2006, from published results, DPS customers were able to save around, 15,000 tonne s of carbon by using LogiX software. DPS Saving Calculator: With the aide of this device companies can estimate how much carbon emissions they are contributing to pollution, and how they could reduce both cost of operations and in relations to carbon emissions by using the DPS calculator. DPS calculator could be downloaded from the companys website under the Financial and Carbon Savings (FACS) link. In show of DPS commitment to reducing green house gas emissions, the Managing Director (MD) Paul Palmer made note in his statement in 3rd April, 2007 for DPS UK to become carbon neutral. The company have worked closely with Climate Care organisation to offset all carbon emissions generated over the past years from our energy use within the companys office and also from the business travel. Due to the use of LogiXcentral over the web, DPS has seen some of her customers reduce their fleets of vehicles from at least (20 to 30 vehicles) to as few as ten vehicles. This reduction in vehicles as offset the cost of software licence (up to  £50,000), computer hardware (laptops and desktop); maintenance agreement (monthly maintenance and upgrades); internal IT support and upgrades (web site maintenance and upgrades). CONCLUSION Basically the major effects of transportation on the environment generally are freight movements. Road contributes a major share of pollutants relatively to other modes. Although air transport has some contradiction with passenger transportation, most goods moved by air is done on commercial flights. The increasing effects of global warming, has been a major wake up call for several organisation in reducing the factors causing global warming. Freight movement is major contributor, with proper awareness and constant innovative solutions the world can remain a better place. Question 3 Fourth Party Logistic Operator (4PL) What is a Fourth Party Logistics operator (4PL) Fourth part logistics companies serve as consultants that integrate the relationship between the principal company and transportation companies and one or more third party logistics companies to make sure all operations are running well. 4PLs render several levels of responsibility, which varies from advice on choosing the best companies, right up to the day-to-day management of essential logistical tasks being performed for the principal companies. Fourth Party Logistics (4PLs) was born originally in the 1990s, by the consulting firm Accenture. The definition of a 4PLs as since then evolved from being a consulting firm who integrates and mange companys logistics resources and providers, including 3PLs and transportation companies. A 4PLs dont own the assets use in the logistics process unlike 3PLs. The heart of the fourth-party logistics concept is the presence of that integrator and the sense of strategy involved. It is a Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) provider. A 4PL brings different perspectives and value which includes knowledge, experience and technology existing in the operational systems of the customers, and can and will work with the firm to reengineer it into an improved or new process. A 4PL is neutral and offers managerial responsibilities for the logistics process, regardless of what carriers, forwarders, or warehouses are owned or used by the primary company. The 4PL will even manage existing 3PLs either one or more, already been used by the customer. Historical relationship with the customer and existing 3PL means a better understanding of the complexity of the customers requirements, this allows for a viable solutions and to have customer satisfaction and retention policies. Some 3PLs companies also upgrade their expertise to render consultancy services like a 4PL. Some 3PLs have a 4PL division. Advantages of outsourcing a transport operation to a fourth part Logistics operator A good 4PL company should have a state-of-the-art technology that ensures their customers high demands are met. It should be able to render solutions that can be customized to each clients requirement, and also be able to deliver maximised availability of the right product at minimum inventory holding cost. These are the advantages/benefits of an efficient collaborative 4PL approach to logistics solutions: Debt and Unique Expertise: when logistics process becomes complex, increasingly expensive and non core competency to shed. The verse availability of resources at 4PL disposal makes it have capabilities to identify the most effective ideas and do further analysis on them to see how effective they are to their customers. 4PLs have more recourses and contacts (3PLs, IT vendors and transport companies) available for their customers to choose from. It retains cooperate supply chain network in the companys data. 4PLs addresses operational failures of existing 3PL companies by creating completely new structure for their customers. 4PLs carries out a single point of contact to mange all areas of their customers supply chain network to check for failures from existing or previous 3PLs. Normalize data: due to difference in reporting formats and different metrics from multiple relationships, 4PL is able to align these different data (normalize data) and makes it easy and quickly to compare data across the supply chain and across the company. For instance 4PLs knits together different 3PLs into a total, integrated solution. 4PLs deploy assets as efficiently as possible by considering both inbound and outbound sectors of supply chain logistics to leverage synergisms. Analytic capability: 4PLs does this by managing supply chain on a more concentration on data intensive basis. For instance, the curiosity of whether deliveries reached their final destination safely and on time is further analysed to also determine whether distribution stations have the right inventory and right levels of inventory. Optimisation of supply chain: this the ability of the 4PL to get a great rate on transport cost from one point to the other. 4PL do more comprehensive research in the process of goods being moved from one point to the other, paving way for an environment in which encourages the supply chain to become a competitive advantage. 4PLs are in a better position to develop meaningful metrics in a common format making use of terms and conditions that are standardized across the company and its supply chain. The ability of 4PLs to deliver raw materials and finished goods at the right place and right time, gives their customers a competitive advantage. Customers working with a top 4PL have the advantage of getting exposed to best practices and encourages innovation through the supply chain. 4PLS work with variety of companies both home and abroad, so they have a wide contacts and knowledge. 4PLs are welled positioned to see different approaches to problems and issues, in the process they assimilate the most effective approaches into their practices that could later be used on their customers. Sharing and Reducing Risks: the relationship between 4PLs and its customers brings about the sharing and reduction of risks. The 4PL company transfers, avoids, and also eliminates risks because they are specialized providers of logistic solutions. They are able to have first hand experience to assess uncertainties and potential catastrophes affecting logistics operations. The 4PL also have sophisticated and sufficient equipment and facilities to run logistics and supply chain process efficiently. The 4PL dont want to fail, in doing so they share risk with their customers. Improves Accountability: most companies find it hard to track money spent on transport activities, they cant come up with a presentation that states the consolidated report of detail spending or the reasons for it. 4PLs drive efficiency: by improving not just on transportation efficiency, but also on packaging engineering and products engineering. It makes use of its collaborative environment to pull together both packaging engineers and production engineers to optimize the sectors that has direct or indirect effect on the supply chain. For instance, freight forwarders deal with chartered weights and actual weights, so the main aim is to minimize the difference between charted and actual weights and in the process get better unit prices. Changing the structure of the network: this a usual approach taken by 4PLs, by implementing changes to optimize the supply chain, changes/ additional warehouses and distribution centre location, staging and inter or multi modal transportation. These are a one time savings, but are necessary for effective performance. It is very essential to look at transportation modes; fluctuation in factors affecting transport modes like economics, disaster, and pollution e.t.c. for instance, fluctuation in economics may cause some changes to modes of shipment. The decision on what combination of transport modes is necessary to get a better logistics solution. 4PLs provides its customers Improved availability of raw materials, increased customer satisfaction rating, and increased sales and profit by exposing its customers to its additional clients and other divisions. Effective consultancy and solutions provided by 4PLs leads to reductions in lead-times in exportation from export country to import country and vice versa. Improved load planning through consolidation options delivering optimised container fills 4PLs creates the opportunity of greater collaboration and improved relationships with multiple partners which shows no one knows it all. No company is perfect in every area and location of operations. A 4PL over sees all financial activities of 3PLs, in case of financial failure 4PLs releases capital through proper selling of logistics assets to the 4PL organisation or on levelled headed free market. Disadvantages of outsourcing a transport operation to a fourth part Logistics operator Although 4PLs have lots of benefits and logistic solutions to their customers, there are also some negative aspects of a Fourth Party logistics to the customers and the company. Some of these disadvantages are listed below: Lost of Control over the Supply Chain: as a company outsource its supply chain to a 4PL a bit of the companys control is lost. The company takes the risk of depending on the fourth party logistics provider and losses the control over the logistics and service process when the logistics operations are subcontracted to logistic providers like 4PLs. if the logistic operations goes like an error or mistake, the company will be affected directly but is unable to fix the problem itself due to the fact that such activities have been outsourced to a 4PL. Cost Awareness: out